John and I met at Ynys-hir this afternoon, both of us hoping to add a few ticks to our new year lists. Sat in Marian Mawr hide with a couple of other birders we were treated to a 20 minute Kingfisher show. The bird, a female showed very well and caught and ate several small fish whilst we watched. We then moved a short distance to look over the estuary from close to the gate to Domenlas Hide. There followed a mini raptor fest - a Red Kite sat on some driftwood, a Marsh Harrier perched a bit further away, a female Hen Harrier quartered the marsh in front of us and a Merlin sat devouring some prey on another chunk of driftwood. At one stage both harriers and the Merlin took to the air simultaneously, it was difficult to decide which one to watch.
Amongst other birds seen were Green Sandpiper, Pintail and Snipe.
Another brilliant afternoon's birding.
Bob Relph