Thursday, 31 January 2008
Angle
In the bay by the Lodge this afternoon the American Wigeon and the Black Necked Grebe close in as well as 2 Greenshank and 19 Great Crested Grebes. Tried Kilpaison but could hardly stand up there with the wind - 1 Barwit noted.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Diving X Bills
The Crossbills are still present and at Llys Y Fran the Black throated diver goes into the boat house catching Roach. There cannot surely be a better oppertunity to view one of these divers than this.Teifi estuary
Lapwing numbers have built up over the week with at least 1,000 on the sandbanks this afternoon. Also 20 Shelduck, 28 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and 30+ Wigeon.
spring in the air
Spent a few hours this morning sat around creosoting kestrel boxes at Scolton, and it felt very spring-like with Great Spots drumming and song thrushes and great tits singing loud. Also present were a pair each of Willow tits and Marsh tits, a chiffchaff, 3 Water Rails (having a fight) and a Redpoll overhead. Spring feeling might be brief however, because snow is forecast.
Richard D saw a Black-throated Diver in Fishguard Harbour and heard a Cetti's on Goodwick Moor.
Richard D saw a Black-throated Diver in Fishguard Harbour and heard a Cetti's on Goodwick Moor.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Angle Peninsular & other notes.
Angle bay;-
From the Lodge, American Wigeon, Slavonian & Black-necked Grebe.
1 Greenshank from the village, 1 ad. Med Gull, & c14+ Gt.Ctd. Grebes in the bay.
Off Pwllcrochan Gt. Ctd, Grebe & 1 Greenshank in the roost with 12 Redshank.
Around the Ranges;-
Lapwing, 2 flocks of Skylark & small nos. of Chaffinch still to be found.
Bosherston;-
6 Gadwall the only birds of note!
Llangwm Pill;-
c100 Lapwing the only birds to stand out in the rain.
(Paul G. & Richard D.)
Fishguard harbour;-
Amongst the mainly Bk.Hd. & Common Gulls; 1 ad. Med Gull white colour-ring RL29, -- moved from Newport.
Goodwick Moor;-
Machinery has arrived to "open it up"!
Watch this space & the Moor! Attending a site meeting tomorrow.
From the Lodge, American Wigeon, Slavonian & Black-necked Grebe.
1 Greenshank from the village, 1 ad. Med Gull, & c14+ Gt.Ctd. Grebes in the bay.
Off Pwllcrochan Gt. Ctd, Grebe & 1 Greenshank in the roost with 12 Redshank.
Around the Ranges;-
Lapwing, 2 flocks of Skylark & small nos. of Chaffinch still to be found.
Bosherston;-
6 Gadwall the only birds of note!
Llangwm Pill;-
c100 Lapwing the only birds to stand out in the rain.
(Paul G. & Richard D.)
Fishguard harbour;-
Amongst the mainly Bk.Hd. & Common Gulls; 1 ad. Med Gull white colour-ring RL29, -- moved from Newport.
Goodwick Moor;-
Machinery has arrived to "open it up"!
Watch this space & the Moor! Attending a site meeting tomorrow.
St David`s airfield
Ringtail yesterday and again this morning; our regular garden Brambling was joined by another today - could be a portend of some cold weather to come.
Newport Tues am
Before the rain. c high tide.
Highlights included 2 Ad Med Gulls,1 Black T Godwit, a Water Rail at the bottom of Long St.,3 Little Egrets, 55 Curlews & c90 Common Gulls, mostly adults, all with dark eyes!.
Highlights included 2 Ad Med Gulls,1 Black T Godwit, a Water Rail at the bottom of Long St.,3 Little Egrets, 55 Curlews & c90 Common Gulls, mostly adults, all with dark eyes!.
Waundwrgi Farm
Walking our patch always makes a pleasant change following several weeks of touring the County's hot spots.
5 Willow Tits, 2 pairs and a singleton ( I bet its mate was hidden) is not unusual along the Marlais River where rotten alders line the banks and the adjacent area is made up of old and damaged poplar plantation. For four years that we know of, these tits have breed successfully in the alder stumps, and it is in the bramble thickets between the poplars that they seem to readily find food during the winter months.
A fly-over Goss was unusual and a good find for the Farm's check list.
5 Willow Tits, 2 pairs and a singleton ( I bet its mate was hidden) is not unusual along the Marlais River where rotten alders line the banks and the adjacent area is made up of old and damaged poplar plantation. For four years that we know of, these tits have breed successfully in the alder stumps, and it is in the bramble thickets between the poplars that they seem to readily find food during the winter months.
A fly-over Goss was unusual and a good find for the Farm's check list.
Diver photos
Lovely pics of the BT Diver Richard - show very clearly the differences with the Pacific, particularly the head/bill profile and the anterior thigh patch (rear flank!).
Paul & I watched the P Diver on Sunday from the far side, by walking down from Farthing's Hook. You can clamber to the shoreline easiest from the small inlet more or less opposite the hide. If you tucked yourself into the bank and were patient, this may be the best way to get the winning pics you're after?! Most people seem to report that the bird is more often closer to the far bank.
Paul & I watched the P Diver on Sunday from the far side, by walking down from Farthing's Hook. You can clamber to the shoreline easiest from the small inlet more or less opposite the hide. If you tucked yourself into the bank and were patient, this may be the best way to get the winning pics you're after?! Most people seem to report that the bird is more often closer to the far bank.
Monday, 28 January 2008
Llys y fran
Tried again today for some shots of the Pacific Diver but frustratingly it stayed very much on the far side opposite the hide. The Black Throated, however, was incredibly close by the boat shed and got some decent photos despite poor light. The Black Necked Grebe also present near the boat shed. More photos added to the Diver gallery here.
At Glynaeron a superb male and one female Crossbill.
North Pembs.
28/01/2008 Newport;-
Ad. & 2w Med. Gulls, 1 Grey Plover, c20 Dunlin, c20 Ringed Plover, c50 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, back down to 4 Shelduck.
28/01/2008 Goodwick Moor;-
3 Chiffchaff, (1 grey), 1 Cettis Warbler. (Adrian R.)
28/01/2008 Fishguard Harbour;-
Czech Med. Gull E15799 was seen today;
28/01/2008 Abermawr;-
5 Ad. & a 2w Med's roosting on sea at Abermawr this evening.(Adrian & Steve)
Ad. & 2w Med. Gulls, 1 Grey Plover, c20 Dunlin, c20 Ringed Plover, c50 Curlew, 1 Kingfisher, back down to 4 Shelduck.
28/01/2008 Goodwick Moor;-
3 Chiffchaff, (1 grey), 1 Cettis Warbler. (Adrian R.)
28/01/2008 Fishguard Harbour;-
Czech Med. Gull E15799 was seen today;
28/01/2008 Abermawr;-
5 Ad. & a 2w Med's roosting on sea at Abermawr this evening.(Adrian & Steve)
Angle Bay
Early this P.M. Angle Bay.
Western side :- American Wigeon, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes still present.
From Kilpaison, most notable:-280 Common Gull,170 Knot, 72 Barwits and a few hundred Dunlin.
Western side :- American Wigeon, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes still present.
From Kilpaison, most notable:-280 Common Gull,170 Knot, 72 Barwits and a few hundred Dunlin.
Teifi & Broad Haven
Broad haven, 28/01/2008;- The good looking male Black Redstart still showing in Puffin way. Offshore disappointing, only 1 Rd. Td. Diver of note.(Paul G.)
Teifi, 28/01/2008;- Patch, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Kestrel. Around the estuary, 6 Knot, c350 Lapwing, few duck to be found - only c10 Wigeon & c20 Teal, but c30 Shelduck.
Teifi, 28/01/2008;- Patch, 1 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Kestrel. Around the estuary, 6 Knot, c350 Lapwing, few duck to be found - only c10 Wigeon & c20 Teal, but c30 Shelduck.
Sunday, 27 January 2008
Carew River and Castlemartin Coast 27th Jam
Some 1500 to 2000 lapwings on Carew River at HT roost at New Shipping Point; many clearly ready to migrate (males with resplendent head-dress and some uttering breeding display calls on the ground whilst huddled together in the roost. Other usual roosting birds at this location included a few hundred wigeon and teal, 18 shovelers, 15 grey plovers, c. 600 dunlin and rather more curlew than of late (c. 175). Numerous little egrets and herons displaying opposite in a field near their breeding site - bills blushing pinkish-red. Generally fewer shelduck than usual and almost no mallard at all.
Out on Castlemartin coast prob around 2,000 guillemots on the Elegug Stacks (but no razorbills anywhere to be seen) many calling/displaying and in full breeding plumage now. Not much else of significance other than a total absence of chough - checked out several territories and none were occupied. Meadow Pipit flocks building up (groups of 18-25 along the coast). Offshore a single red-throated diver.
Yesterday, before Annie and I made our sojourn to see the diver at Llys-y-fran - yes even we thought we ought to make an effort (and it is a nice and clearly very different-looking diver) - we did 2 TTVs around Llawhaden area. A heron carrying eels was interesting (wonder if it is already nesting and with young!) Apart from the incredible spring-like conditions (most birds singing/displaying) the other bird of note was red kite out of a tree near Bethesda soaring round and heading down towards Narberth direction. It was not tagged.
At Llys-y-fran apart from the other birds reported by others, we also noted a dipper on the inflow stream nr the footbridge - typical spot.
Surely crossbills have or are breeding - we have had no official confirmation of breeding in the last 5 years of the Pembs Breeding Birds Atlas so proof would be useful. I recall finding them nesting in late January/early February in Breconshire many years ago. By March it was too late. So broods being fed in Feb would still seem to be a good bet if they are having a good year. They should be displaying now anyway.
Out on Castlemartin coast prob around 2,000 guillemots on the Elegug Stacks (but no razorbills anywhere to be seen) many calling/displaying and in full breeding plumage now. Not much else of significance other than a total absence of chough - checked out several territories and none were occupied. Meadow Pipit flocks building up (groups of 18-25 along the coast). Offshore a single red-throated diver.
