I was feeling very blue after a trip with my birding pals Paul and Nicola to
Gwenffrwd-Dinas. The RSPB reserve is situated in a secluded part of the world near Llandovery, mid-Wales.
The reserve covers quite a considerable area around a small steep sided peak and its one side includes a gorge that is cut by the fast flowing upper reaches of the River Twyi.
The river flows down from the Lyn Briane reservoir that is upstream.
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| Photo of the reserve map. |
Oak Trees dominate the landscape. Its amazing to see such a spread of ancient Woodland. Alder Trees also feature a great deal to create a fantastic habitat for wildlife.
What attracted my attention immediately though was the huge carpets of blue bells.
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| Ancient Oak Woodland covered in a carpet of blue bells. |
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| British Blue Bells |
The woods were full of the calls of Blackcaps, Pied Flycatchers, Wood Warblers and Redstarts but actually getting a glimpse of one was a struggle.
Perseverance did pay off,we did get some pictures of Wood Warblers, Common Redstarts, Pieds and a Yellowhammer at the reserve car parks picnic tables.
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| Wood Warbler |
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| Male Pied Flycatcher |
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| Yellowhammer at a feeder that is situated near some picnic benches |
Whilst walking along the river we caught glimpses of Dippers and a Common Sandpiper.
The visit left me feeling rather blue. Despite the fantastic scenery actually finding birds to take a photograph proved quite difficult.
I don't know what it is this month, but generally everywhere I have visited, numbers of birds across the board appear to be down and breeding is certainly several weeks behind compared to last year. I guess better luck next time but it was a great day out with good company.
