Sightings

Main sighting: House Martins

Just seen a Grey Squirrel attacking two of the four House Martin nests on my house – drove it off this time – only minor damage to the nests on this occasion. Three Red Kites over local fields that were being mown.

Main sighting: Hawfinch

Hawfinch feeding in yews in churchyard. Quite approachable, and seemed to be used to people.

Main sighting: Mediterranean Gull

1 very active 2nd calyr Med Gull among small B H Gull flock at hide tide. Also 260 Shelduck,103 Mallard,65 Curlew,1 Whimbrel,2 Oysters,@35 Dunlin,18 L Egret.

Main sighting: Dipper

Dipper seen on rocks in river near the allotment. Also Blackcap singing

Main sighting: Swifts

20+ Swifts moving north up the channel, feeding low over grassland as they move. Presumably some extremely late arrivals.

Main sighting: House Martins

small numbers of House Martins Swallows and Swifts feeding along the river and Waunfawr Park early evening

Main sighting: Temminck's Stint

Two Temminck’s Stint on lower basin.

Main sighting: Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher one in the village

Main sighting: Willow Tit

Took part in the national Willow Tit survey today, but sadly no sign of the species in this woodland that used to hold them. Plenty of other things of interest however: Crossbill, Siskin, displaying Buzzard and a Raven – flying out from a lambing shed! Some early bluebells already in flower. There are still some remaining areas in the county where we are looking for people to survey for Willow Tit. If you think you can help please drop me a line at surveys@gwentbirds.org.uk.

Main sighting: Raptors

Organised hunting at dusk by a female sparrowhawk and male peregrine high up over garden .Huge flock of jackdaw normally passing through pushed up to altitude and split into two balls ..Sprawk attacking from below and perry stooping from above .

Main sighting: Green Woodpecker

Flocks of meadow pipits in trees, two ravens flying above the rock face, a green woodpecker ( yaffle, yaffle ) heard but not seen to the east of cymyoy. Also a red kite flying from east to west between Stanton Manor Farm and Lower Stanton.

Main sighting: White Fronted and Barnacle Geese

The White Fronted Geese were present around the reserve from dawn. Did not see the Glossy Ibis. 2 x Barnacle Geese. 80 x Avocet. Chiffchaffs singing from hedgerows. Goldeneye (female).