Fishguard Harbour,(Sunday):-
The juvenile Black Guilllemot, looking ready to go, wing patch and face mark looking complete in the gloom of his "nesting hole". 1 Adult on the water today, often up to 3 adults seen daily.
Many thanks to Carl at Stena for his updates on the adult activity.
Also 3 Med. Gulls, 1 adult and 2 juveniles.
Strumble,(Saturday);-
8 Storm Petrels ringed.
Teifi Est(Sat & Sun);-
5 Little Egrets have appeared, (also 1 at Newport today)
Common Sands, peaked on Saturday 10+ Jewsons.
1 Green Sandpiper still flying around the marsh.
On Patch, Sunday evening, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin. On Poppit, 4 Sanderling, 11 Dunlin.
2 Whimbrel over the marsh during Saturday's CES.
(see Teifi ringing for more recent Teifi activity/details)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Bosherston Garganey
Pic of the Garganey that David found at Bosherston - it looks like a juv to me too.
Garganey @ Bosherston
Excellent views of a juvenile (I think) Garganey on the eastern arm at its narrowest point, about 100m above the Grassy Bridge. For once I'd left my camera in the car, which was a shame as it;s the closest I've ever been to a Garganey in Pembs, but Clive H hopefully got a few record shots of the quacker in the drizzle. Worth seeing for those that need practice on this slightly subtle and less than familiar plumage. Also an Otter a little further up on the far bank in full view, before heading into the water to fish. No sign of any Hobbies but the weather did close in.
Skokholm Melodious Warbler
Past wardens showing how it’s done, Mike B. picking this one up.
Seen briefly but clearly in the cottage garden around 8.15 and 8.45, then again in the same place by a larger group an hour later.
A nice number 100 for the island year list. First sighting on Skokholm since 2002.
The past week has seen a large fluctuation in Willow Warblers, with 15 to 80 present. Our first few Blackcap and Whitethroat and flocks of around 20 Curlew.
Today 31st July was the last day for atlas fieldwork - a big thanks to all who have contributed records
We seem never to stop adding dots to maps of bird distribution in Pembrokeshire. Even after 5 years of local breeding bird atlas-bashing (2003-07) with the possibility of "atlas fatigue" setting in, many observers have continued to work hard for the National Atlas.
Four winters have been covered well between 2007/08 and 2010/11. All c.500 Pembs tetrads were visited to obtain species distribution records and timed-visits were made to more than a third of these. The latter will provide patterns of relative species abundance across the County - we have achieved more than the minimum coverage needed for this component.
We have made similarly excellent progress for the summer breeding birds component (2008 - 2011), as in winter, meeting all our TTV requirements. Although there are still about 30 out of c.500 tetrads without summer records, the bulk of species have been recorded sufficiently well to contribute the distribution and confirmed breeding status data required for the national picture.
With so far just under 112,000 records of more than 200 species in winter and a similar number in summer now added by more than 300 observers it has been a fantastic achievement - a very big thanks to all of you who contributed records on line or on paper!
But we know there are some gaps that can still be filled, so if you have any outstanding records to add to the Atlas from anywhere, please do so as it would be nice to know that the picture for Pembs is as complete as it can be.
We note, for example, there are no records at all of Spotted Flycatchers in 10km sq SN14 (North Pembs Cardigan/Teifi area). Surely there must be a pair or two in the area?
Also, of the just 149 records of Cuckoo entered to the Atlas in Pembrokeshire during the last four summers, none of these have confirmed breeding status, yet this has been reported only recently on the Blog. It would be great if extra records like this could be added to the Atlas.
Similarly for the 56 records of Barn Owls so far entered, there is no evidence of them occurring as a breeding species in several 10 km squares (see the current Pembs barn owl ten km distribution and breeding status map for example). Are they really absent from these areas? It was great to see confirmed breeding of this species in SM80E this summer - thanks Rosemary.
It is still not too late to add more records. Probably the easiest way is to do this on-line via BirdTrack, and your records will automatically be available to the County Recorders at the end of the year. Alternatively, send the records to us, and we will enter them as Pembrokeshire Bird Group records on your behalf. We need to know species, location (preferably with a grid reference) and whether it was a nest, an adult carrying food, etc that confirms the bird was breeding there.
Finally on the "Hobby sightings" front, Annie and I noted one at Martletwy the other evening (26th July) not far from where we recorded one almost exactly a year ago.
Four winters have been covered well between 2007/08 and 2010/11. All c.500 Pembs tetrads were visited to obtain species distribution records and timed-visits were made to more than a third of these. The latter will provide patterns of relative species abundance across the County - we have achieved more than the minimum coverage needed for this component.
