Last couple of days

Today is supposedly the last warm day and temperatures are due to plummet, maybe even some snow on the mountains. The last few days I have been around most of the key sites in the valley, but not much new about. Hoverflies numbers are still low and I only recorded 10 species for March, it may not seem a lot but looking back over my records it appears to be a record for March. Lots of butterflies about in the sunshine especially Brimstone and Peacock. The 2 spring tachinid flies Tachina ursina and Gonia picea are present at most sights. Honey Bee numbers are off the scale for the time of year and good numbers of Buff-tailed Bumblebee are present everywhere. I've also recorded Ashy Mining Bee and Gwynne's Mining Bee. On the bird front Chiffchaffs are in in good numbers at all sites but no other summer species have arrived so far. One good bird record happened today when I saw a huge female Goshawk flying from Railway Terrace carrying a Chicken. Most spring blooms are now out including the first Cuckooflower today at Blaencaerau.

***   Late news  -   02 April 2019 Barn Swallow over Tudor Woods, Caerau.   ***

 Ashy Mining Bee

 Gwynne's Mining Bee

 Episyrphus balteatus

Cuckooflower