We've been back from the island since the 16th of Nov and have done bit of birding on the mainland since then. We will be away from next Wednesday until the new year. Here are some of the highlights from the last week or so on the mainland. For more details see our Skomer blog.
Nov 16th - Skomer (our last day on the island): a few thrushes moving through inc. 14 Fieldfare, 20 Redwing, 11 Songthrushes, also 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest in the Ivy at North Haven.
- On the mainland: 1 Orphean Warbler (in the Royals garden), 3 Whooper Swans (on fields near Marloes Mere).
17th - Martin's Haven and Marloes Mere: Huge flocks of Skylarks on fields with Lapwings and Starlings, 1 Woodcock, a Black Redstart (on roof of Rath Cottage), 2 Chiffchaffs, 22 Chough and 2 Lapland Buntings.
20th - Martin's Haven and Marloes Mere: Black Redstart and a Chiffchaff.
23rd - Martin's Haven: Great Northern Diver flew north AM, also ad Mediterranean Gull.
24th - Dowrog Common PM: Hen Harrier (2 males and 2+ ringtails in to roost), 2 Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk.
25th - Dale and Martin's Haven: a Merlin (chasing Skylarks), 3 Chiffchaffs, a Grey Wagtail and a few Siskins.
28th - Martin's Haven: Merlin (chasing a passerine through the garden of Rath Cottage), 3 Stonchats, 140+ Black-headed Gulls, 9 Mediterranean Gulls, 15 Kittiwakes and 4 Porpoises.
30th - Martin's Haven and Marloes Mere: 26 Snipe, 2 Short-eared Owls, 3 Buzzards, 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, a male Kestrel (which caught and ate a small mammal right in front of us), an adult female Peregrine (also seemed very tame and remained on a fence post and allowed close approach), lots of Skylarks, Lapwings and Starlings and 7+ Lapland Buntings.
