Pen Anglas

I saw a Merlin fly east over the headland at 14:00.

Red Kite -- Hook

1 over the village, heading towards the estuary.
(Valerie Glover)

Castlemartin

Crane still present in the patch of unharvested barley this morning. Otherwise, small groups of Golden Plover and Lapwing wandering about - looking for accessible fields for feeding I guess, and good numbers of Song Thrushes along the road verges, along with the occasional Snipe.

Winter bits and pieces

A live little egret at Cresswell Quay this morning was feeding not far from the corpse of another lying in the muddy channel at low water - presumably it died over-night - cold weather mortality?

A red kite was circling over Stackpole Home Farm around about lunch time. A few snipe were also noted to be feeding this morning along damp country road-side verges. I have often seen them over the years in such places during hard weather (in sheltered damp places/ditches where there is less frost). Quite a few fieldfares on the Range today in small flocks but so far not many redwing flocks of note.

The leucistic coot, photographed by Richard, has been on Bosherston Lakes for at least a month now, possibly longer.

Newport

This early afternoon;-
107 Curlew, 10 Lapwing, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Redshank, 13 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, c5000 Starlings over, & 1 Pair of Shoveler.
(Karen)

Siberian Chiff and more..

A Siberian Chiffchaff was again showing well and calling at Monk Haven. Directions as Daves's posting yesterday.
Also 3 other Chiffs and a Firecrest. On the filter bed, 3 Chiffs and a bizarre looking Wren with a white crown and nape.

At The Gann, 4 Grey Plover, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 adult Med gull, 2 Greenshank, 8 Brent Geese including 1 dark-bellied and over 100 Teal and 8 Goldeneye on the sea.
A quick look at St Brides Bay was rewarding despite poor light with the low sun as there were 8 Red-throated divers and 2 Velvet Scoter amongst around 80 Common Scoter. Also 8 Shoveler.
(Paul G and Wendy J)

Goodwick and Lower Town

At Goodwick a good selection of waders at high tide along with even more dogs undergoing intensive ‘chase the birdies’ training. The Turnstone in the picture 'stole' its lunch from a very unfriendly Oyster catcher. The two mergansers were still in Lower Town along with Grey wagtail and Dipper. Between Fishguard and St David’s were many hundreds of Golden Plover in the short grazed grass fields

Bosherston & Castlemartin Corse

At Bosherston today around midday 2 Kingfishers, 17 Goosander, 4 Shoveller and a few Gadwall and Coot including this rather smart leucistic bird. Good views too of an Otter - see http://pembrokeshirewildlife.blogspot.com/
At Castlemartin Corse early afternoon the Crane still present in the usual stubble field and a ringtail Hen Harrier was quartering on the south side of the Corse.

Garden Snipe

Perhaps not that surprising given the hard weather - this photo from Tommy Evans of a Snipe in his garden in North Pembs.

Odd Find

Under the hedge at the top of our lane on the main Fishguard to Newport road - a dead Water Rail. Seemed to have a broken neck, so I guess hit by a car.
And there is indeed an influx of Song Thrushes. Took the hint from Bob & Annie & spent a very pleasant morning dog walking SM93Z. Song thrushes in most fields - 36 counted vs 8 Blackbirds (& 1 Redwing).

gt_sp_woody

Richard Stonier mentions "regularly drumming on the metal plate of one of my bird boxes!"

I find that interesting as the woodys here never seem to drum anywhere near us. Much further down the valley yes; but then I don't think they breed up near us anyway. I would love to have one drumming in the garden!

Week - end sightings

St. David's;-
The Common Rosefinch seen again (sun) in the St. David's garden, it has been missing for a few days.

Kilpaison;-
Firecrest & Cetti's Warbler today
(Pembs RG)

Fishguard Fort;-
c25 Wigeon & 1 Goldeneye, today(Adrian)
1 Great N Diver, & 1 Red t Diver, yesterday(Jon)

Teifi;-
4 Shoveler & 42 Redshank off St. Dogmaels Quay.
On Patch, 1 Sanderling, c45 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover.
Yesterday from the river viewpoint, 5 Goosander (1 ad m), & 2 Goldeneye.

Fiona Price

We are all very saddened to hear that Fiona passed away this morning after a long and courageous fight against cancer.

Fiona was a strong supporter of the Pembrokeshire Bird Group and took on the role of Treasurer for several years. She was always happy and bubbly and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Our thoughts are with Trevor and the family at this difficult and sad time.

Fiona.

I think there will be a very bright beautiful new star shining tonight, high above a darkened world...

Siberia to St. Ishmaels

Sandy Haven: Greenshank 1, Little Egret 1, Wigeon 7, Teal 30, Snipe 1

Bicton Irrigation Reservoirs: top pond 90% frozen, nothing on the remaining 10%. More open water on the lower pond where there was: Pochard 1 (drake), Tufted Duck 5 (1 drake, 4 fem/imm), Teal 4, Mute Swan 2, Snipe 4, Coot 5, Moorhen 2. 7 swans flew over east, I only got on 3 of them well enough to see they were Mutes, but the silhouette of 1 at least looked good for Whooper - worth keeping an eye out in this area.

Monk Haven: 3 Chiffchaffs on the sewage beds included one very pale bird which looked good for an eastern abietinus - it also had a ring on its right leg (some ringing here would be very interesting). Further down the valley, below the end wall beyond Monk Haven Manor, at least 5 Chiffs included a calling Siberian Chiffchaff (tristis) - this bird showed well around the pond at midday (Google this sub-species for ID criteria and recordings of the call). The Chiffs were mostly feeding very low in the vegetation between the top of the pond and the ivy covered wall, viewed from either side. Also here a male Blackcap, 2 Siskin and a few Goldcrest.

Dale Airfield: 3 Golden Plover, 20+ Lapwing, 10+ Skylark, 20+ Snipe, 20+ Song Thrush (clear sign of hard weather movements).

Dale: Chiffchaff just w of the car park.

Gann: 12 Brent Geese (11 pale bellied, 1 dark bellied - Angle bird?), 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 150+ Teal & 8 Goldeneye on the sea (the lagoon was almost completely frozen, a few teal & Little Grebe on one unfrozen patch in front of the reedbed), 6 Ringed Plover, 7 Redshank, 4 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan and a scattering of the common gull species.

Snow bored?

Snow buntings seem to be popping up all over the place this winter and what used to be (for me at least) a rarity seems to be a regular facet of my winter birding these days. Which I suppose is one way of getting around to justifying the sad little play on words, I could not resist for a title. Thing is they are such a delight and I don't get bored with them, particularly when they are into a game of hide and seek! The first picture is, I am pretty sure, of 2 snow buntings but the first one disappeared leaving the second cracking male to show off on his own. It/they were on the outer breakwater this afternoon as well as five Ringed Plover and two Purple Sandpiper.

Plumstone (again) and Fishguard

Last night the Harriers came in to roost long after sun-set. This morning they left well before sun-rise so no chance for photos! I did however get a Goshawk and 3 Crossbills at Plumstone.

