Looks like those folks who've made a special trip to see the Savi's may also be able to see a Golden Oriole reported to be singing in the shelter belt behind the hide by Matt Meehan. Darn I nearly walked down there to shelter from the rain this morning then got distracted by a Cuckoo on the sea wall and my quest to video Lesser Whitethroat. These birds are certainly showing a liking for the Green, Green Grass of Wales.
I was down there today John and didn't see the Oriole but have broken my duck and saw a Beardie after nearly 3 years. It flew across water a few times but too quick for a photo so next goal is to snap it. That plus my 3rd day seeing the Savi's it was a really good day. It was a warbler day because also spotted Reed and Sedge Warblers.
Fantastic news David, always a joy to see the Beardies. That Oriole must have been a flying visitor - I believe the proof of its visit is in a sound recording of its call but I've not spoken to anyone who has seen it!
Just passing through I think John. Maybe the same bird sighted in Devon the day before. Last and maybe the only sighting was at 11.30am yesterday. Last sighting before then in Gwent was 10 years ago!
I know this is going to sound like I am stringing a bit, but when I was down on the reserve back at the end of April with Matt Merritt (Birdwatching Mag editor), we walking up by Nigel's Pop Bottle Reedbed (formally known as the Burnt Reedbed)we saw a big-ish bright yellow bird on the reeds. It then flew down over the seawall, and we couldn't locate it. It didn't sit right for a bright greenfinch, but neither of us got a good look to rule it out. We both said the only other thing it could have been was a Golden Oriole, but really can't say with utter confidence.
My inner birdwatching gut tells me it was the one that got away ... but it could mean the bird has been around longer than people think, and just no one saw it.
Frustrating hobby at times innit! ;o)
Ant
Ant, on tuesday I was sitting in the cafe and saw a bright yellow bird on the feeder away from the building. By the time I got the camera and rushed outside a magpie chased it off.
Ant I really wouldn't be surprised - the area covered by the reserve is massive and the public can only access a fraction of it - I'd imagine that there have been several visits from Penduline Tits etc but in the out of bounds areas. Talking to the voluntary wardens Chris and Steve they told me about a Purple Heron that they saw in the inaccessible reed bed behind the (formerly) burnt one, but they didn't publicise it because nobody is allowed up there. The Savi's we have been hosting over the last week is at the farthest western limit of its range but as we know the Cetti's was unknown in Britain until 1961 so with global warming I wouldn't be surprised if the Savi's becomes established as well - it certainly looks at home here - I feel so sorry for it hopelessly calling for a mate. if only it had arrived as on of a pair!
Unknown said:Ant, on tuesday I was sitting in the cafe and saw a bright yellow bird on the feeder away from the building.
I suppose it could have been a Yellowhammer David - from what I've heard of the elusive habits of the Oriole I don't think it would come to a feeder - they're supposed to prefer the tops of trees!
Check out the colour of the Yellowhammer on here!
I wouldn't rule out yellowhammer, hence my reluctance to call it in at the time ... it would have been my first Welsh yellowhammer if it had turned out to be that .. I see them regularly when I go to Frampton Marsh.
This is pretty much my best photo of on so far ...