A beautiful walk, quiet on the sea, 5 adult Med gulls near Aberarth amongst the hundreds of Black headed.
Single White Wagtail on beach at Llanrhystud and 2 Golden Plover came off ploughed field.Lots of new arrival Chiffchaff and Linnet along the way.
A pair of Garganey was sat on the sea just off the southern end of the arable fields at Llanon this morning. After a few minutes they took off and headed south. In between Llanon and Aberarth there were 5 Choughs, 5 Wheatears, 11 Willow Warblers, 8 Chiffs and 4 Blackcaps. I also counted around 32 Herring Gull nests on the cliffs below. At Llanrhystud there were 6 Wheatears, 4-5 White Wags, 27 Med Gulls and 6 Willow Warblers + 4 Blackcaps in the lime kilns.
Got my first pied flycatchers this morning!
My first two Bottle-nosed Dolphins of the year went north off Aberystwyth this morning.
Later, there was a Comma butterfly between Morrisons and the Rheidol.
On the 29th a Stock Dove was singing from the top of Cwm Wyre,south side. Only the second record for here, it sang from a few pointsround a field edge before heading off towards Cwm Mabws. I think therewas a second bird with it so hopefully a local pair. 30th, WillowWarbler singing above Llanon. In the Cwm there's a nice group of 8Siskins on the feeder and songflighting over the garden, also up to 4Long tailed Tits unusually regular at the feeders. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs getting settled in. Pair of Mallards on the Wyre.
Keith BurdettA chance at last to visit the usual winter roost of a small number of Purple Sandpipers at Gwbert.
Two were on the rocks below the golf course beyond The Cliff Hotel. They are often quite difficult to spot being so well camouflaged but using a Thermal Image camera today it was possible to see that the count of two was correct.
There were at least 6 Wheatear and a Red-throated Diver flew across the bay.
Yesterday at Mwnt, highlights were 1 Wheatear and a Red-throated Diver close in.
Free at last! Well , sort of, so we enjoyed our first day in Aber for months . Sadly, after lugging all the gear down Tanybwlch to the far end , I failed to find my first Wheatear! Trust John to nail one by the sheds this morn.A perfect day for it , but there we are-still I got this fem Goosander on the river oddly gobbling a large frog! Didn't think they liked saltwater (frogs that is), but praps as the tide had receded it was sort of fresh.
Today got of to a good start first thing with the first Chiffchaff singing in the garden this year, six days later than in 2020.
A mid morning walk along the river Aeron downstream from Talsarn produced 29 species with the best birds being at least two Dippers, two Kingfishers chasing each other, a singing Willow Warbler, two singing Blackcaps (only one seen), and two Stock Doves, all new for me this year. A pair of Stonechats, the male with a beak full of horse hair, several singing Chiffchaff and a flyover Sparrowhawk.
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| Glaucous Gull |
A pair of Kestrels were at a probable breeding site. A tight bunch of 6 Wheatears (5M 1F) were perhaps passing through not stopping. The rookery in the village churchyard seems to have grown since I last looked a few years ago, to maybe 17 active nests.
Nice to see Helen, released from the confines of Swansea, back at Castle Point this morning. An even rarer sighting was Will Davies, my first for many years.
Anyway, to the birds. Three Swallows flew north offshore, as did a Red-throated Diver. Six distant Gannets and a very close imm Shag made up the rest.
Next, a walk along the Rhydyfelin end of the Pendinas cycle path, where at least 12 Chiffchaffs were singing and then I picked up my first three Linnets, On the walk back, a male and female Blackcap flew into the nearest bush, giving great views, shortly after I'd heard a distant singing bird.
Yesterday afternoon (29th) a pair of House Martins flew past my house up on the headland
Viv Evans
Willow Warbler singing from the tree line by Morrisons, Aberystwyth this morning. My first this year
Andy James
Felt rather hard done by this morning after a total of zero Wheatears or White Wagtails at either site. Llanrhystud produced half a dozen Sand Martins, a Grey Plover and 30 odd Med Gulls and Ynyslas produced another half a dozen Sand Martins, a Swallow and a ringtail Hen Harrier hunting over Ynys Tachwedd. Hopefully the vismig at the point tomorrow is more productive.