At Fishguard the 2 Red Breasted Mergansers showing well at the mouth of the river.

Angle Bay

At Kilpaison around midday with the tide falling good numbers of birds again came in in off the roosts to feed on the water's edge. The bright sunshine made up for the chilly conditions as I sat on the beach waiting for the birds to approach.
 30 Brent Geese, c.30 Bar Tailed Godwit,  6 Black Tailed Godwit flew across the bay, 500+ Dunlin, 1 Sanderling, 8 Knot,, 5 Ringed Plover, 10 Redshank, 100's of Wigeon. A Peregrine caused a mass panic as it hurtled over the beach and a Sparrowhawk also passed over. Click photos for larger image.

Brrrrrrrrrrr and Grrrrrrrrrr

Approx 300 Golden Plover on St Davids Airfield earlier and 18 greenfinch's feeding on rose hips in my neighbours garden St Davids. Lots of Snipe, Wigeon and teal in the area at the moment and eleven Grey geese at high altitude came from the West and turned north over St D this morning. Another garden tick bites 'the dust' as the were to high to positevly ID or hear.

Strumble & Plumstone

4 Hen Harriers in the roost tonight at Plumstone - 3M, 1F. Also 1 Merlin. Barn Owl seen over road between there and Treffgarne.

In my garden 2 Yellowhammers, at least 20 Goldfinches, 20 Greenfinches and loads of Chaffinches. The resident female Great Spotted Woodpecker regularly drumming on the metal plate of one of my bird boxes!

Newport & Tegryn

From an icy Iron bridge (late afternoon) :- 2 goosander, 1 kingfisher, 77 or more teal, 75+ mallard, at least 5 little grebe, a very mobile flock of 50+ rooks & jackdaws, 3 redshank.

Tegryn: 26th Nov, 175+ golden plover
,, 27th Nov, 50+ golden plover

In recent days have had 2 male & 2 female Gt-sp-woodpeckers on the nut feeders.

Newport Sat am

V pleasant on the high tide before the wind got up. Nothing startling, but >50 Teal, c75 Wigeon, 40+ Dunlin, a Bar T Godwit, 17 redshanks & several Snipe on the island upstream.

Nearly here.........!!

Newcastle Emlyn;-
1 Waxwing in Melvin Grey's garden briefly this morning.

Fishguard area

Lower Town;-
2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Gadwall, & 8 Teal in the bay.
No sign of the Surf Scoter, last seen Tuesday,........any more recent sightings please let us know.

Outer Breakwater;-
1 Snow Bunting, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 6 Ringed Plover, & 2 Teal.

Strumble:-
V Quiet, a few Porpoises, & in the roads down, plenty of Blackbirds, & 1 Common Snipe in the road.
(Rich D & Karen)

Atlas winter records needed from tetrads

A late-ish swallow put in an appearance at Stackpole on Thurs 25th Nov (at the Court site) - recorded by a visiting tree surgeon.

As this is the last winter season for the National Atlas it would be good if records from all tetrads in the County could be obtained. So far we have no records from the following list. Some are offshore islands/islets and some have very little land on the coast but they all count! Has anyone got any ideas about how the offshore ones could be surveyed by boat if feasible?

Tetrads with zero winter records:
SM62 L, R, S, T, U, V
SM70 E, W, X
SM71 A, F
SM73 Q, W
SM80 G, H, K, M
SM83 G, T, U
SM93 W, Z
SM94 V
SN10 B, K
SN11 U
SN13 B, G
SN14 Y, Z
SN23 Z
SS19 H, M

The following list of tetrads have only 1-10 species recorded, can you add more?:
SM70 M
SM72 A, R
SM80 T, Y
SM81 N, V, W
SM82 H, N
SM83 M
SM90 E
SM91 C, E, L, X, Z
SM93 G, H, I, S, U, V
SN00 U
SN01 N
SN02 D, L
SN03 B, C, F, K, L
SN10 G, H
SN11 D, E, G
SN13 W, X
SN14 E
SN23 Q, R, U, V
SR99 W
SS19 D

Finally, good to see at last, that the crane has appeared on the Atlas November list, and thanks Janet/Richard for adding the surf scoter too. There is only one November lapland bunting record in Pembs so far entered to the Atlas and so far no 2010 records of cattle egret have appeared. It would be a pity if none of these records ever reach the Atlas.

Castlemartin area

At least one Lapland Bunting present with the Skylarks in the stubble behind the car park at Freshwater West, with up to nine Choughs also feeding in this field over the past few days.

The imm Crane was also present in its usual field - viewable from Corseside Nursery. I was chatting with the farmer yesterday, and it seems that the rough vegetation that the Crane favours (the browner square patch to the left of the stubble field as you look from Corseside Nursery) is an area of unharvested barley. At spring staging posts for Cranes in Scandinavia, farmers are subsidised to leave fields of unharvested cereals, though individual birds rarely get a patch like this to themselves....

The Gann

Cold & still at high tide this morning. On the sea 1 Gt/N/Diver. On & around the lagoons - 5 Grey plover, 19 Ringed Plover, 20 Snipe, 4 Shelduck, 2-3 Greenshank, c15 Redshank, c25 Teal, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Little Egret. Where are all the Brent? (Probably over at Kilpaison where there are 25. I suspect they commute between that site & The Gann as I have seen them fly off in that direction - Rich C)

Vevet Scoter ...&........

Broad Haven North;-
2 Velvet Scoter, 7 Red-throated Divers, 4 Great Crested Grebes, & numerous auks on the sea.(Paul M)

Llys-y-fran Resevoir;-
This evening, cold & unpleasant! A flock of 40 Teal out in the middle bobbing about would have been a good count for WeBs....

Woodcock......
......as far as I'm aware we haven't attempted to smell our Pembs wintering birds.....yet..?

Angle Area

At Kilpaison this morning as the tide started to drop I spent a pleasant couple of hours sat in the warmth of the car watching and photographing the birds in the sunshine with a couple of brief snow flurries to add drama to the scene. Birds pretty much as in recent visits - 25 Brent Geese (including, it would seem, a Dark Bellied Bird), c.30 Bar Tailed Godwits, 400+ Dunlin, 10 Redshank, 2 Knot, 12 Curlew, 1 Little Egret, lots of Wigeon, 6 Great Crested Grebe. 1 Adult Med Gull.
Round at Angle Harbour, 8 Redshank, c.30 Dunlin. A word of caution - don't drive too far down the shingle spit. I did  & got stuck in some soft stuff and had to be towed out by an extremely nice man with a 4x4 who lives in one of the nearby Cottages. Many thanks!
After the excitement just had a quick look at Castlemartin Corse to note that the Crane is still in the usual place. Also a Peregrine sat on a post.

Leather Cowboy Hat - Oh yes, it's true.

At the Bird Conference last Saturday a ‘leather cowboy hat’ apparently came to life and scurried off somewhere. It has great sentimental value to it's keeper. If anybody knows where it may be, don't feed it, but please call me on 07836 776 864

Brambling & Flagpoles 24th Nov.

