Teifi -- waders

Not quite the number of Bar-tailed Godwits as Portland (6000 passed Thursday), I could find 1 (one) on the Teifi............but waders starting to look good !
Summer plumage Knot and Grey Plover, 8-10 Whimbrel, c100 Dunlin, c40 Ringed Plover...what tomorrow ??

Barnacle Geese

3, this evening at Marloes Mere, between the North hide & Trehill farm - as noted in the Britton hide log book for last night. The G/W/Teal was out of sight, just 1 Whimbrel & 2 /3 Wheatear were the only other interest.

Gwaun Valley Wood Warbler and Redstart

Several Wood Warblers and a Redstart singing in Pontfaen Woods this afternoon and a Cuckoo calling on Brynberian Moor with a Peregrine flying overhead.

Bunting hunting

There's been quite a debate recently about the lack of Stonechats in the county, and there's no doubt they're numbers are considerably down this spring, but of even more concern to me is the fate of our Reed Buntings. I have spent the last few days combing the moors in and around St. Davids, including The Dowrog, and I haven't managed to find a single one. We have already lost virtually all our Yellowhammers in the peninsula, and I would hate to think that Reed Buntings are going the same way. Sorry to be the prophet of doom, but it is a concern.

St Davids Hd am

Fairly quiet with 18 Whimbrel through, 21 Wheatears present and a Common Sand. A Red Kite nr Croesgoch.

Happy Birthday and today

May I also say happy birthday to the blog and thanks also to Rich.
Today i stopped briefly at Marloes mere. A gentleman just leaving the Britton Hide said he had seen the/a Gargany drake. I 'of course' did not. However, it was really nice when a drake Green winged Teal put in an appearance. So, still two nice birds to be seen at Marloes.

Cuckoo & Red Kite

From Alan Collens - a Cuckoo was calling yesterday(29/04/11) at 11am. Heard from my garden near Whitehill,coming from the direction of Cresselly-last heard about 4pm. Also,a Red Kite was circling above the Carew roundabout before heading slowly south-west at about 4.30pm.

Lesser Whitethroats

Thanks to Paul G my first of the year yesterday, singing its heart out in the hedge opposite Withybush Industrial Park, about 100m beyond Day's Motor Park. I found my own this morning, singing in the hedge bordering Haverfordwest Race Course and the Dale road, on the south side of the road 200m west of the Cricket Club. One of my favourite songs.

Name That Song

During the past five years Richard Crossen has received much acclaim for the creation and running of our Blog site, and deservedly so. And again today ....... Cheers Rich!!! and thanks for all your efforts.

Understandably, the vast majority of postings have related to "sightings" and little is mentioned of bird song, but we all know song is a very important tool in any birders' arsenal of ID capability. Today Marion and I put our skills to the test.

We spent this morning in Canaston Wood, an annual event for us at this time of the year. We've had many years of practice but still there is one test we enjoy more than any other - Blackcap or Garden Warbler? Blackcaps seem particularly common this year: we saw/heard dozens of them together with 5 Garden Warblers which we confidently identified by song, with no mistakes. But experience has taught us, that as spring advances, the strident notes of the Blackcap will mellow and then there will be errors.

One special moment for us this morning was finding one of each of these species singing within ten paces of each other; the perfect lesson. Another special moment was watching a Wood Warbler build a nest. And incidentally, we located 6 Wood Warbler territories and suspect there may be more.

Skomer.................. and a belated Happy Birthday Blog!

A glorious day on Skomer yesterday with the Bluebells adding a stunning swathe of colour to the scene. Nothing unusual in the way of birds - plenty of Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars with, it seemed, more birds on the sea than on land. But who needed more - Skomer was a joy on such a warm, sunny April day. As is usually the case there were good opportunities for photographing auks whilst waiting for the return trip on the Dale Princess - see pics below.

I realised a few days ago that the Pembrokeshire Birds blog has just (unbelievably) passed it's Fifth birthday! The first posting was on 14 April 2004 and I never imagined when I set up the blog that it would be such a success. We now average over 3000 hits a week and in the last month alone have had visits from 37 countries including 122 hits from the USA, 5 from Canada, 2 from Argentina, 98 from France, 2 from India and 6 from Australia! The blog is monitored by all the national bird news websites and is the web based source of information for birding in Pembrokeshire. Thanks to all who contribute postings, visit the blog and especially to Richard Dobbins for his invaluable help in running the blog. Here's to the next 5 years!

Down South

Having recovered from the excitement of the Royal Wedding (...!), a couple of hours down south was called for. The rising tide at Angle Bay produced 13 Bar-tailed Godwits (4 lovely red ones), 54 Dunlin, 22 Ringed Plover (a further 4 at Angle Harbour spit) & 9 Whimbrel. The fields at Freshwater West looked ripe for a mega but the best I could muster were several Wheatears (some, like Mike @ St. David's, of the Greenland race). On to Stack Rocks & the seabirds were fantastic - lovely just to sit and take it all in. Finally a look at Pembroke Upper Mill Pond and the fantastic sight of 108 Black-tailed Godwits (a number of superb red ones) and a pair of Gadwall with 5 newly fledged ducklings who looked most please with the freedom to roam! Click on the pic for a bigger version.

Tresinwen (29 Apr 11)

Female Redstart in and around the garden late afternoon. No Cuckoos heard here yet this year.

St Davids Hd am

4 Whimbrel present and significantly more Wheatears than of late, maybe 30, some of which were clearly of the Greenland/Icelandic race.

Ty Rhyg

From the gate a bird on top of a distant bush, brought back memories of the GG Shrike, it turned
out to be a Cuckoo which was calling for the 2hrs I was there. The place was alive with warblers calling, good views of a garden warbler and a couple of Crossbills.

Pantmaenog & Ty Rhyg

Pantmaenog (Weds evening) - cuckoo very active, initially calling from the block of conifers above the quarry then flew up the track to smaller conifers and then into the two tall pines before heading further up the track. Last heard calling NW of Pantmaenog House. A few active pairs of stonechat, females carrying food back to nest sites with males on lookout. A few red damselflies and a larger dragonfly on the wing. Great spotted woodpecker drumming. Male kestrel repeatedly dropping down to pick items from the ground. Two pairs of wheatear on the top.

Ty Rhyg (Thurs evening) - gate open so didn't venture into the woods in case of felling. Whilst watching 3 crossbills (female and two young) noticed a fox heading in my direction. Came out on the opposite side of the track less than 20feet away had a dig, then curled up in a sunny spot and had a good old scratch and nibbled away at his hind quarters. He must have sat there for 10-15minutes, before his ears pricked up and he walked off slowly from where he'd come, not once did he glance in my direction. Now that beats footie on the telly!

A Ramsey Sound black guillemot

Doing a timed count of birds using Ramsey Sound (from mainland) noted a summer plumage black guillemot feeding in mid sound, St Justinian end this afternoon. It drifted north with the tide race but was lost from view when one of the local round the island fast ribs ploughed straight through its location (crew seemingly oblivious?)

