The Long-tailed Duck first seen a month ago was seen again today
by Rob John on one of the coastal ponds on farmland behind Pwllcrochan
Bay, c1km north of Abermawr/ Aberbach SM885362.
Today with two male Shoveler ....pond firsts for Rob..!
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Stackpole this afternoon; Minwear a few days ago
The wintering black redstart at the Stackpole Centre was playing hide and seek on the usual roof-top locations this afternoon. Another one is also wintering near Elegug Stacks, though not seen by us today.
A chiffchaff called briefly from the woodland down the lakes eastern arm (about half way between eight arch bridge and grassy bridge). A couple of stock doves were also calling and displaying in woodland opposite fringing Stackpole warren.
Many of the goosanders were at the lower end of the eastern arm, circling and corralling small fish (most likely a shoal of roach) into the lakeside shallows at the "delta" region, where a heron and 2 cormorants were also taking full advantage of the chance of a quite easy meal.
Earlier in the week we made a brief late afternoon visit to Minwear wood and watched the many thousands of starlings heading over to the Miscanthus roost. Although still quite an impressive sight, our feeling was that numbers were a bit lower than they were a few weeks ago. We could not view the roost only birds coming over the Eastern Cleddau, so could easily have missed many birds coming in from the north.
A chiffchaff called briefly from the woodland down the lakes eastern arm (about half way between eight arch bridge and grassy bridge). A couple of stock doves were also calling and displaying in woodland opposite fringing Stackpole warren.
Many of the goosanders were at the lower end of the eastern arm, circling and corralling small fish (most likely a shoal of roach) into the lakeside shallows at the "delta" region, where a heron and 2 cormorants were also taking full advantage of the chance of a quite easy meal.
Earlier in the week we made a brief late afternoon visit to Minwear wood and watched the many thousands of starlings heading over to the Miscanthus roost. Although still quite an impressive sight, our feeling was that numbers were a bit lower than they were a few weeks ago. We could not view the roost only birds coming over the Eastern Cleddau, so could easily have missed many birds coming in from the north.
Bitterns -- Teifi
One Bittern was seen flying across then moving around Kingfisher Pond at 9am this morning. Mid - week 2 Bitterns were reported from there.
One of yesterday's Divers was probably one of the 2 Black-throated Divers that have been in the bay, 10 Common Scoter too.
High tide at the Webley this morning produced 2 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 23 Redshank, 13 Ringed Plover and 45 Dunlin alongside the Oystercatchers and Curlew.
Poor numbers of large Gulls in the roost this evening, but 3 Med Gulls were present. A pair of Goosander were opposite St. Dogmael's Quay but only 1 from the River Viewpoint, a male.
(sev obs)
One of yesterday's Divers was probably one of the 2 Black-throated Divers that have been in the bay, 10 Common Scoter too.
High tide at the Webley this morning produced 2 Grey Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 23 Redshank, 13 Ringed Plover and 45 Dunlin alongside the Oystercatchers and Curlew.
Poor numbers of large Gulls in the roost this evening, but 3 Med Gulls were present. A pair of Goosander were opposite St. Dogmael's Quay but only 1 from the River Viewpoint, a male.
(sev obs)
Great Northern Diver
News from Andy Bookless of a Great Northern off the South Hook LNG Terminal this afternoon.
Firecrest @ Bosherston
Very few gulls in the Milford Haven / Neyland area (Gelliswick, Milford Docks & Llanstadwell) or at Pembroke Dock, but there were 5 Black-tailed Godwits there. At the Pembroke River another 30 Black-tailed Godwits and 12 Pintail. A couple of decent sized flocks of Lapwing & Golden Plover around Castlemartin / Freshwater West. At Bosherston the highlight was a male Firecrest below Stackpole Court at the end of the reedbed, and I counted 40 Goosander (15 drakes). The usual approachable Robins & 2 different Kingfisher.
Fishguard
The juvenile Glaucous Gull was still in the harbour early afternoon, best viewed from Goodwick. Quite a few Black-headed Gulls from the flagpoles with only 4 Med Gulls(3 adults and 1 2cy) and a Kittiwake in amongst them. Having birded quite a bit recently in Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Norfolk it makes you realise how frequent Med Gulls are in Black-headed Gull flocks here.