A single Brambling feeding with a small flock of Chaffinches by the feed bins at work today ( Hayscastle ).Also a Goldcrest in the sycamores & the Blackbird numbers starting to build up.

At the Flagpoles , a very brief visit at 4p.m. there were 2 each of Redshank & Ringed Plover , a few Turnstones , the usual Gulls ( But no Meds. ) & a single Great Black Backed.

Couldn't resist putting in a pic from my holiday!

Castlemartin

Crane still present at Castlemartin Corse this lunchtime, viewable from Corseside Nursery.

Peregrine and Spotted Redshank

A late report from Sunday 21 Nov 10. A juvenile Peregrine stooped on a small flock of Dunlin flying up the Haven at Pembroke Dock. The flock scattered, but one Dunlin was driven down into the water. In the half-second that it took for it to recover, the flock had moved on and the Peregrine stooped again, again driving the Dunlin into the water. The stooping persisted for over a minute until the waterlogged Dunlin could no longer fly and the Peregrine was able to hover, grab the wader and fly off with it, still struggling, towards the LNG Plant. The Peregrine appeared well-practised in this method of hunting so perhaps it works the Haven for such opportunities.

Additionally, one, possibly two, Spotted Redshank were seen flying up the Haven towards the Irish Ferry terminal.

Rosefinch

This Rosefinch was visiting a bird table in a St Davids garden today

A flock of Lapwing

Approx 200 by Ocean Haze St Davids with 20+ Golden plover

Surf Scoter -- Fishguard

Early afternoon;-
Surf Scoter still present, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red Throated Diver, & 1 female Common Scoter off inner breakwater.
(Paul M)

Plumstone roost

This evening at Plumstone - 4 Hen Harriers (3 males and a ringtail), Goshawk, Merlin and a Peregrine. A good number of Starlings too.
Other sites today - a ringtail Hen Harrier and a fem Pintail at Marloes Mere.
1 Red-throated Diver off Newgale.
(Paul G and Kevin S)

Black Redstart

I saw the female again in between the rain on Pen Anglas point at 14:00.

Angle Area

At Kilpaison c.0900 with the tide dropping a good selection of birds - Light Bellied Brents 25, Bar tailed Godwit  32, Dunlin 400+, Knot 8, Sanderling 2, Redshank 14, Ringed Plover 7, Wigeon 600+.
No sign of the Cattle Egret seen by Morris on his way down to Kilpaison (see post below) but may well still be in the area.
Angle Harbour c.1100 - 50 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Barwits.
Freshwater West midday - at least 2 Lapland Buntings in with the flock of 100+ Skylarks in the stubble field behind the beach car park. Also 80+ Greenfinch here and in nearby fields good numbers of Chaffinches, Linnets and Goldfinches. 18 Grey Plover on rocks by the beach.
Castlemartin Corse early afternoon - Crane present in the usual field. Also 5 Greylag Geese, 600+ Lapwing, 400+ Golden Plover, 70+ Snipe, 75 Curlew, c.20 Stock Doves, 1 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlin.
Rich C & Morris N

Cattle Egret -- Kilpaison

1 Cattle Egret in the field with cattle as you drive past the final crossroads as you drop down towards the old refinery pumping station at Kilpaison.
(Morris N)

Light-bellied Brent Geese, now up to 25 at Kilpaison, Angle Bay.
(Rich C)

Black Redstart

I saw most likely the same female on Pen Anglas point again at 12:45.

Blackcap

A female feeding from the bird table at Cilgerran this morning.

Castlemartin area

The Crane was in the usual stubble field at Castlemartin Corse this morning, and at least two Lapland Buntings (m + f) that David A found yesterday were with the Skylarks in the stubble field behind the main car park at Freshwater West. I suspect, however, that many more Lapland Buntings could be with the Skylark flocks at this site - and if I ever get to grips with the call I might be able to confirm this one way or the other.....

Crane -- Castlemartin

See Pembrokeshire Wildlife for photos of the Crane, also 2 Marsh Harriers present.
http://pembrokeshirewildlife.blogspot.com

Surf Scoter -- Fishguard

Still present from Fishguard Fort 07:40 this am.
(Adrian)

St David's airfield at dusk

1xRingtail and 1xWoodcock

Towards Skokholm and Skokholm

A quick visit to Skokholm today to do some emergency repairs was well rewarded with a flock of 13 Eider (incl 5 adult males) about i/2 mile off St Annes Head and apparently landing near the Head.

On the island 3 Long Tailed Tits were a bit unusual but generally quite quiet:- 60 teal and 5 Mallard on North Pond, 4 Chough, 3 Buzzards, 2 Peregrine, c.12 Great tits and a similar number of Blue tits and Chaffinches ans a couple of Goldfinch and skylarks and that's about it. No sign of the Whimbrel although at low tide they could be anywhere - we looked around the Neck fairly carefully as they have wintered in this area previously.

On the way back some large flocks of mainly Black-headed Gulls with a few Kitts and Common Gulls and 3 Med gulls (all adults as far as we could see) - also quite good numbers of Guilli's and Razorbills around.

Foel Cwmcerwyn

Whilst everyone else in Pembs was enjoying excellent birds, I went to the tetrad which contains the highest land in the county, and which so far had only one species (kestrel) registered in the BTO winter atlas. After about half an hour, I began to realise why - there weren't any birds to register! I saw the kestrel again, and after several hours came to a small stand of mature sitka and larch in Pantmaenog where six crossbills gave fantastic views, and a woodcock came from underfoot. Apart from a few stonechats and meadow pipits the moorland and clearfell were devoid of birds.

Firecrests -- Kilpaison

2 New Firecrests trapped & ringed today.
Also 3 Cetti's Warblers trapped, (2 retraps, 1 new)
(Pembs RG)

Plumstone Harriers

Another spectacular roost at Plumstone - 3 male Hen harriers and a ringtail. Two of the males flew around below the rocks for 20 minutes and the ringtail and a male were hunting Starlings.
A good number of Starlings flew in too.
(Paul G)

Surf, & Velvet Scoters to Dowrog

Fishguard Harbour:-
The adult female Surf Scoter showed well for almost all! who attempted today, best viewed from Fishguard Fort.
1 moulting adult Great Northern Diver in the harbour too.

Broad Haven-North;-
From the coast path north of the haven, 3 Velvet Scoter associating with a pair of Tufted Duck, staying slightly further out than the flock of c120 Common Scoter, all birds drifting north.
From Haroldston Chins;-
Presumably the same 3, but with 2 more Velvet Scoter closer than the flock of now c70 Common Scoter.
Newgale;-
10 Wigeon on the sea, 1 Merlin over the marsh.
(Rich D, Janet, Karen)

Dowrog Common;-
Post conference enthusiasm & visitors with 8 pairs of bins !! viewing from an early 3pm to 5pm- the last to leave. 1 Male Hen Harrier putting on an excellent display on & off for 30 mins, including coming towards & crossing the road. A 2nd male dropping into the roost and 2 maybe 3 ring-tails, 1 obviously smaller.
1 Merlin & 1 Kestrel.

