
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Castlemartin Range
Today noted kestrels breeding in a usual sea-cliff crevice area at Pen-y-holt Bay. A pair of ringed plovers were around but not sure if they have young (the female was incubating 2 weeks ago). Grasshopper warblers breeding in a mixture of tall grassland and low gorse; good numbers of whitethroats, skylarks and meadow pipits also breeding. No cuckoos though (this used to be a regular cuckoo area but alas the Range no longer seems able to attract and hold them).
Today also did timed-counts of butterflies (mainly for resident marsh frits) but it was interesting to note that painted ladies in the morning were passing through at a fairly slow rate of between about 50-120 an hour between Linney and Mount Sion. By mid afternoon their numbers had increased dramatically! So much so that when driving off the Range we had to slow down to avoid hitting them as they crossed the Linney Road. At one point numbers were so dense, that we calculated numbers to be about 50-70 per minute! They were on quite a broad front and all seemed to be heading east or north-east.
Today also did timed-counts of butterflies (mainly for resident marsh frits) but it was interesting to note that painted ladies in the morning were passing through at a fairly slow rate of between about 50-120 an hour between Linney and Mount Sion. By mid afternoon their numbers had increased dramatically! So much so that when driving off the Range we had to slow down to avoid hitting them as they crossed the Linney Road. At one point numbers were so dense, that we calculated numbers to be about 50-70 per minute! They were on quite a broad front and all seemed to be heading east or north-east.
Painted Lady migration
This is from the Butterfly Conservation website. To make your records count in the national picture, please consider the request for counts, and download the instructions for how to do them - easy thing to do during a lunchtime siesta perhaps!
Millions of Painted Lady butterflies are now arriving in Britain, after an amazing 1000 mile migration from North Africa.
Butterfly Conservation has been receiving reports since the start of the Bank Holiday weekend of sightings of large numbers of these butterflies. People throughout Britain have seen these fast-flying butterflies moving overhead for hours on end, setting the scene for what could be one of the largest Painted Lady migrations in decades.
The first indication of their arrival in Britain came last Thursday (May 21) when Butterfly Conservation members first reported seeing large numbers off Portland Bill in Dorset. Since then, thousands have been seen flying north at locations across southern England, from Cornwall to East Anglia.
The fine Bank Holiday weekend weather brought hundreds of new sightings from as far north as Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. There were even sightings of hundreds in central London. An estimated 18,000 were spotted flying past Scolts Head Island on the Norfolk coast yesterday and were passing at 50 a minute over a 400m front today.
Scientists have been predicting an unusually large migration since late winter. The butterflies originate from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where heavy winter rains allowed good germination of the caterpillar food-plants. A Spanish researcher, Constanti Stefanescu had reported seeing hundreds of thousands emerging in mid February and beginning their long flight north. They were seen in large numbers in Spain during April and a few weeks later in France.
Butterfly Conservation is asking for the public's help to track the migration by logging any sightings online. Take part in the Painted Lady Count this weekend by spending a couple of hours monitoring butterflies in your garden or a nearby field.
Download instructions for collecting and submitting your sightings.
Visit the migrantwatch survey pages to find out more about contributing to this nationwide survey.
Richard Fox, Surveys Manager at Butterfly Conservation, said: "There are literally millions of Painted Lady butterflies arriving right across Britain. This is a spectacular phenomenon".
Millions of Painted Lady butterflies are now arriving in Britain, after an amazing 1000 mile migration from North Africa.
Butterfly Conservation has been receiving reports since the start of the Bank Holiday weekend of sightings of large numbers of these butterflies. People throughout Britain have seen these fast-flying butterflies moving overhead for hours on end, setting the scene for what could be one of the largest Painted Lady migrations in decades.
The first indication of their arrival in Britain came last Thursday (May 21) when Butterfly Conservation members first reported seeing large numbers off Portland Bill in Dorset. Since then, thousands have been seen flying north at locations across southern England, from Cornwall to East Anglia.
The fine Bank Holiday weekend weather brought hundreds of new sightings from as far north as Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. There were even sightings of hundreds in central London. An estimated 18,000 were spotted flying past Scolts Head Island on the Norfolk coast yesterday and were passing at 50 a minute over a 400m front today.
Scientists have been predicting an unusually large migration since late winter. The butterflies originate from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where heavy winter rains allowed good germination of the caterpillar food-plants. A Spanish researcher, Constanti Stefanescu had reported seeing hundreds of thousands emerging in mid February and beginning their long flight north. They were seen in large numbers in Spain during April and a few weeks later in France.
Butterfly Conservation is asking for the public's help to track the migration by logging any sightings online. Take part in the Painted Lady Count this weekend by spending a couple of hours monitoring butterflies in your garden or a nearby field.
Download instructions for collecting and submitting your sightings.
Visit the migrantwatch survey pages to find out more about contributing to this nationwide survey.
Richard Fox, Surveys Manager at Butterfly Conservation, said: "There are literally millions of Painted Lady butterflies arriving right across Britain. This is a spectacular phenomenon".
Polecat
I've been meaning to check this since Derek posted the picture, but didn't find time to check an article I'd seen recently. Anyway, I found the article this morning - British Wildlife April 2009 - and one of the things they mention for confirming that it's a true polecat is a dark nose - polecat-ferrets often have pink noses. Derek's photograph shows a dark nosed animal. All the colours in the fur (dark tips, pale underfur), and the masked face, are typical of a polecat. A generally pale animal would suggest a polecat-ferret.
As for the distribution in Pembrokeshire - look at
http://pembsmammals.blogspot.com/2009/03/polecat.html which shows records up to the end of 2008.
Records of all mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the county are gratefully received. Just drop me an email, or use the comment facility for each species on the mammal blog. I just need your name, the species, where it was (preferably with a grid reference) and what it was doing (eg dead, live, tracks, feeding, with youngsters) and a date. I will update the maps in the autumn/winter whenever I find time.
As for the distribution in Pembrokeshire - look at
http://pembsmammals.blogspot.com/2009/03/polecat.html which shows records up to the end of 2008.
Records of all mammals, reptiles and amphibians in the county are gratefully received. Just drop me an email, or use the comment facility for each species on the mammal blog. I just need your name, the species, where it was (preferably with a grid reference) and what it was doing (eg dead, live, tracks, feeding, with youngsters) and a date. I will update the maps in the autumn/winter whenever I find time.
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Not birds!
The Painted Lady invasion reached me today - absolutely hundreds along the lanes driving between Rosehill & Nolton, and then scattered across the beach and out at sea (from kayak) - seemed to be heading west/north-west.
I'm no mammal expert but Derek's mustelid looks like a Polecat to me. How widespread are they in our County?
I'm no mammal expert but Derek's mustelid looks like a Polecat to me. How widespread are they in our County?
An excellent day on the southern edge of the Preselis
Walking on the edge of forestry and open moorland this morning produced the usual expected species: including breeding wood warblers, a few pairs of redstarts, tree pipits, a few territorial spotted flycs (including two males having a right old scrap on the edge of the forestry), numerous siskins etc.
Noted a pair of kestrels (female with food escorted by a male who was keeping a close eye on one of at least 8 hunting buzzards) very close to one of Paddy's nest-boxes.
At least one cuckoo was calling regularly in the area. We noted a few nice lepidoptera including green hairstreak in typical heath-habitat but of course the stars were painted ladies - probably more than a thousand seen in about an hour or so, pretty well all moving in a northerly-north-westerly direction. I cannot recall anything quite like this since the last big invasion in 1996. On the Castlemartin coast yesterday painted ladies were around but no where near as numerous as reported on the Blog further north.
Today, once having got home to Martletwy, we did our weekly butterfly transect (a Butterfly Conservation Trust transect site). Although numbers were no where near as great as they had been earlier in north Pembs, nevertheless we recorded more painted ladies in one hour along the country lanes near Landshipping than the entire annual counts over 26 weeks each year over the last 8 previous years combined - amazing numbers!
Noted a pair of kestrels (female with food escorted by a male who was keeping a close eye on one of at least 8 hunting buzzards) very close to one of Paddy's nest-boxes.
At least one cuckoo was calling regularly in the area. We noted a few nice lepidoptera including green hairstreak in typical heath-habitat but of course the stars were painted ladies - probably more than a thousand seen in about an hour or so, pretty well all moving in a northerly-north-westerly direction. I cannot recall anything quite like this since the last big invasion in 1996. On the Castlemartin coast yesterday painted ladies were around but no where near as numerous as reported on the Blog further north.
Today, once having got home to Martletwy, we did our weekly butterfly transect (a Butterfly Conservation Trust transect site). Although numbers were no where near as great as they had been earlier in north Pembs, nevertheless we recorded more painted ladies in one hour along the country lanes near Landshipping than the entire annual counts over 26 weeks each year over the last 8 previous years combined - amazing numbers!
Brynberian Moor
My first ever visit to the moor yesterday evening provided calling Cuckoo. Stonechats, several male Reed Bunting,and eventually having walked quite a long distance through low bracken I saw a total of 4 Whinchat flitting and perching on top of bracken .
It is a super place to visit but wear wellies or boots as there are many streams and boggy places to cross.
Dave G.
It is a super place to visit but wear wellies or boots as there are many streams and boggy places to cross.
Dave G.
Painted Ladies
I know it's not Pembs but have just returned from The New Forest where there was a pretty constant movement of Painted Ladies, all heading north (you could set a compass by them)for at leas 4 or 5 hours every fine day this week, regardless of wind or habitat. I started a timed count but came to my senses and just realised that over the whole area (we were walking in lots of places) there were thousands passing every hour day after day. Also managed Honey Buzzard, Monty's, Hobbies etc but not Hawfinch. Incidentally a friend has noted a 'constant stream' of Painted Ladies moving west along the North Norfolk coastal area on his blogsite (wildlifeaylmerton)over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Hobby -- Penygroes
One over this eastern area of the Preselis, at c16:30. It left the area flying north.
Paddy whilst surveying nesting Wheatears ....& getting burnt!!
Paddy whilst surveying nesting Wheatears ....& getting burnt!!
Painted Ladies at St Dogmaels
Info from Howard James - On 29th May, there were 40 or 50 Painted Ladies around the house, at the Moorings, St Dogmaels, overlooking the Teifi. (About as far North as you can get in the county without getting your feet wet!)
Funny, more honeys
Our breeding swallows tend to set up a twitter if anything unusual passes by but generally not buzzards. So when three buzzards flew over the house whilst I was cutting the lawn It took a minute to sink in... 3 more honeys ! I had my bins close to hand and had a great view as they flew south east up the valley following the A4!
Cuckoo, & the Cych
Cuckoo;-
Many thanks Mark(see posting below), I took a previous blog of yours to go & have a look at Frenni Fach, at 7:06 a super male shot past, 4 Meadow Pipits in pursuit, & within seconds a female bubbling!
Painted Ladies always at least 1 in view this early am, but nothing like numbers on the coast.
Cemaes Hd. last night, c5-10 per sq. metre in the Bluebells & Braken. Interesting to watch the local territorial Wall butterflies trying to move them on!
On to Cwmcych;-
From the bridge, highlights being Kingfisher & both Grey & Pied Wagtails with fledged young.
Along the valley, several Garden Warblers & Blackcaps singing, several Great Spots,--(have they ousted all the Lesser Spots?)
A finish at Llechryd bridge with a singing Redstart from the top of a large oak in a lowland pasture, not like Preseli Redstart habitat, A pair of Spot Fly.at a nest in ivy on a nearby tree.
Many thanks Mark(see posting below), I took a previous blog of yours to go & have a look at Frenni Fach, at 7:06 a super male shot past, 4 Meadow Pipits in pursuit, & within seconds a female bubbling!
Painted Ladies always at least 1 in view this early am, but nothing like numbers on the coast.
Cemaes Hd. last night, c5-10 per sq. metre in the Bluebells & Braken. Interesting to watch the local territorial Wall butterflies trying to move them on!
On to Cwmcych;-
From the bridge, highlights being Kingfisher & both Grey & Pied Wagtails with fledged young.
Along the valley, several Garden Warblers & Blackcaps singing, several Great Spots,--(have they ousted all the Lesser Spots?)
A finish at Llechryd bridge with a singing Redstart from the top of a large oak in a lowland pasture, not like Preseli Redstart habitat, A pair of Spot Fly.at a nest in ivy on a nearby tree.
Cuckoo
There is a regular male calling on Frenni Fach. For the first time that I am aware of there is a male calling from the eastern end of Tegryn.
There has been male & female heard around Rhosfach, & I heard one near Hermon.
No "ladies" around here, are they all on the coast!
There has been male & female heard around Rhosfach, & I heard one near Hermon.
No "ladies" around here, are they all on the coast!
North Pembs -- records
Teifi Marshes;-
Tues, 26 May, a Cuckoo watched from kingfisher hide.
(Tommy E.)

