Monday 8 May 2017

DARK-EYED JUNCO on Skomer Island - a 1st for Pembrokeshire

In some quarters I have a reputation for being a bit 'jammy' when it comes to rare birds, well it certainly proved so today as I was leading a day trip to Skomer when the identity of a 'mystery bird', first seen yesterday was confirmed - a cracking male Dark-eyed Junco, the 1st for Pembrokeshire & only the second for Wales following one on Bardsey Island in April-May 1975.

The bird was showing well around the farm around midday to early afternoon at least, hopefully more news from Skomer staff later.  Hopefully it stays at least another day and the weather is kind enough to let the boats run tomorrow (from 10am from Martin's Haven).  The staff did try and arrange a special boat at 4pm today, but the wind had picked up and it was an eventful trip back to the mainland at 3.30pm to say the least!

Also the best views I have ever had of a Wood Sandpiper at Moory Mere, a smart Pied Flycatcher in South Stream Valley, and a notable passage of hirundines, especially Swallows, and my 1st Swift of the year.  A cracking day!