A trip to the high uplands east of Strata Florida yesterday showed a dearth of the usual birds. On the way up, there were five Pied Flycatchers in the woodland and a lone Redstart where normally there are many to be seen. Higher up, Wheatears in particular were very scarce - only three were seen - one perching in a scrub hawthorn as compared with the usual rock perches. Interestingly Ian had also noticed this behaviour as reported on Friday. On the 'tops' - the open hill-land - just a pair of Meadow Pippits and the odd crow. I can understand the reluctance of any birds to live up there at 500m high- gale force winds with a chill factor way below what Bob may have experienced at Cors Dyfi. (It has taken me until today to thaw out to post this blog!!) Spring has not arrived up there so hopefully more birds will appear later in the season.