Parliamentary Affairs

My sister and I headed up to Nercwys forest last night to look – or should that be to hear – for Nightjars. Several other midge-hardy souls had had the same idea too - perhaps it was the Springwatch effect!

First bird of the evening was a fleeting glimpse of a Woodcock rising into the murk from the forest floor.

We tried an area of clear-fell first but by 10:15 we had failed to hear, let alone see, any Nightjars, just a lone Tawny Owl hooting in the distance.

A change of tactic was needed and we returned to an area of low trees near the south car park. This area has always been productive for me in the past, although it does appear to be coming too overgrown for our Nighthawks.

They certainly would not be short for food. The night air was thick with insects, particularly moths, and a few local bats were taking full advantage.

It was now nearing 10:45 and there was still no joy with the Nightjars. My sister then heard an ‘Oh-Ohing’ from some close by conifers – a Long-eared Owl! A few minutes later and yet another species of Owl joined the night chorus – a loud screeching sound from a farmyard revealing the presence of a Little Owl.

At 11:00 we decided to call it a night and return next week for another go. On the way back home more local wildlife was active in the shape of a fox cub dashing across the road. All in all, a relatively successful evening!

Until later.