This morning nine of us, led by Alan, took a walk down Cwm Soden. Where is Cwm Soden, you might ask? Well, it's a little steep-sided coastal wooded valley very close to Cwmtydu near New Quay.
A beautiful sunny day, and as expected in July, we had to work quite hard for our small birds. The usual large raptors were much in evidence, with very vocal Buzzards and Red Kites, plus Ravens, our constant companions. At one point, luckily as we were in an open area, three Peregrines showed up; looked like two juveniles and an adult.
There were several clearings on the walk, and in these were an abundance of butterflies. As several of the group, including Liz with her camera, were well up on Lepidoptera and Odonata, we ended up with what I considered a very impressive list. My favourites were the fritillaries and the Purple Hairstreak.
Birds, in order of appearance: House Sparrow, Swallow, Red Kite, Herring Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Raven, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Peregrine, Great Tit, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Woodpigeon.
Not birds: Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Silver-washed and Dark Green Fritillary, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small White, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak and Silver Y and Six-spot Burnet Moths.
Oh, and Grey Squirrel.
Apologies for any omissions, and thanks to Alan for a very enjoyable walk.
Harry Pepper