About 40 whimbrel also noted going north in small flocks varying from 3 to 13 in size.

The pleasures of BBSing ......

Over the last two days we have done our two BBS squares and it has been real pleasure - fantastic weather and deafening birdsong. Sedge Warblers seemed in short supply but there were good numbers of the other warblers.

The highlight had to be a female Merlin and a Skylark in an aerial dogfight over St Brides beach. The Skylark dodged and twisted, singing all the while - the Merlin was faster but not so manouverable. Both last seen diving to the ground in the grassy field round the castle - outcome unfortunately not known but I suspect it may be bad news for the Skylark.

Does this mean that there are nesting Merlins around here - there have been a lot of sightings recently e.g. over Marloes Mere?

Rosemary

Vagrant Emperors in Pembs

On Skomer (Sunday 24th April) only a small number of expected migrants were noted - willow, grasshopper warblers, house martins etc, but a photographer (part of a small group from Orielton Field Centre) managed to photograph a nice male Vagrant Emperor dragonfly near the farm - see image of this individual (photo taken by Kelvin Richards). Annie and I noted another one (also a male) at Stackpole yesterday 27th April but we were unable to get close enough for a photo. So keep a look out for them there may be plenty around now?

At Tycanol on Monday 25th April, it was generally quiet, apart from reasonably numerous redstarts and another cuckoo calling on Carnedd Meibion-owen.

Strumble/ near sunset on Tuesday

We sat watching small parties of swallows heading straight out to sea. As far as we could see they were heading for Ireland & not turning back.
Some white wagtails by the flagpoles, & good to see Stonechats about the county again now.

Strumble pm etc

5 Whimbrel @ Pwllsychan and 7+ White Wagtails near Tresinwen. At St Davids only a White Wagtail and Redpoll sp. over with a few more hirundines than recently.

Rosebush in the drizzle

Couple of jays calling anxiously from one of the small stands of trees only for a nest-robbing crow to appear carrying an egg. A wheatear on one of the boulders in the clearfell beneath Pantmaenog House and another by the car park. Party of 3 long-tailed tits. Pair of stonechat. Mallard drake flying low. Heron spooked from one of the pools alongside the track. Song thrush flying in with a beak full of food. And a Grey wagtail dropping into one of the stream channels.

Ramsey - Dotterel

Dotterel here for 2 days - 23/4 and 24/4. Haven't had a chance to blog it before now. Not seen by staff but reported on consecutive days by reliable day visitors.

Male hen harrier today and male and female redstart. Summer plumage golden plover has been around for some time showing signs of 'pretending' to breed! i.e. sitting tight (on nothing!) then wandering off feigning injury, dispalcement feeding etc when approached.

Here's hoping that the Whitesands shrike pops across.....

Hooded Crow at Marloes Mere

I was very surprised to see a Hoodie fly across the Mere yesterday towards Trehill Farm. In the good light the grey mantle appeared quite dark: still very distinct from the wings, head and tail, but not the very pale ash grey of Hoodies I have seen further North/West.

Whitesands Woodchat

Took this yesterday morning. Not the best of shots I'm afraid, it was rather camera shy.

Whitesands Woodchat

Still present this evening, on the track to the two ponds opposite the white house (beyond the Whitesands Bay Hotel) (per Steve Hinton).

Teifi Marsh -- Woodchat Shrike

Saturday 0900;-
Not content with finding the Long-eared Owl, Steve a regular visitor from the West Midlands to the Teifi photograhed another goodie for us. I hope to post the photo tomorrow and we will see if this is a "new" Woodchat Shrike, for Cere/Pembs.
Seen along the track near the sluice at Priory Bridge, not looked for until the news today.....and not been refound.
Steve B had 2 male Redstarts though,whilst searching this afternoon.

Waders -- Teifi ..and....

1 Common Sandpiper at Jewsons, 1 Whimbrel at St. Dogmael's Quay.
No small migrant waders to be found......
We are not alone....returning from a week-end at Portland, no small waders seen at Ferrybridge(Dorset), or at Goldcliff(Newport /Severn est) where we did watch 6 swimming Knot for a while!!..........
(Teifi RG...we did see Lesser Yellowlegs and Long-billed Dowitcher though!)

Martin's Haven and Marloes Mere

The wind has kept a lot of birds down today, but there is a party of 11 Chough, probably immatures, that have been on the Trehill Farm field directly to the South of the NT Car Park at Martin's Haven, for the last 3 days.
3 Kestrels seen together over the same fields, and up to a dozen Wheatears (all appear to be Common; no Greenlands seen).
A female Merlin has been seen at least daily over the Trehill fields and Deer Park.
Sedge Warblers are present on the Deer Park, in the valley and Marloes Mere, but my impression is that they are a little thin on the ground so far.
The Garganey on the Mere is incredibly obliging, and lovely to watch and compare to the Teal that are feeding close to it.

NOW I know how a Grasshopper Warbler actually reels!

Yesterday I really saw a Grasshopper Warbler for the first time. Oh yes, I have had "views", "glimpses" and fleeting glances of small olive-ish birds flying away from where I had heard "reeling", but never a view that enabled me to actually watch the bird.
Yesterday all that changed, when I finally found one up near the Coastguard station on the Deer Park and watched it for almost half an hour. Great light early in the morning, and the bird sat on top of some bramble reeling happily. Wonderful to watch, with a deep yellow gape and, as it "reeled", its tail vibrated up and down rapidly in time with the song. I could also see it responding to another bird about 200 yards away, and starting to reel in reponse. What a treat.

Woodchats ?

Dipped out yesterday at Abereidy, was at Whitesands within an hour of Dave`s text today only to miss out again. If one turns up in my garden, I shall refuse to look. Oh, Deepjoy...

Woodchat Shrike

A female (imm male?) was/is? present to the south of the track which runs from the old Whitesands Bay Hotel down to the beach at Whitesands. First seen at 8:45am it disappeared for a while and was relocated by JB a little further to the south, opposite the obvious white cottage which is having some building work carried out. Saw virtually nothing else of note.

Preseli

2 Redstarts & a Cuckoo today at Pantmaenog, along the track from Tafarn Sinc at Rosebush. At the E end of the Preselis 2 Crossbills in the plantation (Llethrmawr, below Foeldrygarn).

Yesterday 2 male Pied Flycatchers singing at Pengelli, along with a Wood Warbler. A female Merlin at Mynydd Caregog above Newport was interesting.

Ty Rhyg

Pretty similar to Brian's observations yesterday, and great to see a pair of kestrels using one of the boxes. Also today was a snipe, a tree pipit, a few garden warblers, sedge warblers and crossbills - there doesn't appear to be any stonechats this year.

Garganey

Still present at Marloes Mere this morning, in front of the Britton hide.

Also someone`s reading glasses are still there too - handy - as I didn`t have mine!

