Wednesday 14 October 2020

YBW, Marloes Mere


Yet another Yellow-browed warbler in the willows out from the Britton Hide around 10am and a Chiffchaff. Another bright warbler in the willows on the corner opposite Murchins Cottage later but moving too quickly in deep cover to get a close look at it. Must have been around 400-500 duck on the mere today. Rough estimates 200+ Teal, 100+ Mallard, c20 Wigeon, c10 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, a Pintail and a Garganey. I was hoping Skokholms geese from yesterday might be around but had to make do with a Barnacle goose that was looking a bit lost. Seemed to be a few Goldcrests and Blue tits in the hedges on the road down to Martin's Haven, otherwise constant sound of pipits and skylarks. Had another look around this evening. A lot more Starling around today with a couple of flocks flying out west over the Deer Park. The Hen Harrier was hunting through Trehills fields between 4:30 and 5, putting up 20 Lapwing (another lone Lapwing flying over the car park later). The harrier was probably around the mere later as the duck and gulls were flushed a couple of times but couldn't see it amongst the wheeling mass of birds. A Heron flying out in the direction of Skomer against a stunning sunset.