Many thanks to the 8 hardy souls, Eric, Mark, Lawrence, Shaun and the Boyz from Ireland who attended.
Considering the dry spring and clear blue skies we have been having recently, my luck ran out and the weather Gods conspired against us. The cold NE wind did not help with bird display and the heavy rain leaden sky kept the light level fairly low.
Spring, has not sprung yet in the Elan Valley with the oak trees only just breaking bud. Bird numbers as a result were very low and judging by the way the female Tawny Owl was sitting tight in her box and Wood Warblers were ravenously feeding rather than displaying probably several weeks behind schedule. Still at least one feeder managed to attract the attentions of a pair of Pied fly.
Photography at Gigrin was also difficult with the prevailing wind resulting in the kites swooping away from the tower hide. Surprisingly there was still some food left on the ground by 5pm, so there was kite feeding activity for a full two hours. The white kite did put in an appearance in the opening few minutes of feeding frenzy but didn't hang around so was disappointingly elusive.
Despite the rather inclemant weather I hope everyone managed to have a good Craic. Judging at least from Kevin's LCD there are some efforts worth showing so please do post some images over the next week or so.
Hi Mike ( and guys from Elan walk)
We are still here in the area ... headed down to Brecon Beacons now today on Sunday.. but not before we headed back to the Old Bailey Bridge to have a look for the dipper again .. we have much better light this morning and got some shots - they are still on the card but the ISO was a lot lower and the images seemed to come out a lot better... sun light helped too.
We headed around the reservoir road then and ended up back in Gigrin for the 3pm feeding .. the light seemed better so we said we would chance it again :). Light was better but the birds were not as enthusiastic as the day before. The white morphy red kite was there again though..stayed around for a lot longer this time.. images to follow :D
We are looking for some landscape shots now tomorrow and then home on the ferry.. will definitely be back again as we are already planning the next trip .
A big thank you to you for all the hard work and effort you put in to place the feeders and supply the meal worms travelling over a 100 miles to do it!
It was great to meet up with Eric, Lawrence and Mark Green and Kevin & Co from Ireland. Shame about the weather but we did get some shots of the Pied Fly Catchers.
As a Gigrin "Virgin" it was a real experience to see so many Kites in one spot. I'll just have to go back on a Blue Sky day
Once again my sincere thanks to you for setting this day up
Discussion
4 repliesConsidering the dry spring and clear blue skies we have been having recently, my luck ran out and the weather Gods conspired against us. The cold NE wind did not help with bird display and the heavy rain leaden sky kept the light level fairly low.
Spring, has not sprung yet in the Elan Valley with the oak trees only just breaking bud. Bird numbers as a result were very low and judging by the way the female Tawny Owl was sitting tight in her box and Wood Warblers were ravenously feeding rather than displaying probably several weeks behind schedule. Still at least one feeder managed to attract the attentions of a pair of Pied fly.
Photography at Gigrin was also difficult with the prevailing wind resulting in the kites swooping away from the tower hide. Surprisingly there was still some food left on the ground by 5pm, so there was kite feeding activity for a full two hours. The white kite did put in an appearance in the opening few minutes of feeding frenzy but didn't hang around so was disappointingly elusive.
Despite the rather inclemant weather I hope everyone managed to have a good Craic. Judging at least from Kevin's LCD there are some efforts worth showing so please do post some images over the next week or so.
Mike
Bertl
Rene de Heer
We are still here in the area ... headed down to Brecon Beacons now today on Sunday.. but not before we headed back to the Old Bailey Bridge to have a look for the dipper again .. we have much better light this morning and got some shots - they are still on the card but the ISO was a lot lower and the images seemed to come out a lot better... sun light helped too.
We headed around the reservoir road then and ended up back in Gigrin for the 3pm feeding .. the light seemed better so we said we would chance it again :). Light was better but the birds were not as enthusiastic as the day before. The white morphy red kite was there again though..stayed around for a lot longer this time.. images to follow :D
We are looking for some landscape shots now tomorrow and then home on the ferry.. will definitely be back again as we are already planning the next trip .
Thanks again for all the input and help
Kevin & Co.
A big thank you to you for all the hard work and effort you put in to place the feeders and supply the meal worms travelling over a 100 miles to do it!
It was great to meet up with Eric, Lawrence and Mark Green and Kevin & Co from Ireland. Shame about the weather but we did get some shots of the Pied Fly Catchers.
As a Gigrin "Virgin" it was a real experience to see so many Kites in one spot. I'll just have to go back on a Blue Sky day
Once again my sincere thanks to you for setting this day up
Shaun