Yesterday, before Annie and I made our sojourn to see the diver at Llys-y-fran - yes even we thought we ought to make an effort (and it is a nice and clearly very different-looking diver) - we did 2 TTVs around Llawhaden area. A heron carrying eels was interesting (wonder if it is already nesting and with young!) Apart from the incredible spring-like conditions (most birds singing/displaying) the other bird of note was red kite out of a tree near Bethesda soaring round and heading down towards Narberth direction. It was not tagged.
At Llys-y-fran apart from the other birds reported by others, we also noted a dipper on the inflow stream nr the footbridge - typical spot.
Surely crossbills have or are breeding - we have had no official confirmation of breeding in the last 5 years of the Pembs Breeding Birds Atlas so proof would be useful. I recall finding them nesting in late January/early February in Breconshire many years ago. By March it was too late. So broods being fed in Feb would still seem to be a good bet if they are having a good year. They should be displaying now anyway.
Amroth
At Amroth today in very pleasant birding conditions a Green Woodpecker was calling frequently at the Telpyn end. There was plenty to look at on the sea but not much variety : Common Scoter 1200, Great Crested Grebe 5 and Red-throated Diver 11.
North Pembs records -- & Crossbills
Newport:-
2* 1w Med. Gulls, now 11 Shelduck - definitely on the move, 6 little Egrets roosting in tree above bridge, & 18+ Snipe feeding in channel in reeds above bridge at dusk.
Goodwick:-
Black Redstart on roofs nr. Rose & Crown.
Firecrest & 2 Chiffchaff on Goodwick Moor.
(Steve B. & Adrian R.)
Pantmaenog Forest:-
A small area where we did some ringing this am, at least 5 Woodcock flew to roost prior to dawn. Crossbills in attendance all morning, presumably the same party?, presumably many small parties in the forest? Male singing & young birds seen.
Crossbills:-
Tony Cross (Kite Trust) has said that the very juvenille birds, ie dark streaked on no colour base - ie haven't started a post juvenille moult could be c6 weeks old. ie they haven't neccesarily bred here.
For anyone wanting to catch up with Crossbills, Glynaeron is the best place to look. Easiest to park, easy walking, & with forest owners permission.
2* 1w Med. Gulls, now 11 Shelduck - definitely on the move, 6 little Egrets roosting in tree above bridge, & 18+ Snipe feeding in channel in reeds above bridge at dusk.
Goodwick:-
Black Redstart on roofs nr. Rose & Crown.
Firecrest & 2 Chiffchaff on Goodwick Moor.
(Steve B. & Adrian R.)
Pantmaenog Forest:-
A small area where we did some ringing this am, at least 5 Woodcock flew to roost prior to dawn. Crossbills in attendance all morning, presumably the same party?, presumably many small parties in the forest? Male singing & young birds seen.
Crossbills:-
Tony Cross (Kite Trust) has said that the very juvenille birds, ie dark streaked on no colour base - ie haven't started a post juvenille moult could be c6 weeks old. ie they haven't neccesarily bred here.
For anyone wanting to catch up with Crossbills, Glynaeron is the best place to look. Easiest to park, easy walking, & with forest owners permission.
Preselis & Llys-y-fran
A nice afternoon out in lovely weather (for a change). 15+ Crossbills at Glynaeron, including several juveniles, some very streaky, others less so, but some certainly weren't that old (& there were more seen at Pantmaenog).
Llys-y-fran: Pacific Diver (hide area), Black-throated Diver (at dusk right in front of the boat shed), Black-necked Grebe (around the mouth of the west arm), 2 Greylags flew in and joined the Canadas in the field on the point), and in the gull roost 2 juv Iceland Gulls and a 2ndW Yellow-legged Gull - great day! Also amazing views of what others have identified as a noctule bat - flying in broad daylight and then roosting in a dead tree in full sunlight!
Llys-y-fran: Pacific Diver (hide area), Black-throated Diver (at dusk right in front of the boat shed), Black-necked Grebe (around the mouth of the west arm), 2 Greylags flew in and joined the Canadas in the field on the point), and in the gull roost 2 juv Iceland Gulls and a 2ndW Yellow-legged Gull - great day! Also amazing views of what others have identified as a noctule bat - flying in broad daylight and then roosting in a dead tree in full sunlight!
Milford docks
Just passing by when I saw some people feeding the gulls, thinking there could be a Bonapartes gull I stopped to take a look. Alas, only 1 2nd/w Med, 30 B/Heads.
Llys-y-fran
I went to see the divers and the grebe and perhaps it was the fact that they weren't likely to skulk or fly off but this was much more successful than my experience of the recent rarities down the road, good views of all three especially the Black-throated which came up almost under the bank on the spit, the stunning Pacific was off the west shore of the north arm, at one point the grebe was quite close, in the first inlet on the east shore of the north arm.
3 species of grebe, seven Great Crested and at least one Little, a redhead Goldeneye and a Dipper up the north end, plus three Shoveler and a Pochard.
3 species of grebe, seven Great Crested and at least one Little, a redhead Goldeneye and a Dipper up the north end, plus three Shoveler and a Pochard.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Glaucous Gull -- Newgale & more records Newport
Newgale;-
Highlight an ad. Glaucous Gull, the bird seen in flight & flew towards Penycwm. Picked out by Roy Beardsmore, a Haverfordwest birder.
Also the drake Pintail still, the ring-tail Hen Harrier, ad. & 2w Med. Gulls, c70 Teal & c20 Snipe.
Newport, earlier than Sam, I had the same 4 Med. Gulls & a 1w. Well done Sam for reading the white ring --RL29 -I didn't manage that one, but we both got red 5PO. (Again)
5 Little Egrets at roost, Shelduck up to 5, 27 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plover.
As dusk arrived Adrian had a probable Bittern land in the reeds. Seen from the iron bridge.
Sev.observers.
Highlight an ad. Glaucous Gull, the bird seen in flight & flew towards Penycwm. Picked out by Roy Beardsmore, a Haverfordwest birder.
Also the drake Pintail still, the ring-tail Hen Harrier, ad. & 2w Med. Gulls, c70 Teal & c20 Snipe.
Newport, earlier than Sam, I had the same 4 Med. Gulls & a 1w. Well done Sam for reading the white ring --RL29 -I didn't manage that one, but we both got red 5PO. (Again)
5 Little Egrets at roost, Shelduck up to 5, 27 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plover.
As dusk arrived Adrian had a probable Bittern land in the reeds. Seen from the iron bridge.
Sev.observers.
Pen Anglas
I saw a Merlin whizz past me in the last light and just miss a Chaffinch which dived into a hedge at 17:00.
Newport Sat pm
3 ad & 1x 2nd W Med gulls, 2 with readable Darvic rings, 1 red, 1 white in a flock of c1000 Black headeds.The 1st Med Gulls I've seen there since early Nov.
Visitors from near and far
Today Llys-y-fran was understandably popular with birders from near and far - Southend, Cambridge, Manchester and many from our own tribe here in Pembs. It was nice to see them all but better had the Great Grey Shrike showed up with them! Divers and Grebes as for previous day but no sign of Scaup.
A call from John G had us moving on to Glynaeron forest. With its easy access this appears to be a more reliable site for viewing Crossbills than the Rosebush forest. Here we enjoyed some cracking view of a brick red bird asking for the presence of Richard Crossen and his camera. We heard the call of Redpoll but failed to locate one visually.
A Red Kite at Llys-y-fran late AM and another east of Llangolman mid afternoon.
A call from John G had us moving on to Glynaeron forest. With its easy access this appears to be a more reliable site for viewing Crossbills than the Rosebush forest. Here we enjoyed some cracking view of a brick red bird asking for the presence of Richard Crossen and his camera. We heard the call of Redpoll but failed to locate one visually.
A Red Kite at Llys-y-fran late AM and another east of Llangolman mid afternoon.
North Pembs
Saturday 26th Jan.
Quite a few twitchers at Llys y fran this morning - both Divers and BN Grebe were showing well - the Black-throated started off in the left hand arm, then swam up to have a look at the Pacific before flying back to the "fish-tanks". Willow Tits heard around the hide (by many but not me) and by the 1st arm. No sign up to 12 am of the shrike.
Glynaeron wood (on the road between Rosebush and Menchlog-ddu) at least 6 Crossbills, 20 Siskins and a Kite.
Many thanks to all those who have submitted records for 2007 - to all those who haven't - please do.
Quite a few twitchers at Llys y fran this morning - both Divers and BN Grebe were showing well - the Black-throated started off in the left hand arm, then swam up to have a look at the Pacific before flying back to the "fish-tanks". Willow Tits heard around the hide (by many but not me) and by the 1st arm. No sign up to 12 am of the shrike.
Glynaeron wood (on the road between Rosebush and Menchlog-ddu) at least 6 Crossbills, 20 Siskins and a Kite.
Many thanks to all those who have submitted records for 2007 - to all those who haven't - please do.
Divers
Llys-y-fran Resr. this am;- Jon G. is there this am, Pacific well up the arm past the hide. (he says "swimming to Rosebush"). Black-throat in the other arm, the Black-necked grebe on the main body. --no sign of Scaup or shrike yet.
Friday, 25 January 2008
Llys-y-fran resr.
25/01/2008, dusk;- Pacific Diver showing at far end well beyond hide, also 2 Willow tits there.
Black-throated Diver, mobile but showing well at times near dam.
Black-necked Grebe around the point, also male Scaup" paired" with female Tufted & 5 rh Goosanders.
The Shrike was reported c1300 from usual site, but not seen by anyone since?
Gull roost was uneventful!
(sev. obs.)
A Spanish birder arrived this pm for the diver! £90 return to Bristol from his home, and by the look of his camera, he'll be taking some fine memories of the bird back home with him!!
Black-throated Diver, mobile but showing well at times near dam.
Black-necked Grebe around the point, also male Scaup" paired" with female Tufted & 5 rh Goosanders.
The Shrike was reported c1300 from usual site, but not seen by anyone since?
Gull roost was uneventful!
(sev. obs.)
