January starts with a wet spell...
At least 2 Firecrests are on the reserve and at least 2 more Firecrests and a Chiffchaff are in Poppit Wood or the valley behind. Good to hear Cetti's singing - they seem to suffer here when have very cold spells more than at other sites in west Wales. On the river from the view point, 5 Goosander (2m) and a male Goldeneye though sometimes a pair. The wintering Common Sandpiper is usually below St. Dogmael's car park on the river and the Quay at St Dogmael's is the best viewing for the larger waders. c1000 Lapwing but few Golden Plover, up to 3 Grey Plover , 2 Greenshank , 85 Redshank, 60 Curlew with 50 Shelduck. The Webley is best for the small waders, a steady 140-160 Dunlin , c 30 Ringed Plover. Lapwing The number of Lapwing and Golden Plover we see each winter are dependant on the arable land around us. Often if birds are happy on unfrozen stubble etc then we rarely see them down on the estuarine mud. Sometimes we can host over 1000 of each.. Nothin