Just as well really as I enjoyed an excellent trip to Mynydd Hiraethog yesterday and there is plenty to tell!
A skydancing male Hen Harrier was unquestionably the highlight giving a spectacular aerobatic display – surely the ultimate wildlife experience of the Welsh Uplands, especially with the almost surreal sound of a singing Sedge Warbler in the background!
Other raptors sharing the airspace included a Kestrel, tons of Buzzards and also a single and rather ragged looking Red Kite. Many Ravens were lumbering around too – no doubt looking for the next upland sheep to bite the dust.
The north shore of Llyn Brenig was productive too and held the unexpected bird of the day in the form of a Hobby. I found the bird when scanning for a distantly calling Cuckoo – one of two yesterday – perched on top of a dead and exposed tree.
Although distant, the bird could be observed clearly through the scope making frequent feeding sorties, although to be honest I was not sure what it could gave been feeding on? Broad-bodied Chasers?
Almost as intriguing as the falcon was the appearance of three Dunlin feeding on the edge of one the small islands. I suppose the birds could be on passage, but more likely they are local breeders. If so this would be excellent news, especially given the paucity of nesting wading birds on the Denbigh Moors.
Mynydd Hiraethog 20.05.11
1 Hen Harrier (male)
1 Red Kite
1 Hobby
2 Cuckoo
3 Dunlin
1 Sedge Warbler
Until later.
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