Way back in February of last year we embarked on a photographic venture along the route of a proposed access track to the then still recently approved wind farm atop Mynydd y Gwair. As one of the few large remaining expanses of wilderness bordering Swansea the prospect of sixteen huge Read more…
Each year I’m always caught off guard by the rapid greening of our landscape. After months of nothing but barren browns it’s as if we wake one morning to discover that the decorators have paid a visit and given the whole place a fresh lick of paint, green the dominant Read more…
Twenty four hours later and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Sunday’s blizzards were just a dream. Sunshine and clear blue skies abound with only a few small pockets of snow holding on in shaded crevices any reminder of our recent wintry weather. Finally it feels as if we’ve been Read more…
Dare I say it but things are starting to feel distinctly autumnal around here. Take yesterday evening for example, a good few degrees cooler than in recent weeks despite clear skies and with the sun now setting behind my oft-photographed “sunset tree”. Just a few weeks ago this perfect alignment Read more…
The irony of commenting that it was a little chilly last night did not escape me. But cool it was and with gusty conditions blasting through our valley I really wasn’t expecting to find my first Ringlet of the year up on Gopa Hill. It only landed briefly before being Read more…
Last Saturday was my first opportunity of 2017 for a proper days birding and, in keeping with my new year resolutions, that meant Patchwork Challenge time. As mentioned previously I’ve abandoned the two patch plan from last year and instead returned to the area that started it all, Cefn Drum Read more…
If only days contained twice as many hours I might actually have a sporting chance at keeping up with all my various activities plus the mundane intrusions of everyday life. As it is the three weeks since our return from Cornwall have flown by with barely a peep appearing on Read more…
As predicted Willow Warblers have now arrived on mass and fill the valley of my Cefn Drum patch from top to bottom. Each evening I’ve been out since last week has been accompanied by their song though I think Chiffchaffs are just about winning in terms of sheer numbers. Actual Read more…
A chilly breeze last night meant that it felt more like winter than spring but the sight of my first Swallow of the year served as a timely reminder that somehow, and I know I’ve made this remark several times already, April and its migrants are well and truly here. Read more…
Hopefully it won’t have escaped your notice that last night the clocks went forwards an hour which, for those of us who enjoy the great outdoors, marks the start of an exciting time. Longer days mean extra hours of daylight and for the first time in what seems like forever Read more…