Sunrise through the tall spruce in Llanerchi Plantation, Elan Valley
Having been (unsuccessfuly) recording on the bleak, high moorland above the Elan Valley since 4am, I wander back through Llanerchi plantation, the path following the edge of a clear-felled area. By now it's nearly 7am and, in the shelter of the woodland, the hazy sun is breaking through the mist and bringing the temperature above freezing. Hearing the familiar song of a Chiffchaff close by, I set up my microphones and walk a short distance away to listen.
In this recording, the Chiffchaff sings almost continuously throughout. Against the backdrop of a distant stream reverberating through the tall mature spruce, we hear the repeated single note call of a Crossbill, followed by the Chiffchaff, and the high pitched complex song of a Wren. As the Chiffchaff moves from tree to tree, woodpeckers drum in the background. A Wood Pigeon coos and a Tawny Owl calls briefly from afar. The pigeon flies over, clapping its wings, which I think forms part of a courting display. Further away a Chaffinch sings, and maybe that's Coal Tit I hear, too.
After a while, a Wren strikes up again and, at around 8 minutes, the sharp "tchick" of a Great Spotted Woodpecker can be heard as it flies by. At 10 minutes, a Wren sounds its repeated high-pitched alarm call; perhaps it has seen me perched on a fallen tree nearby! I think that's a Nuthatch calling, "huit huit" at 12 minutes, and a little later an "escaped" sheep can be heard too. Then the woodpecker comes quite near, drumming and calling until we draw to a close, leaving the forest ambiance for the day.
Recorded: 2023-04-08 @ 0645
Location: 52.2590, -3.6076
Download full length recording:
14min, 25MB, .ogg format
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