Sightings

Main sighting: Swift

15 plus Swift flying over Usk prison at 8pm.

Main sighting: Merlin

Merlin seen in unsuccessful attempt midday, to catch a House Martin, (approx 15 metres over the top of the site car park).
House Martins (10); Swallows (4).

Main sighting: Garganey

Garganey

Main sighting: yellow wagtail

male yellow wagtail lingering again this year

Main sighting: Swifts

Party of four Swifts screaming intermittently around 18.30 + several House Martins.

Main sighting: Swift

Finally, 14 swifts over the Monnow in Monmouth today. It’s great to see them back. In a field close to the Eurogarage Services northbound side were three yellow wagtails (same field I’ve seen them in in previous years). Perched on wires here. Also tree pipit, possibly two, singing in felled forestry (with single broadleaves left standing) behind Pen y Clawdd farm. Garden warbler and whitethroat here too, all birds I’ve recorded here in previous years, though tree pipit fewer in number this year (may just be time of day). Redstart singing from trees towards Dingestowe. Hobby rapidly past the house in Mitchel Troy approx a week ago.

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Cuckoo

Cuckoo seen and heard. Lesser Whitethroat; Common Whitethroat; Gadwall; Reed Warblers, six Swallows; Reed Bunting; Cetti’s; Greylag Goose

Main sighting: Cuckoo

I saw cuckoo’s 7 times on the walk to the quary and back but could have been the same birds on a couple of occasions. But definitely 3 cuckoo’s, as I could hear them all calling at the same time. Also lots of linnets, willow warblers and wheatears but definite lack of Stonechat that are usually abundant at this time at year.

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Swifts x 3

Three Swifts seen from my garden this evening 20:30. , swirling over Rape seed fields, Monmouth. My first sighting this year!