As there was a very high spring tide today (5.5m) I decided to head for the Saltings hide at Ynyshir in the hope that it would push some waders up the estuary.
Setting off in a misty drizzle, I decided to have a look at the sea at Aberystwyth first, and was pleased to find that the weather had cleared by the time I hit the coast, with even some glimpses of the sun. Offshore were at least 25 Gannets, a Kittiwake, three Common Gulls, a Fulmar and two commic terns (must brush up on tern i.d.). The high tide roost of nine Purple Sandpipers were on the wall in front of the Old College for a change.
And so to Ynyshir and the Saltings hide, one of my favourite places on a high tide. You never know what might drop in here, and I was quite happy with 10 Grey Plover, 12 Knot, 8 Curlew, 18 Redshank and 242 Oystercatchers. As the tide was dropping two Black-tailed Godwits flew in, one in lovely breeding plumage.
As I was looking up the estuary, one of the local Ospreys left his or her perch near the nest for a fishing trip.
Back to the visitor centre, from where Caroline very kindly took me to see my first Pied Flycatcher of the year, and then a quick look at the pool revealed the Gadwall was still present.
Must go, the boat race has just started.