We have made similarly excellent progress for the summer breeding birds component (2008 - 2011), as in winter, meeting all our TTV requirements. Although there are still about 30 out of c.500 tetrads without summer records, the bulk of species have been recorded sufficiently well to contribute the distribution and confirmed breeding status data required for the national picture.
With so far just under 112,000 records of more than 200 species in winter and a similar number in summer now added by more than 300 observers it has been a fantastic achievement - a very big thanks to all of you who contributed records on line or on paper!
But we know there are some gaps that can still be filled, so if you have any outstanding records to add to the Atlas from anywhere, please do so as it would be nice to know that the picture for Pembs is as complete as it can be.
We note, for example, there are no records at all of Spotted Flycatchers in 10km sq SN14 (North Pembs Cardigan/Teifi area). Surely there must be a pair or two in the area?
Also, of the just 149 records of Cuckoo entered to the Atlas in Pembrokeshire during the last four summers, none of these have confirmed breeding status, yet this has been reported only recently on the Blog. It would be great if extra records like this could be added to the Atlas.
Similarly for the 56 records of Barn Owls so far entered, there is no evidence of them occurring as a breeding species in several 10 km squares (see the current Pembs barn owl ten km distribution and breeding status map for example). Are they really absent from these areas? It was great to see confirmed breeding of this species in SM80E this summer - thanks Rosemary.
It is still not too late to add more records. Probably the easiest way is to do this on-line via BirdTrack, and your records will automatically be available to the County Recorders at the end of the year. Alternatively, send the records to us, and we will enter them as Pembrokeshire Bird Group records on your behalf. We need to know species, location (preferably with a grid reference) and whether it was a nest, an adult carrying food, etc that confirms the bird was breeding there.
Finally on the "Hobby sightings" front, Annie and I noted one at Martletwy the other evening (26th July) not far from where we recorded one almost exactly a year ago.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wheatears in the Presellis: an attempt to estimate the population
I was prompted by my Atlas Conscience (aka Bob Haycock) a few weeks ago, when we bumped into each other on the Deer Park. “Have you done your last TTV yet, or do you want me to do it?” Awful guilt washed over me, and the very next day I set out with a friend who was staying with us to go up to the Presellis. The Tetrad that I had volunteered to do several years ago is SN13L, the very easternmost part of the Presellis, with a fascinating range of habitats, from the stunning Bronze Age fort and open moors of Foel Drygarn to the plantation and clearfell of Llethermawr. My last three TTVs have been utterly enjoyable, and have given me some great Pembrokeshire bird experiences, often so very different from the Marloes peninsular and the Islands.
The highlight of this particular TTV was probably a group of very young Redpolls in the plantation. But we had decided to make a day of it, and walk the length of the Presellis, ending up with a pint at the wonderful pub in Pontfaen. What struck me, as we walked along the ridge, was not just the incredible number of Wheatears that we saw (9 in the first hour of the TTV, 15 in the second, and over 70 in a 10km stretch of the walk over generally suitable moorland), but how predictable they were. Every significant outcrop of rocks that we passed produced at least a couple of birds, and often half a dozen or more. Whereas the path across the open grassland and bog was devoid of the birds (although with plenty of Meadow Pipits). The Wheatears, whether adults or fledglings, seemed very reluctant to move far from the rocky outcrops, either. My thesis, therefore, was that we could estimate the population of Wheatears in this area by estimating the number or area of the hills that are rock outcrops, as opposed to grass and moor.
Interestingly, the 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map plots such outcrops relatively accurately, and I have used this as a first step. It shows the number of significant outcrops as 90-100 in the main area of the Presellis (essentially Foel Drygarn to Carrig Lladron), and another 80+ on Carn Ingli and the outer/more isolated hill areas. Given that some of these outcrops and disused quarries can be several hectares in area, it is possible that these could support several pairs of Wheatears. I would suggest, therefore, that the Presellis could support a breeding population of at least 150 pairs of Wheatears. This is compatible with the most recent estimate in the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pembrokeshire 2003-07 of 400 pairs for the County, and equates to 5 pairs per Tetrad where the birds were found in the Presellis. Given the high densities on Ramsey, in particularly (100+ pairs) it still would suggest only around 150 pairs for the other Islands and the entire distance of the Coast Path, which feels a bit low to me. It may be that 2011 has been an exceptionally good breeding year for these lovely birds, and my walk took place at a time of very good visibility of the young birds. I would be interested, however, to hear of anyone else who might have encountered such high densities of Wheatears elsewhere in the Presellis, or who believes that other areas have significantly lower densities.
