Spring arrives..breeding begins

A colour ringed Caspian Gull X2AP, seen by Brennig Hughes on the 4th April has been accepted by the WRBC (Welsh Birds Rarities Committee) It is a new species for the Teifi and  the 5th record for Pembs. Other Gulls wearing colour rings were seen, but as often too distant to be sure of reading the ring correctly.

Caspian Gull - Brennig Hughes

It was originally ringed in Berlin 12th June 2022. It was seen on the Nevern Estuary on the 18th March (G. Mee), then Teifi Estuary 4-5 April 2023 (B. Hughes et al)

Iceland gulls have been seen on several days this month. This one was photographed by Brennig from Curlew hide on the 7th.

Iceland Gull from Curlew hide - Brennig

A pair of Garganey were seen on Kingfisher pond, Teifi Marshes on the 8th April by Malcolm Price. The following morning there was no sign of them early but Tommy and Jen Evans watched them fly in at 08.30. They were seen regularly for the next 2 days.

Garganey - Jen Evans

Little Grebes are usually very secretive nesters but nest building has been visible on one of the Teifi Marshes ponds. We would like to thank Stuart Hall for this video of nest building and changeover of the male and female. This is quite an unusual event to observe.

A Great Egret has been seen at various locations around the Teifi Marshes. First seen by Jane Beck on the 9th, Tommy Evans on the10th past Kingfisher hide and by the car park pond that evening.

Great Egret - Tommy Evans

While volunteering the next day it was in front of Otter hide and later seen from the river viewpoint.

Great Egret - Tommy Evans

Braving storm Noa for a visit to Mallard hide on the 12th was worthwhile with many Sand Martins and Swallows over the pond.

Swallows in the rain - Tommy Evans

A Sedge Warbler was singing on the Teifi Marshes near Mallard hide on the 11th. Several Blackcaps can now be heard frequently.

Migration seems a little slow, Mute Swans and Canada Geese are the most obvious nesters, Robins, Blackbirds and other residents are feeding first Broods. Hopefully in the next post we shall be writing about large arrivals of singing summer migrants ..

(Rich D and Wendy J)