Ty Rhyg

A leisurely stroll through Ty Rhyg. The kestrel pair very active, couple of buzzards appeared and were moved on. Whitethroats either side of the track. Redstart, siskin and redpoll in the mature conifers. As I was walking up the steep track something had another go at the two buzzards - from the broken view through tree canopy it looked like a goshawk was seeing them off. Dead grass snake on the path (maggoty-remains by the length of blue pipe). Distant Cuckoo calling all the while I was there - tracked it down to the wind-blown hawthorns the otherside of the B4313 and watched from one of the pull-ins. Male kestrel perched on top its nest box near Mynydd Morvil, but a couple of crows giving it no peace and drove it away.

St Davids Hd etc

A Hooded Crow out on the Head, associating with a Carrion Crow and the two heading north towards Strumble at 9:45am. Otherwise quiet with 4 White Wagtails and a Redpoll sp over. I've mentioned a golfball-carrying Raven before, well this am it or another was golfball less until it picked one up from the heather some distance from where we first saw the bird, presumably stashed previously, no others,so no collection or 'nest' which I seem to remember someone photographing once.
At Strumble later, no sign of the Hooded Crow, though lots of corvids about, as well as White Wagtails. Swallows were gathering in large groups and some setting off to sea.

First Lesser

My First Lesser Whitethroat rattling away behind my garden this morning...nice!

early strumble

Quick look around no hoodie but probably not far away unless it took advantage of clear night to go home! Nice Gropper reeling near lookout lots of whitethroats etc

After the battery failed....

...I had a few goes taking 'phone 'scope pics! This was the best one....the bird was only about 20 feet away.

Minwear/Blackpool Mill & Llangloffan Fen

Leading a group from Orielton FC, a brief visit to Minwear produced a cuckoo (first bird heard as we left the mini-bus), 3 singing wood warblers, expected siskins and other regular breeding species including reed warblers in the Slebech reedbed (also at Stackpole the previous day). Nice to see again redstarts breeding at Blackpool Mill, two males and a female noted. We watched a dipper stripping moss from river-side rocks to build a nest (for a second brood). Each beak-full of dry moss was given a good dunking to wet it before moulding it into the the nest.

It was generally quiet at Llangloffan (no obvious willow tits today) but garden warblers were heard and nice to see the resident kestrel and sparrowhawks hunting; plenty of sedge warblers about too.

Welsh/Pembs first!

Thanks to Richard Stonier for alerting us to the Hoodie in the ploughed feild en route to Strumble.It was there approximately 15.30 in amongst circa 50 rooks and there were also about a dozen alba wagtails. Although I regularly see hoodies in Rosslare it was a Wales and Pembs first for me!

Woodchat @ Abereiddy

The male showing superbly to at least 5.30pm. From the car park, walk back to the car park entrance and turn left inland by Beach Cottage along the footpath, after 100m you reach the last cottage on your left - Abereiddy Villa - and the bird was performing well in and around the garden here. Got some fairly decent shots at ranges of around 30m, but when it came down to 10m (!) my battery ran out!

Dale airfield

Quite a steady trickle of hirundines in off the sea between Dale & Marloes sands, including at least 15 House Martins. Not a single Sky Lark - come to think about it - I haven`t seen or heard one since last winter. Where are they all?

Martin's Haven

Yesterday evening an immature/female Merlin over the Trehill fields. Then a female Sparrowhawk made a kill over the valley.
This afternoon there was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling through the wind on the Trehill field, Stonechats holding territory (one carrying food).
In the valley a couple of Willow Warblers, a Chiffchaff singing, up to 3 male Whitethroats and our first Sedge Warbler of the year.
There has been a constant trickle of migrating Swallows and House Martins throughout the day, mainly heading West.

Skokholm today

A wonderful, if windy, trip out to Skokholm: a huge number of volounteers and generous donors have made a massive difference to the accomodation and, this week, the jetty. Staying on Skokholm is a pretty special, with wonderful opportunities to get close to Manxies and Stormies at night: do give it a go this year!

Lots of Puffins around the island, and good numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs. A good view of a female Peregrine on the way out, and a pair of Buzzards close to the Lighthouse.

On North Pond 6 Shelduck and at least 6 Whimbrel.

Tresinwen (23 Apr 11)

Spotted Flycatcher just come down for a bath in the pond - first of the year for me (and quite early generally for a Spot Fly). I have just checked and that is the earliest ever record for Spot Fly for me personally anywhere in the UK!

Ty Rhyg

At one pm it was 10c and very windy so most sensible birds kept low in the bushes. Managed
to see a pair of redstarts, 2 immature Crossbills and a Red Kite and a male Kestrel shadow boxing at times only a foot off the ground

Woodchat Shrike update

Update from Wdig Birder at 1550. The bird is showing well by the cottages on the left side of the beach by the car park.

Woodchat Shrike

I have just had a call from a visiting bird watcher (Heather Richards) passing on the news that both yesterday afternoon and today she has seen a Woodchat Shrike in the marsh at the rear of the car park at Aberieddy. Many thanks to her for this information.

Garganey & assorted

An early morning scouring of Martin's Haven & Marloes Mere with Paul G, highlights were a drake Garganey from the Britton Hide, several Greenland Wheatear, 3 reeling Grasshopper Warblers (2 seen, 1 very well) and a migrant Tree Pipit on the coastal field just south of Martin's Haven. At the Gann a similar selection to Derek, with 21 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit (incl. 1 in s/p - nice!), 3 Whimbrel, 4 Black-headed & 3 Common Gulls (all 1st summs).

A call from Ed Hunter saw us then head out to Kilgetty, where an odd singing Chiffchaff was present adjacent to the cricket/football pitches just off the roundabout. Clearly a Chiff, but interspersed with bursts of Willow Warbler and the occasional Iberian Chiffchaff ending! Interesting bird.

Finally a stop at Minwear/Canaston produced 2 lovely Wood Warblers and a very showy Garden Warbler.

The Gann

15 Whimbrel, 14 - 20 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Wheatear, 6 Shelduck & a solitary Brent.

Strumble (22 Apr 11)

Well done Steve. I went out this afternoon to try to find any birds with the colours of the rainbow but all I could find around Strumble were birds of varying shades of black, white and grey! (At least 50 White Wags in the ploughed fields today and joined by this Hooded Crow).

Pen Anglas to Strumble

No bee eaters. But a merlin, lots of linnets and pipits, Grasshopper warblers buzzing away, Sedge Warblers in the damped valleys, lots and lots of whitethroats. A couple of stonechat. No wheatear! Pair of buzzards trying to drive a raven off some carrion (possibly a dead rabbit) in a field near Carregwastad - despite them diving bombing the raven he wasn't going to give it up. Eventually the buzzards landed a couple of yards away and looked to be waiting him out. A male mallard in Aber Felin. Peregrine on its lookout. Few gannets diving offshore. 2 possibly 3 seals - one cow and a large bull with a couple of old deep cuts on his back at Aber Felin. And a couple of porpoise out from Anglas Bay at 2.20pm on my return.

