Sightings

Main sighting: Swift

Finally, 14 swifts over the Monnow in Monmouth today. It’s great to see them back. In a field close to the Eurogarage Services northbound side were three yellow wagtails (same field I’ve seen them in in previous years). Perched on wires here. Also tree pipit, possibly two, singing in felled forestry (with single broadleaves left standing) behind Pen y Clawdd farm. Garden warbler and whitethroat here too, all birds I’ve recorded here in previous years, though tree pipit fewer in number this year (may just be time of day). Redstart singing from trees towards Dingestowe. Hobby rapidly past the house in Mitchel Troy approx a week ago.

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Cuckoo

Cuckoo seen and heard. Lesser Whitethroat; Common Whitethroat; Gadwall; Reed Warblers, six Swallows; Reed Bunting; Cetti’s; Greylag Goose

Main sighting: Cuckoo

I saw cuckoo’s 7 times on the walk to the quary and back but could have been the same birds on a couple of occasions. But definitely 3 cuckoo’s, as I could hear them all calling at the same time. Also lots of linnets, willow warblers and wheatears but definite lack of Stonechat that are usually abundant at this time at year.

Main sighting: Grasshopper Warbler

Grasshopper Warbler reeling in cover close to the main path not far from car park

Main sighting: Swifts x 3

Three Swifts seen from my garden this evening 20:30. , swirling over Rape seed fields, Monmouth. My first sighting this year!

Main sighting: Great White Egret

1 Great White Egret at Collister Saltmarsh at 9.30 with several Little Egrets,also 2 Wheatear and up to 20 Whimbrel there and up to West Pill.

Main sighting: Whimbrel and Wheatear

3 Wheatear on sea wall and 12 Whimbrel mainly on mudflats and some on grass near hide 3
Other sightings included Chiffchaff. Sedge warbler Linnet. Reed bunting. Buzzard
Grey Heron. Shoveler. Teal. Redshank.
Swallow. Little Egret. Oystercatcher.
Black tailed Godwit. Ringed Plover and
Canada geese, Greylag geese and Moorhen all with chicks

Main sighting: Whimbrel

7-Whimbrels at high tide today.

Main sighting: Curlew

Curlews are far less vocal at the moment and therefore harder to find but you may see one chasing off a Buzzard or crow when guarding the nest. Don’t forget to send an email to Curlew@gwentbirds.org.uk if you see this behaviour. All reports, whether sightings or heards, are important.

Main sighting: Cuckoo

Cuckoo heard 5:10am.