Lapland Buntings, Crane

Seems Lapland Buntings keep following me around - at least two in the stubble field immediately behind the car park at Freshwater West at 1.30pm today, one seen quite well eventually, the other heard calling in flight. May have been more, difficult to know as over 60 Skylarks here and when they land they can be hard to see. 30+ Linnets in the field edge, with 20+ Greenfinch which was nice to see.

The Crane was still viewable distantly from Corseside Nursery early afternoon. Earlier, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 12 Goldeneye and 2 Goosander at Bosherston, and brief views of an Otter on the central arm. Several Long-tailed Tit flocks, several Goldcrests, and lovely views of Nuthatch and Coal Tit at the Grassy Bridge coming to feed on some seed left out on the end of the bridge wall.

tawny owls

Went out looking for tawny owls last night. Managed to track down 3 so OK, but drew a complete blank along the Cych valley, & I usually count there as a certainty! I wonder if they are more or less active when a)the moon is bright, or b) on a damp misty night.

Pembrokeshire Bird Group - Conference

Pembrokeshire Bird Group – a section of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales

Many thanks from the Bird group to everyone for making yesterday’s conference such a success. So many people helped in putting the event together including speakers, volunteers, and, the Wildlife Trust staff. Also of course a thank you to ‘you the audience’ – this years conference was a ‘full house’. We were treated to a variety of presentations from riveting ground breaking science to other aspects of birds and, dare I say it, bird watchers!!.
We would like to say thank you to Chevron for so kindly hosting this year’s conference for us and, to their staff who gave up a Saturday of their time for our enjoyment.

Goosanders

8 Goosanders on the river at Cilgerran this morning(including one adult male).
Yesterday afternoon at Rosebush Reservoir 9 Tufted Duck a female Pochard and 4 Goldeneye,also a male Crossbill singing from the top of a conifer.

Cranes etc

First the positive news, the Crane at Castlemartin Corse was still present this morning. No sign of the Cranes that were reported yesterday in the Hundleton area though.

Also, a party of five Choughs in the stubble field behind the main car park at Freshwater West and several hundred Guillemots on and around the stacks at Stack Rocks, interestingly, with the exception of one or two individuals, these birds were in full breeding plumage...

More Cranes

I have just had news from Rich Edwards (FSC Orielton) of three Cranes (sounds like a juv and two adults) seen this morning in a field adjacent to the Coach Road (Bowett Lane) that runs from just east of Hundleton south towards Orielton. I will check the area out tomorrow morning, but worth being aware of if you are passing nearby.

Bird Conference & Angle

An excellent Pembrokeshire Bird Conference today at the Chevron Refinerywith talks on  the recently published Birds of Ceredigion, Nightjars, The Shetlands, Tracking Seabirds and a Trip to India as well as a quiz and a round up of the birds seen in Pembrokeshire in the last year. Well done and thanks to all the speakers and those who organised the event.
As it was on the doorstep I popped down to Kilpaison at lunchtime where there were 17 Brents, 27 Bar tailed Godwits, 2 Sanderling, 12 Redshank and an impressive 400+ Dunlin as well as several hundred Wigeon.

Surf Scoter (yesterday)

I immediately realised on reading the news what my odd scoter of yesterday was, that was flying out of the bay and landing on the sea at Pen Anglas point after 15:00.

The Gann - & other bits

This evening, 2 Gt/N/Divers, 2 Gt/C/Grebes, 2 adult Meds, 1 x 1st winter Med, 250 Starlings, 7 Goldeneye, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 R/B/Merganser 14 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin.

1 Barn Owl at Herbranston last night, 2 Woodcock at St Ishmaels at dawn yesterday - at the same location as 2 last winter. c50 Lapwing over Sandyhaven today.

Surf Scoter

The adult female still late afternoon in Fishguard Harbour, best viewed from the fort. When I was there, she was favouring the area looking towards the large blue boat "Ladykate". Although the views are pretty good (for a Scoter) still a bit far to get even reasonable disgiscoped shots. Hopefully you can see at least the classic head shape. Also good to see it clearly when it dives, with wings open (Common Scoter dive with wings closed). Click on images for larger (and grainier) versions.

White 2X94

This Blackheaded Gull, at Newport yesterday, was ringed as a nestling in June 09 at Hosehill Lake, Berkshire. It wasn't seen again till a visit to Newport on April 2 10 & vanished again until yesterday.

More news...

Again via Richard, 16 L/B/Brents & 3 G/C/Grebes at Angle Bay this morning

Crane

Message from Richard- the Crane is still in it`s usual place at Castlemartin Corse.

Marloes Mere

Around 8.00am this morning. 1 Ringtail, Starlings by the thousands, maybe 20-25, in the fields to the south of the Mere & then dispersing West towards Martinshaven.

8 Snipe, c40 Lapwing + a few Redwings.

Velvet Scoters, Harriers etc

3 Velvet Scoters with 60 Common Scoters in St Bride's Bay this afternoon. They were best seen from the coast path north of Broadhaven at SM860146. Also a 1st winter Med gull on the rocks at Broadhaven and 2 Great Northern Divers out in the bay to the north. Another 30 Common Scoter from Druidstone.
At some other sites -
The Spotted Redshank was showing well at Llangwm Pill.
At Rosemarket sewage works there were 2 pale Chiffs, interesting to see to try to sort out what subspecies they are.
Newgale marsh - 4 Med gulls (2 ad, a 2nd w and a 1st w) and 3 Wigeon.
Plumstone mountain - brilliant views of 2 male Hen harriers flying around for about 20 minutes. A ringtail Hen Harrier dropped in to roost shortly after the males went down. Also a Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and some Buzzards. A good number of starlings but their display was quite low on the far side of the plantation.
(Paul G and Wendy J)

Surf Scoter -- Fishguard Harbour

Still present at 14:45:-
Still in the area of the white rubber dinghy moored half-way between the end of the inner breakwater and Fishguard Fort.
The bird, probably an adult female is diving, but not too bothered by small boats. The bird is not in the ferry lane through the harbour........so should not be disturbed by the sailings!
Best watched from the Fort, (parking available there), or a good view likely from the end of the inner breakwater looking towards Lower Town.
Again, well done Karen & Janet, for the find & the quick news !!

lost and out to sea.

Whilst doing one of our ferry surveys today returning from Ireland, a steady stream of individual Kittiwakes were heading south across our bows. Fulmars and auks were seen but most surprisng were a little cluster of 12 snow buntings wave hopping towards the Pembrokeshire Coast about 20 miles off Strumble.

Surf Scoter

One in Fishguard Harbour this afternoon, best viewed from the Fort, from the description sounds like an adult female (found by Janet & Karen - well done!).

Castlemartin Corse

Both the Crane and the female Marsh Harrier present this morning, the Crane on the waters edge in the Corse and the harrier quartering fields on the southern side of the road between Castlemartin and Freshwater West.

Spotted Redshank - Llangwm Pill

From Graham Brace - Just thought that I would let you know that our Spotted Sedshank has returned to Llangwm Pill for the 6th winter in succession. I'm assuming it's the same one. I 'spotted' it last Sunday morning when I was doing the WeBS count and it was still around yesterday (Wednesday).