Lapland buntings - Martins Haven
3 Lapland buntings in the stubble field by entrance to West Hook farm, Martins Haven. Mixed flocks of Skylark, linnet and chaffinch moving between fields. 30 Golden plover among the 200 Lapwing. No sign of the American wigeon at Musselwick, the Wigeon flock still on the pools at the Gann. Also 15 Brent.
Pembrokeshire Bird List updated
Mike Young-Powell has updated the checklist for birds seen in Pembrokeshire. It is available by clicking here or from the Pembrokeshire Bird Group Blog, on the reports page
Thursday, 26 January 2017
Tenby Brents
These birds have been around for 10 days or so now.
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Bittern, Bt Diver, Brents....and Barnacles
A Bittern was photographed in front of Kingfisher Hide on the Teifi Marshes at c1330 today.
One Black-throated Diver was showing well below Gwbert, and a second Diver sp. was with a Red-throated Diver on the Cemaes side.
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese have been on Penally beach for two days
photo and news from Penally - Jonathan Morris
Barnacle Geese:--
Brian's post below reminded me to mention that the Teifi has lost (temporarily) most of it's feral breeding population but to where...?
During September we had at least 3 weekly counts of c130 birds, resulting from a successful breeding season on Cardigan Island. Since the New Year we only have counts of 8 Barnacle Geese with c200 Canada Geese. Over 100 birds are wandering or wintering somewhere.....
(sightings from sev obs)
One Black-throated Diver was showing well below Gwbert, and a second Diver sp. was with a Red-throated Diver on the Cemaes side.
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese have been on Penally beach for two days
photo and news from Penally - Jonathan Morris
Barnacle Geese:--
Brian's post below reminded me to mention that the Teifi has lost (temporarily) most of it's feral breeding population but to where...?
During September we had at least 3 weekly counts of c130 birds, resulting from a successful breeding season on Cardigan Island. Since the New Year we only have counts of 8 Barnacle Geese with c200 Canada Geese. Over 100 birds are wandering or wintering somewhere.....
(sightings from sev obs)
Ring-billed gull still - Llys-y-fran
After a lot of looking Paul eventually picked out the Ring-billed gull. 6 Med gulls (5 adult and a 3cy). Otherwise a good sized roost but no white-wingers yet. A Barnacle goose and Greylag among the Canada flock, possibly the same bird that was seen around Marloes in the autumn.
RoseBush Reservoir
Tufted Duck 4 pairs
Goldeneye 2 pairs
Coot 1
Great Crested Grebe 1
Little Grebe 1
Raven 4
Red Kite 1
Buzzard 2
Teifi Estuary by the boat builders
Water Pipit 1
Redshank 20
Greenshank 1
Bar Tailed Godwit 1
Knot 1
Dunlin 25
Goldeneye 2 pairs
Coot 1
Great Crested Grebe 1
Little Grebe 1
Raven 4
Red Kite 1
Buzzard 2
Teifi Estuary by the boat builders
Water Pipit 1
Redshank 20
Greenshank 1
Bar Tailed Godwit 1
Knot 1
Dunlin 25
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Teifi estuary
A couple of Common Scoter feeding close in the surf was unusual here, also 4 Red-throated Divers in the bay this afternoon. Great to watch a distant duck flock come in off the sea....c80 Wigeon flew past and up river, eventually settling opposite St Dogmael's Quay to feed.
At the Webley HT roost, 1 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Grey Plover were the best amongst the commoner waders, c85 Common Gulls best amongst the mainly Black-headed and Herring Gulls this evening.
(sev obs)
At the Webley HT roost, 1 Knot, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Grey Plover were the best amongst the commoner waders, c85 Common Gulls best amongst the mainly Black-headed and Herring Gulls this evening.
(sev obs)
Monday, 23 January 2017
Newport
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Castlemartin peninsula
Made a visit to Castlemartin this afternoon. Not too much to report, but it was nice to see a flock of 45 grey plovers roosting in a quiet spot in the middle of Frainslake Beach (they'd possibly moved over there from a usual roost site on rocks at Freshwest - being quite busy there today). In addition, c. 30 ringed plovers and 75 curlew were also roosting nearby on the beach.
