Going with the Flow

A wet start, blustery, southwesterly overnight, dropping to variable west nor' west, and then to almost still; enveloped in an early and clearing mist, here in Fishyguard.

From the window soon after dawn, small groups of Whimbrell headed up the valley following the A40. Some obviously wheeling in, earning their nick-name of "Seven Whistlers* - to drop down in the vicinity of the fields sorrounding our house, presumably for Rest & Recuperation.

Later, work allowed me a break at Fishyguard Harbour, flat calm and no Tystie in view either within our out of the harbour. What seemed to be a large and single porpoise kept just far enough away to avoid closer examination; is it Polo?

A steady stream of Swallows and occasional Whimbrel came in out of the Irish Sea and I for one felt there were enough of them to establish the view that winter was definately past, summer on the way.

An odd sighting of a relatively common bird seen yesterday may be of interest/amusing:

Walking with a collegue, (Lyndsay) on the path below the Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgaran, we heard a scoldiong Jay. I told Lyndsay what it was and intimated, - being one of the shyer corvids, it would fly away as we aproached;
I was slightly surprised that it waited untill we were almost directly below it in the canopy of a small but newly and densley clothed Oak.
It was no surprise subsequently, that our presence, so close below eventually spooked it, but the Tawney Owl with what looked like a half sized rabbit in its talons was a very special insight into nature; "red in tooth and claw!"

* their call is repeated seven -ish times

Waders

A Greenshank at the Nevern Estuary this afternoon,at Jewsons 7 Common Sandpipers,2 Whimbrel and a pair of Shoveler.The Lesser Whitethroat is still present at Dinas Cross.

Dale and Ty Rhyg

Quiet at various sites around the Dale peninsula with few migrants apart from Swallows and numerous Whitethroats.
Marloes Mere - 3 Shoveler and 3 Tufted Ducks.
The Gann - 10 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Sandwich Terns and 3 White Wagtails.
St Ann's Head - 2 Wheatear
Deer Park - very little apart from a few Willow Warblers and a lot of Linnets.

(Paul G and Wendy J)

Ty Rhyg was better - a Tree Pipit and a Whinchat.

Marloes

80+ Hirundines over the Mere this afternoon, most of them Swallows, with a few Sand martins - c25. No House martins that I could see.
1 Swift also.

Dragonflies

Despite current monsoon conditions here in Pembrokeshire we can, hopefully, look forward to summer and when the birding quietens down our attention may turn to Dragonflies and other insects. Anyone who would like to learn more about the identification and recording of Dragonflies and Damselflies may be interested in a course being run on the subject at Margam near Port Talbot on 28 May. Full details of this and other courses, including birdwatching courses, can be found on the Gwent Birds Website. Click here to go direct to the site.

Fishguard and Cardigan

Fishguard harbour this afternoon - 16 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Wheatear.
(Adrian)

The Teifi has been very quiet all week with no big influx of small waders like the Dyfi etuary has seen. On the 26th there were 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2 knot(one in full summer plumage). A Greylag goose was opposite St Dogmaels quay last night. 7 Whimbrel were feeding by Jewsons today.
Several Lesser Whitethroats have been singing in the gorse at Poppit and in scrub behind Patch caravan site.
A Swift was flying over the river by Cardigan hospital yesterday.

Hermon

Heard our first male cuckoo of the year near the Hermon tip yesterday evening. Also 2 grasshopper warblers reeling.

Carregwastad

2 Whimbrel flew west over the headland at 16:00.

Lesser Whitethroat

A male Lesser Whitethroat singing at Dinas Cross today.

Hoodie

Sighting from Malcolm Barradell -There was a Hooded Crow at Penmaenmelyn, Ramsey Sound today.

The airfield

St.David's airfield this morning hosted 24 Whimbrel and scores of Wheatears. A Cuckoo and the usual selection of Warblers in the area we call the' old bomb site' included a couple of Lesser Whitethroats. I get the impression this Sylvia has become far more common in recent years.
In the garden during the week our top score for Redpoll was 7 and Siskin 8 and nice to see Greenfinches making a bit of a comeback, having been absent for most of the Winter.

butterfly

Ok, I know it's a bird blog, but I was pleased to see an orange tip in the garden today.
Somone said about the w/e low pressure, & I see a painted lady mentioned below. They are presumably blown in from the continent? There were at least 2 yesterday at Mwnt (Ceredigion).

Angle Bay

At Kilpaison this morning at high tide there were c. 30 Whimbrel and 5 Bar Tailed Godwits high up on the beach feeding in the seaweed. Also 35 Oystercatchers. No small waders present.

Dale Airfield and Marloes Sands

A TTV this morning at Dale Airfield revealed decent numbers of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, and a pair of Canada Geese with 4 goslings on the pond. But in an hour and a half there were no Stonechats.

The track down to Marloes Sands from the car park was hopping with song-flighting Whitethroats - and at last, one Stonechat. The alexanders along the lane were covered in such large clouds of St Marks flies that you had to be careful not to breath them in! Also on the insect front, there was a very faded Painted Lady sunbathing on the track.

But the show was stolen by the flowers along the cliff path - the turf was studded with violets, spring squill, thrift, ground ivy and rather dwarf late primroses. Beautiful.

What a privilege to be able to do a TTV in such a stunning location.

Rosemary

R L Partridge

Yesterday evening (18.30) between New Moat and Llys Y Fran a single red-legged partridge ran across the road. This is the first time I have seen a partridge of any sort in Pembrokeshire, in fact since I've lived in Wales.

First Tystie moment for a while...

The long breakwater at Fishyguard harbour has been quiet for birds and splashy things for a while, and the best I could do was as khaki coloured seal this afternoon.
A look for the Black Guillimots on the way out revealed a single bird. Where do they go, where do they hide? Perhaps they cadge a lift on the ferry!
allthingsgood, cliff

Red Kite over Crundale

There was a Red Kite over Crundale this afternoon: the first we have seen over the village.

The Gann this afternoon plus other things

Went down to the Gann as I thought there ought to be Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper. There were - about 20 Whimbrel flying around and calling a lot. The Common Sandpiper had me stumped for a bit - I eventually found one feeding in the weed on the shoreline with 2 Turnstones, 3 Ringed Plover and 7 Dunlin, many of these looking resplendant in summer togs. At first I didn't recognise the Sandpiper in such an odd setting - was it something rare??? Then it started to bob and gave the game away!

I can't beat the rivetting saga of the "bush" but we did have a new garden a bird few weeks ago - a Nuthatch passed through, calling all the time. They probably breed at St Brides, which is nearby, but they are never easy to see there which is odd as they are normally such noisy birds. Perhaps there is only one pair so they don't bother much about calling to establish territory.

This year we seem to have a resident Willow Warbler just outside the garden - usually they just pass through. I agree with Bob and Annie that there are loads around this year. And the Grasshopper Warbler has been singing from the marsh for a week now so lets hope he stays too.

