News archive

July 2005

Sunday, 24 July 2005

Trip to Flat Holm, 18 June

For the second year running we failed to reach Flat Holm, a small island in the Bristol Channel. Last year it was gales, this year the skipper was ill, and we failed to sail from Barry Island. But the weather was fine and an emergency plan soon put in place. An examination of the flora around Barry gave us some good plants including Ivy Broomrape and White Mignonette. An hour at Cosmeston Lakes was followed by lunch at Nagshead reserve in the Forest of Dean. Here we had Spotted Flycatcher and Wood Warbler, along with good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies. To round the day off we saw the Peregrines at Symonds Yat, both parents and three young bringing in a kill. Are we trying for Flat Holm next year - it would appear so !

Saturday, 23 July 2005

Adult and child birdwatching

Bee-eaters breeding near Hereford

It was announced on 23 July that a pair of Bee-eaters are feeding young at Hampton Bishop, just south-east of Hereford. The RSPB have set up a viewing scheme. To find it follow the signs from the Bunch of Carrots pub on the B4224. Parking is £2. I was there on the 23rd and had some great views. For an identification challenge try to work out what they are eating - I definitely had Banded Demoiselle.

Monday, 18 July 2005

Sea cliffs near Upper Killeyan, Mull of Oa, Islay

Trip to Flat Holm

For the second year running we failed to reach Flat Holm, a small island in the Bristol Channel. Last year it was gales, this year the skipper was ill, and we failed to sail from Barry Island. But the weather was fine and an emergency plan soon put in place. An examination of the flora around Barry gave us some good plants including Ivy Broomrape and White Mignonette. An hour at Cosmeston Lakes was followed by lunch at Nagshead reserve in the Forest of Dean. Here we had Spotted Flycatcher and Wood Warbler, along with good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies. To round the day off we saw the Peregrines at Symonds Yat, both parents and three young bringing in a kill. Are we trying for Flat Holm next year - it would appear so !