A single merlin flew over the dunes. Later an adult male sparrowhawk seemed to be trying his luck with blackbirds preparing to roost near Frainslake millpond.
Yesterday, on our way from Angle Bay over to Bosherston Lakes late in the afternoon, a couple of hundred golden plovers were at Kilpaison near the Angle road. At the lakes goosander numbers seemed quite good - we saw at least 38.
Nothing of any real significance to report from Angle Bay really, but it was still nice to get good close views of 14 bar-tailed godwits roosting with at least 10 knot. The usual waterfowl here included at least 6 pale-bellied brents, plus a few pintail and shoveler.
A single merlin flew over the dunes. Later an adult male sparrowhawk seemed to be trying his luck with blackbirds preparing to roost near Frainslake millpond.
Yesterday, on our way from Angle Bay over to Bosherston Lakes late in the afternoon, a couple of hundred golden plovers were at Kilpaison near the Angle road. At the lakes goosander numbers seemed quite good - we saw at least 38.
Nothing of any real significance to report from Angle Bay really, but it was still nice to get good close views of 14 bar-tailed godwits roosting with at least 10 knot. The usual waterfowl here included at least 6 pale-bellied brents, plus a few pintail and shoveler.
Long-tailed duck still Pwll Crochan
From Maggie Bissmire - we sighted the Long-tailed duck at Pwll Crochan very close to the high tide line at about 10.45 am on 20th January.
American wigeon at the Gann
After a good look through ID guides and at online material, I agree with Dave that this bird is probably an adult male American wigeon, though I have to admit that duck ID is not a specialist subject of mine. Initially, the background colour of the cheeks seemed to lack the cold, grey/white tones that are characteristic of American wigeon, and at some angles in a low sun they appeared quite rufous, but they are still within the range of variation shown by American wigeon. The most helpful article was by Steve Votier et al in British Birds Jan 2003, link here. In particular, Plate 18 of that article, shows a similar bird among a variable range of others. The black line along the base of the upper mandible is supposed to be a diagnostic feature, and this shows on some of the photos. Whilst watching the bird on Thursday, Rich D was on the phone giving us many helpful pointers including the fact that pure white axillary coverts would be diagnostic for American wigeon but we didn't get a chance to check out this feature. It was disturbed several times by someone searching for a good spot to dig bait, but it was still almost impossible to gain an impression of the underwing colour. Hopefully it will stand up and flap in front of camera one day.
Whooper Swan -- Teifi
Tommy had better views of our very mobile Whooper Swan today...
The Swan was missing this morning but seen this afternoon flying over the Marshes and St Dogmael's Quay. Late this afternoon it was mid channel best viewed from the Railings, where the Water Pipit was showing, present since mid-December.
At high tide late afternoon, the 1st Knot of the year appeared at roost with the 2 Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.
(sev obs)
The Swan was missing this morning but seen this afternoon flying over the Marshes and St Dogmael's Quay. Late this afternoon it was mid channel best viewed from the Railings, where the Water Pipit was showing, present since mid-December.
At high tide late afternoon, the 1st Knot of the year appeared at roost with the 2 Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit.
(sev obs)
American wigeon still at the Gann
Paul G and I had another look at the wigeon today. In the same spot, but liked to keep some distance between us, even disappearing around the point at one stage before drifting back and starting to feed on shoreline.
Cattle Egret, Firecrest..
The Cattle Egret still present this morning at Newport, see posts below for details.
(Karen)
A Firecrest was in the little "woodcraft teaching glade" 20m before the river view point on the Teifi Marshes this morning.
(Karen)
A Firecrest was in the little "woodcraft teaching glade" 20m before the river view point on the Teifi Marshes this morning.
Saturday, 21 January 2017
American Wigeon
Worth noting that on the 3rd December Birdguides carred a report of a 'possible drake' American Wigeon, presumably seen by a visitor. If the bird is favouring the shoreline over at Musselwick, it seems entirely plausible that report relates to the same bird.
American Wigeon @ The Gann
Saw this bird late afternoon, in exactly the place Brian describes below - on the east side of the bay below the red brick house at Musselwick with 11 Wigeon. Having now seen it I am convinced it is a drake American Wigeon, need to do a bit more research to be sure if it is a 1st winter (the white on the forewing would suggest not) or an older bird retaining some eclipse feathers in the mantle, flanks & undertail. The clinching features that I could see were the thick black line at the base of the upper mandible, tail projecting well beyond the wing tips, and noticeably larger headed with a steeper forehead and more rounded crown & nape.
