I've Been Expecting You...

Finally a Wheatear – spring has officially begun! A day later than at least two other members of the Clwyd birding fraternity though!

I picked up the dapper male roughly halfway along the seawall between Greenfield Docks and the Duke of Lancaster, but although an extremely welcome sight, four Chiffchaffs (one singing) dotted along the same route stole the show.

I had received information of one bird seen in the area on Wednesday, but an additional three birds was a pleasant surprise and provided confirmation that the first influx of long distant migrants has finally arrived.

As I am looking to cover this area regularly in the spring, I hope that this morning’s modest count of avian travellers bodes well for the weeks ahead – what chance for something really good?

Other interesting birds before lunch included a male Peregrine circling near the ship and yet more great views of a hunting Stoat that seems to appear as regular as clockwork down here at present.

Early afternoon I passed a couple of tranquil hours at Inner Marsh Farm in the company of a few regulars an adult Spoonbill, but missing four Sand Martins that has flown through earlier on in the day.

Moving on to matters floral, it was interesting to hear a piece of news relating to a Ghost Orchid that has been found in oak woodland at Herefordshire. Link below:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/8576232.stm

Until later.