Tues, 26 May, a Cuckoo watched from kingfisher hide.
(Tommy E.)


One of Adrian's garden Painted Ladies yesterday.
A note from Peter Byles that Painted Ladies invasion reached Ceibwr yesteday,
also his first dragonfly on the cliffs there recently.
A Broad-bodied Chaser - imm male.
Loads of ladies
A real phenomenon, my adrive through the county today was swathed with "Painted Ladies"
Friday, 29 May 2009
Raptors and Painted ladies
Up in Puncheston today to visit Mum and Dad, who reported a large hawk with a white rump flying down the field, so a Harrier sp there then!
Had a nice meal in Porthgain and on the way home at 9:30pm we saw a Hobby over Lambston , was it hawking Painted Ladies? I dunno, there were butterflies everywhere you looked today, I have never seen so many PL's.
Stackpole/Bosherston lakes
The (odd couple?) male garganey and female teal are still at Bosherston lakes (still roosting and generally feeding together).
No yaffling or any real positive signs of the green woodpecker(s) for the last several days - calling seems to have ceased. Not sure yet if this means failure or success, but no nest has been found yet.
On the other hand we have not less than 4 pairs of breeding great-spotted woodpeckers. One pair are using last years green woodpecker nest hole, so perhaps not a good sign! Young GSW about to fledge from two sites.
Lesser whitethroats are breeding in at least two traditional locations. On the coast choughs are having a bad year here - probably both nesting pairs have failed at the nestling stage during the recent cold weather. Seabird counts have started but too soon to draw any real conclusions (more in a week or twos time).
The weather has changed - now very warm with SE winds; this afternoon was perfect weather (with lots of damsel and dragonflies on the wing) for feeding hobbies, but so far none seen - over the next few days perhaps?
No yaffling or any real positive signs of the green woodpecker(s) for the last several days - calling seems to have ceased. Not sure yet if this means failure or success, but no nest has been found yet.
On the other hand we have not less than 4 pairs of breeding great-spotted woodpeckers. One pair are using last years green woodpecker nest hole, so perhaps not a good sign! Young GSW about to fledge from two sites.
Lesser whitethroats are breeding in at least two traditional locations. On the coast choughs are having a bad year here - probably both nesting pairs have failed at the nestling stage during the recent cold weather. Seabird counts have started but too soon to draw any real conclusions (more in a week or twos time).
The weather has changed - now very warm with SE winds; this afternoon was perfect weather (with lots of damsel and dragonflies on the wing) for feeding hobbies, but so far none seen - over the next few days perhaps?
Brynberian Moor & Painted Ladies
Brynberian Moor;-
An extensive circular wander around did not find me a Cuckoo.
All sightings please as it is being reported as very scarce this year.
Several Whinchats, males singing, pairs, & odd birds.
Stonechats, the several pairs found all had very young juveniles with them.
A couple of male Reed Buntings singing.
Also 1 Green Hairstreak, & Small Red Damselfly, & Painted Ladies!!
Of Painted Ladies;-
Fishguard;-
200 in 40 mins from the Flagpoles.
Currently watching tham in the garden where c200 must have passed through.
(Adrian)
St. David's;-
Ist counts this am, 100 in 5 mins, then 100 in the next 13 mins.
At 15:30, 1000 in 19 mins. passing.
These counts along a hedge at the top of Porthselau, above Whitesands.
The movement is south here, & over the afternoon c3000 ph has been the rate of passage, although by 17:00 slowing down.
(John & Marion)
An extensive circular wander around did not find me a Cuckoo.
All sightings please as it is being reported as very scarce this year.
Several Whinchats, males singing, pairs, & odd birds.
Stonechats, the several pairs found all had very young juveniles with them.
A couple of male Reed Buntings singing.
Also 1 Green Hairstreak, & Small Red Damselfly, & Painted Ladies!!
Of Painted Ladies;-
Fishguard;-
200 in 40 mins from the Flagpoles.
Currently watching tham in the garden where c200 must have passed through.
(Adrian)
St. David's;-
Ist counts this am, 100 in 5 mins, then 100 in the next 13 mins.
At 15:30, 1000 in 19 mins. passing.
These counts along a hedge at the top of Porthselau, above Whitesands.
The movement is south here, & over the afternoon c3000 ph has been the rate of passage, although by 17:00 slowing down.
(John & Marion)
Early walrus catches the ducks!
Hoping to repeat yesterdays early morning dolphin encounter at Fishyguard Harbour, I dragged myself there again this morning not so long after dawn. No dolphins, but a skien of 45 Scoter flying West/South. I had seen several very distant skiens yesterday and a couple more today probably accounting for 150 birds but this close group allowed me to confirm them as Scoter as I was not able to be 100% able to do so beforehand. A nice little touch was a dozen or so House martins collecting mud in a puddle near the old layerage. A party of Goldfinches as I drove to Strumble, was another, spring has certainly sprung!
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Marloes Mere
Near dusk tonight the Gargany still present and very active along with Little Grebe, Tufties, Shoveler and Mallard. Along the mere towards Gateholm a calling water rail created a little excitement as it called rather like a little crake.
Too many Canada's too - 22 big chicks and at least 30 adults around.
Too many Canada's too - 22 big chicks and at least 30 adults around.
Teifi estuary
The only bird of note this evening was a Light-bellied Brent Goose, possibly the same one that was last seen here on the 20th May.
Goodwick Moor

The usual birds this pm, & the first Beautiful Demoiselle on the Moor this year.
(Adrian, photo)
We also had one at Kilpaison, at the ringing site last Sunday.
Preseli hills
A Cuckoo was calling near Mynachlogddu in an area of cleared Conifer wood.
On the lower slopes of Carn Sian there were good numbers of Stonechat, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. On the top of both Carn Bica and Carn Presyb there were pairs of Wheatear and numerous Painted Ladies.
On the lower slopes of Carn Sian there were good numbers of Stonechat, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. On the top of both Carn Bica and Carn Presyb there were pairs of Wheatear and numerous Painted Ladies.
North Pembs -- some interesting bits.
Fishguard;-
A Lesser Whitethroat singing in a garden opp. The Tara Hotel.
(Adrian)
Newport;-
From a couple of visits, 2 Whimbrel, 11 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover.
Fishguard Harbour;-
1, maybe 2 Black Guilemots out in the open water, view from the inner breakwater.
Llangloffan Fen;-
c08:00, several Grasshopper Warblers still singing.
Also 1 Lapwing & 1 Dunlin.
A Lesser Whitethroat singing in a garden opp. The Tara Hotel.
(Adrian)
Newport;-
From a couple of visits, 2 Whimbrel, 11 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover.
Fishguard Harbour;-
1, maybe 2 Black Guilemots out in the open water, view from the inner breakwater.
Llangloffan Fen;-
c08:00, several Grasshopper Warblers still singing.
Also 1 Lapwing & 1 Dunlin.
Cawdor barracks Woodchat
Just had a phone call, to let me know that there was an immature Woodchat on MOD land, Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy on the 15th. Identified by Ian Bullock. Bird not present subsequently.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Garganey still at Marloes Mere
The male Garganey showed well on and off throughout the day from the Britton hide. The curved wing feathers are not fully-developed, so it may be an immature bird. It appeared very nervous, always raising its head and looking around if any other species of bird called in the area.
Also on the Mere: male Shoveller, Dabchick with 2 chicks, Coot with 3 chicks, 3 displaying male Reed Buntings, Sedge and Reed Warblers.
Deer Park: the last 2 evenings have seen good gatherings of Choughs: 22 in one flock last night, 17 tonight. The Stonechats have fledged their first broods (2 in Martin's Haven valley) and frequent visits by groups of House Martins (max 10+) in the valley along with the usual Swallows. Good views of Manxies to the North over St Bride's Bay most evenings.
Also on the Mere: male Shoveller, Dabchick with 2 chicks, Coot with 3 chicks, 3 displaying male Reed Buntings, Sedge and Reed Warblers.
Deer Park: the last 2 evenings have seen good gatherings of Choughs: 22 in one flock last night, 17 tonight. The Stonechats have fledged their first broods (2 in Martin's Haven valley) and frequent visits by groups of House Martins (max 10+) in the valley along with the usual Swallows. Good views of Manxies to the North over St Bride's Bay most evenings.
Mid & North Pembs
Trafalgar Estate;-
4 juv. Starlings with parents this am.
(Paul G.)
Newport;-
Identical waders to yesterday, on the dune spit(see below)
8 juv. Shelduck above the iron bridge, a few days old.
Teifi;-
4 juv. Shelduck, Jewsons.
4 juv. Starlings with parents this am.
(Paul G.)
Newport;-
Identical waders to yesterday, on the dune spit(see below)
8 juv. Shelduck above the iron bridge, a few days old.
Teifi;-
4 juv. Shelduck, Jewsons.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Honey Buzzard
I suddenly realised what it was that was being mobbed by a raven over Carregwastad at 18:15! I followed it west into the distance over the sea and it didn't look like it was likely to stay around.
Skomer News

