Had another cracking day's birding today. Wasn't expecting to add anything to the year list but just wanted a bit of peace and quiet on my own. As it happens I added a couple but for obvious reasons I've omitted the locations.
First stop of the day was Cwm Cadlan. A lovely little reserve. Thought there maybe the off chance of a Tree Pipit but there were none that I could see, or hear. The walk to the top of the hill was great. At least 3 Green Woodpeckers present along with Common Buzzards, Swallows, Grey Heron, Reed Buntings, Meadow Pipits etc. etc. At the top, being such a nice day, the views were stunning. I almost had a Lochindorb moment as I could quite easily have drifted off listening to Skylarks and Ravens.|=o|. Not going to happen though.
From here it was a fair old drive to the next location. Treecreepers, Siskin, Pheasant, LTT's and Common Buzzards were all present. On the way back a hawk came into view which raised the heartbeat. Quickly getting the Trinnies on it showed a female Sparrowhawk. A little further back along the track and I could hear what I thought was a young Buzzard. Another hawk came into view. Holy Moly!!!!!! A stonking great male Goshawk - the best view I have ever had. A Common Buzzard started giving it a seriously hard time which was the sound I could hear. It was time for a celebratory Bacon Sarnie with brown sauce:eat:
Next it was onto another location. Somewhere I'd always been meaning to hike to as it looked like a prime location for our rarest Thrush. Having found myself a suitable rock to rest against I sat and waited. A couple of Ravens that had been keeping an eye on me along the trail were cronking overhead. A couple of Wheatears checked a prospective nesting area. A pair of Kestrels did a mini display above. Then she appeared - Ring Ouzel:t:. For fear of causing a disturbance I did not stay long. A short distance up the track and her mate showed herself. Male and Female Ring Ouzels at a site that (to the best of my knowledge) is not in the public domain. I will be e-mailing the county recorder. To say that I was chuffed was somewhat of an understatemento
This was the end to a very good day's birding8-P
140. Goshawk (stonking male)
141. Ring Ouzels (M+F)
Rich