A Spanish birder arrived this pm for the diver! £90 return to Bristol from his home, and by the look of his camera, he'll be taking some fine memories of the bird back home with him!!
Kicked out of the forest
Of interest to those of you who like to roam the forest tracks, you may be interested to learn while we where walking on the old railway track that runs out of Rosebush north and west, (see our blog below) a trail that our Bird Club has often used over the years, we where challenged by the owner and asked to leave. However, he did point out that we where free to roam the nearby forests of Ty-rhyg and Glynaeron, also in his ownership.
Rosebush via Llys-y-fran
Having dipped on the Great Grey Shrike yesterday (it had been present) we gave it another go early today. First up, first winter male Scaup with a very friendly female Tufty in tow. No Great Grey Shrike so off to Upper Reservoir. 3 Pochard, 2 M 1 F. 12+ Tufty and a hand full of Goldeneye. Then finally a look in at Rosebush Forest Quarry for Crossbill. Yes, 2 seen from the old railway line, and a Pembs tick for us. Back home and a message from Richard D..... Great Grey Shrike seen after you left! Will it be third time lucky tomorrow? It's a lifer.
Pacific Diver etc.. at Llys-y-fran resr.
25/01/2008;-
This morning a visit first thing;- Black-necked Grebe near the point, the Pacific Diver just beyond the hide. The Black-throated diver was seen on the way to the hide.
3 Goosander (1m) close to the dam.
At c0900 a pair of diving ducks appeared on the main area of water, picked up by myself, & Marion & John, from different places. They look like a nearly ad. male Scaup with a female Tufted, but behaving as a pair, both flying & diving together. Very restless!
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike.
This morning a visit first thing;- Black-necked Grebe near the point, the Pacific Diver just beyond the hide. The Black-throated diver was seen on the way to the hide.
3 Goosander (1m) close to the dam.
At c0900 a pair of diving ducks appeared on the main area of water, picked up by myself, & Marion & John, from different places. They look like a nearly ad. male Scaup with a female Tufted, but behaving as a pair, both flying & diving together. Very restless!
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike.
Divers / Snipe
Very instructive pics of the Black-throated Diver Richard - it would be brilliant to get both birds in the same frame. From the separate pics, the sheer bulk of the Black-throat and angular head, especially the forehead, mark it out from the Pacific (and of course the flank patch). Interestingly it's a first-winter bird and quite scaly on the upperparts, though not as marked as the Pacific was last winter it seems. And I'm willing to bet that there's quite a size difference between the two should they appear side by side!
Re. the Wilson's Snipe posting, I agree with Annie/Bob that this must be a mistake - Wilson's are almost impossible to identify and require close views for extended periods - someting we rarely have the luxury of in this County. Just check out the debate about the bird(s) in Scilly this autumn.
Re. the Wilson's Snipe posting, I agree with Annie/Bob that this must be a mistake - Wilson's are almost impossible to identify and require close views for extended periods - someting we rarely have the luxury of in this County. Just check out the debate about the bird(s) in Scilly this autumn.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Red Kites
Red Kites --
We received a report of a Red Kite carrying a twig as if nesting material, the other day. Talking to Paddy, the adult kites are beginning to leave the feeding stations and return to territories now.
Any reports of Kites behaving as if they have a territory we would like to hear about, we knew of 5 successful pairs & of c5 more attempts last year. With the kites doing well and many of previous years young around the feeding stations this winter, we can expect more nesting to be attempted, even if birds are too young to be successfull.
Today I had a Red Kite over the Manor Newport, it was wing-tagged on both wings with green tags, a green tag on the right wing means the bird fledged in 2006.
Only 2 kites were fitted with a green tag on the right wing in Pembs in 2006. A green tag on the left wing means the bird was ringed in Scotland(Dumfries & Galloway). Pembs birds have a black tag with the no. & coloured bar across the bottom (difficult to see in flight) on the left wing.
There has been a left wing green tagged bird -no.111 if you could read it,(v.diff. in flight!) seen in west/mid Wales during the last 2 months!
--Interesting!
We received a report of a Red Kite carrying a twig as if nesting material, the other day. Talking to Paddy, the adult kites are beginning to leave the feeding stations and return to territories now.
Any reports of Kites behaving as if they have a territory we would like to hear about, we knew of 5 successful pairs & of c5 more attempts last year. With the kites doing well and many of previous years young around the feeding stations this winter, we can expect more nesting to be attempted, even if birds are too young to be successfull.
Today I had a Red Kite over the Manor Newport, it was wing-tagged on both wings with green tags, a green tag on the right wing means the bird fledged in 2006.
Only 2 kites were fitted with a green tag on the right wing in Pembs in 2006. A green tag on the left wing means the bird was ringed in Scotland(Dumfries & Galloway). Pembs birds have a black tag with the no. & coloured bar across the bottom (difficult to see in flight) on the left wing.
There has been a left wing green tagged bird -no.111 if you could read it,(v.diff. in flight!) seen in west/mid Wales during the last 2 months!
--Interesting!
Llys y fran Divers
At last a sunny day to get some photos of the Divers at Llys y fran! As luck would have it it was the Black Throated which came closest but got some reasonable shots of the Pacific too. See pics here.
Rich C
Divers, Grebe & Shrike at Llys-y-fran.
24/01/2008 until 1200;-
Pacific Diver, showing v.well above hide.
Black-throated Diver showing well but mobile. -- both divers were together preening, hopefully photos of the birds together will be posted later.
Black-necked Grebe usually around the point, but when we left was up the other arm, as was the B.T.Diver.
Great Grey Shrike seen early am from path around inlet, not since ?
"Twitchers of the day" --
2 Finnish birders leaving the inlet area as we arrived,-- delighted with their West Pale' tick!!
Finland to Stansted, drove to Llys-y-fran, "happy", now the drive to "Clay" ie Cley for the Sparrow, then back to Stansted and home.!!
--Thats Twitching Big Time!!
They gave us a record of 2 Peregrines roosting in a tree for the Winter Atlas, other records today, Willow Tit & Kingfisher both well beyond hide.
Pacific Diver, showing v.well above hide.
Black-throated Diver showing well but mobile. -- both divers were together preening, hopefully photos of the birds together will be posted later.
Black-necked Grebe usually around the point, but when we left was up the other arm, as was the B.T.Diver.
Great Grey Shrike seen early am from path around inlet, not since ?
"Twitchers of the day" --
2 Finnish birders leaving the inlet area as we arrived,-- delighted with their West Pale' tick!!
Finland to Stansted, drove to Llys-y-fran, "happy", now the drive to "Clay" ie Cley for the Sparrow, then back to Stansted and home.!!
--Thats Twitching Big Time!!
They gave us a record of 2 Peregrines roosting in a tree for the Winter Atlas, other records today, Willow Tit & Kingfisher both well beyond hide.
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Snipe
We were looking at the lists of species recorded on the atlas website, and found Wilson's snipe had been seen in SM92.
If you type in common snipe, it is automatically changed to Wilson's Snipe. If you want our ordinary snipe, you just need to type in snipe.
The Wilson's Snipe was recently recognized as a different species from the Common Snipe of Eurasia. The two snipes look extremely similar, but differ in the shape, patterning, and usually the number of the tail feathers. The Wilson's Snipe typically has 16 tail feathers, whereas the Common Snipe has 14. These numbers vary, however, and a Common Snipe may have from 12 to 18 tail feathers. (info from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website)
So, if someone has entered Wilson's snipe when they really meant Eurasion snipe (both previously called common snipe) can they please edit the record.
Thanks
If you type in common snipe, it is automatically changed to Wilson's Snipe. If you want our ordinary snipe, you just need to type in snipe.
The Wilson's Snipe was recently recognized as a different species from the Common Snipe of Eurasia. The two snipes look extremely similar, but differ in the shape, patterning, and usually the number of the tail feathers. The Wilson's Snipe typically has 16 tail feathers, whereas the Common Snipe has 14. These numbers vary, however, and a Common Snipe may have from 12 to 18 tail feathers. (info from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website)
So, if someone has entered Wilson's snipe when they really meant Eurasion snipe (both previously called common snipe) can they please edit the record.
Thanks
Pacific Diver
Pics on Birdguides & Sufbirds
http://www.birdguides.com/pictures/default.asp?search=1&rty=3&v=0&off=159706
http://www.surfbirds.com/cgi-bin/gallery/display.cgi?gallery=gallery9
I hope you agree that my initial description of a "stonking" throat strap was entirely justified! I love this bird.
http://www.birdguides.com/pictures/default.asp?search=1&rty=3&v=0&off=159706
http://www.surfbirds.com/cgi-bin/gallery/display.cgi?gallery=gallery9
I hope you agree that my initial description of a "stonking" throat strap was entirely justified! I love this bird.
Great Grey Shrike & Divers at Llys-y-fran Resr.
Llys-y-fran Resr. 23/01/2008;-
Pacific Diver generally seen from hide area but mobile; has been seen this am from the hide with the Black-Throated Diver -- also mobile around the resr.
Worth the effort regardless of weather to see the two.!
Black-Necked Grebe generally near the fish tanks, can be v. close.
Last but not least, the Great Grey Shrike, we watched the shrike in the lakeside trees as you walk up the inlet on the way to the hide. This bird flies across the cyclepath & perches either side, fairly close to observers!
It has also been seen this am by the boatshed, so it probably should be looked for as you walk from the car-park to the inlet & up the inlet.
Pacific Diver generally seen from hide area but mobile; has been seen this am from the hide with the Black-Throated Diver -- also mobile around the resr.
Worth the effort regardless of weather to see the two.!
Black-Necked Grebe generally near the fish tanks, can be v. close.
Last but not least, the Great Grey Shrike, we watched the shrike in the lakeside trees as you walk up the inlet on the way to the hide. This bird flies across the cyclepath & perches either side, fairly close to observers!
It has also been seen this am by the boatshed, so it probably should be looked for as you walk from the car-park to the inlet & up the inlet.