Been for a stroll yesterday afternoon on the railway walk on Tregaron bog and had 4 Widgeon, 4 Teal, 2 Coot, 2 Moorhens, 2 Tufted Ducks and 1 Waterail on Maesllyn Lake. Also had 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Willow Tit and 1 Treecreeper around the lake. Had one Chiffchaff on the walk back to the car.
Will Davies
An adult and a 1st-winter Little Gull flew south past Llanrhystud just before 9am this morning. In amongst a large flock of Black-headed Gulls & Common Gulls (c.500 & c.120) sat on the sea off the lime kilns were 22 Med Gulls and a 1st-winter Kittiwake. Two Sand Martins and 5 Gannets went south also. A quick walk around the scrub at Pen Dinas revealed at least eleven singing Chiffchaffs.
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| 1st-winter Little Gull |
An early visit to Mwnt was rewarded with our first Wheatear and Swallow of the year. Also a flock of Linnets, two Gannets out at sea, and Meadow Pipits in beautiful song flight, plus a surprise flyover of two Shelducks.
Earlier this morning; 7 Mediterranean Gulls, about 50 Common Gulls plus a single Sand Martin.
The last few days for the New Quay area.
Russ Edwards has reported a white kite on his farm just to the southeast of the village.
Two (or a pair) of peregrines have been interacting around the Bird’s Rock area. The larger female is probably a young bird from last year judging by the plumage. The other bird was in adult plumage and almost certainly a male. Chiffchaffs are calling in different locations.
On the ledges kittiwakes are at their nest sites but the auks are still coming and going. Up on the top there are more stonechats about. I have yet to spot any wheatears. I see one of the leucistic blackbirds on most days and in fact one was in my back garden just before typing this.
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Viv Evans
Sighting (including pic) posted on the Ceredigion Birds and Wildlife FB page of a male ring ouzel seen by Judy Cheverton up in the hills above Pontrhydfendigaid yesterday.
Arfon Williams
The Dyfi NNR wardens have managed to get a rather nice photo of a Bittern from a camera trap in a reedbed on Borth Bog. Photo in the link:
https://twitter.com/DyfiWardensNRW/status/1375104329405857798?s=20
The 30+ flock which has been in the bay for the second half of the winter is diminishing as the birds fly north. Some birders are recording their night time flights across northern England on their way to Scandinavia.
Chiffchaffs singing in woodland near Cardigan and seen flitting along a roadside hedge though a scrubbed up valley south of Llangrannog only had 1 singing this morning however there were 20 Chough to entertain with their aerial antics. Strangely this coastal scrub was holding a calling Tawny Owl!
A distant feeding flock of gulls was joined at times by up to five Gannets this morning. Two auks, a Red-throated Diver and a Common Scoter went north and a Peregrine was perched on Consti. Two Purple Sandpipers remained on the wall, though it was well past high tide.
Volunteer wanted.
Tim Raynor has passed on a request from Becky Hulme who is the warden at RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas and is looking for a volunteer to take part in a couple of bird surveys at the above reserve.
Anyone interested please contact Becky.Hulme@RSPB.org.uk tel. 07548 155812 for further information.
Blackcap singing from an Ivy covered Hawthorn in Cwm Wyre,Llanrhystud today. Chiffchaffs still a trickle. Also 2 Peacock butterflies spiralling together and a Small Tortoiseshell.
Keith BurdettI started at Pont Einon where a selection of wildfowl included six Mute Swans, four Wigeon, three Goosanders (2f, 1m) and a pair of Teal, as well as a few Mallards and Canada Geese. Pick of the rest were a Grey Wagtail and a Little Egret.
On Maesllyn there were still 25 Wigeon, plus at least 12 Teal, a pair of Greylag Geese, two Moorhens and a Coot. My only summer visitor was a singing Chiffchaff at Coed y Bont on the way home.
