November, a season of change...
Following the excitement of the Ospreys, it has been a quiet couple of weeks since the final one left. Osprey didn't quite make it into the November list.
Two Firecrests were seen at Cippyn along the path beyond Cardigan Bay caravan park on the 2nd November and one in a garden in Llechryd on the 12th. Three present on the Teifi Marshes on the 4th, and a Reed Warbler, which should have been on its way south to Africa. A Swift seen by David Collins on the 1st should likewise be further south.
Down at the estuary...
 |
| Webley saltmarsh |
Waders, ducks and gulls were counted for the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) last weekend but counts of some species are done most days and entered into Birdtrack
The Ringed Plover count of 53 seemed exceptionally high so the WeBS data for November counts was looked at. As the graph shows, it is the highest number recorded.
 |
| November Ringed Plover counts |
Dunlin counts this week have also been very high with a maximum of 180 but 140 on the WeBS count day
 |
| November Dunlin counts |
Lapwing are starting to increase with around 30 most days. Shelduck are returning after moulting, now up to 10
Some of the windier days have been good for seawatching. On the 3rd November, Brennig recorded 2 flocks of Brent Geese, 1st winter Little Gull, and 2 Great Northern Divers past Mwnt.
A Black Redstart was seen on a roof in Cardigan town centre on the 14th by Josh.
 |
| Black Redstart - Josh Pedley |
An example of how varied the Teifi area is for wildlife of all sorts. This Tree Lungwort was seen in Coedmor NNR on the north bank of the Teifi. This large species of lichen is an indicator of ancient woodland. Coedmor is one of the last remnants of a huge forest which existed into medieval times.
 |
| Tree Lungwort |
Only the woodland on the steep sides of Cilgerran Gorge remain. The commonest tree is Sessile Oak but there are a good number of Beech trees which are beautiful at this time of year.
Some are engraved with prisoner of war initials.
Over 200 species of Lichen have been recorded here also many varieties of fungi. Some like this one with teeth not gills are still un-named, suggestions welcome.
 |
| Coedmor National Nature Reserve |
(Wendy J and Rich D)