The highlight of this particular TTV was probably a group of very young Redpolls in the plantation. But we had decided to make a day of it, and walk the length of the Presellis, ending up with a pint at the wonderful pub in Pontfaen. What struck me, as we walked along the ridge, was not just the incredible number of Wheatears that we saw (9 in the first hour of the TTV, 15 in the second, and over 70 in a 10km stretch of the walk over generally suitable moorland), but how predictable they were. Every significant outcrop of rocks that we passed produced at least a couple of birds, and often half a dozen or more. Whereas the path across the open grassland and bog was devoid of the birds (although with plenty of Meadow Pipits). The Wheatears, whether adults or fledglings, seemed very reluctant to move far from the rocky outcrops, either. My thesis, therefore, was that we could estimate the population of Wheatears in this area by estimating the number or area of the hills that are rock outcrops, as opposed to grass and moor.
Interestingly, the 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey map plots such outcrops relatively accurately, and I have used this as a first step. It shows the number of significant outcrops as 90-100 in the main area of the Presellis (essentially Foel Drygarn to Carrig Lladron), and another 80+ on Carn Ingli and the outer/more isolated hill areas. Given that some of these outcrops and disused quarries can be several hectares in area, it is possible that these could support several pairs of Wheatears. I would suggest, therefore, that the Presellis could support a breeding population of at least 150 pairs of Wheatears. This is compatible with the most recent estimate in the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pembrokeshire 2003-07 of 400 pairs for the County, and equates to 5 pairs per Tetrad where the birds were found in the Presellis. Given the high densities on Ramsey, in particularly (100+ pairs) it still would suggest only around 150 pairs for the other Islands and the entire distance of the Coast Path, which feels a bit low to me. It may be that 2011 has been an exceptionally good breeding year for these lovely birds, and my walk took place at a time of very good visibility of the young birds. I would be interested, however, to hear of anyone else who might have encountered such high densities of Wheatears elsewhere in the Presellis, or who believes that other areas have significantly lower densities.
Skomer
Been up to about 20 Willow Warblers most days recently but very surprised to see 2 White Wagtails today
Rosebush/Pantmaenog
The peregrines were putting on a show this evening. A juvenille was having fun chasing anything that came in range including crow, wood pigeon, kestrel before ploughing through a group of housemartins/swallows. Kestrels out hunting, couple of birds beneath car park and a pair seen on the high path. At one stage there were 3 peregrines, 2 kestrels and 6 buzzards in the air.
Earlier in the day (11.30am) - two noisy peregrines over Haverfordwest
Earlier in the day (11.30am) - two noisy peregrines over Haverfordwest
Teifi Ringing Group
A couple of months ago I added the Teifi Ringing Group blog to the Links section on the right hand side of the page you are now looking at. In case you have missed it I most heartily recommend you dip into it now and again. It is an excellent blog giving a wealth of information on the world of ringing from our own Richard Dobbins and Wendy James up in the far north of the county. The detailed info gleaned from close examination of birds in the hand is fascinating. Well done all involved with the Teifi Ringing Group!
Sprinkle Pill
At high tide this evening 7 Little Egrets roosting in trees at the mouth of the pill. Triple figure Black-headed Gulls, including 10+ juvs, but sadly not a Bonaparte's (one in Carmarthenshire today, so check those BHGs carefully!). Good views of a Fox that was trying to work out how to catch ducks that were just a few feet away on the water - the ducks appeared to be smiling :-)
Last of the Puffins for this year?
On a Sea Trust pelagic yesterday we stopped in at Skomer and Skokholm on the way back. There were very few Puffins in either location whereas last week on a similar trip there had been hundreds in the bays and flying in with fish. We had see quite a few pufflings out at sea as well as many Guillemot youngsters with their dads. So, it would seem, the brief sea bird breeding season is all but over with just the Manxies and Gannets yet to fledge.
We did get 30 miles out into the Celtic Deep on our pelagic despite rather rough conditions and saw good sized groups of Manxies, single Bonxie and Storm Petrel and 2 Turnstones. Grassholm was the usual thilling spectacle and we had 4 encounters with Common Dolphins
Friday, July 29, 2011
Angle Harbour
Eight Mediterranean Gulls (7 ads + 1 2nd W) in Angle Harbour this morning, also c.100 Black-headed Gulls. There were a handful (<5) of juvenile BH Gulls there, but no juv Mediterranean Gulls.
No sign of any Little Egrets there yet, in fact there have been relatively few birds seen in the Angle area since the freeze in January.
