I imagine being stalked is generally not a pleasant experience. Today, however, was an exception as a Red Kite traced my every footstep around an area of Mynydd Hiraethog. It must have appeared and vanished on at least four separate occasions, until it eventually bumped into another bird (a pair perhaps) before drifting up into the ether on the warm thermals.Superb as these birds undoubtedly are, the bird that really made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck was the haunting call of a Golden Plover. In stark contrast to the spread of the Red Kite, these glorious waders are declining breeders in the Welsh Uplands, so it was extremely heartening to find at least one bird on territory.
Encouragingly, two other species of wader were also on breeding grounds – I had lovely views of two pairs of Curlew (plus on distant bird trilling) and three pairs of Lapwing too.
Given the legions of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks around and about, it was perhaps not surprising to see that this endless supply of food had not attracted a suitor. I have been spoiled over the last two springs with numerous Hen Harrier encounters in the uplands, so this morning it was good to finally get good views of a Merlin – a very confiding female that nonchalantly sat on a fence post as I wheezed past.
Great weather, great birds and great habitat – it doesn’t get much better than this!
Mynydd Hiraethog (Undisclosed Area) 10.4.10
2 Red Kite
1 Merlin (female)
12+ Buzzard
1 Golden Plover
5 Curlew
6 Lapwing
6 Wheatear
2 Raven
1 Grey Wagtail
Until later.
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteI had toy'd with the idea of going up to World's End today,but in the end it didn't happen,but there's no doubt that the Uplands are really starting to come alive right now.
Instead of the World's End trip,I did some Urban Birding in Chester,and as always there was a decent return from the 'City'.
CHESTER 'CITY ONLY'
10-04-2010 11.00AM-4.30PM
52 SPECIES RECORDED
83 SPECIES RECORDED IN 2010
LATEST ADDITION - REED BUNTING
CHIFFCHAFF 21
BLACKCAP 10
TREECREEPER 2
PIED WAGTAIL 3
COMMON BUZZARD 4
PEREGRINE FALCON 2 (MALE)-(FEMALE)
GOLDCREST 6
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1
NUTHATCH 3
COAL TIT 2
LONG TAILED TIT 6
COMMON WHITETHROAT 1
MISTLE THRUSH 4
SPARROWHAWK 2 (MALE)-(FEMALE)
KESTREL 2
MEADOW PIPIT 6
REED BUNTING 7
BULLFINCH 2
CHEERS DENZIL
Hi Paul
ReplyDeleteInteresting tally of 83 birds found in Chester by Denzil.I have seen 82 species this year birding the Dee from the Old Dee Bridge(through the Meadows) to the United Utilities plant. I have set a target of 100, but will require a big slice of luck if i am to reach it.
NB Still not seen or heard a Goldcrest on this patch all year.
Chhers Andy
Hi Andy
ReplyDeleteI have a set route that I take when I'm 'Birding' the 'City'.
Firstly I walk down the banks of the Dee from Saltney to the Dee Bridge,taking in Chester Golf Club,and then into the 'Dingle' woodland,before walking through Dukes Drive woods.
I then go into the Cemetry at the end of Hough Green before proceeding onto Chester Meadows.
I deliberately chose this route because it takes in a huge variety of different habitats.
The best places for Goldcrests are the conifers in the Cemetry,and also the conifers in Dukes Drive Woods.
To be honest I find Goldcrests to be a very reliable Chester bird,and excepting a period during the recent harsh winter when they totally disappeared for a while,before returning in good numbers again,I never fail to record at least 5 birds on every outing.
CHEERS DENZIL