Lovely walk around Llanerchaeron this morning. 34 bird species recorded. Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, several singing Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Grey Heron, Raven, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Song & Mistle Thrush, Great, Blue & Coal Tit, Pied & Grey Wagtail, Red Kite, Buzzard, Siskin, Linnet, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Pheasant, Dipper, Mallard, Moorhen, Herring Gull and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Andy James
On a walk round Cross Inn and Nebo today, there were 2 Shovelers, c40 Mallard, 4 Teal and a number of Canada and Greylag Geese at Ty Gwyn pools and a pair of Grey Wagtails on the Afon Cledan.
Silke, I counted about 33 nests at the rookery last spring. I was in town this morning. Not sure how many this year but I noticed that there were a few at the opposite end of town too. There is also another rookery about 10 minutes walk from town, along the mountain road, on the right, with perhaps 20 nests. Also near here today, a pair of Dippers and 100 Redwings. On Sunday I heard a Willow Tit singing about 1km north of the bridge at Pontrhydygroes 750727, whilst I was watching a Dipper. I switched on the playback device that I have and it crossed from the opposite bank in order to verbally abuse me. I had a very close view; no sign of any pale areas on the wings at all, in contrast to those present at Denmark Farm recently which had extensive and very distinctive pale panels.
Chris B's visit to Llyn Eiddwen yesterday produced 11 Goosanders, four Greylags, two Canada Geese and two Grey Herons.
There were two Swallows heading north over the dunes at Ynyslas at 10:30 this morning. My earliest date for Swallows here in Ceredigion before today was nine years ago on 26th March in 2012.
Bob Relph
The rookery opposite Tregaron school which Ian mentioned the other day is still there and very active, with around 14 nests in trees in the garden of my house, and as many or more in the trees along the river towards the town centre. The number of trees available for nests has, however been reduced over the last years as two properties have had the trees at the back of their gardens felled, and more felling might be on the cards if and when the old school building will be sold and developed. They are a very noisy bunch but so interesting to watch, with a surprising variety of sounds. One year we found a fledgling on the ground and read that the parents would only give it attention if it was up a bush or tree. It was transferred to the highest reachable branch and over the course of the day we watched in amazement as it climbed and fluttered its way to the top.
On the way out of Talybont this morning en route Bontgoch, I saw my first red-legged partridges in this neck of the woods on the outskirts of the village. The aliens have landed!
Earlier this afternoon a party of three Grey Herons flew north over Lledrod. I see the odd one flying up and down the valley here, but never more than one before.
There was an impressive kettle of 39 Ravens over the western side of Tregaron Bog this afternoon.
Message just received from Lulu that the Whooper Swans are still present on Llyn Rhosrhydd. Also dabchicks heard but hidden in the reeds.
No fewer than 26 Curlews at the southern end of Tregaron Bog late this afternoon. An attempt to find a Long-eared Owl territory locally this evening was thwarted by unforecast wind, rain and fog
Friday evening 19th
An evening walk to Maesllyn lake and Tregaron Bog produced 150+ wigeon, pair of Tufted Ducks, 8 Teal, pair of Moorhens and it was nice to see a pair of Coots back on Maesllyn lake after being missing for quite a few years, also here were 2 Treecreepers, 1 nuthatch.
Six Whooper Swans have been present on Llyn Rhosrhydd for several weeks and were still there yesterday.. There were also five pairs of Goosander as well as three pairs of Canada geese and a pair of Greylag. However, the anglers are back as of today (and anglers hate Goosander) so I suspect the lake might be empty if I go back tomorrow..
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| Whooper Swans on Llyn Rhosrhydd taken on 17/3 |
Lulu Z
I'd almost given up looking for a Wheatear this morning when I eventually found a male on the slopes of Allt Wen. Not much else around, though there were 10 Teal in the ditch and a pair of Goosanders on the river.
Chris B visited Nanteos Pool today and found that it is now re-filled after repair. On the water were three pairs of Little Grebe, six Teal and a female Goosander. A Heron was on a nest.
Chris then continued to Llyn Eiddwen, where Goosanders have increased to 16, (12 redheads, 4 males) and the 1st w male Goldeneye remains.
