Jameston-Manorbier tetrad bash

Yesterday (2nd May) we did a fruitless yellowhammer survey of SS09P tetrad near Jameston. Variety and numbers of most birds seen were quite small but included lesser whitethroats in a couple of places. Various insectivorous species, such as whitethroats, pied wagtails and others were feeding on numerous St Marks flies and other insects attracted to a rich nectar source in bright yellow fields of oilseed rape. However, the flowers they were visiting were being sprayed with chemicals at the time; probably not so good for pollinator insects or for feeding birds!

An unexpected goshawk (probable immature female) flew quite slowly (and somewhat stealthily) over a large rookery near Manorbier. It was probably looking for fledglings and hoping to catch one. Several adult rooks escorted it away from the area, but the reconnaissance flight was probably worthwhile!