Thursday, 15 May 2014

A stroll around the estuary

On the first day of our holiday in Pembrokeshire we decided to take a gentle stroll around the Afon Nyfer estuary, hoping to see some birds and shore plants. As we walked along the north shore we caught sight of an otter feeding in the shallows and watched it for a long time. We were even able to make a short video, which is a bit shaky and not very sharp, but as I have only seen a few otters in my life, I think I can be allowed to get a bit excited about being able to film one - even if rather badly.



It was very busy feeding in the shallow, fast-flowing water, much of the time with its head under water, occasionally completely submerged for short periods and occasionally going to the edge to eat something it had caught.  All this in spite of the presence of people and dogs on our side of the river.

There were plenty of birds about too, including Little Egret ,Shelduck, Redshank, Canada Geese and Mallard.  On the foreshore there was a small mixed flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover, very smart in summer plumage and very busy feeding.  A Common Sandpiper did a very good demonstration of bobbing up and down on a rock at the water’s edge.  In the wooded areas there were singing Blackbirds, Robins, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap and we had a brief glimpse of a cock Bullfinch. Altogether a good start to the holiday.

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