No sign of any Little Egrets there yet, in fact there have been relatively few birds seen in the Angle area since the freeze in January.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Strumble
It helps if you can see the sea when seawatching - today it was not easy, with a light NNW pushing in heavy drizzle and mist. Even the lighthouse disappeared into the murk occasionally. However, between 0834 and 1310hrs I had 4 cormorants and 49 common scoter. There were several porpoises in the tide race and 2 common dolphin beyond the race, heading east.
Red Rumped Swallow - Llangwm Pill
Report received from Graham Brace - A neighbour of mine who lives on the waterside on Llangwm Pill saw a single red-rumped swallow flying around his garden in the early evening of Wednesday 27th July. There was much swallow, house martin, swift (and black headed gull) activity at the time due to the emergence of flying ants. This individual stood out and our neighbour was in no doubt about its identification as he sees them very regularly around his house in Portugal where he spends a substantial part of the year.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hobby at Bosherston
A hobby was seen again today between the Grassy Bridge and the Eight arch bridge. No other birds of note but some nice butterflies including Brown Argus, Small Blue, Grayling and Silver Washed Fritillary.
(Wendy J, Paul G and Merv J)
(Wendy J, Paul G and Merv J)
Black Headed Gulls
Having seen only a handful of returning birds, I was surprised to see about 150, feeding (I think) on flying ants above our workshops at Pembroke Dock. In with them were 3 Meds, & higher above a lone Peregrine, which just seemed to be enjoying itself, showing off it`s flying skills. I was supposed to be working at the time, so couldn`t really spend any time enjoying the spectacle.
Plumstone
A late morning walk on Plumstone Mountain turned up a few surprises. On the heath there were Linnets and Skylarks and on the forest edge Whitethroats and Blackcaps and an impressive number of Spotted Flycatchers. A Buzzard landed on a fence post and posed for the camera and was joined by a pair of Yellowhammers, followed by another two pairs further along the track. Two of the males were still singing. Activity in a Hawthorn tree turned out to be a fully fledged young Cuckoo being fed by a pair of very busy Meadow Pipits.---We decided we must get up there more often!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
St Brides tonight / Pantmaenog last night
Young male kestrel and young chough. Peregrine on lookout. Single yellowhammer. Moorhen with a youngster on the pond with a fox walking across field behind. A few young stonechats.
Pantmaenog - last night
Kestrels very visible - probably 3 or 4 individuals. Young bird plucking/eating on stump below car park with two other birds calling from tree nearby. Two birds then perched on trees on slope behind the stand of tall conifers. Female hunting on top area. On the way back around 9pm - two birds calling from top of conifers beneath paddock. Male kestrel flying along lower path. Group of 6 jays.
Pantmaenog - last night
Kestrels very visible - probably 3 or 4 individuals. Young bird plucking/eating on stump below car park with two other birds calling from tree nearby. Two birds then perched on trees on slope behind the stand of tall conifers. Female hunting on top area. On the way back around 9pm - two birds calling from top of conifers beneath paddock. Male kestrel flying along lower path. Group of 6 jays.
Bosherston
Two Hobby were hawking high over the woods and eastern arm lake at Bosherston (between Grassy Bridge and Eight-arch Bridge) late yesterday morning.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
St Camaes, Strumble
From John O'Sullivan - Spent the wekend in my friends new house in St Dogmaels. Walked around Camaes Head sat 7a.m. Very close views of an immature female Goshawk both perched on a fence post (where first seen) and flying around the very tip of the headland. Two little egrets opposite the moorings Sat evening and Two common sands and a whimbrel there Sun lunchtime. Went out to Strumble Sun morning 15-20 Common Dolphins went west at 6:15, two flocks of common scoter (9 and 7) and a single puffin were the best of the birds also heading west.
Swift safe return?
Whilst not seeing dolphins at Newquay this morning heard the seeee reeee calls of swifts overhead , something thats been a rare occurance for me in the last couple of years. There were about eighteen to start with then twentysomething and then over thirty, then there were none. My guess is they were migrating back south when they hit the rain clouds that were hanging on the coast and came down to feed.
Another similar sized group above Fishguard ring road (top) roundabout at about three this afternoon may also have been part of a general movement...
Lets hope they all return safely next year.
Another similar sized group above Fishguard ring road (top) roundabout at about three this afternoon may also have been part of a general movement...
Lets hope they all return safely next year.
Aberbach (23 July 2011)
While photographing beaches (for a local restaurant / hotel) I came across a nice little Sand Martin colony along the cliffs between Abermawr and Aberbach.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Teifi
Swallows, c1000 going to roost in the reed-bed c930 pm at the moment, often a flock of up to 10 Starlings too. 1 Sparrowhawk the only bird of prey attracted so far.