Fishguard

Goodwick Moor - a Firecrest by the green bridge.
In the harbour from the flagpoles - 2 Med Gulls (adult and 1st w).
(Paul G)

Crane at Castlemartin Corse

Crane still present in the same stubble field at Castlemartin Corse this morning, viewable from Corseside Nursery.

Quality

I have to mention how high the quality is, of the photos that appear on this blog! These pics of the firecrest by Paul Leafe are superb; thank you for sharing them.

Sorry for being late with this: 400+ golden plover flew west over Tegryn just after 4pm on Monday evening. Also Monday, (a very late?) red admiral in the garden.

Bosherston Firecrests

Paul Leafe - yesterday

Angle Area

The Crane in the usual Stubble field and on the waters edge by the reed bed at Castlemartin Corse late morning. An amazing amount of water now on the Corse. Lapwing numbers up to 500+, Blackwits 17 and I counted 29 Snipe in one group on the edge of one of the flooded fields.
At Kilpaison early afternoon 17 Pale Bellied Brent Geese, 58 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Sanderling, 5 Redshank.

Pembs Bird Conference

For those of you who have not booked a seat at the Pembrokeshire Bird Conference this year there are literally just a handful of places left. The conference is this Saturday (20th November) being kindly hosted by Chevron at their site between Pembroke and Angle. We have a full day of speakers and at just £15 per ticket includes morning, afternoon refreshments and lunch. Please contact Wendy on 01239 621212 if you wish to reserve a place.
For those coming please be advised that coats and pullovers may be needed as the heating system is being looked at as I send/publish this note. This is simply a precautionary note.
I would like to say thank you to Ray Wilkinson for donating two superb prints, one each by Ian Strange and Tony Charter from the Falklands as raffle prizes. Further information re these two Artists and ornithologists will be available at the Conference.

Crane -- Castlematin Corse

The Crane now present at mid-day, also the female Marsh Harrier.
Viewing from Coreside Nursery.
(Paul L)

Firecrests -- Bosherston

Bosherston;-
2 Firecrests along the bank from the Bosherston car-park.
12 Goosander -2 males, & 8 Goldeneye - 3 males.

Angle;-
1 Brambling. -- No Squacco yet........
(Paul L)

Firecrest -- Newport

1 Firecrest at feidr brenin. 2 rh Goosander, & 1 Kingfisher nearby from The Parrog.
(Janet & Karen)

Chiffchaff (poss sibe) -- Newport

Very brown chiffchaff at feidr brenin at ty newydd.
No yellow but not heard calling. Poss. sibe i guess.
(Sam Bosanquet)

Around St david's

St David's airfield - Lapland Bunting over flying northwest and 2 Merlin.
Nine Wells - a Brambling and a Blackcap.
Chiffchaffs at Quickwell Hill and Merrivale car park.
(Paul G)

Wols not well...

Just between Newport and Dinas is a valley which crosses the main road. A couple of years ago driving home in the dark I just missed (by inches) a Tawney Owl as it shot across the road in front of me . On our way to Newquay I noticed a bundle of feathers on the road in the same place maybe the same bird maybe not but either way its luck had run out. Its in my freezer if its of interest/use to anybody.

Flocks of Wood Pigeons arriving from the north this morning.

Harriers -- Dowrog Common

Roost this evening:-
1 male Hen Harrier, & 1 small ring-tail, a likely juvenile male Hen Harrier. Also 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Snipe.
(Paul L)

Waders -- Newport

Late afternoon;-
40 Curlew, 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Plover, 20 Wigeon, 8 Redshank, 2 Little Egrets, 31 Dunlin, & 20 Ringed Plover.
(Karen)

Pen Anglas

I saw a Merlin flying about over the open area toward the far end around 15:00.

Firecrest -- Newport

Firecrest again (15:45) at feidr brenin, by lane at ty newydd.
(Sam Bosanquet)

Firecrest ...&........ at Goodwick

Goodwick Moor;-
1 Firecrest with Lottis by the 2nd bridge. Also 4 Water Rails.
Flagpoles:-
1 Common Gull, & 1 Dunlin amongst the usual numbers of regulars.
Pen Anglas;-
2 Dartford Warblers.
(Paul L)

Manorbier & Amroth

In fields between Manorbier and Jameston this morning 550 Golden Plover and 220 Lapwing.
A quick look on the sea at Amroth this afternoon but conditions far too choppy. Nevertheless, plenty of auks close in and 2 Red Throated Divers.

Castlemartin Corse

Crane present in the usual stubble field at c.09:00 this morning

Deer Park

Quiet round the Deer Park this morning (although lots of seal pups!) but a nice adult male Merlin near Wooltack.

On a field nearer to Marloes Mere 110 Lapwing. Only 20 Canada Geese around. On the Mere c60 Teal was most common species - numbers appear to be building but as always its difficult to be sure how many birds are actually present.

Firecrests -- Newport

2 Firecrests passing through a garden at the end of The Parrog, Newport, c09:00. Also a couple of Bramblings over.
(Sam Bosanquet)

Whooper Swans -- Teifi Marshes

10 Whooper Swans on the river near Curlew hide, flew upstream at 08:43am, also a rh Goosander and an Otter.
(Karen)

Ortolan on Skokholm

The late date for this species made me think twice about the identification, but there was nothing odd either in the plumage or call. The bird was very mobile, but luckily came and landed for a minute to feed out in the open only 20m away.

Other migrants/winter visitors on Skokholm this am during a quick visit to measure windows etc in advance of next spring's work party, were:

Whimbrel (2), jack snipe (2), snipe (c 30), teal (28), mallard (12), starling (120), song thrush (40+), blackbird (20+), blue tit (3), great tit, kestrel, lapland bunting, reed bunting (6), goldfinch (2) and redwing (2). Also loads of robins chasing each other about.

Castlemartin Corse

Morris N and I did the Webs count at Castlemartin Corse today. Despite looking from various locations we didn't see the Crane, so from Clive's posting below looks like we should have started earlier!
Otherwise though the number of birds on the Corse is building up now that there is a plenty of water down there.
Wigeon 220, Teal 140, Mallard 120, Shoveller 20, Coot 2, Moorhen 3, Lapwing 110, Curlew 91, Back Tailed Godwit 4, Snipe 50+ (flying around over the reedbed). Female Marsh Harrier, male and female Kestrel, 1 Merlin, 2 Sparrowhawks, 3 Buzzards (including a very pale individual). 19 Chough, 1 Cettis Warbler and 2 Foxes also on the Corse.
We had a quick look for the Squacco at Angle but didn't see it (not our day for rarities!). However we bumped into a farmer a couple of miles south of Angle who said he had seen an unusual bird near his farm earlier today. He had a photo on his mobile --- the Squacco! So it seems that this bird is moving about more.

Carew/Cresswell Rivers and Bosherston Lakes

Although generally few waterfowl noted on the Carew/Cresswell rivers yesterday, a great northern diver was very obvious off New Shipping Point feeding in the channel on the neap tide. A couple of greenshanks were, as usual, up near the French Mill end of Carew River. Little Grebes were reasonably numerous - around 20 scattered through the estuary complex.