Quick wander through Ty Rhyg on the way home, cuckoo calling above the upper path.

Bee Eaters

I heard a call this morning up at Pen Anglas which I recognised, it took a few moments to register that it was a Bee Eater calling,I started to scan the sky to locate the bird before long I was on to the bird fairly low at about 100 metres high.I noticed then a second Bee Eater not far behind the first bird. I had excellent views before they disappeared heading in a southerly direction. With the weather as well it was like being in the Mediterranean.

St Margaret's

Plenty of birds and activity on the great little seabird colony of St Margaret's Island next to Caldey this morning. The overnight wind had roughened the sea a little and it was a rather bumpy ride over from Saundersfoot. Once in the lee of the island, however, there were great views of the many Razorbills, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Shags, Cormorants, Herring and Lesser Black Backed Gulls together with a few Fulmars. The Kittiwakes were busy nest building and there was plenty of squabbling going on. Cormorants too were flying in with loads of nesting material. Rows of Guillemots were displaying with synchronised head waving like a Mexican Wave. Two Puffins were on the water close into the cliffs and on the east side of the island 20 Oystercatchers were roosting on the rocky beach.

On Caldey a lone Whimbrel was seen and on the way back in 2 Sandwich Terns flew over at Monkstone Point. Thanks again to my neighbour Jeff for the ride in his boat.

Bee-eaters Pen Anglas

2 flew over this morning - more news later no doubt (Steve Berry).

Preseli area

On the hill a dead sheep was attracting attention from 2 kites, 2 buzzards, a black-backed gull, a raven & several crows. A useful food source until someone decides to move it! A sparrow hawk cruising past was kept moving by the crows.
Several stonechats (including pairs) seen near Waldo's stone, & on Frenni Fach a male kestrel completed the BOP scene for the morning!

Nowhere better on a Pembrokeshire spring day!

A pretty unique staff meeting with Skomer Warden Chris inviting us, Lizzie organizing the time and weather. Work was never pleasanter, also met lots of really nice people in such stunning circumstances!

Thirty odd years since my first mindblowing visit and still it thrills me, the vibrant bird and plant life with the colurs ( Bluebells forming a green and blue carpet towards an azure sea) , stunning.There were many highlights, the scent of many thousands perhaps millions of bluebells and among the nicest, sitting waiting for the boat home with a puffin going out of its way to pose within a couple of yards. Wildlife Trust S&W Wales and nature combining to produce a small spring miracle!

St Davids Hd

A Tree Sparrow at the Youth Hostel this morning but fewer Wheatears today and yesterday (highlight yesterday 3 Redpolls sp).

Thanks for help with browser Richard - using Chrome.

Freshwater West Area

From Andrew King, visiting birder from Breconshire...........

During a short visit to Pembs' lovely beaches over the 19th-20th April.........,

On the 19th.....at Freshwater West I saw mixed flock of 8 Dunlin with 25 Ringed Plover on the beach. A Hen Harrier ringtail briefly viewed nr the coast road at Broomhill Burrows. Several Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler ( incl one ringed seen nr coast road), 1 Cettis male (h), 2-3 distant Lapwing, 3-4 Whitethroat incl a pair building, m Stonechat.

On the Gupton bridlepath over the cattle grazed stubbles, a fem Merlin flew SW and in doing so made 36 breeding plumage Golden Plover shuffle across the stubbles most of which were unseen previously. Superb birds, three-quarters were of the northern dark-br race - I knew they were about as from the beach earlier in the day I heard the song and display flight!. Really weird hearing that in Pembs!! - or had I been transported to Norway!

At Elugug Stacks & Bosherston today (20th), the usual species were present including seabirds, Whitethroats & Wheatear at the former site, and at least 3 singing Reed Warbler at the lilyponds.

Grey is White but not Pied!

These yarellii and alba wagtails were all in a newly harrowed field near Strumble this evening , at least 18 alba's and just the one yarellii .
A late flurry of mainly swallows but away from the coast there seems to be a lack of swallows which by now are often beginning to nest build.
Four Whimbrell were on the end of the outer breakwater at Fishguard Harbour yesterday but I did not see any Tysties.

Teifi

Still waiting for waders to happen? Plenty stopping to feed on the Dyfi.
During the past two days and late evenings, no sign of the Long-eared Owl.
c50 White Wagtails to roost this evening, 3 Common Sandpipers feeding along the river on the marsh.
(Teifi RG)

Turtle Dove -- Skomer

Turtle Dove this evening, the pale Red Kite still around today and a male Black Redstart.
(Dave B)

Cuckoo - Rosebush

Cuckoo calling and watched - swaying in the breeze at the top of the mature block of conifers north of the quarries this evening.

Angle Bay

At Kilpaison mid morning 2 Whimbrel the only waders. Yesterday's Dunlin have presumably moved on unless they dropped in as the tide dropped further. A White Wagtail also on the beach.

Marloes Mere & Gann

The pair of Garganeys` showing well from the Britton hide, lots of whitethroats in the bushes
otherwise fairly quiet. Still one Brent Goose at the Gann

Ramsey

No sign of the honey buzzard today. Best thing so far today has been a snow bunting that flew over my head going west. 2 pied flycatchers (female late yesterday and a male today). Red kite yesterday and one on 2 other dates in the past week. One, possibly two female/juv merlins have been around all month.

Skomer ..& .....St. David's.....

Skomer:-
Been plenty of birds on here the last few days, lot's of Willow Warblers, increasing numbers of Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers, a few Grasshopper Warblers.
Black Redstart and Pied Flycatcher yesterday, 2 Tree Pipits today.
(Dave B)

St. David's Head;-
Yellow Wagtail over today also plenty of Greenland Wheatears now.
(Mike YP)

Honey Buzzard - Ramsey

Not much to add. Lisa found the bird when carrying out a CBC this morning. It was on the ground in the centre of the island feeding on something small - maybe a slow worm or lizard? It was a male bird. Not seen again after. Also fall of willow warblers (20+), whitethroats (2), grasshopper warblers (2), blackcaps (10+) and 2 redpolls.

Garganey at Marloes Mere

1 male, 1 female, on the Mere, in front of Strawberry cottage - close to the track - good views. Nice.

Angle Bay

At Kilpaison this morning signs of wader passage with 31 very approachable Dunlin on the beach, the large majority well into summer plumage. When they all crouched down I thought I had moved a step too close but a moment later a Peregrine flew over and they then resumed fuellling up. The only other waders 12 Oystercatchers.
In the bushes behind the beach several displaying Whitethroats and plenty of Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.

Pengelli, & Ffynone

2 male piedflycatchers disputing territory & singing; still a singing male redstart seen & heard. Ravens making some different calls which were interesting.
Ffynone yesterday, piedflycatcher singing.