Around the estuary today, 10 Common Sandpipers at Jewsons.
22 Sanderling with 1 Dunlin & 3 Redshank in the main estuary. 105 Curlew, 95 Oystercatchers, & 5 Lapwing opposite St. Dogmael's Quay.
Around the estuary today, 10 Common Sandpipers at Jewsons.
22 Sanderling with 1 Dunlin & 3 Redshank in the main estuary. 105 Curlew, 95 Oystercatchers, & 5 Lapwing opposite St. Dogmael's Quay.
Kete-Mill Bay
Kestrels active - the female chased off a pair of buzzards in Frenchmans Bay before heading back towards St Anns Head, both birds then hunting beside the lighthouse. The male was also seen at West Blockhouse later. Single chough at Frenchmans Bay; and 2 adults and a begging young at St Anns Head, another (possibly same) 4 birds then at Mill Bay. (two adults feeding a youngster and another bird near by). Valley down to Mill Bay full of birds - flock of 8-10 goldfinches on the thistle, linnets, bull finch, reed bunting, a pheasant calling, pair blackbirds, song thrush, plenty of whitethroat and a couple of lesser whitethroat. Group of young blue and great tits flitting through the brambles. Nice surprise was a pair of Little Grebe on the pond. House martins and swallows over the barley fields which are full of ladybirds.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Amroth Terns
From Anne & Rob - Amroth Friday a.m. 0830 - c.30 Sandwich Terns gathered on the beach ( New Inn end ), calling noisily and feeding close in. Anne R and Rob H
Rosebush/Pantmaenog
Young cuckoo perched beneath the car park and a little further along a young kestrel was sat preening on a stump, it then had a fly around before settling again. A female kestrel on the higher path later. Couple of wheatear on the top by the kestrel box. On the way down whilst scanning the clearfell area, just passed the private track to Pantmaenog House, a quail shot out from under my feet before quickly dropping back into cover. Next up a group of 3 peregrines appeared taking in the evening air, a sparrowhawk made the mistake of getting too close and was pursued by one of the adults, the sparrowhawk finding sanctuary in a stand of trees beneath the quarries. Before the adult could re-join the others a band of crows thought they'd have some fun and began harassing it. The peregrine rolled and kept them at a respectable distance - the crows then drifted off settling on the fence line and started making a racket - a fox was working its way through the vegetation above the quarry.
Crossbills
On a visit to the dark side of Trecwn,initially for butterflies, I was distracted by a roosting Barn Owl,and then fledgers---wren,bullfinch,stonechat,siskin,linnet, a loose group of 4 spotted flycatchers and to top it off, 12 crossbills, a streaky green individual singing his head off!
Fishguard -- green R44R
Is this the 1st sighting of a Med. Gull in Pembs. that has visiting Spain in it's travels / winter holiday....?
R44R Left pullus Paris FS72385 30/06/2009 Barbâtre, Polder de Sebastopol, Vendée, FRANCE 46,56N 2,09W
ringed by team Matthieu Vaslin and Cap Ornis Baguage
vv 05/05/2010 R44R Réserve de Chanteloup, Marais d'Olonne, Vendée, FRANCE 46,33N 1,47W Fouquet, Michel
vv 27/11/2010 R44R Santa Cruz, La Coruña, SPAIN 43,21N 8,2W Sergio ParÃs Gómez
vv 07/12/2010 R44R Santa Cruz, La Coruña, SPAIN 43,21N 8,2W Sergio ParÃs Gómez
vv 12/05/2011 R44R Réserve de Chanteloup, Marais d'Olonne, Vendée, FRANCE 46,33N 1,47W Fouquet, Michel
vv 17/07/2011 R44R Fishguard Harbour, Pembrookshire, Dyfed, Wales, GB 52N 4,59W Rogers, Adrian
(this is edited for space reasons, if a full recovery summary required, please ask)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Mallard Family stop the Traffic
Returning from St Davids this afternoon I noticed something in the middle the A487, at GR SM 818 245, in front of the car in front of me. It turned out to be a female mallard with about 10 very small ducklings heading north across the road. Fortunately the traffic both ways stopped as the duck led her family over the tarmac and forced her way through the long grass on the verge, taking her ducklings with her; as the last one disappeared, the traffic went on its way again!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Fishguard Harbour 17.00 19th July
The expected build up of Oystercatchers at this time of year was even more spectacular than anticipated , 30 yesterday turned into 300 today.
A couple of Sandwich Terns & a sgl Whimbrel also present , lack of Med. Gulls puzzling though , only 13 so far since June to this date compared to getting on for a hundred in 2010.
