Marloes Mere

An hour around the mere this evening. 100s of Sand martin feasting on clouds of midges, the duck including the distant drake Garganey were busy supping in the pupae by the look of it as well. With the glut of insects odd there were no obvious wagtails. First Sedge warblers with 3-4 around the mere and a female Whitethroat. The 2 young coot still around, a nesting crow was carrying what looked like a coots egg. Pair Tufted duck, Shoveler 4 pair and 7 male, Teal a pair and a male. Pair Wigeon. Shelduck in Trehills field. 2 Whimbrel. 

Dippers

 The first fledged Dippers of the year along the river at Llanychaer 

Brynberian Moor

 Cuckoo at Brynberian Moor on Saturday afternoon, constantly being harassed by Meadow Pipits.

PWLL Deri Yesterday

Frm Sandra Young:
29+ guillemots and several razorbills seen rafting around
Middle sized island. Many more on smaller island plus Canada goose, gulls mating.
Swallows, martins, kestral, 7 choughs.

28th April Sightings at Llanwnda, Goodwick

From David Collins:

Just a couple of things to report from a stroll out with my two children today:

A nearby Cuckoo saw us before we saw it, but we still had decent views of it in flight and then landing on a fairly distant wooden post.

We also saw a total of 15 female Wheatears in two small neighbouring paddocks.

Pengelli forest

Pied flycatcher 4 males 1 female 

Redstart male 

Blackcap 5

Chiff chaff 10

Tree creeper 4

Nuthatch 4

Buzzard 2

More Gwaun

A beautiful spring day in the Gwaun and getting warm on the south-facing slopes in the afternoon - a bit further west than Brian's location -  revealed a pair of Pied Flycatchers. Nearby was a male Redstart that was much more flighty than the showy male pied. On the river were two pairs of Dippers. The flora was looking impressive too with wild garlic in full flower.

Gwaun

A cracking day in the Gwaun with Paul checking some of the woodlands. Nice to have 5 Pied flycatcher and at least 3 Redstart between Cilrhedyn Bridge and Sychpant. Good to see a pair of Pied flycatcher visiting a likely nest hole. Tycanol was very quiet and a quick look and listen on Brynberian failed to turn up a cuckoo.

Castlemartin Corse

Hold the front page - Rob Lewis reports a garganey drake today. No photos as yet.

Update from Rob: camera-shy, hides in reeds

Whimbrel - pm of 27th

From Chris Dighton: Single Whimbrel feeding at Goodwick flagpoles this afternoon

Dunlin at Marloes Mere

From mlslb: Dunlin on the afternoon of 27th

Castlemartin Corse

To the Corse this morning to try to catch up on some spring migrants. As usual, wetland birds mostly upstream - 3 Canadas, a pair of greylags, shelduck pair, 6 little egrets, grey heron, a dozen herring gulls and 4 lesser black backs, 2 mallard. Just one snipe on the way through to the hide. 

A few hirundines passing the hide - swallows, sand martins, a few house martins. A very few sedge and reed warblers, two white wagtails (♂ and ♀ unless I'm mistaken) just in front of the hide. A single whitethroat was singing from a bramble patch, and to my delight a lesser whitethroat was rattling away in the dense blackthorn scrub by the pines, a spot where I've found them before. Chiffchaffs and willow warblers of course, the latter in the willows in the former decoy ponds by the pines. I heard 5 different Cetti's warblers on my travels. 6 mallard and 1 teal near the hide. 

So not bad. No grasshopper warblers singing (but not a great day for it), no repeat of last year's garganey, positively no raptors. Access remains in a deplorable state, the cattle having been driven along the track to which walkers are now confined by the new fencing, resulting in mid-wellie soft mud, as bad as it's been all winter. I would have stood no chance without my walking poles. 

Marloes garganey

 Two drakes foraging beyond the irrigation pond in front of the Britton hide this evening. Showing really nicely alongside a handful of shoveler and teal. 

