Ceredigion Bird Report 2019 - Welsh Ornithological Society
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Ceredigion Bird Report
2019
0
CEREDIGION BIRD REPORT 2019
Contents
Editorial and submission of records, Arfon Williams page 2
Systematic list, Russell Jones 5
Earliest and last dates of migrants, Arfon Williams 51
Ceredigion rarity record shots for 2019 52
The Ceredigion bird ringing report, Wendy James 54
The Definitive Ceredigion Bird List, Russell Jones 62
Spectacle off Ynyslas, Edward O’Connor 71
Swifts, Bob Relph 72
Bow Street Swifts, Tony Clark 73
Gazetteer of Ceredigion places 74
County Recorder and Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Organiser:
Russell Jones, Bron-y-gan, Talybont, Ceredigion, SY24 5ER
Email: russell.jones@rspb.org.uk
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Representative:
Naomi Davies
Email: naomi.davies25@gmail.com
Tel: 07857 102286
Front cover: Barn Owl by Tommy Evans
1
Editorial
A total of 217 species were seen in Ceredigion in 2019, a slightly higher than average annual
figure. There were no new county firsts, however Ceredigion’s first King Eider, initially seen in
2017, returned for a third year. Other rare and scare birds included the county’s fourth Bean
Goose, a male Ring-necked Duck (6th record), a female Smew, two calling Quail, Ceredigion’s
7th Cattle Egret and Purple Heron, a Glossy Ibis (4th record), three Spoonbills, a Honey Buzzard,
Spotted Crake, Common Crane (6th record) and Temminck’s Stint (9th record), the county’s
third Alpine Swift (and first since 1993), a Great Grey Shrike, two Yellow-browed Warblers, two
blue-headed Yellow Wagtails, a Richard’s Pipit and a single Lapland Bunting.
Whilst some species are appearing more frequently e.g. Great Egret, including a flock of five at
Llanrhystud, several once widespread breeding birds appear to be undergoing a continued
decline such as Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo and Yellowhammer. It would be
extremely helpful if more observers submitted records of species of conservation concern to
assess their status in the county. More on this ‘ask’ from Russell Jones, our County Recorder in
the following Submission of Records section.
On a more positive note Hobby was found to have bred for the first time in the county with
two breeding pairs located, one rearing two young to fledging in late August and the other
fledging one young in early September.
Ringers operating in county continue to make an important contribution to the BTO’s ringing
scheme. The 2019 total of 7,577 birds ringed is slightly up on last year and far above recent
years. The Ringing Report, provided by Wendy James highlights some of the valuable
information this amazing effort provides, including work done by Tony Cross and the Mid-
Wales Ringing Group and by the Teifi Ringing Group.
Included in this report is the updated Ceredigion Bird List (produced by Russell Jones) and is
correct to the end of 2019. The list now represents the definitive list of all the bird species
recorded in Ceredigion, which now stands at 311 species. It will continue to be updated at
least annually to reflect new species and changes in distribution and occurrence.
The Ceredigion Bird Blog (ceredigionbirds33.blogspot.com) continues to be a valuable and well
supported means of communicating local bird news, and a special thanks to Harry Pepper for
managing this site. To give a flavour of the type of information posted this Report includes
personal accounts (from the Blog) about a large movement of terns at Borth and breeding
Swifts in the north of the county. The Ceredigion Birds and Wildlife Facebook page, run by
Shane Jones, provides another popular means of communicating about the county’s birds and
nature.
Many people contribute to this Report and make it possible and I would like to thank the
following photographers whose images (posted on various public sites) have been repeated
here: Meurig Garbutt, Tony Gordon, Edward O’Connor, Tommy Evans, Shane Jones, John
Davis, Colin Dalton, Michal Dulinski, Tom Kisstruck, Kathy James, Marc Carter, Josh Hill, Wendy
James, Kev Joynes and Brian Snell (plus some of my own).
Arfon Williams, December 2020
2
Submission of records
The following contributed the 2019 records and where included in the systematic list are
generally acknowledged by their initials. Without their efforts there would be no Report:
Tony Allenby, Abigail Amos, David Anning, Mike Bailey (MB), Mark Baptiste, Peter Barnes,
Nigel Barratt, Janet Baxter, Bernie Beck, Paul Bennett, Chris Bird (CB), Nigel Bird, Rhodri
Blakeway, Ian Boyle, Keith Burdett, Ian Burgess, Sue Burrow, Pete Buxton, Debbie Camp, David
Campion, Mark Carter, Steffi Carter, Arthur O Chater, Tony Clark, E Coleman, Ray Collins, Lis
Collison, Edward O’Connor (EOC), Moira Convery, Simon Cox, Debbie Cramp, Martin Creassar,
Tony Cross (AVC), Dave Cuniffe, Mark Cutts, Andrew Dally, Steve Davies, John A Davis (JAD),
Peter E Davis, Naomi Davis, Dave Denney, Phil Dennis, Aline Denton, Richard Dobbins, Tom
Doidge, Jasmine Donahaye, Diana Dorrell, Michal Dulinski, Nick Edge, Silke Einschuetz, Philip
Ellis, Dr Viv Evans, Kendall Evans, Lyn Evans, Tommy Evans. Gerald Fordham, Chris Forster-
Brown, Wayne Foster, Lyn Gander, Meurig Garbett, John Gettings, Chris Goding, Tony Gordon,
John Gorman, Mick Green, Jon Green, Karen Gregory, Neil Groves, Ian Harrison, Dave Haslam,
Mike D Hayward, Helen Herbert, Alan Hill, Josh Hill, Terry Hobson, Nick Hudson, Geraint
Hughes, Marc Hughes, Jenni and Peter Hyatt, Elaine Izett, Andy James, Kathy James, Wendy
James, Andy Jones, Chris Jones, Pat and Gary Jones, Russell Jones, Shane Jones, Judith
Johnston, Nigel Johnston, Kev Joynes, Len Kersley, Andrew King, Brian Kington, Tom Kistruck,
Paul Leafe, Red Liford (RGL), Mervyn Lloyd, Lyndon Lomax, Alan Lyne, Steve McFall, Paul
Mahiques, André Marsh (AJM), Roger Matthews, Kevin McGee, Elliott Monteith, Jeremy
Moore, Ian J Morris (IJM), Lisa Morris, André Morgan (AM), Brian O’Shea, John O’Sullivan,
Carlton Parry, Ewan Parry, David Parsons, Barry Penney, Harry Pepper (ASP), Andy Polkey (AP),
Angey Polkey, Ben Porter, Matthew Potter, David Price, Liz Probert, Alastair Proud, Dave
Purdon, John Ramm, Sue & Terry Reeves, Bob Relph (RR), Gary Reynolds, Ian Scott, Pete Scott,
Liz Snell (ES), Dick Squires (RS), Nigel Starnes, David Taylor, Teifi Ringing Group (TRG), Rhys
Thatcher, Dave Thomas, Ian Thompson, Jon Turner, Basil & Rhiannon Twigg, John Valentine.
Mark Waldron, Graham Walker, Mike Waller, Roger Watkins, Arfon Williams (HAW), Brian
Wiley, Paul Wilkins, Colin Williams, Iolo Williams, Marc Williams, Richard Williams, Annette
Williamson, Peter Wilmott, Andy Wise, John Woodruff, David Wooley, Laurie Wright, Andy
Young, Steve Young. Apologies to anyone whose name has inadvertently been left out.
Wildfowl counts (WeBS/Wetland Bird Survey) were carried out at the Dyfi estuary by RSPB
staff and volunteers, at the Teifi estuary by Wendy James and at Cors Caron by Andy Polkey.
Some observers may be uncertain as to what records to submit to the County Recorder.
