Bird Watching (UK)

OTHER WILDLIFE

- DAVID SAUNDERS

THE SOUTH BANK at Glasbury lies within Breconshir­e, the north bank within Radnorshir­e, the village being the only river crossing point for 10 miles. Having squeezed from the confines of a river gorge, the Wye now takes on a more gentle aspect as it meanders through the water meadows with the occasional pools, none more important than at Pwllpatti, where a roadside hide provides admirable views. Little Ringed Plovers(below) first nested near Glasbury in 1977, since when up to eight pairs have chosen this part of the Wye though, sadly, there have been no more than three pairs in recent years. Landing canoes causing disturbanc­e are blamed for low numbers and associated poor breeding success. Not so many years Have patience, sit quietly, you may well enjoy a sighting of an Otter ago, the Mute Swan flock on this section of the Wye was the largest in Wales, in some years almost 200 birds. Neither Bewick’s or Whooper Swans had been recorded here before the hard winter of 1962 and, although there have been sightings since, both remain as rare visitors.

 ??  ?? Kingfisher
Kingfisher

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