Red-Necked Phalarope!!

 When a WhatsApp message came up reporting a Red-Necked Phalarope on the Ferry this was a bird not to be missed. So a hurried change of plans for the day resulted in an an immediate visit to the RSPB info centre where parking was very difficult. It wasn't as a result of a massive twitch but there was, in fact,  a  pond dipping event going on! Children and parents everywhere.

Having reached the hide there were only four other birders present and after some help in locating the bird through the 'scope at the far end of the pool I decided it was almost too distant for photography but I gave it a go and here are a few record shots....heavily cropped. 

I picked it out initially being chased by an Avocet

...and then noticed the difference in size between it and a Redshank!

It was a long way off...

...but nevertheless I was delighted to see it

I later learned that the previous occurrence of a RNP at Pagham Harbour was 2015. 

It really was a stonking bird.

A Week in Wales

 Five years ago we visited the Elan Valley in Powys and strayed in a superb house on the Elan Estate. At the time we promised ourselves a return visit and so, a week in May 2024 was decided upon to replicate the dates of the previous visit. The valley was just as beautiful and the weather turned out to  be a lot better than the forecast a few days before we arrived. On the previous occasion I saw many of the species for which this part of Wales is famous but, as a keen amateur photographer, I always believed there was room for  improved photographs....especially when Dippers and Wood Warblers were concerned, species not found in Pagham Harbour!

I visited all the previous sites I had found these two species and spent best part of the week searching these areas in a vain attempt to capture the ultimate photograph. Not only did I not photograph either species I neither heard them or had the opportunity to photograph them! I had a fleeting glimpse of a Dipper for a mere 20 seconds as it flew up the Wye near the Gilfach Nature Reserve just west of Rhayader, but that was it. Very strange!

The Pied Flycatchers and  Redstarts were showing well but even so the numbers appeared to be reduced. However it was a very enjoyable time and a visit to the Osprey nesting site in the Dyfi Osprey Project Centre proved successful as a trout was being disgorged during our time there.          

A very distant and highly cropped shot (Canon R7 8oomm)

Goosanders on the River Elan

Pied Flycatcher (m) 

Female Pied Flycatcher...calling non-stop.

Grey Wagails ...the most numerous species all along the streams and rivers.

Siskin on the feeder at Ynys Hir RSPB reserve

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Tree Pipit, Gilfach Reserve

Numerous Kites!!

An interesting break in a totally different habitat from Pagham  but will have to visit again  to check on Wood Warblers and Dippers...a good excuse to return sometime!