Remember the ‘yellow-breasted’ oystercatchers last winter (January and August newsletters, 2008) when over 100 oystercatchers were dyed yellow as part of a joint tracking project between the Countryside Council for Wales and the British Trust for Ornithology?

This winter birdwatchers are being asked to keep an eye out for more yellow oystercatchers as the second phase of the project takes place. This year there are two types of marked birds: yellow-breasted and now yellow-vented (see photos). The yellow-vented oystercatchers were caught and marked at Whitford Point in mid-October, the yellow-breasted at Pembrey in mid-November.

The aim of the project is to learn more about the winter movements of the birds between the Burry Inlet and nearby areas, such as Carmarthen Bay and if there is a difference in their behaviour. The two groups have been marked on different parts of the body to allow them to be told apart.

All records of sightings should be e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 01842 750050, stating the location, time and date and whether the bird was marked on its breast or tail. The information gathered from sightings will be tied in with other detailed surveys, to gain an over-all picture of the birds’ movements. Thanks to the help of the public, last year 60 sightings of the yellow oystercatchers were reported, in and around the Burry Inlet. The project also produced some unexpected results with a sighting at Dale in Pembrokeshire, over 65 km from the catching area.  Last year’s results showed most of the oystercatchers wintered in and around the Burry Inlet, although some did travel further. The information from the public was vital to understanding these movements.