Midland -- Shags

Bank Holiday Sunday evening, Midland Island;-

The annual visit to Midland Isd. off Skomer to ring Shag chicks. 73 chicks ringed, checked with Steve, exactly the same nests & productivity as last year.
Not all Shags place their nest on the open cliff!
Many thanks for Jo & Dave for coming from Skomer to fetch & collect us later in the evening, & for the staff on the island for joining us to help.
(Pembs RG, photos, Renate)
Tetrad-bashing in SN02
With good weather prevailing, spent Sunday morning doing TTvs and roving recording in SN02. Whilst not much of note to report, it was interesting to find (by just walking along a public road) a minimum of 8 spotted flycatchers in the space of about 20 minutes in the Clarbeston Road area. One was already nest-building in ivy on a large oak tree. Fledged blue tits, great and coal tits seen and nuthatches were about to fledge. Sedge warblers are also nesting near Bletherston.
During the morning noted in excess of 30 painted lady butterflies (good numbers on the coast too, plus numerous migrant moths, such as rush veneer but so far no long-tailed blues noted! Will it be another good summer for Painted Ladies? The last big year was about 10 years ago I think.
During the morning noted in excess of 30 painted lady butterflies (good numbers on the coast too, plus numerous migrant moths, such as rush veneer but so far no long-tailed blues noted! Will it be another good summer for Painted Ladies? The last big year was about 10 years ago I think.
Garganey -- Marloes Mere (yesterday)
Yesterday (Mon.), c9:00 from the Britton hide a male Garganey still.
(Dave A. & Paul G.)
(Dave A. & Paul G.)
Monday, 25 May 2009
The Gann: terns & waders
High tide tonight at the Gann and the mist rolled in. A very quiet roost of Oystercatchers right by the road, but no Godwits seen. Along the beach 4 Ringed Plover and about a dozen very nervous Dunlin. At least 8 Shelduck (but no young seen)in the flooded areas above the low tide foot bridge, and 7 Sandwich Terns flying in. Still plenty of Chiffchaffs singing on both sides of the estuary.
Newport - waders & ......
Before the disturbance started c09:00;-
2 Sanderling, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover.
At 19:00, this evening zero waders.
For interest;-
Black Guillemot-- Aberystwyth, 1 on the sea close in this am.
(Harry Pepper via John Davis)
2 Sanderling, 2 Whimbrel, 18 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover.
At 19:00, this evening zero waders.
For interest;-
Black Guillemot-- Aberystwyth, 1 on the sea close in this am.
(Harry Pepper via John Davis)
Painted Ladies & .....
Butterflies;-
A large movement of Painted Ladies is being noticed over the last couple of days, Pen Anglas(Adrian), Cemaes Head (Wendy), & presumably other county sites.
Part of a bigger picture, ie the English Midlands being mentioned.
Long-Tailed Blue,;-
A very rare immigrant was found nr. Sennybridge over the week-end, presumed moving with the Painted Ladies. Certainly a "blue " to be looked for, & one that surely is under recorded.
(Hopefully a photo. later)
A large movement of Painted Ladies is being noticed over the last couple of days, Pen Anglas(Adrian), Cemaes Head (Wendy), & presumably other county sites.
Part of a bigger picture, ie the English Midlands being mentioned.
Long-Tailed Blue,;-
A very rare immigrant was found nr. Sennybridge over the week-end, presumed moving with the Painted Ladies. Certainly a "blue " to be looked for, & one that surely is under recorded.
(Hopefully a photo. later)
Quiet Down South

No waders at all at Kilpaison 08:30 this morning. A nice Wheatear on the beach.
Just 2 Oystercatchers at Freshwater West and at St Govan's a couple of Whitethroats, a few Swifts along the cliffs but otherwise very quiet.
Ramsey 08:00 update.
No sign (Red-backed Shrike) after a quick search this morning, but was more active when it had warmed up a bit.
Was still here late yesterday.
(Greg M. -- Ramsey)
Was still here late yesterday.
(Greg M. -- Ramsey)
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Angle Bay
Kilpaison at 20:00 35 Dunlin, 9 Ringed Plover.
Late morning off Manorbier c.20 Common Dolphins (see Whales in Wales Blog).
Late morning off Manorbier c.20 Common Dolphins (see Whales in Wales Blog).
St. Ann's / Dale
A complete circuit of St. Ann's peninsula late afternoon revealed a good number of singing Stonechats, Peregrine, Chough, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler etc - everything you'd expect and lovely sunshine to boot. Highlight was a Spotted Flycatcher in the woods beside the road to Dale Fort.
A quick squint at the Gann from the roadside layby was rewarded with 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Sandwich Terns showing well on the island with roosting Oystercatchers - so well I could see a metal ring on one of the tern's left leg, but not so well that I could read it! Little Egret still present too.
A quick squint at the Gann from the roadside layby was rewarded with 2 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Sandwich Terns showing well on the island with roosting Oystercatchers - so well I could see a metal ring on one of the tern's left leg, but not so well that I could read it! Little Egret still present too.
Kite(s)
A Red Kite over Musselwick (Marloes) this afternoon (Steve Hinton) and a report of two "dark" kites at Waterston early afternoon, in a field being cut - Derek & I were there within 30 mins but the cutting had stopped and no sign of any kites, dark or otherwise (Black Kite on Scilly today).
Also a report from Richard Ellis - We saw Red Kite from car on the Dale-Milford Haven road about 1km NW of St Ishmael's this p.m. at approx. 15.30. It was over farmland on the south side of the road. Consistent with earlier sighting at Musselwick.
Also a report from Richard Ellis - We saw Red Kite from car on the Dale-Milford Haven road about 1km NW of St Ishmael's this p.m. at approx. 15.30. It was over farmland on the south side of the road. Consistent with earlier sighting at Musselwick.
Red-backed Shrike -- Ramsey
A male Red-backed Shrike still present on Ramsey at 13:00.
Also 2 Little Egrets in a bay on the island but can only be seen from boats.
Greg will have an update for us on the shrike, before the first boat at 10:00 in the morning.
(Greg M)
Also 2 Little Egrets in a bay on the island but can only be seen from boats.
Greg will have an update for us on the shrike, before the first boat at 10:00 in the morning.
(Greg M)
Garganey -- Bosherston
The drake Garganey still present this late am, in front of reeds, upstream of the 8 Arch Bridge.
(Wendy)
(Wendy)
Kilpaison -- Angle Bay

c20 Dunlin & 2 Bar-tail Godwits the only waders present.
Highlight of CES ringing this am.
This female Cetti's Warbler with an incubation patch.
A male has still not been heard!
(Pembs RG)
Upper Minwear Wood
Early this morning, Cuckoo calling, Warblers:- Wood, Garden, Willow,
Chiff-chaff and Blackcap with a Goshawk flying over.
Blackpool Mill : Spotted Flycatcher from bridge
Chiff-chaff and Blackcap with a Goshawk flying over.
Blackpool Mill : Spotted Flycatcher from bridge
Saturday, 23 May 2009
North - ish Pembs -- Turtle Dove.

Nr. Whitesands Hotel, 1 Turtle Dove early afternoon.
(John & Marion)
Newport, c19:00;-
3 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover.
3 Sanderling, 13 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover.
Pen Anglas;-
Adrian's 1st Painted Lady of the year.
Stack Rocks

Mullock Bridge/ Marloes/ Martinshaven
After recieving texts about Laughing gulls & Spoonbills +Red rumped Swallows on the Scillies, I thought I`d get out & nail these blighters. Mullock bridge to the Gann was a waste of time. On to Marloes mere, plenty of Swallows( c200) but looking from the car park against the evening sun, well of course, a couple of Red rumps were bound to slip through the net! Anyway on to Martinshaven where again it was quiet. Tomorow I`ll shall be waiting again, Scope at the ready!
Marloes Mere / Gann
A good number of hirundines at Marloes Mere late afternoon (150+), a roughly even mix of House Martins & Swallows with a handful of Sand Martins and a lone Swift. A pair of Tufties, a Shoveler but not a lot else.
Gann: 16 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, a Little Egret (my first here for a while), 2 Grey Herons but sadly no Spoonbills!
With a Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Melodious Warbler & Golden Oriole in West Cornwall (& a Honey Buzzard in Wexford) today, there must be some hope, despite the south-westerly airflow!
Gann: 16 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, a Little Egret (my first here for a while), 2 Grey Herons but sadly no Spoonbills!
With a Bee-eater, Red-rumped Swallow, Melodious Warbler & Golden Oriole in West Cornwall (& a Honey Buzzard in Wexford) today, there must be some hope, despite the south-westerly airflow!
Wood Warbler -- Pengelli
The Wood Warbler was singing & showing excellently at c14:30 today from it's new territory by the leat path (see previous blog for directions)
(Wendy)
(Wendy)
Spoonbills -- Skomer
2 Spoonbills flew in from the north, looked like they might land on North Pond, but carried on flying south (c10:00)
(Mike Penny via Dave Boyle, birds phot'd)
(Mike Penny via Dave Boyle, birds phot'd)
Teifi Marshes
Friday evening;-
A large hirundine flock, containg all common species & a few Swifts were feeding over the river side of the reserve until dusk, at least c250 House Martins being the main species involved.
Sat. early am;-
2 Whimbrels flew through.
A more "normal" CES ringing session this am, with juv's of several resident species caught.
(Teifi RG)
A large hirundine flock, containg all common species & a few Swifts were feeding over the river side of the reserve until dusk, at least c250 House Martins being the main species involved.
Sat. early am;-
2 Whimbrels flew through.
A more "normal" CES ringing session this am, with juv's of several resident species caught.
(Teifi RG)
Friday, 22 May 2009
Curlew Sandpiper --- Newport
16:00;-
Curlew Sandpiper still present with 4 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover.
Curlew Sandpiper still present with 4 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin, 16 Ringed Plover.
Wood Warbler -- Pengelli
The Wood Warbler has moved ! Now singing off the old leat path.
From the notice board go down the hill & turn left at the T junction.
(Janet A.)
From the notice board go down the hill & turn left at the T junction.
(Janet A.)
Tip Warbler
After a morning slaving in the garden a trip to Tenby tip was rewarded with a Cettis Warbler singing loudly as I emptied the 6th sack load of weeds etc into the green waste skip. Perhaps not that surprising as there is some good marshy habitat nearby.
Curlew Sandpiper, Newport
News from Richard Dobbins - 1 summer plumage Curlew Sandpiper on the mud in front of the Boat Club at Newport 08:25 - 09:00 this morning. Also there 3 Sanderling, 19 Dunlin and 19 Ringed Plover.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Laughing Gull -- Skomer
An adult Laughing Gull has just flown over Skomer heading north 18:15
Dave Boyle.
Reed Warbler present yesterday although few other migrants.
Dave Boyle.
Reed Warbler present yesterday although few other migrants.
Garganey, Bosherston & Freshwater west

N Pembs
Newport;-
16:00 from the Boat Club, the Knot still around with c 8 Ringed Plover & c8 Dunlin. 8 Black-hd Gulls from the iron bridge.
Teifi;-
Mid morning, Patch & Poppit quiet, except 2 male Wheatears on Patch. From the Railings 2 Little Egrets & 7 Black-hd Gulls.
16:00 from the Boat Club, the Knot still around with c 8 Ringed Plover & c8 Dunlin. 8 Black-hd Gulls from the iron bridge.
Teifi;-
Mid morning, Patch & Poppit quiet, except 2 male Wheatears on Patch. From the Railings 2 Little Egrets & 7 Black-hd Gulls.
Bits and pieces
Juvenile Greenfinches and House Sparrows feeding or at least being fed on peanuts in our garden whilst yesterday a hedge hopping Red Kite flew over my car on road between Spittal and Junction with B4329 on way to Scolton Manor.
N. Pembs
Fishguard harbour;-
05:00 from the Flagpoles, 1 Whimbrel.
Newport;-
05:30 from the Boat Club, 1 Sandwich Tern flying around calling, carrying a fish for c10 mins before flying out to sea. & 1 imm. Peregrine sitting in the middle of the exposed mud... waiting!
4 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin. 1 Whimbrel on the end of the dune-spit.
05:00 from the Flagpoles, 1 Whimbrel.
Newport;-
05:30 from the Boat Club, 1 Sandwich Tern flying around calling, carrying a fish for c10 mins before flying out to sea. & 1 imm. Peregrine sitting in the middle of the exposed mud... waiting!
4 Sanderling, 12 Dunlin. 1 Whimbrel on the end of the dune-spit.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Two days boating with Thousand Islands at St David's

