A short visit to the Leri at Ynyslas yesterday afternoon revealed just 3 Redshanks, a Heron and a couple of gulls. The paucity of birds made me wonder as to the reasons why?
The recent BTO News( July/August - issue 289) summarises the results of the WEBS estuary counts for 2008-9. The Dyfi was the bottom of the 23, for which data is presented, with a score of 1 bird/ha compared with the top of the range 58.3 for Breydon Water. The overall average was 14.9 /ha. In terms of species diversity it fared a bit better with a value of 22 different species putting it in the middle -11th position.
Why is the density so low? - I think the answer lies in the mud -- or lack of it in the Dyfi ! Any other suggestions?