Early morning `Dawn Chorus` walks

 

Happy to confirm that there will be two `Dawn Chorus` walks at WWT Llanelli this year, to be held on Sunday 5th and Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2024. WWT Llanelli is where I volunteer on the Reserve, and it`s good that there will be two mornings to choose from this year.

I`ll be going along for both days, and look forward to hearing all that bird song again that I miss in the winter months. Fingers crossed for some fine weather for both days.

Full details and booking information for these will be advertised on the WWT Llanelli website soon, so keep an eye on their What`s On / Events page.

The charge includes a light breakfast. Please let the staff know of any dietary issues at the time of booking so that it can be catered for.

More details soon.

 

*Please come dressed for the weather, and good footwear essential.

A break in the weather

 

Yesterday was a rare, decent day. With the recent two storms gone, and a dry couple of days forecast, I headed out with the camera in what was some good light as there was a break in the weather (back to light rain next week). 

I managed to capture a Short Eared Owl on and off, along with a Hen Harrier, throughout the morning, so worth the effort.

Over the next few weeks, i`ll be working on an area readying some new perches for Kingfisher before the courting / breeding season starts. I also have a lot of photography catch up to do so, so just hoping for some favourable conditions.

I`m a bit late updating this, but thanks to all those who came on the walk last Saturday at WWT Llanelli. It was good to have so many support it (26 this time), and although it turned into typical walk weather, it was good to have time together again. We did however see some Spotted Redshank in a brief 10 minute visit to the British Steel hide.

The next walk will be on Saturday 17th February * .

This last week the weather has been pretty awful, so looking forward to one or two breaks in the conditions to do some photography again. The bag hide will be back out again soon.

Unfortunately I was unable to do my "storm photography" for both storms Isha and Jocelyn (I normally head to Porthcawl), but hoping to track down some specific winter birds over the next few days before they move again before spring.

I mentioned briefly before that I might be selling some equipment soon. I haven`t got around to listing or photographing things yet, but I would intend to sell `locally` in order to prevent the risk of anything happening while being shipped, and of course keep those additional costs off any selling price. Keep watching if interested.

Thanks

* Keep an eye on the WWT Llanelli website and this blog to confirm closer to the date.

Back at WWT Llanelli

 

 

It was good to get some mind-clearing space at WWT Llanelli today, a day which started bright and cold (frost and ice), but changed to being dull and overcast by the afternoon. 

A glimpse at last of the rare Pallid Harrier in the morning (no photo i`m afraid), but then later some lovely light when one of the Spotted Redshank came in.

I`ll be back on the monthly Walk with the Warden next Saturday, and it looks like it`s going to change from a snow forecast to a rain forecast. Still, it will be good to meet with some hardy visitors who want to get out and about! 

 

11.30am on Saturday 20th January 2024, weatherproof clothing a good footwear / boots recommended.

Making plans

 

2023 was a bit of a difficult year, and a lot less photography took place than what I had hoped to have done. So it is time to make some plans, scratch away at some projects, and generally put together some positive goals for 2024.

Very soon I will be selling some speedlites, umbrellas, stands, AA recharge units, etc (locally, to avoid postage costs) - if interested, keep an eye on here in the new future.

Somebody asked me about the next Walk on New Year`s Day - it is fixed for Saturday 20th January, and I hope to be there as usual.

 

I use `Remember the milk` for my To Do / Tasks list, already `full` from the stuff I didn`t strt in 2023. New sections have been created for my `definately to do` things (whether I will or not is yet to be seen). 

Within those rolling goals is my yet to be started return to watercolour painting, and - if I could find a venue - a return to life drawing too. 

Also a possible new venture into drones, more video work, landscape photography, new web design ......... it goes on.

Watch this space.

The same old weather

 

It was good to meet a number of people on the WWT`s new year `tick and twitch` event yesterday. I think everyoneo made the most of the dry and calmer weather in the morning.

Being Wales, it didn`t take long for the more familiar drizzle to sweep in on a strengthening wind, later turning to heavy rain. However, it was a nice start to the new year, with a chance to catch up with a few visitors who have been on walks etc before, and some people visiting for the first time.

The next few days look very wet and windy, so a chance to plan some projects (and some resolutions) for the coming year.

 

Happy New Year! 2024 has begun

Here we are, a new year, and it looks just the same outside! 

Still it`s a fresh start, and let`s hope its a good one for you all, wherever you are.

HNY. See you soon.