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Westfield Pill
22nd January. 12.30p.m. At the old mill bridge looking upstream from the foot bridge, we watched 2 possibly 3 Otters fishing for some time, one swam down to the footbridge and looked at us, it was a cub, quite a small head. Also above the otters, 2 Kingfishers were flying about , a Dabchick was also fishing nearby and a Heron standing on the bank , and a Firecrest was flitting about in the trees above. It was like a wildlife film!
We last saw the Otters on the 12th Dec. at dusk , fishing on the pill side of the bridge.
Above the bridge on the cycle path by the cottage, there were 2 very bright Yellow Hammers, and at least 10 Blue tits around the feeder. Jill W.
We last saw the Otters on the 12th Dec. at dusk , fishing on the pill side of the bridge.
Above the bridge on the cycle path by the cottage, there were 2 very bright Yellow Hammers, and at least 10 Blue tits around the feeder. Jill W.
Goodwick Moor - Firecrest
I saw one under the steps on the embankment in a gap in the rain at 13:45.
Llys-y-fran Divers & Grebe.
22/01/2008, Llys-fran Resr.;-
This pm 1430-1530 when rain & v.poor visibility stopped play.
The Black-throated Diver, very close to the dam.
The Pacific Diver, seen above the hide, showing well.
Tha Black-necked Grebe by 1500 had swam from it's usual position off the main point, to just off the boat shed below the footpath, v.close!
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike;
The only birder( of 3) on site who new about the shrike said he was told to look around the inlet on route to the hide, but not by someone who had seen the shrike.
Adrian has spoken to RBA, the only extra details they have ; is seen in wood by inlet where grebe showing.
Great Crested Grebe nos. seemed to have increased 10 + now swimming in main arm of resr..
This pm 1430-1530 when rain & v.poor visibility stopped play.
The Black-throated Diver, very close to the dam.
The Pacific Diver, seen above the hide, showing well.
Tha Black-necked Grebe by 1500 had swam from it's usual position off the main point, to just off the boat shed below the footpath, v.close!
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike;
The only birder( of 3) on site who new about the shrike said he was told to look around the inlet on route to the hide, but not by someone who had seen the shrike.
Adrian has spoken to RBA, the only extra details they have ; is seen in wood by inlet where grebe showing.
Great Crested Grebe nos. seemed to have increased 10 + now swimming in main arm of resr..
Llys-y-fran today
Interesting message this morning from Ted Abraham at BirdlineWales (thanks Ted) who got the information from RBA pagers:
Pacific Diver, Black-throated Diver (!), Black-necked Grebe, and a Great Grey Shrike by path near narrow inlet beyond visitor centre! The Shrike I'd love to see, but even more so the two Divers side by side - if anyone could get that photo it would be amazing!!
Pacific Diver, Black-throated Diver (!), Black-necked Grebe, and a Great Grey Shrike by path near narrow inlet beyond visitor centre! The Shrike I'd love to see, but even more so the two Divers side by side - if anyone could get that photo it would be amazing!!
Monday, 21 January 2008
Fishguard Harbour --Divers
21/01/2008; Fishguard Harbour;-
1 Gt.N.Diver, c4 Red Td. Diver, & 1 Blk. Thd. Diver(Steve B.)
1 Ad. Med Gull (Cz.)
9 Ringed Plover.
FBG & Paul G.
Spoonbill today Penclacwydd -- sounds like ours!
1 Gt.N.Diver, c4 Red Td. Diver, & 1 Blk. Thd. Diver(Steve B.)
1 Ad. Med Gull (Cz.)
9 Ringed Plover.
FBG & Paul G.
Spoonbill today Penclacwydd -- sounds like ours!
Monthly Round Up
The Monthly Round Up for December is now on line - see link to the right. Thanks to Jon Green for putting the information together.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
Pacific Diver
Still present today in the driving rain from the hide 3pm-4pm, ranging about 1oom below to 200m above the hide (usually above). Poor visibility and light prevented a really thorough search of the gulls, but there was a possible adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Also 3 Little Egrets still in field just north of the Corner Piece, next to the A 40 (best viewed from Spittal Road).
Also 3 Little Egrets still in field just north of the Corner Piece, next to the A 40 (best viewed from Spittal Road).
Out of the county -- & dipped!
Glamorgan, Ogmore est.;
- 1w Little Gull, c5 Med. Gulls- of 3 diff. ages.
No sign of the hoped for ad. Bonaparte's Gull.!
Served us right!
Back to looking for one here, Fishguard, Newport, Newgale,The Gann, & anywhere that gulls particularly Black-headed may be!
Fishguard Birders & Paul G.
- 1w Little Gull, c5 Med. Gulls- of 3 diff. ages.
No sign of the hoped for ad. Bonaparte's Gull.!
Served us right!
Back to looking for one here, Fishguard, Newport, Newgale,The Gann, & anywhere that gulls particularly Black-headed may be!
Fishguard Birders & Paul G.
Sunday 20th Jan
I've put together the Dec. e-mail as Lyndon is taking a break for a bit (are thoughts are with him at present) - a slightly different format - but I found it hard to paste things together from the blog when we (and I'm guilty of it I know) don't put in the date. Please do so in the future.
Secondly the month is now on the way out and the deadline for submitting 2007 records is fast approaching. If you haven't sent in your 2007 records yet please do so asap - or at least contact SB or myself and let us know the state of play.
As regards "tristis Chiffchaff" - any records need full (and I mean full) descriptions. NO RECORD WILL BE ACCEPTED IF THEY SHOW ANY HINT OF GREY ! A call must be heard AND THERE MUST BE PHOTOGRAPHS.
You may not be aware but records are now assessed locally / Welsh Records Panel and only those deemed acceptable are to to to BBRC for checking - and the above are their NEW criteria.
Many thanks
jon
Secondly the month is now on the way out and the deadline for submitting 2007 records is fast approaching. If you haven't sent in your 2007 records yet please do so asap - or at least contact SB or myself and let us know the state of play.
As regards "tristis Chiffchaff" - any records need full (and I mean full) descriptions. NO RECORD WILL BE ACCEPTED IF THEY SHOW ANY HINT OF GREY ! A call must be heard AND THERE MUST BE PHOTOGRAPHS.
You may not be aware but records are now assessed locally / Welsh Records Panel and only those deemed acceptable are to to to BBRC for checking - and the above are their NEW criteria.
Many thanks
jon
Newport
Newport;- 0830, 3 Little Egrets roosting together on mud together, passage birds? only seen 1 recently. By 0900 gone somewhere!
No gulls this am.
From the car a "pied Jackdaw" by the PCNP info Centre.
No gulls this am.
From the car a "pied Jackdaw" by the PCNP info Centre.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
N. Pembs. & Newgale Marsh
Newport;-
1 un-ringed Ad. Med Gull & 145 Common Gulls, amongst the mainly Black- Headed at 900.
Fishguard;-
No sign of Cz Med Gull this am, last seen on monday, has he gone? Likely!
Dinas Head;-
3 Red thd Divers well offshore in Newport Bay.
Newgale Marsh;-
m Pintail (Paul G.)
1 un-ringed Ad. Med Gull & 145 Common Gulls, amongst the mainly Black- Headed at 900.
Fishguard;-
No sign of Cz Med Gull this am, last seen on monday, has he gone? Likely!
Dinas Head;-
3 Red thd Divers well offshore in Newport Bay.
Newgale Marsh;-
m Pintail (Paul G.)
Friday, 18 January 2008
Llys y Fran Resr
As Richard said I found the Pacific Diver around 11.00 right at the far end, and yes, it was worth the trek through the mud and horizontal rain! The plumage is quite different to last year but it still looks different to the Yorkshire bird ? bigger bill.
Also saw the Black necked grebe, 2 m Tufted and 2 goldeneye and 60 Lapwing on the windswept picnic site.
Also saw the Black necked grebe, 2 m Tufted and 2 goldeneye and 60 Lapwing on the windswept picnic site.
Newport-Med Gull 5PO -- Pacific Diver
Newport 1100;-
Still plenty of gulls to challenge the interested. c90 Common Gulls noted. Best bird so far, ad Med. left leg, red ring 5PO.
This bird I first saw on 7/8/2005 in Fishguard harbour when it was a 1st year. It is a Polish ringed bird.( can't find my original recovery sheet, so I don't know any other sightings.)
Llys-y-fran Resr.;- Diver seen above hide until 1100, (Wendy J.)
Still plenty of gulls to challenge the interested. c90 Common Gulls noted. Best bird so far, ad Med. left leg, red ring 5PO.
This bird I first saw on 7/8/2005 in Fishguard harbour when it was a 1st year. It is a Polish ringed bird.( can't find my original recovery sheet, so I don't know any other sightings.)
Llys-y-fran Resr.;- Diver seen above hide until 1100, (Wendy J.)
American Herring Gull
If anyone is interested in a detailed response from a gull expert friend of mine to the interesting gull photo posted by Nathan please click here. In essence he says it isn't one, and adults are nigh on impossible to separate in Europe anyway. The heavy streaking about the head/neck/upper breast is more likely a sign of late immaturiaty, e.g. a fourth winter bird. Interesting stuff.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Soggy Llangloffan Fen 17th January
The Cleddau has flooded across the fen this week, creating a classic winter wetland scene with sheets of water in the floodplain valley mire. Today 80-100 teal, 30+ mallard, 15-20 shoveler, 300 lapwing, numerous snipe. Cettis warbler, chiffchaff, willow tits and wintering tree sparrow all in evidence before I had to retreat when the rains came on again.
Dartford Warbler
I saw one in an area of coastal heath in the north of the county at 13:30 and at 16:00 the spectacular aerial display of a pair of Peregrines starting early right up at the coast.
Newport Thurs Afternoon
No sign of the Spoonbill.Still huge numbers of gulls though I found nothing unusual.87 Curlew,
35 Dunlin,17 Ringed Plovers, 13 Redshank & the regular Grey Plover.
35 Dunlin,17 Ringed Plovers, 13 Redshank & the regular Grey Plover.
Llys-y-fran, -- Pacific Diver & B. N. Grebe
Llys-y-fran Resr;-
This afternoon's visit to the resr. produced the Diver, as was it's habit's last winter, at this time of day getting amongst the gulls.
