Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Fishguard & Goodwick
I saw the Bar-tailed Godwit in the harbour again at 13:30 and got a good view of a Peregrine over Pen Anglas at 14:00.
Med. Gull red PHY 1
Med. Gull -- red PHY 1;-
This bird was first seen this autumn in Fishguard harbour on 12 Aug. aged as a 2yr. & seen since.
It was ringed in the nest 13 June 2007 on the Wisla est. in Poland.
This bird also visited Fishguard in it's 1st winter on 28 Dec 2007.
This bird was first seen this autumn in Fishguard harbour on 12 Aug. aged as a 2yr. & seen since.
It was ringed in the nest 13 June 2007 on the Wisla est. in Poland.
This bird also visited Fishguard in it's 1st winter on 28 Dec 2007.
Fishguard Harbour & N. Pembs. etc.
Nevern est;-
1w. Med. Gull roosting at 1830.
Teifi Marshes;-
1 Cetti's singing nr. Kingfisher hide, little else on estuary.
Med. Gulls;- ad. & 1w. at The Flagpoles at 1500 today,
also c400 LBB Gulls present.(Adrian ).
NOT Pembs.
But I see that Sandwich Bay had c55000 House Martins fly North this morning, impressive migration !
1w. Med. Gull roosting at 1830.
Teifi Marshes;-
1 Cetti's singing nr. Kingfisher hide, little else on estuary.
Med. Gulls;- ad. & 1w. at The Flagpoles at 1500 today,
also c400 LBB Gulls present.(Adrian ).
NOT Pembs.
But I see that Sandwich Bay had c55000 House Martins fly North this morning, impressive migration !
Corncrake - Skomer
A Corncrake was reported on Skomer yesterday,(Birdguides).
Flushed in North Valley.
Flushed in North Valley.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Teifi
Creek hide - 1 Snipe and 27 Teal
River above Cardigan bridge - 4 Dunlin flying with one larger unidentified wader, possibly a Curlew Sandpiper.
Patch - just 2 Dunlin found at low tide. Wigeon numbers increasing - at least 80 now.
River above Cardigan bridge - 4 Dunlin flying with one larger unidentified wader, possibly a Curlew Sandpiper.
Patch - just 2 Dunlin found at low tide. Wigeon numbers increasing - at least 80 now.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Teifi Osprey
An Osprey was fishing successfully in the Teifi estuary late afternoon.
Also 1 juvenile Grey Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 10 Ringed plover and 6 Dunlin.
2 Snow Geese and 34 Barnacles with the Canada Goose flock.
Also 1 juvenile Grey Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Turnstone, 10 Ringed plover and 6 Dunlin.
2 Snow Geese and 34 Barnacles with the Canada Goose flock.
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Osprey still present at Landshipping 27th Sept
A pleasant autumn sunshine walk to Landshipping this afternoon (doing our last butterfly transect of the season) provided very nice close views of a spotted flycatcher perched on wires at Clare House.
At Landshipping a peregrine was spooking waders - including 5 of 7 black-tailed godwits feeding on the shore. Also present were about 45 redshanks and 90 teal and 5-6 little egrets.
The still resident osprey made a half-hearted fishing attempt, but pulled out from the dive and flew back up the estuary towards Slebech. It has been around the area now for at least 3 weeks or more.
At Landshipping a peregrine was spooking waders - including 5 of 7 black-tailed godwits feeding on the shore. Also present were about 45 redshanks and 90 teal and 5-6 little egrets.
The still resident osprey made a half-hearted fishing attempt, but pulled out from the dive and flew back up the estuary towards Slebech. It has been around the area now for at least 3 weeks or more.
Marloes
Early this morning, 9 Snipe over the Mere.
What I did become aware of was steady trickle of Ravens, in one`s & two`s flying quite high heading West, maybe as many as 20 in an hour, destination Skomer? or further West?
Monkhaven, a few Chiff/willows, 2 Blackcaps.
The Gann, quite disturbed this afternoon, so didn`t stay long.
What I did become aware of was steady trickle of Ravens, in one`s & two`s flying quite high heading West, maybe as many as 20 in an hour, destination Skomer? or further West?
Monkhaven, a few Chiff/willows, 2 Blackcaps.
The Gann, quite disturbed this afternoon, so didn`t stay long.
St David's
St Justinians - juvenile Little Stint on flood opposite the toilets looking towards St Davids head. 2 Spotted Flycatchers at Rhosson farm in a garden apple tree.
By the Youth Hostel - 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Blackcap.
(Paul G.)
By the Youth Hostel - 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Blackcap.
(Paul G.)
Whinchats etc
St Davids am - 4 Whinchats at the Head itself and 3+ Dartford Warblers in the area.
7 Redpolls sp flew over. Vis mig of House Martins evident with a few Swallows. Strumble pm - Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail.
7 Redpolls sp flew over. Vis mig of House Martins evident with a few Swallows. Strumble pm - Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail.
Newport Sat am
No sign of the Osprey; perhaps Lyndon did have the last sighting. 18 Wigeon, 1 ea Little Egret & Bar T Godwit, 50+ ringed Plovers, 21 Dunlin.
300+ Canadas flew in c 9-30 with 2 white farmyard geese (2 of the local Snow Geese were with them a couple of days ago).No hybrids and no Bar Headed.
300+ Canadas flew in c 9-30 with 2 white farmyard geese (2 of the local Snow Geese were with them a couple of days ago).No hybrids and no Bar Headed.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Stackpole (PM) 26th Sept
Another firecrest noted today half way down the eastern arm - calling loudly near the footpath.
A small kestrel passage clearly appears to be happening along Castlemartin peninsula - 6 hovering together over Stackpole warren this afternoon and at least 4 others were west of St Govan's Head. (In the past when numbers were higher, it was quite usual to see 15-20 kestrels at this time of year, all hovering in a line along the Castlemartin peninsula).
A few evenings ago Carl Luxford (NT) flushed a short-eared owl on Stackpole warren, we rarely see them here, so it was a nice one for the NNR. I do wonder if the small mammal (vole) population may be higher here at present helped by a generally good growth in vegetation, aided by the recent rains?
Generally fairly quiet otherwise. However, whilst setting up my moth trap in the garden as it got dark, a few redwings were heard going west - so it seems that at least some of the northern thrushes are now on the move.
A small kestrel passage clearly appears to be happening along Castlemartin peninsula - 6 hovering together over Stackpole warren this afternoon and at least 4 others were west of St Govan's Head. (In the past when numbers were higher, it was quite usual to see 15-20 kestrels at this time of year, all hovering in a line along the Castlemartin peninsula).
A few evenings ago Carl Luxford (NT) flushed a short-eared owl on Stackpole warren, we rarely see them here, so it was a nice one for the NNR. I do wonder if the small mammal (vole) population may be higher here at present helped by a generally good growth in vegetation, aided by the recent rains?
Generally fairly quiet otherwise. However, whilst setting up my moth trap in the garden as it got dark, a few redwings were heard going west - so it seems that at least some of the northern thrushes are now on the move.
Fishguard
4 Crossbills at Tower Hill this evening.
(Adrian R.)
1 Bar tailed Godwit and 5 Turnstone by the flagpoles this morning.
(Adrian R.)
1 Bar tailed Godwit and 5 Turnstone by the flagpoles this morning.
Whitesands
I saw the Pied Flycatcher although no sign of any Yellow-browed Warblers today, there did seem to be quite a few Goldcrests about.
Mullock Bridge
Spoonbill still present this evening,
1 female Kestrel. In the distance by the footbridge at the Gann estuary I caught sight of a large brown raptor blasting through the gull flocks, before vanishing - I`m 99% sure it was a Goshawk.
Marloes:- 12 Chough, 1 imm Kestrel & the remains of a Pied flycatcher,(f) that looked as though it could`ve been a Sparrowhawk kill.
1 female Kestrel. In the distance by the footbridge at the Gann estuary I caught sight of a large brown raptor blasting through the gull flocks, before vanishing - I`m 99% sure it was a Goshawk.
Marloes:- 12 Chough, 1 imm Kestrel & the remains of a Pied flycatcher,(f) that looked as though it could`ve been a Sparrowhawk kill.
Late departures inevitable...
I was somewhat surprised this week to see so many non fledged juvenile Gannets on Grassholm. Calm conditions allowed us to approach the Gannet colony on Grassholm without us bouncing about too much for use of zoom lenses. As can be seen, some were ready for imminent departure (centre bottom) weras (right top), One was still quite downey and still some way to go. allthingsgood,cliff
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Maes y Garn, Crymych
Four red kites flying around the house and fields this afternoon. A single snipe and six golden plover seen as well.
Yellow browed Warblers
At Rhosson farm, St Justinians, St Davids, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and a Pied Flycatcher in a garden apple tree this morning.
Late afternoon, another Yellow Browed Warbler in sycamores in the car park of the Whitesands Bay Hotel.
(Paul G.)
Late afternoon, another Yellow Browed Warbler in sycamores in the car park of the Whitesands Bay Hotel.
(Paul G.)
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Stackpole (PM) 24th Sept
Many observers were delighted with excellent views of an immature hobby today as it spent all afternoon and early evening gliding leisurely around and occasionally diving at and catching dragonflies in it talons between the Court site and Home Farm (generally the upper reaches of Bosherston Lakes Eastern arm). It appeared at lunch time and probably went to roost in the trees this evening.
At the head of the eastern arm a firecrest was calling later in the afternoon and there appeared to be very many goldcrests around today - calling in many trees/bushes along the eastern arm.
A few days ago Richard Ellis (NT) recorded a flock of 15 greenshanks and a couple of Curlew sands at Carew Millpond. Is this a record number of greenshanks together at this location?
J S-Smith has sent a useful image of that brown (day-flying) bat recorded out at sea last Sunday (reported by Richard in the Blog). Annie contacted bat expert Dr Bob Stebbings, who has made some measurements of it based on the wing and body size ratio from the really very good image. His conclusion is that it is probably a Leisler's bat or possibly a closely related Noctule bat. Leisler's bats are found in Ireland, but are prob quite scarce over here in Pembs (no definite recent records); whereas the reverse is true of Noctules. Occasional bats have been found on ships docking in Milford Haven over the years and some of these may have been Leisler's.
The question is, did this bat leave a ship or was it making its way over the Irish sea un-assisted? We know bats can move long distances over water, migrant Nathusius Pipistrelle (for example) move south from northern Europe in autumn to warmer climes and have turned up in Ireland. We find greater horseshoe bats from Stackpole on offshore islands and in sea caves.
Day-flying bats are not as unusual as we might think, so it would be nice to think that the pelagic trip bat was simply migrating normally - but the observers were really lucky to see it! So keep a look out for bats at sea, you never know there may be more out there!
At the head of the eastern arm a firecrest was calling later in the afternoon and there appeared to be very many goldcrests around today - calling in many trees/bushes along the eastern arm.
A few days ago Richard Ellis (NT) recorded a flock of 15 greenshanks and a couple of Curlew sands at Carew Millpond. Is this a record number of greenshanks together at this location?
J S-Smith has sent a useful image of that brown (day-flying) bat recorded out at sea last Sunday (reported by Richard in the Blog). Annie contacted bat expert Dr Bob Stebbings, who has made some measurements of it based on the wing and body size ratio from the really very good image. His conclusion is that it is probably a Leisler's bat or possibly a closely related Noctule bat. Leisler's bats are found in Ireland, but are prob quite scarce over here in Pembs (no definite recent records); whereas the reverse is true of Noctules. Occasional bats have been found on ships docking in Milford Haven over the years and some of these may have been Leisler's.
