Pied Flycatcher

Travelled up to Storey Arms on sunday in the hope that the Redstarts and Pied Flys had arrived.
Only 1 male Redstart was present and 2 Marsh Tits in the wood though all were brief.
Probably 4 Pied Flys inspecting nesting holes and at time reasonably showy.

The Wren at Marloes Mere.

At Marloes Mere a Wren was singing around the hide. There was a second male also singing. There was strong competition between the two.
You could here it singing and jumping about on the hide roof.

Chasing each other around the hide gave great views and photo opportunities!

The Ring-billed Gull at Cardigan.

I spent 5 days at Easter down at the Caravan in Little Haven.
So Cardigan was a must with this Ringer and the possibility of Otters, though no luck this time!
On to Newquay for the Bottle-nosed Dolphins. Saw 2 of which one was very close the `fish factory`though no shots this time.

Swallows in poor light. (what could have been.)

I called in to Cosmeston to hopefully see my first Hirundines of the year. I wasn`t to be disappointed!

There were 100+ mostly Swallows. They were feeding in very close to the boardwalk, but the light was bad! I gave it an hour then waited a while in the cafe for the light to improve. It did get a little better but then the Swallows were now fewer. If only the light was good when I arrived I would have had some great shots!

Forest Farm Bittern.

Last week we gave the Bittern a few hours late afternoon. It appears that's when it comes close to the hide. Though it never walked past the hide. Perhaps a little too noisy with talking and cameras firing away.
On the way to the hide a close Mistle Thrush was obliging.

Long -eared Owl

News of a Long -eared Owl on the Glamorgan Gwent border was welcome as I was about to finish a job in Barry. Thanks to all who patiently waited till I arrived before attempting any photos. Albeit record shots. It had moved around a bit during the afternoon and and also was flushed by a SEO.

The light was awfull with low grey cloud and mist!!

Spanish Sparrow.

Alan Hughes, Nigel Addecott, Phil Bristow and myself decided on a day out in Hampshire on Sunday.
First off was the Junco near Beaulie. Give it about an hour and a half, it failed to show. Also there a few Woodlarks and Goshawks Flying by.
Next up was the famous Spanish Sparrow at Calshot, obviously, it had gone unnoticed until January. It must have been there a while with a few Hybrids loafing around! It gave quite good views after spending some time singing deep in the hedgerow.
Returning for the Junco, that showed itself distantly for a minute or two. Also there was a few Crossbills, not very close but worth a few shots!
Next was the Rosy Starling just a 15 min drive away. That never showed.
A local birder told us that at Blandford Forum there were a family of very tame Otters. so we spent an hour and a half waiting and gave up. Then home, shattered but a great day out!