Honey Buzzard -- Ramsey

Not a fly-over, grounded.....more from Greg later.

Mynachlog Ddu/Wauncleddau area

New arrivals since last week in this area were a tree pipit, several whitethroats and lots of reeling grasshopper warblers - still havent seen redstart here yet. At least one merlin has been present every visit and it is one of the few birds of prey that the breeding pair of kestrels routinely ignore. Everything else including buzzards, kites, sparrowhawks and corvids get hammered by the kestrels if they stray within about 100 yards of the nest box. Willow warblers seem particularly numerous in the Preselis this year, and in some places there are so many audible at once that their songs just blur into one continuous warbling.

Cuckoo - Rosebush

Cuckoo calling this evening at Rosebush reservoir.

Aberforest

Aberforest beach, not a migration hot spot, had a Common Sandpiper & a White Wagtail this morning.

Carn-ingli

Cuckoo and a pair of redstarts .

Teifi Long-Eared Owl

Teifi ...Long-eared Owl

The Long-eared Owl showing this morning at 0800, refound by Jon G.
More later, with photos. The roost site is just inside Ceredigion, along the track heading North on the left hand side before you reach Creek hide.
There was a marked increase in Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers singing this morning, also on nearing high tide, a flock of 7 Common Sandpipers forced to fly upstream.

Long-eared Owl, Yellow Wagtails,....

The Teifi Marshes;-

20:56 the roosting (hidden) Long-eared Owl came out, flew along the track and gone!

Poor silhouette views, only identified on the basis it flew from almost the exact position in the hedge that I worked out from a photo taken at 08:15 this morning of a Long-eared Owl !! The owl will be looked for tomorrow.

2 Yellow Wagtails joined the c100 White Wagtails at roost this evening.

Up North

From visiting birder Andy Middleton - Today at 9.00am on Nevern Estuary, Newport: Little Ringed Plover 1, Common Sandpiper 1 (possibly 2).

15.4.11 Cuckoo at Sychpant, Gwaun Valley in clearfell above fenceline. Calling, flying and displaying and being mobbed by pipit sp.

Black Kite @ Marloes Mere

According to Birdguides there was a Black Kite at Marloes Mere from 1.10 to 1.30 before heading off south. Presumably seen by a visitor, no reference to it in the logbook in the hide this evening, best I could manage was 14 White Wagtails in a field to the south of the Britton Hide, around 80 Sand Martins over the mere, singing Sedge Warbler & Whitethroat, 3 Wheatear and the usual scattering of quackers including a pair of Gadwall. A good search of both Dale Airfield & St. Ann's Head proved relatively fruitless, several Whitethroats the most notable. It was lovely weather for a potter though. Yesterday 2 Greylag Geese flew N over the A477 near to Redberth.

No Megas - but .......

A superb day on Ramsey today - per falcon, buzzard, kestrel, Chough, raven, Singing and flight songs of birds such as Skylark, Pipits, Whatears, lots of passage Willow Warblers, also, Blackcap, also Swallows finches etc, lots more and the lovely sound of new lambs.

Down South

In St Florence this morning several Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs singing, GS Woodpeckers drumming and Wrens nest building. Several Swallows hawking low over the fields yesterday evening.

At St Govan's this afternoon a couple of Whitethroats establishing territory, 4 Wheatears, 2 pairs of Stonechats and small groups of Linnets about with one pair mating. A male Kestrel briefly overhead.

Guillemots on Stack Rocks in good numbers. A female Kestrel near the car park.

City news

Good views of a pair Dartford Warblers this morning in the St.Davids area. They are back on the same territory as last year. Great to see that they have survived a particularly hard Winter in the county.

Marloes /Martinshaven

29 White Wagtails in the graded field, left of the Mere, 2 Shelduck on the Mere. Martinshaven, 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Rath cottage garden. A few Swallows over, plenty of Linnets around too. A Whitethroat singing at Lindsway earlier this morning. I was hoping for something more in this fabulous weather - disappointingly good, I suppose.

Hooded Crow

A Hooded Crow flew over Cemaes Head this morning heading in a southerly direction,fairly quite otherwise 6 Wheatears,several Whitethroats and Blackcaps and a small movement of Sand Martins,Swallows and a single House Martin.

Strumble (16 Apr 11)

Grasshopper Warblers are back on the same territories as last year. 2 singing males and at least 1 presumed female seen. Interesting to note that one of the males is showing the same territory boundary as last year and he is very tame as was the bird on this territory last year. Nice to think it is the same bird. Also Whitethroat singing and lots of hirundines passing through.

Pengelli

Male Pied Flycatcher and male Redstart both singing between the entrance gate and the noticeboard early afternoon.

Teifi

Common Sandpipers now up to 4 at Jewsons. c12 Redpolls over Towyn Burrows this morning where also Common Whitethroats now present.
Marshes this evening, Sedge and several Grasshopper Warblers singing, and c215 White Wagtails to roost, early this morning 6 White Wagtails on Patch. Also this evening Jack Snipe still present too.
(Teifi RG)

MidPembs Section ot the Wildlife Trust

Monday the 18thApril2011. Mid Pembrokeshire indoor meeting.
The next indoor meeting of the Group is on Monday the 18th April 2011 at The Patch, Furzy Park, Haverfordwest starting at 7.30pm. There will be a presentation by Rod Penrose. The presentation is titled ‘Whales and Dolphins’. Rod is the The Cetaceans Stranding Co-ordinator for Whales. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the vital work he does and hear a fascinating insight to his work that goes on some, would say behind the scenes. There is no charge for admission to the meeting and members and non members are welcome to join us. For further information please phone O1834 860175, or, 01437 721859

Cettis

A very noisy bird at Pwllgwaelod this morning. I even got a decent view (my first) of the cocked tail & dark grey underparts.

Common Sandpiper

1 Back on the Teifi this evening, few other waders, 10 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover on Patch.

Blackpool Mill

3 female Goosanders on the river this evening.

Marloes Mere Hirundines

Several hundred this evening - I counted 180 on the wires by Strawberry cottage + a similar amount feeding, roughly 50/50 Swallows/ Sandmartins. Also 2 Shelduck on the Mere.

I`m free!

One Pied Flycatcher male looking for a female in Pengelli this afternoon
Janet and Karen

Canaston woods

Saw a wood warbler and heard another two calling this morning

Hoopoe -- nr. St.David's Airfield

A flighty Hoopoe present on private land for the last 3 days (11-14 April) near Caerfarchell.
(Tim Young)

Gann

33 Brent geese early afternoon until 4 people in a canoe chased them away.

Newport

5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Redshank and a single House Martin.

Arrivals

One of the two Whitethroats we found at Trefeiddan this morning. The Redpoll is one of the two visiting our garden at the moment.They first arrived on the 7th. of April, and on checking my 2010 diary found that a pair turned up on the very same date last year. --There is nothing like being punctual !!

Not the Teifi but....

