I have just returned from two hot weeks in the Maine region of Normandy where it is always a joy to spot the local birds that share our rural idyll. There were so many house sparrows that they became intrusive.The black redstart was nervous but showed very well most days and sung harmoniously.The swallows were extremly active and there seemed to be far more swifts gathering .The early morning brought a honey buzzard to the lane and a few feet from our car,its chocolate brown colour a real treat.Before leaving to come home we finally caught a glimse of the resident Goshawk soaring high above us effortlessly.It was the very same day that I had seen 2 fully grown hares in the nearby field of rough pasture.
Coming home is always a bit flat but we were soon to be uplifted by a sighting of the Rheidol otter family.We haven't seen them for two years but they are back.They disturbed the 4 mallards who are now fully grown and began feeding on the eel As you can see I managed to get up really close with my Sony cyber shot.Its good to be back in Ceredigion after all!
Lis Collison