|
Post by daiben on Mar 29, 2024 12:52:53 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Mar 28, 2024 13:55:11 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Feb 1, 2024 14:34:08 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Dec 4, 2023 18:54:12 GMT
Took a walk with my binoculars down to the bird hide, overlooking the Oxbow Lakes in Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo, this afternoon. Large numbers of Mallard and Widgeon present plus some Teal and a few Shovelers. Was watching a Little Egret on the far bank when suddenly, a Heron took off amongst the reeds and landed on the near bank below me. After settling, it slowly waded into the water and remained motionless amongst the reeds. After a few minutes it suddenly lowered its head and froze. What followed was absolutely incredible and the speed at which it suddenly pulled a Pike of at least 3 Lbs. weight out of the water was amazing. It brought it onto the bank and after a brief struggle, turned the pike so that it could be devoured head first. It craned its neck and suddenly the whole fish disappeared down its expanding throat in seconds. Wish I'd been near enough to video it.
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Oct 19, 2023 7:41:12 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67077510I'm listening to a report of this on Radio Wales this morning and I can hardly contain my anger at what I'm hearing from representatives of Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales. Shameful and outrageous. The response from the Head of Operations at NRW, the regulators who issue Discharge Permits, was pathetic. Never heard so much waffle in all my life. Just one excuse after another from both parties.
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Sept 5, 2023 15:35:53 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Jul 22, 2023 15:13:57 GMT
After much deliberation, I've decided to go from one extreme to the other and ordered a pair of Simms G4 Pros with Vibram Idrogrip moulded rubber outsole with non-corrosive threaded receptacles for cleats/studs.( a useful option as I prefer to fish without studs, but they are an essential requirement on some rivers). At £299 I'm hoping they'll give me at least a few seasons' service !!
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Jul 18, 2023 15:12:31 GMT
At the beginning of last season, I was looking to replace my well used Simms Freestone boots with something lighter in weight. To avoid paying G3/4 prices, I decided on a pair of Vision Koski boots with felt sole to which I fitted a set of studs. Yesterday, after a day on the river and returning to my car, I crossed a field and suddenly the felt sole of the left boot became half detached so I completely removed it with a view to gluing it back on later at home. However, once I got back to my car, on taking off both boots I found that I'd already lost the felt sole of the right boot whilst fishing!! I wasn't impressed but, there again, they only cost me £130. Still, was hoping for a bit more durability, even at that price. So unless anyone can recommend anything better at a similar price I shall be returning to Simms for my next pair. I see they've introduced a new 'Flyweight Boot' to their range at a price of £249 (vibram) and £229 (felt). Should I opt for Vibram Soles with Studs or Felt Soles with Studs? Never used studded vibram soles before so might give them a try.
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Jun 28, 2023 6:29:43 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on May 23, 2023 14:28:00 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on May 18, 2023 15:37:06 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on May 5, 2023 13:18:08 GMT
'Do Salmon Face Extinction in Welsh Rivers?'. The debate is tabled by Huw Irranca Davies MS ('The Salmon Species Champion' apparently ) The Debate is tabled for next Wednesday. 10th May Motion - NDM8256 - Welsh Parliament (senedd.wales) The Minister for Climate Change will be answering on behalf of the Government. You will be able to see the debate on line at Senedd.tv - Schedule
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Mar 9, 2023 15:32:06 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Feb 1, 2023 15:30:07 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Aug 15, 2022 10:43:34 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Aug 5, 2022 16:19:23 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Jul 15, 2022 15:41:25 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on May 6, 2022 14:44:20 GMT
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Apr 28, 2022 6:34:51 GMT
Members of CFF, Whitland Angling, Pembrokeshire Angling and West Wales Rivers Trust today began two days of training of river sampling and invertebrate identification as part of the Salmon and Trout Conservation “Smart Rivers” project which uses invertebrate population data to inform water quality issues. Benchmark sites have been set up on the Taf and Western Cleddau, and we will be collecting data on the Taf. The last time we were on this section of the Taf it was clogged with algae and stinking .Today a three minute kick across the river produced a healthy bucketful of mayfly, stonefly nymphs, plus cased and uncased caddies, gammarus, molluscs and one each damsel and dragonfly nymphs. The Taf and it’s tribs get hammered constantly by pollution from the ususal suspects so it is great to see a water quality project starting here.
|
|
|
Post by daiben on Apr 17, 2022 19:41:25 GMT
Once a common sound inland during the Spring and Summers of my youth,it's now very rare to hear that evocative, distinct call that, 60 years later, never fails to stir something deep inside me, for whatever reason. If the decline in numbers continues at the current rate, it's predicted that the species will be extinct in 10 years from now. Fortunately,an investigation is underway to determine the reasons for the decline with a view to reverse the trend and increase populations. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0016g6d (fast forward 3.5 minutes)
|
|