Whilst we were looking for the Diver, Adrian R. found a Black-Necked Grebe, off the end of the major spit between the two main arms.
The gull roost was disappointing, probably due to the wind direction?
Paul G, Adrian R. & Richard D.
This afternoon's visit to the resr. produced the Diver, as was it's habit's last winter, at this time of day getting amongst the gulls.
Whilst we were looking for the Diver, Adrian R. found a Black-Necked Grebe, off the end of the major spit between the two main arms.
The gull roost was disappointing, probably due to the wind direction?
Paul G, Adrian R. & Richard D.
Pacific Diver & Iceland Gull
Llys-y-fran Resr.;
Dave A. beat me to the resr. and the bird this morning, see Dave's posting below.Bird diving continuously until I left at 1100. Always beyond the hide.
Also there 3 Goosander(1m & 2rh), 5 Goldeneye(3m).
Newport;- no sign of the Spoonbill, but probably is still around. Amongst the many 100's of gulls at c1200, a 1w Iceland Gull.
With the unusually large nos. of gulls at Newport at the moment & a large turnover through the day, interesting gulls must be there to be found!
Dave A. beat me to the resr. and the bird this morning, see Dave's posting below.Bird diving continuously until I left at 1100. Always beyond the hide.
Also there 3 Goosander(1m & 2rh), 5 Goldeneye(3m).
Newport;- no sign of the Spoonbill, but probably is still around. Amongst the many 100's of gulls at c1200, a 1w Iceland Gull.
With the unusually large nos. of gulls at Newport at the moment & a large turnover through the day, interesting gulls must be there to be found!
Pacific Diver at Llys-y-fran
Present this morning from the hide, then gradually moved further north up the reservoir. Definitely a Pacific - it has a cracking throat-strap, and is evidently last year's bird returning, now in a different plumage state. Well done to Richard & Adrian for locating it, and to Paul, Juan & myself for persevering with the ID last year - we were right!!
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Newport - p.m.
Spoonbill - imm. seen from boat club this afternoon; disturbed by walkers it flew up the valley.
Red-throated Diver & Great Crested Grebe off-shore.
Fishguard - late afternoon - from Fort
Great Northern Diver
Black-throated Diver
Red-throated Diver & Great Crested Grebe off-shore.
Fishguard - late afternoon - from Fort
Great Northern Diver
Black-throated Diver
Diver sp? at Llys-y-fran Resr.
Llys-y-fran Resr;-
A Diver showing features & behaviour that suggest it is the returning bird from last winter; which was identified as a probable Pacific Diver, was found late this afternoon. The bird was watched on/off for c30 mins. until it became dark. Hopefully views will be obtained in the morning in better light!, if it is the returning bird then it will be a 2nd winter.
In the gull roost at the resr. tonight 1 1st w. Glaucous Gull, & 1 1st w. Iceland Gull.(both picked out by Adrian whilst I was on the phone!)
Rosebush Resr;-1 rh Goosander, 2 Goldeneye.
Adrian R. & Richard D.
A Diver showing features & behaviour that suggest it is the returning bird from last winter; which was identified as a probable Pacific Diver, was found late this afternoon. The bird was watched on/off for c30 mins. until it became dark. Hopefully views will be obtained in the morning in better light!, if it is the returning bird then it will be a 2nd winter.
In the gull roost at the resr. tonight 1 1st w. Glaucous Gull, & 1 1st w. Iceland Gull.(both picked out by Adrian whilst I was on the phone!)
Rosebush Resr;-1 rh Goosander, 2 Goldeneye.
Adrian R. & Richard D.
N.Pembs --this am.
Newport;- imm Spoonbill moving around the boat Club, --12 Turnstone.
Ad. & 1w Med. Gulls from the Bridge,- amongst c1000 gulls, mainly Blk. Hd-Gulls, a major influx!(Bonapartes in S.Glam. y'day)
Teifi;- 1 Common Sandpiper- St. Dogmael's Quay. 4 Knot & 1 Gt. Ctd. Grebe --Webley.
22 Ringed Plover, 13 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone - Patch.
Ceibwr;-1 Black Redstart on last house, approach on Moylegrove rd. In fields on way back to Nevern, c200 Lapwing, c300 Golden Plover.
Ad. & 1w Med. Gulls from the Bridge,- amongst c1000 gulls, mainly Blk. Hd-Gulls, a major influx!(Bonapartes in S.Glam. y'day)
Teifi;- 1 Common Sandpiper- St. Dogmael's Quay. 4 Knot & 1 Gt. Ctd. Grebe --Webley.
22 Ringed Plover, 13 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone - Patch.
Ceibwr;-1 Black Redstart on last house, approach on Moylegrove rd. In fields on way back to Nevern, c200 Lapwing, c300 Golden Plover.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Red Necked Grebes too
Mick Brown left a message for me today to say he had 2 Red-necked Grebes in Tenby Harbour area this morning.
Goodwick Moor
I was looking for owls by the time it stopped pouring with rain up this way, but this was at least rewarded with a Barn Owl lit up under the lights over the embankment and a hooting Tawny Owl.
Outdoor Meeting Sunday
Due to unforseen circumstances the Pembrokeshire Bird Group's outdoor meeting scheduled for this Sunday, 20 January, has been cancelled. Grateful if you could advise anyone you may know of who intended to attend but does not have access to the Internet.
Castlemartin & Angle
With an unexpected lull in the deluge I went to Castlemartin to do my Webs and was rewarded with 2 Greylag Geese on the Corse from Castlemartin Church together with c.1400 Lapwing, 120 Golden Plover, 100 Curlew, 9 Shoveller and 170 Wigeon. In the fields by the track behind Freshwater West There were plenty of finches - 500+ Chaffinch, 2 Brambling, 80 Goldfinch, 30 Greenfinch, 40 Linnet as well as 100+ Skylark.
At the Lodge, Angle Bay there were the same good birds seen on Saturday's Bird Race - Black Necked Grebe close in to the shore near Angle Harbour, Slavonian Grebe out in the middle towards the Haven and the American Wigeon close in. Also 17 Great Crested Grebe.
At Kilpaison 110 Dunlin, 23 Barwit, 3 Knot and 25 Turnstone
At the Lodge, Angle Bay there were the same good birds seen on Saturday's Bird Race - Black Necked Grebe close in to the shore near Angle Harbour, Slavonian Grebe out in the middle towards the Haven and the American Wigeon close in. Also 17 Great Crested Grebe.
At Kilpaison 110 Dunlin, 23 Barwit, 3 Knot and 25 Turnstone
Spoonbill --Newport
The Spoonbill was roosting nr. the Boat Club at high - tide late morning, then flew to the end of the sand dunes & fed along the tideline in the wave action.
Also roosting on the sand dunes, 1 Grey Plover, c7 Turnstone, c40 Dunlin, c14 Ringed Plover; 2 Red Td. Divers offshore.
Also roosting on the sand dunes, 1 Grey Plover, c7 Turnstone, c40 Dunlin, c14 Ringed Plover; 2 Red Td. Divers offshore.
Monday, 14 January 2008
Smicker???
I saw this "herring group" gull with what looks to me like quite a lot of "freckles" fly west over Carregwastad at 15:30, what do you lot make of such an individual? I'm not a twitcher and not too well up on exactly what to look for and wondering how extreme it would have to be to be a possible American.
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Dipping!
Newport;- no sign of the Spoonbill, but v.high tide & poor weather!
Feindre;- no sign of the Firecrest, poor weather!
Ceredigion;- No sign of Ring-necked Duck or Cattle Egret, Jon G. Dipping!!
Feindre;- no sign of the Firecrest, poor weather!
Ceredigion;- No sign of Ring-necked Duck or Cattle Egret, Jon G. Dipping!!
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Castlemartin peninsula 12/1
Webs counts and tetrad (TTVs) before rain set in, highlights were merlin, peregrine, goshawk 2 (ad male, juv male), chough 15, black redstart 1, purple sandpiper, grey plover 38, knot 5, sanderling 1, dunlin 70, Oyc 80, skylark 300+, chaffinch c. 300, brambling (a few only), linnet c. 500, greenfinch c. 100, golden plover c. 1000, lapwing c. 2,500, red-throated diver 3. At Bosherston lakes Little egret 1, goosander 22 little grebe 12; at Frainslake millpond little grebe 8 but best there was an otter watched for about a minute at less than 10 feet away.
Bird Race -- a quick summary
Pembs. Winter Bird Race
4 teams comprising 14 individuals took part.
Jon G. will provide full statistics when he has received full details from each team.
Here is the scores, the highlights, & a list of birds not seen by any team!
Narbeth Nearlies( first this year with nearly 110 --not nearly first!) a score of 106 species!!
Fishguard Bird Group--97 species, but all recorded without venturing south of the Cleddau!!
Teifi Watchers --95 species.
Broad Haven Sleepers -- 91 species.
Good scores by all, with good weather after c1330 each team could have added up to 5/6 more.
The Narbeth Nearlies were on 87 species by 0830, mainly due to Bosheston (Firecrest) & Angle peninsular, with American Wigeon, Black-necked & Slavonian grebes.
The Spoonbill on the Nevern was seen by 2 teams.
Firecrests were also seen at Felindre & Monk Haven.
Several Gt N. & 1 Black-throated (Fishguard harbour) Divers.
Common & Green Sandpipers at Millin Pill.
3 ring-tail Hen Harriers at the Dowrog.
2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers flying at Stack Rocks, an unusual location!
A beautiful pr. of Crossbills flying at Rosebush Resr.
Some species not recorded by any teams;- Lssr.-spt. Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Black Redstart, Gannet, Red btd. Merganser, Purple Sandpiper, Velvet Scoter, Spotted Redshank, & Red Kite.
Clearly some of these were not seen due to the site not being visited, poor afternoon weather, or in the case of residents, becoming v. difficult to find!
I apologise for any errors in the above, but people were as interested in a drink & getting dry as telling me their exploits!
4 teams comprising 14 individuals took part.
Jon G. will provide full statistics when he has received full details from each team.
