Saturday, 23 January 2010

BITTERNS, SWANS, DIVERS and BIRDERS




Chris Bird had marvellous views of a Bittern at Cwmrheidol this afternoon. It was at the edge of the river just downstream from the power station. It has apparently been there for 3 days.
Meanwhile, I was at the Teifi Marshes, watching a Bittern from the Kingfisher hide. Although not out in the open,like the one Chris was watching, I had my best and longest views ever of a Bittern feeding. In half an hour it moved very little and its hunting technique was stealthy to say the least.
Not far away, in the Teifi valley between Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn was a party of 3 adult and 3 juv Bewick's Swans. (Sadly they were also on the wrong side of the county line.)
On my way back to Aberystwyth I stopped at Llansantffraed where there were 22 Grey Plovers and on the calm sea, 49 Wigeon, a couple of Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver.
At Aberystwyth, as the photo below shows, was one of the largest gatherings of birdwatchers we have had in Ceredigion. Mostly the usual suspects plus, always good to see, Wendy J and Richard D from border country to the south.