Stackpole/Bosherston area - recent records

Last week saw a further arrival of firecrests (first 2 of which were found in the Manor House garden, along with a chiffchaff or two (pale, probable abietinus race - typical of this time of year). Further down the lake system a day later I found at least 8 firecrests between the Stackpole NT base and Grassy Bridge, plus at least 4 more in Lodge Park (going to roost in Holm Oak). To see (mainly hear) this number of firecrests in a relatively small area made me wonder just how many there are around! There were also good numbers of chiffs around - at least 10 I would guess.

On the lakes the first 9 goldeneye were in their usual location on the Central Arm, including a female pochard and a male tufted duck. Curiously a similar group of Goldeneye with a single female pochard and male tufted duck turned up in mid Nov last year, same place. I strongly suspect this to be the same group of birds hanging around together a year later!