Sightings

Main sighting: Willow Tit

Took part in the national Willow Tit survey today, but sadly no sign of the species in this woodland that used to hold them. Plenty of other things of interest however: Crossbill, Siskin, displaying Buzzard and a Raven – flying out from a lambing shed! Some early bluebells already in flower. There are still some remaining areas in the county where we are looking for people to survey for Willow Tit. If you think you can help please drop me a line at surveys@gwentbirds.org.uk.

Main sighting: Raptors

Organised hunting at dusk by a female sparrowhawk and male peregrine high up over garden .Huge flock of jackdaw normally passing through pushed up to altitude and split into two balls ..Sprawk attacking from below and perry stooping from above .

Main sighting: Green Woodpecker

Flocks of meadow pipits in trees, two ravens flying above the rock face, a green woodpecker ( yaffle, yaffle ) heard but not seen to the east of cymyoy. Also a red kite flying from east to west between Stanton Manor Farm and Lower Stanton.

Main sighting: White Fronted and Barnacle Geese

The White Fronted Geese were present around the reserve from dawn. Did not see the Glossy Ibis. 2 x Barnacle Geese. 80 x Avocet. Chiffchaffs singing from hedgerows. Goldeneye (female).

Main sighting: Red kite

Saw a red kite hunting near the A4042 bypass near Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran at 2pm today

Main sighting: Chiff chaff

One seen feeding,and another calling.

Main sighting: Short eared owl

Seen just after 6.00 pm tonight towards St Pierre being mobbed by crow which eventually lost interest allowing the owl to drop down before being lost from sight. No sign of the barn owl though.

Main sighting: Goldeneye

Dawn to mid-morning visit highlights: kingfsiher by 1st reen near car park, male peregrine 1st island, buzzard (light-morph bird), 10 sheloduck, 710 wigeon, 9 mute swans, fieldfares along the long hedgerow towards hide 2, 12 tufted ducks, 108 teal, glossy feeding all morning from snipe platform, 51 shoveler, female goldeneye, 52 gadwall, pair stonechats, sparrowhawk through, female kestrel and brief views of the spotted redshank. Seawall / mudflats – quiet with only 31 curlew, 2 gt black-backed gulls, 3 oystercatchers and a single avocet seen. Disappointing to learn that there won’t be any water dropped on lagoon 3 to encourage waders (hence why there were none about) but being left high solely for the winter ducks – waders are birds too guys, come on!