Two female blackcaps in our N Cardiff back garden – something I would have missed if I weren’t stuck here. I suspect there will be some interesting garden sightings over the next few weeks. first brimstone

total 5 Blackcaps singing along River Ely between Sanatorium Park and Penarth Road. Chiffchaffs well established now.

2 Kestrels sky-dancing / fighting(?) and calling above one of the hangars near the Aston Martin factory midday today

A Black-necked Grebe has just been reported [at 10:54 in fact] in Cardiff Bay poss best viewed from Prospect Place towards the yacht club/wetland reserve.

Highlight early afternoon was 2 adult drake Scaup with Tufties on east lake. Chiffchaff singing and 2 Blackcap heard in song, 2 Buzzards thermalling. Nice show of Primroses in E paddock.

First visit to this site as part of Willow Tit survey and was surprised by the number of species, which will obviously increase in the coming weeks. Species of note- 1 Willow Tit (close views of male calling), 1 Water Rail, 1 Little Grebe, 20+ Coot, 6 Moorhen, Mute swan (pair nest building), 3 pairs of Canada Goose, several Chiffchaff, Sparowhawk (f), 3 Buzzards and several pairs of Bullfinch

Very crowded this morning and many people not observing the 2m ‘rule’ and walking around in groups and queueing cheek by jowl for ice creams [a bit surprised the cafe was open]. A Mistle Thrush was quite active in Cogan Wood and Blackcap singing there again too. The 3 Shoveler of Thurs had increased to 4 yesterday [3m 1f] but no sign of any today, or Sand Martins. A fem Bullfinch seen briefly by E paddock. Quite a lot of what I assume to be Dog Violet out now.

Cettis warbler singing at Forest Farm reserve this morning – 1st one I have heard here after 25 years of waiting  – at last. Also plenty of singing chiffchaffs

Yesterday a total of three singing Cetti’s between Leckwith and Grangemoor Park.

Today, two singing Blackcaps and a sprinkling of singing Chiffchaffs.

Yesterday a total of three Cetti’s Warblers singing between Leckwith and Grangemoor Park.

Today, two singing Blackcaps and a sprinkling of Chiffchaffs singing.

Barn Owl flying to and fro in same vicinity as March 15th. 2030Hrs.

c.10 Sand Martin over the lakes this morning in the rain plus 2m and 1f Shoveler on W. Lake. Mistle and Song thrush singing. Yesterday a Cetti’s Wblr sang by the dipping pond and a Blackcap sang briefly in Cogan Wood.

First singing Blackcap, Sanatorium Park this morning plus two singing Chiffchaffs following singles for the last two days.

Chiffchaff heard and then seen adjacent to railway line – one’s spirits are lifted!

Barn Owl circled me within 10 yards as I walked near the new roundabout to St Athan on B4265.

Singing Chiffchaff at Sanatorium Park. Single Redwing.

An ad Kittiwake reported in the bay off Plas Taliesin by penarth marina this morning.

A damp WeBS count this lunchtime,   Teal and Shoveler appear to have gone, along with most of the Little Grebe.  First spotting of a Sparrow Hawk here.

Blackbird,  Blue Tit , Canada Goose (2), Carrion Crow,  Chaffinch , Coot (9),
Dunnock , Great Spotted Woodpecker,  Great Tit , House Sparrow ,
Little Grebe (1), Magpie,  Mallard (11), Moorhen (1), Mute Swan (3), Robin ,
Song Thrush,  Sparrowhawk , Starling , Woodpigeon, Wren .

 

 

A Buzzard was sitting in a tree by the dipping pond this morning – a favourite perching area. There were 4 Pochard on W lake and a Coot was sitting on a nest in the reeds on the far side of W lake. Also several Chiffchaff seen and a couple of Goldcrests.