We had a walk around Stackpole NNR this afternoon, from Lodge Park, along the lakeside path and around the coast. We didn't see/hear any chiffchaffs anywhere which seemed a bit surprising for the time of year but a blackcap was in song briefly near the Stackpole Centre in the morning. Another sang briefly at the top of the eastern arm of the lake in the afternoon - new arrivals??
A minimum of 10 goosanders were on the lakes, plus a pair tufted ducks in the upper eastern arm and a pair goldeneye (probable the regular overwintering pair?) in the western arm. Other than usual expected residents, it was fairly quiet on and around the lakes. We didn't spot any feeding herons and wondered if any had settled to breed yet?
Around the coast it was also fairly quiet. Stonechats were back at a usual breeding spot, and there were reasonable numbers of guillemots coming and going from their breeding ledges, although the winter rock-fall has made part of the colony look rather precarious. Further bits of cliff look ready to fall off at any time!
Migrants were decidedly lacking. We were surprised not to see any wheatears. A few pairs usually breed but there was no evidence of them at expected locations. Hopefully spring migrants will arrive in good numbers soon!