The question is, did this bat leave a ship or was it making its way over the Irish sea un-assisted? We know bats can move long distances over water, migrant Nathusius Pipistrelle (for example) move south from northern Europe in autumn to warmer climes and have turned up in Ireland. We find greater horseshoe bats from Stackpole on offshore islands and in sea caves.
Day-flying bats are not as unusual as we might think, so it would be nice to think that the pelagic trip bat was simply migrating normally - but the observers were really lucky to see it! So keep a look out for bats at sea, you never know there may be more out there!
Osprey and Dunlin
A couple of Photos sent in by Melvin Grey taken yesterday around midday at Newport Harbour. Click on images for larger versions.
Osprey
The Osprey at Newprt was showing well in very poor light conditions this morning. However, at about 1 o clock a number of us saw the bird rise on thermals until no longer a 'dot' but out of site. Unless anyone else has news of it being seen since it may well have decided to leaveTy Rhyg
It's fairly quiet now up at Ty Rhyg with virtually all of the summer migrants now departed apart from a few Chiffs. Today there were 6 Crossbills, 25 Redpolls and good numbers of Goldcrests. Over the last two months over 500 birds have been mist-netted there including 90 Willow Warblers, 83 Chiffs, 47 Redpolls and 4 Willow Tits. The actual number of Redpolls using the site is likely to be much higher as the retrap rate is very low (only 2 individuals caught twice). At the moment the redpolls are feeding on the rosebay Willow-herb seeds but when rearing broods they could be seen getting caterpillars off the Sallow branches.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Teifi estuary
Waders elusive at low tide this evening - only 1 Dunlin and a Bar-tailed Godwit with a limp that has been around the estuary for a few days.
34 Barnacle Geese and 70+ Wigeon.
34 Barnacle Geese and 70+ Wigeon.
Newport Osprey
9-30 Tues am roosting. 10am I saw it flying high west out of the estuary towards Fishguard. Don't know if it returned. Must have flown over my garden.
Dale Area
This morning at Dale Airfield there were a dozen Pied Wagtails accompanied by 3 White Wags, 50+ Meadow Pipits, 6 Wheatears, 100+ Goldfinches, 5 Chough, 2 Kestrels and, by a big puddle on one of the runways, a Ruff.
At St Anne's Head 5 Yellow Wags were still present but again very flighty, also 3 White Wags and a few Mipits.
8 Brent Geese still at The Gann and at Marloes Mere 6 Lapwings.
Sandy Haven Pill held 6 Greenshanks and 7 Little Egrets.
(Richard Crossen & Morris North)
Good birding from Pencarnan
Early PM on Sunday a thermal above the camp site supported 10 raptors - 2 R Kites, 7 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk. Later in the afternoon, near by Whitesands Bay Hotel, were 3 Whinchat.
Early Monday morning the wind had backed to the N East and was brisk, a hint that there may have been an overnight fall. A look around Rhosson Farm disappointed so we returned to the caravan for a coffee and to make a decision on how to play the day. We soon got direction when a Yellow-browed Warbler popped up on The Bush.....the 35th sp for our little hot spot. The signs were there, and without hesitation we headed for the Youth Hostel and The Bocca. We quickly found 8 Crests near to the hostel and by the time we had completed the circuit back via Porthclais the total amounted to 18, but no more Y B W's. There had been a fall of sorts.
Late afternoon we walked out to Point St John. En route we found our 1st campsite Whinchat and close by 3 of the four Swallow chicks that fledged in the headland horse shelter had made it to the fence and were being fed in strict rotation. With their gammy gapes they looked quite comical. Hope they're not too late for the flight to S.A.
And finally, to round off a good couple of days of birding, 2 Yellow Wagtails flew by close to the lifeboat station.
Oh! we almost forgot, during our visit, we had 3 Greater-spotted Peckers and 4 Sparrow Hawk sightings, all in the general area of the coast; not unusual at this time of the year......migration?dispersal? One of the peckers just avoided the talons of a Peregrine.
Early Monday morning the wind had backed to the N East and was brisk, a hint that there may have been an overnight fall. A look around Rhosson Farm disappointed so we returned to the caravan for a coffee and to make a decision on how to play the day. We soon got direction when a Yellow-browed Warbler popped up on The Bush.....the 35th sp for our little hot spot. The signs were there, and without hesitation we headed for the Youth Hostel and The Bocca. We quickly found 8 Crests near to the hostel and by the time we had completed the circuit back via Porthclais the total amounted to 18, but no more Y B W's. There had been a fall of sorts.
Late afternoon we walked out to Point St John. En route we found our 1st campsite Whinchat and close by 3 of the four Swallow chicks that fledged in the headland horse shelter had made it to the fence and were being fed in strict rotation. With their gammy gapes they looked quite comical. Hope they're not too late for the flight to S.A.
And finally, to round off a good couple of days of birding, 2 Yellow Wagtails flew by close to the lifeboat station.
Oh! we almost forgot, during our visit, we had 3 Greater-spotted Peckers and 4 Sparrow Hawk sightings, all in the general area of the coast; not unusual at this time of the year......migration?dispersal? One of the peckers just avoided the talons of a Peregrine.
No prizes!
Like most of we non ringing people, I much prefer a bird in the bush rather than a bird in the hand. Especially when the bird in the hand is dead.
A neighbour brought this pathetic scrap of feathers to me and I have to say it took a long time for me to identify it for her. If it had been flitting around shiny eyed and vibrant with life, it would have taken half a nano second but the first thing that foxed me was its small-ness. It had to be a goldcrest... er no it didnt, my imagination flickered, something eastern and exotic, seconds were passing into minutes... No get a grip forget the citrine flush, the rich sheen of the olive green, the exquisite form, the delicate insectiverous beak, impossibly slender almost black legs. How do wings this small cross ocean and continents?
Bog standard I guess! If any one wants this little jewel, its in my freezer, allthingsgood,cliff
Monday, 22 September 2008
Yellow Wagtails - St. Ann's Head
In tune with Morris' posting, I had at least 8 Yellow Wags at St. Ann's Head early afternoon in the large grassy field adjacent to the lighthouse. They were flighty and calling frequently, but at times gave excellent views - the most i've ever seen together in Pembs from memory. Also at least 5 White Wags with them, and a few Mippits. At the Gann 8 pale-bellied Brents, 9 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 2 Med Gulls (ad & 1stW) & 4 Little Egrets. The Airfield was quiet.
Amroth
Amroth 8-30am
Unusual for Amroth 16 + Gannets adults & juveniles diving close to shore in rather shallow water !! 8 + comic terns feeding along waters edge . But the best was a YELLOW Wagtail
with 2 white Wagtails on the pebbles, this side of stream and therefore in Pembrokeshire -
(and not in Carmarthenshire)!!!
Unusual for Amroth 16 + Gannets adults & juveniles diving close to shore in rather shallow water !! 8 + comic terns feeding along waters edge . But the best was a YELLOW Wagtail
with 2 white Wagtails on the pebbles, this side of stream and therefore in Pembrokeshire -
(and not in Carmarthenshire)!!!
Grey Wagtails
Three of these beautiful creatures visited our lawn this morning - we often get fleeting visits at this time of the year. This plumage, with the apricot/buff breast is not shown in most of the bird books I have consulted with the exception of the Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide with Peter Hayman's excellent illustrations. Are they juveniles, as I have always supposed, or could they be autumn females? (Picture taken through the kitchen window)
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Pelagic
Another Pelagic with Seatrust , this time aboard the "Cartlett Lady". We went out, passing Grassholm , still "white-capped" with Gannets , then headed out further into the Celtic Deep, going out past The Smalls before heading back in past Skokholm. We encountered many Dolphins - perhaps up to 400 in all in numerous pods. Many came to investigate the boat and rode with us in the bow wave. Amongst the adults there were numerous juveniles and plenty of young calfs. A small Sunfish was also seen.
With an, at times, rather lumpy sea birding was not easy but amongst the background birds of Gannets, Manx Shearwaters, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills we saw 20+ Commic Terns, 2 Great Skuas, 6+ Puffins, a Red Throated Diver, a Kestrel off Grassholm and a fleeting glimpse of a Grey Phalarope. A small but steady passage of Swallows was seen all day. A "small brown job" flew alongside briefly whilst we were over 20 miles out and shortly after the bizarre sight of a Bat which circled the boat and continued to fly strongly away until lost to sight.
A memorable day in the sunshine of this Indian Summer.
Teifi estuary
Fewer waders at Patch over the weekend but very disturbed with people out enjoying the sun.
Only 1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover and 10 Dunlin today.
Only 1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover and 10 Dunlin today.
Osprey
The Osprey was seen briefly up stream from the iron bridge Newport at 5-10 pm.Otter showing really well below the iron bridge 3-15 pm a real crowd puller. St Davids am 5 Winchat together on road near Ivors pond.
Furzenips to Bluckspool area
Reasonable numbers of usual coastal waterfowl this morning, including a family party of 6 pale-bellied brent geese (2 adults and 4 juvs); 125 oycs, 72 curlew, 59 ringed plovers, 6 turnstone, 3 sanderling, 5 dunlin, 1 little stint. Several sandwich terns were moving east offshore; 8 seen in 30 minutes but probably many more passed along the coast during the day.
Further in land, nr Brownslade Farm a flock of at least 250-300 goldfinches and an additional c. 100 linnets were feeding on plentiful hogweed and ragwort seed. Very many juv goldfinches in post juv moult - they have had an excellent breeding season in south Pembs this year.
Small numbers of reed buntings appeared to be moving east over Frainslake valley (about 15 seen in all) along with small numbers of skylarks - at least 200.
Migrant butterflies coming in off the sea included large white and painted ladies, but no clouded yellows noted here yet.
Further in land, nr Brownslade Farm a flock of at least 250-300 goldfinches and an additional c. 100 linnets were feeding on plentiful hogweed and ragwort seed. Very many juv goldfinches in post juv moult - they have had an excellent breeding season in south Pembs this year.
Small numbers of reed buntings appeared to be moving east over Frainslake valley (about 15 seen in all) along with small numbers of skylarks - at least 200.
Migrant butterflies coming in off the sea included large white and painted ladies, but no clouded yellows noted here yet.
Canada Geese at Newport
They're back. A bit late, but 360 this am + 2 Snow Geese .c6pm many of them flying W over Dinas - where to?.
The Osprey had been seen this am, and may have been around for 2+ weeks.
Otherwise, 2 Little Egrets, 40 ea Dunlin & Ringed Plover, 9 Turnstones& 2 Sanderling.
House Martins feeding young at an isolated nest on the Parrog.
The Osprey had been seen this am, and may have been around for 2+ weeks.
Otherwise, 2 Little Egrets, 40 ea Dunlin & Ringed Plover, 9 Turnstones& 2 Sanderling.
House Martins feeding young at an isolated nest on the Parrog.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
We can all make a difference
Yesterday and today I have been on two offshore boat trips with Voyages of Discovery sailing from St David's. The wildlife has been fantastic - 100's of Dolphins - yes indeed but more likely 1000's with very high numbers of clearly new born as well as young animals. Huge numbers of sea birds including Sooty and Balearic Shears, Terns, Skuas and yet more Grey Phalaropes. What a pleasure it was to see and photograph wildlife such as this Sooty Shear, until you take a closer look. Yes, a hook in the birds face. What's worse it seems to be stainless steel, from where one can only guess. yet again another example of man's impact upon our environemant. Surely ' we can all make a difference'
(Double left click on picture for close up)
High as a ...