Hobby over Crundale

A hobby flew west over Crundale at 2030 this evening.

Garganey, Marloes Mere

 

Drake Garganey at the mere this evening, first for a good while and always nice to see. 30-40 Whimbrel in scattered groups in the coastal fields. Dunlin flying around the mere, some promising little bits of bank showing as levels drop a little. 5pr and 10m Shoveler. 2pr and 2m Teal. Drake Wigeon. Just a single Tufted duck tonight. Coot with 2 very small chicks. 10 Wheatear. Very few warblers on the circuit, 2 Blackcap, single Whitethroat plus a Goldcrest in Martins Haven. 

Pied Flycatcher and Redstarts

 Both male Pied Flycatcher and Redstarts seen in the Gwaun Valley near Llanychaer yesterday.

This morning at Pen Anglas 2 Whitethroats, a Grasshopper Warbler and a Black Guillemot in the harbour 

Grassholm Tripods

We conducted our first monitoring work out at Grassholm over the weekend and wanted to put out the following request. We are trying to use camera traps mounted on tripods to assess productivity of the gannets on Grassholm over the course of the season. We are very limited on the number of tripods we have available for this and wanted to ask if anyone has any old tripods that they would be happy to donate to us? They don't have to be in great condition as they will be situated on Grassholm all year round. As long as they can stand upright that is all we need. 

 If you or anyone you know happens to have any lying around and would be happy to donate please could you email us at ramsey.island@rspb.org.uk

Thank you

Alys & Nia 

Hoopoe

A Hoopoe seen at Llawhaden bridge then flew towards Canaston bridge at 1305 (Alf Williams)

Castlemartin peninsula - whimbrels on the move and a swift today

We had a lovely day on the Castlemartin peninsula today where it was nice to meet the new Seasonal Ranger David over there. Migrants passing along the coast included good flocks of whimbrel, starting with 15 in late morning. Later in the late afternoon, at least 90 were actively feeding in the dune grassland. With these, plus others passing along the coast towards the Angle peninsula/Milford Haven area at the time, there must have been 100-120+ whimbrels at one point. A few other waders in the area included 2 dunlin, 2 sanderlings, a ringed plover and a dozen or so oystercatchers.  

Part of a large flock of passage whimbrels, plus a smart male linnet, coming in to rest and feed

Lots of sand martins in the area, but their colony has been badly impacted by coastal erosion during the wet, stormy period. A few house martins were back at a cliff-colony site. We noted our first swift of the spring flying over towards Freshwater West. A nice bird to end the visit on, but how well will their declining breeding population fare this year?

(Probable) Black Kite - Aber Rhigian

Probable Black Kite seen today at 12:30 from the coast path by Aber Rhigian, heading west towards Cwm Yr Eglwys.

I had a brief but good view of the bird as it flew along the cliffs above me, being mobbed by Herring gulls which initially drew my attention to the bird. It was immediately of interest to me as whilst clearly a kite, it was noticeably different from a Red Kite.

The bird was very dark and uniform below, with an obvious lack of rufous breast and white 'window' in the underwing, with only a shallow forked tail.

I watched it heading west in the hope that it would come back towards me but it continued in a westerly direction. Ideally I would have liked a slightly longer view to confirm 100% but confident with it being a Black Kite.

I had hoped to post the news earlier in the hope that it might be picked up further along the coast but lack of signal and then a dead battery meant I wasn't able to.

Also seen: 10 whimbrel and 1 common sandpiper at Newport Sands.

Carew

Common sandpiper on millpond early am, sleeping fox nearby

St Davids cattle egret

 Cattle egret with the Hereford cattle near Rhosson farm this evening. Hundreds of hirundines at various spots around the peninsula, the vast majority of which were swallows. 

A Replacement for the Britton Hide at Marloes Mere

To complement the recent improvements to the landscape and  views across Marloes Mere, the National Trust are in the early stages of planning an upgrade or replacement of the Britton Hide at Marloes Mere (the name Britton Hide will remain).