Rosemary

Turtle Dove

John Medwell, NT Stackpole, noted a turtle dove briefly in his garden in Manorbier on Saturday afternoon 25th April. It arrived after strong winds and rain earlier. He is very familiar with collared doves in his garden and described the bird perfectly.

Newport Mon pm

A Greenshank at the bridge & 17 Whimbrel on the mud were very brief stayers. 4 pairs of Shelduck.

First Yellow Wagtail for Pencarnan

Please indulge us just for a moment.

In last week's Pencarnan report we asked,"... does it get any better than this?" Yes it does!

Sunday AM. Our regular circular walk - Pencarnan - Rhossen Farm - St Justinian - Point St John, went like this:-

Camp entrance - 16 Redpoll in isolated conifer together with c12 willowchiffs.
Track to Rhossen - the usual 4 Groppers, Whitethroats, Chiffs and WW all singing and holding territories and now joined by a Sedge Warbler.

Rhossen - Blackcap and a pair of Mistle Thrush feeding young - a new breeding species for this tetrad.

Point St J - our first Swift for this year, then back into the camp, in the horse field, were several Wheatears, and our first spring Yellow Wagtail for Pembs.

Back in the caravan, with smiles on our faces, coffee in hand, a small mixed flock landed on top of The Bush. Included among them were 3 new bush species - Willow Warbler, Wheatear and......wait for it...... a male Whinchat. Zoom that up to 32x and you will understand that it does not get better than that!

Late evening a male Merlin and a little later a female Peregrine shot past the window in hunting mode, and as the light faded a Short-eared Owl popped up onto a post.

P.S. It was very evident that the depression that swept into the south west of Wales on Saturday displaced hundreds of migrant species, particularly Wheatear and Willow Warblers, and we forgot to mention, when the Whinchat dropped onto The Bush it was accompanied by 8 Wheatears. Just for a brief moment our bush, with all these little gems in their smart spring plumage, looked like a Xmas tree.

Springfield, Hayscastle Cross

One cuckoo heard calling in then late afternoon

St Davids Airfield

Around 20 Whimbrel in field adjacent to Waun Vachelich. At least 4 Grasshopper Warblers and a single Snipe around Waun Sebon and a cuckoo calling , probably from Dowrog.

Garganey - Marloes Mere

A fine drake Garganey in front of the 'old' hide on the north side of Marloes Mere late afternoon. 7 Tufted Ducks on the Mere too. A really good number of migrants around: 200+ hirundines (roughly even mix of Swallows & Sand Martins, with a handful of House Martins - sadly no Red-rumped Swallow, not that I could see anyway). 21 Wheatears in the field to the east of the car park. A good number of Willow Warblers and Whitethroats too.

Minwear/Canaston/Toch woodland

During BBS this morning noticeably higher numbers of willow warblers compared with last years count at a similar time (at least 3 times as many); wood warblers singing in usual places (at least 6 individual males); noted more marsh tits than coal tits today (at least 7 MT territories based on singing males). Quite a few siskins about displaying and at least 4 great spotted woodpecker territories occupied.

On the river, grey wagtails nesting in usual place at the Mill, minimum of 9 greylag geese (flocks of 3 and 6); a pair seem to be nesting in Slebech reedbed. Mute swan also nesting in same place as last year. Reed warblers quite noisy throughout the reedbed and several common sandpipers (5-6 at least) along various parts of the shore.

Five swifts over Canaston area. Whitethroats now around in several hedgerows between Martletwy and Landshipping (a bit earlier than last year); sedge warblers singing nr Blackpool Mill and at Landshipping Quay.
A Pied Flyc male was also singing in the Leat wood. I'm not sure if this is where Graham recorded one a few days ago, but it is a place they have bred but not for a while.

St Davids Hd

This morning: Lesser Whitethroat, Cuckoo, Wheatears, Willow, Grasshopper and Sedge Warblers. Also Siskins and a Redpoll over.

Cuckoo

Maes Y Garn, Crymych. Sunday, 13.30 First cuckoo of the year heard calling.

Osprey

An Osprey flew Northwards over Narberth Bridge about 4pm on Friday.

Teifi and Cemaes

Cemaes head early this morning, the most notable birds were 22 Wheatear by the old Coastguard hut. Lots of Whitethroats around now.

By the Webley hotel, 5 Whimbrel and 1 Knot.

Jewsons - 1 Common Sandpiper

Swift

1, Over St Ishmaels this afternoon.

Newport Area

Sighting sent in by Martyn Fair of a Dartford Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler in the Newport area yesterday evening.

Stackpole - steady movements of migrants

Whimbrels have been passing along the Castlemartin Coast (stopping of at Stackpole each day for the last few days - quite typical at this time of year). Largest flock so far this week was of 15. Three common sandpipers on the lake shore yesterday and a noticeable influx of willow warblers late in the week.

On the lakes still 2 pairs of gadwall and the single female goosander present. Whitethroats already nest-building and chiffchaffs now feeding young in the nest - it doesn't take long for these new arrivals to get established!

Noticeable lack of stonechats around - last years 5 occupied territories at Stackpole has so far been reduced to 2. They still may arrive of course but is this due to the sub-zero temps back in winter?

Fishguard Harbour

6 Whimbrel in front of the flagpoles with another, a Bar-tailed Godwit and a Dark-bellied Brent Goose out on the mud at 13:30.

Marloes mere/ Brent goose

A dark phase individual grazing with canada geese in the field West of the Britton hide -where the track stops.
Increasing numbers of Swallows over the Mere & at Martinshaven.
Sedge warbler singing at the Mere, close to the hide, + a couple of Whitethroats in the hedgerow near the YHA

Hubberston Pill

A walk through the above site this morning revealed a male Blackbird with a completely white head near the sewage treatment works, quite a striking bird, also Cuckoo calling from the top of the woodland on the Liddeston side.

Cuckoo - Skomer

I photographed this Cuckoo on a rather murky and windy Skomer this morning after an overnight stay. Migrants otherwise pretty few and far between with one Whitethroat, a few Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs 5 Whimbrel and a steady passage of Swallows. The spectacle of the 1000's of Manxies coming in to the island last night with their weird calls made the visit very much worthwhile as did several prolonged views of Short Eared Owls.

Pied Fly

A Pied Flycatcher was singing at an old nest site near the east end of Blackpool Mill Leat yesterday. Will it attract a mate and start a recolonisation of this area ? Perhaps we can collectively follow progress. Also singing, my first Garden Warbler of the year and nearby, two Common Sandpipers were working their way upstream in company.

Carregwastad

I saw a Common Sandpiper fly west right over the rocks at 15:30 and at 18:15 a Whimbrel flew east close inshore.

Dowrog

A female Marsh Harrier flew across the Dowrog this evening at about 7.45

Down at Strumble 5.00p.m Gannets and Manxshearwaters passing by and as I was leaving a male Redstart flew along roadside and disappeared over gorse into field on right.