Kite came overhead as I sat in the garden drinking a nice glass of chilean plonk trying to remember the last time the sun shone for more than half a day. Not really that noteworthy sunny day or kite, I suppose, but I didn't see a single swallow! allthingsgood, cliff
Photo Competition
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is running a Photographic print competition on the theme of Welsh Nature, closing date 24 October. For details click here (then click on the document icon when a new page appears).
St Davids am
Around the Head - Snow Bunting,Golden Plover. A couple of parties of Siskins over and 2 Goldeneye and 6Brent Geese south. A steady stream of Swallows in off. A group of Common Dolphins - not sure how many but quite a few.
Newport; Osprey & Otter
As Richard noted, the Osprey very visible from the Iron Bridge yesterday afternoon.
And later, in the intervals, the very tame otter upstream, finally nosing through seaweed in the gully parallel to the road on the N side, ie viewable from 5 m away, before, as on Thurs, wending its way downstream c 5 pm.
I'm new to otters, but it did seem quite small, a juvenile?
And later, in the intervals, the very tame otter upstream, finally nosing through seaweed in the gully parallel to the road on the N side, ie viewable from 5 m away, before, as on Thurs, wending its way downstream c 5 pm.
I'm new to otters, but it did seem quite small, a juvenile?
Friday, 19 September 2008
Phalarope and Dolphins
A survey with Seatrust into the Bristol Channel proved exciting with a total of between 150 and 200 Common Dolphins in a number of pods, amongst them a few young calfs and juveniles. On the bird front mainly as expected - plenty of Gannets, groups of Guillemots and Razorbills and 3 Puffins. A Grey Phalarope showed well briefly and on the way back to Milford Haven 2 Arctic Skuas passed by.
Stackpole today
Small passage of siskins this morning (around 30 birds) over the dunes heading east; a couple more yellow wagtails on Stackpole Head and 5 grey wags arrived around Bosherston Lakes.
The black tern was still present on the eastern arm hawking insects most of the day.
Curiously, for the first time ever on a Sept WeBs count in 30 years of annual recording, there were no coot and no mallard (in fact no ducks at all!) on Bosherston Lakes. Where are they? It may just be a coincidence that the water levels have risen to average winter levels already.
Water Rails are back though - at least 4 seen today. Two kingfishers (normal) and a little grebe present; from its behaviour, may just be breeding late (just like last year when young fledged in November) time will tell!
The black tern was still present on the eastern arm hawking insects most of the day.
Curiously, for the first time ever on a Sept WeBs count in 30 years of annual recording, there were no coot and no mallard (in fact no ducks at all!) on Bosherston Lakes. Where are they? It may just be a coincidence that the water levels have risen to average winter levels already.
Water Rails are back though - at least 4 seen today. Two kingfishers (normal) and a little grebe present; from its behaviour, may just be breeding late (just like last year when young fledged in November) time will tell!
Osprey - Newport
News via e-mail from Tommy Evans:- The Osprey was there today again patrolling the river. I was there 12.30 to 3.30 & watched it go up & down the river about three times – catching at least one fish – that it took to the trees & ate. (Pic. Tommy Evans)
Teifi estuary
At least 3 Curlew Sandpipers and 2 Juvenile Little Stint still with the Dunlin and Ringed Plover at Patch this afternoon. Also 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 60 Wigeon and 70+ Curlew.
The Gann
This evening, 23 Brent, 2 Sanderling, 2 1st*w Med gulls, c15 Dunlin, c10 Ringer plover, 2 Turnstone - no sign of the Spoonbill. Curlew (I lost count!)
A fleeting visit to Marloes mere, 6 Wigeon
A fleeting visit to Marloes mere, 6 Wigeon
Little Milford
At high water this morning -
15 Greenshank, c60 Redshank, c45 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 7 Little Egrets and a Peregrine.
(Paul G.)
15 Greenshank, c60 Redshank, c45 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 20 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 7 Little Egrets and a Peregrine.
(Paul G.)
Caldey Update
Have just spent 4 days on Caldey.
Good passage of Blackcaps esp on 16th and 18th with quite a few Chiffchaffs going through too. Also a few early Goldcrests, a couple Spotted Flycatchers, Garden Warblers and Wheatears plus a Whinchat on 17th and at least three Water Rail present.
A Tawny Owl on 17th at dusk was the first record for the island. There are no small mammals on Caldey apart from rats so owls are pretty scarce and usually passage Short Eared.
Ringing produced good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaffs and at least three flocks of Long Tailed Tit but the star bird was a young Melodious Warbler caught on 16th and recaught and then seen again later for at least half an hour in a Blackthorn on 18th.
Spectacular Swallow passage - as also seen from Giltar Point. Best was 18th with between 9,000 and 12,000 per hour going east for at least 3 hrs from 1100 and 1400 but still moving in smaller numbers to around 1700hrs. Any quick scan of the whole island would produce around 1,000 birds on the move. A guess - possibly 40,000 birds in the day. Many fewer (but still a steady passage) on other days with around 250 getting "stuck" on the island on 16th due to poor visibility and drizzle - they all left early on 17th.
Later on 18th also reasonable numbers of House Martins on the move - perhaps a couple of hundred in total.
Good passage of Blackcaps esp on 16th and 18th with quite a few Chiffchaffs going through too. Also a few early Goldcrests, a couple Spotted Flycatchers, Garden Warblers and Wheatears plus a Whinchat on 17th and at least three Water Rail present.
A Tawny Owl on 17th at dusk was the first record for the island. There are no small mammals on Caldey apart from rats so owls are pretty scarce and usually passage Short Eared.
Ringing produced good numbers of Blackcap and Chiffchaffs and at least three flocks of Long Tailed Tit but the star bird was a young Melodious Warbler caught on 16th and recaught and then seen again later for at least half an hour in a Blackthorn on 18th.
Spectacular Swallow passage - as also seen from Giltar Point. Best was 18th with between 9,000 and 12,000 per hour going east for at least 3 hrs from 1100 and 1400 but still moving in smaller numbers to around 1700hrs. Any quick scan of the whole island would produce around 1,000 birds on the move. A guess - possibly 40,000 birds in the day. Many fewer (but still a steady passage) on other days with around 250 getting "stuck" on the island on 16th due to poor visibility and drizzle - they all left early on 17th.
Later on 18th also reasonable numbers of House Martins on the move - perhaps a couple of hundred in total.
Spoonbill at the Gann
Good views of the Spoonbill at about 11:30am, resting on the upper marsh (as per the post below) viewable from the layby by the junction between the Milford and Haverfordwest roads. After a while it flew around in a circle then into the bottom of a ditch, presumably to feed, and disappeared from view. Seems to be an adult with no obvious rings.
Thoughts from Thursday
A walk from Marloes to Martinshaven was slighty unnerving as the continous stream of eastwards swallows were flying at about head height and had to jink at the last moment to avoid my head!
Watched two baby seals on the beach at Martinshaven - great to be able to watch them without teetering on the edge of a cliff. Also watched a mating pair of seals in the shallow water - the male had his flippers around the female - it all looked quite luvvy-duvvy - I always thought it was likely to be a brutal and noisy affair but apparently not.
4 juvenile Sanderling at the Gann last night - had really close views of the amazing plumage - black and silver spangles and bright white underparts. The two peregrines were doing noisy flying displays which included whizzing along the beach at knee height - I watched them both chase a wader - probaly a Snipe - but it escaped. Saw the Spooonbill flying in the distance - most unsatisfactory. And the 7 Little Egrets flew off to roost, first towards Dale where they joined up with 8 others, then out past the Fort and towards Angle. It appears they no longer roost in the (now dead) pine trees at the Gann.
Watched two baby seals on the beach at Martinshaven - great to be able to watch them without teetering on the edge of a cliff. Also watched a mating pair of seals in the shallow water - the male had his flippers around the female - it all looked quite luvvy-duvvy - I always thought it was likely to be a brutal and noisy affair but apparently not.
4 juvenile Sanderling at the Gann last night - had really close views of the amazing plumage - black and silver spangles and bright white underparts. The two peregrines were doing noisy flying displays which included whizzing along the beach at knee height - I watched them both chase a wader - probaly a Snipe - but it escaped. Saw the Spooonbill flying in the distance - most unsatisfactory. And the 7 Little Egrets flew off to roost, first towards Dale where they joined up with 8 others, then out past the Fort and towards Angle. It appears they no longer roost in the (now dead) pine trees at the Gann.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
A pleasant "Indian summer" day and black tern at Stackpole
On the way to Stackpole this morning (nr Waterloo, Pembroke Dock) a flock of 35 mistle thrushes flying over the A477 made me stop and get out of the van to check they were not fieldfares; they weren't but I am not used to seeing a flock of mistle thrushes of this size.
A single black tern spent most of the day feeding over Bosherston lakes eastern arm; on Stackpole Warren there was a noticeable influx of Greenland race Wheatears - at least 20 (noticeably bigger brighter birds, more upright-stance, chestnut-pink underparts, and bold supercillium etc.
Diurnal hirundine migration - hundreds of swallows heading east along the coast, at least six yellow wagtails, plus several grey wags coming in off the sea heading to the lakes. I estimated in excess of 50 chiffchaffs in the woodland around the lakes, the new arrivals stimulated at least a dozen in full "chiff-chaff" song. Four Spotted flycatchers noted. Flocks of linnets probably moving through (one of 50+ was the largest single group).
Loads of migrant hawkers over the lakes today and in excess of 50 silver-y moths nectaring along the coast but no painted ladies or clouded yellows yet; possibly, if the current weather pattern continues, they may start to arrive any day now?
A single black tern spent most of the day feeding over Bosherston lakes eastern arm; on Stackpole Warren there was a noticeable influx of Greenland race Wheatears - at least 20 (noticeably bigger brighter birds, more upright-stance, chestnut-pink underparts, and bold supercillium etc.
Diurnal hirundine migration - hundreds of swallows heading east along the coast, at least six yellow wagtails, plus several grey wags coming in off the sea heading to the lakes. I estimated in excess of 50 chiffchaffs in the woodland around the lakes, the new arrivals stimulated at least a dozen in full "chiff-chaff" song. Four Spotted flycatchers noted. Flocks of linnets probably moving through (one of 50+ was the largest single group).
Loads of migrant hawkers over the lakes today and in excess of 50 silver-y moths nectaring along the coast but no painted ladies or clouded yellows yet; possibly, if the current weather pattern continues, they may start to arrive any day now?
Teifi estuary
Highlights at Patch this evening - 3 juvenile Little Stint and 4 Curlew Sandpipers in a small wader flock of around 60 birds.
Spoonbill - Gann
I eventually managed to find it by looking back down on the upper marshes from above Mullock Bridge, the 23 Light-bellied Brents are still in the bay and there were four Little Egrets along the lower inlet.
Newport osprey
Arrived at 1430 to a big fuss of crows and gulls - watched the osprey work up and down the estuary having several goes at fish but none successful. Returned to bridge at c. 1630 to find bird sitting in dead tree branch as far up the valley as you can see, then more fishing. Nice.