Ring-billed Gull, Whooper Swan...
The adult Ring-billed Gull was in the Llys y fran Resr roost this evening. Also 1 Yellow-legged Gull and 3 adult Med Gulls, and a pair of Goldeneye at the reservoir.
An adult Whooper Swan was found (Bernie B) on the Teifi this afternoon. Three Shoveler (locally scarce bird) were also seen today.
(sev obs)
An adult Whooper Swan was found (Bernie B) on the Teifi this afternoon. Three Shoveler (locally scarce bird) were also seen today.
(sev obs)
Great White Egret
A Great White Egret flew over the car at Mullock Bridge this morning, heading from north to south.
Newport Cattle Egret
Was in the field behind the lime kiln this morning, as it was yesterday morning.
Poss American wigeon - The Gann
The 'American' wigeon was feeding on the shoreline right over on Musselwick side of the Gann in front of the large white house SM 81887 06646. It's with a group of 10 Eurasians, if they became nervous they would move onto the sea. So no opportunity to see underwing.
Park at the Gann, and follow coast path beside the pools and around the bay. NB Footbridge across river so check tide times (noticeboard by car park). Theres a group of 30-40 wigeon that stay faithful to the pools.
Friday, 20 January 2017
Hen harrier - The Gann
No sign of Mike and Paddys wigeon at first light. There were about 40 Eurasian wigeons in a couple of groups. Some consolation though in a male Hen harrier over the fields above the salt marsh which put up c100 Lapwing.
Waxwing in Haverfordwest - at last!
Always nice to find a good bird in your front garden whilst scraping ice off your car - this Waxwing in the front garden of 47 Furzy Park, Haverfordwest, feeding on apples this morning. Nice find by Roger Devonald & Helen Allen whose garden it is in (about 200m from my house!). I saw it twice between 8.45 and 9am, but it is mobile. Please respect the privacy of residents and park nearby at Haverfordwest Cricket Club if visiting (about 200m away).
Based on this useful article (http://www.teesmouthbc.com/forumtbc/index.php?topic=5289.0), looks like an adult female to me....
Based on this useful article (http://www.teesmouthbc.com/forumtbc/index.php?topic=5289.0), looks like an adult female to me....
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Gann
Theresa, Paddy and I were checking out colour ringed waders and this appeared on the tide line. The photo's are not the best as on the maximum zoom of my camera.
(photo Mike S)
The Newport wigeon
Does anybody know if the bird has been seen at Newport today?
Paddy and Mike Sherman have been watching a similar (or same) wigeon at The Gann this afternoon. Paddy/ Mike will post later, but following our conversation Paddy seemed to think that they were watching a different, but similar likely hybrid type wigeon..
Paddy and Mike Sherman have been watching a similar (or same) wigeon at The Gann this afternoon. Paddy/ Mike will post later, but following our conversation Paddy seemed to think that they were watching a different, but similar likely hybrid type wigeon..
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
American Wigeon ?
After talking to a few people this evening a friend has sugested a first winter male or possibly a hybred I have seen American Wigeon before in the UK and in Canada but over 20 years ago I am hoping to make a trip down to Llanelli over the weekend to look at captive birds and hopefully make a decission for my self here are a few photos I took today has anyone got any experirence with this species or hybreds.
And again
As I hinted earlier this Wigeon does not look like the picture of an ad M American in Collins, but then I have no expertise in duck hybrids.
However, wouldn't a Eurasian/American Wigeon hybrid be even rarer than the real thing?.
However, wouldn't a Eurasian/American Wigeon hybrid be even rarer than the real thing?.
The Wigeon again
A number of responses have been received now, including from Glenn below, Gareth Jenkins, etc. There seems to be a growing feeling that the bird is likely a hybrid, though this may not be the last word. As Glenn says, a great bird either way.
Wigeon
I was watching the bird this morning with Chris and Brian and I
suggested the possibility of hybridisation. I have seen such a bird a
few years back in Kyoto. I was drawn to the degree of russet colour on
the head, which I have never seen in the typical Am Wigeon in the USA.
