TEIFI ESTUARY
A compact estuary with good viewing from both shores
The Afon Teifi, one of the longest rivers wholly within Wales, having squeezed through the ancient town of Cardigan, finally broadens below St Dogmaels to complete a 75-mile journey, constricted here at low tide by mostly sandy shores; to the east in Ceredigion, to the west in Pembrokeshire. Beyond the estuary the waters of Cardigan Bay are renowned for Bottlenosed Dolphins which always merit attention and may be seen close to the estuary mouth. In winter, divers and grebes are seen, in summer Gannets and Manx Shearwaters the immense colonies on the
Pembrokeshire islands are not far away.
WHERE TO WATCH 1
Mute Swans are quite a feature on the upper estuary, encouraged here by being fed; a change from a century or so ago. An appeal was launched in 1920 to raise money to buy birds, 11 being released with some nesting the following year – a decade later numbers had grown to some 50. The busy road on the western bank provides a vantage point the western shore. Green Sandpiper, which may have arrived in late June, have been known to overwinter.
2
The rapid establishment of Canada Geese on the estuary in barely a quarter of a century – up to 800 can now be present throughout the year – was quickly followed by Barnacle Geese. About 40 pairs nest on Cardigan Island – these frequent the estuary at low tide and the nearby grazing pastures at other times. Brent Geese are occasional winter visitors.
3
The small number of wintering Little Grebes may occasionally be joined by a Great Crested Grebe. Shelducks which have nested close to the estuary are present throughout the winter, being joined by small numbers of Wigeon, Teal and the occasional Goldeneye. The Water Pipit, a scarce winter visitor designated a separate species as recently as 1986, merits attention, so always carefully check the bird you are about to tick as a Rock Pipit.
4
The open sea beyond the estuary is a regular feeding area in the summer months for Gannets and great passages of Manx Shearwaters while in winter, especially with the wind in the east, these waters play host to Great Northern and Red-throated Divers. Fulmars which nest on the cliffs of Cardigan Island and across the bay towards Cemaes Head return to their colonies in mid-winter and are often to be seen soaring past the low cliffs of the eastern shore.