Before we put our designers pencil-to-paper, we wanted to gather ideas from local communities, bird-watchers and visitors as to whether this was a good idea, and if it was, what sort of facility would you would like to see (via a Survey Monkey). 

This survey will help National Trust to scope the type and scale of structure we design.  We want it to be big enough to cater for demand, whilst sitting gently in this sensitive landscape by using landscaping techniques and perhaps a green roof.

But what do you think?

Please use the QR code or the following URL to provide your ideas to National Trust 

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PEMBSBIRDERS 

Thank you

Southwood Golden Plovers

About 40 of the 80ish Golden Plover in the recently ploughed field near Maidenhall Point at National Trust's Southwood Farm today were remarkably hard to see despite strong breeding plumage. 

Further north at the marsh near to the farm a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling, a Sedge Warbler was singing and a pair of Reed Buntings were enjoying the sun on a fence before racing off together. A crow followed a Buzzard that was carrying a young rabbit, but had no idea how to steal it and gave up the chase and a Kestrel was hunting nearby. There were several Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps in the hedges but no Whitethroats. I did not manage to get over to Folkston Moor side or see any Yellowhammers as the Welsh Black cows were showing a bit too much interest in my accompanying dog.

Nearby at Newgale beach a dozen Sand Martins briefly visited some nest holes in the cliff and six Fulmar ware apparently on four nests. A single Sandwich Tern was fishing along with a few Gannets.

Rosebush Redstarts

 Two male Redstarts were singing not far from the path, as I walked past the quarries near Rosebush this morning. On the way back, I also had good views of a male Redstart, and a brief view of a female. Near the lower path, a Willow Tit could be heard singing.  

Cuckoo

Cuckoo calling, Dinas Cross (towards N slopes of Mynydd Dinas).

Marloes peninsula

A short-eared owl across the Dale road, by Walwyn's Castle 4:30pm was a bit of a surprise. Plenty of warblers on the usual circuit 20+ Willow warbler, a dozen Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcaps and first 2 Whitethroat on the Deer Park. 8 Wheatear all in Martins Haven. Duckwise, pair Shelduck, pair Gadwall, pair Wigeon, 3 pair Teal, 6 pair and 8 m Shoveler with a few of these sitting tight to likely nest sites. The 5 Tufted duck still here. Most interesting bird was another European rubicola-type Stonechat in the same area of the Deer Park as a previous bird of a few years back. Big white rump, whitish belly with bright orange breast, it was roaming quite widely from beneath the lookout to the top of the steps.

Skokholm

Squacco Heron this evening

South coast this morning

We had a nice walk along the south coast from Skrinkle to Freshwater East this morning. Sand martins (several birds) were excavating holes in vertical sandstone cliffs at Manorbier where small numbers  have bred regularly in recent years. The population might be expanding. Numerous swallows were moving along the coast. 

At least 4 male whitethroats were singing in usual territories between Manorbier and and Fresh East. Good numbers of linnets were collecting nest material. There must have been at least 50 pairs or more between Manorbier and Fresh East. At least five pairs of stonechats included a couple collecting food for nestlings. 

The best birds though were 2 pairs of yellowhammer (males singing with females present) in the coastal scrub at Privar. Freshwater East is quite an important area for this species, but these were the first ones that I (Bob) have seen in the coastal scrub here for possibly 20-years. Hopefully various feeding stations are helping to boost their survival in the county. 

Two or three starlings at Whitehill (seen from the car on our way home) were probably part of a small, but regular, breeding population here. It is not a particularly common breeding species in Pembs., with a scattering of colonies in various places. 

Later at Landshipping, a little egret displaying fine breeding plumes was feeding in the lagoon. Four greenshanks were also feeding in the area plus 3 redshanks. It was also nice to hear greenfinches singing nearby. They have not been especially common in this area in recent years.