Over the last few days I have been with a Group visiting St David's. Despite pretty bad forecasts and conditions we had good sightings of Arctic Skuas, Storm petrels, Thousands of Shearwaters, Puffins, Gannets, Grassholm etc. Also sightings of Common Dolphin and Porpoise. There was at least one small Porpoise calf just off St David's head yesterday.
Teifi estuary
In addition to the earlier birds, 4 Sanderling on Poppit beach, 1 Whimbrel, a summer plumage Knot and now 2 Little Egrets.
N. Pembs estuaries
Newport;-
07:30, 1 Redshank, 3 Sanderling, 8 Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin.
15:00, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover. Also 7 Bk-Hd Gulls.
Teifi;-
16:00 Patch, EMPTY !
From the Railings, 36 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret,
& 1 Light-Bellied Brent Goose
Presumably from Newport, he's not going to make his breeding grounds. Another species of goose of wild origin to join the Teifi flock!!
07:30, 1 Redshank, 3 Sanderling, 8 Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin.
15:00, 2 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover. Also 7 Bk-Hd Gulls.
Teifi;-
16:00 Patch, EMPTY !
From the Railings, 36 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret,
& 1 Light-Bellied Brent Goose
Presumably from Newport, he's not going to make his breeding grounds. Another species of goose of wild origin to join the Teifi flock!!
Garganey -- Bosheston
The fine drake Garganey feeding out in front of the reeds, at the end above the Eight-Arch bridge. Also a female Teal present.
(sev. birders)
A Green Woodpecker called a couple of times, from roughly opposite the Court.
A walk from Bosheston church to Broad Haven failed to locate any sign of a Green Woody !
(Paul G. & Rich D.)
(sev. birders)
A Green Woodpecker called a couple of times, from roughly opposite the Court.
A walk from Bosheston church to Broad Haven failed to locate any sign of a Green Woody !
(Paul G. & Rich D.)
Breeding news
A couple of items from a chat I had with Paddy earlier;
One of his Kestrel nest boxes in Ty-rhyg, when inspected, he found a juv. Tawny looking at him!
Pied Flycatchers;-
Paddy has found these lovely flycatchers at I presume 2 new locations, his wood nr. Maenclochog, & nr. Llawhaden.
They do appear to be more widespread this year, keep looking at old sites!
One of his Kestrel nest boxes in Ty-rhyg, when inspected, he found a juv. Tawny looking at him!
Pied Flycatchers;-
Paddy has found these lovely flycatchers at I presume 2 new locations, his wood nr. Maenclochog, & nr. Llawhaden.
They do appear to be more widespread this year, keep looking at old sites!
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Llysyfran Reservoir
A Great Crested Grebe was still sitting on the nest yesterday (Monday), despite high water levels, strong winds and waves lapping all around. The male was swimming nearby. I have not been able to check yet whether it survived today's downpours.
Teifi - pm - waders ... & ..
Patch, HT 16;00;-
1 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin. 13 Mute Swans (non-breeders)
Newport;-
As Sam's numbers, but 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on 06:00 visit on Parrog rocks, this am.
1 Sanderling, 10 Dunlin. 13 Mute Swans (non-breeders)
Newport;-
As Sam's numbers, but 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on 06:00 visit on Parrog rocks, this am.

Earlier at Bosherston by the reed bed at the Stackpole Court end a Drake Garganey showed briefly before disapearing behind some vegetation. An Otter also swam past and went into the reeds. Click photos for larger image.


Newport Wed pm
At the bridge a Whimbrel. Opposite the Parrog 21 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plovers, 7 Sanderling & a Knot. On the river the PB Brent.
Monday, 18 May 2009
welcome home...
Whilst my mind became numbed by the goggle box and another chef spending an hour to poach an egg for our returning heroes, a flurry of swifts shot past, maybe as many as 100, maybe more, allthingsgood, cliff
Sanderlings -- Newport
As we seem to have a lack of small waders, nice to see 15 Sanderling this evening by the Boat Club, with the Knot, & smaller than earlier numbers of Dunlin, Ringed Plover.
The L.B.Brent Goose now on the Parrog rocks.
The L.B.Brent Goose now on the Parrog rocks.
Blackpool Mill
No sign of any Pied Fly's along the Leat this afternoon but a Mallard with 5 newly hatched ducklings in the Leat and Dipper feeding a juvenile on the river was a nice compensation.
Puffins to Brent Goose
Strumble Head;-
An hour at Strumble whilst in the area first thing, notable records a couple of Puffins flying past together, & a passage of Common Swifts, all going west, the biggest party of c30 looking interesting with manxies flying in the background behind them. Only a few Swallows.
Newport, (10:00);-
The Light-bellied Brent Goose on the sand at the end of the dunes, the gulls looking likely to make a move for "him".
Waders 1 Knot, Whimbrel, 5 Sanderling, 30 Dunlin, 28 R. Plover.
An hour at Strumble whilst in the area first thing, notable records a couple of Puffins flying past together, & a passage of Common Swifts, all going west, the biggest party of c30 looking interesting with manxies flying in the background behind them. Only a few Swallows.
Newport, (10:00);-
The Light-bellied Brent Goose on the sand at the end of the dunes, the gulls looking likely to make a move for "him".
Waders 1 Knot, Whimbrel, 5 Sanderling, 30 Dunlin, 28 R. Plover.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Whinchat & North Pembs
Brynberian Moor;-
A look in the blustery conditions found 1 male Whinchat, I didn't look for any more.
Rosebush Resr;-
Nothing of note, except the pair of Great Ctd. Grebes together, if there was a nest perhaps flooded?
Newport;-
Compared to this am, numbers of Dunlin & Ringed Plover down to c20 each & no Sanderling. Didn't mention them earlier but still 1 Redshank & 1 Whimbrel.
L.B.Brent Goose still on river mouth at Parrog.
A look in the blustery conditions found 1 male Whinchat, I didn't look for any more.
Rosebush Resr;-
Nothing of note, except the pair of Great Ctd. Grebes together, if there was a nest perhaps flooded?
Newport;-
Compared to this am, numbers of Dunlin & Ringed Plover down to c20 each & no Sanderling. Didn't mention them earlier but still 1 Redshank & 1 Whimbrel.
L.B.Brent Goose still on river mouth at Parrog.
Newport later am & Cwm Yr Eglwys Cetti
Add a Little Egret in full breeding finery.
On Fri I heard & saw the/a Cetti reported by Steve. More accurately between CYE & Pwllgwaelod. I'd not heard 1 before & was amazed at what I think is the loudest bird song I've ever heard.
2 lifers in 1 month within a mile!.
On Fri I heard & saw the/a Cetti reported by Steve. More accurately between CYE & Pwllgwaelod. I'd not heard 1 before & was amazed at what I think is the loudest bird song I've ever heard.
2 lifers in 1 month within a mile!.
Strumble Head records
Adrian & I are this season are going to try & capture as many strumble sightings as possible.
Some records are easy to collect as either we are there, or know the sea-watchers present.
There are of course times when records are made by others. If possible please blog or email the site with them, as they are all valuable.
We should be able to produce a "monthly round-up" to keep observers informed with progress & patterns.
Adrian & Rich D.
Some records are easy to collect as either we are there, or know the sea-watchers present.
There are of course times when records are made by others. If possible please blog or email the site with them, as they are all valuable.
We should be able to produce a "monthly round-up" to keep observers informed with progress & patterns.
Adrian & Rich D.
Strumble head -- Arctic Skua
Sea - watch from 0730 - 1030;-
1 Arctic Skua chasing gulls at 9:54, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Puffin, 2 Whimbrel (landed in front of the building!) & 1 Common Buzzard in off the sea.
Adrian, Rich D. et al (8 in tot.!)
Fishguard Harbour, 2 Black Guillemots could be seen this am, look from the Inner Breakwater, towards the ferry terminal side.
1 Arctic Skua chasing gulls at 9:54, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Puffin, 2 Whimbrel (landed in front of the building!) & 1 Common Buzzard in off the sea.
Adrian, Rich D. et al (8 in tot.!)
Fishguard Harbour, 2 Black Guillemots could be seen this am, look from the Inner Breakwater, towards the ferry terminal side.
Newport waders
Counts from early morning - 42 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 2 Sanderling and 54 Dunlin.
(Rich D)
Mid morning there was also a Pale-bellied Brent goose on Parrog rocks.
(Rich D)
Mid morning there was also a Pale-bellied Brent goose on Parrog rocks.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Northern Headlands
I flushed a Common Sandpiper from the stream below Carnfathach at 13:45 and there were three Whimbrel on the rocks all afternoon at Carregwastad.
Marloes mere/ Garganey
Some 50 Canada geese flew on to the mere as I walked past this afternoon, putting up what appeared to be 3 Garganey -before I lost sight of them in amongst the geese & reeds.
Newport Waders
Totals for this evening, they haven't changed much, although Paul G. had 6 Sanderlings at 1300.
10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 1 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, Dunlin 50.
Odd that the other main passage sites have no small waders, ie, Kilpaison, The Gann, Teifi. Est & Newgale.
10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot, 1 Sanderling, 1 Redshank, 1 Whimbrel, Dunlin 50.
Odd that the other main passage sites have no small waders, ie, Kilpaison, The Gann, Teifi. Est & Newgale.
Oil Spill?
Hi all, I just heard from a visitor who had been walking the Coast Path between Ramsay and Solva yesterday, who told me he came across "an extensive area of light oil slick" I rang the Coastguard (01646 690909) but they had heard nothing... has anyone noticed anything? allthingsgood, cliff
Bosherston etc
A Green Woodpecker was yaffling in the woods behind Broadhaven beach but very mobile. It was eventually seen in a tree halfway along the path between the beach and the National trust car park at Bosherston church.
There was no sign of the Garganey seen yesterday.
Angle Bay at Kilpaison - surprisingly, no waders.
Pembroke Upper Mill Pond - 4 Black tailed Godwits
There was no sign of the Garganey seen yesterday.
Angle Bay at Kilpaison - surprisingly, no waders.
Pembroke Upper Mill Pond - 4 Black tailed Godwits
Purple Sandpiper - Fishguard
A summer plumage Purple Sandpiper which was calling delightfully on the Outer Breakwater was the highlight of a unsuccessful county tour!
The Gann provided 5 Whimbrel & 2 Common Gulls.
At Newport the earlier waders were still present at midday.
(Paul G. & Rich D.)
The Gann provided 5 Whimbrel & 2 Common Gulls.
At Newport the earlier waders were still present at midday.
(Paul G. & Rich D.)
Newport waders
At 6am - 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Knot, 4 Sanderling, c79 Dunlin, c18 Ringed Plover.
Did they ever go?
(Richard D)
Teifi estuary - no waders could be found early morning in the wind and rain.
Did they ever go?
(Richard D)
Teifi estuary - no waders could be found early morning in the wind and rain.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Garganey & Green Woodpeckers
Bosheston;
Male Garganey showing well in front of reeds at reed-bed end of pond above 8 arch bridge.
Broad Haven beach;-
Either side Green woodpecker calling to each other.
Broad Haven to Barafundle;-
Whinchat in the dunes.
Well done Mike J.!!
Male Garganey showing well in front of reeds at reed-bed end of pond above 8 arch bridge.
Broad Haven beach;-
Either side Green woodpecker calling to each other.
Broad Haven to Barafundle;-
Whinchat in the dunes.
Well done Mike J.!!
Waders in the North
Newport;-
c900 from the Boat Club, unsettled birds under a "hot sea mist" trying to avoid the usual horses, dogs, etc . 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, probably flew off then.
c90 Dunlin & c30 Ringed Plover which could not be found after HT & weather change!
Fishguard;-
records from 12/05
12 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel.
(Elfyn Pugh)
c900 from the Boat Club, unsettled birds under a "hot sea mist" trying to avoid the usual horses, dogs, etc . 10 Bar-tailed Godwits, probably flew off then.
c90 Dunlin & c30 Ringed Plover which could not be found after HT & weather change!
Fishguard;-
records from 12/05
12 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel.
(Elfyn Pugh)
Cetti's at Tenby
So far I have identified four Cetti's singing between Tenby and Penally including one using the Sea Buckthorn near the golf club. Haven't looked at the Ritec Valley or the Penally march west of the railway yet so could be a few more to find.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Large Pipit - Strumble Head
15;30;-
On the base for the old Coastguards Look-Out, Adrian came across a large pipit, it disappeared with a flight view to compliment the - on the ground view. The bird didn't call as it flew, & couldn't be re-located in the surrounding fields. (Now raining)
A Richard's Pipit is strongly suspected.
(Adrian R.)
On the base for the old Coastguards Look-Out, Adrian came across a large pipit, it disappeared with a flight view to compliment the - on the ground view. The bird didn't call as it flew, & couldn't be re-located in the surrounding fields. (Now raining)
A Richard's Pipit is strongly suspected.
(Adrian R.)
Teifi -- waders
1500;-
Waders difficult to find!
I did find 8 Sanderling with c30 Dunlin, mobile & hiding, from the Boat Builders on the mud going upstream.
Waders difficult to find!
I did find 8 Sanderling with c30 Dunlin, mobile & hiding, from the Boat Builders on the mud going upstream.
Fishguard area

