02/07/2022 Bwlch Nant Yr Arain, Aberystwyth

Red Kite: On Monday Marc Hughes found a black kite at the the red kite feeding station at Bwlch Nant Yr Arain. It came in after the main red kite feeding frenzy and spend the rest of the afternoon around the area. 

This week I have taken some work in Shrewsbury, and was situated around an hour and a half away from the black kite, so I thought id try my luck and waited until 3pm when the feeding starts. 

When I arrived out was pouring down and the area was shrouded in low cloud, I didn't think we would see any kites let alone the black kite if it turned up.

Bwlch Name Yr Arain is a forestry Commission visitor centre situated high above the Melindwr (Watermill) Valley with panoramic views of Cardigan Bay and The Cambrian Mountains.

 

It was designed to give the small numbers of red kites a helping hand and to encourage them to gather together, a natural pattern of behaviour for kites.  These days 100’s of kites gather for up to 2 hours prior to feeding.

Siskin: Eventually the rain cleared and the clouds lifted, almost like a miracle as it seemed to happed daed on 3pm, feeding time. 

Well over 200 red kites came swooping down to feed, but no black kite. We waited and watched the skies hoping the bird would make an appearance, but no, not today.

Despite the dip, it was a great lotted day out. This place is, in my opinion miles better then Gigrin Farm. The main reason being is that you can get closer to the kites and you aren't restricted to sitting in a. hide so you can get al all-round view and wider shots of the birds. 

Also this place is FREE!

Lesser Redpoll: IHats off to Marc, some folk are simply get lucky and others hard work pays off. Mac is a quality birder and did well to find the black kite.

'll defiantly be back to this red kite feeding station, maybe next time I'll bring Autumn with me.