Waldo stone presseli hills

 Cuckoo male 

Grasshopper warbler 3

Willow warbler 10

Chiff chaff 6

Swallow 4

House Martin 2

Wheatear 2 males 

Stonechat 5 

Skomer boat trip

From Graham Sharples. The first Skomer sunset boat trip of the year saw thousands of puffins and guillemots, good numbers of razorbills and fulmars, gannets diving, and  a harbour porpoise. Further out were 2 small rafts of manx shearwaters with others flying around. Just the kittiwakes were absent.

Newgale, Short eared owl

 From Alan Collens. The Short-eared Owl was active near the lay-by again at 4.10pm Friday. A female kestrel was also in the area at the same time. Not sure what the attraction is of this little field

Skokholm

Over 500 warblers on the Island today. 

Pied Flycatcher St David’s Head

 Male pied flycatcher this afternoon in the valley at St David’s Head , based in willow scrub with willow warblers and blackcaps for company . 2 male wheatear on the headland. 

Grasshopper Warbler

A grasshopper warbler was reeling away, close to a rank, swampy field in the valley behind Pwllgwaelod early this morning. Willow warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, chaffinch, song thrush, robin, wren, woodpigeon, tawny owl, also singing. Closer to Cwm-Yr-Eglwys there was one bird with an unusual hybrid willow warbler / chiffchaff song - I think it was probably a willow warbler, as a fairly typical ww phrase was sandwiched between a few chiffchaff notes at either end.

Cuckoo

Cuckoo - Fresh in last night I reckon, no song to speak off, just scoffing caterpillars around the rocks above Ty Canol  (Den Vaughan)

Dipper, Llawhaden

From Graham Sharples. A couple of dippers around Llawhaden Bridge. They had a good look at the fast-flowing water but it didn’t appear welcoming.

The Gann (8th April)

Yesterday afternoon it was persistently blustery so not too much to see. Two pairs of Shelduck, a Common Sandpiper, two Greenshanks and a Turnstone, plus a pair of Chough on the marsh in the middle of the lagoon.

The Turnstone was showing nicely.

Choughs on the marsh.

Little ringed plover, Marloes Mere

A Little ringed plover beside a flood in the field behind the toilet block this evening, always keeping low out of the stiff westerly. About a dozen Pied wagtail and 4 Wheatear in a beet field with the sheep in. Around 15 Willow warblers flicking in and out of the blackthorn. The 5 Tufted duck and the Goldeneye. 8pr Shoveler and 5 male. 3 pr Teal. Pr Gadwall. Pr Wigeon. Pair of chough in the muddy stubbles by the car park. 2 Sandwich tern, fishing by Mullock bridge on the full tide and a Cettis warbler.

Hooded Crow

 Hooded Crow seen on Ramsey this morning in the Northern Fields.

© Alys Perry

Alys & Nia 

Teifi migrants

The first Sedge Warbler was singing on the Teifi marshes this morning. A noticeable increase in Chiffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers. At least 100 Sand Martins were over the pools with a couple of Swallows. Wellies needed at high tide for the next couple of days as the main path is flooding with quite deep, fast moving water in places.

Down at the estuary, a Whimbrel and a Sandwich Tern were opposite St Dogmaels quay.

Crossbill

 A single Crossbill at Llanychaer this morning also 6 House Martins a couple of Willow Warblers and a definite increase in Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Sightings 6/4/24

From Bryn Burgess:

Broadhaven (North)

2 Swallows around midday

The Point, Little Haven at High Tide

Red Throated Diver - 2

Great Northern Diver - 3 (at least)

Guillemot - 3

Common Scoter - 3

Oystercatcher- 4

Also present Gannet, Herring Gull, Lesser Blacked Backed Gull.

Skokholm

 A female Pied Flycatcher today

RAMSEY ISLAND WALK

Sightings today

From Andy Downing:

3 Sandwich tern over the beach at Dale 1pm 

Swallows

At 6:30 this evening, 12 Swallows circling round and feeding over Winterton Marsh behind the house in heavy rain.  Presumably arrived on the southerly winds. 

