20 March 2008

Something stirring in the sedges

So far this year there have been two reports of Sedge Warbler on the GOS sightings page from the Newport Wetland Reserve (one on 17th at Goldcliff and one on 20th at Uskmouth). These, if not involving [enter smallish streaky/brown/poorly seen passerine here], would constitute the two earliest records for Gwent in the history of the world, EVER. As a result of this, and my continued living of the saddest of existences, I thought I would check to see when Sedgies have appeared over the last ten years for which reports have been published, in the lovely county of Gwentcestershire.

And, in chronological order, the dates are: 2006 - 15th April; 2005 - 16th April; 2004 - 11th April; 2003 - 31st March; 2002 - 13th April; 2001 - 23rd April; 2000 - 20th April; 1999 - 3rd April; 1998 - 13th April; and 1997 - 10th April.

I'm not saying there aren't any Sedge Warblers down at the NWR yet, I'm just suggesting some reports on the GOS sightings page are probably best viewed through the sights of a police marksman's rifle.

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