My quest today was two Surf Scoters which had been cleverly discovered by Russell Jones of the RSPB. It was easy to find the "Scoter flocks" but a real devil to pick out the birds in question. After much searching suddenly "Bingo!" there they were amongst a flock of feeding female Common Scoters distinguished by not having a clean whitish face. When the sun shone brightly you could see the white spots on the face and a trace of white on the nape of the immature male. Their bill and head shape was distinct from the Common Scoters. I failed to find the Velvet Scoter also seen recently but was happy to nail the Yanks. A couple of Red-throated Divers and 3 great Crested Grebes were also offshore.
There was a major distraction to Scoter watching though. A lone Snow Bunting fed at our feet and soon Janet Baxter and Kev Joynes and his wife arrived and frenzied photography began. Later I understand the bird was joined by at least 5 more. What a joy these birds are and so confiding. I never tire of watching these Arctic wanderers.
I took my lunch to the beach where the Dyfi flows into the sea. Here you get fabulous views of the estuary and a chance of more birds. With autumn passage now all but over I could only find about 50 Wigeon and a few Oystercatchers.
I made my way home via Devil's Bridge and Tregaron and then across the wild moorland to the Llyn Brianne dam. I was rewarded with many Red Kites, a Kestrel and to my surprise 2 adults and 2 juvenile Whooper Swans on a small lake by the roadside.
Another good day with great birds and tremendous scenery. I feel so fortunate to have been adopted by this wonderful country.
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