a little hit list

Andre, possible itinerary. Start at Denmark Farm, Betws Bledrws 586538. There's a map in the car park. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers have built a nest in a box in the woods between the camping field and the roundhouse (near the compost loo!). It's only a couple of minutes from the car park. Other birds about inc warblers and Pied Flycatchers. A 5 minute drive away is Long Wood, on the road between Llangybi and Llanfair Clydogau. Park in the car park at 617521. Follow the track through the conifers for about 1km until you reach a bigger track next to a cleared area and return to the car along the tarmac road on the edge of the woods. Two Wood Warblers were singing and showing well in this area a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes I've seen Marsh Tits in this part of Long Wood but not often and easier late wimter/early spring. A further 10 minute drive takes you to Llanddewi Brefi. A walk along Cwm Brefi along the road is always productive and mostly flat. Explore as far as the farm called Aberdauddwr. Whinchat pretty much guaranteed I would think. Other birds likely inc Stonechat, Wheatear, Yellowhammer. I've had Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper on Afon Brefi. I've also seen Pied and Spotted Flycatchers in the trees near Aberdauddwr and Wood Warbler there too. Marsh Tit is a difficult one especially at this time of year. A place worth checking but which I don't know too well (and can't remember it's name) is at Pontrhydfendigaid (about 15 mins from Llanddewi Brefi). Take the road out of the village to Strata Florida and park at 737660. Marsh Tits are frequently seen hereabouts. I think a footpath runs from the car park through the woods to the abbey ruins. There was a Green Woodpecker here last year too if I remember. Good luck.