Also saw a sub-adult med. gull (few black tips to primaries), two kingfishers, three egrets and a green sand.
Also saw a sub-adult med. gull (few black tips to primaries), two kingfishers, three egrets and a green sand.
Otters at Newport
Newport Thurs am; 8 Black T Godwits & 2 Curlew Sands didnt hang about long. Also 4 Redshank, 3 Little Egrets; 11 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plovers & a Turnstone on the Parrog rocks; 45 Curlews & 29 Oystercatchers on the roost.
Was told about an otter seen in the last few days by builders at the white house & by the bridge in the late afternoon. So, returned at 5pm & after a few minutes an otter appeared at the bridge. swam slowly and playfully downstream then ambled over the shingle mobbed by a Little Egret, quite unconcerned about the line of amazed watchers on the bridge.There are said to have been as many as 3 seen.
When I arrived I was asked if I'd come about the Osprey, 1 if which had flown downstream about 1/2 hr previously. Yet another dip on an Osprey at Newport!
And an ad Med Gull.
Was told about an otter seen in the last few days by builders at the white house & by the bridge in the late afternoon. So, returned at 5pm & after a few minutes an otter appeared at the bridge. swam slowly and playfully downstream then ambled over the shingle mobbed by a Little Egret, quite unconcerned about the line of amazed watchers on the bridge.There are said to have been as many as 3 seen.
When I arrived I was asked if I'd come about the Osprey, 1 if which had flown downstream about 1/2 hr previously. Yet another dip on an Osprey at Newport!
And an ad Med Gull.
Hirundine Migration
Just as other correspondents have noted in recent blogs, visible migration can be a marvelous spectacle. Couple the experience with a walk out to Giltar Point on what may arguably go down as the lovliest weather day this year, and you have the ingredients for an extravaganza.
At least that is how the picture came into focus for us as we neared the beach having crossed the golf course from Penally. Here we noted a steady passage of swallows flying parallel to the beach in a westerly direction.
On reaching the headland they jinked south and flew off the Point heading for Caldey Island. When we reached the Point many more birds were seen coming from the direction of Lydstep. They too turned south on making the Point. Some birds flew at sea level, some at marram grass level others passed our head!
Sash T's comments came to mind, though briefly. This was too good an experience to apply any serious methodology. We counted for just 2 minutes, one facing east and one facing west. C350 birds trooped past, not as a wave, but as a conveyor belt of continuous movement.
When did it start/stop. Who knows? But for the hour or so we were in the vicinity of the headland 350 x 60 equates to 21000 birds per hour. Wow.
At least that is how the picture came into focus for us as we neared the beach having crossed the golf course from Penally. Here we noted a steady passage of swallows flying parallel to the beach in a westerly direction.
On reaching the headland they jinked south and flew off the Point heading for Caldey Island. When we reached the Point many more birds were seen coming from the direction of Lydstep. They too turned south on making the Point. Some birds flew at sea level, some at marram grass level others passed our head!
Sash T's comments came to mind, though briefly. This was too good an experience to apply any serious methodology. We counted for just 2 minutes, one facing east and one facing west. C350 birds trooped past, not as a wave, but as a conveyor belt of continuous movement.
When did it start/stop. Who knows? But for the hour or so we were in the vicinity of the headland 350 x 60 equates to 21000 birds per hour. Wow.
Gann - last evening
Little Egret 7
Spoonbill 1
Brent Goose 23 lt.b.
(In answer to a query below this is not a record
number for the Gann).
Spoonbill 1
Brent Goose 23 lt.b.
(In answer to a query below this is not a record
number for the Gann).
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Hirundines nests
Noted John's corresp about House Martins still nesting in Narberth. They are still nesting at Stackpole (a couple of nests at the beginning of the week with quite small young too). Some swallows are also still nesting on the Range (Castlemartin) with small to half grown young. There are usually some late ones but this year I wonder if there are more than usual nesting late.
Phlox of Phalaropes
Whilst on a Voyages of Discovery offshore trip from St David's this morning we had the amazing site of at least 11 Phalaropes together - flock?. Also in singles and two's over a five mile length we saw another 12. Add to this 4x Balearic Shears, large numbers of various terns and seabirds together with the spectacular colony of Gannets on Grassholm this was indeed a memorable Voyage of Discovery for those on boardFishguard and Teifi
Fishguard harbour - 1 Adult Med Gull, 1 ringed 2nd year Med Gull (PHY1), 1 Knot, 5 Sanderling and 2 herons.
Goodwick Moor - 1 Cetti's warbler
(Adrian R)
Teifi estuary - at Patch this evening the small wader flock was feeding frantically as the tide came in. Numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover much the same as yesterday but harder to count. Four Curlew Sandpipers showing very well, bathing and preening. 2 juvenile Little Stint still, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and c30 Wigeon.
Goodwick Moor - 1 Cetti's warbler
(Adrian R)
Teifi estuary - at Patch this evening the small wader flock was feeding frantically as the tide came in. Numbers of Dunlin and Ringed Plover much the same as yesterday but harder to count. Four Curlew Sandpipers showing very well, bathing and preening. 2 juvenile Little Stint still, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and c30 Wigeon.
Ravens
Having lived all my life in eastern England, where Ravens are fairly rare, I was in awe this afternoon at the sight of over 40 Ravens at varying heights above Copeston poultry farm (nr. Walwyns Castle). They were either in pairs or small groups, cronking away and demonstrating almost display-like behaviour. Quite remarkable and they were still there 3 hours later!
Also single Peregrines at Sandy Haven Pill and Westdale Bay, where there was also a pair of Kestrels, several Chough and many more Ravens!
Also single Peregrines at Sandy Haven Pill and Westdale Bay, where there was also a pair of Kestrels, several Chough and many more Ravens!
Newport
Nevern estuary this afternoon-
5 Curlew Sandpipers, 11 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret.
Newport bay - 1 drake Scoter
(Paul G.)
5 Curlew Sandpipers, 11 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 dark-bellied Brent Geese, 2 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret.
Newport bay - 1 drake Scoter
(Paul G.)
Med Gulls
A nice collection of Med Gulls amongst the high tide roost on the spit at Angle Harbour -8 x ad. w. 2 x 2nd w. 3 x 1st w. Also around 30 Black Headed Gulls, 30 Herring Gulls 1 Great Black Backed and a Common Gull. 10 Little Egrets, a few Curlew, 4 Turnstones and 2 Redshanks also present.
At Kilpaison with the tide out late morning pretty much the same birds as yesterday with the addition of 8 Barwits.
Gann this morning
22 Brent Geese! Is this a record? All Pale Bellied as far as I could tell and no visible colour rings - but it was a bit far away and against the sun so I may be wrong. We could only find 1 on Sunday when we did our WEBS count - did anyone else pick them up?? Also 20 Canadas.
As per Sash's post, a continuous stream of swallows over the pools and along the beach, obviously migrating but catching a few flies en route. About 6 White Wagtails on the beach too, and plenty of Wheatears and Rock Pipits. I looked hard for Wryneck but no sign!
Regarding breeding swallows, ours left about the same time as Cliff's - I think it was basically as soon as there was some vaguely settled weather. They had two broods - 3 and 4 - though how they managed to feed them was a mystery.
Rosemary
As per Sash's post, a continuous stream of swallows over the pools and along the beach, obviously migrating but catching a few flies en route. About 6 White Wagtails on the beach too, and plenty of Wheatears and Rock Pipits. I looked hard for Wryneck but no sign!
Regarding breeding swallows, ours left about the same time as Cliff's - I think it was basically as soon as there was some vaguely settled weather. They had two broods - 3 and 4 - though how they managed to feed them was a mystery.
Rosemary
Martin's Haven: 1000+ swallows an hour
The visible migration of Swallows that I noted at the Gann yesterday was in full flow this morning, with what are to me astonishing and continuous flows of birds from c.0800, all flying directly W-E.
I realise now that I seriously underestimated the number of birds yesterday, so set out to do the thing slightly more scientifically. I did 4 counts, one each half hour from 1000, and timed how long it took to reach 100 birds, using the Deer Park wall as the crossing point. In each case it was almost exactly 6 minutes, giving a rate of 1000 per hour!
Interspersed with the Swallows are much smaller numbers of martins, roughly evenly mixed House and Sand, but I estimate >95% of all the birds are Swallows.
Fewer warblers in the valley today and no Spotted Flycatchers (one was feeding actively by the road late yesterday evening), but still some willowchiffs feeding (as well as 1s and 2s flying W-E), and plenty of Linnets, a female Reed Bunting, and 2 adult Grey Wagtails. A very confiding male Kestrel, and a very vocal Buzzard.
I realise now that I seriously underestimated the number of birds yesterday, so set out to do the thing slightly more scientifically. I did 4 counts, one each half hour from 1000, and timed how long it took to reach 100 birds, using the Deer Park wall as the crossing point. In each case it was almost exactly 6 minutes, giving a rate of 1000 per hour!
Interspersed with the Swallows are much smaller numbers of martins, roughly evenly mixed House and Sand, but I estimate >95% of all the birds are Swallows.
Fewer warblers in the valley today and no Spotted Flycatchers (one was feeding actively by the road late yesterday evening), but still some willowchiffs feeding (as well as 1s and 2s flying W-E), and plenty of Linnets, a female Reed Bunting, and 2 adult Grey Wagtails. A very confiding male Kestrel, and a very vocal Buzzard.
Narberth's Martins
Believing that all the High Street's nesting House Martins had departed, this morning we were very surprised to find one nest containing noisy youngsters.
Looking back at our records we note that on the 13th May 9 nests were occupied, 17 on the 24th of May, 20 on the 29th June, 4 on the 1st September and 1 today.
Are there any other occupied hirundine nests in the county ?
Looking back at our records we note that on the 13th May 9 nests were occupied, 17 on the 24th of May, 20 on the 29th June, 4 on the 1st September and 1 today.
Are there any other occupied hirundine nests in the county ?
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Swallow Fest
Our swallows managed two broods this year, the first fledged two and the second three.Not bad I suppose considering the awful summer.
Their frantic coming and going, tuneful twittring song and raucus alarms make summer for me.
They hung about until last Friday, roosting in one of the barns and pebbledashing my lawnmower.
This evening under a glowering sky, hundreds of migrating Swallows hawked over the fields - a bitter sweet reminder that soon they will all be gone.
allthingsgood, cliff
Teifi estuary
Excellent high tide roost at Patch this evening -
3 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 juvenile Little Stint, 5 Turnstone, 38 Ringed Plover and 30 Dunlin.
57 Wigeon on the water by the spit but flew off west when the rain stopped.
The Little Gull was still at the flagpoles, Fishguard Harbour, today (Adrian R)
3 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 juvenile Little Stint, 5 Turnstone, 38 Ringed Plover and 30 Dunlin.
57 Wigeon on the water by the spit but flew off west when the rain stopped.
The Little Gull was still at the flagpoles, Fishguard Harbour, today (Adrian R)
Ramsey - Osprey
Osprey over Ramsey this afternoon. Small siskin passage today plus pied flycatcher. Good numbers of Balearics and skuas (arctic and great) on seawatches last week. Few yellow wagtails in past week.
News from Dave Boyle on Skomer of up to 3 wrynecks (one long stayer), grey phalarope (at sea and one on N Haven beach) and a dotterel and whinchat today.
