News of a Great Spotted Cuckoo at Cwm Cadlan (near Penderyn) in Glamorgan, found by local birder Martin Bevan, broke late on Wednesday 15th April 2015. After positive news the following morning I arrived on site mid-afternoon.
After the uphill walk along the path to the area below a derelict building I found three birders on site, but no sign of the bird. We gradually wandered around to the area behind the derelict building. One of the guys had seen the Great Spotted Cuckoo, but it had moved. Suddenly, a very brief view of grey pointed wings dashing through the bushes towards where the other three birders were ahead of me. They were already on to it & we then had prolonged views of it perched for about 20mins. It then flew past us back down the hill giving great flight views. We were now in the ideal position for viewing with the sun behind us & the wind in our faces. The bird then spent most of the time on the ground hunting for morsels to eat. It disappeared in the hummocks for a short while before flitting up to one of the hedgerow bushes & again giving prolonged views. At this point I departed the site.
A glorious bird in a glorious location. I forgot to take any scenic snaps, but the views across, up & down the valley in lovely spring sunshine were marvelous.
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