White Wagtails are passing through in large numbers at the moment, but the 1 found nr. Detroit, Michigan (12 April) seems to be causing some interest over the Atlantic...

I did catch 3 more White Wagtails on the Teifi Tuesday night with the first Sedge Warbler.
See the Teifi Ringing Group Blog .

Ramsey--Hoopoe

Hoopoe again this evening near the house

Teifi again

Quiet down at the estuary this afternoon - a Red-breasted Merganser and 4 Wheatear the highlights.
From the river viewpoint this evening, a pair of Tufted Ducks, 1 Wigeon, 3 Teal and 3 Goosander.
What was most surprising though was the complete absence of hirundines. After several evenings of over 500 birds, mostly Sand Martins, over the marsh it was strangely silent. The Wagtails seemed to have moved on too.

Teifi

Grasshopper Warblers arrived en masse in the last 24 hours, once the Noctules were flying several G'roppers started singing. Still vey few Sedge singing, and no Reed Warblers yet?
A few different Ringed Plovers and Dunlin every day now, numbers not into double figures over the week-end.
One of the highlights a Small Copper whilst ringing at Towyn Burrows yesterday.
(Teifi RG)

White Wagtails and Greenland Wheatears

White Wagtails;-
Plenty migrating through at the moment, good numbers on the Teifi where we have been catching a few, the highest, 18 caught yesterday.
See the Teifi Ringing Group blog (link now in websites) for a couple of in hand photos and comments.

Greenland Wheatears, many passing through Pembs now by some comments;-
A couple of incredible males caught this morning (at Mwnt!) again see the Teifi RG blog for some comparative measurements in the field today....(sorry north of the Teifi!)

Wryneck -- Skomer

A quick call from a freshly landed ( from NZ) Dave Boyle......... 1 Wryneck this morning found in North Valley.

Ring Ouzel @ Marloes Mere

A trip down south this morning with Paul G showed that there were less migrants on the south coast (Bosherston to West Angle) than further north. Highlights included 2 Grasshopper Warblers reeling at St. Govan's Head, 14 Wheatears in a field at West Angle (including a male of the Greenland form), and 7 Dunlin & 3 Ringed Plover in Angle Bay/Harbour along with a Sandwich Tern (earlier there were 6 of the latter feeding off Freshwater West). A circuit of Marloes Mere this evening was more productive, with a lovely male Ring Ouzel at Marloes Mere, frequenting the hedgerow on the N side of the partially stony/bare field c.300m west of the Britton Hide.

North Pembs.

An excellent days birding, Starting off in Tycanol Wood where I found 4 male Redstarts, numerous Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Nuthatch'es and a Treecreeper. Then walked through Carnedd Meibion Owen back to the car seeing on the way 9 Wheatears and a pair of Stonechat. On to Banc Llwydlos (an area on the Preseli's) where I seen 6 Wheatears and another pair of Stonechat. A drive through Cwm Morvil found a female Kestrel sitting on top of one of Paddy's nesting boxes, plenty of Meadow Pipits plus another pair of Stonechat. The last stop of the day was Mynydd Craig-Lwydd (Puncheston area); First birds sighted were a pair of Stonechat, followed by 12 Wheatears and then a fantastic male Ring Ouzel sitting on the stone wall (grid ref SM000324), which promptly flew off into the nearest conifer when it seen me! Further down the slope a Tree Pipit was found and a Gropper reeling in a Rhododendron bush.

Caerfai - Porthlysgi

As earlier post from Wdigbirder - similar numbers of white/pied wagtails (at least 25) in ploughed field above Porthclais together with a dozen linnets. The adjacent pasture had good numbers of pipit and 6 wheatear. All seemed to be making the most of a big hatch of black gnats. A few other wheatear scattered along the stretch. At least 6 males and 2 female Stonechats. One hovering kestrel near Porthlysgi. Willow warbler and chiffchaff singing both side of Porthclais. Yellowhammer singing along Alun Valley. One male adder near St Nons. Gannets plunge diving out from Caerfai.

Cemaes head later on...

In addition to the birds Steve had this morning, there was also a male Merlin and 4 Golden Plover in summer plumage.

Strumble Head / Pencaer 10th April.

This morning at Strumble in a newly ploughed field just beyond Tresinwen 80+ Wheatear & 30 Alba Wagtails ( 20+ White at least ), many Meadow Pipits in the field as well.. Also up to 15 Wheatear around the headland at the old coastguards. Later on at Garn fawr a Female Marsh Harrier flew over at 12.50 , a large Female Sparrowhawk & a Yellowhammer in song.

Ramsey---Hoopoe

Hoopoe this morning near the water pump house. Not seen since around 11am though. Good fall of willow warblers (50+) plus at least 5 blackcaps.

Cemaes Head

This morning a fall of 50+ Wheatears,also 40+ Meadow Pipits,a cracking male Redstart on the way back. Plenty of butterflies several Orange Tips and a single Painted lady.

Osprey Llangwm-Picton Point

Superb views of the osprey directly over Llangwm Pill 9.10am and re-connected later with distant views of it over Picton Point. A couple of persistent gulls causing it to roll and flash its white wings like a mirror, still in that area at 9.30am. Lots of mullet topping, must be easy-meat in the bright still conditions.

Bosherston

A single Egyptian Goose with two Greylags in the eastern arm (between Eight-arch Bridge and Grassy Bridge) this morning, not too far from an otter in the same stretch. The wary nature of the geese suggests true vagrancy :-). Otherwise - plenty of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps singing

Kestrels

Thanks to everyone for posting their kestrel sightings on the blog - it really helps with the monitoring of breeding pairs. Most of the birds that intend to breed are now paired up and quite often the male will be mate-guarding the female by following her around, making nesting pairs more readily noticed. By the end of the month the females become very hard to see, but the presence of an adult male almost certainly indicates a breeding pair in the vicinity. Last year there were only 14 nests with an additional 8 territorial individuals, which were mostly one year old birds. This year there appear to be more sightings inland especially the Rosebush to Puncheston area, and at least seven nest boxes have been used by kestrels as a regular roost site.

Ty Rhyg (Friday eve)

Willow warblers were the most noticable songsters - there seem to be more than last year, though perhaps there are some migrants to swell the numbers. Also a couple of groppers and a cuckoo. At least two pairs of willow tits calling and nice to see some redpolls buzzing about.

St Davids Hd etc

A small fall of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs with a few Blackaps, a couple of Grasshopper Warblers, Redpoll sp, 2 White Wagtails and 60-70 Wheatears in the area. A female Pied Fly was in the hedge running along the path from the old Whitesands Bay Hotel to Whitesands. Then a Hoopoe out on the head which was seen in flight three times. It was very flighty and we looked for it from a vantage point so it wasn't 'pushed ' at all. New in? Last seen dropping down to the mouth of Porthmelgan (Bocca) Valley but lost (lots of walkers/geologists present). A male Ring Ouzel on the north side of the withies as we walked up the valley looking for the Hoopoe.
At Strumble, few warblers, much quieter overall but a dozen Wheatears and 2 or more White Wagtails in a newly-ploughed field at Tresinwen.
At Sealyham, a Green Sandpiper still and a s well as the usual Pergrines, one over Haverfordwest

Deer Park / Martinshaven

Spent a couple of hours in the area this afternoon - primarily looking for Adders, only to find a Slowworm.