Hopefully a look at this Bird Report will give some idea as to what is recorded in the archive,
but here are some basic guidelines:
• Scarce and rare migrants/visitors (see list below).
• Breeding records of scarce and rare birds.
• First arrival dates of summer migrants or winter visitors and departure dates.
• Visible migration, cold weather movements. Counts of winter or passage wildfowl and
waders.
• Counts of seabirds or other colonial nesters e.g. Sand Martin.
• Counts of finch and bunting flocks.
3
If in doubt, please submit sightings to Russell Jones (County Recorder and Wetland Bird Survey
Organiser) who also notes the contributions to the Ceredigion Bird Blog:
Russell Jones, Bron-y-gan, Talybont, Ceredigion. SY24 5ER. Email: russell.jones@rspb.org.uk
Records of national rarities are considered by the British Birds Rarities Committee. (See their
web site (www.bbrc.org.uk) for a list of species.)
There is a second tier of species which are scarce in Wales and records need to be assessed by
the Welsh Rarities Panel. These scarce species are defined as those occurring on average five
times or fewer annually in Wales and as of 1st January 2018 are as follows:
Bean Goose, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Ferruginous Duck,
Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Smew, White-billed Diver, Cory’s Shearwater, Great Shearwater,
Wilson’s Petrel, Night Heron, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Red-necked
Grebe, Black Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle,
Spotted Crake, Corncrake, Crane, Stone-curlew, American Golden Plover, Kentish Plover,
Temminck’s Stint, White-rumped Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper,
Red-necked Phalarope, White-winged Black Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Gull, Alpine Swift,
Bee-eater, Red-footed Falcon, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Penduline
Tit, Bearded Tit* Shore Lark, Short-toed Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Greenish Warbler, Pallas’s
Warbler, Radde’s Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Barred Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Melodious
Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, Nightingale,
Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Citrine Wagtail, Olive-backed Pipit, Common Rosefinch,
Common Redpoll, Arctic Redpoll, Parrot Crossbill, Serin, Cirl Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Little
Bunting, Corn Bunting. Scarce races are considered on the same basis. e.g. Black Brant.
A description might also be requested from our Recorder for other species which are scarce in
Ceredigion, or particularly difficult to identify, or a common species reported out of season.
The BBRC, WRC and our County Recorder may not accept a record if insufficient information
has been provided to substantiate a record. In such cases it is generally not a question of
disbelief, but simply that the description may have been a bit scant.
The more records which are sent into our County Recorder, Russell Jones, the more useful and
comprehensive our annual Reports will become. Many send their records to Russell on a
monthly basis via email (address above). Otherwise the plea is for Russell to receive all records
as soon after the start of the following year as possible.
Bar-tailed Godwit at Llanrhystud on 13th October, Shane Jones.
4
SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2019
A code letter prefixes each species, as follows:
(A) all records are given.
(B) a summary of records are given.
(C) selected records are given, e.g. first arrival date, weather movements, census results etc.
(D) recorded during the year but no significant change in status.
(B) BRANT GOOSE GWYDD DDU
Branta bernicla
Uncommon winter visitor to coasts and estuaries.
At Teifi est. there was one on 6th January. At Ynyslas there was one on 12th January, two from
12th to 22nd February and one on 25th April.
In autumn, there were three at Ynyslas on 7th October, two on the sea between Llanon and
Morfa Bychan on 20th October, one at Ynyslas on 4th November, three at Ynyslas on 29th
November, eight there on 4th December and one there on 16th December.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Ynyslas on 14th February, Meurig Garbutt
5
(B) GREATER CANADA GOOSE GWYDD CANADA
Branta canadensis
Resident breeder throughout the county.
Dyfi estuary, Teifi estuary and Cors Caron WeBS counts were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 1582 702 336 661 931 855 544
Teifi est 180 25 8 300 850 40
C. Caron 91 196 170
(B) BARNACLE GOOSE GWYDD WYRAN
Branta leucopsis
Two feral populations based on the Dyfi (from the Derwent water breeding population) and Teifi estuaries.
The flock on the Dyfi had departed by Boxing Day 2018 with only a few stragglers remaining
into the first winter period of 2019 with five in January, 23 in February and 29 in March.
The first back were 32 on 26th August with 386 in September, 378 in October, 608 in November
and 530 in December.
On the Teifi est. the maximum count was of 110 on 14th February with fluctuating counts on
the estuary intermittently throughout the year.
The only record away from these two sites was of one at Llanrhystud on 1st March.
Forty nests were counted on Cardigan Island on 15th May.
(B) GREYLAG GOOSE GWYDD WYLLT
Anser anser
Recorded in small numbers throughout the year. Birds re-established in parts of Britain from 1930’s
onwards, are well-established in the county, ranging widely at times. Some records may relate to birds
from southwest England and south Wales pausing on their moult migration to and from the Glasgow area.
Recorded in every month of the year from numerous locations.
As usual, the peak counts were from the Cors Caron/Ystrad Caron areas with peak counts of 66
in January, 42 in February and 76 in November.
Notable counts elsewhere were 13 at Llyn Eiddwen on 15th September and 24 over
Aberystwyth on 30th September.
(A) PINK-FOOTED GOOSE GWYDD TROEDBINC
Anser brachyrhynchus
Scarce winter visitor
There was one at the Clettwr on 20th January (SC), two on fields near Gwbert on 27th April
(WJ), twelve over Aberleri on 2nd October (RGL) and four at Ynyslas on 28th October (ASP).
(A) BEAN GOOSE SP GWYDD Y LLAFUR
Anser fabilis
Rare winter visitor
There was one with the Greenland white-fronted goose flock on the Dyfi on 4th and 8th
November (RJ, TK).
6
(B) GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE GWYDD DALCEN-WEN
Anser albifrons
Greenland race is a declining winter visitor to the Dyfi. Eurasian race is a rare winter visitor.
Greenland race: In the first-winter period the 13 present on the Dyfi since 2018 were joined by
an extra four on 15th February with all 17 remaining to 5th April. These 17 contained the tagged
birds WHIT01, V0J, V3J, V5J, V8J, V9J and one other neck-ringed bird whose code could not be
read.
In the autumn there were eight at RSPB Ynys-hir on 8th November, twenty at the Clettwr by
29th November with 21 there on 4th December to the end of the year.
There was a juvenile in fields near Gwbert on 6th January and one on 27th April.
(B) MUTE SWAN ALARCH DOF
Cygnus olor
Resident breeder in small numbers. Some immigration.
Presumably bred along the lower Teifi and elsewhere with two pairs were present at RSPB
Ynys-hir during the breeding season.
The highest counts were from the Teifi est with 15 on 15th September and 19 on 12th October,
Cors Caron with 14 on 21st January, 20 on 15th February and 24 on 25th March and there were
11 at Lampeter on 11th February.
(A) WHOOPER SWAN ALARCH Y GOGLEDD
Cygnus cygnus
Winter visitor in small numbers.
Only a few records in the first winter period: seven at Llyn Frongoch and one on a small pool
near there on 6th January, one reported at Trisant on 13th January, seven at Llyn Syfydrin on
20th January and three at Cors Caron on 21st January.
There was a feral bird at Ty Gwyn pools on 18th August.
The first back were at Pond Yr Oerfa with one on 5th October and widely reported at suitable
locations to the end of the year with double figure counts of 12 flying east over Ynyslas on 29th
October, 17 (three juveniles) at Pond Yr Oerfa on the same date and 18 at Cwmystwyth on 11th
November.
(B) COMMON SHELDUCK HWYADEN YR EITHIN
Tadorna tadorna
Breeds at the Dyfi and Teifi estuaries where winter visitors arrive in good numbers. Scarce inland.
