Hi,
Sighting of the week has to go to Vyrnwy’s second ever Great White Egret found by a visitor to the reserve (6th). The cracking adult in full breeding attire stayed for two days showing from both the Centenary and Lakeside Hides.
Vyrnwy's second ever Great White Egret took the form of this stunning breeding plumaged adult first spotted on the 6th May (Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the photograph).
A single Sedge Warbler on the banks of the Afon Vyrnwy (4th) was the first record since 2007. Common Sandpiper, Dipper and Grey Wagtail could also be spotted on a daily basis between the dam and the first bridge.
The lake played host to our first Canada Goose goslings of the year, 3x Goosander (roosting), 4x Great Crested Grebe, 1x Cormorant, 2x Common Sandpiper and otter (couple of reports during the week).
The first Swift of the year was sighted over the football pitch (5th) with 3x over the Blue Trail (7th). Singing Garden Warbler, yaffling Green Woodpecker and flyover Goshawk were also recorded from the Blue Trail.
An interesting Common Redstart on the Blue Trail led to much discussion amongst the conservation team during the week. The bird had similar plumage to a 1st-winter male however was paired up with a breeding plumaged male. Study of Redstart literature revealed that prior to moult in late summer a small minority of worn females can show male characteristics, namely the white mottling on the forehead and dull black on the face.
The plumage of this Redstart led to much discussion during the week. Do you agree with our consensus? (Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the photographs)
The Hafod end of the Red Trail looked to hold a high density of Blackcap (7th), further investigation revealed a single female being serenaded by at least three males. Singing Common Whitethroat, Cuckoo, Crossbill and drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker provided further interest along the Red Trail.
Our second migrant Dunlin of the spring was observed on the Dinas Mawddwy road (8th). Other interesting sightings from this stretch of road included, Red Kite (5th), Wheatear, Whinchat and Ring Ouzel.
First-rate views of Pied Flycatcher can currently be obtained from the Centenary Hide with 2x Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Common Redstart, Nuthatch and House Martin also regulars.
Macrolepidoptera Of The Week
Although common in the UK the larval food plant of this weeks top moth, the Flame Carpet Xanthorhoe designate, remains a mystery.
The Flame Carpet (Thanks to Gavin Chambers for the photograph).
Cheers,
Adam