'Rare birds of Britain and Europe' Lewington/Alstrum/Colston p56
Note on hybrids "show some intermediate characters, eg. some reddish
brown on the head." Chris' superb photographs clearly show this.
Whatever; a great bird and well worth seeking out.
Best wishes,
Glenn Ibbitson
Ring-billed gull still Llys y fran
Paul and I had a look at the gull roost. Almost 'arm-chair' conditions with the roost forming close in and the lake surface virtually flat calm. Many of the LBB even came onto the near bank to bathe and rest. An adult GBB with a red ring left leg among them but the number was obscured in the grass.
The Ringed-billed gull still there, at least 8 adult Meds and at least 3 Yellow-legged gulls. Pair of Goldeneye.
The Ringed-billed gull still there, at least 8 adult Meds and at least 3 Yellow-legged gulls. Pair of Goldeneye.
Wigeon
..and new feathers on flanks grey rather than pinkish?
https://www.flickr.com/groups/444365@N25/discuss/72157601805249895/
Wigeon
Is the American Wigeon at Newport rather warm chestnut etc around the head, as appears in the photos here. Is there any chance of hybridisation? I wonder if anyone can give reassurance that this is a pure Yank Wigeon. Sorry to be a little doubting, hope I'm concerned about nothing.
American wigeon, Cattle egret - Newport
Couple of photos of the wigeon, Chris was in a more elevated position and may have some better shots. Good to see Sam this morning.
Newport Cattle Egret & American Wigeon
The Cattle Egret again resting just downstream from the bridge.
The American Wigeon is with the flock of c25 ordinary Wigeon which alternate between the seaward Parrog rocks at low tide, moving to the creek upstream from the Boat Club at high tide. It had to be pointed out to me as I was looking for an obvious green face flash, as per Collins, which it doesn't have, but the very pale cream forehead stripe & pinkish flanks were clear in retrospect.
The American Wigeon is with the flock of c25 ordinary Wigeon which alternate between the seaward Parrog rocks at low tide, moving to the creek upstream from the Boat Club at high tide. It had to be pointed out to me as I was looking for an obvious green face flash, as per Collins, which it doesn't have, but the very pale cream forehead stripe & pinkish flanks were clear in retrospect.
Jays and Oaks
It was a poor acorn crop in mid Pembs last year. However, Jays are not reliant on acorns having a catholic diet it just that in good oak crop years they have a good living and prosper. Otherwise they need to cast more broadly, in extreme cases large numbers erupting out of woodland.
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
Newport Estuary American Wigeon and Cattle Egret
Jays
We have Jays here at Mullock, though we've never understood why as we don't have many oak trees!
Newport Estuary
American Wigeon drake found 200 yards up from tennis courts showing well photos to follow
Cattle Egret 1 from bridge
Wigeon 100
Mediterranean Gull 1 adult
Dunlin 50
Ģoosander 2 male 1 female
Cattle Egret 1 from bridge
Wigeon 100
Mediterranean Gull 1 adult
Dunlin 50
Ģoosander 2 male 1 female
Oaks not OK for acorns...
During the autumn it became evident that the acorn crop around here had failed. The same thing seemed to have happened in Monmouthshire where my daughter lives. I usually see Jays most days along our lane but this winter they seem to be absent. I wonder if this is just a local thing or is this the case all over Pembrokeshire/Wales?
Monday, 16 January 2017
Plumstone Mountain
Three adult male Hen Harriers put on a splendid show at dusk on my BTO count before roosting. No Starlings whatsoever were recorded.
Sunday, 15 January 2017
Flagpoles Fishguard
Glaucous Gull 2 1st winters
Shag 10
Razorbill 3
Turnstone 20
Curlew 25
Stonechat pair
Shag 10
Razorbill 3
Turnstone 20
Curlew 25
Stonechat pair
Carew/Cresswell Rivers, Cosheston Pill - WeBs
This mornings WeBs counts produced relatively modest numbers of birds. Wigeon and Teal numbers (at least 500-600 of each species) although still quite reasonable, were well down on December totals. Five pintail and a couple of shovelers at New Shipping Point area were typical numbers for this location in early January.