In 2019 bred at Dyfi est., Cors Fochno and Teifi est.
Dyfi and Teifi WeBS counts were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 404 187 116 28 214 195
Teifi est 26 29 46 2 3 2
Elsewhere, there were two at Pant pool on 24th February, two at Llanrhystud on 27th February,
two at Aberystwyth on 30th March, three at Llanrhystud on 10th and 30th April and four there
on 31st December.
7
(B) NORTHERN SHOVELER HWYADEN LYDANBIG
Spatula clypeata
Mainly a winter visitor, has bred.
On the Dyfi reported in good numbers at RSPB Ynys-hir with up to 19 in the first winter period
and 27 in the second winter period. Elsewhere on the Dyfi there were three at the pill-box
(Leri) on 24th January, two at Ynyslas on 26th April, seven at the pill-box on 29th October and
three on 29th November. Away from the estuary there was one at Llyn Eiddwen on 14th
January, one at Cors Fochno on 11th February, a male at Pant pool on 19th February, four (2
males and 2 females) at Llanrhystud on 27th February, one at Teifi est on 23rd March, one at
Aberleri on 20th May, one at Llyn Eiddwen on 12th October and one there on 22nd December.
(B) GADWALL HWYADEN LWYD
Moreca strepera
Scarce and irregular winter visitor.
There were up to four at RSPB Ynys-hir from 14th January to 1st April and two on 7th and 12th
May, two at Cors Caron on 9th and 21st January and 27th March, two at Teifi marshes on 23rd
February with one on 5th April, a pair at Nanteos pool on 22nd and 25th March and again on 8th
and 13th April, two at Ynyslas on 6th and 16th April and two at Aberystwyth on 10th April.
In the second winter period the only records were two at Cors Caron on 10th Nov and up to six
at RSPB Ynys-hir (three males and three females) between 25th Nov and the end of the year.
(B) EURASIAN WIGEON CHWIWELL
Moreca penelope
Numerous winter visitor to Dyfi and Teifi estuaries and Maesllyn pool. Small numbers at other inland and
coastal sites.
Peak counts for selected localities were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 2308 703 95 610 1629 2038 1584
Teifi est 192 184 19 50 85 225 264
Cors Caron 232 184 63 100 80
Notable counts elsewhere were 15 at Pencefn pond, Mynydd Gorddu on 20th November, 60 at
Pont Gogoyan on 8th December and 15 at Llanrhystud on 19th December.
(B) MALLARD HWYADEN WYLLT
Anas platyrhnchos
Common resident and winter visitor
WeBS counts were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 124 109 66 387 129 97 177
Teifi est 76 34 22 80 38 87 38
C Caron 321 216 108
8
Counts elsewhere included 1000 at Ty Gwyn pools (which are almost certainly released birds)
24th January with 400 there on 23rd November and 42 at Llyn Eiddwen on 3rd February.
(B) NORTHERN PINTAIL HWYADEN LOSTFAIN
Anas acuta
Winter visitor mainly to the Dyfi, scarce elsewhere.
On the Dyfi the peak counts were 226 on 24th January, 49 on 22nd February, 208 on 29th
October, 112 on 29th November and 272 on 16th December.
There were no records away from the Dyfi.
(B) EURASIAN TEAL CORHWYADEN
Anas crecca
Common winter visitor with small numbers breeding at wetland sites.
Peak counts for selected localities were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 710 500 95 932 317 514 401
Teifi est 126 46 62 30 36 59 80
C Caron 599 562 145 40
Less than forty were widely seen elsewhere in both winter periods.
Bred at RSPB Ynys-hir, Cors Fochno, a pair was on Llyn Llygad Rheidiol on 7th May, 2 males and
a female were on Llyn Y Figyn on 13th May and a female with 6 chicks was at Maesnant,
Plynlimon on 26th July.
(A) COMMON POCHARD HWYADEN BENGOCH
Aythya farina
A rare winter visitor nowadays, now red-listed due to decreasing numbers throughout Europe.
There was a male on Llyn Eiddwen on 3rd January (AMO), a female at Teifi marshes from 14th to
23rd May (WJ) and a male at RSPB Ynys-hir on 25th November (RJ).
(B) TUFTED DUCK HWYADEN GOPOG
Aythya fuligula
Small numbers at many inland pools throughout the year and a winter influx. Regular breeding species in
recent years.
Bred at Llyn Blaenmelindwr, Llyn Pendam, Llyn Nant Yr Arian and at Cors Caron with possible
breeding attempts at Llyn Mynydd Gorddu, Llyn Frongoch and Llyn Syfydrin.
Regularly seen in both winter periods on many pools and lakes in the county with double
figure counts of 15 at Maesllyn pool on 13th January and ten at Llyn Eiddwen on 18th March.
(A) RING-NECKED DUCK HWYADEN DORCHOG
Aythya collaris
Rare winter visitor
An immature male found at Llyn Pendam on 27th November (CB) was seen there on many
dates to 15th December. See record shot on page 53.
9(A) GREATER SCAUP HWYADEN BENDDU
Aythya murila
Scarce winter visitor
There was a male and two females at Borth on 20th January (EO’C), a female on a small pool
near the Leri pill-box on 24th January (RGL), six at Ynyslas on 25th February (EO’C) and a female
flying south at Ynyslas on 31st March (EO’C).
(A) KING EIDER HWYADEN FWYTHBLU FAWR
Somateria spectabilis
Extremely rare visitor.
The female found at Aberaeron in June 2017 was seen at Ynyslas on many dates from 1st
January to 5th May (MO). See record shot on page 52.
(A) COMMON EIDER HWYADEN FWYTHBLU
Somateria mollisima
Scarce visitor off-shore.
There were three (two females and an immature male) at Aberystwyth on 10th January (JAD),
six flew north off Borth on 21st January (ASP), there were twelve (eight females and four sub-
adult males) at Ynyslas on 25th March (RJ) and there were two at Teifi est (a female and first-
winter male) on 27th March (WJ).
(B) COMMON SCOTER MOR-HWYADEN DDU
Melanitta nigra
Present off-shore in all months.
Seen off Borth/Ynyslas in most months with peak monthly counts of 247 in January, 220 in
February, 70 in March, 200 in April, 60 in May and July, 70 in August, 221 in September, 300 in
October, 460 in November and 340 in December. Regularly seen off-shore elsewhere with
notable counts of 58 at Mwnt on 11th August and 120 at New Quay on 25th September.
(B) VELVER SCOTER MOR-HWYADEN Y GOGLEDD
Melanitta fusca
Scarce but regular winter visitor.
There were small numbers off Borth and Ynyslas in the first-winter period with seven off Borth
on 30th January the highest count with one still present on 4th May.
In the second-winter period there was a female at Aberystwyth on 24th October, one flying
north off Llansantffraed on 30th October and up to five were off Borth/Ynyslas from 30th
October to the end of the year.
(A) LONG-TAILED DUCK HWYADEN GYNFFON-HIR
Clangula hyemalis
Scarce winter visitor
There was one at Ynyslas on 29th October (RJ), an adult male there on 5th December (SY) and
one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 21st December and at Glandyfi the next day (RS, JT).
10Male Long-tailed Duck at Ynyslas on 5th December, Tony Gordon.
(B) COMMON GOLDENEYE HWYADEN LYGAD-AUR
Bucephala clangula
Winter visitor in small numbers.
Seen in winter on most large lakes and ponds and in both major estuaries.
Up to five were at Llyn Eiddwen in both winter periods and there were five at Ynyslas on 29th
October.
(B) GOOSANDER HWYADEN DANHEDDOG
Mergus merganser
Resident.