At Llyn Mynydd Gorddu today were -
4 tufties, pair teal, 29 wigeon, little grebes at both ends of the lake, coot and moorhens.
Good to see Rooks getting a bit of coverage on the blog. I have to empty the post box at Synod Inn where there is a rookery. What a wonderfully noisy, busy place! Very similar to our office but with with a bit less swearing and grumbling. (Or maybe more?) I haven't been looking for rookeries as I drive around but I am aware of others in Lower Sarnau, Aberbanc and Croeslan, and this evening perhaps in New Quay too, close to the pub which Dylan Thomas favoured (allegedly). There has been a very big rookery in the centre of Tregaron, near the school, for many years.
For Edward; there is a heronry at Coxhead, usually with about 20 nests I think. A Great White Egret was in the vicinity on occasions during the winter, during flood episodes at least.
Two great egrets seen from Glandyfi on 14th March and a chiffchaff was at Lodge Park on 17th.
Dick Squires
My first Chiffchaff of the year was singing near the car park by the pond in Llanilar this morning, ,and in a tree alongside the old raiway nearby was a Redwing.
Last evening the Scoter flock numbered 60. There were 3 Chough on the cliff top and a flyover flock of 18. Unfortunately the light was too poor to be sure of leg ring colours so will take the scope next time!
We saw a Wheatear today at Tan-y-bwlch at about 1 o'clock. It was on the fence and in the fields near the ditch with the Teal..
A brief visit to the eastern bank of the Leri near the railway bridge yesterday afternoon produced umpteen Canada geese, several skylark, redshank, red kite, grey heron and outstanding views of a great white egret. Never realised they were quite that big!
Three separate close range sightings of Goshawk have been my highlights recently though one was just over the border at a massive Starling roost the others were over suitable woodland just east of Cardigan and could have involved just the one bird.
In the bay the Scoter flock has crept up to 38 accompanied by 4 Great Crested Grebes and Rock Pipits are collecting nest material on the cliffs.
I am noting all the local rookeries as I find them and note from Birds of Ceredigion that in the past they were not to be found near the coast in this part of the world: today Aberporth has a 20+ colony not 100m from the beach carpark! I am interested to see how many are in Ash trees and how they will get on with the disease making them even more brittle than usual.
The largest group in one tree that I have ever seen was just outside Llangeitho in a massive oak: over 30 nests as I recall but yesterday as I passed there were none but a handful up the road in another tree.
Arthur Chater collected rookery records for the northern half of Ceredigion for many years and it would be a splendid project for someone to revisit and check out the numbers and locations now. Yes, that Arthur who has chronicled so many areas of interest in Ceredigion!
Yesterday at Llyn Pendam were 7 teal and three tufteds, plus a few canada geese and mallard. At Llyn Rhosgoch were a pair of goldeneye.
Chris reports 12 Goosanders and the 1st w Goldeneye on Llyn Eiddwen this afternoon. He also found a flock of 22 Magpies near Maesllyn farm pond; a large gathering by local standards.
I went for a local walk this afternoon at Falcondale Lake. Picked up three new species for the year in the form of three Moorhens and five Teal, amazing that I’m even reporting these!! The third and best bird was a singing Chiffchaff on the road by the parking area, first for me for 2021.
Great to see my first Sand Martin of the year near Llyn Berwyn this afternoon as well as two Hen Harriers and 14 Fieldfares that were moving NE. A quick look from Pont Einon revealed 14 Curlews, 12 Lapwings and 2 Redshank. On the drive to the Lampeter co-op this evening there were 10+ Grey Heron’s drifting over the road, coming into land in some coniferous woodland in Coxhead, near Llangybi. Presumably a heronry nearby?
On the beach this morning were 12 Curlews, 11 Redshank and 23 Oystercatchers. A passage of at least 200 Black-headed Gulls was accompanied by three Mediterranean Gulls.
On Monday on a walk up the Ffarmers road in Llandewi Brefi to the top, I passed a small reedy hill lake on which there appeared to be a Canada Goose and 6 decoy Mallards. However, as the Canada didn't move and I could only see its head as it was too far away, I took it to be a decoy as well.When I came back down from the top layer, it had gone! Not sure whether I can count this as my first Ceredigion Canada or not!
