Spotted in Gwernavon woods, Llawr-y-glyn, Powys yesterday (13.04.2023) the first pied flycatcher to make it back from Africa through the gales and rain — the day before that it snowed and hailed here. The male bird looked in very good condition, plump and lively — probably fluffed up trying to keep warm.
No sign of last years swallows returning yet but some have been seen in Y Fan, just over the hill
Where are our babies? The swallows from the beam in the barn.
Last years pied flycatcher fledgelings were ringed so we might be able to spot them if they make it back — here’s hoping.
Tomorrow the rain will stop and we will look for the northern wheatears — I shall feel very much better when they are all back in their summer quarters even though I know many individuals will have been lost!
Spring is a frenetic time but this year is different — rather than dashing about doing what Humans do, we are locked down at home so we can look around and see what most years we might miss. All within walking distance of home! Suddenly we have visitors!
This was the first — who gave himself away by his call: Chiffchaff.Blackcaps are suddenly everywhere with their “irresolute chattering developing into clear, slightly melancholy flute like notes”.Pied Flycatcher, just arrived –male, perched above our path.Pied Flycatcher –female, first spotted peeping out of a hole in the old oak tree.Willow Warbler
Walking in the forestry above the village the din of Willow Warblers was deafening — seemed there was one at the top of every other tree (and not a Willow in sight!) Was this a fall — had they all just dropped en masse out of the sky on their migration?
Competing Willow Warbler
Home again and the first Wood Warbler announces his presence with a call like a tiny quad bike starting (said to sound like a coin spinning on a marble slab!) Usually hidden in the foliage, for the last week or so when the oaks are still not quite in leaf we have a chance to spot these lovely birds.
Wood Warbler —
In the glorious Spring sunshine we took our daily exercise climbing nearby Van Hill
Northern Wheatear, male, on Van Hill Beautiful female Northern Wheatear also admiring the view.
We’ve seen Tree Pipits doing their parachuting display flight and hear our local Garden Warblers who flit around the shrubs and hedgerows singing their own “irresolute chatter” trying not to be photographed!
Today we walked miles in search of a Common Redstart, up on the hill in a row of mature Oak and Rowan we could hear but not see them — all we have is this chap on the wire.
Tree Pipit showing off during its song flight, parachuting back to a tree with legs down singing for all it was worth.
We have become enchanted by the Pied Flycatchers, Bill checks them out every day, this one we call Orca.
All pictures, except fuzzy Tree Pipit, thanks to Bill Branford (all rights reserved).
dianaashworth 