Remember the question I asked in my blog three weeks ago – Has Spring arrived? Well, if it had, we seem to have had summer and autumn in the last couple of weeks and already arrived back in winter! A couple more early mornings this week to look for grouse were cold and crisp with the weather turning dramatically on Wednesday morning while sitting on the moors at Tanrallt on the Mignient.
Telescope wasn’t needed after all – Photo by Gavin Chambers
With some migrants having already arrived and others still on their way it makes you wonder how they might cope with this cold snap. Our first whinchat was seen along the Bala road on the 27 April and the first wood warbler found in the woods along the Blue Trail the following day. This weather will no doubt affect certain species more than others such as small birds like wren, goldcrest and long-tailed tit, but will have the biggest impact on any early nesting birds with chicks. Food such as caterpillars and insects will be greatly reduced making it harder for adults to find food for their chicks.
Treecreeper nest building by Gavin Chambers
So far blackbirds have been our earliest known breeders with one nest of 3 chicks fledging last week near the shop and several other species seen carrying nesting material, including the treecreeper in the photo above.
Despite the cold weather the woodlands are alive with song and on the 15 May you can join us for a guided walk to listen to the dawn chorus as birds wake up and males stake out their territory. Booking is essential and further details can be found on our website.
Singing male redstart by Gavin Chambers
This bank holiday weekend is the last opportunity to join us on the farm for lambing so why not join us on Saturday or Monday at 1 pm, but don’t forget to book a place! (Note the event on Sunday has been cancelled).
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