Three of us trawled the summit of Pumlumon on Thursday for dotterel, with no success. We headed north towards Pumlumon Arwystli but before we got there dropped down northwards into Cwm Gwarin, one of the most remote parts of Wales, surely. There were sure signs that sheep have been removed from this part of the massif, with all the vegetation being very rank and luxuriant, which made walking very difficult in places. A new long wire fence had been erected along the length of the valley, and none of the posts or wire being removed. So much for "guardians of the countryside"! There were countless vole holes, so there would be plenty of food for raptors/owls etc.
Bird life was scarce; however on Craig y March there was a very large stick nest which could have belonged to the buzzard which floated over. It was then attacked mercilessly by a male kestrel for at least ten minutes. So there must be a kestrel nest on the east side of that valley. (Craig yr Eglwys?). There were a few kites and ravens, plus wheatears and stonechats in places. A ring ouzel was heard from Craig y March and there was a dipper on the river near there. We also came across a merlin on our travels. We were knackered when we got back!
Jerry Moore