Lower Valley

Continuing sunshine (16c) meant insects were out in greater numbers and also a few more species  were emerging. Hoverfly numbers continue to increase with Eristalis pertinax (4) and Platycheirus albimanus (1) present at Cwm Darren Woods and Eristalis pertinax (11), Eupeodes corollae (2) and Platycheirus albimanus (12) at Lletty Brongu woods.

 The Large Bee-fly was present in good numbers at both sites and Tree Bumblebee at Cwm Darren woods was the first for the year. 4 species of butterfly were seen with Brimstone (6) looking like it might be having a good year. In fact I've seen more of them in the last 2 days than in the whole of last year. Comma (2), Peacock (3) and Small Tortoiseshell (2) were at their usual places. Also seen at Cwm Darren woods was a Common Lizard sunning on the stone-walls near the river and farm area.

Chiffchaffs were singing at Cwm Darren woods (2) and Lletty Brongu woods (2). 2 male Pheasant were flushed around Lletty Brongu woods. The rookery at Llangynwyd still has 5 nests while the one at Garth has increased to 4 nests.

Building work continues at the sewage works compound and they have dug up and removed the reed-beds meaning no-more Reed Warbler breeding records and now no chance of Cetti's Warbler for the valley. They have also cut down the trees that have been a favourite haunt for Yellow-browed Warbler during the autumn in recent years and probably there will be fewer hirundines at least when the building work goes on.

 Common Lizard

 Large Bee-fly

 Comma

Eristalis pertinax