Bred on the Ystwyth with a female and three large chicks seen at Llanilar on 13th June.
Double figure counts were as follows: 13 at Llyn Fanod on 27th January, 14 at Llyn Eiddwen on
14th February, 10 at Glandyfi on 12th May, 18 at RSPB Ynys-hir on 21st June, 22 at Glandyfi on
21st August with 12 there on 2nd August and 42 on 23rd August, 18 at Glandyfi on 28th
September, 12 at Llyn Eiddwen on 3rd November with 18 there on 17th November, 13 at Llyn
Nant Yr Arian on 28th November and 14 at Teifi est on 14th December.
(B) RED-BREASTED MERGANSER HWYADEN FRONGOCH
Mergus serrator
Formerly resident in the Dyfi estuary area. Irregular elsewhere.
Seen in the Dyfi up to 16th April and from 29th September to the end of the year with peak
counts of 11 in February and 12 in October. Elsewhere, the only records were from the Teifi
est with two on 24th February, one on 19th March and two from 23rd to 31st March.
11(A) SMEW LLEIAN WEN
Mergellus albellus
Rare winter visitor
There was a red-head at RSPB Ynys-hir from 8th to 19th December (T Gordon et al). See record
shot on page 53.
(A) WILLOW PTARMIGAN (RED GROUSE) GRUGIAR
Lagopus lagopus
Scarce in the uplands of the North and East.
There were six at Pengarreg Gopa on 29th April (B Porter) and there was one at Pumlumon on
7th and 10th May (IH, A Proud).
(B) RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE PETRUSEN GOESGOCH
Alectoris rufa
An introduced species, scarce and local except where reared for shooting.
Seen regularly in the Tre’r ddol area and RSPB Ynys-hir following the release of over 50 for
shooting. Elsewhere the only records were of one at Cnwch Coch on 11th June and six at
Penrhiwnewydd on 19th August.
(A) COMMON QUAIL SOFLIAR
Coturnix coturnix
Scarce and irregular summer visitor.
There was one calling nr Llyn Llygad Rheidiol on 23rd July (MG) with two calling there on 26th
July (RGL).
(B) COMMON PHEASANT FFESANT
Phasianus colchicus
Resident with numbers hugely inflated following releases for shooting.
Widely recorded throughout the county.
(B) RED-THROATED LOON (DIVER) TROCHYDD GYDDFGOCH
Gavia stellata
Regular winter visitor and passage migrant.
Highest monthly counts from selected localities were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
Borth/Ynyslas 1 3 4 7 25 7 3 3
Llant-A’aeron 1 18 2 1 1
Aberystwyth 22 3 2 2 5 31 1
Very few records elsewhere with small numbers (less than four) at New Quay in January and
September, Teifi est in January and December, Aberporth in February and Mwnt in October.
12(A) BLACK-THROATED LOON (DIVER) TROCHYDD GYDDFDDU
Gavia arctica
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant.
There was one at Ynyslas on 1st January (EO’C), one at Teifi est on 20th January (WJ) and one at
New Quay on 30th January (A Wise).
(A) COMMON LOON (GREAT NORTHERN DIVER) TROCHYDD MAWR
Gavia immer
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.
At Ynyslas there were two on 1st January, one on 6th April and one from 15th to 17th November,
at Aberystwyth there were singles on 23rd February, 23rd June, 8th October and 30th November,
there was one at Llyn Egnant on 14th and 17th November (only the second inland record
following one at Nant Y Moch reservoir in November and December 1990) and one at Gwbert
on 5th December.
(A) EUROPEAN STORM PETREL PEDRYN DRYCIN
Hydrobates pelagicus
Scarce summer/autumn migrant.
There was one at Mwnt on 10th August (EO’C) with three there on 11th August (EO’C).
(A) LEACH’S STORM PETREL PEDRYN DRYCIN FFORCHOG
Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Scarce autumn migrant.
Following strong westerly winds there was one at Mwnt on 1st September (HAW), ten passed
Mwnt (HAW) and two passed Teifi est (WJ) on 4th September and there were two passed
Mwnt on 5th September (HAW).
(B) NORTHERN FULMAR ADERYN DRYCH Y GRAIG
Fulmarus glacialis
Resident, breeds in small numbers.
Seen in small numbers throughout the year with small numbers breeding. There were few
movements noted with 53 passed Mwnt on 11th August the highest count. A ‘blue phased’ bird
flew passed New Quay on 27th April.
(B) MANX SHEARWATER ADERYN DRYCIN MANAW
Puffinus puffinus
Common spring to autumn visitor.
Two passed Aberystwyth on 6th April were the first ones reported. The highest numbers were
seen off Borth/Ynyslas with 9,000 in July and again in August with 20,000 on 3rd August. Other
large flocks seen were 1,000 off Llanrhystud on 16th July and 1,000 off Aberaeron on 10th
August. Three passed Mwnt on 6th October was the last record of the year.
13(A) BALEARIC SHEARWATER ADERYN DRYCIN MOR Y CANOLDIR
Puffinus mauretanicus
Scarce autumn passage migrant
There was one passed Aberystwyth on 9th and 10th August (MC, JAD) with two passed Mwnt on
10th August (EO’C).
(B) LITTLE GREBE GWYACH FACH
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Breeds widely on lakes and ponds. Small groups in the estuaries in winter.
Breeding season records came from RSPB Ynys-hir, Denmark Farm, Llanerchaeron, Llyn Nant yr
Arian, Nanteos pool and Llyn Mynydd Gorddu.
More widely reported in winter with records from Nanteos pool (max. six in May), RSPB Ynys-
hir (max. six in January), Teifi est (max. three in January and December), Cors Caron (max five
in March), Llanerchaeron (max. two in May), Llyn Nant yr Arian (max. four in March), Denmark
Farm (max. two in July), Llanrhystud (max. one in August), Bray’s pool (max. three in
September), Pond Yr Oerfa (max. three in September) and Glandyfi (max. six in January).
(B) GREAT CRESTED GREBE GWYACH FAWR GOPOG
Podiceps cristatus
An irregular breeder. Small numbers wintering off the coast and in estuaries.
There were no records during the breeding season.
Although widely reported from many coastal locations outside the breeding season numbers
were very low with the highest counts just three at RSPB Ynys-hir in February and December
and just three at Borth/Ynyslas in November. The only inland reports were of two at Bray’s
pool in February with presumably the same two at Llyn Nant yr Arian in March.
(A) SLAVONIAN GREBE GWYACH GORNIOG
Podiceps auritus
Scarce winter visitor
Two off Aberystwyth on 30th November was the only record (ASP).
(A) WESTERN CATTLE EGRET CREYR Y GWARTHEG
Bulbulcus ibis
Rare migrant
The bird present in November and December 2018 was seen feeding in cattle fields on the
north side of the Teifi est on many dates from 1st January to 31st March (WJ et al).
(B) GREY HERON CREYR GLAS
Ardea cinerea
Resident.
Reported widely throughout the county, apart from the uplands.
14(A) PURPLE HERON CREYR PORFFOR
Ardea purpurea
Scarce passage migrant
There was one along the course of the old Leri river channel on 2nd May (EO’C) which was then
seen at Aberleri to 6th May.
Adult Purple Heron at Aberleri on 4th May, Edward O’Connor.
(A) GLOSSY IBIS CRYMANBIG DDU
Plegadis falcinellus
Rare passage migrant
There was one at Glandwr on 10th and 11th May (EO’C, ASP). See record shot on page 52.
(A) EURASIAN SPOONBILL LLWYBIG
Platalea leucorodia
Scarce passage migrant.
One flew over the Teifi marshes at dusk on 17th April and landed on Heron pond (WJ). One was
at RSPB Ynys-hir/Glandyfi from 9th to 14th May (RJ et al) and one was at RSPB Ynys-hir on 21st
June (ASP).