Here is the scores, the highlights, & a list of birds not seen by any team!
Narbeth Nearlies( first this year with nearly 110 --not nearly first!) a score of 106 species!!
Fishguard Bird Group--97 species, but all recorded without venturing south of the Cleddau!!
Teifi Watchers --95 species.
Broad Haven Sleepers -- 91 species.
Good scores by all, with good weather after c1330 each team could have added up to 5/6 more.
The Narbeth Nearlies were on 87 species by 0830, mainly due to Bosheston (Firecrest) & Angle peninsular, with American Wigeon, Black-necked & Slavonian grebes.
The Spoonbill on the Nevern was seen by 2 teams.
Firecrests were also seen at Felindre & Monk Haven.
Several Gt N. & 1 Black-throated (Fishguard harbour) Divers.
Common & Green Sandpipers at Millin Pill.
3 ring-tail Hen Harriers at the Dowrog.
2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers flying at Stack Rocks, an unusual location!
A beautiful pr. of Crossbills flying at Rosebush Resr.
Some species not recorded by any teams;- Lssr.-spt. Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Black Redstart, Gannet, Red btd. Merganser, Purple Sandpiper, Velvet Scoter, Spotted Redshank, & Red Kite.
Clearly some of these were not seen due to the site not being visited, poor afternoon weather, or in the case of residents, becoming v. difficult to find!
I apologise for any errors in the above, but people were as interested in a drink & getting dry as telling me their exploits!
Hooded Crow & Firecrests
A Hooded Crow late morning with Rooks in fields near St Davids Youth Hostel. Also 2 Firecrests early morning at inner south gate Heathfield GP.
Friday-more records/notes.
Fishguard Harbour;- The Cz ad. Med. Gull present,(Paul G.) Please note this bird if you see it, it could depart any day--never stayed past January.
Gt. N. Diver still present.(Cliff B.)
Cleddau estuary;- a birding couple, earlier this week whilst visiting Penclacwydd mentioned that they had seen an imm. Osprey on the river; bear in mind?(per Clive J.)
Gt. N. Diver still present.(Cliff B.)
Cleddau estuary;- a birding couple, earlier this week whilst visiting Penclacwydd mentioned that they had seen an imm. Osprey on the river; bear in mind?(per Clive J.)
Friday, 11 January 2008
Spoonbill at Newport
Juvenile Spoonbill. Apparently present since yesterday (Thurs). Richard D has seen it & thinks it is probably the Teifi bird. This pm was showing well between the bottom of Long St & the bridge.
Water Pipit & Iceland Gull
Newgale Marsh;- 1200 today 1 Water Pipit with Rock & Meadow Pipits on flooded campsite.(Paul G.)
Yesterday;;
Fishguard Harbour, Flagpoles;- 1w Iceland Gull flew in at 1550, had a quick bathe, & flew off inland past Goodwick, will be looked for this pm.
Strumble Hd;- 1w Little Gull in the pm. (Adrian R.)
Yesterday;;
Fishguard Harbour, Flagpoles;- 1w Iceland Gull flew in at 1550, had a quick bathe, & flew off inland past Goodwick, will be looked for this pm.
Strumble Hd;- 1w Little Gull in the pm. (Adrian R.)
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Albinistic Blackbird
They are mutations and do follow through successive generations before dying out all together. So yes, they are probably related to each other.
Pied Blackbird
I took this picture of a Pied Blackbird at Westfield Pill on 2nd Jan 2006. I did use it as part of the 2006 Bird Diary at the conference. I think RC has seen/photographed one as well, and I think someone else has posted some info on the Blogger. Of real interest, is it the same bird or are they relatives. I saw this bird in the same area as Kim's i.e. at the top end of Westfield Pill where the river runs under the small road bridge
Interesting that it/they should crop up again in the same location.
Anyone else seen it/one there ?
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
Pied Blackbird Westfield Pill
Not seen any other reference to this bird, so if it is common knowledge, my apologies!
While colour sports such as Pied Albino and Leucistics are of limited interest
to most birders, occasionaly one pops up that is worthy of a second glance.
I am sure you will agree that this handsome fellow is among that exalted company!
It seems he hangs around the Rosemarket end of the pill, near the car park and bridge.
Thanks to my neighbor, Mr Rob Lawrence for the stunning photo!
Bird Race Birds ??
9 species seen yesterday--will we find any of these on Sat's Bird Race.-- in Pembs.?
2 Marsh Harriers-- Cley.
2 Egyptian Geese-- Cley.
1 Black Brant with c220 Dark-bellied Brent Geese-- Wells.
3 Lapland Buntings with c50 Snow Buntings--Salthouse.
c2000 Pink-footed Geese & 5 Grey Partridge in the field too.
& the bird of the year so far!!
1 ad. m. White Crowned Sparrow--Cley.
( As I keep being asked, an 818 mile, 22 hour round trip,- we did make visits to close relatives en route too.) Paul G. & Richard D.
Still couldn't find the Spoonbill today, has he gone?
Talking to a birder with a cottage in St. Dogmael's he visits regularly; he had an Egyptian Goose on the Teifi in the first week of November-- the Cleddau bird?
2 Marsh Harriers-- Cley.
2 Egyptian Geese-- Cley.
1 Black Brant with c220 Dark-bellied Brent Geese-- Wells.
3 Lapland Buntings with c50 Snow Buntings--Salthouse.
c2000 Pink-footed Geese & 5 Grey Partridge in the field too.
& the bird of the year so far!!
1 ad. m. White Crowned Sparrow--Cley.
( As I keep being asked, an 818 mile, 22 hour round trip,- we did make visits to close relatives en route too.) Paul G. & Richard D.
Still couldn't find the Spoonbill today, has he gone?
Talking to a birder with a cottage in St. Dogmael's he visits regularly; he had an Egyptian Goose on the Teifi in the first week of November-- the Cleddau bird?
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Northern Headlands
I saw a Merlin overhead being blown about all over the place at Pen Anglas at 15:00 and there was a Purple Sandpiper down on the rocks at Penfathach as well.
Corner Piece
Managed a quick visit this afternoon and the three Little Egrets were still in the field at Corner Piece - looks a good spot for a Cattle Egret to join them, worth checking if you're passing. Turn towards Spittal and it's the second field on the left.
Monday, 7 January 2008
The Bird Race
It is really too much to expect records of all species seen/heard to be recorded to tetrad or possibly even 10 km square level. However, perhaps for more difficult or unusual species (such as that hooting owl, the flushed woodcock, odd wader, less common finch or bunting, willow/marsh tits) it would be really great if locations could be remembered and logged later as Atlas Roving records. It is possible that "your team" might find the first ones for a particular area; if so those records will have even extra value!
Has anyone seen lesser spotted woodpecker anywhere in Pembs this winter? Will this weekend provide the first one for the Atlas (assuming we still have any left in the County)?
Has anyone seen lesser spotted woodpecker anywhere in Pembs this winter? Will this weekend provide the first one for the Atlas (assuming we still have any left in the County)?
Carregwastad
I saw my first good bird of 2008 today, it wasn't the mythical Cattle Egret but among the 90+ regular auks that flew west past the headland between 14:00 and 15:30 two going the "wrong" way were well worth a closer look - Little Auks riding the wind into the bay! 30+ kittiwakes also west sadly including an oil-stained bird.
January Bird Race 2008
Good luck to all those attempting this year's bird race next Saturday.
Please remember the rules:
3 out of the 4 must see / hear and agree the ID - if there is only 3 members of a team then they all must see / hear and agree.
Any suppression of a county / national rarity will mean disqualification and probably physical abuse !
The teams must stay in the county - as in, any bird seen whilst their feet are outside the county does not count. However, where there is a border, as long at the team's feet are in the county - the bird counts.
Teams must be back in the Newgale pub by 5.30 - any later will result in a penalty - one species per 5 minutes late.
Good luck all.
Please remember the rules:
3 out of the 4 must see / hear and agree the ID - if there is only 3 members of a team then they all must see / hear and agree.
Any suppression of a county / national rarity will mean disqualification and probably physical abuse !
The teams must stay in the county - as in, any bird seen whilst their feet are outside the county does not count. However, where there is a border, as long at the team's feet are in the county - the bird counts.
Teams must be back in the Newgale pub by 5.30 - any later will result in a penalty - one species per 5 minutes late.
Good luck all.
Sunday, 6 January 2008
The search continues....
Paul G and I had a bit of a tour round today, zigzagging from H'west to Goultrop Road, up the coastal strip to Newgale, and then inland to Puncheston, back down to Spittal:
Broad Haven: 5 Velvet Scoter, 2 Purple Sandpiper & 1 Sanderling
Haroldston Chins: 30 Common Scoter, Black-throated Diver
Woodstock: 2nd winter Med Gull in cattle field with Black-headed Gulls
Corner Piece (Spittal): 3 Little Egrets in a cattle field - had me holding my breath for a few seconds!!! Never seen Little Egrets this far from the coast/estuary in Pembs before. Damn.
Broad Haven: 5 Velvet Scoter, 2 Purple Sandpiper & 1 Sanderling
Haroldston Chins: 30 Common Scoter, Black-throated Diver
Woodstock: 2nd winter Med Gull in cattle field with Black-headed Gulls
Corner Piece (Spittal): 3 Little Egrets in a cattle field - had me holding my breath for a few seconds!!! Never seen Little Egrets this far from the coast/estuary in Pembs before. Damn.
Cattle egrets - just a thought!
A possible location to consider are fields in the upper reaches of Eastern Cleddau. One such heavily cattle-poached pasture regularly attracts up to 10 little egrets. To my eyes it has all the right credentials and would be visible to any "new" egrets moving up the Cleddau from the coast. I will try and have a look at the area mid week when I expect to visit the Slebech Estate.
Misc weekend tetrad-bashing highlights
In south Pembs on Sat 5th Jan., green sandpiper at a small flooded pool nr Manorbier Newton; good numbers of winter thrushes - fieldfares, redwings but blackbirds predominated. Searched fields/hedgerows and farmyards for yellowhammers in areas I know they have occurred in winter (between Jameston and Fresh East) but no luck today.