Strumble
A sea-watch from 1130 to 1600hrs with a NNW 6 backing NW and reducing to 3/4 produced:
Common Scoter - 35
Curlew - 1
Whimbrel - 1
Kestrel - 1
Bonxie - 1
Arctic Skua - 1 (D)
Pomarine Skua - 1 (P with full spoons)
Porpoise - c5
There was a Red Kite over Treffgarne in the morning and a flock of at least 30 House Sparrows between Trenewydd and Bristgarn on the return journey. Interestingly a fox cub was trotting up the road between these two points completely unfazed by the traffic.
Common Scoter - 35
Curlew - 1
Whimbrel - 1
Kestrel - 1
Bonxie - 1
Arctic Skua - 1 (D)
Pomarine Skua - 1 (P with full spoons)
Porpoise - c5
There was a Red Kite over Treffgarne in the morning and a flock of at least 30 House Sparrows between Trenewydd and Bristgarn on the return journey. Interestingly a fox cub was trotting up the road between these two points completely unfazed by the traffic.
Teifi estuary
Fairly quiet in the wind and rain this morning but 16 Sanderling on Poppit made a welcome change. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at the Webley with increasing numbers of Curlew and Oystercatchers. 2 Common Sandpipers at Jewsons.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Green Sandpipers - Gann
2 Green Sandpipers at the Gann this evening, I may be wrong but I cannot recall ever seeing this species here! Also a single Redshank, 28 Black-headed Gulls (1 juv), c.150 Oystercatchers and a Cormorant that was doing battle with quite a large flatfish on the lagoon - the flatfish won!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Skomer -- Sooty
1 Sooty Shearwater with the Manx Shearwaters in St. Brides Bay this evening.
(Dave B)
(Dave B)
The Lyndon Look
The gular stripe is visible on Lyndon's photograph, something it is difficult to make out in flight in the field. Important? well Cape Gannets have a longer version which can be more easily made out, useful to remember when deciding Gannets with dark secondaries and tail markings which sometimes fly past our coasts are not from the southern hemisphere.
North Pembs. breeding birds
Late on parade at Strumble for the Cory's........all over by 06:42 !
....well done Rich S.
Meanwhile on way to Strumble a thorough look at the Black Guillemots in Fishguard Harbour.
1 pair of adults seen carrying fish and feeding 1 c14 day old chick. Another adult ? entering a 2nd nest site maybe.
Clearly a good time to watch the Black Guilles in the harbour, watch from the Inner Breakwater looking towards the ferry berth.
Sand Martins, a visit yesterday to one of the 2 working sand quarries in the North, the best year yet, with c100+ active holes. A likely reason for increased activity and roosting on the Teifi Marshes??
Teifi estuary, small numbers of Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and up to 2 summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits still.
....well done Rich S.
Meanwhile on way to Strumble a thorough look at the Black Guillemots in Fishguard Harbour.
1 pair of adults seen carrying fish and feeding 1 c14 day old chick. Another adult ? entering a 2nd nest site maybe.
Clearly a good time to watch the Black Guilles in the harbour, watch from the Inner Breakwater looking towards the ferry berth.
Sand Martins, a visit yesterday to one of the 2 working sand quarries in the North, the best year yet, with c100+ active holes. A likely reason for increased activity and roosting on the Teifi Marshes??
Teifi estuary, small numbers of Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and up to 2 summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits still.
Strumble (17 July 2011)
Time: 0600 - 1200
Weather: Sunny spells.
Wind: NNW (F8) early on then NW (F5)
Cory's Shearwater - 4 (0610, 0620, 0635, 0642)
Sooty Shearwater - 1
Great Skua - 2
Arctic Skua - 2 (2D)
Storm Petrel - 1
Common Scoter - 18 (5F, 13M)
Sandwich Tern - 2
Puffin - 224
Sanderling - 3
Swift - 1
Chough - 6
Common Porpoise - Small numbers showing late morning.
From a different perspective
Sometimes what we take for granted can take on a new meaning when viewed from a different perspective
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Strumble (16 July 2011)
Time: 1400 - 1730
Weather: Sunny
Wind: WSW (F6-7)
Common Scoter - 8 (8M)
Puffin - 9
Chough - 6
Common Porpoise - 3
Friday, July 15, 2011
North Pembs
Newport;-
20:00, 4 Common Sandpipers from the iron bridge, 40 Black-headed Gulls.
Teifi:-
21:00. At the Webley roost, 1 sum plum Black-tailed Godwit, 140 Black-headed Gulls of which 30 juveniles. 1 Barnacle Goose amongst c300 Canada Geese.
