Early migration and key species

Over the last 4 weeks 487 Sedge and 188 Reed Warblers have been ringed. A minimum, but showing the scale and importance of the Teifi Marshes Reserve. Not only for breeding but also for feeding as they journey south to Africa.

Adult Sedge Warbler

Recoveries from our current ringing has produced the following movements...

Reed Warbler  BKB3696

Ringed Teifi Marshes 9th July Re-encountered Seaton Wetlands, Devon 3rd Aug 25 days 187km

Reed Warbler BDE0787

Ringed Llangorse Lake 9th July Re-encountered Teifi Marshes 25th July 16 days 96km WNW

Sedge Warbler BCD5915

Ringed Stanford Resvr 25th July Re-encountered Teifi Marshes 2nd Aug 8 days 243km W

Sedge Warbler BHF2581

Ringed Warrington 12th July Re-encountered Teifi Marshes 6th Aug 25 days 195km SW

Early season movements to and from the Teifi Marshes

Birds captured from the Teifi Marshes and other TRG sites are shown in the table below..

Linnets are from the Lleine RAS study site, Willow Tit and Whinchat are from Cors Caron- not all species are listed, but are included in the totals..

The post above is a snapshot of the late July - early August ringing this year. A very good spell for warblers in particular the acros. One of the best early autumn's totals and we look forward to the following weeks - a very good breeding season... or an early migration....

(Rich D and Wendy J)

Andrew Hughes remembered

Following diagnosis and treatment for cancer over the last year, Andrew passed away peacefully at home on the 29th June 2025.

Andrew was inspired to seek a ringing trainer after observing the ringing of seabirds on his beloved Skomer.  He joined the Teifi Ringing Group in 2014 and his many activities with the Group have been posted on these pages. Andrew also helped other South Wales based ringers over the years.

His particular legacy with the Teifi Ringing Group is work with nesting Dippers.

Andrew in action at one of his favourite bridges and river..

Andrew joined us on several national and overseas ringing trips including Skokholm, Portland, Gibraltar and South Africa..

Andrew in South Africa with us enjoying the sunset looking towards Botswana and Zimbabwe - listening to Elephants and Lions...

Storm Petrels...an update.

We have likely finished our catching season at Strumble Head, hoping several more movements to make their way through the system, including some from sites still catching.

We have held demonstrations for both The Sea Trust Marine Biology Group and the Pembs Bird Group, both nights being well received and supported.  We look forward to supporting both Groups in 2026 too.

Photo Stephen Hyam

With 109 new Storm Petrels ringed (150 in 2024), 6 birds caught wearing rings from elsewhere and a good season so far with  14 of our Stormies recovered elsewhere. Below a few more movements not previously posted. 

Storm Petrel

2785664 Skokholm Island 04/08/2024 Strumble Head 19/06/2025 319 days 40km NNE

2357040 Calf of Man  24/07/2024 Calf of Man 29/06/2025 340 days 225km S

2788749 Strumble Head 30/06/2025 Galley Head, Cork 09/07/2025 9 days 271km W

2788723 Strumble Head 29/06/2025 Skokholm Island 19/07/2025 20 days 40km SSW

2788757 Strumble Head 13/07/2025 Skokholm Island 19/07/2025 6 days 40km SSW

2787351 Strumble Head 21/06/2025 St Justinians 18/07/2025 27 days 23km SW

2739409 Strumble Head 17/07/2023 Skokholm Island 19/07/2025 733 days 40km SSW Also caught on Skokholm twice in 2023 on 19th July and 7th August

2787335 Strumble Head 11/08/2024 Porthgwarra, Cornwall 11/07/2025 334 days 224km SSW West Cornwall RG

2788737 Strumble Head 30/06/2025 Cape Clear, Cork 25/07/2025 25 days 312km W

2797269 Little Saltee, Wexford 13/06/2025 Strumble Head 29/07/2025 46 days 104 km E D Manley

Of greater interest...these Storm Petrels with multiple encounters...

The most recent movements include 5 different Storm Petrels to Bardsey and 1 to Lundy.

Most of the Group visit Skokholm to assist the catching there, but with increasing skills within the Group we continue to develop our mainland ringing...

(Rich D and Wendy J)