There was also a Little Grebe on Pant Pool and lots of displaying Buzzards and Ravens so a nice day all in all.
Evening walk on the railway to Maesllyn lake produced 2 bullfinches, 75+ widgeon, 4 teal, 2 tufted ducks, 2 little grebes and a willow tit.
A quick look from Pont Einon this morning produced two Whooper Swans, a ringtail Hen Harrier, ten Curlews, a Redshank, four Little Egrets and a few Snipe chipping away close to the bridge. The Whoopers, waders and the small numbers of Wigeon and Teal all seemed to be very vocal, often sounding like what I imagine a 'sounds of the marsh' CD would sound like (minus the Cranes).
My first visit of the year to Ynyslas this morning, to try to give my year list a boost. It was difficult to see anything at first, through the mist and drizzle, but I managed to pick out the following before the incoming tide flushed everything off. Ca370 Golden Plover, 110 Wigeon, 14 Knot, seven Shelduck, five Ringed Plover, three Turnstones, three Curlews and three Redshank.. Simon's five pale-bellied Brents were near the tern posts and the five Red-breasted Mergansers nearby.
Later a walk along Tanybwlch Bay produced two Choughs.
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| Knot |
A Chiffchaff sang briefly at Cwm Wyre, Llanrhystud yesterday afternoon and one is having a much better go in the mist this morning (16th). GS Woodpecker drumming yesterday. Goshawk seen twice overhead here in the last two days. Pair of Grey Wagtails and a pair of Dippers regularly on the River Wye.
Keith BurdettI started yesterday (Sunday) morning by walking out to the pill box (although I was told that access will soon be restricted): the flock of Pink-footed Geese on the field by the railway was down to 42, but was joined by a White-front which soon headed up the estuary. There were also 5 Greylags in the ditch, joined by another pink-foot. On the other side of the bank, 5 pale-bellied Brents on the estuary added to the goose fest.
Also of note was a Great Egret, a very vocal Cetti's warbler, and 5 Red-breasted Mergs. I counted 45 pintail, but very few waders about - presumably they were further upstream - a grey plover and greenshank the highlights.
From the Cors Fochno boardwalk a Kestrel, and then a Green Sandpiper at the Clettwr as the rain came in.
A male Goosander flew downriver at Llanilar this morning, followed by a Grey Wagtail, and a Stock Dove was near the footbridge.
Yesterday I was surprised to see a Peregrine on Contitution Hill. Not uncommon to find one on the ridge in calm weather, but it was blowing a gale at the time. Six Purple Sandipers in the roost on Thursday and Friday.
To my surprise I put up a green sandpiper this morning from a muddy trickle about 1/2 mile east of Salem.
Jerry Moore
A curlew flew high above Talybont this morning at first light. Only a brief glimpse but clearly calling as it headed south east into the hills.
Just had a message to say there are 2 Willow Tits on the office window feeders at this moment. Thanks to Viv for identifying the New Quay bird for me. I was busting to run down the steps to get a closer look but Royal Mail don't take kindly to employees nipping away from the van for a 5 minute birding excursion. On my way to the supermarket this morning I saw a Merlin, the third time I've seen one in the Dulas valley since New Year, so perhaps the same bird.
Chris's visits to his local lakes produced two male Goldeneyes on Llyn Fanod yesterday and 10 Goosanders (3m, 7f) on Eiddwen today.
Also today John and Sheila Gettings had six singing Skylarks near their home in Llangwyryfon.
I popped down to Dolau beach a couple of times today to look for the potential Slavonian. On the second visit this first year razorbill was busy diving close in and I suppose could be the culprit. I’ll keep my eyes open however.
Interestingly I saw a Slavonian grebe in the harbour at close range in the early 70’s and it was accepted for the county records.
Viv Evans
Anyone who visits Tanybwlch at this time of year stands a good chance of bumping into John Davis, as he searches for the first Wheatear. Sure enough, as I walked along the bay there he was at the far end. We joined forces (socially distanced of course) and found nothing on the way back until three Goosanders (2m,1f) appeared from the bay and flew north towards the town.