Wader numbers too, were down on December counts, with only c.700 dunlin on the Carew/Cresswell, a couple of hundred lapwings and no obvious golden plovers at all. There seemed to be no sign of any grey plovers this morning - usually a regular species in small numbers in the area. There were only five black-tailed godwits obvious at Cosheston Pill this morning (last Sunday there were 30+). Annie recorded 3 ringed plovers along the Daugleddau, where they seem to have become less regular in recent years.
Along the Carew/Cresswell shore as the tide dropped, some lapwings appeared to be resting in very narrow drainage slits in the mud - possibly sheltering from the wind, or maybe just trying to maintain a low profile to keep out of the way of aerial predators?
As well as a few buzzards and a sparrowhawk, a rather scruffy-looking immature female peregrine was hunting over the estuary. Having failed to catch teal/wigeon after at least one attempt, she landed briefly on a rock at the edge of the saltmarsh.
There's possibly been a small influx of winter thrushes to this area - mainly fieldfares. Small flocks of 30-50 were noted in a few locations around the Daugleddau, West Williamston and Carew areas. When totalled up there were probably 200-300 at least. Late this afternoon small flocks were also noted near Ludchurch.
Yesterday afternoon we had a short stroll from Amroth up to Telpyn Point and back. Small parties of feeding common scoter and at least 6 red-breasted mergansers were reasonably visible offshore but the larger scoter flocks of 200-500 or more were much more distant. There must have been at least 1,000-2,000 further out into the bay.
Wader numbers too, were down on December counts, with only c.700 dunlin on the Carew/Cresswell, a couple of hundred lapwings and no obvious golden plovers at all. There seemed to be no sign of any grey plovers this morning - usually a regular species in small numbers in the area. There were only five black-tailed godwits obvious at Cosheston Pill this morning (last Sunday there were 30+). Annie recorded 3 ringed plovers along the Daugleddau, where they seem to have become less regular in recent years.
Along the Carew/Cresswell shore as the tide dropped, some lapwings appeared to be resting in very narrow drainage slits in the mud - possibly sheltering from the wind, or maybe just trying to maintain a low profile to keep out of the way of aerial predators?
As well as a few buzzards and a sparrowhawk, a rather scruffy-looking immature female peregrine was hunting over the estuary. Having failed to catch teal/wigeon after at least one attempt, she landed briefly on a rock at the edge of the saltmarsh.
There's possibly been a small influx of winter thrushes to this area - mainly fieldfares. Small flocks of 30-50 were noted in a few locations around the Daugleddau, West Williamston and Carew areas. When totalled up there were probably 200-300 at least. Late this afternoon small flocks were also noted near Ludchurch.
Yesterday afternoon we had a short stroll from Amroth up to Telpyn Point and back. Small parties of feeding common scoter and at least 6 red-breasted mergansers were reasonably visible offshore but the larger scoter flocks of 200-500 or more were much more distant. There must have been at least 1,000-2,000 further out into the bay.
The Gann
Gulls formed an orderly line along the waters edge this evening, allowing a good look before they moved out into the bay to roost. Nothing unusual among them unfortunately. 133 Common gulls, c 200 BH gulls, 10 adult Meds. Very few large gulls. c 20 Redshank, 18 Grey plover, 9 Turnstone, 6 Bar tailed godwit, 2 Greenshank and a lone Dunlin. c40 Wigeon, 17 PB Brent, 2 Goldeneye. 13 Little grebe (8 on pools, 5 on river). Derek and I scanned the finch flocks moving around the marsh, but could only see Chaffinch and Linnet. A big hatch of midges showed how mild it was.
Saturday, 14 January 2017
Black redstart - Tenby
From Andy Bookless. A lovely Black Redstart was feeding on the rocks near the old lifeboat station in Tenby this afternoon. As we walked back to the car park with it beginning to go quite dark, I got within a few feet of a female kestrel perched on the wall a little way beyond the new lifeboat station.
Ring-billed Gull - Llys y fran
A cycle to the reservoir this afternoon was oddly completely unproductive for white-wing gulls but i did see the rather nice adult Ring-billed Gull. Also 6 Great Crested Grebes and 2 Little Grebes.