15(B) GREAT EGRET CREYR MAWR GWYN
Ardea alba
Scarce, but increasing, vagrant
Another increase in records again this year; so much so that only a summary of records is
possible. Single birds were seen at Lampeter in January and February, Cors Caron in February
and October, Pant pool in April and May, at a fishing lake near Llanddewi Brefi in April,
Aberaeron in May and Aberystwyth in October. On the Dyfi there were singles in March, April,
May and November with up to four in September and there were five at Llanrhystud on 30th
October. For record shot see page 53.
(B) LITTLE EGRET CREYR BACH
Egretta garzetta
Resident though no longer breeds in the county.
Seen daily on the Dyfi with a peak count of 23 in September.
Also seen in good numbers on the Teifi est with a peak count 20 in September. Up to five were
seen at Cors Caron with five feeding in a ploughed field at Tre Taliesin. Away from these sites
seen at Lampeter in February, Aberystwyth in February, August and September, Pant pool in
May and Llanrhystud in September and October.
(B) NORTHERN GANNET HUGAN
Morus bassanus
Off-shore all year, though only a few winter records.
One off Aberystwyth on 4th January and one at New Quay on 13th January were unusual
records with no further records until five off Aberystwyth on 30th March.
High counts included 270 off Ynyslas on 11th July, 200 off Aberystwyth on 20th July, 450 off
Borth on 18th September and 250 off Ynyslas on 20th September. One at Aberystwyth on 30th
November was the last record of the year.
(B) EUROPEAN SHAG MULFRAN WERDD
Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Resident with scattered small colonies along the coast.
No breeding counts were received.
Very few high counts this year no records of more than seven birds.
(B) GREAT CORMORANT MULFRAN
Phalacrocorax carbo
Present all year. Several breeding colonies along coast.
No counts from breeding colonies were received.
The highest count was of 84 at Ynyslas on 23rd September. The roost at the Domen las hide at
RSPB Ynys-hir held up to 43 birds. A notable inland count was of fifteen at Llyn Fanod on 14th
January.
16Cormorant at Teifi Marshes on 1st March, Tommy Evans.
(B) WESTERN OSPREY GWALCH Y PYSGOD
Pandion haliaetus
Regular spring and summer visitor with numerous sightings on the Dyfi.
On the Dyfi recorded between 1st April and 11th September with numerous sightings of the
breeding pair at the Dyfi Osprey Project and other ospreys inspecting the area.
Elsewhere, there was one flying north at Aberystwyth on 1st April, one at Teifi marshes and
estuary on 3rd and 4th April, one Aberaeron on 11th April and one at Tanybwlch on 7th May.
(B) EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK GWALCH GLAS
Accipiter nisus
Breeding resident
Reported widely in suitable habitat throughout the year.
(B) NORTHERN GOSHAWK GWALCH MARTH
Accipiter gentilis
Scarce breeding resident.
There were a few sightings, mainly in the north of the county with breeding suspected at a few
sites though no confirmed breeding records were reported.
17(B) WESTERN MARSH HARRIER BOD Y GWERNI
Circus aeruginosus
Scarce but annual migrant recorded in all months.
There was one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 23rd January, one south at Ynyslas on 8th April, one at Teifi
marshes on 7th May, two at Ynyslas on 9th May, a juvenile at Ynyslas on 23rd and 24th July and
at RSPB Ynys-hir on 27th July, a juvenile at Cors Caron on 3rd August and one at RPB Ynys-hir on
20th August.
(B) HEN HARRIER BOD TINWEN
Circus cyaneus
Regular winter visitor, primarily to Cors Caron and the Dyfi area.
At Cors Caron there were up to two ringtails to 31st March and up to two reported in the
second winter period from 12th October.
In the Dyfi area up to six (a 2nd winter male, a first winter male and four ringtails) were seen up
to 3rd April and up to three (adult male and two ringtails) from 28th September to the end of
the year.
Elsewhere there was a male at Llyn Eiddwen on 5th January, a ringtail there on 3rd February,
one nr Abermagwr on 17th February, one near Bow St on 6th April, a male at Pumlumon on 12th
and 25th May, a female at Cymerau on 13th July, a female at Maesnant on 12th August and one
in Cwm Einion on 17th September.
(B) RED KITE BARCUD
Milvus milvus
Common and widespread resident
Widely reported with up to 250 reported from the regular feeding stations.
Breeding numbers remain good with a steadily increasing population.
(B) COMMON BUZZARD BWNCATH
Buteo buteo
Common and widespread resident.
Seen widely throughout the county.
(A) HONEY BUZZARD BOD Y MEL
Pernis apivorus
Scarce passage migrant
There was one in Cwm Einion on 7th September (RS).
(B) WATER RAIL RHEGEN Y DWR
Rallus aquaticus
Scarce breeding resident with some influxes in cold weather
The only breeding season record was of one at Aberleri on 25th May. Recorded from Cors
Fochno (peak of five in January), Teifi est (peak of five in September), Cors Caron in January,
18Ynyslas in February, RSPB Ynys-hir from October to December, Nanteos pool with two on 6th
November and near the industrial site at Plas Crug, Aberystwyth with one on 15th November.
(A) SPOTTED CRAKE RHEGEN FRAITH
Porzana porzana
Scarce passage migrant
There was one at Teifi marshes on 22nd October (WJ).
(B) COMMON MOORHEN IAR DDWR
Gallinulus chloropus
Widespread breeding resident.
Bred widely at many suitable locations in the county. There were 18 at Nanteos pool in
January and 20 at Teifi est in September.
(B) EURASIAN COOT CWTIAR
Fulica atra
Scarce breeding resident.
Possibly bred at Llyn Mynydd Gorddu with two there in June.
Still very scarce with one at Teifi marshes on 18th March (unusual here), up to five at Bray’s
pool in winter, up to three at Trisant lakes, up to three at Pant pool in winter, and singles
occasionally at RSPB Ynys-hir, Llanerchaeron and Pond yr Oerfa.
(A) COMMON CRANE GARAN
Grus grus
Rare migrant
There was an un-ringed adult at RSPB Ynys-hir from 23rd to 30th April (RJ, TK et al). See record
shot on page 52.
(B) EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER PIODEN Y MOR
Haematopus ostralegus
Breeding resident and numerous winter visitor.
Bred at New Quay, near the Leri and at RSPB Ynys-hir (three pairs), though there were
presumably other scattered pairs breeding along the coast.
Dyfi and Teifi WeBS or peak counts and peak counts from Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed
(Llanrh/Llans) and Aberystwyth/Tanybwlch (Aber/Tan) were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 577 297 129 378 452 739 428
Teifi est 14 47 32 45 77 8 12
Llanrh/Llans 53 39 38 24
Aber/Tan 19 10 38 38 19
The only other count of note was of 25 at Mwnt on 1st September. The leucistic bird seen for a
number of years now was reported from Llansantffraed in January and Llanrhystud in October.
19(A) PIED AVOCET CAMBIG
Recurvirostra avosetta
Scarce passage migrant.
There was one at Glandyfi on 6th March (RS) and one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 18th April (D Haslam).
(B) NORTHERN LAPWING CORNCHWIGLEN
Vanellus vanellus
Scarce and declining breeder. Good wintering numbers at a number of localities.
Breeding season records came from RSPB Ynys-hir where 38 pairs reared 24 young to fledging
and from Cors Caron and Llyn Eiddwen.
Peak counts Dyfi and Teifi estuaries were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi 1628 1000 53 645 1192 774
Teifi est 1000 1500 200
Other notable counts were 400 at Synod Inn in January, 1000 at Ty Gwyn pools in January and
300 at Llangwyryfon in December.
