As reported by Emyr it was wonderful to watch an Osprey with a small transmitter on its back circle over the pools at Panchang in the Gambia, thankfully Brenda had the presence of mind to catch the moment on her digital camera, on our return she contacted Roy Dennis who referred her to Emyr only then did we know it one of the three juvenile Ospreys from just up the road!
When looking at the Dyfi Osprey website one can see the route taken from their nest site to the wetlands of Western Africa, yet flying to the Gambia looking down from the 31,000ft at the vast arid areas and snow capped mountains of Northern Africa they have to cross one starts to really appreciate what an epic flight it is that such young birds undertake.
Looking at our Gambian birds seen list there are over 20 other bird species that may have made a similar journey from the UK or at least Western Europe, birds such as Whinchat, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Sand Martin, House Martin as well as a number of waders, Common, Green and Wood Sandpipers, Sanderling, Ringed, Little-ringed and Grey Plovers, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone and Whimbrel.
Although, to my knowledge, no crow has flown from Aberystwyth to the Gambia it is very nearly 3,000 miles in a straight line!
So come the Spring and one hears the incessant 'song' of the Chiffchaff I for one will regard it new and greater respect.
Alan Lyne