Today an adult female scaup in the Central Arm of Bosherston lake, in more exactly the same location that one was seen this time last year. Only 8 goosanders so far and the first goldeneye (12) have arrived. Coot numbers are still quite low; one is possibly attempting to become an albino? (black dappled with white flecks/spots).
Firecrests also now well in evidence around the lakes - at least 3 seen this morning and in excess of 10 blackcaps noted to be feeding and roosting at the top end of the lakes. Some 20-30 siskins also flew over Bosherston lakes this morning.

Where is the large starling roost in N Pembs? Just over a week ago, noted many thousands departing in flocks late afternoon in the Mathry/Letterston general area, heading towards Trecwm/Gwaun Valley direction - many coming from Hayscastle too (e.g. away from Plumstone/Dudwell Mountain area). So far, the starling roost at Slebech reedbed doesn't appear to be very large. As usual though 2 green sandpipers have taken up residence roosting/feeding near the reedbed at night.

Castlemartin Corse

Crane still present in usual stubble field first thing this morning.

Ortolan Bunting - - Skokholm

1 near the buildings c10:00am.
More from Paddy later.......

Late News Sunday

Black-throated Diver reported off Amroth.

Firecrests -- Monk Haven

Yesterday, Monk Haven;-
A nice reward for cleaning out nest- boxes!
1 Firecrest by the car park, 1 Firecrest in the wood.
(Paul W)

Fishguard, Rosebush... Teifi.

Outer Breakwater;-
2 Snow Buntings, not the 2 winter males of a couple of weeks ago. 2 Purple Sandpipers, 15 Ringed Plover. 1 Great Crested Grebe in the harbour.

Rosebush Resr;-
1 rh Goosander, 4 Goldeneye, 6 Tufted Duck(yesterday)
(Rich D & Karen)

Teifi Marshes;-
A couple of hours ringing, produced new Chiffchaff, a retrap Cetti's Warbler, & a number of Goldcrests.
Early morning saw a continuous movement of Woodpigeons, at least 5000+ moving down the Teifi Valley.
(Teifi RG)

The Gann

This evening. 2 adult Meds, 1 Water Rail - showing well on the far side of the lagoons, c10 Redshank, 10 Teal, Goldeneye (didn`t count them) 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Kittiwake. c10 Common Gulls, several flocks of Starlings - maybe 1,000 total.
Just as I was leaving, a visiting birder & his good lady wife pointed out 2 G/N Divers off Musslewick, to whom I owe a thankyou for pointing them out, and an apology for not remembering their names. He knows who he is, because he reads this blog!
<- Spot the Kittiwake.

Black Redstart

I saw a female on Pen Anglas point at 13:00.

Goldfinch

Waiting his turn on the Niger seed. Plenty of Blue & Great Tits, House Sparrows and Goldfinches in the garden but not much variety and only one or two Greenfinches recently.

Ty Rhyg

Found a Great Grey Shrike being mobbed by two Bullfinches at noon today, the Shrike
moved onto another tree but eventually left. About 6-8 Crossbills around.

9 Wells

Down the valley at Nine Wells this morning there was a Firecrest, 2 Goldcrests and 2 Chiffchaffs. My wife found the Firecrest - must take her out more often!

Pen Anglas

I saw a female Merlin fly east along the cliffs and then it reappeared and was joined by another over the point at 13:30.

greenfinch

Tegryn: 7 greenfinches demolishing bright yellow crab apples might not seem much but I am actually pleased to see as many as 7 in the garden as they have been few & far between lately!

More from Angle

In addition to Clive's earlier visit to Angle, 3 Great Northern Divers, 6 Med Gulls ( 2 adult, 3 2nd w and a 1st w), 2 Sanderling with the Dunlin and Ringed Plover flock and 14 Pale-bellied Brent geese.

The female Marsh Harrier was seen over Castlemartin Corse from the small car park at Freshwater West.
Heading north up the Cleddau, at Lawrenny, 2 Grey Plover and at Landshipping, 2 Greenshank and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit.
(Paul G and Wendy J)

Hen Harriers........

Ty-rhyg;-
1 Ring-tail seen from the road this morning at 09:50
(Karen)

Skomer:-
1/2 ring-tails seen entering or leaving the roost, (presumably movement between Marloes) when Dave has time to look, busy with paperwork on the island at the moment.........plenty of Robins though--no American !!
Chris, Dave & Jerry hope to get to the Bird Conference,(Sat 20th Nov.)........boat permitting!!

Newport Fri am

Hoping for some storm blown stuff, but no luck. Still, 70 Wigeon, 20 Redshanks, 2 ad Med Gulls, a redhead Merganser & a Kingfisher. No small waders at all.

Crane still at Castlemartin

The Crane was present in the same stubble field again first thing this morning, probably best viewed from Corseside Nursery as visibiity is very poor from Freshwater West.

Otherwise, two adult Mediterranean Gulls and two Little Egrets on the beach at Freshwater West, both unusual at this site. Also, three Mediterranean Gulls at Angle Harbour - a 1st W, 2nd W and adult.

Crane and Squacco Heron still present in S Pembs

The Crane at Castlemartin Corse dropped into the stubble field that it has favoured over the past few days at 09:20 this morning, and the Squacco Heron was in the creek upstream of the bridge at Angle Harbour at 08:30. Also, two Mediterranean Gulls (ad and 1st W) in fields on the outskirts of Angle.

Crossbill

One male seen calling for all it was worth from the very top of a pine tree at Glynaeron, Maenclochog at 4pm, clearly visible from the road in the late afternoon sunshine

Winter?

Neyland Marina;-
1 Great Northern Diver amongst the moorings.
(Janet & Karen)

Llys-y-fran Resr;-
This evening, 3 red-head Goosander, c3500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 500+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Common Gull.

From Monkhaven to St Davids...

Monkhaven - 2 Firecrests, one near the far end of the walled garden and one along the track to the sewage works. Also a Chiffchaff.
From the car park at the Gann - 1 Great Northern Diver.
Dale airfield - 3 Lapland Buntings over calling.
Dale Fort nr Point House - another Chiffchaff.
St Brides bay - around 60 Common Scoter well to the north of Broadhaven. No divers.
Newgale, on the flooded campsite - 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 6 Dunlin.
Dowrog common - good views of 2 perched Merlin. A male and a ring tail Hen Harrier came in to roost around 4.30. A Brambling and Lapland Bunting over.
(Paul G and Wendy J)

Pen Anglas

I saw a Merlin perched on the rocks in the open area toward the far end at 15:30.