On Patch, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin.
At various sites around the estuary 3/4 Common Sandpipers in the evenings during the past week.
Wednesday evening 2 Teal back on mallard pond with the remaining 2 Tufted..
20:00, 4 Common Sandpipers from the iron bridge, 40 Black-headed Gulls.
Teifi:-
21:00. At the Webley roost, 1 sum plum Black-tailed Godwit, 140 Black-headed Gulls of which 30 juveniles. 1 Barnacle Goose amongst c300 Canada Geese.
On Patch, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin.
At various sites around the estuary 3/4 Common Sandpipers in the evenings during the past week.
Wednesday evening 2 Teal back on mallard pond with the remaining 2 Tufted..
Heronries
My annual plea for any information from heronries.
I have counts of nests from Upton, Velindre and Cwm Cneifa.
The Millin Pill site was occupied, but does anyone have a count for it?
There were at least three nests reported at Priskilly (by the golf course) but does anyone have a more accurate count?
Any other heronries occupied out there?
Little Egrets nested for the third successive year - only one nest that I know of.
Please send counts to me at rushmoor1@tiscali.co.uk
Thanks
I have counts of nests from Upton, Velindre and Cwm Cneifa.
The Millin Pill site was occupied, but does anyone have a count for it?
There were at least three nests reported at Priskilly (by the golf course) but does anyone have a more accurate count?
Any other heronries occupied out there?
Little Egrets nested for the third successive year - only one nest that I know of.
Please send counts to me at rushmoor1@tiscali.co.uk
Thanks
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cleddau Records
From Barry Potter - this afternoon at Slebech Estate good views of Osprey by Oxland Wood and later over Slebech Castle.
And from Graham Brace - There was a small flock of seven purple sandpipers at Llangwm Ferry this morning at 8.30am. I watched them at close quarters for about 5 minutes or so and they appeared to be resting rather than feeding on some low rocks and seaweed. They eventually took flight and headed into Port Lion.
And from Graham Brace - There was a small flock of seven purple sandpipers at Llangwm Ferry this morning at 8.30am. I watched them at close quarters for about 5 minutes or so and they appeared to be resting rather than feeding on some low rocks and seaweed. They eventually took flight and headed into Port Lion.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Ramsey Rosefinch
Here is a rather sketchy photo of the common rosefinch that was singing in the farmhouse garden this morning. It showed well for about 30 mins then disappeared and hasn't been seen again all day.
Castle Pond
Sue Lamb spotted this Scaup on Castle Pond, Pembroke on Monday evening. An interesting record for the summer after several birds at the same location last winter.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Newport.
Good to see a slight increase in waders this morning ~ 12 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 9 Oystercatchers, 2 sp Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Lapwing, 2 kingfishers and a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by c20 Swallows.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Teifi
Yesterday;-
An evening look along the Pembs. side, mainly from St. Dogmael's Quay, 3 Common Sandpipers,1 Stock Dove, 70 Curlew, 110 Black-headed Gulls (c10% juveniles).
Earlier in the morning 3 Tufted Ducks in front of Mallard Hide - quite unusual !
Yellowhammers;-
The bird singing in the field behind work(Templeton)........has been singing for weeks.
Adrian had 1 fly over his workplace near Hayscastle this morning too.
An evening look along the Pembs. side, mainly from St. Dogmael's Quay, 3 Common Sandpipers,1 Stock Dove, 70 Curlew, 110 Black-headed Gulls (c10% juveniles).
Earlier in the morning 3 Tufted Ducks in front of Mallard Hide - quite unusual !
Yellowhammers;-
The bird singing in the field behind work(Templeton)........has been singing for weeks.
Adrian had 1 fly over his workplace near Hayscastle this morning too.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Lost Bins
From Dan Jenkins Jones - Lost: A pair of Leica 8x32BA (with a harness strap attached). Last seen at the St Justinians (pay and display car park) on Sunday, July 10th. If you happen to find them can you please phone Daniel Jenkins-Jones on (07828) 093 613. Many thanks, Dan
Lets hope someone can help Dan out.
Lets hope someone can help Dan out.
Hook
(Glad you got the shrike Richard - cracking pics! No sign of the bird today according to Birdguides).
A nice walk along the Cleddau at Hook/Sprinkle Pill early evening, a single Whimbrel, 7 Dunlin, 30+ Curlew (many in wing moult) and perhaps 30 Black-headed Gulls (all ads or first summers, no juvs).
