First time looking for hoverflies this year. The Sallow has yet to bloom in most places I visit. So I had to go round the Hazel catkins in search of hoverflies. I haven't had much luck with this in the past, but today I caught it just right in the 15c sunshine after a colder than average winter. I recorded nine species (March record) up Gilfach (west) [SS8487] with singles of Melangyna lasiophthalma and Parasyrphus punctulatus joined by Platycheirus albimanus (22), Platycheirus scutatus agg (1), Episyrphus balteatus (3), Meliscaeva auricollis (6), Syrphus torvus (9), Eristalis pertinax (15) and Eristalis tenax (1).
Other insects seen were singles of Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Early Mining-bee and Orange Dung Fly.
Bird news include a pair of Willow Tits coming to feeders at Blaencaerau farm, A Barn Owl at Caerau Church and on the Rook front 5 nests built at Llangynwyd and one maybe two at Caerau.