Dale Area

At The Gann this morning with the tide well up - Bar Tailed Godwit 5, Greenshank 4, Redshank 6, Little Egret 2, Goldeneye 6, Little Grebe 7, Teal 30+.
Dale Airfield deathly quiet on the runways. At The Hookses a Black Redstart on the roofs and a few Pipits and Skylarks in the potato field by the car park.
At Marloes Mere early afternoon a ringtail Hen Harrier flew past after a 90 minute wait hotly pursued by 3 or 4 Ravens & Crows. They showed it no mercy and it eventually flew high and headed off towards Skomer. Also seen a Peregrine in the distance putting up Lapwings and Starlings and a Sparrowhawk flew across the marsh. Plenty of Shoveller and Teal on the water with a few Wigeon, Mallard and Gadwall. Also a couple of Snipe and 1 Water Rail. (Rich C & Morris N)

Crane at Castlemartin Corse

Still present at 14:00, in the same stubbble field as yesterday,and as earlier today. However, the bird is seldom viewable from the road above the Corse, as c.9/10ths of this field is obscured by a tall hedge.

Alternative viewing instructions:

All of the stubbles at Gupton Farm (including the one favoured by the bird) can be seen from the small car park on the hill at Freshwater West - so turn left off the B4320 on the B4319 to Freshwater West and park in the small car park on the right as you go down the hill (at SR885997).

The bird was distant, but constantly visible, from this location at lunchtime. The stubble favoured by the Crane is to the extreme left of your field of view as you look back east from the car park, and above the open water visible in the Corse.

Crane -- Castlemartin Corse

View from the road, nr. Corseside Nursery.
SM913003, reached on the B4320 to Angle.
Showing in fields on the opposite side of the Corse, c 1km away.
(Merv J)

This is likely to be the same fields as yesterday, but viewing from the North side of the Corse.
Under no circumstances are any tracks or fields around the Corse to be entered.

The footpath from behind Castlemartin Church across the valley towards Corseside Nursery is an option, but the bird is unlikely to be seen from the Castlemartin side.

The female Marsh Harrier showing earlier from nearer the Freshwater West end of the Corse.
(Janet & Karen)

Don't Panic!!!

The Pembrokeshire Birds Blog has been running for (an unbelievable) 4 and a half years with over 328,000 visits recorded. In that time the appearance of the blog has remained pretty much the same. I thought it was time to freshen up the Blog a little hence the new look you have on the screen before you. Access to the blog remains unchanged and those able to post direct will also find the procedure unchanged. Many thanks to all the bloggers who have helped make Pembrokeshire Birds such a success and especially to Richard Dobbins who helps enormously to ensure the smooth running of the Blog. Hope you enjoy the new look!

crane -- Castlemartin Corse

I will speak to Clive later, but I guess from Clive's posting that the crane has moved up the Corse.
Seen early afternoon in a corse-side stubble field, looking down from the top road, from the gate. Under no circumstances are any fields or tracks to be entered around the corse.
No sign of the Marsh Harrier today.............but a bit windy !!
(Rich's C & D)

Crane

Crane showing infrequently & distantly at Castlemartin Corse today (per Rich D). At least it's still there!

No sign of the Withybush Cattle Egret during a very brief look at 1.30pm today.

Firecrest - Westfield Pill

From Allan Hansen - A Firecrest at Westfield Pill this morning. Look for in the Alders below the road bridge at the top end of the reserve.

Winters here

Winters here at least there were loads of winter thrushes stripping the hawthorns over the past couple of days and a snow bunting on the central mole of Fishyguard harbour this afternoon.

Squacco to Slavonian......Angle Bay

I visited Angle Bay today to see the Squacco Heron. It eventually flew in at 14.45 and showed very well. Also at Angle Bay 9 P. B. Brent Geese and 1 Slavonian Grebe. No sign of the Cattle egret between 15.50 and 16.30 but may have gone to roost early in poor weather.
(Gareth Stamp)

Castlemartin Corse

I popped out briefly at lunchtime to check the Corse, no sign of a Crane, but female Marsh Harrier and male Merlin present. Also, at Quoit's Marsh, a Greenshank and Little Egret.

Woodcock

Two Woodcock tonight at Porth Clais.

Pen Caer

A chat with Rob Johns this morning, his 1st Lapwing of the Autumn over today, c150 with c50 Golden Plover. Woodcock back, the first bird likely a week ago.
Also a couple of days ago A likely Hooded Crow around the cliffs, but not since.

Crane - late news, but......

I bumped into Mr Watkins - the farmer at Gupton Farm (Castlemartin Corse-Freshwater West) - this morning, who adequately described a Crane (a tall grey bird about four feet tall that flew with its long neck stretched out in front of it and its legs trailing behind) that had been feeding on the farm for a few days last week. Says he last saw the bird four days ago and that it moved between the fields next to the Corse and the weedy stubbles near the main car park at Freshwater West. Worth being aware of I guess, just in case it is still hanging around locally.

Dowrog Common

From Andrew Grant - Tonight at Dowrog Common, St Davids 16.00 - 17.10, 2 x Short Eared Owl, 1 x Male Hen Harrier, 1 x Ringtail Harrier, 1 x Kestrel, 10 x Snipe, Earlier at Withybush Airfield, 1 x Cattle Egret

Black-tailed Godwits ..& ...

Pembroke Upper Mill Pond;-
Counts today, 75 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Greenshank, 5 Redshank.
(John H)

Pen Anglas

2 Merlins flew west along the cliffs together again at 15:00.

Hen Harrier

A ringtail Hen Harrier over Marloes Mere today.
(Merv J)

Garden Warbler, Goldeneyes, &....Firecrest

Teifi Marshes;-
A hoped for warbler-- after the Redwings & other thrushes early this morning.
But we didn't expect a healthy 20.6g Garden Warbler, (with fat & muscle 5 & 2 respectively) this bird a few grams heavier than the 16.5-17.0g birds being trapped in September.
Also 2 Goldeneye on the river from the River Viewpoint.
(Teifi RG)

1 Firecrest trapped at Kilpaison this morning.
(Paul W & John H)

Lapland Buntings

A nice day out with Paul G, though birds generally hard to come by:
Broad Haven/Haroldston: total of 76 Common Scoter. A few Goldcrest and mixed tits in the valley behind the caravan park.
St. Bride's: Chiffchaff 1, Coal Tit 1, few mixed tits, Siskin over, and this very tame Kestrel that was also seen perched on gravestones in the churchyard!
Dale: v. quiet
Dale Fort: Blackcap 3, Coal Tit 2
Dale Airfield: 11 Lapland Buntings (3 flew over & landed, eventually giving excellent views as they crept mouse like through the long grass to the W of the main runway triangle, and another 8 flew over, and these were joined by one of the original 3 but we didn't see them land)
Gann: Red-breasted Merganser (female), Wigeon 1, Grey Plover 1, Knot 1, Redshank 22, Dunlin 2, Ringed Plover 15, Turnstone 20, Teal 22, Med Gull 4 (3 ads, 1 1stW), Little Egret 9

St Davids Hd am

A Snow Bunting, Woodcock and Merlin. A trickle of Skylarks with a few Lapwings and Wood Pigeons.

Milford Dock

This afternoon, 1-1st winter Kittiwake, had me going for a while, the black bill, unusual location, mixing with BH Gulls, blinded my reasoning - Dobh!
1 adult Med Gull, 20 BH Gulls.

