Darren Coombs and I took lead of the GOS outdoor meeting to Dinefwr, yesterday. Eight of us enjoyed a full day and covered much of the park in search primarily for Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. Unfortunately we were unable to turn up any. Conditions were good early morning and a few Great spotted could be heard along with the occasion Green Woodpecker. Between us as a group we saw about 60 species over the course of the day including a good mix of woodland species and wildfowl. The Great White Egret was showing on the pools along with Gadwall, Teal and Wigeon. Looking distantly towards Cilsan bridge found at least 2 ad Whooper Swans in fields with some Mute Swans. In the wood about 5 Marsh Tits were seen and also here some Redwings and Stock Doves. The biggest surprise was a male Merlin that passed through quickly, no doubt attracted to the grounds around the Castle by the decent flock of Meadow Pipits (c45).

Around lunchtime we waited out the heavy rain at Dryslwyn Car Park where a further 7 ad Whooper Swans were on view amongst the flock of geese there – mainly Canada Geese with a few Greylag Geese mixed in. A good flock of Wigeon here too along with a few Little Grebes, Mallard and Teal. A short walk to Dryslwyn village was rewarded with 4 Tree Sparrows among an impressive number of garden birds attracted to feeders in a private garden.