Flagpoles, 1 Whimbrel only, (1100)
Pen Anglas, a good movement of Swifts, & House Martins, amongst the Swallows.
Pen Anglas, a good movement of Swifts, & House Martins, amongst the Swallows.
No sign of any other migrants.
Many thanks to Bethan Evans for some key breeding observations from the area.
Many thanks to Bethan Evans for some key breeding observations from the area.
Photo; Adrian
Newport -- waders
From the Boat Club;-
0600, -- c120 Dunlin, 1 stunning sum. plum. Knot, 6 R. Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Redshank, 8 Bar-tld Godwits.
0930, -- 1 Sanderling, 38 R. Plover appear to be additions.?
1300, -- totals after HT, 1 Black-tailed & 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank, 2 Sanderling, 78 Dunlin, 6 R. Plover.
Must surely be worth a visit later, as all estuaries at the moment.
0600, -- c120 Dunlin, 1 stunning sum. plum. Knot, 6 R. Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Redshank, 8 Bar-tld Godwits.
0930, -- 1 Sanderling, 38 R. Plover appear to be additions.?
1300, -- totals after HT, 1 Black-tailed & 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Redshank, 2 Sanderling, 78 Dunlin, 6 R. Plover.
Must surely be worth a visit later, as all estuaries at the moment.
Black- tailed Godwits
Pembroke Upper Mill Pond;-
Black -tailed Godwit numbers have reduced to 12 & 9 over the past two evenings.
(John H.)
Black -tailed Godwit numbers have reduced to 12 & 9 over the past two evenings.
(John H.)
Teifi -- yesterday evening
Pembs side;-
16 Black- hd Gulls, & 5 Whimbrel on Patch.
(Wendy)
Patch/ Railings; (earlier)
13 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sands.
Not quite to the Nevern standards!
16 Black- hd Gulls, & 5 Whimbrel on Patch.
(Wendy)
Patch/ Railings; (earlier)
13 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sands.
Not quite to the Nevern standards!
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Newport Wed am
This morning by the Boat Club c125 Dunlin & 9 Bar T Godwits may both be a record. Also 25 Ringed Plovers & single Sanderlings & Whimbrel.At the bridge a seal.
Pengelli --- again!!
A visit this pm with the current "guide" Janet;-
Lesser Redpolls, c6 flew from the birches, calling as we parked at the entrance.
Wood Warbler, the lone? male singing almost constantly in the area to the north of the information board. Good views with time!
Redstart singing from the field edge trees below the information board.
(Janet et al)
Lesser Redpolls, c6 flew from the birches, calling as we parked at the entrance.
Wood Warbler, the lone? male singing almost constantly in the area to the north of the information board. Good views with time!
Redstart singing from the field edge trees below the information board.
(Janet et al)
Newgale again
There was a mixed flock of small waders on Newgale Beach again this afternoon comprising 7 Dunlin, all nearing full summer plumage, and 10 Sanderling, some still very pale, but 2 nearing full summer plumage with a little red coming around the head. There was also a lone Whimbrel. Again the Dunlin and Sanderling were ridiculously tame, passing within 20 feet of us as they worked along the tide's edge. Two Skylark were singing over the scrub behind the beach and there was at least one Whitethroat singing from the gorse.
Teifi --
Teifi, 0800;-
The highlight & tick for the Patch a Hedgehog!
Few waders on Patch, 10 R. Plover, 7 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel.
Railings, 2 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin,1 Common Sandpiper.
Jewsons, 2 further Common Sands.
St. Dog.'s Quay, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-headed Gull
The highlight & tick for the Patch a Hedgehog!
Few waders on Patch, 10 R. Plover, 7 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel.
Railings, 2 Sanderling, 25 Dunlin,1 Common Sandpiper.
Jewsons, 2 further Common Sands.
St. Dog.'s Quay, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Black-headed Gull
Late Tuesday reports
Wood Warbler;-
1 watched singing in Pengelli, being visited again today, the first for 10 years there.?
(Janet)
Red Kite ;-
In response to Mark & Wanda's blog, an imm. Red Kite has been wandering around the "Honeyboro' area for quite a while.(Gentleman who phoned me, sorry no name)
Cuckoo;-
A brown female watched at Stackpole today.
(obs. as previous)
Cetti's Warbler;-
Reported to Steve B. by holiday makers from a cottage "been singing all week!" nr. Cwm yr Eglwys.
1 watched singing in Pengelli, being visited again today, the first for 10 years there.?
(Janet)
Red Kite ;-
In response to Mark & Wanda's blog, an imm. Red Kite has been wandering around the "Honeyboro' area for quite a while.(Gentleman who phoned me, sorry no name)
Cuckoo;-
A brown female watched at Stackpole today.
(obs. as previous)
Cetti's Warbler;-
Reported to Steve B. by holiday makers from a cottage "been singing all week!" nr. Cwm yr Eglwys.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Orielton Pond
A Green Sand did a couple of circuits of the reedbed end today, and on the way home I saw a Red Kite near Johnston on the road from Johnston to sentry cross.
Teifi waders
Late evening there was a mobile flock of waders around the estuary including 1 Black tailed Godwit, 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Sanderling, 24 Dunlin and 12 Ringed Plover.
Newgale Beach
There was a mixed flock of small waders late this afternoon on Newgale Beach. Among the 35 Dunlin, in various stages towards full summer plumage, were 5 Ringed Plover and 2 Sanderling, one of these being further into summer plumage than the other, which was still quite pale. It was interesting to see the tameness of these birds: they look little notice as they fed busily on the edge of the incoming tide with people passed within a few feet. It was also interesting to see that none of the people noticed the birds!
On a brighter note
Yellowhammers at Bwlch-y-Groes this morning, & this afternoon in a very warm Cych valley 3 dippers seen + a kingfisher.
Balloons
That is very interesting about the balloons seen in the sea at Strumble Head.
They are a floating death trap for sea mammals & birds!
I was reading an article about balloons drifting in the sea & the damage they do. This comment relates to the Shetland Islands, but if they have this big a problem, then the scale of balloon problems is truly massive!
Shetland Amenity Trust estimates that up to 10,000 balloons are polluting the islands' coastline at any one time
http://www.shetlandmarine.com/2009/07%20Environment/environmental_cost_of_balloon_releases.htm
They are a floating death trap for sea mammals & birds!
I was reading an article about balloons drifting in the sea & the damage they do. This comment relates to the Shetland Islands, but if they have this big a problem, then the scale of balloon problems is truly massive!
Shetland Amenity Trust estimates that up to 10,000 balloons are polluting the islands' coastline at any one time
http://www.shetlandmarine.com/2009/07%20Environment/environmental_cost_of_balloon_releases.htm
Strumble and St Davids
Some sightings from Elfyn Pugh
11/5/09
11/5/09
Early morning watch at Strumble head. Good movement of swallows and a few house martins, 2 shelduck, singing blackbird and Whitethroat, Peregrine, 9 Common Scoters (3 males 6 females), unidentified small waders. A set of orange and red ballons which ditched in the sea! More marine litter!
Afternoon birding between Caer Fai and Porth Clais produced whitethroat, wheatear another peregrine and a pair of stonechat on the coastal path below St Nons chapel.
12/5/09
Another early morning watch at Strumble Head.18 common scoters (4 males 14 females),
5 whimbrel, 1 shelduck. Again good passage of swallows and martins including a group of about a dozen house martins. 7 swifts seen in total. Lots of unidentified small waders (dunlin/ringed plover?).
Fishguard
From the Flagpoles;-
1 fem Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Dunlin, & Ringed Plover.
(Adrian & Rich D.)
1 fem Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 8 Dunlin, & Ringed Plover.
(Adrian & Rich D.)
Westfield Pill -- y'day
Westfield Pill;-
Yesterday at c15:30 a pair of red Kite over the pill, also Cuckoo heard.
Mark & Wanda, who also ask , have Red Kites been seen at the Pill before?
Yesterday at c15:30 a pair of red Kite over the pill, also Cuckoo heard.
Mark & Wanda, who also ask , have Red Kites been seen at the Pill before?
Teifi -- waders early am
Patch (05;45);-
4 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling, 65 Ringed Plover, c12 Dunlin. All bathing on the waters edge, so a walk at this low tide.
Estuaries are definitely going to be worth visiting throughout the day.... I think!
4 Whimbrel, 4 Sanderling, 65 Ringed Plover, c12 Dunlin. All bathing on the waters edge, so a walk at this low tide.
Estuaries are definitely going to be worth visiting throughout the day.... I think!
Monday, 11 May 2009
Today at Stackpole/Bosherston
Pochard have become decidedly rare at Bosherston Lakes in recent winters. Long gone are the days of 250-300 peak winter numbers. So it was quite nice to see a splendid male on the eastern arm (presumably stopping off on migration).
A male green woodpecker spent the entire morning/early afternoon yaffling nr Broadhaven. It was over here late last week. Possibly it has moved territory or perhaps it also is a new arrival trying to find a mate (where do they go in winter?)
Of the new migrants, at least 7 white wagtails on the coast, overhead yellow wags (at least 3) and at least 35 whimbrel passing through.
With the continuing strong easterly, almost certain to be something interesting about in the next day or two.
A male green woodpecker spent the entire morning/early afternoon yaffling nr Broadhaven. It was over here late last week. Possibly it has moved territory or perhaps it also is a new arrival trying to find a mate (where do they go in winter?)
Of the new migrants, at least 7 white wagtails on the coast, overhead yellow wags (at least 3) and at least 35 whimbrel passing through.
With the continuing strong easterly, almost certain to be something interesting about in the next day or two.
Newport Mon am
By 9am, opposite the Boat Club, 60 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plovers & a Sanderling.
The garden Lesser Whitethroat has been upgraded to T in Atlaspeak.
The garden Lesser Whitethroat has been upgraded to T in Atlaspeak.
Ffynone Pied Flycatchers
5 Pied Flycatchers found on anothervisit to Ffynone woods this afternoon.
Also 1 Spotted Flycatcher and a juvenile Dipper by the waterfall.
Brynberian Moor - no sign of any Whinchat but a good view of a Cuckoo. Lesser Redpolls and Redstarts seen in flight.
(Paul G and Wendy J)
Also 1 Spotted Flycatcher and a juvenile Dipper by the waterfall.
Brynberian Moor - no sign of any Whinchat but a good view of a Cuckoo. Lesser Redpolls and Redstarts seen in flight.
(Paul G and Wendy J)
turtle dove
I have just had a report of a turtle dove in Hook at the w/e. Anyone else down that way seen one?
Pied Fly and Red Kites
There was a Pied Flycatcher on a wire over the road just on the Newgale side of Roch yesterday and two Red Kites were quartering a newly mown hayfield just to the south of Letterston this morning.
Report of Raptors over Ramsey Sound
I was told today that birders on a boat-trip around Ramsey on Sunday had sightings of both Osprey and Honey Buzzard. Good views I'm told by Anna Mullarkey (one of the trip participants but not a birder). Does anyone else have supporting confirmation of these birds?
Re: Richard's request for Dotterel sites, there was a small run of sightings a few years back of one or more individuals turning up on Castlemartin peninsula in autumn and also in spring.
Other northern (upland) waders such as Golden plover, Dunlin and Grey Plover often touch down briefly along the Castlemartin peninsula/Stackpole cliff-tops on late spring passage - usually at least one of these three seen each May/June so it is always possible that Dotterel could be amongst them too occasionally I guess.
The image was of an August 2004 one on Castlemartin Range east coast; one of several images taken by Stephen Coker.
is this the scale of the daily turnover
Ten or so years ago, May CES at the Teifi would have Sedge numbers such as 18, 19, & a good catch was 40. The autumn was the time when help was much appreciated; even then I think the numbers you have had are outstanding. I am only personally aware of 1 previous tawny owl, but that was during an evening session.
Dotterel; only place I've found them is on the Preseli ridge, Carn Meini maybe. Seen Ring Ouzel there in the past too.
Dotterel; only place I've found them is on the Preseli ridge, Carn Meini maybe. Seen Ring Ouzel there in the past too.
Waders -- Newport... &..
Newport;-
08:00 from the Boat Club, 25 Dunlin, 2 R. Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper.
Foel Drygarn;-
Plenty of Wheatear, far more than the local breeders.
No Dotterel, any one any ideas which might be the best peaks or areas to look?
Dinas Mtn, Tegryn way or ...?
08:00 from the Boat Club, 25 Dunlin, 2 R. Plover, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper.
Foel Drygarn;-
Plenty of Wheatear, far more than the local breeders.
No Dotterel, any one any ideas which might be the best peaks or areas to look?
Dinas Mtn, Tegryn way or ...?
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Late on the Teifi
Quiet on the waders again!
Patch;-
4 Dunlin, 3 Wheatear,
River above Priory Bridge ;-
2 Common Sandpiper.
Patch;-
4 Dunlin, 3 Wheatear,
River above Priory Bridge ;-
2 Common Sandpiper.
Pied Fly's, Redstarts etc in the NE
Ffynone;-
Pied Flycatcher, seen easily in old oaks by the dam this pm, also Dipper & Grey Wagtail at the waterfall.
(Wendy)
Below Pentregalar/Foel Drygarn area;-
Redstarts, Kestrels, Grasshopper Warblers, Stonechats & Cuckoo (in two areas) recorded.
(Janet)
Not in the NE;-
But, Cuckoo at Lockley Lodge /below Rath cottage today.
(Lucy)
Pied Flycatcher, seen easily in old oaks by the dam this pm, also Dipper & Grey Wagtail at the waterfall.
(Wendy)
Below Pentregalar/Foel Drygarn area;-
Redstarts, Kestrels, Grasshopper Warblers, Stonechats & Cuckoo (in two areas) recorded.
(Janet)
Not in the NE;-
But, Cuckoo at Lockley Lodge /below Rath cottage today.
(Lucy)
Marloes mere
Iceland gull seen briefly, flying away as I walked down past the YHA.
Marsh harrier flying West a few minutes later. (roosting on Skomer?)
Ruff etc
Lots of evidence of migration whilst out cycling this morning: Swallows everywhere, a Lesser Whitethroat at Porthclais, and a Cuckoo on Dowrog. Wheatears in several places, including 6+ along the road coming in from the north.
Late afternoon a walk around Marloes Mere produced the female Marsh Harrier, 150+ Swallows and Martins (few House Martins though) and 7 Swift bombed through, as well as a lone Dunlin flying south-east. A grassy field by the car park held 13 Wheatears. Derek had the Iceland Gull briefly in flight.
At the Gann 3 Ruff on the foreshore, along with 7 Whimbrel, 23 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, and 2 Wheatear.
Late afternoon a walk around Marloes Mere produced the female Marsh Harrier, 150+ Swallows and Martins (few House Martins though) and 7 Swift bombed through, as well as a lone Dunlin flying south-east. A grassy field by the car park held 13 Wheatears. Derek had the Iceland Gull briefly in flight.
At the Gann 3 Ruff on the foreshore, along with 7 Whimbrel, 23 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, and 2 Wheatear.
Spoonbill at Marloes Mere
A Spoonbill was reported to Lucy in Lockley Lodge earlier by a visiting birder. Seen at c11:30 for 20 mins. when it was flushed off by gulls.
Lucy Griffiths is the new manager in Lockley Lodge & very keen to share sightings so please pop in & see her when in the Marloes / Martins Haven area.
Her sightings site is www.twitter.com/lockleylodge
Lucy will not only report sightings from visitors to the island, but other birds that visitors mention.
Lucy Griffiths is the new manager in Lockley Lodge & very keen to share sightings so please pop in & see her when in the Marloes / Martins Haven area.
Her sightings site is www.twitter.com/lockleylodge
Lucy will not only report sightings from visitors to the island, but other birds that visitors mention.
The Teifi Marshes -- ringing

