I dare say someone will put a piece on here about the excellent walk our group had at
Tan-y-Bwlch Aberystwyth on Saturday morning led by out illustrious guide Red Liford. It's always good to have a walk led by Red with his immense knowledge of Ornithology. In the afternoon some of us went on to Nant-yr-Arian to hear a talk given by Tony Cross of the Welsh Kite Trust another of our eminent ornithologists. Tony gave us an input on the history of the Red Kite (Boda Wennol, Barcud Coch) up to the present day not only in Wales but the whole of the UK. The future for the Kite in Britain looks good but unfortunately the situation looks more uncertain in other parts of Europe, particularly in Spain, where the population has suffered a marked decline. Tony gave us an insight into the future role of the Welsh Kite Trust of which many of you are 'sponsors' or 'friends' that the trust should concentrate its efforts in monitoring and helping other birds of prey such as the declining Kestrel. In this regard there was mention of amalgamating with other organisations such as the Welsh Ornithological Society and to establish a closer working relationship with the Wales Raptor Study Group. Following the talk we were all pleased to see that the mist had cleared and we enjoyed the usual spectacular show given by the kites at feeding time. We estimated their numbers at about 90 but during the recent cold spell their numbers went up to 200! On the lake there were 5 Goosander (3 drakes, 2 ducks) Mallard, a Grey Heron, a handful of buzzards and ravens calling but not feeding.