Yesterday afternoon Lisa and I went for a walk around Marloes Mere. The number of birds was incredible! Particularly noteworthy were the sheer number (and sound) of Lapwing (estimated 700) and Golden Plover (estimated 500) who were resting on the cut vegetation in the middle of the mere, easily viewable from the southern footpath beyond Runwayskiln.
Ducks in abundance with 7 species: Pintail (2 drakes, 2 female), Tufted Duck (2 drakes, 2 females) Gadwall (at least 20), Mallard (60+), Shoveler (50+), Teal (50+), and Wigeon (50+). Also plenty of Coot (20+) and Moorhen (20+). Also nice to be able to see the heads/upper bodies of at least 30 Common Snipe. Well done to the National Trust and to Trehill farmers Gina and Peter Smithies for their efforts here - it really is making a difference. Looking forward to seeing new hide(s) here in the relatively near future (hopefully).
Today we did a sweep of St Bride's Bay from Goultrop Roads in the south to Newgale in the North. Birds included: Purple Sandpiper (9 on Emmet Rock, Broad Haven), Common Scoter (a grand total of just 68...), Red-throated Diver (a total of 37, 24 of these at Goultrop), Mediterranean Gull (7 at Broad Haven), a Wigeon (1 on the sea with scoter at Broad Haven), Oystercatcher (2 at Broad Haven), Guillemot (1 at Goultrop), Razorbill (6 at Goultrop, 2 at Druidston), Gannet (2 at Goultrop), Chough (2 at Broad Haven, 1 at Druidston) and Raven (1 at Broad Haven).
Wishing everyone a relaxing and peaceful festive season, and a bird-filled 2026.