In mid and west Pembs today Sun 6th Jan., kestrels noted in two separate 10 km squares; red-throated and 2 great-n divers in St Brides Bay (off Broadhaven), auks and kittiwake offshore too; good numbers of 3 wintering thrushes right up the coast to St Davids peninsula; water rail in Nine Wells valley but no chiffchaffs seen here. Rain set in shortly after we left St Davids; apart from numerous thrushes in fields, not much more tcould be seen, but approx 70 spp recorded across numerous tetrads in just a few hrs during the day.
In mid and west Pembs today Sun 6th Jan., kestrels noted in two separate 10 km squares; red-throated and 2 great-n divers in St Brides Bay (off Broadhaven), auks and kittiwake offshore too; good numbers of 3 wintering thrushes right up the coast to St Davids peninsula; water rail in Nine Wells valley but no chiffchaffs seen here. Rain set in shortly after we left St Davids; apart from numerous thrushes in fields, not much more tcould be seen, but approx 70 spp recorded across numerous tetrads in just a few hrs during the day.
Teifi and inland
The Spoonbill was still opposite the quay this morning with 2 Bar T Godwits and c 100 Lapwing. Driving around the lanes inland in the Monington/Croft area we followed a flock of around 1000 Golden Plover but couldnt find where they landed. Several fields had small numbers of Lapwing. 90 Fieldfare and 60 Redwing also but no sign of an Egret.
St.Davids Airfield
Ringtails almost daily this week, also 2 Short-eared Owls hunting on Thursday. Today a flock of about 100 Lapwings and 18 Golden Plovers put to flight by a rather brazen fox. Distant gunshots triggered off a mass 'squeal' of Water Rails, but not one made an appearance.
The search
Spent yesterday (Saturday) driving down lanes etc between St Dav's and Strumble Head but no luck
Saturday, 5 January 2008
American Wigeon & more from to day
The American Wigeon showing well off Kilpaison this pm. Also 33+ Knot.
On our wander in search of any inland egrets, we came across 100's of Lapwings & 2 large flocks-sev. 100 in each of Golden Plover on the Castlemartin peninsular.
Castlemartin Corse;- 3+ Shoveler.
Bosherston;- 22 Goosander being the highlight, Gadwall & Wigeon & 1 m.Goldeneye noted.
Our route took us around the farmland of Cosherston & Carew Pills before our high-tide destination of Landshipping, which was egret-free.
One bird we can find,-- Jon G. had the Teifi Spoonbill opp. St.Dogmael's at c1700.
From who we've spoken to at least 6 of us have been "On the Search"! today, most concentrating on the south, or the west coastal strip. I guess further sorties into the pastures around the Cleddau, & St. David's are next on the list.?
On our wander in search of any inland egrets, we came across 100's of Lapwings & 2 large flocks-sev. 100 in each of Golden Plover on the Castlemartin peninsular.
Castlemartin Corse;- 3+ Shoveler.
Bosherston;- 22 Goosander being the highlight, Gadwall & Wigeon & 1 m.Goldeneye noted.
Our route took us around the farmland of Cosherston & Carew Pills before our high-tide destination of Landshipping, which was egret-free.
One bird we can find,-- Jon G. had the Teifi Spoonbill opp. St.Dogmael's at c1700.
From who we've spoken to at least 6 of us have been "On the Search"! today, most concentrating on the south, or the west coastal strip. I guess further sorties into the pastures around the Cleddau, & St. David's are next on the list.?
Bird Race
Have spoken to Jon Green and agreed that the New Year Bird Race next Saturday (12th) will finish at 5:30pm at the pub at Newgale. No set start time, up to individuals - have an early night on the Friday!
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Nice northern Chiffchaff
I did a quick trip down to Monk Haven to see if the Firecrest was still about and I coulnd find anything but on the filter beds in the Sewerage works there were at least seven Chiffchaffs feeding along with Grey Wags, Pied Wags, Chaffinch, Dunnock and Blackbird.
One of the Chiffs is a very pale northern type worth a good look with a scope to try and pick up the details - look at the Bird Guides links which follows.
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1203
One of the Chiffs is a very pale northern type worth a good look with a scope to try and pick up the details - look at the Bird Guides links which follows.
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=1203
Ringtails
Having gravitated as far west as I could in my "quest", I found myself on the coast path south of Martinshaven, just past Rath cottage at sunset.
3 Ringtails flew past (all within 3 minutes of each other) heading towards Skomer, where I assume they were going to roost. Having read Sash`s comments, that would possibly explain why they keep turning up. I`ll have another look tomorrow. Meanwhile.....
3 Ringtails flew past (all within 3 minutes of each other) heading towards Skomer, where I assume they were going to roost. Having read Sash`s comments, that would possibly explain why they keep turning up. I`ll have another look tomorrow. Meanwhile.....
Spoonbill on the Teifi
At c900 the Spoonbill flew into the river behind Jewson's & started feeding vigourously!
2 Sanderling & 2 Bar-tailed Godwits feeding in the estuary.
2 Sanderling & 2 Bar-tailed Godwits feeding in the estuary.
Friday, 4 January 2008
Spoonbill & "White Crow"
Teifi;- Spoonbill still present, feeding at 1620 from St.Dogmael's quay.
Ceredigion "White Crow";-- No suprise that three of us went to look at somebody else's Cattle Egret & other birds!
The bird we saw -- or as the farmer called it;-" the white crow" has been present for c10days at his farm, where incidently no cattle or sheep were visible!
Adrian R. independantly, (he was working ) found another or the same but a few miles away earlier in the day just south of Aberystwyth.
Tomorrow may be "Pembs."day for a Cattle Egret, but look everywhere, we don't know how long it's been here!
Ceredigion "White Crow";-- No suprise that three of us went to look at somebody else's Cattle Egret & other birds!
The bird we saw -- or as the farmer called it;-" the white crow" has been present for c10days at his farm, where incidently no cattle or sheep were visible!
Adrian R. independantly, (he was working ) found another or the same but a few miles away earlier in the day just south of Aberystwyth.
Tomorrow may be "Pembs."day for a Cattle Egret, but look everywhere, we don't know how long it's been here!
The Quest continues.......
Spent some 3hrs searching between Blacbridge pill & the Gann today, from Sandyhaven to Walwins castle, criss -crossing the lanes in between, in thunderstorms & torrential rain, alas, to no avail, searching for the elusive cattle egret. The nearest I came was a tesco carrier bag in the corner of a field somewhere! Well, there`s always tomorrow!
Thursday, 3 January 2008
The search for the mystical Egret of Cattle...
As Richard reports, Ceredigion now has a Cattle Egret. Even Cheshire has two! They are also scattered from Cambridgeshire south and west to around 45+ in Cornwall. Ireland has 10 or more. There simply HAS to be at least one in Pembrokeshire.
So I was thinking that maybe a systematic County wide search on Sunday morning (provided it does not clash with a WEBS count?) might be an idea - 5+ cars searching a fifth or less of the County's fields, looking for cattle -surely worth a shot? You could also double up and knock off a tetrad (if you've signed up for one) or collect some "roving" records. If anyone is up for it e-mail me at david.astins@btopenworld.com, or phone 07766 911069 - if you have a preference for which area you cover, let me know (for example I fairly comprehensively covered Pembroke south to Stackpole Quay and west to Freshwest in under 2 hours last Sunday).
So I was thinking that maybe a systematic County wide search on Sunday morning (provided it does not clash with a WEBS count?) might be an idea - 5+ cars searching a fifth or less of the County's fields, looking for cattle -surely worth a shot? You could also double up and knock off a tetrad (if you've signed up for one) or collect some "roving" records. If anyone is up for it e-mail me at david.astins@btopenworld.com, or phone 07766 911069 - if you have a preference for which area you cover, let me know (for example I fairly comprehensively covered Pembroke south to Stackpole Quay and west to Freshwest in under 2 hours last Sunday).
Spoonbill & the North
Teifi;- 1610 Spoonbill present opp. St. Dogmael's Quay at high tide. Also 1 Bar-tail Godwit, c30 Redshank feeding, & 1 Little Egret, amongst the Wigeon, Teal, Curlew, & Shelduck.
Goodwick Moor;- 2 Firecrests feeding together this pm. (Adrian R.)
Ceredigion now has at least 1 Cattle Egret-- may have been present 1 week plus.!!
Goodwick Moor;- 2 Firecrests feeding together this pm. (Adrian R.)
Ceredigion now has at least 1 Cattle Egret-- may have been present 1 week plus.!!
Spoonbill on the Teifi
Spoonbill feeding opp. St. Dogmael's quay at 0830, Gt. Ctd. Grebe feeding off Poppit.
Newport Golf Club;- 200 Golden Plover & 20 Lapwing flying in fields behind.
Newport Golf Club;- 200 Golden Plover & 20 Lapwing flying in fields behind.
Minwear/Canaston/Toch woodland areas 2/1/08
In the shelter of a forest ride (a regular feeding area for pheasants) there were good numbers of woodland birds feeding on crushed oats - including c.150 chaffinches, 30+ greenfinches, 20-30 bramblings, numerous titmice including at least 6-10 marsh tits. In plantation areas, numerous siskins feeding on larch cone seed, plus a sprinkling of lesser redpolls but only seen in ones or twos. Fairly large numbers of blackbirds everywhere.
A flock of at least 40 stock doves were feeding in sheep-grazed kale - being kept on their toes and regularly disturbed by a peregrine and a buzzard. There appeared to be a locally high concentration of dunnocks feeding amongst the tall kale. I estimated (from calls) that there could have been at least 15-20 over approx 1/3 of the field - they uttered alarm calls when the peregrine flew over.
A flock of at least 40 stock doves were feeding in sheep-grazed kale - being kept on their toes and regularly disturbed by a peregrine and a buzzard. There appeared to be a locally high concentration of dunnocks feeding amongst the tall kale. I estimated (from calls) that there could have been at least 15-20 over approx 1/3 of the field - they uttered alarm calls when the peregrine flew over.