(B) EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER CWTIAD AUR
Pluvialis apricaria
Small numbers may still breed in the uplands of the north-east. Common passage migrant and winter
visitor.
No breeding records were received.
On the Dyfi seen up to 1st May and from 9th September to the end of the year with peak counts
of 1100 at Ynys Tachwedd in February and 450 there in October.
Other large flocks included 500 at Teifi est on 13th February, 500 at Post Bach on 1st March,
320 at Llanrhystud in March and April with 600 there in October and 500 in November.
(B) GREY PLOVER CWTIAD LLWYD
Pluvialis squatarola
Passage migrant and winter visitor, mainly to the Dyfi and Teifi estuaries and Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed.
Low numbers on the Dyfi again this year with a first winter peak of 10 on 22nd February and 10
in November. The only spring passage records were of four at Glandyfi on 20th April with eight
at Ynyslas on 18th May and four there on 19th May. Higher numbers were seen at
Llansantffraed/Llanrhystud with up to 16 in January, eleven in February and nine in October.
There were none reported elsewhere.
(B) COMMON RINGED PLOVER CWTIAD TORCHOG
Charadrius hiaticula
A few pairs breed on beaches in the north of the county. Numerous spring and autumn passage migrant.
Small parties dispersed along the coast in winter. Scarce inland.
Present during the breeding season at both Borth and Ynyslas with displaying pairs at both
sites but no confirmed breeding records were received.
20Small numbers were present at Borth/Ynyslas in winter with 42 at Ynyslas on 24th January and
38 in late October. There was a good spring passage there with 250 on 17th April and 400 on
18th May and a reasonable autumn passage with 340 on 15th August and 110 on 13th
September. Elsewhere on the Dyfi, there were 420 on 23rd August at RSPB Ynys-hir.
At Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed up to seven were seen in both winter periods with a spring
passage peak there of 48 on 24th May and a peak of 110 on 19th August with 22 in September
and twenty in October.
At the Teifi est. up to 12 were seen in the first winter period with up to 13 in the second winter
period. Spring and autumn passage peaks there were 35 in May and 31 in September.
Elsewhere, regularly recorded in winter at Aberystwyth with up to 10 in both winter periods
and a peak count of 29 on autumn passage in September.
(A) LITTLE RINGED PLOVER CWTIAD TORCHOG LLEIAF
Charadrius dubius
Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor, occasionally breeds.
In spring there were two at Cors Caron on 28th March with one on 6th and 20th April. There
were two at RSPB Ynys-hir on 1st April, one on 3rd April, nine on 6th April, two on 8th April and
one on 10th April. One was at Glandyfi on 6th April and one at Ynyslas on 23rd April.
One at RSPB Ynys-hir on 1st September was the only autumn record.
(A) EURASIAN DOTTEREL HUTAN Y MYNYDD
Charadrius morinellus
Scarce but regular passage migrant, mainly in spring and mainly on Pumlumon.
There were four near the summit at Pumlumon on 5th and 7th May (IH, SJ).
21Dotterels at Pumlumon on 5th May, Shane Jones.
(B) WHIMBREL COEGYLFINIR
Numenius phaeopus
Regular spring and autumn passage migrant, mainly along the coast.
The first spring migrant was seen at Llanrhystud on 7th April with one at Llanon on 24th May
the last on spring passage. There was another widespread and heavy coastal passage this year
with peak numbers on the Dyfi at Ynyslas with 68 on 25th April and 77 on 28th April with good
numbers at Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed too with 29 on 25th April and 28 on 1st May. Elsewhere
notable counts included nine at Aberystwyth on 17th April, 14 north at Aberaeron on 30th April
and 15 at Teifi marshes on 7th May. The only inland records were of two at Cors Caron on 30th
April and one on 1st May
Return passage commenced with one at Aberaeron on 19th July with the last at Teifi est on 28th
September with peak counts of 21 at Ynyslas on 2nd August and 14 at Borth on 14th September
and an inland bird at Llyn Eiddwen on 27th July.
(B) EURASIAN CURLEW GYLFINIR
Numenius arquata
Scarce and declining breeding resident. Numerous visitor to the major estuaries and coastal locations
between July and April.
The only records of birds in suitable breeding habitat came from Cors Caron with ten arriving
back by 25th March.
Peak counts Dyfi, Teifi, Llanrhystud and Tanybwlch/Aberystwyth were as follows:
22Jan Feb Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi 652 625 220 545 466 848 186
Teifi est 49 64 38 80 48 24 52
Llanrhystud 48 55 28 37 48 42
Tanybwlch 12
(B) BAR-TAILED GODWIT RHOSTOF
GYNFFONFRAITH
Limosa lapponica
Regular spring and autumn passage migrant in varying numbers with small numbers wintering.
Small numbers present in the winter periods on the Dyfi estuary with 13 in February and 19 in
November with no more than three on the Teifi est in winter. There was a small spring passage
with peak counts on the Dyfi of ten at Ynys Tachwedd in April and 16 at Ynyslas in May with up
to two at Llansantffraed/Llanrhystud and one at Teifi est on 15th May.
Autumn passage was noted from 18th August with one at Ynyslas with 14 at Teifi est on 28th
September and 33 at RSPB Ynys-hir on 29th September the highest counts.
(B) BLACK-TAILED GODWIT RHOSTOG GYNFFONDDU
Limosa limosa
Scarce but regular spring and autumn passage migrant with small numbers over-wintering.
Seen regularly at both the Dyfi and Teifi estuaries in the first-winter period with up to six at
Teifi est and 11 on the Dyfi.
There was a small spring passage with 30 at RSPB Ynys-hir on 5th March the highest count and
last noted at Ynyslas on 28th April with a notable inland count of nine at Cors Caron on 28th
March.
Autumn passage commenced with 11 at Aberystwyth on 20th July with up to 29 at RSPB Ynys-
hir between 23rd August and 7th September and up to 28 at Teifi est between July and October.
Very few were noted in the second-winter period with two at Teifi est on 18th November and
one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 8th December the only records.
(B) RUDDY TURNSTONE CWTIAD Y TRAETH
Arenaria interpres
Small numbers winter, mainly at Aberystwyth and Llanrhystud with small numbers elsewhere on passage.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 2 2 1 1 4 21 1 1 2
Teifi est 2 2
Llanrh/Llansan 3 5 5 5 5 45 75 48 18 18
Aber/Tany 38 38 27 25 5 3 17 20 37 29 24
The only other records were of three at Aberaeron on 24th August, seven at Gwbert on 6th
October with four there on 22nd August (unusual here).
23(B) RED KNOT PIBYDD YR ABER
Calidris canutus
Passage migrant and winter visitor, mainly to the Dyfi and Teifi estuaries. Rare inland.
Small numbers wintered on the Dyfi in both winter periods with 23 at the Leri on 22nd February
and 37 at Ynyslas on 29th November.0th February and 11 there in November.
Small numbers were seen on spring passage on the Dyfi peaking at 12 on 9th May.
Autumn passage commenced with ten at Teifi est on 14th August with up to six there in
September and there were 70 at Ynyslas on 18th August with up to 50 there in September.
Away from the two major estuaries the only record was of one at Tanybwlch on 25th March.
(A) RUFF PIBYDD TORCHOG
Calidris pugnax
Scarce passage migrant and occasional winter visitor.
There was one at Cors Caron on 7th April and 16th September (HAW), one at RSPB Ynys-hir on
29th September (RJ) and one at Llanrhystud on 6th October (HAW).
(A) CURLEW SANDPIPER PIBYDD CAMBIG
Calidris ferriginea
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant.