Fishguard Harbour

By the flagpoles this afternoon - 16 Whimbrel, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper.
(Adrian)

Cuckoo Stackpole 21 April

NT warden, Dai Jarman, reported a cuckoo calling at Stackpole nr the top of the lakes eastern Arm in the afternoon of 21st April

Teifi estuary

13 Whimbrel on Poppit beach early this morning.
Only 4 White Wagtails feeding in the dunes - last evening there had been an unprecedented count of 26 near the Webley hotel.
A Lessser Whitethroat and a lot of Sedge warblers singing in the gorse.

Whimbrel, Whimbrel...

11 (eleven) in Fishguard Harbour at 13:15.
4 east past Carregwastad at 17:15.

CUCKOO

A Cuckoo was calling briefly on the Dowrog this evening i had a report of one calling this there this afternoon .A female Merlin was seen chasing a Meadow Pipit.

Is it farewell to the Cuckoo?

Cuckoos are familiar summer visitors to our shores; their very distinctive call is well known to us all during late spring. They used to be fairly widespread but there has been quite a distinct and dramatic shift in their fortunes over the last 20 years.

In Pembs, they were found in only 80 tetrads between 2003 and 2007 compared with more than 200 tetrads 20 years ago (a decline in distribution of about 62%).

A recent BTO report Say Goodbye to the Cuckoo? indicates a similar decline at the national level. The estimated cuckoo population in the year 2000 was about 14,000 pairs across the UK. During the period 1981-2006 they had showed a decline of 61% across the country. Because of this population crash cuckoos are now amber listed as a bird of conservation concern.

It is thought that the Cuckoo is the victim of a double whammy. They seem to be struggling to find enough food during the breeding season here in the UK and are thought to be suffering a similar fate on their wintering grounds in Africa.

Here are the 2008 plotted records of Cuckoo in Pembs, submitted in the first season of the national breeding birds atlas.


Dark pink dots = probable breeding,


light pink dots = possible breeding (ie cuckoo heard calling)


If you hear cuckoos this summer please remember to add them to the Atlas. You can do this directly on line to the Atlas project www.bto.org/birdatlas or via BIRDTRACK www.bto.org/birdtrack and please don't forget to add a code to show what the bird was doing.

Carregwastad

I saw a Whimbrel fly in and land on the rocks as the sun came out at 15:30 and two separate singles flew west past the headland at 17:45 and 19:30.

South Pembs

Sightings from Jeremy Moore - I've just returned from a trip to Pembrokeshire and have a few sightings to report. Like one of your other correspondents I heard a water rail calling just to the left of the hide at Marloes. This was about 20.30 hrs on Saturday night (18th), but there was also another calling on the opposite side of the mere at the same time! Sedge warblers were singing, there was a max. of 3 male shovelers on the morning of the 20th and a male tufted.
A Lesser Whitethroat was calling close to the coastal path near Gelliswick (Milford Haven). Plenty of Whitethroats also.
Two yellowhammers in the area south of the Chevron refinery (Pembroke).
Only two wheatears altogether - one notably on top of the rock stack at the east end of Marloes beach!
On Dale airfield a total of eight choughs, plus the other wheatear that I saw - a male.
Plenty of swallows, and a few whimbrel at Angle Bay.

Breeding Atlas records validation - follow up

Following on from the recent entry put on by Annie, we can now say that we have checked around 50,000 records entered to the winter and breeding atlas so far, entered by almost 200 observers - a fantastic effort so far. It has taken us ages to get up to date with this (having been provided with the necessary links by the BTO during the late winter period). We now hope to check and validate regularly so that any obvious errors etc can be checked and sorted sooner rather than later.

We have only around 120 records that we are still querying (the maximum total was less than 1% which is great). The kinds of problem we are finding are:

wrong grid ref (not matching the named location in the tetrad in some instances) one interesting one was a green woodpecker and other nice species, but sadly in a tetrad somewhere just off the coast of Skokholm! This one turned out to be records from Hampshire and not Pembs at all!

There are a few id issues (we are sorting these out but some may have to remain on the reject list). Some have wrong/inappropriate breeding codes entered. By and large though not many obvious glitches so far!

Apologies to those of you who we have contacted by us personally and/or by automatic emails about corrections etc. We are trying to be as thorough as we can - and we are checking every species and location etc. The records start off yellow/amber; if we have a query the record turns brown and when the record is agreed/amended etc, the record turns green. The software provided for checking is quite brilliant. We also have OS maps of our own on GIS (MapInfo) with all the tetrads on, plus high resolution of place names etc - so we should hopefully spot location errors!

A PLEA....! A lot of records are going in via BIRDTRACK. Great, but please to those of you who do this can you try and remember to submit a breeding code if possible at this time of year. It makes the record so much more valuable.

For example, we have records of 10,000 puffins on Skomer, 20,000 plus shearwaters etc from the same place. We have nice counts of species from many out of the way coastal tetrads. None of these tell the Atlas that the birds may actually be breeding! Without a breeding code the records are not much use to the Atlas. We all know these birds breed here but the atlas needs a code to enable it to be plotted.

If you haven't yet logged onto the atlas give it a go and enter more roving records, it is actually pretty straightforward. We cannot extract your records from the BLOG so please make them count if you can. We hope to put some preliminary species maps up on the BLOG soon and possibly in the next Bird Report so watch this space!

Castlemartin Coast and Stackpole - spring sunshine

On the Castlemartin Range yesterday (19th) good numbers of swallows and house martins passing along the coast. Most of the expected chough breeding territories appear to be occupied (around 18-20 pairs) but few obvious young/non-breeders about. A single pair of ringed plovers are on territory at their usual cliff-top nest site. The females breast feathers fluffed up and abdomen visibly extended (she is very close to laying).

Surprisingly few wheatears in their usual nesting locations, but may have missed some as most females are incubating and were probably out of site. Surprised to see my first clouded yellow butterfly of the year come in off the sea - a pale one too (female-type) - a bit early but a hopeful sign that migrant inverts are also on the move!

Today (20th) at Stackpole, good numbers of house martins - they are back at Home Farm in reasonable numbers (earlier than last year) - first ones seen middle of last week. Whitethroats calling in several places since Friday; reed warbler singing in the reeds and a pied flycatcher singing and calling on the eastern side of the lakes eastern arm (most unlikely to stay though).

On the lakes the goosander numbers have dropped from 3 (one male and 2 females) to a single female. She spends a lot of time peering into the currently crystal-clear water watching the fish before diving in pursuit. I think this is the longest spring-stayer at Bosherston we have had to date. There are still 2 pairs of gadwall, plus 2 pairs of tufted ducks - so it will be interesting to see if any of these breed. However, we often get odd pairs of ducks on the lakes in the spring but they seldom seem to stay.

A single yaffle was active this morning - briefly calling near Barafundle - so hopefully they are still hanging on. One was recorded about a week or so ago near Square and Compass by Terry Allen (from Bird Atlas Roving records recently entered).

Kestrels are breeding in at least one location on the Range but so far their Stackpole site still has cobwebs at the crevice entrance and there are no signs of them yet.