Whilst I was in New Quay this afternoon I saw an interesting looking bird. I was emptying the PO and loading the van, so no bins and in a rush. Light was good, sea calm and the bird was very close to the little beach below me. Just 10m out. It was very small and spent 95% of the time under water, presumably in very shallow water. It looked like a small Grebe to me. The only plumage I could pick up was when it faced away and dived and then the very white vent and belly contrasted with dark uppers. Might be worth looking for tomorrow if someone is in the village.
Llyn Mynydd Gorddu was full of interest today. An accurate count of the wigeon gave 36; there were various mallard, at least one pair of teal, a noisy pair of little grebes, a coot, moorhens, 12 canada geese and five tufties (3m, 2f).
My wife and I went up to check the boilers at the eco lodges this morning and whilst there I was delighted to see a Willow Tit taking peanuts from the feeders. As far as I am aware this is is the first sighting here since May 2018 when a pair were present. I had given up hope of ever seeing them on the reserve again. Willow Tits are present on the edge of Long Wood and at Llangybi, so perhaps had recolonised from there. Let us hope that a pair is present and breed successfully.
Three Gannets off Aberystwyth this morning were my first of the year. A party of 10 Common Scoter went north, two Red-throated Divers were on the sea and on the rocks were three Ringed Plovers, a Purple Sandpiper and a Dunlin.
The highlight for me was a Harbour Porpoise making its way south just off Castle Point
Intriguing to see Mike Bailey's report of a green woodpecker earlier this week. I'm pretty sure I heard a 'yaffle' just north of Allt y Crib (Talybont) a couple of days ago. It was in an area where I'd heard one a few years back. With one heard at Ynyshir as well, is there an influx or just one bird on tour?
Went for a long walk along the railway on Cors Caron today and had 150+ Wigeon, 4 Tufted Ducks, 6 Teal, 14 Canada Geese along with 4 Greylags and 1 Water Rail by Maesllyn lake. Also had 4 Treecreepers, 3 nuthatch, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Bullfinches, by the lake.
A walk last night on the railway at Cors Caron produced circa 100+ Wigeon, 1 Water Rail, 30+ Canada and 4 Greylag geese on Maesllyn lake. Also 1 Goldcrest and 1 stonechat..
Will Davies
Today there was a pair of great crested grebes at Llywernog lake (next to Nant yr Arian), floating around with 10 tufted ducks (6m). I fed the 200+ kites and 15 mallard joined in with the raucous carrion crows. The goosanders now seemed to have moved on, with 7 canada geese moving in. A cormorant was also there
A pleasant walk around the lanes South of Sarnau, was not expecting to much today, so was pleasantly surprised to find 100+ Golden Plover in a field to the East of North Fawr, the next field down (towards the main road) could just about make out 4 (I think) Snipe in the long grass. Also nice to hear and see the Skylark.
Paul Taylor
Chris B has just found a flock of 14 Pintail (6m, 8f) on Llyn Eiddwen. A record count for any inland water in Ceredigion.
Resting on the sea this morning were a Red-throated Diver, a Great Crested Grebe and around ten distant auks. A Common Scoter flew north.
There was a chiffchaff singing near Talybont school this afternoon (Tuesday 2nd March). Apparently it was around yesterday as well. Also at least five greenfinch singing in different parts of the village.
A Red head Smew upriver from the main road bridge in Cardigan this evening at 1725. Caught my eye as an extra to the regular pair of Goldeneye. Still diving and preening at 1810.
A walk around Cors Caron yesterday morning, I had 1 Chifchaff, a pair of stonechats, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 reed buntings, 1 kingfisher.
Fascinating to chance upon a couple of dippers being very aggressive to each other on a narrow wooded stretch of the Afon Ceulan in Talybont yesterday. They were at it for a few minutes. Plenty of rapid aerial chasing up and down the stream, some diving into the water and face to face 'combat' on a bankside shingle bank. Loud calling throughout. It all ended with the birds flying off in different directions. A territorial dispute? Or a female seeing off an aggressive suitor?