News from Dave Boyle on Skomer of up to 3 wrynecks (one long stayer), grey phalarope (at sea and one on N Haven beach) and a dotterel and whinchat today.
Newport Tues am
Highlights were a flock of 6 Curlew Sands including a/the moulting adult, & 3 Dark Bellied Brents.
Otherwise 2 Common Sands, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Dunlin with a Sanderling, 17 Ringed Plovers.But only 1 Wigeon had struggled this far North!.
Otherwise 2 Common Sands, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Dunlin with a Sanderling, 17 Ringed Plovers.But only 1 Wigeon had struggled this far North!.
Angle / Pembroke River
Not the best viewing conditions this afternoon at Angle with the tide way out and dismal light. A Common Sandpier was on the beach, however, and further out 90+ Wigeon, 35 Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin. Bad light and drizzle stopped play at 3 p.m.
A little later viewing the Pembroke River from Bentlass and Pennar there were Wigeon in abundance - 1500+. Also 34 Mute Swans, 6 Black Tailed Godwit, 9 Little Egret and a young Peregrine which futilely made several dives on a Crow before flopping onto the rocks exhausted.
A little later viewing the Pembroke River from Bentlass and Pennar there were Wigeon in abundance - 1500+. Also 34 Mute Swans, 6 Black Tailed Godwit, 9 Little Egret and a young Peregrine which futilely made several dives on a Crow before flopping onto the rocks exhausted.
Martin's Haven & Dale area
Martin's Haven
Good movement in the valley as the rain lifted at lunchtime: Spotted Flycatchers (2-3), Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Robin, Stonechat.
Yesterday 3x Little Egret over, Peregrine, Kestrel. 21 seal pups now on the beaches at end of Deer Park. 180 Canada Geese feeding on stubble to S of NT car park. Flock of 30 Chough. Male Kestrel regularly patrolling the valley.
The Gann
High tide this morning: 4 Dabchick, 18 Brent Geese, 50+ Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Peregrine. 7 Wigeon, 2 Teal flying over.
Lots of Wheatear: 30+ along the sea wall from the car park to the estuary.
Big movement of Swallows flying W-E from 0900: counted 500+ by 1000
Dale airfield
Continued large quantities of of migrating Swallows all heading directly W-E. 20+ Wheatear amongst larger quantities of mipits, 5 Chough on runways. A flock of 12 Snipe circled around for 10-15 mins before alighting briefly on flooded runway. I flushed another 4 nearby. 2 Goldcrest in gorse.
Good movement in the valley as the rain lifted at lunchtime: Spotted Flycatchers (2-3), Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Robin, Stonechat.
Yesterday 3x Little Egret over, Peregrine, Kestrel. 21 seal pups now on the beaches at end of Deer Park. 180 Canada Geese feeding on stubble to S of NT car park. Flock of 30 Chough. Male Kestrel regularly patrolling the valley.
The Gann
High tide this morning: 4 Dabchick, 18 Brent Geese, 50+ Curlew, 3 Turnstone, 5 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Peregrine. 7 Wigeon, 2 Teal flying over.
Lots of Wheatear: 30+ along the sea wall from the car park to the estuary.
Big movement of Swallows flying W-E from 0900: counted 500+ by 1000
Dale airfield
Continued large quantities of of migrating Swallows all heading directly W-E. 20+ Wheatear amongst larger quantities of mipits, 5 Chough on runways. A flock of 12 Snipe circled around for 10-15 mins before alighting briefly on flooded runway. I flushed another 4 nearby. 2 Goldcrest in gorse.
Melodious Warbler on Caldey
Message from Steve Sutcliffe: they have just ringed a Melodious Warbler on Caldey
Monday, 15 September 2008
Teifi estuary
High tide roost at Patch this evening - 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 juvenile Knot, 35 Ringed Plover and 27 Dunlin.
Also 9 Wigeon from the railings.
Also 9 Wigeon from the railings.
Birdwatchers Conference
The 25th annual Pembrokeshire Birdwatchers Conference take place on Saturday 29 November 2008 at The Chevron Oil Refinery - further details here
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Carew/Cresswell Rivers
WeBs counts at high tide this evening (various points) produced generally low numbers of birds (in part due to high disturbance from power boats heading up to Cresswell Quay).
Main species were as follows:
BH Gull 442
LBB Gull 16
Mallard 49
Curlew 44
Redshank 15
Greenshank 9
Shelduck 9
Little Grebe 6
Little Egret 16
Kingfisher 1
Main species were as follows:
BH Gull 442
LBB Gull 16
Mallard 49
Curlew 44
Redshank 15
Greenshank 9
Shelduck 9
Little Grebe 6
Little Egret 16
Kingfisher 1
Martins Haven
Spent an enjoyable hour looking at the Seal pups this pm, the only birds of note were, c12 Common Scoter in Jack sound, 2 Greenshank flew overhead towards Skokholm.
This morning at Marloes, 2 Peregrines, 1 distant Kestrel, 1Sparrowhawk (female) at Mabs gate, 1 Sparrowhawk (male)
This morning at Marloes, 2 Peregrines, 1 distant Kestrel, 1Sparrowhawk (female) at Mabs gate, 1 Sparrowhawk (male)
Strumble (14 Sep 08)
Time: 0615 - 1515
Weather: Sunny (am), hazy (pm). Wind: SSE (F2)
Balearic Shearwater - 5
Sabine's Gull - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Arctic Skua - 5 (1 Juv, 2 Dark, 2 Pale)
Great Skua - 6
Pomarine Skua - 1 (1 Dark)
Black Tern - 8
Sandwich Tern - 32
Common / Arctic Tern - 21
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Common Scotor - 131 (24F, 107M)
Teal - 9
Wigeon - 17
Dunlin - 8
Sanderling - 3
Grey Heron - 3
Swift - 2
Weather: Sunny (am), hazy (pm). Wind: SSE (F2)
Balearic Shearwater - 5
Sabine's Gull - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Arctic Skua - 5 (1 Juv, 2 Dark, 2 Pale)
Great Skua - 6
Pomarine Skua - 1 (1 Dark)
Black Tern - 8
Sandwich Tern - 32
Common / Arctic Tern - 21
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Common Scotor - 131 (24F, 107M)
Teal - 9
Wigeon - 17
Dunlin - 8
Sanderling - 3
Grey Heron - 3
Swift - 2
Newport Sun am
The 5 Culew Sands still there with 3 Little Egrets, 1 ea Red & Greenshank, 21 Ringed P, 10 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, 5 Teal, the 1st 2 Wigeon of the Winter &, rarest of all for Newport, a fly over Tufted Duck!
20+ ea Curlew & Oystercacher on the roost.
20+ ea Curlew & Oystercacher on the roost.
Sunday morning - Teifi Estuary
High tide, around 7am this morning. High tide roost at Patch, held up to 40 Ringed Plovers, 25 Dunlin, one Sanderling and a Curlew Sandpiper (still present up to 10 am).
Out on the estuary, at least 5 Little Egrets and a Knot.
Out on the estuary, at least 5 Little Egrets and a Knot.
St Davids am
A flyover Yellow Wagtail then two more on Whitesands GC, White Wagtails (and some Pieds)in the area. Quite a few Swallows and a single Grey Heron in off the sea this morning.
OSPREY
Seen from Minwear wood viewpoint at noon today. Watched for ten
minutes preening, then was disturbed by a Grey Heron. Last seen
flying down the estuary towards Landshipping.
John M
minutes preening, then was disturbed by a Grey Heron. Last seen
flying down the estuary towards Landshipping.
John M
Landshipping-Slebech area
An osprey was still present mid afternoon yesterday, Saturday 13th Sept - came out of trees in the Longwood area (escorted by a buzzard) and flew across the estuary. Local Landshipping resident (Tim Lewis) watched it from a kayak carrying a fish near Blackpool Mill the day before.
Other birds present nr Landshipping included 72 redshank, 41 teal, single bar-tailed godwit and oystercatcher, a few little egrets and 2 mute swans; not many gulls seen.
As the Indian summer continued (at least 3 days of settled weather and some sunshine - amazing!) various dragonflies have been appearing, including migrant hawkers (Aeshna mixta) which are usually quite numerous at this time of year. Noted at Landshipping today and at Stackpole recently. Quite a few silver-y moths noted to be around now (southerly migrants) but their numbers are still low compared with "normal" summers.
Other birds present nr Landshipping included 72 redshank, 41 teal, single bar-tailed godwit and oystercatcher, a few little egrets and 2 mute swans; not many gulls seen.
As the Indian summer continued (at least 3 days of settled weather and some sunshine - amazing!) various dragonflies have been appearing, including migrant hawkers (Aeshna mixta) which are usually quite numerous at this time of year. Noted at Landshipping today and at Stackpole recently. Quite a few silver-y moths noted to be around now (southerly migrants) but their numbers are still low compared with "normal" summers.
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Millin Pill to Little Milford by canoe
On this evenings high tide took the canoe from millin Pill up to Little Milford and back. At Little Milford a small grey, white and black wader flew past us, and headed towards the Hook reach. I didn't have bins but I was fairly convinced the bird must have been a Sanderling. On the return trip we caught up with the 'Sanderling' sitting on the water! A juv Grey Phalarope swimming about near the stand of pines on the north bank of the Hook Reach. We canoed right up to within a yard of it and even Sian, who is normally completely unimpressed with anything avian, remarked upon its beauty.
Supporting cast included a male Ruff, 6 Greenshank 4 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 50 Redshank, 2 Shelduck and 4 Little Egrets.
Supporting cast included a male Ruff, 6 Greenshank 4 Common Sands, 1 Green Sand, 50 Redshank, 2 Shelduck and 4 Little Egrets.
Monty
Almost certaintly a juv Montys Harrier flew across the moor at St Davids Airfield then gained hight and flew off south this morning.This afternoon 4 Red Kites circled over St Davids golf course then flew off down Ramsey Sound out of site.
Strumble (13 Sep 08)
Time: 0615 - 1500
Weather: Sunny. Wind: NW (am), W (pm) (F2-3)
Sooty Shearwater - 1
Balearic Shearwater - 2
Sabine's Gull - 3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv)
Leach's Petrel - 1
Grey Phalarope - 1
Arctic Skua - 14 (3 Juv, 10 Dark, 1 Pale)
Great Skua - 2
Pomarine Skua - 3 (1 Juv, 2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Little Gull - 2 (2 1st W)
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (1 1st W, 1 2nd W)
Sandwich Tern - 40
Common / Arctic Tern - 55
Common Scotor - 103 (18F, 85M)
Dunlin - 5
Knot - 15
Turnstone - 5
Wigeon - 1
Pochard - 6
Grey Heron - 1
Sunfish - 1
Weather: Sunny. Wind: NW (am), W (pm) (F2-3)
Sooty Shearwater - 1
Balearic Shearwater - 2
Sabine's Gull - 3 (1 Ad, 2 Juv)
Leach's Petrel - 1
Grey Phalarope - 1
Arctic Skua - 14 (3 Juv, 10 Dark, 1 Pale)
Great Skua - 2
Pomarine Skua - 3 (1 Juv, 2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 2 (1 Ad, 1 Juv)
Little Gull - 2 (2 1st W)
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (1 1st W, 1 2nd W)
Sandwich Tern - 40
Common / Arctic Tern - 55
Common Scotor - 103 (18F, 85M)
Dunlin - 5
Knot - 15
Turnstone - 5
Wigeon - 1
Pochard - 6
Grey Heron - 1
Sunfish - 1
The Gann/ Marloes
Much the same as Richard, though I didn`t see the Curlew sand.