Pencarnan Weekend Notebook

It doesn't come much better than this -

Pencarnan 06:45. Sun on the horizon, not a cloud in the sky and the air is still. 5 Groppers reeling as we walk along the camp track. S E O hunting on Trefeiddan Moor.

Back on camp 3 chittering Whimbrels pass overhead and there's a Whitethroat in the bush, and in the horse field are 8 Wheatear and 2 alba whites.

Breakfast.

Walk out to, and around, Carn Llidi, male and female Merlin near the Head (fantastic) and not too far away a darty. Below, on Porth Lleuog beach, a Common Sandpiper feeds on the strandline and more Whimbrel are close by resting up on the rocks.

Back on camp there is now a Blackcap in the bush and it's almost time for a glass of red, pitta and dips, but not before finding a Whinchat in the horse field competing with the Wheatears for flies.

And from the caravan, as the sun sets into the sea, Manx shear their way towards the Islands as S E O floats over the gorse.

Does it get any better than this in Pembs? If so, blogg it, and tell all of us about it.

Martin's Haven & Marloes peninsular

We have continued to get the occasional Whitethroats in the valley in the last few days, with the scrub below Lockley Lodge and the other side of the Deer Park wall being favoured. Also a few Blackcaps, but no more Grasshopper Warblers heard in recent days. The sallow/willow scrub has at times felt like an avian monoculture, with little else but Willow Warblers. Late Saturday evening showed just how many of these were present, with perhaps 20+ birds easily visible, feeding actively at the top of and above the brambles and bushes (hawking after insects like Pied Flycatchers!). A walk up the valley highlighted, however, the far greater numbers that were either feeding deep inside the bushes or had dropped in to roost: on one bush that I had watched 2 actively feeding birds, well over 10 flew out as I walked straight past, and so on up the valley. I estimate that the valley could have held over 100 Willow Warblers that evening.

The Deer Park now has at least 5 Stonechats holding territory, and the Ravens look close to fledging their young. A Common Sandpiper on Renny Slip.

Marloes Mere: the adult Iceland Gull was seen on Thursday evening, first with other gulls in the ploughed fields, and then dropping onto the Mere itself to bathe. A first brood of Mallard, with 8 fairly well-grown ducklings.

At Mullock Bridge, a snipe, newly-arrived and singing Blackcaps, and a pair of Sparrowhawks displaying yesterday evening.

Marloes and around

At Marloes Mere this morning, a Water Rail calling about 50 yards to the left of the hide, 5 male Shoveler flying with one female and the Little Grebes are building a nest just visible under the sallows to the far left of the hide. Plenty of hirundines including a lot of Sand Martins. Pair of Tufted Ducks in the pool by the other hide. 8 Wheatears in the ploughed field (not moved since DA's sighting yesterday!). Some churring from the sedges - not sure if it was a Reed or Sedge Warbler. Still no Stonechats.

At the Gann a couple of Whimbrel and at last a singing Whitethroat.

Ramsey Wheatears and Trefiddan raptors

A visit to Ramsey in wonderful sunshine on Saturday demonstrated the incredible numbers of Wheatears now starting to nest on the Island. Especially on the Northern part of the island, with its well-grazed fields and extensive array of walls, densities were frankly amazing compared to anything I have seen on the mainland this year, with paired up birds every 10 yards or so. Migrants included regular Swallows and Sand Martins, with a couple of House Martins. Has anybody else noticed particularly good numbers of Sand Martins this year? I have seen groups of 15-20 birds daily during the past week both on Ramsey and the Marloes peninsular, compared to just twos and threes in previous years. The gorse on the Eastern side of the island had reasonable numbers of Willow Warblers, a singing Chiffchaff, a pair of Blackcaps and two male Whitethroats (the first record for Ramsey this year). On the cliffs, a very obliging Peregrine, as well as Fulmars, Razorbills and Guillemots, although more of these were on the water.

On Trefeiddan common, I saw a large raptor that looked a bit like a harrier while I was hurrying for the boat in the morning, but had no time to check. On the way back in the afternoon we were too early for the Short-Eared Owls but saw an exceptionally pale Buzzard perched on a telegraph pole at the far side: it was almost cream-coloured, speckled with darker brown. When it flew, off after being mobbed by a crow, it had a slightly odd wing shape and flight. I could well have been the bird reported by Derek G at Marloes a day earlier, but I did not get a close enough view to be able to identify it better.

BTO summer atlas

I apologise for being out of contact with everyone regarding the BTO atlas. We have been working away in the background, and I've managed to produce this map from last summer's data. The dark blue dots show the areas with lots of species recorded, the white dots where few species are recorded, and a lot of obvious blanks where we'd really like you to do some recording.

This data was sent to us as a spreadsheet last November, so there may well be some data that went in later, especially from paper forms, that aren't included. Also not included are records without breeding codes. Recording whether the bird is in suitable breeding habitat, singing, etc is just as valuable as records of definite nesting.

With regard to timed tetrad counts, there are still twenty or so tetrads available, particularly in SM83, SM93, and SN23. For those of you who have volunteered to do timed tetrads, please remember to do the first visit before the end of May, and the second before the end of July. Records of early breeding birds, or late breeding birds, outside of the April to July period are also useful.

Thanks for all your work so far, and we look forward to producing updated maps full of lots of dots later this year.

Heronry counts

On the subject of heronries - I have received counts from Nevern and Upton heronries, someone has agreed to try to count Priskilly, Richard mentions the Westfield Pill heron, hopefully there will be a count from Cwm Cneifa. That leaves Millin Pill/Eastwood, and any others that people may come across. Herons do sometimes nest in odd places for one or two years, but even temporary heronries should be counted.

So if anyone can help with Millin, or the others, could they please let me have a count of occupied nests, and whether or not there are any signs of little egrets nesting too.

Thanks
Annie

Sea Trust Pelagic

The Sea Trust pelagic yesterday was a real treat. From Neyland we headed out for the Celtic Deep and a fair way out a pod of 18 - 20 Common Dolphins came to ride in our bow wave and stayed with us for 10 mins or so. Excellent to see Dolphins so early in the season.

Birdwise there were many Puffins, mainly in pairs, way out to sea together with good numbers of Gullemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Gannets and Manx Shearwaters.

At The Smalls lighthouse a small (Willow?) Warbler seemed a little lost but more at home were large rafts of Manx Shearwaters.

Grassholm in perfect, warm sushine was a fantastic spectacle - 60,000+ Gannets calling and wheeling is an amazing sight! At Skomer, late afternoon the sea was flat calm and the Puffins and other auks were on the sea and flying around in their hundreds.

The day ended with a rescue mission when Nick, the skipper of the Celtic Wildcat took a broken down motor boat in tow from Skomer back to Neyland Marina. We got back a little later than planned but happy with a great day out. Further Pelagics will be run by Sea Trust later this year - see here for details.