Golden Plovers

About three hundred Golden Plovers were resting on the mud flats at low tide near the mouth of the Eastern Cleddau. They were making no effort to feed and occasionally burst into a communal musical chorus. Were these newly arrived overwintering birds or migrants passing through?

November in North Pembs

A few calling Crossbills & Redpolls over the last likely ringing session (of the fantastic year) had in Ty-rhyg.

(Paddy & Rich D)

-- Well done Paddy for getting a great new Constant Effort Site up & running in Wales, with some nationally important species now being monitored there. -- Who would have thought that over 100 Redpolls could be ringed there in one season?

A party of 6 Crossbills around the main track in Glynaeron, with a cracking red male perched atop ignoring the others for c5 mins.

Rosebush Resr;-

5 Goldeneye, 9 Tufted Duck.

Near Newport GC, 6 Brambling regularly coming to a tree top with c100 mixed finch mainly Linnets.

c 1 mile East(of above) c10% of a 200/250 strong finch flock were Brambling, this time the majority Chaffinch, feeding near a Winter store cattle shed.

Behind the PC Nat. Park Viewpoint nr. Pantgwyn Quarry, this regular Winter site for Yellowhammers excelled today......no Bramblings, but 20+ Yellowhammers amongst c200 mixed Chaffinch / Linnet.......a few Skylarks in the stubble too.

Blackcaps to Brent Geese

2 Male & 1 Female Blackcap in the Ceibwr valley.
2 Light-bellied Brent Geese in Fishguard harbour this morning.
(Janet & Karen)

Starlings

A large flock just before dusk, returning from the Marloes area, high above St Ishmaels. Stretching from the cemetery to Bicton (about a kilometre) in a ribbon shape, I could only guess at 20,000 birds. Impressive.

Bramblings

St David's airfield - at least 20 Bramblings feeding with c150 Chaffinches this morning.
1 Blackcap at Nine Wells.
(Paul G)

Pen Anglas

2 Merlins flew west together over the headland at 15:30.

Eider

2 female Eider at Nolton Haven late morning, then flew N towards Newgale. Also 12 Common Scoter (11 males).

Lapland Bunting St Davids

One flying over the Bocca valley this am and a few more Blackbirds around the area.

Marloes Mere

Early this morning, 1 Ringtail, 10,000 Starlings (at least - with more flying in) 9 Wigeon, 1 Snipe, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 male Sparrowhawk & a mixture of Skylarks, Chaffinches and Reed Bunting.

Withybush Egret

Cattle Egret apparently less concerned by rain than me, this p.m. Disturbed by a Buzzard it flew to perch on the higher of the portable metal fences by the transport school building. Could this be where it roosts at night? Possibly the nearby trees are favoured?

Skomer

Its been very quiet out here for the last few days, although its still impossible to spend much time outside without a Lapland Bunting flying over - had 4 this morning, and there's still 1 or 2 ringtail Hen Harriers knocking about

Angle Harbour

Squacco Heron again present in the channel between the bridge and the boats at 08:30 this morning, also 4 Mediterranean Gulls (3 Ads + 1 2nd W) in the region of the shingle spit.

Pen Anglas

I got a really good view of a female Merlin which landed on the rocks above the point quite close to me at 13:00.

Squacco Heron still at Angle Harbour

The Squacco Heron was on the estuary side of the bridge at Angle Harbour this morning, in between the bridge and the boats.

Brambling

A single bird has graced our feeders in the garden these past 2 days - along with tits, Chaffinches, Goldfinches & House Sparrows. As yet no Greenfinches.

Firecrests

2 Firecrests seen again at Ceibwr today along the stream side path, in the same area as the last 2 days.
(Kevin S)

9 Wells

Besides the usual Bullfinches and G.S. Woodpecker there was a large mixed Tit flock in Nine Wells valley this morning, including Long-tailed Tits,a Marsh Tit and 2 Goldcrests, which seem to be a bit on the scarce side of late. On the subject of bird demographics Blue Tits are noticeably numerous this Autumn. We have up to ten on our bird feeders most days, in spite of the attentions of our local Sparrowhawk. A plastic mesh put round the feeders hasn't proved to be much of a deterrent against this determined marauder.

In passing

As a large mixed group of gulls floated by my window yesterday morning (en route no doubt to nearby rain and slurry saturated fields) one stood out as large and all white. It was a relatively brief sighting but probably an Iceland gull. might be worth looking at the flagpoles this evening , didnt have time to do so yesterday.

Squacco Heron & Cattle Egret

Both seen today by welcome visitors from Ceredigion....
(Bob Relph, Mervyn Lloyd)

Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret is still showing well on Withybush airfield from the showground fence this morning.
(Paul G)

Firecrests -- Ceibwr

The 2 Firecrests still calling and showing well at 07:40 this am in a small Alder, amongst the Ivy & Holly, c10 mins walk up the valley at Ceibwr,- c50m past the low ruins.

Looking out of the window,

Pre dawn lightened and as it did the sky angered a little and then cooled with multiple cloud layers. Having awoken to this minor miracle I clumbsily grasped my binoculars and then as I cleared the focus I saw hundreds of winter thrushes raining down from way above.
Later a Red Kite being harrassed by corvids in the distance made me wonder if now, such a sighting is notable, where once it really was. I hope I never lose the thrill of seeing a kite!

Yellow - Browed Warbler , Hayscastle 1st Nov.

A calling bird in the tit flock watched for about 3 minutes then disappeared when a heavy shower set in. Seen later again when the flock did another circuit of the Sycamores.

Skomer

An excellent morning's birding before the weather changed - highlight was a Woodlark that flew over calling it's head off at 10:00

Also on the move there was - 57 Woodpigeons (first flocks of the autumn), 275 Skylarks, 30 Blue Tits, 28 Long-tailed Tits, 8500 Starlings, 75 Chaffinches, 4 Bramblings, 1 Snow Bunting & 6 Lapland Buntings

In the valleys there was 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 60 Blackbirds, 20 Song Thrushes, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers and the first 2 Woodcocks of the autumn

Dale this morning

No sign of the YB Warbler around 9am this morning in a brief search, but 2 Blackcaps & a Chiffchaff still there. Had a look around Dale Fort but very quiet, just a Goldcrest and around 20 Chaffinches. Had a good look either side of the Hookses on Dale Airfield for Snow Bunting but without success - again! 10 Ringed Plover on the airfield.

Firecrests

2 at Ceibwr this morning. They were in ivy about 10 minutes walk up the stream side path from the beach.

Marloes peninsular

Still large flocks of Chaffinches and Starlings moving around the fields and hedgerows: yesterday I was lucky enough to find a Brambling very close to the road mixed in with the Chaffinches. Groups of 10-20 Skylarks are also numerous.

This morning on the fields to the South of Marloes Mere there were 2 female/immature Kestrels and a female Merlin. On the Mere itself a fantastically-marked immature Hen Harrier, with very rufous underparts and barred wing tips. It put up astonishingly large numbers of snipe as it quartered the Mere: at one stage there was a tight flock of 30+ circling high overhead, and still more flushing out from either side of the Harrier's parth: a wonderful sight.