Talybont is a large reservoir situated in a steep valley. Is is surrounded by pine plantations farmland and deciduous woodland.

A great day's birdwatching with Martin Peers, the Brecknock County Recorder, and other members of the Brecknock Wildlife Trust. We watched a mixed flock of about 80 small birds in the conifers as we walked along the road which runs alongside the reservoir. There were many Siskins and Goldfinches as well as a few Chaffinches, Redpolls and Goldcrests in the flock. We also saw many Mistle Thrushes, Coal Tits, Long-tailed Tits, a Marsh Tit and a Treecreeper. The water level in the reservoir was very low as was the number of wildfowl which included Goldeneye, Teal, Wigeon and eight Goosanders (4 male and 4 female).

Goosander (female)

On the way home I stopped at Pentwyn Reservoir and was delighted to see a flock of 50 Crossbills in the conifers behind the car park. I also saw a large flock of Siskins there. I was able to watch the Crossbills through my telescope as they fed on the seeds from pine cones, extracting the seeds with that odd shaped bill which has evolved specifically for that purpose.

I walked to the small clump of conifers near the dam and saw another flock of 30 Crossbills and 5 Fieldfares nearby. The Crossbills made a loud 'chip, chip'call which was quite distinctive. I'm sure I'd recognise it if I heard it again. On the reservoir itself I saw a few Goldeneye, Teal, Pochard and Mallard.