Marsh Harrier to Goldeneye and Firecrests

A Marsh Harrier with a colour ring,VBA, was seen regularly over the Teifi Marshes from the beginning of November for about a week

Marsh Harrier - Tommy Evans

Here are the details of Marsh Harrier VBA sent from the ringer to Diane and Tommy

"Ringed as a nestling on the 11 June 2024. One of a brood of 3 at Frodsham Cheshire.

From this colour ringing project at Frodsham there have also been sightings of colour ringed Marsh Harriers in Cheshire, Lancashire, Humber, Greater Manchester, Somerset and Scotland"

On the 3rd, one of the two Great Crested Grebe was still on river, and two Goldeneye on Mallard pond on the 4th - an unusual piece of water for them to choose..

Goldeneye - Jen Evans

Up to 4 Goldeneye on the 3rd December including a drake usually on the river- their favoured haunt and feeding location. A count of 4 being exceptional in recent years...

Goldeneye - Diane Williams

A male Shoveler on kingfisher lagoon and the Marsh Harrier over reed beds on the 5th November -  Gretchen 

3 Whooper Swans were seen on the river in October but one was also recorded on the 12th November from Curlew hide.

Whooper Swan - Tommy Evans

Redwings are still arriving with 88 ringed so far this winter on the reserve and nearby.

Redwing - Jane Beck

The first Fieldfare back was heard on the 30th October. This photo was taken by Jen Evans on the 14th November from Kingfisher hide. 

Fieldfare - Jen Evans

When we have been able to ring, Firecrests new and a returning bird pleasantly surprise us. Chiffchaffs that are presumably not going  south for the winter are also present around the ponds.

Often the best place to view the small bird flocks is along the main track. Long-tailed Tits make up the numbers and usually a few other species too...

A Great White Egret  flew over about 12pm, over centre towards river - 3rd Dec.

On the afternoon of the 3rd December, 2 Whales off Cemaes Head seen from boats. Thanks to Leo Barber for supplying this video. Len and Aran are seeing and recording them from their fishing boat too. These were presumed Minke which are seen annually here.

Brennig Hughes, then others have come to same conclusion - definitely not Minke, probably Fin Whales but Sei not ruled out.

As we write this, Storm Darragh has hit us with sustained gusts of over 80mph..

Actual wind at Aberporth on the 7th

...we wonder what the winds will bring...