March 2007

Friday 9^th March

Visited Mynydd Mawr, Uwchmynydd where I noted a colour-ringed Chough.

Sunday 18^th March

With a cold WNW blowing and heavy wintry showers I ventured out along the lane to Graig Fawr, across the heath – where two Yellowhammer/Bras Melyn and five Stonechat/Clochdar y Cerrig were seen - then down through the woods at Garth to Porth Neigwl.

Offshore a small gull roost was forming, with the odd Shag/Mulfran Werdd, Cormorant/Mulfran and Grey Seal/Morlo Llwyd. The eroding cliffs have finally taken the old Raven/Cigfran nest into the sea here. Plenty of Primroses/Briallu were a welcome sign of spring in the fields by Rhuol.

Walking back up through Plas-yn-Rhiw the Rook/Ydfran colony was busy with at least 50 nests counted. The usual Green Woodpecker/Cnocell Werdd called nearby – this has to be one of the best sites for this species in Gwynedd.

Tuesday 20^th March

I took a cold evening walk over Mynydd y Graig, with the most interesting observation a party of 12 Pied/White Wagtails Siglen Fraith/Siglen Wen that flew in and roosted in thick gorse on the heath.

I’ve never seen them roosting in such habitat before – usually associating roost sites with trees or buildings in urban areas.

Wednesday 21^st March

This afternoon saw me wandering along the exposed low water mark with a group of friends at Porth Neigwl collecting edible seaweed. Although unsure of some of the species we all agreed that the ones we collected were very tasty!

Packed with all manner of nutrients it was refreshing not to have to pay extortionate prices for a small packet from the health food shops.

Saturday 31^st March

Today was sunny and clear but with a cold NE blowing. I wandered the fields by the house feeling tired after a recent bug. Still, two Lizard/Madfall y Coed were seen along the cloddiau and the first Peacock/Y Peunog butterfly of the year was recorded as well as a Small Tortoiseshell/Iâr Fach Amryliw.