Bosherston Lakes - easterly breeze

Today, alerted by visiting CCW Newport Wetlands warden, Tom Dalrimpole, we recorded a fine full summer-plumage black tern, a species not often recorded here in spring. It spent the whole day feeding among a large number of hirundines (3 spp) on the eastern arm.

The 3 remaining red-head goosanders have been joined by a male. He has spent most of the week pursuing at least one of the females. These are the latest spring-stayers at Bosherston and I wonder if they may even consider attempting to breed. There appear to be huge numbers of roach in numerous shoals so perhaps it might tempt them - we will be watching with interest!

On the coast a nice trickle of greenland wheatears has been passing through during the latter half of the week, but local wheatears are still decidedly absent in areas where they usually breed. So far only one out of 5-6 territories is currently occupied. Whimbrels are now turning up a bit more regularly on the peninsula - 4 on Stackpole Hd and 3 St Govans Hd this evening.

The still very cold and poor weather may be having an impact on chough. Many pairs are not yet showing any signs of incubating (they are some two weeks late now). Thanks to strong south-easterlies this month an active raven nest on Stackpole Head, has been blown off its ledge since early April. This nest site had been successful for some 15 years in a row.

With strong winds from this direction though - there must be something really good out there somewhere!