Good numbers of whitethroats and sedge warblers were singing in a few places along the south coast. On Saturday a lesser whitethroat was singing in scrub near Manorbier Castle and one was singing strongly near Penally this afternoon. Whitethroats were already nest-building at Manorbier (Old Castle Head) this afternoon where the first fledgling stonechats were also noted.
Choughs have settled at their usual nest sites on the south coast. Judging by the amount of tipulid (cranefly) larvae observed being eaten over the last several days or so, it looks like there is plenty of insect food in the turf this spring. It was also nice to see a flock of 11 non-breeders at Valleyfield Top (Penally) feeding with dozens of rooks and jackdaws this evening. Looking across at St Margaret's Island, there seemed to be good numbers of kittiwakes on the cliffs - at least a couple of hundred birds estimated there. A porpoise was feeding close to rafting guillemots and razorbills.
Noted a few pairs of starlings breeding at Whitehill, Manorbier and Penally - a scarce and probably still declining breeding species in the County.
(Bob)
