Change of scene today.

Lovely photos.Jays are usually quite timid so you did well to get that shot.

Thanks Colin, the Jay didn't stay long, someone in the hide moved slightly and he was off.

Lovely set David, glad it worked out so well. I didn't know about the work going on in Goldcliff and went there this morning. There was lots around initially - Shovelers, Teal, Wigeon and Pintail on the lagoon but no waders - probably because of the high water levels. Then the NRW team appeared on the far bank and everything disappeared. I went down to Uskmouth and I think a couple of the Shovelers had moved down there from Goldcliff, but apart from the usual suspects in the lane and lots of Reed Buntings  in the reed beds it was quiet. I did meet one of the G.O.S. members, who told me where I could see Crossbills in Wentwood, so I went up there but saw mainly Chaffinches and Goldfinches.

Thanks John, it was not a bad day at all. Where were the cross bills supposed to be John, I saw the Great Grey Shrike up there a couple of years ago but since then have never seen anything.

I was told to park at Caldira Beeches, Head straight down to the path to the bottom which is a roundabout called 5 ways. Scores of Chaffinches and Goldfinches on the ground and in the trees. Turn left and then right. if you get to a T junction you've gone too far there's a path on the right and a reen. I think I got to the right path but it was very boggy and I didn't see any birds down there. In Larches on the the left of the path leading straight on the the T junction there were hundreds of Goldfinches. Turning left at the T junction it takes you back to main path coming down from Caldira Beeches. I wasn't sure whether the first path on the right was the one referred to and I turned right at the T junction just in case and followed the path for a while but it started raining and I turned back before I got to the bottom - it was a long, long walk down to there but will have another go when I've had a chance to talk to the guy again and confirm directions.

Thanks John, will have to try again. Going to Slimbridge today hopefully.

Thanks for the information about Forest Farm. I went to explore yesterday, found the hide (thank you for the directions) and there was the kingfisher peering and diving. The bittern will have to await another day! Thank you for the introduction to this new walk close to the heart of Cardiff.

Steve

Glad you found it and trip not wasted Steve.

Gorgeous photos, David--thanks!  Especially like the Kingfisher's back.

Had to it, such glorious colour.