Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Wonderful World of Warblers (and Waders)

On a warm, calm sunny Sunday morning I popped down to Goldcliff, where I was watching birds before 8am. A large group of Black Tailed Godwits, 5 Knot, were present with 3 Ruff, some Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, and a Greenshank. Uskmouth was initially quiet, but Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Cetti's Warblers eventually showed themselves. Many Bearded Tits seemed to be present and good views were had of several different ones. Reed Buntings were obvious. A last foray into the North west corner of the reserve produced singing Reed Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat, with another of the latter showing well in the embankment on the way back to the carpark. Several common butterflies were seen, including Holly Blue, Small White, Orange Tip, Peacock, and Comma. One dragonfly was seen: which Roo Perkins has confirmed is a newly emerged female Hairy Dragonfly. A lovely morning, pink arms and good birds. Whimbrel, Cuckoo and Common Whitethroat soon?

1 comment:

Wayne said...

Got my first willow warblers and whitethroats of the year at Kenfig yesterday on a bug hunt with the kids. Heard a blackcap too. Plenty of common butterflies on the wing but I didn't see any dragonflies.