Marloes early this morning, 1 Pied flycatcher- juv/femail, 3 "yellow" Wagtails flying South, high, their tails seemed a tad on the long side, so may have been Greys.
Marloes early this morning, 1 Pied flycatcher- juv/femail, 3 "yellow" Wagtails flying South, high, their tails seemed a tad on the long side, so may have been Greys.
The Gann
At The Gann this afternoon 12 pale bellied Brent Geese by the river mouth. Also 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 15 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, 25 Curlew, 2 Little Egrets, 4 Little Grebes, 3 Wheatears.
Earlier at The Deer Park, Martin's Haven a total of 24 Grey Seal pups on the beaches and 4 Porpoises, including one calf, close into Wooltack Point.
Wisemans Bridge
23 Brent geese Adults and juveniles very close to shore where stream runs to the sea
Teifi and Newport
On Patch in the fog early this morning, 1 Curlew Sandpiper with 10 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling and 25 Ringed Plover.
3 Wheatear on the rocks in front of the caravans.
From The Webley - 1 adult Mediterranean gull, 2 Redshank and 1 Black tailed Godwit.
On the road from Poppit to Moylegrove - several Wheatears and many Meadow Pipits on fences and wires. One flock of around 70 mixed Goldfinches and Linnets feeding on seedheads.
Nevern estuary - 5 Curlew Sandpipers still present. 3 Little Egrets, 8 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Red Kites.
3 Wheatear on the rocks in front of the caravans.
From The Webley - 1 adult Mediterranean gull, 2 Redshank and 1 Black tailed Godwit.
On the road from Poppit to Moylegrove - several Wheatears and many Meadow Pipits on fences and wires. One flock of around 70 mixed Goldfinches and Linnets feeding on seedheads.
Nevern estuary - 5 Curlew Sandpipers still present. 3 Little Egrets, 8 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Red Kites.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Newport Fri pm
2 Knot, 2 Little Egrets, 8 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 1 Bar T Godwit & a group of 5 Curlew Sands including 1 with reddish underparts, presumably an adult & my 1st such in the UK.
Strumble
Strumble highlights today
1 juvenile Sabines gull
2 Balearic Shearwaters
1 Sooty Shearwater
27 Skuas (1 adult Pomarine, 19 Arctics and 7 Bonxies)
1 Storm Petrel
3 Arctic Tern
207 Sandwich Terns
(several observers)
1 juvenile Sabines gull
2 Balearic Shearwaters
1 Sooty Shearwater
27 Skuas (1 adult Pomarine, 19 Arctics and 7 Bonxies)
1 Storm Petrel
3 Arctic Tern
207 Sandwich Terns
(several observers)
Grey Phalarope (Again)
Early afternoon at Freshwater West Morris North and I watched a Grey Phalarope close in off the rocks amongst the surf (and Surfers) at Little Furzenip just up the hill from the car park at Freshwater West. It was feeding and dodging the breakers for a while before making it's way further out beyond the surf. Highly likely there are more around.
At Kilpaison later on Bar Tailed Godwit 2, Knot 4, Dunlin 19, Ringed Plover 12, Redshank 2, Curlew 100+, Wigeon 5, Little Egret 4, Wheatear 3.
Very quiet earlier in the day at Carew and Bosherston, the highlight being a Spotted Flycatcher at the latter site.
At Kilpaison later on Bar Tailed Godwit 2, Knot 4, Dunlin 19, Ringed Plover 12, Redshank 2, Curlew 100+, Wigeon 5, Little Egret 4, Wheatear 3.
Very quiet earlier in the day at Carew and Bosherston, the highlight being a Spotted Flycatcher at the latter site.
That Grey Phalarope
I read Richard's posting with amazement - we know Grey Phals are prone to being storm driven but one on a birders driveway in St. Florence is fantastic! I hope it continued its migration with more success than it had prior to ending up there. Certainly worth keeping a close eye out, particularly wader spots, e.g 100+ Grey Phals at Sennen in Cornwall yest, and definitely a noticeable upturn in scarcer waders (as exhibitied by Bob's Curlew Sands) in the UK & Ireland in the last 3-4 days - Buff-breasts, Pecs, Amercan Golden Plover, Baird's etc.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Kilpaison in the Gloaming
Sighting via e mail from Alun Lamb - 80+terns on the beach.Hard to approach and the light was going.I thinkmostly commons though maybe arctics also unless they were standing in water making their legs appear short.
Blustery day at Stackpole but waders on the move
During a walk over Stackpole Warren today (actually trying to do our weekly butterfly transect - between the showers!) I had excellent views of 5 low-flying curlew sandpipers, skimming quite low over the warren dunes. I picked them up initially from their quite unmistakable, distinctive soft trilling "Churrip" flight calls, totally unlike much more familiar dunlin flight calls; their large white rump patches and longish down-curved bills were also quite easy to see, even though they did not land. They flew west from Stackpole Head towards possibly Frainslake (more likely Angle Bay) at mid-day. As far as I know, these are the first curlew sands recorded at Stackpole (even though they probably did not land!).
Also noted about 10 golden plovers and 3 turnstone flying over land in the same direction during the walk.
Very few migrant warblers at Stackpole recently, chiffchaffs are still fairly common but that is about all. However, today I got a distinct impression that goldcrest numbers were higher - they were calling in several places along the lakeside paths.
Yesterday morning (0730) the first? autumn merlin was on the Castlemartin Range coast - being mobbed by a kestrel and 2 choughs near Moody Nose.
Also noted about 10 golden plovers and 3 turnstone flying over land in the same direction during the walk.
Very few migrant warblers at Stackpole recently, chiffchaffs are still fairly common but that is about all. However, today I got a distinct impression that goldcrest numbers were higher - they were calling in several places along the lakeside paths.
Yesterday morning (0730) the first? autumn merlin was on the Castlemartin Range coast - being mobbed by a kestrel and 2 choughs near Moody Nose.
North Pembs
Fishguard Harbour
Stena side - 1st winter Med gull
Flagpoles - 2 Kittiwakes on the groynes
(Adrian R.)
Teifi estuary
Webley Hotel - 3 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Wigeon and a Greylag Goose.
St Dogmaels quay - 3 Little Egrets. 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 7 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin.
(Paul G)
Patch - 25 Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin
Teifi marshes this evening
Heron Hide - 3 Bar tailed Godwit, 7 Mallard, 3 Moorhen and 18 Teal
Creek Hide - only 7 Mallard and 2 Moorhen. The reeds in front of the hide have been cut, improving visibility considerably.
Stena side - 1st winter Med gull
Flagpoles - 2 Kittiwakes on the groynes
(Adrian R.)
Teifi estuary
Webley Hotel - 3 Black tailed Godwit, 3 Wigeon and a Greylag Goose.
St Dogmaels quay - 3 Little Egrets. 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 7 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin.
(Paul G)
Patch - 25 Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin
Teifi marshes this evening
Heron Hide - 3 Bar tailed Godwit, 7 Mallard, 3 Moorhen and 18 Teal
Creek Hide - only 7 Mallard and 2 Moorhen. The reeds in front of the hide have been cut, improving visibility considerably.
Grey Phalarope
As I was standing in my kitchen (St Florence) around 4 pm a Grey Phalarope fluttered down onto my driveway, looked around for about 5 seconds then flew off again!!!
Had a quick look around the vicinity but no further sign of it. There have been many Grey Phalaropes reported on Birdguides in the last week or so with birds in Gwynedd and Glamorgan today so a look on ponds and lakes could be productive.
Had a quick look around the vicinity but no further sign of it. There have been many Grey Phalaropes reported on Birdguides in the last week or so with birds in Gwynedd and Glamorgan today so a look on ponds and lakes could be productive.
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Angle Bay
Sighting via e mail from Alun Lamb -Kilpaison c.6 pm, seven Common Terns on the tide line with 3 Knot. All put up by a Peregrine flying across.
Little Gull and Ruff
Little Gull still present 11 am at flagpoles
Strumble Head
Sooty Shearwater 1
Little Egret 1
Common Scoter 15
Little Milford
Little Egret 3
Ruff 1
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Goodwick Harbour
At the Flagpoles this afternoon a Common Tern still in Summer plumage. (Adrian Rogers)
Osprey - Angle Bay Sunday 7th Sept
Email message just received from Dave Levell from Pembroke of an osprey fishing (unsuccessfully) at west side of Angle bay, off the ridge 1630-1700 Sunday 7th Sept. 08. Dave (a marine biologist) and keen naturalist is familiar with the species. I wonder if this is the same one reported on the Cleddau the same day or if there are two around?
At Landshipping on 7th Sept (1400 hrs), no sign of osprey but 85 teal present, surprisingly no redshanks where there had been 50-60+ the previous weekend.
At Slebech 8th Sept, green sandpiper, 2 common sandpipers, 8 little egrets.
At Landshipping on 7th Sept (1400 hrs), no sign of osprey but 85 teal present, surprisingly no redshanks where there had been 50-60+ the previous weekend.
At Slebech 8th Sept, green sandpiper, 2 common sandpipers, 8 little egrets.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Osprey at Orielton
Sighting via e mail from Brian Southern - Osprey circled top (shallow) area of Orielton decoy pond at 7.15pm before moving off in the direction of Bosherston.
The Landshipping bird or another I wonder?
The Landshipping bird or another I wonder?
Osprey on the Cleddau
Landshipping
1 Osprey, 30 Redshank, 2 Black tailed Godwit
Little Milford
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 25 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 1 Peregrine
Hook/Sprinkle Pill
1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin, 20 Black tailed Godwit, 8 Greenshank, 30 Teal, 1 Adult Med gull.
On the river at Hook
1 Great crested Grebe
(Paul G.)
Teifi marshes much less exciting - from Heron Hide, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water rail, 3 Snipe and 5 Teal. From Creek hide, 18 Snipe and 14 Teal. This evening a Sparrowhawk was hunting over the marsh and at least 200 Swallows were coming in to roost.
1 Osprey, 30 Redshank, 2 Black tailed Godwit
Little Milford
1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 25 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 1 Curlew, 1 Peregrine
Hook/Sprinkle Pill
1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin, 20 Black tailed Godwit, 8 Greenshank, 30 Teal, 1 Adult Med gull.
On the river at Hook
1 Great crested Grebe
(Paul G.)
Teifi marshes much less exciting - from Heron Hide, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water rail, 3 Snipe and 5 Teal. From Creek hide, 18 Snipe and 14 Teal. This evening a Sparrowhawk was hunting over the marsh and at least 200 Swallows were coming in to roost.
Angle Bay
An interesting morning at Kilpaison. On arrival a Kingfisher flew along the beach and there were 6 Little Egrets along the water's edge. As I walked on to the beach all the waders got up as a female Sparrowhawk flew in and snatched a Dunlin. As the tide came up there were 48 Dunlin (down from 49), 28 Ringed Plovers, 1 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 6 Redshank. A Guillemot was close in, there were 37 Mallard, 1 female Wigeon and a Great Crested Grebe in the bay. A small passage of Sand, House Martins and Swallows passed through. One Ad. W. Med Gull was present and, at the back of the beach, 3 Wheatears.
