Redpoll Still Present In Our Wood

Your eyes do not deceive you, we still have Redpoll present in the wood and are hoping that they may have bred here, although we have not seen any sign of young yet, but the young of Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Woodpecker and Nuthatch are a plenty at the feeding station.

Gilfach Farm, Elan Valley, Powys.

A few of the locals that wanted to get in on the act while we waited patiently for the Redstart's to re-appear, some so tame they fed out of our hands.

Day 3 in Powys

Just a couple of shots of the Whinchat that we spent most of day three with before calling in to the local pub, that was close to our lodgings for a well earned evening meal.

Elan Valley, Powys

I did tell you how exhausted I got photographing the Red Kite's, but I do get a little worried when Steve says "just take one more step back"!!!

Elan Valley, Powys

We based ourselves in Rhayader, a lovely sleepy village, but as we were too early to book in we went straight to Gilfach Farm for the Redstarts, the place time really has forgotten, the next stop was to see the Red Kite's being fed, so after at last being able to leave our things at our guest house, that's were we headed, only to loose count of how many Redstart's we saw, even managed to see four fledge out of one of the boxes near to our viewing platform and one quiet happily swinging on the washing line, but back to the Red Kite's, being my first experience of these fantastic birds swooping down I have to say I was overwhelmed, not to mention completely exhausted after almost two hours of non stop photography, at least we had a more relaxed second day when we travelled round to take in the scenery, but not before seeing even more Red Kite's while sitting at the window having our breakfast, even had one come down on to the road opposite after scraps. More images can be seen on my web site http://annpallasbentley.zenfolio.com/

Elan Valley Mid-Wales

Just spent three spectacular days nestled in the Elan Valley and as you can see by the scenic shots below could not have had better weather, on the hit list were Redstart's, Red Kite and Whinchat and managed to nail all three, the last one thanks to being joined on our last day there by good friends Pete Walkden and his dad Alan, had a great last day, great weather, great birds and great company!! can't ask for more.

Redstarts at Bosley

After two months of waiting for this pair to settle in our Woods and after supplying 33 Des Res Boxes, low and behold they have decided on an Old Oak Tree, but just glad they chose to stay and supply such great views. Male Female