Birdwise was a tad disappointing, I was hoping to see more, given the wind direction. A mix of Chiffs & Willow warblers (10) in the willows at the end of Rath cottage + 1 Blackcap. 4 Stonechats, 1 female Merlin, 4 Chough, 2 Swallows & 2 Sandmartins. Still no Wheatears - for me anyway.

White Wagtails

14 White Wagtails in a bare cliff top field between St. Bride's & Musselwick, not far from the derelict Musselwick Farm, this evening. Several Wheatears here too, and nice to see a Peregrine, female Kestrel & a Raven on the nest along this stretch.

Ramsey

A couple of rarities by Ramsey standards were 2 house sparrows and 2 rooks! We were hoping the St Davids hoopoe, or anything for that matter, might find it's way over, but it wasn't to be. A good scattering of willow warblers, a couple of blackcaps and a golden plover still hanging around.

Ty Rhyg

Late afternoon. Grasshopper warblers reeling, willow tits calling and a faint Tawny owl hooting.

Osprey

Good views of the Osprey on the Eastern Cleddau at 9am this morning, seen from Minwear view on the south bank, it flew from further upstream down past the view to Slebech Park and beyond when lost to view. Also a Green Sandpiper here (2 on Weds). A surprise was a White-fronted Goose (of unknown origin) flying in from the West with 2 Greylags, they went down behind trees in a field about 4oom east of Slebech Park. A search there afterwards only found a single Canada Goose (this is presumably the same area Richard had 30 Greylags on Thursday). Late morning a fruitless search for the Hoopoe & Ring Ouzel that Mike Y-P had on St. David's Head earlier. Several Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs & Wheatears here, with Sand Martins trickling through and the odd Swallow. At least 2 pairs of Stonechats seen.

Crossbills - Ludchurch

3 crossbills (one male and 2 young) with others calling out of site at the top of the bridleway near the pig farm. Other birds of note - siskins, redpolls, a tree creeper with a group of coal tit. Blackcap, yellowhammer, chiffchaffs and willow warblers all singing.

Marine Boat Trips

A series of boat trips are planned for 2011 with CBMWLC and FoCB. Although Dolphin Survey trips they are a great opportunity for all birders to have the chance to go offshore and hopefully find Sea Birds and Pelagic species in their natural environment. For further information please see Ceredigion Birds (posting of 5th April 2011) or the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Face book, events page at

http://www.facebook.com/CBMWC#!/CBMWC?sk=events

Barn Owl

A splendid bird hunting around Lower Mullock farm early this morning.

St Brides wood held, 1 Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, 4 Goldfinches, & a couple of Greenfinches. Might be better later!

Pied Flycatcher

From Vicky Swann - Pied Flycatcher at the Horse's Neck, Marloes this afternoon

Various Sites

The Gann this morning, one bar tailed godwit, 2 dunlin, 1 redshank and a wheatear. A pleasant boat trip around Skomer with 2 peregrinne spotted and a male kestrel back at the car park Marloes Mere, one male tufted duck, numerous sand martins and a few swallows Canaston Woods this evening a cuckoo calling, the earliest I have heard one

Broad Haven to Druidston

Very quiet, only 2 Dunnocks in full voice. A raven on its nest and a male kestrel perched nearby. A few swallows and sand martins. And a couple of Painted Ladies.

Early migrant

A singing Garden Warbler at the Rhos today, eventually seen well. An early date though there have been earlier ones in the past but only just.

Fishguard Tysties

Two were seen in the vicinity of the converted trawler "Lady Kate" yesterday from te Stena Europe.

St. David's area

No sign of the Hoopoe, 5 Wheatear at Rhosson Farm.
1 Sandwich Tern off shore, few hirundines so far today, but 2 Common Whitethroats new.
(John & Marion B.)

Whitethroat and Little Ringed Plover

Lots of birds on the move on Skokholm with our first Whitethroat of the year and a Little Ringed Plover on the North Pond. The latter a real rarity out here. A Redstart pair around the buildings too.

Skomer -- Redstart

The 1st of the year today.
(Chris - warden)

Osprey - Cleddau

A trip up the Cleddau on an idyllic, warm, sunny,spring evening from Cleddau Reach, Pembroke Dock to Minwear was rewarded with great views of an Osprey in the Eastern Cleddau. Almost as exciting was seeing a flock of 30 Greylag Geese in a field above Slebech Park - a fantastic number for Pembrokeshire. Otherwise pretty quiet with a few Shelduck and Teal, 5 Herons, 2 Little Egrets and, at Landshipping Quay, 20 Redshank. Many thanks to my neighbour , Jeff, for the ride in his boat.

Ramsey Today

Lapland bunting and hen harrier

Hoopoe --- St. David's, Trefeiddan

14:00 seen near Rhosson Campsite to St. Justinian road, flew North.
(Heather Coats)

Skokholm -- Redstart

Our first Common Redstart of the year, a female around the buildings. Two White Wagtails amongst a few Pied passing through. Lots of singing from Wrens, Skylarks and Blackbirds. First day with a few butterflies too.

Sedge Warblers ....Sand Martins....

Teifi Marshes:-
This morning at least 6 Sedge Warblers singing in the small area surveyed.
Yesterday evening:-
c700 Sand Martins, a few Swallows heard in the swarm!
See the Teifi Ringing Group blog, teifimarshbirds.blogspot.com for last nights events including a Sand Martin control !!
Also, Sparrowhawk and Barn Owl hunting, Water Rails screaming, Cettis singing.
(Teifi RG)

Black-tailed Godwits on Pembroke Millpond

Impressive flock of 184 Black-tailed Godwits on the Upper millpond tonight with lots in summer plumage. One Redshank and 5 Greenshank. One juv male Gadwall chasing a female Mallard around for the last few days even sitting on my pond 6 feet outside my window.

Pantmaenog

Pair of kestrels hovering side-by-side on the slope above Pantmaenog House this evening.

Pen Anglas - Ring Ouzel

I saw a female Ring Ouzel 100 yards past the far end of Pen Anglas at 14:45 and lots of Swallows and Sand Martins passing along the coast between there and Penfathach.

