This evening was absolutely glorious with the sun shining and the birds singing. I headed up Gopa Hill with the sound of Chiffchaffs and Jays in my ears while Long Tailed Tits and Chaffinches flitted through the newly budding trees. The Yellowhammers were nowhere to be seen but three Buzzards were making use of the stiff breeze as they glided down the valley at speed, wings swept back. I kept one eye on the sky in the hope of seeing my first Swallow (it’s still a but early but the wind direction this weekend should hopefully bring a good influx) and in the process saw my first Linnets of the year with several small flocks on the move. Topping everything though was the fabulous sunset.

24009 - Sunset over Cwm Dulais

For those not familiar with my local area the photo above includes pretty much all of my local haunts. The valley to the immediate right is Cwm Dulais which I now consider to be my patch. Gopa Hill sits in the middle distance on the far right, behind which sits the village of Pontarddulais, my home. Further back still lies the town of Llanelli with its Millennium coastal park and favourite locations such as Burry Port, the WWT site and Sandy Water Park. The Loughor River snakes its way through the centre of the landscape before emptying into the Burry Inlet. The hulking mass in the background is the Gower Peninsular, the highest point being roughly where Cefn Bryn lies whilst the thin line of land stretching out into the water from its tip is Whitford Point. The side of Gower facing us includes Penclawdd and Llanrhidian Marsh with Port Eynon and Rhossili being on the opposite. It really is a fantastic place.


3 Comments

J · March 18, 2011 at 11:23 pm

What a lovely photograph encapsulating all your favourite local haunts. It was a lovely evening – hopefully a sign of things to come.
P.S. – As a pedant, I couldn't help noticing you've spelt peninsula with an 'r' on the end again. Unforgivable! Pull yourself together, man!

holdingmoments · March 19, 2011 at 6:50 pm

It certainly does look a fantastic place Adam.

Saw my first Chiffchaff of the year today; spring has sprung 🙂

Adam Tilt · March 21, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Certainly hope so Jeremy. And I must apologise for my wayward spelling of peninsula. I have given my spell-checker a good seeing to and it promises to behave from now on.

It certainly has Keith and I'm very glad.

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