Whitethroat

Picture of Whitethroat seen on coastal path yesterday at Angle sent in by Drew Buckley
Other news for yesterday sent in by Mark Woodward and Wanda Wilkinson - On Westfield Pill after spending some time watching, it *appears* the Herons have got two chicks this years in their nest. The swan is nesting at the far end of the pill, and is egg sitting but unable to see how many.Other sightings include a male Blackcap, 10 chiff chaffs including one pair nest building, (many more heard) 4 buzzards overhead, and two female mallards with large broods of 10 chicks.

Reed Warbler

Singing at Orielton this afternoon.

Female hen harrier

Maes Y Garn, Female hen harrier seen flying over the fields this evening at about 7pm, then flew off to the north.

Wheatears

At least 8 Wheatears in the field immediately to the east of Marloes Mere car park this evening along with a single White Wagtail in amongst a gang of Pieds. A drake Tufted Duck on the Mere along with the usual Mallard, Teal & Shoveler.

Sticking with the Wheatear theme I had a pair on Haverfordwest Racecourse yesterday morning (my first ever here), on the south side of the Dale Road on the area of bare earth/stony ground. Looks like a mini Wheatear habitat, though later that day there was a gang of lads clearing the stones so the 1% chance of them sticking probably fell to 0.1%!!

Osprey

At 2-00 pm an Osprey flew over Llangloffan Fen on course for Heathfield and perhaps a meal of Rainbow Trout.

Strumble

Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler in Porthsychan Valley. 10 White Wags early morning only in ploughed field between there and Tresinwen.

Poppit Sands and Cemaes Head

A single Whimbrel at Poppit,on Cemaes 2 Whitethroat,a pair of Wheatear, several Willow Warblers,Chough and Peregrines seen. 103 Grey Seals hauled out on the beach off Cemaes.
Several Orange Tip as well as Speckled Wood butterflies present.

Strumble

Grasshopper Warbler singing by Jam Factory (Miranda's Preserves) and a few Whitethroats.

Short-Eared Owl

3 Short-Eared Owls this evening at 7pm 2 hunting over the west edge of Trefiddan moor and one on a post longside the road as you approach Trefiddan.Pair of Merlins on the Bird Group walk this morning at St Davids Head.Report from John and Marion of a Winchat by the camp site this evening and this morning 5 Groppers calling 3 Whimbrel and 1 Whitethroat on the track up to the main road.

Elegug Stacks

Huge numbers of Guillemots on the Stacks and surrounding cliffs this morning with plenty of birds on the sea as well - quite a spectacle. Also good numbers of Razorbills and just a few Kittiwakes.
At Bosherston Swallows seem quite settled round farm buildings whilst at St Florence a pair of House Martins seem to have taken up residence already - the only ones I have seen so far.

Here & There

Sightings sent in by Mike & Sian Browning - No sign of the Cattle Egret at Newport yesterday (Thursday), however we were rewarded with 6 Common Sandpipers (altogether) and a total of 7 Shelduck. in the morning we had 3 (2m & 1f) wheatear on the breakwater in Goodwick and earlier at Strumble 5 Manx Shearwater, 2 doz Swallows, 3 probable whimbrel, a sand martin, 3 chough, several shags and fulmars and a total of about 12 Gannets.
On Monday had a single male wheatear on the front at Goodwick and 6+ Ravens above Stop and Call at Llys y fran, had 20+ singing willow warblers and chiffchaffs also 2 singing blackcaps.
On Sunday had 3 Sparrowhawks seen individually over the ferry check-in.

"Tawny" Buzzard & Iceland gull

A very pale tawny coloured bird at Marloes, close to Green mire cottage. I`m erring towards Honey buzzard in cautious optimism! I spoke to Dave about it - describing its features best I could, as it kept flying away from me, fence post at a time & he too had some reservations.
I`m frequently in the area & have never seen this bird before and certainly never one so uniformly pale. So if anyone else sees it, I`d be very interested in their thoughts!
Also 1 1st winter Iceland gull on the field behind the YHA.

Swifts

First Swift sighting of the year sent in by Rob Wilson - Three swifts over Abercych today, the first that I've seen this season.

Pen Anglas - Ring Ouzel

I saw one near the gate just before it saw me and disappeared down an inaccessible cliff at 13:00.

Warblers in Martin's Haven

The valley has felt pretty quiet in the last few days, but a long walk-around this morning found good numbers of Willow Warblers (10+), most feeding in the gorse, a single singing Chiffchaff and a glimpse of a male Blackcap. Below Lockley Lodge a Grasshopper Warbler was reeling loudly, and a male Whitethroat was in the scrub of the Deer Park. Several flocks of 5-10 Linnets, and a male Stonechat.
Following on from the Adder at the weekend I also found a Grass Snake yesterday in the wet ground near the sallows.

Not all owls howl and hoot! - it's summer!

Walking the dogs up the lane this evening I heard the almost electrical tw-rrrr-ullc of a nearby Barn Owl, seemingly missing as a breeding bird for a couple of years.
Better still our yard was being cut to pieces by a pair of Swallows, surely a pair maketh a summereth!

Marles Mere

A walk around the Mere late afternoon produced a House Martin with several Sand Martins and Swallows, a female Pochard diving amongst the usual mere ducks. Just as I got back to the car a Whimbrel flew west calling and 4 White Wagtails called from the ploughed field just east of the car park. A good number of large gulls in the various ploughed fields but I couldn't find an Iceland (or a dark Lesser Black-backed). Steve Hinton had a juv/1st year Iceland here on Monday.

The South in a Camper Van

Sightings from Tessa & Jeff Pearson - A very exciting 24 hours in our camper van from St. Annes Head, Marloes Mere, Strumble Head and back to St. Govans. We saw small groups of swallows at each place, a hen harrier at Marloes, 2 Great Skuas at Strumble also linnets, stonechats and rock pipit. ll a.m. at St. Govans two beautiful wheatear, about a dozen chough, two more rock pipits and one meadow pipit. For two 'amateurs' we were well pleased and it was worth all the diesel!

Deer Park Reptiles

Reptilian sightings from Sash Tusa - We have had a really good showing of Adders in and around the Deer Park in the recent hot weather. Also lots of Common Lizards but, so far, no Slow Worms or Grass Snakes seen. The observers at the Wooltack CoastWatch station report seeing several Adders, and this picture was taken by one of our daughter's friends on Saturday (just a fraction of a second before they ran away!).

Iceland Gull

An adult Iceland Gull was over Marloes Mere this morning
(Mervyn J)

St Govan's

At St Govan's this morning a few Wheatears including a pair courting. Swallows nearby were nest building already and on the headland a group of 11 Chough - presumably non breeders.

There were plenty of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs singing at Bosherston but otherwise pretty quiet there.

