April 30th - May 14th: Returned to this area after a six year break mainly to see family and do a spot of watching. Stayed at a self catering cottage nearby it was one of the best I'd stayed at in Wales. It was 269 miles from my house, had considered staying a night in a B&B each way but didn't. Did 205 miles without stopping on way there and only stopped for a wee and cramp in right foot at a forest drive, while having lunch which consisted of brioche sarnies and flask of coffee spotted a red kite.
The first week was mainly rain, sun, windy and chilly. The cottage had nest boxes and feeders up, I was told a Nuthatch bred there but never saw it. Did hear a woodpecker drumming most mornings. Had red kite over first day but never had another at digs. On the Wednesday spotted a Chiffy in tree opposite, they bred nearby was told.
The first day of the second week was hot and I sat in a field under a laurel tree with a running stream very close the sound was lovely, went down to it a few times but no birds. A red kite came over a few times and also spotted two orchid growing, took pics. Was sat there six hours and enjoyed every minute! Had a Buzzard over and swallows, house martins and lots of female Orange Tip's + jackdaws.
On the Monday morning as I was drawing curtains a Grey Squirrel was on the wooden telephone pole and got excellent pics and a video, found out later it was visiting the feeders. On Wednesday/Friday went to the Welsh Wildlife Centre for a drink and gifts, spotted a Common Whitethroat outside the café. Also on the Wednesday tried the local chippy and got haddock and mushy peas, they were good.
On the Thursday at the same field had a pair of Mistle Thrush and heard the tawny owl. Visited New Quay with family and had an Italian ice cream yummy, and bought a pasty which wasn't yummy
not as I remembered it on previous visit sadly. Then went to Aberdaeron and lost my specs, its a long story but my heartfelt thanks go to the local T.I.C. who posted them back to me when I got home, I sent an email thanking them and will pop in my next visit and give personal thanks.
On the Friday at the digs had two Buzzard over. In total over the two weeks had 40 species of bird, more Orange Tip than I've ever seen, Grey Squirrel, a very tame Dunnock, no sightings of Otter but they in the Teifi. Lots of friendly people. And another special thank you to the staff and pharmacist of Boot's (Cardigan) who helped me out when I'd mistakenly left some of my meds at home.
Main reason for holiday was to see my family including the pets and I saw them most days
the wildlife watching was a bonus!
Kind regards
John
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