An adult male Tawny this morning.
He flew into a net! He may or not be the father of 3 Tawny Owlets seen on a branch yesterday on the other side of the reserve by Karen.
Photo; Wendy.
Teifi Marshes -- Sedge warblers
Two more good controls on the marshes this am.
Amongst the 116 new Sedge Warblers caught today, two more controls, another with a FRENCH ring, & one with a BELGIAN ring!
With 144 Sedge Warblers ringed last monday, of which only 2 were retrapped today, is this the scale of the daily turnover of birds in this small part of the reserve?
Nine species of warbler recorded today, with a few Garden Warblers trapped in the same area during the morning perhaps indicating passage of these less seen birds?
(Teifi RG)
Amongst the 116 new Sedge Warblers caught today, two more controls, another with a FRENCH ring, & one with a BELGIAN ring!
With 144 Sedge Warblers ringed last monday, of which only 2 were retrapped today, is this the scale of the daily turnover of birds in this small part of the reserve?
Nine species of warbler recorded today, with a few Garden Warblers trapped in the same area during the morning perhaps indicating passage of these less seen birds?
(Teifi RG)
Swallows & Dartford Warblers
Pen Anglas;-
A passage of hirundines, mainly Swallows this pm.
In a couple of hours early this afternoon, c400 Swallows, 30 House Martins & 1 Swift were recorded.
Nearby;-
Adrian also managed to watch both male & female Dartford Warblers carrying food.
(Adrian)
A passage of hirundines, mainly Swallows this pm.
In a couple of hours early this afternoon, c400 Swallows, 30 House Martins & 1 Swift were recorded.
Nearby;-
Adrian also managed to watch both male & female Dartford Warblers carrying food.
(Adrian)
Whimbrel & Common Sands. .....
Fortunes Frolic;-
2 Common Sandpipers today, presumably still passage, also 1st sum. Black-headed Gull.
Uzmaston:-
2 Whimbrel
(Paul G.)
2 Common Sandpipers today, presumably still passage, also 1st sum. Black-headed Gull.
Uzmaston:-
2 Whimbrel
(Paul G.)
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Iceland Gull 2
An imm Iceland Gull dropped in briefly at Whitesands this morning before continuing north.
Iceland gull
Still present in the field at Trehill farm, Marloes.
Good numbers of Hirundines feeding over the mere, + 1 Grasshopper warbler singing in the valley going down to the sands
Garganey ... Marloes Mere
A Garganey was seen in flight at the mere this morning.
(Steve Hinton, news via Dave A.)
(Steve Hinton, news via Dave A.)
OSPREY TEIFI MARSHES .. &..
Osprey viewed from Heron Hide circling over the marsh and river at 11 15 has flown up the gorge.
( Karen)
Cilgerran - river;-
2 male Gooosanders on the river in Cilgerran this am. Interesting, -- where are the females??
(Steve B.)
( Karen)
Cilgerran - river;-
2 male Gooosanders on the river in Cilgerran this am. Interesting, -- where are the females??
(Steve B.)
BBS above Fishguard
in completing Renate's BBS this morning the highlights were 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats and 3 singing Grasshopper warblers.
( Renate and Rich D.)
( Renate and Rich D.)
Waders in the north
Nevern estuary by Newport boat club at 06.15 - 18 Dunlin, 10 Ringed Plover, and a Whimbrel.
Fishguard, by the flagpoles - 2 Whimbrel and a Dunlin and in the harbour , 2 Black Guillemots.
Estuaries could be good today so well worth a look.
(Richard D)
Teifi estuary at Patch - 1 Sanderling, 12 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin and 5 Whimbrel.
Fishguard, by the flagpoles - 2 Whimbrel and a Dunlin and in the harbour , 2 Black Guillemots.
Estuaries could be good today so well worth a look.
(Richard D)
Teifi estuary at Patch - 1 Sanderling, 12 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin and 5 Whimbrel.
Friday, 8 May 2009
Sanderling & ............Teifi
Patch;-
2030, Small waders at last moving here, 40 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, & 1 Sanderling. Also 1 Wheatear.
2030, Small waders at last moving here, 40 Dunlin, 20 Ringed Plover, & 1 Sanderling. Also 1 Wheatear.
Pied Flycatchers & ..........
Just been having a chat with Paddy;
A good year for Pied Fly's.!
3 Singing males in Ffynone today, all between the new car park & the waterfall from the path.
Also in a wood nr. Maencl'g Paddy knows well:-
Pied Fly, Wood Warbler, & Redstart. the first time that he has had all three species in the same year!
Other feedback on sightings of these charismatic breeding species in the county would be very welcome.
Is this a sign of a resurgence in the Pied Flycatcher population??
Visits to old breeding sites would be valuable, ie Pengelli, Tycanol...?
A good year for Pied Fly's.!
3 Singing males in Ffynone today, all between the new car park & the waterfall from the path.
Also in a wood nr. Maencl'g Paddy knows well:-
Pied Fly, Wood Warbler, & Redstart. the first time that he has had all three species in the same year!
Other feedback on sightings of these charismatic breeding species in the county would be very welcome.
Is this a sign of a resurgence in the Pied Flycatcher population??
Visits to old breeding sites would be valuable, ie Pengelli, Tycanol...?
Whimbrels & Sandwich Terns
The Gann;-
A visit a couple of hours after high tide saw 29 Whimbrel & 3 Sandwich Terns.
Marloes Mere;-
A thorough look in an unfavourable wind, produced none of the hoped for !!
Ty rhyg;-
A walk down the track produced a couple of small parties of Lesser Redpoll.
(Wendy, Paul & Rich D.)
A visit a couple of hours after high tide saw 29 Whimbrel & 3 Sandwich Terns.
Marloes Mere;-
A thorough look in an unfavourable wind, produced none of the hoped for !!
Ty rhyg;-
A walk down the track produced a couple of small parties of Lesser Redpoll.
(Wendy, Paul & Rich D.)
Whimbrels -- early Teifi visit
The Webley;-
Last night, 4 Whimbrel, 3 sum. plumage Dunlin.
Patch;-
0530 this am - 4 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover. & over on Poppit c20+ Whimbrel, before they started moving off, -- the 1st dog walkers!
Last night, 4 Whimbrel, 3 sum. plumage Dunlin.
Patch;-
0530 this am - 4 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover. & over on Poppit c20+ Whimbrel, before they started moving off, -- the 1st dog walkers!
Swifts - Pembroke
"They are back -- Swifts screaming over Pembroke Castle tonight"
20:53 last night from Dave Levell.
20:53 last night from Dave Levell.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Freshwater West and Llys-y-Fran
At the reservoir a couple of days ago noted 5 pairs of GC Grebes (two displaying and one with nest material). Plenty of hirundines - c. 20 sand martins, a few house martins, numerous swallows and several swifts over the water . c70 LBB Gulls (99% adults) bathing - coming and going from fields.
Today at Fresh west, passage of whimbrel west - at least 30 birds over the beach in about an hour in small flocks. White wagtails on the beach nr the Harry Potter set - quite something if you are a fan of HP!
Rescued a live adult gannet (no broken limbs but starving), whilst there were at least 4-5 dead ones (various states of decay) on the beach. Dead pipe fish on the beach. I hope puffins etc are not switching to this species off our coastline; this fish species has no real nutritional value and is linked to poor breeding success in many Northern seabird colonies!
Today at Fresh west, passage of whimbrel west - at least 30 birds over the beach in about an hour in small flocks. White wagtails on the beach nr the Harry Potter set - quite something if you are a fan of HP!
Rescued a live adult gannet (no broken limbs but starving), whilst there were at least 4-5 dead ones (various states of decay) on the beach. Dead pipe fish on the beach. I hope puffins etc are not switching to this species off our coastline; this fish species has no real nutritional value and is linked to poor breeding success in many Northern seabird colonies!
Marsh Harrier - different one
I saw a female head inland and not reappear about the same time as a Whimbrel came in off the sea at Carregwastad at 14:30.
Marsh Harrier
The adult female Marsh Harrier flew a circuit of Marloes Mere at about 3 - 30 this afternoon, being pestered by three crows most of the time. It went to ground among the rushes.
Crossbills & Cuckoos
Glynaeron;-
Today, 2 Crossbills calling, then landing on tops not far from the entrance gate today. Also Cuckoo.
Tetrad, SN02Z next to Glynaeron;-
Redstart & Cuckoo too today.
Felindre;-
A Sedge Warbler arrived in Janet's garden during the movement recently, still singing & resisting all attempts by the resident male Blackcap to be removed!
(Janet A.)
Today, 2 Crossbills calling, then landing on tops not far from the entrance gate today. Also Cuckoo.
Tetrad, SN02Z next to Glynaeron;-
Redstart & Cuckoo too today.
Felindre;-
A Sedge Warbler arrived in Janet's garden during the movement recently, still singing & resisting all attempts by the resident male Blackcap to be removed!
(Janet A.)
Yesterday and today at Marloes Mere
Yesterday morning, encouraged by a chap in the car park who told me he had just seen the Green Winged Teal "right in front of the hide" I spent several hours in the Northern hide to no avail. In the bleak and misty weather there were plenty of other ducks including 5 Tufties but no Teal and no Marsh Harrier either. I did manage to pick up the Iceland Gull though. The main event was the huge numbers of Swallows, with a few Sand Martins, feeding very low over the water. Then two Canda Geese arrived with 18 goslings. I wondered if it was possible for a female goose to incubate 18 large eggs and decided it was doubtful. Closer inspection of the goslings revealed at least two different age groups. So was this a creche? Or two females (?) with two broods? Or gosling-napping?
Today I tried again - lovely weather but no Teal and no Iceland Gull either - the group of gulls to which it attached itself were nowhere to be seen. The goslings however were now up to 23!! The plot thickens!
Rosemary
Today I tried again - lovely weather but no Teal and no Iceland Gull either - the group of gulls to which it attached itself were nowhere to be seen. The goslings however were now up to 23!! The plot thickens!
Rosemary
Swift - Goodwick
I don't know if this is the first back in known breeding towns, but Adrian was pleased enough to text at 0555 this am.!!
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Plumstone Mountain 6 May: Cuckoo and Crossbill
A walk around the Plumstone Mountain area this evening highlighted the range of species to be found in this heath/pine forest habitat.
Despite the wind, the open heath had 2 pairs of Stonechat and a displaying Tree Pipit, as well as at least 3 displaying male Whitethroat. A Cuckoo flew over, making its bubbling call, and a Grasshopper Warbler reeled from the scrub near the plantation.
In the pines themselves the highlight was a group (I estimate around 4) of Crossbills, calling persistently, but elusive at the top of the trees. Goldcrests, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches and Song Thrushes were singing, and a group of 40 Linnets lined the telegraph lines. I plan a visit back at dusk later in the month to look for Woodcock, for which this seems potential habitat.
Despite the wind, the open heath had 2 pairs of Stonechat and a displaying Tree Pipit, as well as at least 3 displaying male Whitethroat. A Cuckoo flew over, making its bubbling call, and a Grasshopper Warbler reeled from the scrub near the plantation.
In the pines themselves the highlight was a group (I estimate around 4) of Crossbills, calling persistently, but elusive at the top of the trees. Goldcrests, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches and Song Thrushes were singing, and a group of 40 Linnets lined the telegraph lines. I plan a visit back at dusk later in the month to look for Woodcock, for which this seems potential habitat.
Western Cleddau: Tree Sparrow but no Kingfishers
I have fished the lower stretches of the Western Cleddau three times this week (to no avail!), spending around 10 hours on the river, and covering around 3km of water. This has confirmed my experience from last summer that this is a wonderfully fertile and productive river, with a huge variety of fly life providing big attractions for birds.
Most obvious have been the hirundines and Swifts: 10+ of the latter at any one time, and 60+ Sand Martins and Swallows feeding over the river and across the fields, with the Sand Martins just outnumbering the Swallows. Even a small number of House Martins, a species that I have seen very few of this year.
The Sand Martins are still only feeding: the 2 colonies that I found last year, of 20-30 holes each, are as yet unoccupied, and appear in need of a great deal of work given the erosion to the river banks from the winter floods.
These floods have been huge: the debris from them, both caught in the barbed wire fences and in the ditches, shows the high water mark to have been up to 8ft above the current (high and coloured) water level.
The other casualty may have been the Kingfishers: on a stretch where last year in June/July I saw birds hourly and estimated a population of a pair per kilometre, I have seen not a single bird all week. They may be sitting on eggs, but could also be victims of the cold winter.
Highlights, however, have been at least one Tree Sparrow that I heard twice in old ash trees towards the bottom of the beat (Crow Hill SM 953 178). My big take-away from the Pembrokeshire Birders Conference last November was that these birds should be renamed River Sparrows, and the habitat, both trees and river debris, would appear to suit them.
Also, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and a Lesser Whitethroat that called persistently from a dense patch of gorse and bramble, and then hawked for insects above it.
Most obvious have been the hirundines and Swifts: 10+ of the latter at any one time, and 60+ Sand Martins and Swallows feeding over the river and across the fields, with the Sand Martins just outnumbering the Swallows. Even a small number of House Martins, a species that I have seen very few of this year.
The Sand Martins are still only feeding: the 2 colonies that I found last year, of 20-30 holes each, are as yet unoccupied, and appear in need of a great deal of work given the erosion to the river banks from the winter floods.
These floods have been huge: the debris from them, both caught in the barbed wire fences and in the ditches, shows the high water mark to have been up to 8ft above the current (high and coloured) water level.
The other casualty may have been the Kingfishers: on a stretch where last year in June/July I saw birds hourly and estimated a population of a pair per kilometre, I have seen not a single bird all week. They may be sitting on eggs, but could also be victims of the cold winter.
Highlights, however, have been at least one Tree Sparrow that I heard twice in old ash trees towards the bottom of the beat (Crow Hill SM 953 178). My big take-away from the Pembrokeshire Birders Conference last November was that these birds should be renamed River Sparrows, and the habitat, both trees and river debris, would appear to suit them.
Also, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, and a Lesser Whitethroat that called persistently from a dense patch of gorse and bramble, and then hawked for insects above it.
Whimbrel & Swift in the North
Teifi;-
8 Whimbrel on Patch, a small nos. of Swifts over the fields at Pentood from the road.
Newport;-
2 Whimbrel from the iron bridge.
Pen Anglas;-
1 Swift seen with the mixed hirundines.
8 Whimbrel on Patch, a small nos. of Swifts over the fields at Pentood from the road.
Newport;-
2 Whimbrel from the iron bridge.
Pen Anglas;-
1 Swift seen with the mixed hirundines.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
some records today
The Gann;-
23 Whimbrel, & 1 Sandwich Tern.
Marloes Mere;-
In addtion to Rich C's super photo & blog, a Snipe still.
Newport;-
1 Common Sand. above the iron bridge.
Teifi;-
1 Ringed Plover on Patch,.... perhaps the start?(Wendy)
Pembroke UM Pond;-
Still 18 Black-tailed Godwits, & the water level looking good.
(John H.)
23 Whimbrel, & 1 Sandwich Tern.
Marloes Mere;-
In addtion to Rich C's super photo & blog, a Snipe still.
Newport;-
1 Common Sand. above the iron bridge.
Teifi;-
1 Ringed Plover on Patch,.... perhaps the start?(Wendy)
Pembroke UM Pond;-
Still 18 Black-tailed Godwits, & the water level looking good.
(John H.)
Marsh Harrier, Marloes Mere