Newport area

Nevern estuary - the Cattle Egret was by the iron bridge early afternoon. Also a Common Sandpiper.
Ty Canol woods - a singing male Redstart.
(Paul G)

Pelagic Sunday 19 April

Weather permitting Sea Trust are hoping to go out in the Celtic Wildcat in search of cetaceans and seabirds this coming Sunday, 19th of April; Cost £50 per head To book email; info@seatrust.org.uk Meet at Neyland Marina @ 0830 for 0900 sailing back 6pm (approx)

Sparrowhawk & Prey

Info and photo from Dean Maiden - This bird provided over an hours worth of viewing as she devoured her prey in our garden in Pembroke Dock. We have had four ‘hits’ over the last few years but normally small birds which are quickly plucked and carried off.

Niger

Of all the feeders in our garden the Niger seed takes some beating. This morning we had 12 Goldfinches, 5 Siskins and this handsome Redpoll. It might be a bit on the expensive side but it certainly 'pulls the birds'.

Wood Warbler - - Bosheston .. &.. Green Woodpecker!

Bosheston;-
A Wood Warbler watched calling in Sycamore below the Court, late this morning.
2 Common Sandpipers flying around the 8 Arch Bridge. Also 2 pair Gadwall seen.

Heard BUT not seen ......yet!
Nr. Broad Haven South a relatively close Green Woodpecker called, this or another had been heard call twice as we walked from the 8 Arch Bridge.

Minwear Viewpoint;-
1 Common Sandpiper.
Blackpool Mill;-
Dipper.

(Paul G. & Rich D.)

Then...... to complete the day....
the stunning male Pied Flcatcher -- fly-catching at Lancych.

Another Pied flycatcher

A male, at St Ishmaels between Burgage Green & Dale road junction, around 10:30 this morning.

Needle Rock

A reminder, if any of you need it, that Needle Rock, on the Newport side of Dinas Head may be the simplest place to get close up to breeding Guillemots & Razorbills. They seem quite unfazed by passing walkers.
Yesterday my (very) rough estimates, including birds on the water, was 400 guillemots & 200 Razorbills.

Marloes Mere and around

Yesterday morning a stroll around the Marloes Mere area and along the cliffs produced a singing Grashopper Warbler by the pink cottage above the mere and a Whitethroat quietly feeding in the blackthorn by the car park. But not a single Stonechat - strange.
Later whilst pondering the flowering plants at St Ishmaels' Garden Centre I could hear another Grasshopper Warbler in the distance.
Here at Orlandon Kilns the Willow Warblers have moved on but there are Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs a-plenty. Swallows have just flown over heading doggedly south east (?) in the rain.

Pied Flycatcher

A male Pied Flycatcher was at Lancych crossroads at 12.30. (SN261382).
It was in a birch tree in a garden with beehives by the post box. It flew across the road to a small woodland.
A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling from trees in the grounds of Lancych mansion.

Plumstone & Dinas Mtns &...

Plumstone;-
Dartford Warbler singing today.(Paul G.)

Mynedd Dinas;-
A male Redstart this morning, also c20 Golden Plover, Wheatears & plenty Skylarks singing.
(Karen)

Nr Mynachlogddu;-
2+Redstarts this am too.
(Janet)

Baltic LBB?

Checked through a Herring/LBB gull flock at Trehill farm this evening, hoping to find an Iceland, what caught my eye was what appeared to be a small GBB gull. It`s back was black with one small mirror on the primaries, yellow legs & quite small dark eye. It was very distinctive.
All Ican find to match it is fuscus, the Baltic race. Is it possible ? Do LBB`s hybridise with GBB`s? Anyone have any thoughts?

Strumble Head / Tresinwen

Osprey circling high over Strumble and Tresinwen at 10:30 this morning. Eventually lost to view as it soared into stratosphere!

Over last few days lots of Goldfinch and Siskin in garden. No Grasshopper or Sedge Warblers seen (or heard) in usual spots around the Strumble area yet.

Hirundines have been streaming through for last few days. Interestingly Friday was all Swallows and Sand Martins, Saturday was all Swallows and House Martins then today was back to Swallows and Sand Martins!

Shrike lingers on

The Great Grey Shrike provided good views from the gateway at Ty Rhyg this afternoon. Nobody has posted it lately so seems worth a mention. Its departure date must be near. Also imm male Hen Harrier near Mynachlogddu.

Reed Warbler -- Teifi Marshes

A couple of Reed Warblers trapped this morning on the Marshes.
A third male Cetti's trapped in the ringing area. -- count the 10 tail feathers! Unique to Cetti's. British passerines usually have 12.

photo Kevin J.

Otherwise little movement happening today.
(Teifi RG)

The wintering Common Sandpiper still at Jewsons.

Green Woodpecker -- Stackpole / Bosheston

Green Woodpecker seen & heard on the way from the 8 Arch Bridge, (over the lily ponds)towards Barafundle Bay. From this track Green Woodpecker & Gt. Spots. were in the fields/ wood on your right.... at 15:30 today.
Also 2 pair Gadwall on the ponds.
(Mike J.)

Redstart -- Tycanol

At least a couple of Redstarts in Tycanol early pm.
A few Wheatears in the fields above.
No sign of any scarce black & white species (PF, LSW, RO)!

I did have a pre-rugby wander around Brynberian Moor, no sign of hoped for ... if early! Cuckoo & Whinchat.
Did have singing Reed Bunting & Stonechat.
The Stonechat population may suffer this year, due to major burning of ageing Gorse patches recently on the Moor. May help the Whinchats?

Grasshopper warbler etc

Grasshopper warbler, Red kite and kestrel on Plumstone today. Also Willow warblers, chiffs and Blackcap.

Marloes Peninsula

A couple of hours walk doing a census of the Treehill fields with Sash - which has been very pleaseant with an abundance of Skylark and Meadow Pipits enlivened by two Iceland Gulls - one which appeared to be an adult resting on fields at the western end with a few Herring Gulls and another somewhat yellower bird and which I am pretty certain was a third summer bird with subtle but clear edgings on wing coverts. The second bird was seen by Anna almost exactly the same time at Marloes Mere and was picked up follwoing the grading and seeding tractors in the fields adjacent to the Marloes car park.

On the Mere at least 5 Shoveler and three Little Grebe and a few scattered Teal but we didn't spot any Gadwall.

Kestrel as usual at Martins Haven, Peregrines along the cliff edge, Wheatears scrapping in the stony field near Gateholm, Chough feeding in pairs - pleasant morning.

Merlin Skomer

Superb photo sent in via email by Jan Hannaford of a Merlin on Skomer yesterday.

Cattle Egret

The Cattle Egret was back by the iron bridge at Newport this morning.
(Sam B)
Goodwick Moor - Sedge and Cetti's warblers singing today, but still no Grasshopper warblers
(Adrian R)
Teifi marshes - More Sedge and Grasshopper warblers singing than yesterday.

weekend events

Sat 11th April, Pembrokeshire perambulations , illustrated talk/ presentation on Coastal Wildlife, Cliff Benson /Miles Isted-s'Jacob, Newport Boat Club Pembs 7.30 pm kick off

Porpoise watch and spring migration Strumble Head, Easter Sunday 2:00-4:00 pm free all welcome!

More sightings from Friday

Little Owls;-
One of the Newport-ish birds watched calling/ singing from 20:40 this evening(Janet), is this the only mainland site we know?

