Goosanders x 5 (incl one male) still present on Bosherston lakes as are a pair of Gadwall (14th April).
On Skomer Sunday 11th, fairly quiet really but nice views of a ring-tailed hen harrier (no wing-tags) in the centre of the island. At least 3, probably 4, kestrels seen and a fine male kestrel was hunting at Stackpole on 13th. Willow Warblers quite numerous on Skomer and at least 4-5 pairs of chough but they were not showing any real indication that they were breeding, as were a flock of 10 on the mainland opposite later in the day. At Stackpole there is only one chough pair nesting this year (2 last year). The female has been incubating probably for at least 10 days now.
Sandwich terns off Broadhaven on 10th and first common sandpiper was note-worthy at Bosherston Lakes yesterday (13th). A trickle of swallows and sand martins through each day plus at least 2 house martins at Blackpool Mill on 12th.
Also at Blackpool Mill a dipper was going to a nest near the mill where a pair of grey wags were nest-building in a usual spot. A kingfisher put in a brief appearance. No sign of tree pipits at Minwear by 12th.
Impressive numbers of nuthatches in all woods visited. Compared with last year, they seem more numerous than usual at Stackpole and Orielton for example. Wren numbers are also quite high (based on singing males) with no real evidence from many well wooded places visited that they have been affected by last winters cold weather. Goldcrest numbers on the other hand may be down a bit.
Sparrowhawks displaying well at one woodland and goshawks seen at two others.
