It was cold and windy when I arrived at Ynys-hir this morning, not promising birding weather.
However I did get to see some interesting birds and some fascinating behaviour.
From Marian Mawr hide I counted 20 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 32 Wigeon and 2 Goldeneye. I also saw a group of 8 or 9 Pied Wagtails battling north east against the wind.
Looking across the Dyfi towards the osprey project I noticed a Red Kite feeding on an Oystercatcher. Whilst I was watching a Peregrine came along and barged the kite out of the way. The Kite hadn't had time to get stuck into the Oystercatcher carcas but within a few seconds of the Peregrine taking over there were black and white feathers scattered all over the place.
Then I saw a female Hen Harrier followed half a minute later by a male. Initially I thought the female was a Marsh Harrier because she had prominant honey-coloured markings on her wings, but on reflection I realise that it was NOT a Marsh Harrier.
Officially though none of this counts because it all took place on the other side of the Dyfi in the next county!
However I did get to see some interesting birds and some fascinating behaviour.
From Marian Mawr hide I counted 20 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 32 Wigeon and 2 Goldeneye. I also saw a group of 8 or 9 Pied Wagtails battling north east against the wind.
Looking across the Dyfi towards the osprey project I noticed a Red Kite feeding on an Oystercatcher. Whilst I was watching a Peregrine came along and barged the kite out of the way. The Kite hadn't had time to get stuck into the Oystercatcher carcas but within a few seconds of the Peregrine taking over there were black and white feathers scattered all over the place.
Then I saw a female Hen Harrier followed half a minute later by a male. Initially I thought the female was a Marsh Harrier because she had prominant honey-coloured markings on her wings, but on reflection I realise that it was NOT a Marsh Harrier.
Officially though none of this counts because it all took place on the other side of the Dyfi in the next county!