Pembroke U.M.Pond;-
Still c65 Black-tailed Godwits(John H.)

Teifi;-
Quiet this evening, but still c10 Snipe calling a lot, before occasionally having a fly.
8+ Teal in front of Heron Hide. (Poss. breeding here?)

Pen Anglas;-
As John & Marion -- hirundines,
Over the course of c1 hr this afternoon, the following was our est. ratio, c100 Swallows c20 House Martins, c10 Sand Martins, all heading west & an ongoing passage afterwards.
(Paul G. & Rich D.)

Goodwick Moor

Now joined by Adrian & Bella, perhaps the biggest gathering on this famous Moor since....

Cetti's singing, a few Chiffs singing, & as elsewhere a good arrival of Willow Warblers.

Water Rail still calling daily.(Poss. breeding?)

Hirundine passage continuing.

House martin

1House martin flying over the house at St Ishmaels was my 1st for the year

Grasshopper Warbler

Early AM today(Good Friday), Gropper reeling in Porthselau Valley and Short-eared Owl hunting close to Pencarnan camp early this evening.

Also Pencarnan, good movement of Swallows all day but now House Martins out-number Sand Martins for the first time this year.

Swallows and chiffchaff's

Maes Y Garn, Crymych. First chiffchaff heard calling today, single red kite and goshawk. Six swallows flying through and a single swallow around the yard and barns, possibly one of last years? On the 'niger seed' feeder a pair of redpolls (one with what looks like a BTO ring) and three goldfinch.

Redstart, Warblers etc

Martins Haven - 1 Grasshopper warbler and around a dozen Willow warblers.
Marloes Mere - an immature Glaucous gull flew over the mere towards Dale.
Dale - 3 Sandwich Terns
(Paul G and Rich D)

Foel Drygarn (Preselis) this morning, 1 male Redstart. Also 20+ Wheatear, 80 summer plumage golden plover on the moor with around 200 more flying over the ridge.

Teifi Marshes - 1 Sedge Warbler near the Kingfisher hide and a Grasshopper Warbler reeling at the back of the marsh from the Otter trail. Noticeably more Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps.

Golden Plover

There was a flock of more than 350 golden plover over the Preseli ridge yesterday (Wed) around lunchtime.
Also seen, many skylarks singing, meadow pipits, ravens, 2 buzzards, 2 kites, & several swallows.

Pembrokeshire Mammals Blog

There is now a direct link from the "Websites" section of this blog to the Pembrokeshire Mammals blog run by Annie Haycock. The blog has a great set of maps with the distribution of Mammals in the county & you can e mail in further sightings - details on the Mammals blog.

Seabird Watching Survey

Researchers at Bangor University are investigating how different groups of people use the Welsh coastline, including a survey on seabird watching. For further information and access to the on-line survey click here

Lechryd Bridge, & Cych

Loads of sand martins, with some swallows & house martins around the bridge. Willow warblers in the willows (where else!)+ chiffs.
On the Cych, dippers, grey wagtail, blackcap singing.
Despite the cold breeze find some shelter & spring is here......

Skylarks -- MOD Brawdy

Tony & I (on behalf of N Pembs Moth Group) were given a pretty extensive tour of the site this am, a few Swallows around, several pairs of Skylark, for which we were told should benefit from the change in grassland management this year, with the farmers being restricted in the timings of the cuts to enable the Skylarks to get young away.

Fortunes Frolic

1 Blackcap, 2 Swallow, 1st sum. Black headed Gull, pair of Shelduck, 7 Redshank, 16 Teal, plenty of Chiffs, but no Willow Warblers.
(Paul G.)

more belated news

whilst driving along the Dale to Haverfordwest road on Sat a shorted-eared Owl flew over the car about 5.30. Later that day there was a Red-leg Partridge just on the outskirts of Narberth.

Belated Saturday from Skomer

A few hours on Skomer in the sunshine produced a couple of Willow warblers, 2 Rooks (scarce in spring), a Merlin which had a real go at a Kestrel, a pair of Stonechat in North Valley (they rarely breed), and at least 4 Reed Bunting. The auks were having a day off so it was very quiet around the cliffs.

Migrants are apparently quite scarce to date out there.

Mallard Ducklings

Sighting and photo from Mark Woodward & Wanda Wilkinson - Nothing much to note today at Monk Haven, though we did see a Female Mallard with 15 chicks! No other duck present in the two hours we were there. There were also a lot of Wrens and 2 pairs of Goldcrests.

Carregwastad

I saw a Merlin fly west along the cliffs at 15:30.

Nr. Pen Anglas

Thanks Adrian:-

A little trip from the Teifi, & a deal closer than St. David's for some time with some Dartford's this afternoon!

Also not the most regular BOP seen flying in this coastal area.

Cetti's, Merlin etc

A.M today - Dinas Island. 5 raptors including Merlin and Red Kite. Down in Cwm-yr-Eglwys a Cetti's Warbler briefly drowned out the competition between Chiffs and Willow Warbler, and over at The Iron Bridge, 2 Greylags dropped in for a splash.

Red Kite - Johnston

A Red Kite at around 12:30 today circling over Bulford Road, Johnston. Possibly on its way to Derek's badger food. :-)

Teifi Marshes ...&..

Teifi Marshes;-
This morning we ringed the following nos.
17 Willow Warblers(all male), 15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps the totals of spring visitors, also 3 Cetti's Warblers & 13 Bullfinches.
An owl pellet(prob. Tawny) collected from the ground contained the ring that had been on a Long -tailed Tit. (ringed last Oct).
c50 Sand Martins seen this am, & c150 last night over the river/reeds.
(Teifi R.G.)

Yesterday;-
The Gann;
Still c30 L.B.Brent Geese, also Red Admiral, Peacock & Holly Blue b'flies seen.

Hen Harrier

Ringtail seen late this afternoon, Trefeiddan Moor, and two Sandwich Terns feeding in Ramsey Sound.

re: Green Woodpecker

If Green Woodpeckers are able to fly across two and a half kilometers of open water, what likelihood is there of a bird belonging to the Angle population crossing the Cleddau to the St Anne's peninsula? We recorded a GW close to East Block House on 25/1/07.

Teifi

20 Sand Martins around Llechryd bridge with over 100 further downstream at the river lookout in the Wildlife Park. 2 Blackcaps around the reserve.
2 Black tailed Godwits still opposite St Dogmaels quay.
A Whimbrel was heard near the Webley hotel but couldnt be located.
The Wigeon still havent gone - 27 today.

Sea Trust Pelagics

There will be a Sea Trust Pelagic Boat Trip on Easter Monday 13 April. Meet at Neyland Marina at 8:30 for a 9:00 am departure returning c.5 - 6pm. The boat will likely go out to Grassholm & the Celtic deep depending on weather and sea conditions.Price £50 per person. Email info@seatrust.org.uk to book a place.
Sea Trust will also be running a number of Pelagic Boat Trips from Neyland Marina in July, August and September this year. As well as Dolphins and other cetaceans the trips provide a great opportunity to see a wide variety of sea birds at close quarters. Dates and full details of these trips can be seen by clicking here.