Round at Angle Harbour a veritable Med Gull fest with 7 xAd. W., 2 x2nd. W., 2 x1st. W., plus a further 6 Little Egrets.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Fishguard
Sighting via e mail from Martyn Hnatiuk & Paul Parsons - Goodwick Harbour, an Ad. winter Little Gull nearly moulted from 1st summer plumage & Ad Med Gull with the BH Gulls from the Car Park on the front. Also Cetti's & Sedge Warbler at Goodwick Moor.
Wide Blue Yonder
Incredibly Adrian Shepherd brought his gang of Whale and Bird watching friends and somehow got the weather right again. They chartered a local boat and invited me to join them allowing for a free survey amongst the Pembrokeshire Islands. Of course we saw plenty of Common Dolphins and Porpoises but the birds were pretty good as well;1 x Balearic Shearwater
5x Sooty Shearwater
1 x Storm Peterel
1x Great Skua
4x Puffin
as well as lots of Gulls, Auks, Manxies, mainly Common Terns, Gannets etc. I was surprised to see so many Gannets still on Grassholm and quite a few flightless Gugas still flopping about (above) allthingsgood,cliff
Pembroke Mill Pond
Just had an e-mail from a visitor claiming a scaup on pembroke mill pond this weekend.
Teifi estuary this morning - 2 sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, one Black-tailed Godwits, a Knot and 8+ Little Egrets.
Couple of Garden Warblers by the boatclub, along with 2+ Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and a few Chiffs.
Further north - a Grey Phalarope seen in Aberystwyth Harbour this afternoon according to Hywel Roderick.
Teifi estuary this morning - 2 sanderling, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, one Black-tailed Godwits, a Knot and 8+ Little Egrets.
Couple of Garden Warblers by the boatclub, along with 2+ Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and a few Chiffs.
Further north - a Grey Phalarope seen in Aberystwyth Harbour this afternoon according to Hywel Roderick.
Teifi
In addition to Wendy's posting below at the Creek Hide late morning 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 15 Teal, 22 Snipe. At the Kingfisher hide very brief views of a Kingfisher and quite a few Willow/Chiffs and Reed Warblers.
Dale
At this morning's high tide a Sanderling, 3 Dunlin & 3 Ringed Plover at the Gann along with 2 Sandwich Terns on the pool, and 4 Ringed Plover & a Dunlin on the Airfield + several Wheatears at both sites.
Strumble (07 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1500
Weather: Sunny. Wind: N (F5-3)
Balearic Shearwater - 6
Arctic Skua - 4 (4 Dark)
Great Skua - 7
Red Throated Diver - 2
Common Scotor - 242 (15F, 227M)
Sandwich Tern - 12
Common / Arctic Tern - 14
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (Juv)
Bar Tailed Godwit - 7
Dunlin - 40
Weather: Sunny. Wind: N (F5-3)
Balearic Shearwater - 6
Arctic Skua - 4 (4 Dark)
Great Skua - 7
Red Throated Diver - 2
Common Scotor - 242 (15F, 227M)
Sandwich Tern - 12
Common / Arctic Tern - 14
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Mediterranean Gull - 2 (Juv)
Bar Tailed Godwit - 7
Dunlin - 40
Newport Sun am
2 Bar T Godwits at the bottom of Long St. 4 Knot, 19 Dunlin & 3 Ringed Plovers.Also 5 Shags by the Boatclub.
Wetland Bird Survey 2008-09
The next WeBS count is due on September 14th.
Volunteers for the following sites would be appreciated:
Cosheston Pill
Trefloyne Pools
Dowrog Pool
I note from this blog that there are occasional observations at Solva Harbour, Tenby beaches and Amroth. If anyone would like to make a regular contribution (one count a month on or close to a specified date) from these or any other site they think might be of interest, please let me know.
From the blog, I've compiled a maximum August count for the Cleddau Estuary (not all sectors were looked at, and not on the same dates, and not all lists were comprehensive, so these totals are just an indication of what was around):
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2
Black-headed Gull - 333
Black-tailed Godwit - 28
Canada Goose - present
Common Gull - 5
Common Sandpiper - 9
Curlew - 381
Dunlin - 433
Great Crested Grebe - 1
Green Sandpiper - 2
Greenshank - 29
Grey Heron - 5
Grey Plover - 1
Herring Gull - 1
Knot - 2
Lesser Black-back Gull - 2
Little Egret - 62
Mallard - 96
Mediterranean Gull - 9
Mute Swan - 3
Oystercatcher - 127
Redshank - 265
Ringed Plover - 80
Sanderling - 15
Snipe - 8
Snow Goose - 1
Spotted Redshank - 2
Teal - 94
Turnstone - 11
Whimbrel - 14
Wood Sandpiper - 1
Volunteers for the following sites would be appreciated:
Cosheston Pill
Trefloyne Pools
Dowrog Pool
I note from this blog that there are occasional observations at Solva Harbour, Tenby beaches and Amroth. If anyone would like to make a regular contribution (one count a month on or close to a specified date) from these or any other site they think might be of interest, please let me know.
From the blog, I've compiled a maximum August count for the Cleddau Estuary (not all sectors were looked at, and not on the same dates, and not all lists were comprehensive, so these totals are just an indication of what was around):
Bar-tailed Godwit - 2
Black-headed Gull - 333
Black-tailed Godwit - 28
Canada Goose - present
Common Gull - 5
Common Sandpiper - 9
Curlew - 381
Dunlin - 433
Great Crested Grebe - 1
Green Sandpiper - 2
Greenshank - 29
Grey Heron - 5
Grey Plover - 1
Herring Gull - 1
Knot - 2
Lesser Black-back Gull - 2
Little Egret - 62
Mallard - 96
Mediterranean Gull - 9
Mute Swan - 3
Oystercatcher - 127
Redshank - 265
Ringed Plover - 80
Sanderling - 15
Snipe - 8
Snow Goose - 1
Spotted Redshank - 2
Teal - 94
Turnstone - 11
Whimbrel - 14
Wood Sandpiper - 1
Teifi
Teifi Marshes
From the creek hide - 22 Snipe, 40 Teal, 7 Mallard and 2 juvenile Moorhen. 1 Cetti's warbler calling feebly, presumably a juvenile.
Estuary
Patch - early morning 30 Ringed plover and 10 Dunlin. Afternoon, after high tide, another 10 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 1 knot, 1 Turnstone and 1 Wheatear. 1 Arctic Tern flew out to sea.
Around the estuary more than 400 Canada Geese and 1 Bar headed Goose.
From the creek hide - 22 Snipe, 40 Teal, 7 Mallard and 2 juvenile Moorhen. 1 Cetti's warbler calling feebly, presumably a juvenile.
Estuary
Patch - early morning 30 Ringed plover and 10 Dunlin. Afternoon, after high tide, another 10 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 1 knot, 1 Turnstone and 1 Wheatear. 1 Arctic Tern flew out to sea.
Around the estuary more than 400 Canada Geese and 1 Bar headed Goose.
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Castlemartin Range
During a National Park walk, reasonable numbers of Waders etc noted at Frainslake and Bluckspool:
Curlew - 30+
Oystercatcher - 50+
Ringed Plover - 35
Sanderling - 45
Dunlin - 5
GBB Gull - 50+
Two (poss 3) peregrines - including a female who caught a probable ringed plover off Frainslake beach. At least 5 kestrels hunting over coastal and inland grasslands. A Little grebe was the only notable bird on Frainslake millpond but two otters were noted briefly. Small passage of swallows evident mid morning - up to 50-60 across Frainslake valley from north-west.
Curlew - 30+
Oystercatcher - 50+
Ringed Plover - 35
Sanderling - 45
Dunlin - 5
GBB Gull - 50+
Two (poss 3) peregrines - including a female who caught a probable ringed plover off Frainslake beach. At least 5 kestrels hunting over coastal and inland grasslands. A Little grebe was the only notable bird on Frainslake millpond but two otters were noted briefly. Small passage of swallows evident mid morning - up to 50-60 across Frainslake valley from north-west.
Strumble (06 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1800
Weather: Showers. Wind: N (F8)
Sooty Shearwater - 1
Balearic Shearwater - 18
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Juv)
Arctic Skua - 84 (1 Juv, 38 Pale, 45 Dark)
Great Skua - 32
Pomarine Skua - 2 (2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 4 (4 Juv)
Red Throated Diver - 1
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Sandwich Tern - 39
Black Tern - 1
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Common Scotor - 63 (4F, 59M)
Bar Tailed Godwit - 15
Dunlin - 293
Ringed Plover - 20
Tufted Duck - 4
Sunfish - 1
Weather: Showers. Wind: N (F8)
Sooty Shearwater - 1
Balearic Shearwater - 18
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Juv)
Arctic Skua - 84 (1 Juv, 38 Pale, 45 Dark)
Great Skua - 32
Pomarine Skua - 2 (2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 4 (4 Juv)
Red Throated Diver - 1
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Sandwich Tern - 39
Black Tern - 1
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Common Scotor - 63 (4F, 59M)
Bar Tailed Godwit - 15
Dunlin - 293
Ringed Plover - 20
Tufted Duck - 4
Sunfish - 1
Fishguard harbour
Flagpoles - 13 Turnstone, 3 Redshank and 1 Knot
Stena side - 2nd summer and 2 juvenile Med gulls, 1 Little Gull
Stena side - 2nd summer and 2 juvenile Med gulls, 1 Little Gull
Feathery stuff from Stena-Sea Trust Dolphin-othon
Hi all,
as some of you will know we have been trying to run our third annual marathon Dolphin watch (the Stena Sea Trust Dolphin-othon) off the Stena Europe between Fishguard and Rosslare, over the past seven days.
Three of the seven days had to be cancelled due to rough weather but we still managed to see and film Risso's and Common Dolphins as well as Harbour Porpoises.
Birds are also seen , often in spectacular numbers and with occasional less common species. Adrian Shephard managed to snap this fast flying Jv/subadult Arctic Skua. An adult Long Tailed Skua which flipped past us on the bridge at eye level gave scrumptious close up views of its in-tact, long tail streamers. We had good views of all four species of Skua but perhaps the most exciting birding experience of the Dolphin-othon is that it tends to coencide with the southerly movements of thousands of Terns, Kittiwakes, Auks and Manxies. The Ships arrival at the Irish Coast with tens of thousands of feeding sea birds can be overwheming. There has to be rarities in amongst them but as our first responsibility is recording cetaceans we probably miss most of them!
Our Sea Trust-Stena cetacean surveys are year round. We try to pick the weather so are often called at short notice. Any birders who fancy joining us and have the neccessary spare time are welcome, its free except for the Guinness! allthingsgood,cliff
(photo's Risso's Group & Skua, courtesy: Adrian Shephard)
Friday, 5 September 2008
Osprey
Sighting via e mail from Alan Collens - 4.30pm, 5th Sep Osprey fishing at Landshipping Quay.It was also there on the 1st Sep.
OOPS !
A few weeks ago I found 2 " Med gulls" white ringed, one was indeed a Med, the other was a B/H/ Gull - just had conirmation from the ringer. I was so absorbed trying to read the number that I didn`t check the bird (thats my story & I`m sticking to it!) Anyway, it was ringed in Norway, June 2004, & this is only it`s 2nd sighting.