Monday, 4 May 2009
Green-winged Teal etc
Sash beat me to the posting, very glad he caught up with the bounty on offer at MM! Paul & I had a magic couple of hours on the peninsula. First to the 'old' hide at Marloes Mere, and within minutes the 1st-year Iceland Gull gave excellent views in the field behind the hide at Trehill. Used the hide to dodge a rain shower, and spent some time scanning through the good sized flock of Swallows and Sand Martins. 10 Swift bombed through heading west with some purpose. A walk to the newer Britton Hide and quite soon we were being treated to stunning views of the adult female Marsh Harrier quartering, scattering all before her. Including 4 Teal....hang on, the male surely has a vertical stripe (it was distant, through 8x 'bins)...yep, a fine Green-winged! At one point you could see all 3 notable birds at once! The Gann wasn't quite so star studded, but still plenty of signs of migration: 2 Whimbrel, 1 White Wagtail, 5 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 3 Wheatear, and one of the Rock Pipits doing a good impression of a littoralis.
The Teifi goes French....
A CES ringing session on the Teifi brought some excellent records this morning!!
A Sedge Warbler with a French ring was the first highlight, & one of a staggering 144 new Sedge Warblers ringed this morning.
A Reed Warbler with another French ring was next, but one of only 8 Reed Warblers caught.
Finally, a late morning Willow Warbler caught with a British ring ... but a number unknown to us.!
Cetti's with brood patch & Grasshopper amongst the 9 species of warblers this morning.
(Teifi RG)
late pm;
Patch & The Webley had both Whimbrel & White Wagtails.
A Sedge Warbler with a French ring was the first highlight, & one of a staggering 144 new Sedge Warblers ringed this morning.
A Reed Warbler with another French ring was next, but one of only 8 Reed Warblers caught.
Finally, a late morning Willow Warbler caught with a British ring ... but a number unknown to us.!
Cetti's with brood patch & Grasshopper amongst the 9 species of warblers this morning.
(Teifi RG)
late pm;
Patch & The Webley had both Whimbrel & White Wagtails.
late but nice.....Yellow Wagtail

