The first of two breeding birds survey visits to Minwear and Pickle Woods
was undertaken early this morning in the company of Paul Culyer of Natural
Resources Wales. This was the 16th year of annual BBS recording along a
standard transect route in the area. Most expected species were found,
including Wood Warblers (3 singing males) at this locally
important location for them in the county.
However, no Willow Warblers were heard or seen anywhere along the transect route. This species has been declining within the transect zone for several years now, but one or two are usually found by late April. Blackcaps were the most numerous warbler species - their population has been increasing here over the years. This species is now probably the most common woodland warbler in our area.
There was no sign of any Tree Pipits near the Minwear picnic site. The roadside clearing that had been colonised a few years ago is now probably too scrubbed over. The Tree Pipits have probably moved to another more recent clearing elsewhere in the
forest. There wasn't time to check other potential areas this morning.
Today was very much a Robin-day - by far the most numerous species recorded. On the other hand, numbers of Wren (usually an abundant species here) were well below the average over the previous 15 years. Were they hit by the short but very cold spell of weather back in the winter? If they have a good breeding season, their numbers will almost certainly bounce back quickly.