Elan Valley and Gigrin Farm.

Pam_M · #1 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 09:35 PM

I had a delightful day at the Elan Valley and Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre on Friday (24th)! We had hoped to see a few Red Kites on the journey just 2 were seen as we neared the Elan Valley. Such beautiful scenery at the Elan Valley and so peaceful, I had wished we had had more time to explore the area. Pied and Grey Wagtail, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Raven, Buzzard, Crow and a delightful singing Willow Warbler at Elan Valley. On to Gigrin Farm and a short walk around the farm trail, Chaffinch and Blue Tit and a Mallard family were the only birds seen on the short walk. The bird feeders at the farm gave good sightings of House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Nuthatch. We made our way to the hides in readiness for the feeding at 3.00pm. As I was about to sit down I noticed a small bird fly in to a tree on the perimeter of the feeding area, on closer inspection with bins a friend confirmed it to be a Common Redstart! A first for me, I was delighted! The Corvids were gathering now and my daughter counted 65 Red Kites circling the surrounding area, this was at 2.30pm! The sight of so many birds at the actual feeding was awesome! Ravens, Crows, Jackdaws, Buzzards and of course the Red Kites. I do admit to feeling slightly uncomfortable at this staged show, for want of better words, but the fantastic work that they have done at Gigrin in helping to gradually increase the Red Kite population far outweighs my reservations. Such a majestic bird and awesome to see so close!
Pam Moseley kindly gave me information of a reserve close to Gigrin but time did not allow for a visit! I hope some time this year to fit this reserve and an RSPB reserve in to my 'must visit' agenda! Thanks once again Pam for the info!
The weather was not favourable for photography but I have added a few which I hope you will enjoy viewing.