Hi,
Spring has finally taken a firm grasp on the reserve with Bluebells and Greater Stitchwort flowering in the woodlands, Welsh Poppies around buildings and Garlic Mustard along the hedgerows. Robin, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Blackbird are frantically probing the ground for juicy invertebrates to feed their chicks and finally the most visual of signs, we are now surrounded by a lush green landscape.
Our first duckling broods of the year, consisted of 11 and 12 Mallards sighted from the Centenary Hide (28th). These youngsters were hopefully aware of a Grey Heron hunting in the same area during the week. Five first-summer Black-Headed Gull (30th), 1x Herring Gull (29th) and a few flyover Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, all scarcities here at Vyrnwy, caused some excitement on the lake. Two Common Sandpiper’s showed well from the Lakeside Hide (28th) and boathouse (2nd). A pair of Canada Geese nest prospecting on the cliffs opposite the Lakeside Hide (1st) certainly looked out of place. Other birds seen from the Lakeside Hide included two pairs of Great Crested Grebe, Peregrine Falcon and Jay.
Five first-summer Black-Headed Gulls spent a few hours resting on the lake during the week.
The Purple Trail was an excellent area for anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of warblers with Garden Warbler (1st May, first record this year), Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler and Chiffchaff all present during the week. A small flock of Lesser Redpoll, 2x Long-tailed Tit and 2x Bullfinch were also present.
A showy Garden Warbler could be observed singing from the Purple Trail (Many Thanks to Gavin Chambers for this photograph of the bird).
Other interesting sightings included, the first Hobby of the year over moorland on the 28th April, with another sighted from the Red Trail (30th). Numerous Red Kite included birds seen flying over the lake and a wing-tagged bird which was possibly from the Chilterns. A Dunlin spotted on the Bala Road (1st) was probably a tired migrant. Wheatear could be seen with relative ease from either the Bala or Dinas Mawddwy roads. A showy pair of Crossbill was sighted in trees next to the dam (30th) with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in the same area (2nd) and finally a single Hare on the Red Trail (2nd).
Macrolepidoptera Of The Week
The unmistakable Herald Scoliopteryx libatrix is top of the moths this week. Found commonly in the UK the caterpillars of this species feed on willow.
The Herald was top moth this week (Many Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the image).
Cheers,
Adam