Glaucous Gull and other bits and pieces
A superb 'dark-bodied' 1st winter Glaucous Gull was in Fishguard Harbour this afternoon, also an adult Mediterranean Gull, several Shags and Razorbills there. Elsewhere, there were small numbers of Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Gannets, Common Scoters and Choughs to be seen at Strumble Head and a couple of Red Kites over the flooded field at Newgale, though no pipits of any species - and especially no Water Pipits.
Long-tailed duck still Pwllcrochan Bay
Sighting from David Evans. At 0940 today, the Long-tailed Duck was riding the sea in Pwllcrochan Bay while, five minutes later, there was an Otter on the pool by the pink cottage.
Lapland buntings, Martins Haven
Lapland buntings very much in evidence today. The first over the car park at Marloes Mere; at least 2 calling from the kale field, beside Trehill farm; more birds calling from the big field next door (opposite the brick shed). Biggest flock was a group of 10 in the grassy field beside NT car park, Martins Haven, they flew up and into the stubble field opposite side of the road. Many more Skylark today with mobile flocks up to 100. Otherwise 2 Merlin and 2 Snipe on the Deer Park. Quick look at the Gann: 6 Med gulls, 9 PB brent and Kingfisher.
Ceibwr Bay
Kestrel male
Sparrowhawk male
Buzzard 3
Guillemot 1
Rock Pipit 2
Newport Estuary yesterday
Little Egret 1
Redshank 15
Curlew 50
Ringed Plover 5
Sparrowhawk male
Buzzard 3
Guillemot 1
Rock Pipit 2
Newport Estuary yesterday
Little Egret 1
Redshank 15
Curlew 50
Ringed Plover 5
Castlemartin Corse - WEBS
WEBS this morning with Rob and Christine Lewis and Mike Robinson. A bright if bracing morning on the Corse. No ducks apart from one drake mallard heard, the site still being very dry, 24 greylag were in the usual area upstream from the conifer clump. The fen meadow and damp fringes of the reedbed were lifting with snipe - we counted 234 (and one jack snipe) but the real total could well have been much higher. 350 lapwing were on a field on Kilpason Burrows where slurry had been spread.
A buzzard, a sparrowhawk - and 2 marsh harriers! Our regular female was hunting most of the time we were there, settling for a while on a patch of flattened reeds near the hide. Later a second female appeared, slighty less well marked as the first one, and the two had a brief mid-air tumble before separating again.
A buzzard, a sparrowhawk - and 2 marsh harriers! Our regular female was hunting most of the time we were there, settling for a while on a patch of flattened reeds near the hide. Later a second female appeared, slighty less well marked as the first one, and the two had a brief mid-air tumble before separating again.
Friday, 13 January 2017
Starlings this evening
As Kim observed a few weeks back. 1000s of Starlings in a huge continuous ribbon heading due east across A4076 Dredgeman Hill, H'west 4.30 this evening. Off to roost in Slebech/ Minwear?
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Tenby - Purple Sandpipers and a Black Redstart
This afternoon five Purple Sandpipers were performing well, with at least 30 Turnstones in a tight feeding and roosting flock below the Old Lifeboat station - at one of their favoured spots. At one point all five were resting together before the rising tide gradually forced them, and the turnstones, to move to slightly higher ground.
As we walked back to North Beach car park at dusk under the light of the rising full moon, a splendid male black redstart (almost in summer plumage) was feeding, with a couple of robins, on some steps and a patio near the beach. Unfortunately it was a bit too dark by then for a decent photo.
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| At one point all five Purple Sandpipers were resting together |
As we walked back to North Beach car park at dusk under the light of the rising full moon, a splendid male black redstart (almost in summer plumage) was feeding, with a couple of robins, on some steps and a patio near the beach. Unfortunately it was a bit too dark by then for a decent photo.
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Pembroke Millpond BH Gull
As it seems to have been a bit of a "slow news day" we thought we'd mention an overwintering colour-ringed 1st winter black-headed gull at Pembroke Millpond, noted again today.
Back in Sept when 29S9 was first noted by us, we assumed then that it might have been ringed in Poland. (Two others at the Millpond, with similar colour-ring combinations, had been confirmed from there a couple of winters ago).
However, it's best not to make assumptions! We now know that 29S9 is a "Shire Counties" bird - ringed as a nestling last June in good old sunny "Berkshire".
