Friday 14th October (One Gondola, Two Swallows and Eight Bearded Tits)


Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into a misty sky where a cool autumnal breeze blew. After breakfast Mr. Kite cycled towards Newport Wetlands as the sun emerged from the mist warming up the cool autumn air.

Three miles after leaving Tredegar Mr. Kite was suspended on The Gondola under the Transporter Bridge. The tide was ebbing in The River Usk and the water was brown and muddy. Continuing along Route 4 Mr. Kite enjoyed the autumnal colours; leaves of green, orange, gold, red and brown and red, yellow and green fruit. A fabulous display of colour.

On reaching the Wetlands Mr. Kite went to the hide and scanned the duck on the pool before watching the reeds for cetti's warblers or bearded titis. The cetti's were heards but the bearded tits were neither seen or heard.

Mr. Kite then cycled to Seawall to see the sea. Gulls and a little egret sat on the beach but the sea was far out and not too good for spotting the waders. So Mr. Kite went to see lapwings and common redshank on the lagoons at Goldcliff. The bird life here was quiet but the sunshine, peace and hides were spot on.

On returning to The Wetlands Mr. Kite watched two swallows flying randomly towards Africa. Then Mr. Kite sat on a bench looking over the reeds with the sun behind him. Very little was seen but after about forty minutes eight, yes eight, bearded tits took to the air. Light brown and white blobbed shaped this group flew up into the air; flew to the left, flew to the right, flew to the left, flew to the right, gained height then dropped down just behind the hide. Success.

Mr. Kite then cycled back to The Joint to enjoy a Becks after a good day in the reed beds. Cheers from Mr. Kite.