Strumble (05 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1500
Weather: Rain (am), sunny (pm). Wind: NE (early am) then S (F4)
Sooty Shearwater - 5
Balearic Shearwater - 7
Arctic Skua - 24 (3 Juv, 7 Pale, 14 Dark)
Great Skua - 7
Pomarine Skua - 3 (1 Juv, 2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 1 (Juv)
Storm Petrel - 1
Common / Arctic Tern - 21
Sandwich Tern - 18
Common Scotor - 79 (4F, 75M)
Sanderling - 2
Grey Heron - 1
Weather: Rain (am), sunny (pm). Wind: NE (early am) then S (F4)
Sooty Shearwater - 5
Balearic Shearwater - 7
Arctic Skua - 24 (3 Juv, 7 Pale, 14 Dark)
Great Skua - 7
Pomarine Skua - 3 (1 Juv, 2 Pale)
Long Tailed Skua - 1 (Juv)
Storm Petrel - 1
Common / Arctic Tern - 21
Sandwich Tern - 18
Common Scotor - 79 (4F, 75M)
Sanderling - 2
Grey Heron - 1
North Pembs
Fishguard harbour
Stena side - 1 2nd summer and 2 juvenile Med gulls. 1 Little Gull
(Adrian R.)
Teifi estuary
Patch late afternoon - 1st returning Wigeon (3). At least 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone and 1 Sanderling.
Stena side - 1 2nd summer and 2 juvenile Med gulls. 1 Little Gull
(Adrian R.)
Teifi estuary
Patch late afternoon - 1st returning Wigeon (3). At least 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone and 1 Sanderling.
Pencarnan wakes up
Last night's heavy weather has at last livened up the bird scene around Pencarnan.
This PM 11 Wagtails busy feeding on the beach - all alba, together a single Ringed Plover. The first retuurning Wheatears at Point St John (8) have at last appeared. A Swallow's nest in a horse shelter close to the headland holds a family of very fluffy young. Will they make it?
But best of all, a single Swift hawked over the same area; our latest date by far for th is species. Also noteable was a Lesser Whitethroat seen in The Bush!
This PM 11 Wagtails busy feeding on the beach - all alba, together a single Ringed Plover. The first retuurning Wheatears at Point St John (8) have at last appeared. A Swallow's nest in a horse shelter close to the headland holds a family of very fluffy young. Will they make it?
But best of all, a single Swift hawked over the same area; our latest date by far for th is species. Also noteable was a Lesser Whitethroat seen in The Bush!
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Fishguard and Teifi
Fishguard harbour midday
Flagpoles - 3 Turnstone, 1 Redshank. No sign of the Little Gull
Stena side - 2 Med Gulls (1 adult, 1 1st year)
Teifi this evening
Patch - 4 Dunlin and 22 Ringed Plover.
Flagpoles - 3 Turnstone, 1 Redshank. No sign of the Little Gull
Stena side - 2 Med Gulls (1 adult, 1 1st year)
Teifi this evening
Patch - 4 Dunlin and 22 Ringed Plover.
Strumble (04 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1800
Weather: Showers (am), sunny (pm). Wind: SW (F3-4)
Great Shearwater - 1 (0750)
Sooty Shearwater - 3
Balearic Shearwater - 8
Arctic Skua - 52 (3 Juv, 10 Pale, 39 Dark)
Great Skua - 15
Pomarine Skua - 4 (2 Juv, 1 Pale, 1 Dark)
Storm Petrel - 2
Sandwich Tern - 85
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Common Scotor - 17 (17M)
Sanderling - 3
Knot - 9
Turnstone - 9
Dunlin - 55
Redshank - 13
Grey Heron - 1
Weather: Showers (am), sunny (pm). Wind: SW (F3-4)
Great Shearwater - 1 (0750)
Sooty Shearwater - 3
Balearic Shearwater - 8
Arctic Skua - 52 (3 Juv, 10 Pale, 39 Dark)
Great Skua - 15
Pomarine Skua - 4 (2 Juv, 1 Pale, 1 Dark)
Storm Petrel - 2
Sandwich Tern - 85
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Common Scotor - 17 (17M)
Sanderling - 3
Knot - 9
Turnstone - 9
Dunlin - 55
Redshank - 13
Grey Heron - 1
Newport Thurs am
High tide - 10 Redshanks, 6 Knots & 4 Teal on the mud. A Kingfisher & an imm Med Gull. Couldnt find any small waders. 24 oystercatchers & 9 Curlews on the roost.
Offshore 30 August 2008
An offshore trip on 30 August with ThousandIslands produced 4xSooty Shearwater (flock?) 1xGrey Phalarope and 1xSabine's Gull also lots of Porpoise and Common Dolphin
Angle
Kilpaison, middayish - Dunlin 27, Ringed Plover 30, Bar Tailed Godwit 5, Curlew c.150, Med Gull 2 ad., Sandwich Tern 2.
Freshwater West early afternoon - 9 Sanderling, 2 Kestrels.
Freshwater West early afternoon - 9 Sanderling, 2 Kestrels.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Teifi marsh
Last night from the Creek hide, c40 Snipe and a possible Wood Sandpiper but another look this evening found it much quieter.
1 Water Rail, 3 Snipe, 3 Moorhen, 10 Teal and a Kingfisher. There are now 4 Little Grebe on the new pond.
(Paul M. and Wendy J.)
1 Water Rail, 3 Snipe, 3 Moorhen, 10 Teal and a Kingfisher. There are now 4 Little Grebe on the new pond.
(Paul M. and Wendy J.)
Strumble (03 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1600
Weather: Sunny spellls (am), rain (pm). Wind: SW (F8)
Sooty Shearwater - 7
Balearic Shearwater - 9
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Ad)
Arctic Skua - 32 (2 Juv, 11 Pale, 19 Dark)
Great Skua - 4
Pomarine Skua - 1 (Dark)
Storm Petrel - 1
Sandwich Tern - 34
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Black Tern - 1
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Common Scotor - 25 (2F, 23M)
Dunlin - 18
Turnstone - 12
Whimbrel - 1
Bar Tailed Godwit - 3
Ringed Plover - 4
Knot - 7
Redshank - 2
Pintail - 1
Grey Heron - 1
Sunfish - 1
Weather: Sunny spellls (am), rain (pm). Wind: SW (F8)
Sooty Shearwater - 7
Balearic Shearwater - 9
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Ad)
Arctic Skua - 32 (2 Juv, 11 Pale, 19 Dark)
Great Skua - 4
Pomarine Skua - 1 (Dark)
Storm Petrel - 1
Sandwich Tern - 34
Common / Arctic Tern - 20
Black Tern - 1
Little Gull - 1 (Ad)
Common Scotor - 25 (2F, 23M)
Dunlin - 18
Turnstone - 12
Whimbrel - 1
Bar Tailed Godwit - 3
Ringed Plover - 4
Knot - 7
Redshank - 2
Pintail - 1
Grey Heron - 1
Sunfish - 1
Little Tern
There was a Little Tern flying lazily northwards along the Carew River this lunchtime. Also a juvenile Common Gull there. A noisy Peregrine was at Skrinkle Haven, nr. Manorbier too.
Little Gull
A Little Gull was still by the flagpoles in Fishguard harbour this afternoon.
(Adrian R.)
(Adrian R.)
Angle Bay
At Angle Harbour this morning 17 Little Egrets roosting in a tree at high tide. Later on at Kilpaison as the tide dropped c.150 Curlew, 17 Dunlin, 15 Ringed Plover, 2 Bar Tailed Godwit, 1 Knot and a Peregrine.
Dimitri - photo
Here is a photo of the missing Dimitri
Usually found this time of year on the slipways
in Fishguard harbour.
(See below)
Before I go, I would just like to wish Dave, GOOD LUCK on finding the YELLOW WARBLER
that he is going to find & photo (in Dale) in my absence!
Good Birding to you all!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Strumble (02 Sep 08)
Time: 0600 - 1900
Weather: Sunny spells, heavy showers. Wind: SW (F7-8)
Sooty Shearwater - 32
Balearic Shearwater - 7
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Juv)
Arctic Skua - 24 (2 Juv, 8 Pale, 14 Dark)
Great Skua - 5
Common / Arctic Tern - 395
Sandwich Tern - 35
Black Tern - 14
Little Gull - 2 (2nd Win)
Common Scotor - 43 (2F, 41M)
Knot - 10
Dunlin - 9
Bar Tailed Godwit - 12
Whimbrel - 20
Sanderling - 2
Weather: Sunny spells, heavy showers. Wind: SW (F7-8)
Sooty Shearwater - 32
Balearic Shearwater - 7
Sabine's Gull - 1 (Juv)
Arctic Skua - 24 (2 Juv, 8 Pale, 14 Dark)
Great Skua - 5
Common / Arctic Tern - 395
Sandwich Tern - 35
Black Tern - 14
Little Gull - 2 (2nd Win)
Common Scotor - 43 (2F, 41M)
Knot - 10
Dunlin - 9
Bar Tailed Godwit - 12
Whimbrel - 20
Sanderling - 2
Turnstone - 3
Teal - 1
Pembroke Castle Pond - red phalarope!
Carl Luxford (NT Stackpole) going to collect his car from servicing in Pembroke had a lucky find this afternoon. He reported an imm red (grey) phalarope on Castle Pond, paddling around I believe with black-headed gulls. It was only there briefly (mid afternoon) before flying off. Last week Ron Elliot (Lepidoptera recorder) received a reasonable report from a holidaying visitor of a Monarch butterfly just east of Stackpole Quay. With the strong westerlies blowing now and the possible aftermath of the recent Hurricane to follow - what might turn up next?
Black Guillemots successful breeding.
1 Pair of Black Guillemots have successfully reared 1 young this year, in Fishguard Harbour.
The juvenile left its nesting cavity on Fri/ Sat.( 30 August.) at 34-38 days old.
This is the first recorded breeding for over 100 years in Pembrokeshire, further details of this successful event will be published in due course.
The juvenile left its nesting cavity on Fri/ Sat.( 30 August.) at 34-38 days old.
This is the first recorded breeding for over 100 years in Pembrokeshire, further details of this successful event will be published in due course.
Fishguard & "Dimitri" -- missing!
Flagpoles;-
0645 the Little Gull still present, also 1 Knot & 5 Redshank.
Goodwick Moor;-
1 Snipe, Reed Warbler, 2/3 Cetti's Warblers(on & nr. the Moor) & Grey Wagtail.
Looking at Richard Stonier's photos below, reminds me that PRAHA E15799 has NOT returned this year yet.
"Dimitri" was ringed as an adult in 2001 in the Czech Republic.
& has returned by now every year since, except 2002.(arrival 19 Sep.)
Adrian & I fear the worse, but he would be at least 10 years old now!
0645 the Little Gull still present, also 1 Knot & 5 Redshank.
Goodwick Moor;-
1 Snipe, Reed Warbler, 2/3 Cetti's Warblers(on & nr. the Moor) & Grey Wagtail.
Looking at Richard Stonier's photos below, reminds me that PRAHA E15799 has NOT returned this year yet.
"Dimitri" was ringed as an adult in 2001 in the Czech Republic.
& has returned by now every year since, except 2002.(arrival 19 Sep.)
Adrian & I fear the worse, but he would be at least 10 years old now!
Monday, 1 September 2008
Goodwick (01 Sep 08)
.jpg)
Mediterranean Gull - 3 (Ad, 2nd Win with ring see pic, Juv)
Little Gull - 1 (2nd win)
Little Gull - 1 (2nd win)
Knot - 1
Ringed Plover - 1 (Juv)