Our correspondent, Graham, has revealed himself as “CatinTheHat”, in future to be known as our Roving Reporter! He reports from the Date with Nature site as follows:-
“The peregrines are keeping a very low profile but there is no doubt they are present and paired. Today's sightings were brief, but both birds were at the nesting ledge and calling was clearly heard across the lake.
We last saw them mating on 19th April, so they are late, certainly compared with the Cardiff City Hall birds, whose eggs we hear have hatched, but we are still optimistic.
Today, a distinct and unmistakeable osprey, harried by a raven, appeared from the left and gave us superb views as it gained height up the lake, circled over the forestry at the top and departed towards the north west.
The goosanders were in and out of the box yesterday, the common sandpipers are still treating us to close quarters views of their fluttering low-level displays, the pied wagtails are busy all round the hide, and today a long-tailed tit made a messy job of assassinating a lively caterpillar right before our very eyes. Lots of visitors, both interested and interesting, and Gary's camping stove makes a fine brew.”
Graham
(aka TheCatInTheHat!)
Are you a member of the RSPB? Nature is amazing, help us keep it that way. To join contact me on roger.whiteway@rspb.org.uk