Six of us made the walk along the old railway line down the Ystwyth Valley this morning. Despite the dull, cloudy conditions and the chill north-east breeze we had an enjoyable time and picked up a surprising variety of species.
Soon after leaving Black Covert we encountered the first of several parties of Redwing, then a distant Sparrowhawk which I almost persuaded myself was a Gos.
A small flooded area in a churned-up field held five Teal, with another four flying in later. Large numbers of gulls around were mostly Herring, with Black-headed, Lesser Black-back and a single Common. It was good to see five Stock Doves in a nearby field.
Two Chiffchaffs were both silent, but seen well. The final stretch brought a pair of Bullfinch, Goldcrest and a couple of Goosander.
Bird list; in order of appearance.
Moorhen, House Sparrow, Rook, Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Red Kite, Buzzard, Herring Gull, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Collared Dove, Robin, Treecreeper, Raven, Pheasant, Redwing, Wren, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Sparrowhawk, Song Thrush, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Long-tailed Tit, Teal, Common Gull, Mallard, Stock Dove, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon. Nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Jay, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, Goosander.
As usual on a Saturday I had started on the prom at Aberystwyth, where I was surprised to see that one of the two Red-throated Divers off Castle Point was in full summer plumage.
P.S.
Late news I know, but the Glossy Ibis was still present early this morning according to Andy James.