Sunshine, a lovely hotel, beautiful springtime scenery, fabulous birding and a nice group of friends made for a wonderful weekend break in mid Wales. Our hotel grounds provided good views of a pair of Bullfinches, Spotted Flycatcher, a family of downy Tawny Owls and a magical dawn chorus. 

Exploring the scenic valleys of the Wye and Elan, we managed to see most of our target species despite the foot & mouth restrictions. Notable sightings included Grey Wagtail, nice male Stonechat, Whinchat and Redstarts, numerous Pied Flycatchers, parachuting Tree Pipits, Wood Warblers, Sparrowhawk and Common Sandpiper. Stars of the show were the many Red Kites swooping down for food at close range on Gigrin Farm. Buzzards and five species of massed corvids from Jackdaws to Ravens completed the spectacle.