Pembrokeshire bird conference 24th November2012

Although at short notice we had a venue change it was thanks to Valero refinery that we had another great conference hosted by them. Their generous support once again allowed all ticket sales to be donated to our ‘mother ship’ the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Thanks to speakers, helpers, those who joined us and to Valero and their Staff who made the event possible

A trip to Northumberland

Northumberland in November might not be the most popular time for some people – but it sure did give us some fantastic sightings of wildlife and scenery. Thanks to our guide Alan of Hawk’s head photography and Andrew, skipper of Serenity Two (sailing from Seahouses – Farne Island Boat Tours) we had a fantastic day both around the Farne islands and on the outer Island of Longstone. Seals, Purple sandpipers, Turnstone, more waders, LTDuck, Eider, GNDiver etc etc and, on the way home the most magnificent sun set behind Bamburgh castle together with a pod of 50+ Bottle nosed dolphin. I would also mention the approach to wildlife was careful and very considerate whilst still giving us superb views. As well as brilliant sea trips we had a great time in local woodlands with Peckers, Nuthatches etc and Red squirrel, and on Lindisfarne with Brent geese and waders Also we now know Eiders eat egg sandwiches, Tomato pasta, Thi flavoured noodles, chips, and, what they do with a pork pie has to be seen !! Many thanks to Alan and Adrian for their efforts. Was it worth 401 miles each way? Will we go back? – you betcha it was and we will

A lovely surprise this morning

After seeing thousands of starlings, huge flocks of woodpigeons as happens at this time of year around St Davids it was lovely to find these Bewicks swans on Penberry pool - especially as I nearly went ‘for a fix’ of Wildfowl at Marloes

Near St Davids

A female Scaup on Penberry pond this morning was nice to see on a little tour of localities closer to home

An October visit to Islay

Thanks to R and R travel for organising a trip to the lovely Island of Islay off the West coast of Scotland. The wildlife was varied, Common and Grey Seals, Red Roe and fallow deer, Eagles to wrens and of course approximately 40K Geese. Also it should be mentioned great tea rooms and seven Distilleries ies izs ‘hick’

22Sept2012 CBMWLC and FoCB

Another joint Research trip with Friends of Cardigan Bay and the Cardigan Marine Wildlife Centre found lots of Bottle nosed Dolphins along the coast South of Newquay. Lots of good sightings for those on board as well as invaluable data collected. We also had chance to see the amazing Geology around Cemais head as well interesting skies and a sunset on the way back.

WWT Llanelli

A very short passing visit to WWT Llanelli today was rewarded with a lovely lunch, approx 100BTGodwits, double figures of Greenshank and a Comma