Mike's Natural Musings: Llanfendigaid, Day 6

Friday 30 May 2014

Llanfendigaid, Day 6

Up and out at 5.00 this morning and off to Dolgoch falls in the hope of photographing pied flycatchers. Although it was dull and gloomy when I set out I could already sea the sky exploding with colour as the rising sun painted the lowering clouds red and orange. Kicking myself for only taking telephoto lenses, I stopped and took a shot of Bird Rock with the dramatic fiery sky behind. Once at Dolgoch I had it all to myself, the only sounds being the rushing of the water in the river and the thunder of the falls and bird song all around. The aim was to photograph a pair of pied flycatchers that were nesting right beside the footpath to the first falls. Yesterday I had watched from a distance as the birds continued feeding the chicks with people standing right next to the tree. The birds were already busily attending to the day's business when I arrived but there was not enough light for photography so I wandered a little further up the path and found a grey wagtail feeding in the river and yet another pair of pied flycatchers nesting in a box. As the light improved I moved back down to my first spot and spent a very pleasant hour or so with these beautiful birds. Lighting was challenging as the birds were in shadow but the background was brightly lit.
Eventuall it was time to return for a quick breakfast before heading out with Heather, John and Heln to drive back up past Dolgoch and beyond Tallyllyn lake to the start of the Mynfordd path up Cadair Idris. I have climbed Cadair on several occasions and it is a favourite of mine so I was looking forward to the day. Conditions were good, although hazy, so distant views were not clear but views of our mountain and Llyn Cau were dramatic. We were lucky enough to spot a red kite drifting above us on thermals as it scoured the mountain side for food. On the descent we witnessed a helicopter rescue. Apparently a dog had either fallen or gone down into one of the steep gullies near the summit and it's owner had followed, also becoming stranded. We completed the walk in time for a welcome cup of tea and then stopped for a 'shandy' on the way home.

An excellent day.

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