All records were in September with one at Llanrhystud on 1st, four at Ynyslas and one at Teifi
est on the same date, six at Ynyslas on 2nd , one at Teifi est on 12th with two there on 13th, one
at Ynyslas on 13th, two at Teifi est on 15th and 24th with one on 28th and two at Ynyslas on 30th.
(B) SANDERLING PIBYDD Y TYWOD
Calidris alba
Winter visitor and passage migrant, occasionally in good numbers on spring passage.
Peak counts Dyfi, Teifi, Llanrhystud and Tanybwlch/Aberystwyth were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 12 22 17 25 100 14 12 16 11 17 12
Teifi est 50 24 25 2
Llanrh/Llansan 23 3
Aber/Tany 1
The only other records were ten at Mwnt on 10th August with one there on 1st September and
one at Tanybwlch on 3rd October.
(B) DUNLIN PIBYDD Y MAWN
Calidris alpina
Scarce breeding resident, common passage and winter visitor.
Peak counts Dyfi, Teifi and Llanrhystud were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 670 400 85 150 2500 45 24 620 240 267 552 62
Teifi est 30 51 6 550 7 30 35
Llanrh/Llans 17 27 5 8 2 3
24Elsewhere the only records were of two at Cors Caron on 9th May, three at Aberaeron on 27th
July with 14 there on 24th August and 22 at Mwnt on 1st September.
(B) PURPLE SANDPIPER PIBYDD DU
Calidris maritime
Regular winter visitor mainly to Aberystwyth with a few recorded elsewhere in most years.
Seen at Aberystwyth from January 1st to 18th April and from 8th November to the end of the
year with peak monthly counts of eight in January, seven in February and March, five in April,
six in November and seven in December.
Elsewhere, on the Teifi est (mainly near Gwbert) there were two in January and two in
December.
(B) TEMMINCK’S STINT PIBYDD TEMMINCK
Calidris temminckii
Rare passage migrant.
There was one at the Leri on 12th and 13th May (JAD, HAW). See record shot on page 52.
(B) EURASIAN WOODCOCK CYFFYLOG
Scolopax rusticola
Small numbers widespread in winter with fresh arrivals with hard weather.
Seen in small numbers at many localities in both winter periods though there was an excellent
count of 57 at Cors Caron on 21st January.
(B) JACK SNIPE GIACH BACH
Lymnocryptes minimus
Winter visitor and passage migrant.
Small numbers were seen in many suitable localities in both winter periods with up to four
flushed during rush-cutting at RSPB Ynys-hir in late September and October and good numbers
present at Ynys Tachwedd fields in November and December.
(B) COMMON SNIPE GIACH
Gallinago gallinago
Breeds at suitable wet places at all altitudes, scarce and very local in the south-west. Numerous on
passage and in winter, especially with the onset of hard weather.
Present in the breeding season at RSPB Ynys-hir, Cors Fochno, Cors Caron, Nant Y Moch and at
Llyn Y Figyn. Presumably small numbers bred at other suitable locations in the uplands.
The largest numbers reported were 26 at Cors Caron on 21st January, 23 at RSPB Ynys-hir on
29th October and 21 at Teifi est on 27th December.
(B) COMMON SANDPIPER PIBYDD Y DORLAN
Actitis hypoleucos
Scarce and declining breeder, common passage migrant and rare winter visitor.
Breeding season records came from Cors Caron and RSPB Ynys-hir.
25Wintering birds were at both the Teifi and Dyfi estuaries in the first winter period with two at
Glandyfi in February and one was on the Dyfi (mainly Glandyfi) in the second winter period.
The first probable migrant of the year was at Ynyslas on 6th April with a small passage peaking
at nine there on 16th April with up to three noted at mainly coastal sites to 1st May.
Autumn passage was noted from 11th July with peak counts of nine at Glandyfi on 2nd August
and 11 at RSPB Ynys-hir on 23rd August.
(B) GREEN SANDPIPER PIBYDD GWYRDD
Tringa ochropus
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.
In both winter periods two were on the Dyfi, mainly at Glandyfi or RSPB Ynys-hir with one at
Cors Caron in February and two at Abercoed, near Tregaron on 5th November.
Spring passage was light with up to three at Cors Caron in late March and early April and up to
two at RSPB Ynys-hir and along the Clettwr in the same period.
It was also rather a poor passage later in the year following one at Cors Caron on 22nd June
with singles there in July and August, one at Teifi marshes in August and up to three at RSPB
Ynys-hir/Clettwr from July to October with a good inland record at Llyn Eiddwen on 24th
October.
Green Sandpiper at Teifi Marshes on 31st July, Wood Sandpiper at Tregaron Bog on 7th May,
Tommy Evans Arfon Williams
(A) WOOD SANDPIPER PIBYDD Y GRAEAN
Tringa glareola
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant.
There was one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 3rd May (DA), one at Cors Caron on 7th May (HAW) and one
at Teifi marshes on 8th August (WJ).
26(B) COMMON REDSHANK PIBYDD COESGOCH
Tringa tetanus
Breeds at Cors Caron and the Dyfi with reduced numbers on passage and in winter.
At RSPB Ynys-hir 38 pairs bred (28 in 2018, 34 pairs in 2017). Present at Cors Caron in April and
May so presumably bred there and also presumably bred at Aberleri, Glandwr and elsewhere
on the edge of Cors Fochno.
Peak counts Dyfi, Teifi and Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed were as follows:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Dyfi est 274 287 81 92 140 240 215
Teifi est 46 52 36 2 54 53
Llanrh/Llans 4 10 1 8 3
Elsewhere, there was one at Aberystwyth on 24th August, eight at Mwnt on 1st September,
three at Aberystwyth on 13th September, one there on 29th October and two at Tanybwlch on
17th September.
(B) SPOTTED REDSHANK PIBYDD COESGOCH MANNOG
Tringa erythropus
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant
The over-wintering bird was seen on the Dyfi (mainly at RSPB Ynys-hir) on many dates to 20th
April and again from 29th October to the end of the year. There were no other records.
(B) COMMON GREENSHANK PIBYDD COESWERDD
Tringa nebularia
Regular spring and autumn passage migrant with a few occasionally over-wintering on the larger estuaries.
In the first winter period there were singles wintering on both the Teifi and Dyfi estuary.
There was a small spring passage of mainly single birds on both estuaries with two at Glandyfi
on 19th May.
One at Ynyslas on 2nd August was the first on return passage with up to five at RSPB Ynys-hir in
August and September and two at Ynyslas on 18th August the highest counts.
In the second winter period up to two wintered on the Teifi with a single bird wintering on the
Dyfi.
Away from the two estuaries, the only records were of one at Cors Caron on 7th May and one
at Llanrhystud on 8th August.
(B) BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE GWYLAN GOESDDU
Rissa tridactyla
Breeding colonies between New Quay and Llangrannog. Common off-shore in the breeding season, scarce
in winter.
Bred at New Quay though no counts were made and breeding success was unknown.
Scarce off-shore in winter with a few records especially after strong westerly winds though
there were no large counts in this period. Large counts included 400 at Mwnt on 11th August
and 2500 there on 1st September, 1200 at Ynyslas on 2nd September, 600 at Borth on 15th and
18th September and 1000 at New Quay on 25th September.
27(A) SABINE’S GULL GWYLAN SABINE
Xema sabini
Scarce passage migrant
There was an adult with a full hood passed Mwnt on 1st September (HAW), one passed New
Quay on 3rd September (A Wise) and a juvenile at Ynyslas on 15th September (DA).
(B) BLACK-HEADED GULL GWYLAN BENDDU
Chrochocephalus ridibundus
Scarce and declining breeder. Good numbers present from July and in both winter periods.
