Friday 31 October 2014

Starlings at Slebech reedbed roost & other autumnal birds

Noticing a build-up of starlings in a few places this afternoon between, Haverfordwest and Canaston, prompted us to check out the Slebech reedbed roost at dusk. Whilst the majority of birds we saw probably headed off towards the Dudwell Mountain roost, several thousand did come into the Slebech roost this evening. There were no spectacular aerial manoeuvres (too windy perhaps?) just small flocks flying in low over the estuary straight into the reeds.


The only other birds of note included: c. 50 woodpigeons flying up the Eastern Cleddau channel at dusk (early this morning a flock of c. 150 flew west over our house at Martletwy). A flock of c. 20 long-tailed tits came into roost in Minwear Wood and at least 6 grey wagtails also headed to roost somewhere along the Eastern Cleddau. A few redwings were flying over after dusk as I was setting up the weekly garden moth-trap.

Increasing numbers of bullfinches are regularly taking full advantage of an abundant privet berry crop in our garden, as usual. At least 12 (probably more) were here today. Jays are around the area regularly but are there many acorns this year for them to gather? The one in the photo was taken by us this autumn but not in this area.