A photo taken on 26th April nr. Ceibwr of this fine plumaged bird.
(Peter Byles),
a late posting by me not late news.
Bank Holiday tetrad bashing
Tetrad bashing can provide insights into new areas not visited before - yesterday and today being possibly good examples.
Doing a timed tetrad visit well inland of Colby/Amroth area (nr Ludchurch) noted at least 5 wheatears (almost certainly of the Greenland race) standing about in a winter-sown cereal field. Big, plump, upright birds - males with brighter underparts than the local ones on the coast (three males and 2 females). Occasionally eyed up by a perching buzzard sitting on a fence 50 metres from them.
Nearby in a small copse a spotted flycatcher was displaying (first I have seen this year). Then in a really thick hedge next to the extremely busy A477 (including somewhere in the region of 50 or more scooterists - 1960s MODs?) heading east from Tenby there were at least 3 singing lesser whitethroats - a really broad, very thick impenetrable hedge - classic lesser whitethroat breeding habitat.
Also noted garden warblers and lots of willow warblers and common whitethroats about. Later in the day, yellowhammers noted south of Tavernspite in suitable breeding habitat (are they being helped by last years subsidised cereal crops?).
Today, swifts over Narberth and Templeton, good numbers of willow/chiffs again and marsh tit nest found in a natural tree hole. Treecreeper nesting in a crevice behind flaking bark on a massive old ash tree. Finally to finish off the visit a local kite put in an appearance chasing off a carrion crow and a buzzard before returning to the trees.
Doing a timed tetrad visit well inland of Colby/Amroth area (nr Ludchurch) noted at least 5 wheatears (almost certainly of the Greenland race) standing about in a winter-sown cereal field. Big, plump, upright birds - males with brighter underparts than the local ones on the coast (three males and 2 females). Occasionally eyed up by a perching buzzard sitting on a fence 50 metres from them.
Nearby in a small copse a spotted flycatcher was displaying (first I have seen this year). Then in a really thick hedge next to the extremely busy A477 (including somewhere in the region of 50 or more scooterists - 1960s MODs?) heading east from Tenby there were at least 3 singing lesser whitethroats - a really broad, very thick impenetrable hedge - classic lesser whitethroat breeding habitat.
Also noted garden warblers and lots of willow warblers and common whitethroats about. Later in the day, yellowhammers noted south of Tavernspite in suitable breeding habitat (are they being helped by last years subsidised cereal crops?).
Today, swifts over Narberth and Templeton, good numbers of willow/chiffs again and marsh tit nest found in a natural tree hole. Treecreeper nesting in a crevice behind flaking bark on a massive old ash tree. Finally to finish off the visit a local kite put in an appearance chasing off a carrion crow and a buzzard before returning to the trees.
Marloes peninsular 4 May: G-W Teal, Marsh Harrier, Iceland Gull and more
The rather strong south-westerly all today (it's currently gusting Force 7 in Martin's Haven) did not,, thankfully put all the birds down: an extended walk along the Coast Path from Martin's Haven to Marloes and then back via the Mere along the south coast brought 14 singing Whitethroats well spread out in the thick (and sheltered) gorse on the north coast, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler by East Hook Farm and a Sedge Warbler above Musselwick Rocks. Only one Stonechat, though. The other highlight was an astonishgly close pass by a group of 4 Swifts - our first of the year.
Many thanks to Dave, Paul and Derek for putting me onto the wealth of really good birds at Marloes Mere: the Iceland Gull in the field below Trehill Farm, the Marsh Harrier first seen yesterday and, a "lifer" for me, the male Green-winged Teal.
This last had been flushed, along with a large number of other duck, and gave great views only c.15 yards from the old (North) hide. Close to, I was really struck by how different it looked to a normal Teal: the head, in particular, totally lacked the beautiful buff/yellow stripes that separate the green and brown of the Teal, and this gave the head a much less rounded appearance. The lack of the horizontal white line stripe along the wing was at least as obvious as the give-away white vertical line on the side of the breast. All in all, a far more interesting and distinctive bird than I was prepared for from studying the guides etc. The bird seems very well paired up with a female Teal, following her closely and bobbing his head constantly.
4 Whimbrel also dropped in, calling, and then started feeding in the grass field by the NT car park only a few yards from the road.
On Renny Slip yesterday: a White Wagtail. Pretty odd place for it, feeding in the stream/waterfall area, but the plumage was very clear.
Many thanks to Dave, Paul and Derek for putting me onto the wealth of really good birds at Marloes Mere: the Iceland Gull in the field below Trehill Farm, the Marsh Harrier first seen yesterday and, a "lifer" for me, the male Green-winged Teal.
This last had been flushed, along with a large number of other duck, and gave great views only c.15 yards from the old (North) hide. Close to, I was really struck by how different it looked to a normal Teal: the head, in particular, totally lacked the beautiful buff/yellow stripes that separate the green and brown of the Teal, and this gave the head a much less rounded appearance. The lack of the horizontal white line stripe along the wing was at least as obvious as the give-away white vertical line on the side of the breast. All in all, a far more interesting and distinctive bird than I was prepared for from studying the guides etc. The bird seems very well paired up with a female Teal, following her closely and bobbing his head constantly.
4 Whimbrel also dropped in, calling, and then started feeding in the grass field by the NT car park only a few yards from the road.
On Renny Slip yesterday: a White Wagtail. Pretty odd place for it, feeding in the stream/waterfall area, but the plumage was very clear.
Stack Rocks
Sightings from Jeremy Moore - Plenty of activity at Stack Rocks yesterday afternoon. (3/5/09).
A family party of just-fledged ravens looked a bit bewildered.
Two auk eggs lying on top of the smaller stack were taken by a herring gull and a raven. The eggs looked unattended - just dumped by females with no nests, perhaps?
A peregrine gave one of the ravens a very hard time, almost knocking it off the stack. Then another very fast stoop in and it appeared to be trying to knock a guillemot off.
Good numbers of whitethroats and linnets in the gorse along the cliff path, plus a stonechat and a singing lesser whitethroat.
A family party of just-fledged ravens looked a bit bewildered.
Two auk eggs lying on top of the smaller stack were taken by a herring gull and a raven. The eggs looked unattended - just dumped by females with no nests, perhaps?
A peregrine gave one of the ravens a very hard time, almost knocking it off the stack. Then another very fast stoop in and it appeared to be trying to knock a guillemot off.
Good numbers of whitethroats and linnets in the gorse along the cliff path, plus a stonechat and a singing lesser whitethroat.
Dinas Lesser Whitethroat
At last, yesterday, sitting in the garden, I heard it in the hedge. Quick confirmation from bird songs CD. wow. Stalked it as it moved along the hedge then into a neighdours - fleeting glimpses of a LBJ deep in the thicket. Then it appeared, for all of 5 secs - but enough.
And this am I heard it again doing the same circuit.
A life tick in my garden.
Wow again.
And this am I heard it again doing the same circuit.
A life tick in my garden.
Wow again.
A bit of ringing news
The Pembs Ringing Group did its first Constant Effort visit to Kilpaison on saturday and retrapped an exceptional number of returning migrants. Over 80 birds were caught in total including a female Cetti's Warbler sporting a wopping brood patch.
Migrants included :-
Willow Warblers - 3 new and 4 returing birds
Chiichaffs - 7 new and 3 returning
Sedge Warblers - 8 new and 5 returning
Blackcaps - 2 new and 3 returning
Lesser Whitethroats - 1 new and 1 returning (several singing)
no Reed Warblers on the site yet, one Gropper, several Goldfinches
At Mullock - at least two Lesser Whitethroats suddenly started singing on Sunday. Raven chicks ready to fledge.
At Martins Haven - very quiet in the valley but loads of Linnets around and a regular Kestrel sighting. Ravens on the Deer Park ready to fledge.
Migrants included :-
Willow Warblers - 3 new and 4 returing birds
Chiichaffs - 7 new and 3 returning
Sedge Warblers - 8 new and 5 returning
Blackcaps - 2 new and 3 returning
Lesser Whitethroats - 1 new and 1 returning (several singing)
no Reed Warblers on the site yet, one Gropper, several Goldfinches
At Mullock - at least two Lesser Whitethroats suddenly started singing on Sunday. Raven chicks ready to fledge.
At Martins Haven - very quiet in the valley but loads of Linnets around and a regular Kestrel sighting. Ravens on the Deer Park ready to fledge.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Marloes Marsh Harrier

Marsh harrier / Marloes
A femail Marsh harrier hunting over Marloes mere this evening.
c150 Hirundines - Swallows & Sandmartins.
1 male Peregrine, 1 male Sparrowhawk.
Gropper singing at Mullock bridge
c150 Hirundines - Swallows & Sandmartins.
1 male Peregrine, 1 male Sparrowhawk.
Gropper singing at Mullock bridge
Ramsey - March and April 09
Highlights were an Iceland gull (14/3), 2 red kite (17/3) with a single on 18/4, black redstart on 21/3, hen harrier on 31/3 and a hooded crow heading towards Ireland on 20/4.
First dates for migrants were as follows: Wheatear (10/3), goldcrest and sand martin (15/3), chiffchaff (17/3), house martin (30/3), swallow (29/3), yellow wagtail (18/3), blackcap (1/4), willow warbler (1/4), sedge warbler (6/4) and whitethroat (18/4).
9 pairs of territorial chough, with 8 building nests, was the highest number for three years. All incubating by end of April with two even having young in the nest (about 10 days earlier than normal on Ramsey and probably helped by the settled weather in March which allowed nest building to start earlier).
Five pairs of lapwing were all sitting by mid April with the first brood seen on April 30th.
A pair of Short-eared owls have been present for most of April, behaving territorially at times. We will watch carefully as the last (recorded) confirmed breeding was in the 1970’s.
7 puffins were offshore on 21st March and Manx shearwaters were first heard on 3rd April but probably back before this. Purple sandpipers (max 12) were still on the roost up to 5th April. A female merlin was present most of April.
A seal pup was born out of season in April on Colomenod (a regular event in recent years)
First dates for migrants were as follows: Wheatear (10/3), goldcrest and sand martin (15/3), chiffchaff (17/3), house martin (30/3), swallow (29/3), yellow wagtail (18/3), blackcap (1/4), willow warbler (1/4), sedge warbler (6/4) and whitethroat (18/4).
9 pairs of territorial chough, with 8 building nests, was the highest number for three years. All incubating by end of April with two even having young in the nest (about 10 days earlier than normal on Ramsey and probably helped by the settled weather in March which allowed nest building to start earlier).
Five pairs of lapwing were all sitting by mid April with the first brood seen on April 30th.
A pair of Short-eared owls have been present for most of April, behaving territorially at times. We will watch carefully as the last (recorded) confirmed breeding was in the 1970’s.
7 puffins were offshore on 21st March and Manx shearwaters were first heard on 3rd April but probably back before this. Purple sandpipers (max 12) were still on the roost up to 5th April. A female merlin was present most of April.
A seal pup was born out of season in April on Colomenod (a regular event in recent years)
Saturday, 2 May 2009
You wait forever... then... 2-3? turn up...
No chefs nor anything worth watching, but as my disparing eyeballs wandered away from the goggle box as dusk approached, I noticed what first looked like 3 heavies strolling in.
But by the time I found bins and lumbered outside there was only two .... beautiful Honey's haha! allthingsgood, cliff
But by the time I found bins and lumbered outside there was only two .... beautiful Honey's haha! allthingsgood, cliff
St Govan's & Stack Rocks


At St Govan's this morning Whitethroats singing all over the place, a pair of Stonechats, the female of which was carrying food. Also 5 Chough, 3 Wheatears and House Martins gathering mud for their nests on the cliffs.
At Stack Rocks much activity in the Guillemot colony. A Raven nest which held 5 young last week now has just one bird reluctant to take his first flight - his 4 siblings were all close by on the cliffs.