By visiting and staying on in Pembrokeshire shows perhaps that it has good taste (well a good taste for sandwiches etc anyway that locals frequently/daily provide to the Millpond birds)!
A metal-ringed adult Belgian bird we were actually looking for wasn't obvious today. It was most
likely there but flying with numerous other gulls during various feeding frenzies.
Monday, 9 January 2017
Thank You Graham .....
Graham Rees Retirement From Pembrokeshire Bird Group Committee.
On a personal note, I first met Graham in the summer of 1984, he showed me my first Great Shearwaters on Sept 5th that year ...read Strumble Head Seawatching for some words from others.
Mullock Bridge yesterday
We did a small ringing session yesterday and processed exactly 100 birds - a lot of Chaffinch and Long Tailed Tits along with the usual Blue and Great tits but a few Goldcrest and a splendid male Firecrest (first bird of the day) . Perhaps the biggest surprise was as Yellow-browed Warbler caught just before 1100hrs - I don't think there has been one on the blog since October - presumably wintering in the conifer copse.
A few of the recent ringing sessions have recorded a large proportion of adult birds compared with previous years - possibly indicative of a generally poor breeding season in 2016 but maybe the adults survived well last year OR the cold spell in November clobbered the young birds.
A few of the recent ringing sessions have recorded a large proportion of adult birds compared with previous years - possibly indicative of a generally poor breeding season in 2016 but maybe the adults survived well last year OR the cold spell in November clobbered the young birds.
Sunday, 8 January 2017
Blackcap
The male Blackcap visited it's favoured Camelia bush in our St Ishmaels garden at least twice today.
Waders etc at Angle Bay and Cosheston Pill
This morning we joined (along with about a dozen or so other participants) Clive Hurford's waders field-trip to Angle Bay, ending up at Cosheston Pill. Most of the expected species were seen in reasonable light before murky weather started to set in.
At Angle bay and harbour area, there were mixed feeding and roosting flocks of waders including at least 15 or more bar-tailed godwits, 8-10 knot, 80-100 dunlin, good numbers of curlew, a few ringed and grey plovers and turnstone etc. More than 20 snipe came out of the salt-marsh plus a single jack snipe.
The usual waterfowl included good numbers of wigeon, several pintails, 5 pale-breasted brent geese (probably a family party) and a single dark-bellied brent. We had distant views of at least 3-4 great crested grebes and a likely common scoter (assumed to be the same bird noted here at the end of 2016). The usual array of gulls included quite a few common gulls but no Med gulls were noted today. A merlin was seen near the road on the way to Angle village from Rhoscrowther.
Later in the day over at Cosheston Pill, as the drizzle and mist began to settle in, at least 34 black-tailed godwits were at roost with lapwings and other waders. Six greenshanks showed quite well in the murky conditions - calling and flying around (perhaps spooked by a passing peregrine). Just before we departed a kingfisher flew over the sheet of water but it looked decidedly dull in the gloom.
Despite the deteriorating weather, hopefully everyone enjoyed the day and managed to see most of the species. Thanks Clive for organising it.
At Angle bay and harbour area, there were mixed feeding and roosting flocks of waders including at least 15 or more bar-tailed godwits, 8-10 knot, 80-100 dunlin, good numbers of curlew, a few ringed and grey plovers and turnstone etc. More than 20 snipe came out of the salt-marsh plus a single jack snipe.
The usual waterfowl included good numbers of wigeon, several pintails, 5 pale-breasted brent geese (probably a family party) and a single dark-bellied brent. We had distant views of at least 3-4 great crested grebes and a likely common scoter (assumed to be the same bird noted here at the end of 2016). The usual array of gulls included quite a few common gulls but no Med gulls were noted today. A merlin was seen near the road on the way to Angle village from Rhoscrowther.
Later in the day over at Cosheston Pill, as the drizzle and mist began to settle in, at least 34 black-tailed godwits were at roost with lapwings and other waders. Six greenshanks showed quite well in the murky conditions - calling and flying around (perhaps spooked by a passing peregrine). Just before we departed a kingfisher flew over the sheet of water but it looked decidedly dull in the gloom.
Despite the deteriorating weather, hopefully everyone enjoyed the day and managed to see most of the species. Thanks Clive for organising it.