Rosemary Royle

South coast and a Greenland White-fronted Goose

A few hirundines at Penally included a swallow and four sand martins that appeared to be inspecting near vertical faces on eroded sand dunes at Giltar Point. Hopefully, they will not attempt to excavate nest holes at this busy site which is quite heavily trampled by people! 

Wheaters were present in at least three likely breeding territory locations between Giltar Point and Valleyfield Top. A few pairs of chough were also present at expected locations.

On our way home from the south coast, we looked from the road at a temporary pool in the valley bottom along Coal Lane, between the Ridgeway and the B4318 at Sageston. Due to the continuing wet weather, a pool which regularly forms here in winter/spring was larger than usual. A couple of hundred mixed herring and LBB gulls were resting on the edge of the pool, as well as 6 Canada geese, 4 greylags and an unexpected adult Greenland white-fronted goose. If this area continues to remain flooded during the spring it will be interesting to see what else is attracted to the area.

The Greenland White-fronted Goose with some of the much larger/bulkier Greylags and Canada Geese

Tufted Duck (s)

 It was nice to see 7xTufted duck on Penberri pool today.  No sign of the Lesser scaup but may have been hiding in the Withies at the far end again

Old Mill Grounds Dippers

 Both Dipper showing nicely this morning.

Martin’s Haven

 A Hooded Crow flying past our window at eye level has been the pick of the birds here over the Bank Holiday weekend. 

But a passage of Redwings was a real treat: we normally only see one or two on the ground each year, but Saturday’s influx of 12-15 was a real treat. Despite the best efforts of the local Blackbirds, the Redwings stayed around all day, mainly deep in the bushes, calling to each other frequently.

They had mostly cleared out overnight, to be replaced by a handful of Chiffchaffs and an increasing flow of Willow Warblers. Mid-morning, we got up to a dozen Willow Warblers, but increasing numbers of birds flew in from the South and East, and none appeared to depart, leaving most patches of gorse or sallow with several birds, feeding intensively, and hawking for midges - 50+ birds. Also 5 Blackcaps, and three Adders basking in the sun.

Out on the Deer Park, 4 Wheatears, looking quite territorial close to previous nesting areas.

Castlemartin Range yesterday and today

We spent much of the the Bank Holiday period checking chough sites at Castlemartin Range, where despite the exceptionally wet ground conditions, most of the expected territories appear to be occupied. It is still early days, but at least 16-17 pairs will hopefully go on to breed. 

These include an almost 20-year old colour-ringed female at Linney Head where she has been resident in the breeding season, during all of the last 18 years or so. She is one of four that fledged from a nest at Stackpole back in 2004. Although by no means the oldest living chough known in Wales, if she reaches 21 she will equal the oldest one previously known in Pembrokeshire. 

Other species of interest included numerous wheatears, mostly at usual/expected territories. A pair of kestrels appeared to be settling in at a usual site and a likely overwintering merlin was resting/hiding on large anthills of the yellow ant when not hunting meadow pipits and linnets. 

A splendid flock of 300+ golden plovers flew around for a while today inland from Crickmail Down, almost all of them in full summer breeding plumage. Several hundred razorbills were either at their nest crevices, or rafting on the sea below today and c.1,000 guillemots were ashore on the Elegug Stacks etc. It is still quite early in the season for these and other breeding birds.                  

Sandwich Tern at the Gann

A Sandwich Tern spent a few minutes flying around not far from the foreshore at the Gann just after high tide this morning, before flying off in the Dale direction.

Harrier...Skokholm

A brief but a very good view of an orange narrow winged ring-tail Harrier on Skokholm this am. Likely on the nearby mainland by now. (Rich Brown)

Eider, Sunday

From Ben Crabb: Female-type Eider at Wiseman's Bridge this evening. Also a Great-Crested Grebe.