I've just realised that there is no blog post about our May bird race. I apologise for that. Tony Cross, Paul Leafe and I started at 4.30am on May 26th on Cors Fachno, picking up the likes of Barn Owl and Reed Warbler. It was a freezing morning; I don't think I've ever been so cold in May. Ynys Hir gave us all the hoped for woodland species and also Osprey and Water Rail. Ynys las high tide provided many small waders with the highlights being Turnstone, Whimbrel and 3 dapper Knot. Two Eider, a male and female were on the Dyfi here. Off the Ynys las turn, excitement was provided with a fine Great northern Diver, a Red throated Diver and some 50 Common Scoter. While watching these, Paul squealed with excitement as some huge dorsal fins appeared out of the water. 10+ Risso's Dolphins along with lesser numbers of Bottle nosed Dolphins were a spectacular sight and enjoyed by some of the sun worshiping visitors that had now arrived. A quick visit to Clarach Bay saw Common Gull, Kestrel and Rock Pipit added to the list.
We then headed over to Nant y Noch reservoir and were treated to great views of Goshawk in the area. Common Sandpiper and Great crested Grebes were ticked off along with lovely views of several Whinchats. The unusual find of the day came in the form of a female Black Redstart seemingly in the middle of nowhere; hopping around along an electricity sub-station fence by Cefn Croes wind farm above Blaenau Meherin. After a few hours in the hills ticking off Dippers, Grey Wagtails etc. we ventured down to Tregaron. We saw Eddie the Golden Eagle but didn't count it of course. Stonechat, Peregrine and Sand Martin were the only new ones here. On to the coast where Newquay Head provided Fulmar, both Auks and Kittiwake while Coss Inn came up trumps with Stock Dove and Grasshopper Warbler.
All in all we counted 116 species. Not bad, but considering we missed the likes of Bullfinch, Snipe, Red Grouse, Willow Tit, Crossbill and a few other birds we had hoped to see, there was a tinge of disappointment not to reach 120. Oh well, maybe next year :-)