No counts were received of the few colonies left in the county.
High counts included up to 1500 at Llanrhystud/Llanon in March and 1000 at Ynyslas in July.
(A) LITTLE GULL GWYLAN FECHAN
Hydrocoloeus minutus
Annual visitor, seen mainly at coast. A few inland records. Recorded in all months but rare in June or July.
There were nine at Mwnt on 1st September (HAW), a second-winter at Borth on 13th
September (ASP) and an adult at Mwnt on 29th September (GR).
(B) MEDITERRANEAN GULL GWYLAN MÔR Y CANOLDIR
Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Regular visitor and passage migrant in increasing numbers. Recorded in all months.
Seen widely along the coast throughout the year.
There were good numbers in the first winter period with double figure counts at Teifi est in
February and March (max. 14 on 14th March) and from Llanrhystud in March and April (max.
35 on 5th April).
The usual late-summer build-up of numbers started with 78 at Llanrhystud on 26th June with
peak monthly counts at Llanon/Llanrhystud/Llansantffraed of 136 on 8th July, 170 on 20th
August, 15 on 1st September and 125 on 14th October. There were high numbers at
Aberystwyth too with 55 on 28th June, 213 on 25th July, 325 on 9th August and 48 on 27th
September. Elsewhere the highest count was of an impressive 500 at Cei Bach on 4th October.
(B) MEW (COMMON) GULL GWYLAN Y GWEUNYDD
Larus canus
Winter visitor and passage migrant. Recorded all months although few records in June and July.
The largest count was of 500 at Teifi est on 14th January.
(C) GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL GWYLAN GEFNDDU FWYAF
L. marinus
Small breeding colony Cardigan Island and scattered pairs along the coast. Small numbers present all year
on coast and a few irregularly inland.
No breeding counts were carried out.
Notable counts came from Ynyslas with 24 in June and 28 in September.
28(A) GLAUCOUS GULL GWYLAN Y GOGLEDD
Larus hyperboreus
Rare winter visitor
There was a 4CY at Llansantffraed on 24th November (RGL).
(A) ICELAND GULL GWYLAN YR ARCTIG
Larus glaucoides
Scarce winter visitor with influxes in some years.
There was one at Teifi est on 16th and 19th February (RD, WJ).
(C) EUROPEAN HERRING GULL GWYLAN Y PENWAIG
Larus argentatus
Numerous coastal breeder and large numbers all year.
The largest counts came from Teifi est with 530 in February, Llanrhystud with 250 in March
and Aberystwyth with 470 in October.
(A) YELLOW-LEGGED GULL GWYLAN GOESFELEN
Larus michahellis
Scarce visitor
There was one at Mwnt on 11th August (EO’C).
(B) LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL GWYLAN GEFNDDU LEIAF
Larus fuscus
Breeds on Cardigan Island and a few pairs along the coast. Noticeable spring passage.
There were 117 north off Ynyslas on 11th and 25th March with 251 north on 8th April. Inland
there was a good count of 109 at Llyn Eiddwen on 24th October.
(B) SANDWICH TERN MORWENNOL BIGDDU
Thalasseus sandvicensis
Common spring and autumn passage migrant with good numbers on the Dyfi in autumn in most years.
Two at Aberystwyth on 29th March was the first record of the year.
There was a small spring passage with birds recorded from Teifi est., Aberystwyth, Borth and
Ynyslas with peak counts of 18 at Ynyslas on 1st April, 11 on 25th April and 15 on 8th May.
Mid-summer records included two at Teifi est on 15th June with three there on 17th June.
Autumn passage probably began with 25 at Aberystwyth on 25th July with a wide scatter of
coastal records until the last at Teifi est on 12th October. The highest counts were as usual
from Borth/Ynyslas with monthly peaks of 400 in August and 300 in September. Elsewhere
good counts included 60 at Glandyfi on 2nd August, 200 at Mwnt on 1st September and 100 at
New Quay on 25th September.
29Sandwich Terns at Ynyslas on 3rd August, Tommy Evans.
(A) LITTLE TERN MORWENNOL FYCHAN
Sternula albifrons
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant.
In spring, there was one at RSPB Ynys-hir on 8th May (RJ) with one at Ynyslas on 9th May (EO’C).
In autumn there was one at Borth on 13th September (ASP) and singles at both New Quay
(HAW) and Ynyslas (ASP) on 25th September.
(A) COMMON TERN MORWENNOL GYFFREDIN
Sterna hirundo
Spring and autumn passage migrant
The only records in spring were of 16 at Aberystwyth on 16th April and an astonishing 1500 at
Ynyslas on 8th May (EO’C, HAW) with 250 there on 9th May.
Rather scarce in autumn with one at Teifi est on 9th Aug, four at Mwnt on 1st Sept, four at
Borth on 18th Sept, three at New Quay on 25th Sept and one at New Quay on 4th October.
‘Commic’ terns: There were 64 at Ynyslas on 16th April, 50 at the Clettwr and 30 at
Aberystwyth on 27th April, five at Ynyslas on 28th April, 21 at Ynyslas on 2nd September and
four there on 25th September.
(A) ARCTIC TERN MORWENNOL Y GOGLEDD
Sterna paradisarea
Spring and autumn passage migrant.
In spring, there were 50 at Ynyslas on 16th April, one there on 25th April, 18 at New Quay on
27th April, three at Ynyslas on 28th April, 75 there on 8th May with 20 there on 9th May.
30In autumn, there was one at Mwnt on 10th August, 20 there on 1st September, one at New
Quay on 4th October and the last were four at Mwnt on 6th October.
(A) ROSEATE TERN MORWENNOL WRIDOG
Sterna dougallii
Scarce passage migrant
There was one at Ynyslas on 8th May (EO’C).
(A) BLACK TERN CORSWENNOL DDU
Chlidonias niger
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant
In spring, there were 18 at Ynyslas on 8th May with one there the next day (EO’C, HAW).
In autumn, there were singles at Mwnt on 5th September, Borth on 18th September (RJ) and at
New Quay on 25th September (HAW).
(A) GREAT SKUA SGIWEN FAWR
Stercorarius. skua
Annual visitor offshore and in estuaries. Seen in all months.
There was one at Aberystwyth on 30th March, one at Ynyslas on 16th April and four there on
27th April with two at New Quay on the same date.
In autumn, four passed Mwnt on 1st September, three passed Mwnt and one passed Teifi est
on 4th September, two passed New Quay on 19th September, one off Aberystwyth on 21st
September, three passed New Quay on 4th October and three passed Mwnt on 6th October.
(A) POMARINE SKUA SGIWEN FRECH
Stercorarius pomarinus
A scarce passage migrant to coastal area, commoner in autumn, very rare in winter.
Two passed New Quay on 25th September was the only record (HAW).
(B) PARASITIC JAEGER (ARCTIC SKUA) SGIWEN Y GOGLEDD
S. parasiticus
A few annually offshore during autumn passage, July-October. Rarely seen in November and December
and occasionally in spring.
In spring there was one passed Ynyslas on 17th April, three passed Aberystwyth on 18th April,
two passed Ynyslas on 23rd April, one at New Quay on 27th April and one at Ynyslas on 8th May.
In autumn, two passed Mwnt on 10th August with a total of 94 passing with the last record of
11 passed Mwnt on 6th October. Peak counts were of 16 passed Mwnt on 1st September, nine
passed Borth on 15th September and 19 passed New Quay on 25th September.
(A) LONG-TAILED SKUA SGIWEN GYNFFON-HIR
Stercorarius longicaudus
Rare spring and autumn passage migrant.
There was one passed Borth on 15th September (RJ).
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