Green Woodpecker -- update

A text to Adrian from John (Lincs) who is on a BTO survey course at Dale Fort;
Green Woodpecker seen in the area approaching Dale Fort. 0750 this am.
Info from Steve S,(& Trevor) not been seen in the Dale area for 4/5 years.

Also from Steve S, he has heard G W twice this last week whilst in Penally. From the general direction of the village/ church.
He suspects they are still perhaps around Trefloyne too?

Pembs Bird Group and Mid Pembs Events for April

Pembrokeshire Bird group and the Mid Pembrokeshire Section of the Wildlife Trust - events for March and April 2009. Meetings for the two groups during April are as follows:-

Pembrokeshire Bird Group
Tuesday 7th April, Indoor meeting ‘The Wildlife of Madagascar’ by Peter and Rosemary Royle.
Saturday 18th April 2009, Field trip at St David’s area for spring migrants - meet 10am at Whitesands Car Park SM734273
For further info please phone Barbara Priest on 01834 860175

Mid Pembrokeshire section of the Wildlife Trust
Tuesday 21st April 2009, Indoor meeting, ‘The Wildlife of Carmarthenshire’, a talk on the reserves of our sister county by Wildlife Trust officer, Dr Lizzie Wilberforce.
Saturday 25th April 2009, Field trip, spring birds and flowers, meet at 11am in car park at Castell Henllys SN 118389
For further info please phone Robin Taylor on 01348 840617

Indoor meetings are all at the Furzy Park Community Centre, The Patch, Haverfordwest at 7.30pm. Please bring a packed lunch and suitable clothing etc for outdoor meetings.

House Martins..&...........

Strumble Head;-
11 House Martins
(John from Lincs, via Adrian)

Not many highlights from my searching today, but some more understanding of sites,
ie Llangloffan Fen, with Kestrel, Water Rail ,Teal.
& St. David's Hd. with very little in the mist.

Trefeiddan;- 1 ring tail Hen Harrier & Peregrine, Willow Warbler nearby.
Penberry:- still 1 m Shoveler, & 3 Tufted Duck.

Teifi;-
Still 24 Wigeon, & Shelduck now up to 42.
(Wendy)

Sandwich Terns & ..........

Some sightings from Paul's searching today;-
7 Sandwich Terns off Tenby,
c65 Black tld. Godwits - Pembroke UM Pond.
Swallow & Cetti's singing -- Penally.
Merlin at The Deer Park.
Also noted that Trevor had a ring-tail Hen Harrier at Marloes Mere yesterday.
(Paul G.)

Willow Warbler in Narberth

The first Willow Warbler for me this year was singing away at Narberth bridge today trying to compete with two Song Thrushes which after some time of trying to out sing each other, decided to resolve their differences with a fight and feathers went flying in the process. Less melodic were 5 Greylags honking in the mist. This species seems to be on the increase with recent sightings of 3 pairs at Slebech, a pair at Tiers Cross and also Gelli, not sure if this is good news or not.

Cuckoo -- Abercych

Yesterday;-
Report of a Cuckoo heard in Abercych, -- the first in a number of years heard there.
(Rob. W.)

Carregwastad

I saw a Merlin land on a cliff top fence post at 14:30 and then watched it chasing a Stonechat which dived into the gorse to escape.

Gelli - Maenclochog area

Enjoyed another day of Red Kite fieldwork in this area mainly by bike and what fantastic weather! Blackcaps and Swallows were quite widespread - a noticeable influx since yesterday and Chiffchaffs in force now. Still yet to hear my first Willow Warbler of the year but they are typically a few days later to appear inland than on the coast. More Goshawks seen today and over the last two weeks spent in the north and east of the county sightings of Goshawk have outnumbered those of Sparrowhawk by three to one. Plenty of activity from Ravens too which seem to be feeding young judging by their bulgeing crops and constant racket.

Butterflies today: 2 Large Whites, 2 Orange Tips, a Tortoiseshell and a Speckled Wood.

Teifi, & ....

Teifi:-
This am, quiet.
Patch, 22 Wigeon still. Jewsons, the wintering Common Sand. still. St. Dogmaels quay, at least 1 Black-tailed Godwit.
Marshes & Dunes nothing new, did have Comma & Speckled Wood in Poppit Dunes.

Will check on potential hirundine roost this evening -- see below
Cornwall the first Subalpine Warbler of the Spring...

Garganey & hirundines

Pickeridge Pools, The Gann;-
We have just received the following report(99%) of a fem Garganey on the pool along with pairs of Teal on 31 March.
Teifi Marshes;-
c20:00 on 1 April (last night) an estimate of 800 hirundines, mainly Sand Martins, but some Swallows & House Martin over the reed-bed until to dark to view. Roosted ?
(Jerry M.)

Three feet off the ground

This morning we enjoyed an absolutely delightful walk on Waundwrgi Farm.

Stepping from the car we were greeted by the song of a Blackcap and the sight of a Swallow swooping around the out-buildings: spring has arrived in Lampeter Vale.

But the highlight for us was watching a pair of Willow Tits excavating a hole three feet off the ground in the stump of alder beside The River Marlais.

Wooltack Point

There were good numbers of Chiffchaffs in the gorse on the Point and in the valley, with one (possibly two) Willow Warblers. At least five Wheatears and a couple of dozen Meadow Pipits were present as were several small flocks of Linnets. Skylarks were singing on all sides. Several hundred auks were rafting in Jack Sound, many of them Puffins, and good numbers of Porpoise were showing in the upwellings of the tide race under diving Gannets. There were two unringed Chough and a very tame Raven which allowed us to get within a few feet before flying a short distance to land and continue watching us intently.

Eastern Preselis - surveying

A delightful April day out with Paddy confirming & finding new Red Kite territories --successful today!
Also nice views of Goshawks, & not to be out-done on migration-- 2 Sand Martins & a flock of c20 Golden Plover flying through. Wheatear & Chiffchaffs up here too.

To remind us that Breeding Atlas records start on April 1st, a Stock Dove out of a nearby tree.
(Paddy & Rich D.)

Cattle Egret -- Newport & N. Pembs

Cattle Egret ;-
The Cattle Egret amongst the gulls below the iron bridge at 17;00
(Karen)
Fishguard Harbour;-
2 Black Guillemots present this late pm, view from the inner breakwater.
(Karen)
Teifi Marshes;- Willow Warbler
(Karen)
Goodwick Moor;-
2 Willow Warblers, Cetti's singing & a pale Chiffchaff amongst the collybita types.
(Adrian)

St. David's;-
c10 Willow Warblers at the Airfield / other nearby sites.
(Janet & Lyndon)
Also Willow Warblers, in the Bocca valley, & the number of Swallows increasing amongst the Sand Martins today.
(John & Marion)

gelly

a singing blackcap and willow warbler today