Nice weather for a change on Monday so made a visit. No thrushes in Perry Lane as there have been recently and no sign of the Golden Eye. Quite a few of the usual suspects though plus Kestrel, Siskin, Linnet, Teal and Shoveller all of which I could not get close enough for pics.
Lovely photos Dai, the lighting was perfect, really picks out the detail on the Dunnock and a nice sharp shot of the Little Owl
By the way the Goldeneye was still there in 'the usual place' on Wednesday - that is to say the 'dog-leg' end of the lagoon visible from the corner of the path that goes between the lagoons and the path that links the car park to the sea-wall. Or rather it wasn't there when I first looked but I actually saw it flying in from the direction of the hide so it seems it moves around. Unfortunately this bit of the lagoon is only visible through a curtain of reeds but there are gaps - and you might get lucky - luckier than me because It stayed about as far away as it could as I waited patiently.
Thanks for that John. Will try and catch up with it this weekend - weather allowing of course!
I spoke to Chris (NRW warden) and he said he saw it just below him on the lagoon that you can see from the viewing platform at the back of the wood yesterday. That would have been perfect but he didn't have his camera! It wasn't there today and I didn't see it in the original place. Chances are it's still around but being a bit elusive.
Couldn't find it anywhere today either John.
Not noted anywhere at uskmouth for a few days now, had a good look today, without any sighting. had to make do with a Female (ringtail) Hen Harrier on the saltmarsh, Western end around actual mouth of the Usk.
Anyone sat watching R5 for signs of the Goldeneye, keep an eye on the reeds to the right by the actual blind, there was a Cetti's Warbler that appears to be holding territory there :o)
Best regardsNigel
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Thanks for that Nigel - blimey a Hen Harrier is pretty good compensation for not seeing the Goldeneye!
It's always worthwhile keeping an eye out for Hen Harriers at this time of year. Ringtails are better than annual visitors at Goldcliff , over the past few years, and are also fairly regular along the coast west of the Usk, especially along the RGW.
Wales has one of the best UK populations so these movements,from their Central Wales summer ranges are always possible, though of course lots more work is needed to counter the senseless persecution of these fine birds