Full day's birding

The day started at New Quay Head where there was a second winter Iceland Gull amongst the large mixed feeding flock of gulls beneath the fish factory. Then over to Aberaeron and a scan from the sea front revealed about 20 Red-throated Divers on a flat calm sea. Similar numbers were also present off Llanon and Llanrystud. Bacon Sandwich and then off the Trawscoed to try and track down a Glossy Ibis that was reliably reported a couple of days ago, but no luck. Up to Tregaron Bog where 2 Whooper Swans were with the Mutes at the southern end and a cracking male Hen Harrier spent about 20 mins quartering the area. Another 7 Whoopers, including 3 immatures were on Maesllyn Pool and a second harrier, a ringtail, flew high over the railway line as I headed up towards the railway line hide. About the only bird seen from the hide was a Little Egret, so no complaints there. A hunting Short-eared Owl opposite Allt Ddu farm on the way back to the car was a perfect end to a great day.