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
1st and 2nd of January
1Jan 2008
At the Dowrog Common - 2xHen harrier both ringtails, 1xShort eared owl, 1xBarn owl, 1xMerlin, 1xSparrow hawk and 2xKestrel
2 Jan 2008
At Broadhaven - 5xVelvet scoter
At the Gann - 5xGrey Plover, 14xPB Brent on the pools and 1xDB Brent in the river
At the Dowrog Common - 2xHen harrier both ringtails, 1xShort eared owl, 1xBarn owl, 1xMerlin, 1xSparrow hawk and 2xKestrel
2 Jan 2008
At Broadhaven - 5xVelvet scoter
At the Gann - 5xGrey Plover, 14xPB Brent on the pools and 1xDB Brent in the river
Marloes Peninsular 29-30 December
apologies for the late posting, happy New Year to everyone
Wooltack Point/Martin’s Haven
7+ Guillemots feeding just north of the point.
30+ Black-Headed Gulls roosting on Jack Sound in slack water. This mirrors similar behaviour that we saw on 14 December involving a far larger number (several hundred) of B-H gulls. They can’t get much time to roost before the current re-starts. Strangely, we did not see any of the larger gulls roosting with them.
Kittiwake: around 10 each adults and immatures feeding actively in the sheltered water north of the point very close in.
Up to 5 Chough seen in a group around the Deer Park
1 Peregrine seen chasing a dove
2 Red-throated Divers flying toward Skomer once the main current from Jack Sound had slowed on 30th.
(Only) 1 Gannet.
5 Shags, 1 Cormorant (seen flying with a Shag, giving an excellent comparison btw the species in terms of size and plumage)
Group of 7 Skylark singing and flying towards Skomer.
Marloes Mere
Flock of c.40 Lapwing seen flying around the area most of 30th December
1 Song Thrush
A very large, noisy and concentrated group of >100 mixed duck at the car park end of the mere. The majority were Teal, with roughly equal numbers of Wigeon and Shoveler, and a few Mallard.
I met Derek G, but missed the ringtail. Interestingly, I had seen a ringtail over the field by the NT car park at Martin’s Haven on both 14 December and 23 November, and a similar bird was reported by friends in the intervening weeks, so this bird could have been around the area for as much as 5 weeks.
The Gann
9 Dabchick
3 male, 4 female Goldeneye
c.20 Teal
1 Shelduck
2 Little Egret
Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher
Goultrop Roads
30-40 Scoter a (very) long way out towards Broad Haven. It was late in the day so was unable to pick out any Velvets amongst them.
Wooltack Point/Martin’s Haven
7+ Guillemots feeding just north of the point.
30+ Black-Headed Gulls roosting on Jack Sound in slack water. This mirrors similar behaviour that we saw on 14 December involving a far larger number (several hundred) of B-H gulls. They can’t get much time to roost before the current re-starts. Strangely, we did not see any of the larger gulls roosting with them.
Kittiwake: around 10 each adults and immatures feeding actively in the sheltered water north of the point very close in.
Up to 5 Chough seen in a group around the Deer Park
1 Peregrine seen chasing a dove
2 Red-throated Divers flying toward Skomer once the main current from Jack Sound had slowed on 30th.
(Only) 1 Gannet.
5 Shags, 1 Cormorant (seen flying with a Shag, giving an excellent comparison btw the species in terms of size and plumage)
Group of 7 Skylark singing and flying towards Skomer.
Marloes Mere
Flock of c.40 Lapwing seen flying around the area most of 30th December
1 Song Thrush
A very large, noisy and concentrated group of >100 mixed duck at the car park end of the mere. The majority were Teal, with roughly equal numbers of Wigeon and Shoveler, and a few Mallard.
I met Derek G, but missed the ringtail. Interestingly, I had seen a ringtail over the field by the NT car park at Martin’s Haven on both 14 December and 23 November, and a similar bird was reported by friends in the intervening weeks, so this bird could have been around the area for as much as 5 weeks.
The Gann
9 Dabchick
3 male, 4 female Goldeneye
c.20 Teal
1 Shelduck
2 Little Egret
Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher
Goultrop Roads
30-40 Scoter a (very) long way out towards Broad Haven. It was late in the day so was unable to pick out any Velvets amongst them.
Spoonbill & the North
The Teifi Spoonbill present opp. St. Dogmael's Quay, until 1600 at least. This pm 1 Common Sandpiper on the far bank too.
Newport Bay;- 2 Rd.Thd. Divers this pm. Yesterday the 3 Knot still present in the estuary.
Goodwick Moor; 1 Firecrest & 1 very brown Chiffchaff by the 2nd green bridge.(Adrian R.)
Yesterday;- Moylegrove water treatment works, 1 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Lg. t. tits.
Lithuanian Starling;- the Croes-goch bird I was given (12/12/2007) was ringed as a 1st year Starling on 21/07/2007 in Lithuania.
Newport Bay;- 2 Rd.Thd. Divers this pm. Yesterday the 3 Knot still present in the estuary.
Goodwick Moor; 1 Firecrest & 1 very brown Chiffchaff by the 2nd green bridge.(Adrian R.)
Yesterday;- Moylegrove water treatment works, 1 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Lg. t. tits.
Lithuanian Starling;- the Croes-goch bird I was given (12/12/2007) was ringed as a 1st year Starling on 21/07/2007 in Lithuania.
New Years Day bashing tetrads in N Pembs
Some 70+ species logged - from tetrad bashing, mainly in NE Pembs, including red kites, peregrine, raven, nice flock of 25+ stock doves, dipper, marsh tits, brambling, siskins and all the usual woodland birds in the Cych valley area etc. An unexpected temporary pool east of Tegryn had teal and wigeon. We finished up at Morfa Head, overlooking Newport Bay.
Here two long boats racing in the bay disturbed a flock of what to us (from a distance and without telescope) looked like mergansers - there were about 60 birds. They were rafting in a tight flock about 3/4 km north of Cat Rock (i.e. between Morfa Hd and Dinas Island). They got up from the water and a flew a short distance and settled again in a tight group. The light was quite poor and they looked greyish and slightly long-necked and quite sleek. We suspect they were resting (possibly on passage?) birds. They were still there at dusk. Does anyone know if there is a regular flock of sea-ducks roosting offshore here at present. Have any mergansers passed Strumble Head that may be this flock?
At Nevern Estuary at dusk, c. 100 curlew roosting, 7 little grebes plus an impressive flock of c. 1000 jackdaws and a few hundred rooks on the mud before going to roost. A couple of woodcock flying over the A40 on our way south ended the day.
Here two long boats racing in the bay disturbed a flock of what to us (from a distance and without telescope) looked like mergansers - there were about 60 birds. They were rafting in a tight flock about 3/4 km north of Cat Rock (i.e. between Morfa Hd and Dinas Island). They got up from the water and a flew a short distance and settled again in a tight group. The light was quite poor and they looked greyish and slightly long-necked and quite sleek. We suspect they were resting (possibly on passage?) birds. They were still there at dusk. Does anyone know if there is a regular flock of sea-ducks roosting offshore here at present. Have any mergansers passed Strumble Head that may be this flock?
At Nevern Estuary at dusk, c. 100 curlew roosting, 7 little grebes plus an impressive flock of c. 1000 jackdaws and a few hundred rooks on the mud before going to roost. A couple of woodcock flying over the A40 on our way south ended the day.
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
New Years Day
Llanstadwell: 1st-W Yellow-legged Gull, and a Rock Pipit possibly of the Scandinavian subspecies (large bill, obvious yellow lower mandible) & broad whitish median covert bar (or possibly a poorly marked Water Pipit?)
Milton: 3 Little Egrets in "Bob's field", just S of A477 W of Milton (looks perfect for you-know-what...)
Angle Bay: drake American Wigeon
Pembroke River: 3 dark-bellied Brents, Barwit, 5 Little Egrets (in cattle field, again!!)
Gann: 14 pale-bellied Brents (on pool, then beach), 1 dark-bellied Brent (on river), 6 Med Gulls, 4 Grey Plover
Happy New Year all!
Milton: 3 Little Egrets in "Bob's field", just S of A477 W of Milton (looks perfect for you-know-what...)
Angle Bay: drake American Wigeon
Pembroke River: 3 dark-bellied Brents, Barwit, 5 Little Egrets (in cattle field, again!!)
Gann: 14 pale-bellied Brents (on pool, then beach), 1 dark-bellied Brent (on river), 6 Med Gulls, 4 Grey Plover
Happy New Year all!
Teifi late afternoon
The Spoonbill was feeding busily at 3.30pm. It was on the sandbank just downstream of St Dogs quay with c1000 Lapwing, 5 Knot and 14 Shelduck.
Broadhaven, Sandyhaven, the Gann
Broadhaven
c 60 Common scoter, 1 Gt/N/Diver, Blackredstart at Puffin way.
Sandyhaven
Much the same as yesterday, except 7 Med Gulls, 3*ad, 2*2nd/w, 2*1st/w. good numbers of B/H & Common, didn`t count them - too busy looking for anything unusual!
Gann
just driving past,14 Brent, 4 Grey plover,4 Goldeneye
c 60 Common scoter, 1 Gt/N/Diver, Blackredstart at Puffin way.
Sandyhaven
Much the same as yesterday, except 7 Med Gulls, 3*ad, 2*2nd/w, 2*1st/w. good numbers of B/H & Common, didn`t count them - too busy looking for anything unusual!
Gann
just driving past,14 Brent, 4 Grey plover,4 Goldeneye
Teifi Estuary
Spoonbill still presnt from slipway but as usual asleep
wigeon 100+
Common Gull 10+
Curlew 10
Redshank 2
Hope all have a great new year
wigeon 100+
Common Gull 10+
Curlew 10
Redshank 2
Hope all have a great new year
Spoonbill on the Teifi
The Spoonbill was feeding fast & furious at 0830, quite unusual! By 0930 back to sleep, are all birds with spoon-billed bills such efficient feeders??
Still off St. Dogmael's Quay this am.
Still off St. Dogmael's Quay this am.