Thursday 13 June 2013

Welsh Trip - final post!

Another apology. A combination of ill health and continuing computer problems are the reasons for a delay in this final post from my trip to South Wales. For our final full day we decided to head north for a day in and around Dinas RSPB reserve. This is a beautiful predominately Oak woodland in amongst the Welsh hills. 

Getting ready for a long trek.
 The first part of the woodland walk is along a broadwalk. We had some target species to see here and it wasn't long before we saw one of them, a lovely Pied Flycatcher.
Some of the Blackthorn trees were smothered in lichen. It was very eyecatching in a wintery sort of way. 
 This Blackthorn was only just in bud and coming in to flower. At the beginning of May, like a lot of things,  it was several weeks late.
Lambs also seemed to be around later than usual. 
This one below was particularly cute sat on the back of Mum! It was a chilly day!
 There were some flowers to enjoy as we walked through the woods. Lesser Celendine and Wood Anemone.
 Bluebells....just!
Lords and Ladies.
Delicate Wood Sorrel. The leaves have a lemony taste in small doses.
 Here are some views of the river which ran through the wood. Our path followed it for quite a while. It was quite manageable to start with.
As we walked along, the river got increasing rocky and wild as did the path in places!

 On our way round, we managed to see our other target species of Wood Warbler, Redstart and Tree Pipit. No photos as they stayed pretty distant. After some lunch by the river, we got in the car and went exploring up into the Welsh hills on the road towards the small town of Tregaron. It was a scenic route and we managed to do some birding on the way.
There were some Welsh ponies. 
 A distant Red Kite.
And a lovely Whinchat.
 Well, that's the end of the trip. I'm sorry it has taken so long to get the final post up! Hopefully my laptop will behave and they'll be a new post shortly! (-: