Osprey sightings have been minimal so far this spring. One was seen over the Teifi Marshes then the estuary at the beginning of April and also on the 18th. Another on May 3rd from the river view point and the May 18th from Curlew hide, well captured fishing by Diane.
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| Osprey - Diane Williams |
Resident birds have been getting on with breeding. Chicks of Mallard, Moorhen and Canada Goose have been seen. The Mute Swans on Mallard Pond should have cygnets anyday.
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Moorhen chick - Diane Williams
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Up to 10
Whimbrel daily around the estuary at the beginning of the May after the peak of 70 on the 25th April. A flock of 12 vocal
Ringed Plover with 25
Dunlin, the first spring passage small wader flock on the 3rd May - Yet again a poor wader passage, both in terms of variety and larger numbers of the more common waders.
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| Sanderling at Gwbert - Diane Williams |
Warblers continue to arrive. The peak passage of
Sedge Warblers was over by the beginning of the month with
Reed Warblers becoming the more numerous reed bed species seen and heard.
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| Reed Warblers - Jen Evans |
A Lesser Whitethroat singing between Kingfisher and Creek hides on the 25th and 26th. A Swift over the Marshes on the 6th.
So far this Spring there have been a noticeable increase in butterflies compared to last year. The rocks at Patch have been a good location to look for a variety of butterflies and plants.
A Wall Brown was seen below the new caravans around the middle of the month
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| Wall Brown - Dyfed James |
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| Varied vegetation colonising the new rocks |
Beyond the caravans, some big clumps of Thrift are thriving and a good example of Sea Milkwort, Lysimachia maritima.
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Thrift on Patch
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| Sea Milkwort |
Several
Common Blues were around the wild roses
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| Common Blue- Dyfed James |
Like Butterflies there seem to be a greater abundance of Dragonflies. On the Teifi Marshes photographers have enjoyed good views of Four-spotted Chasers, Beautiful Demoiselles and Broad-bodied Chasers.
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Four-spotted Chaser - Diane Williams
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| Broad-bodied Chaser - Mike |
As we approach June, the weather is still unsettled but we will see the results of the breeding season for a variety of species..
(Wendy J and Rich D)