Grasshopper Warbler - Deer Park

Nice to hear the first Gropper reeling in the gorse at the Deer Park this morning.
Apart from a lot of Linnets and a couple of pairs of Wheatear displaying, it was quiet there.
At other sites around the Dale Peninsula there were good numbers of Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. A lot of ducks have now gone from Marloes Mere but there was a steady passage of Swallows with a few Sand Martins over the mere. There was 1 Greylag Goose with the Canadas.
A Merlin flew over the road near Trehill farm.
The Gann was wader free.
(Paul G and Wendy J)

Newport Wed am

Highlights were a very smart Black Tailed Godwit, a Tufted Duck (!), & frequent visitor Herring Gull Blue BHS.

Angle Area

Pretty quiet around the Angle area this morning. At Rhoscrowther there were plenty of Chiffchaffs singing and a couple of Blackcaps. Reed Buntings were courting and the males almost in full summer plumage.
Kilpaison - 1 Oystercatcher the sole wader. In the bushes behind the beach Chiffchaffs again with a few Linnets but little else. At Angle Harbour 4 Redshank and some loafing Herring Gulls.
At Bosherston no sign of any Goosanders which may well have now departed. In the woods a few Willow Warblers and Blackcaps singing and, again, Chiffchaffs a plenty.
A few Swallows seen as I drove around.

Jack Snipe -- Teifi

1 still present on the marsh tonight.
(Teifi RG)

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St. David's -

Week-end news;- From John & Marion B, in addition to the spectacular Willow Warbler fall already described, the first White Wagtail of the Spring, and Short-eared Owl at Trefeiddan. Also 2 Redwing.

Martin's Haven

Astonishing that the large numbers of Willow Warblers that had filled the valley on Saturday had cleared off completely yesterday. A single Chiffchaff was left singing, but two pairs of Stonechats were displaying and seeking nest sites.
Just over the Deer Park wall, two male Wheatears were also displaying to a single visible female near Renny's Slip.
On the Trehill Fields there is still a large-ish (40+) flock of Linnets, which (yet again) was disturbed by a Merlin: this has been by far the most frequently-seen bird of prey here in recent weeks, which is a real treat.

Red Throated Diver

A winter plumage bird in Newport Bay yesterday afternoon.

Pantmaenog this evening

Party of 5 wheatear, 3 willow warblers singing, 2 pairs of pied wagtails. Pair of long-tailed tits carrying nesting material. Male merlin perched at top of conifer, and goshawk on its lookout. Red kite overhead.

Blackpool Mill

Two female Goosanders on the river this evening

St Florence

The trees along the Ritec in St Florence were alive with the song of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs this afternoon. But, again, no Willow Warblers.

Woo Hoo! (Thanks to S*ds Law!)

See my posts last week re Dartfords in the North. On my travels today I stumbled upon 2 males and a female in the north of the county - and I wasn't out looking for them - typical! Looks like a pair is courting - carrying spider webs (with some spiders still in tow - look closely).

Birds this week

A few Shearwaters seen in Cardigan Bay on Monday were presumably newly returned Pembrokeshire Birds, allthough I have only seen a couple pass Strumble. A Sandwich Tern off the outer breakwater on Friday was my first for the county, and swallows and martins (house but mostly sand martins) have been arriving in a steady little flurries both yesterday and today at Strumble with odd pippits and wagtails. Ten male scoter passing by heading west today.

Skokholm Update

As with elsewhere a good day for Willow Warblers with around 50 with a good number of Chiffchaffs amongst them. Two Black-tailed Godwits on North Pond, Merlin and one Ring Ouzel still around. First Canada Goose eggs (typically around 50 birds present daily).

Lots of noisy Shearwaters about last night (and one heard down a burrow during the day) but the small flock of Starlings have disappeared.

Strumble & Tresinwen (02 Apr 11)

Woke up this morning to find circa 15-20 Willow Warblers in my garden. Mmm looks promising! A conservative estimate from this morning is circa 100+ Willow Warblers between my house and Porthsychan valley. Later this afternoon a walk from Tresinwen round the coast to the lighthouse and back along the road would suggest at least 200 Willow Warblers - they were seemingly in every bush along the coast - many singing. A steady flow of hirundines westwards along the coast all day was I estimate to be in the ratio of 3:2:1 (Sand : Swallow : House). A Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly just above Seal Bay. Circa 50+ Wheatears along the coast path. Mixed in with the Willow Warblers were a handful of Blackcaps (circa 15-20) and a few Chiffchaffs. (As I write this there are currently 8 Blackcaps (7M, 1F) asleep in the sunny bush just behind my pond!) 1830 - Pied Fly just appeared by the pond in my garden!

Pantmaenog up to Foel Cwmcerwyn

Cracking walk up to the top of Cwmcerwyn. Plenty of raptors on the wing. 3 sightings of kestrel, possibly the same bird (including a good view a female repeatedly hovering). Female merlin hunting then perched before heading off again. 2 sightings of goshawk (probably same bird), one in forested area - calls of a couple of Jays drew my attention, and later good views of a soaring bird. 2 buzzards and a Red Kite sharing the thermals (another kite over Crundale on the way home). Swallows in ones and twos. One male Blackcap. Chiffchaffs everywhere. Lots of pipits. Parties of Redpoll on the upper path. A single female stonechat. A pair of grey wagtails. A pair of mallard. And a Great Spotted woodpecker. NB Second visit here and third to Ty Rhyg without seeing a shrike - has it/they moved on?

St Davids Hd etc

Male Common Redstart, lots of Willow Warblers, (few Chiffchaffs other than those already established) a dozen Blackcaps, about 30 Wheatears plus Merlin. Similar picture re Willow Warblers, Wheatears and Blackcaps at Strumble early pm with more hirundines moving through.

Martin's Haven: Willow Warblers

A lovely "fall" of 15-20 Willow Warblers this morning, several in sub-song. Also at least one Chiffchaff, singing more clearly.
A pair of Wheatears, displaying actively on the Deer Park wall.
A female Merlin chased a flock of 30+ Linnets, unsuccesfully: a wonderful spectacle.

Martin's Haven & Gann

Not much visible in all this wind, but a trickle of Swallows throughout the day, and several good-size(20+) flocks of Sand Martins, all flying firmly West. A male Merlin over the Trehill fields.

St Anne's Head: 3-5 Chough in 2 groups, a Red-legged Partridge, and a very confiding fox. Several Gannets feeding in the entrance to the Haven.

The Gann at c.1630: pr each Shelduck and Wigeon, 5 Teal, c.8 Redshank, a Snipe, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, a Whimbrel calling

House Martin

Very quite at the Teifi Marshes this evening over the river a small group of 6 Sand Martins and a single House Martin with them.

Freshwater West area

Despite a steady trickle of Sand Martins passing through Bosherston this morning, there were also a few signs that winter isn't quite finished - with a female Hen Harrier quartering the pastures and leys at Gupton Farm, a single Chough feeding in the stubble field behind Freshwater West car park, and a flock of eight Choughs flying over Broonhill Burrows.

Swallows

5 or 6 at Marloes Mere this evening along with a few Sand Martins. Nothing else -poor visibility & drizzle didn`t help. Last week there were about 40 Canada Geese, tonight only 16.