South Pembs chough breeding summary
Breeding pairs of chough in South Pembs (Angle to Penally) have all fledged their young now. The last couple of broods fledged quite late at the end of June, whilst the earliest were out by at least 4th June. As is typical of the species, families have been moving around a lot. Many have moved over to the Old Red Sandstone coast where, presumably, there is a greater abundance of invertebrate prey and feeding is much better. About this time of year, the newly independent young start to join up with other juvs, dispersing from their natal areas, feeding and roosting together. There are at least 25-30 choughs on the Angle peninsula and a dozen of more in the Manorbier area (both ORS areas).
Overall, at least 21 pairs appeared to be attempting to breed in south Pembs this year; at least 18 of these were successful, fledging a minimum of 36 young (av 2 yng per nest). Productivity was certainly better this year than last, but not that great compared with some earlier years when the overall population was higher.
On the limestone coast, only 13 pairs were proven to have bred this year, whereas before 2009 the breeding population on the limestone had been as high as 21 pairs. The Old Red Sandstone coastal sections held fewer pairs but here the population was stable and all known nest sites fledged young. Moreover, these areas held small numbers of young non-breeders throughout the spring and summer. Hopefully there will be a good survival of this years juvs - the population certainly needs a bit of a boost!
Noted today, that little grebes appeared to have young in a well-hidden nest at Pembroke Millpond, also fledgling Cettis Warblers were heard in the reedbed on the upper pond/swamp.
Overall, at least 21 pairs appeared to be attempting to breed in south Pembs this year; at least 18 of these were successful, fledging a minimum of 36 young (av 2 yng per nest). Productivity was certainly better this year than last, but not that great compared with some earlier years when the overall population was higher.
On the limestone coast, only 13 pairs were proven to have bred this year, whereas before 2009 the breeding population on the limestone had been as high as 21 pairs. The Old Red Sandstone coastal sections held fewer pairs but here the population was stable and all known nest sites fledged young. Moreover, these areas held small numbers of young non-breeders throughout the spring and summer. Hopefully there will be a good survival of this years juvs - the population certainly needs a bit of a boost!
Noted today, that little grebes appeared to have young in a well-hidden nest at Pembroke Millpond, also fledgling Cettis Warblers were heard in the reedbed on the upper pond/swamp.
Lesser Grey Shrike (Sat 09 Jul 11)
On site from 0630 to 1800
Boy what a long week at work! (Dave - with regards to your post last Monday where you were praying for the bird to stay for a few hours - try waiting 5 days!!!)
Between 0630 and 0830 - no sign of the bird in what I understood to be its favourite area.
Just after 0830 we relocated the bird at least 1 mile north along the coast path from the car park. It was around the field with horses and "bagged" hay bales. It showed from then to about 1430 at a range of no closer than 3/4 of a mile! See pic below which is uncropped taken with 600mm and 1.4x converter. (Spot the bird!)
After 1430 it moved back to where it had been reported from all week and then showed fantastically for the rest of the afternoon / early evening.
Nearby Skylarks were showing very well:
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Beetle
Can someone kindly I.D. this beetle for me? It was a large beetle ( Shrike food ), which was running round our garden this morning, before flying off at high speed.
Lesser Grey Shrike
Day 5 - and the shrike is still there - per Alan Davies at Birdline Wales. If you haven't seen it, do! The first long stayer ever in the county.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Shrike
The Lesser Grey Shrike showing very well at St Justinian's this morning up to 12:30 when I left as the rain set in. Near the coast path just past the Pink Tower it was initially perching up on the fence posts but started to find more sheltered spots in the lee as the wind really started to build up. Nice find Marion!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Llangwm Redshanks
From Graham Brace - Redshanks made an early return to Llangwm Pill this year with 7 being present on 21st June and numbers growing steadily each day. There were 16 on 1st July and today (4th) I counted 29. I'm hoping that our spotted redshank comes back for the 7th consecutive year later in the autumn.
Monday, July 4, 2011
You little beauty
If it continues to show as well as it did late afternoon, there will be better shots than this, so I'd better post them quick!
City news
The Lesser Grey Shrike found by Marion this morning. A stroke of genius--she marked the spot for us, by tying a tissue to a fence post. Thanks Marion.
Lesser Grey Shrike
Still present late morning (Paul G, Wendy & Dyfed J). Please stay until this evening....!
Lesser Grey Shrike -- St. David's
Found by Marion B. early this am. Walk from St Justinian's car park North along the coast path towards Pencarnan. Byron & Marion taking photos presently......more later....
Still showing at 09:37
Still showing at 09:37
Crepuscular Birds
A bit late reporting due to being away at a Welsh Bat-workers conference. At Slebech on 29th June (late in the evening, just before midnight) a quail was constantly calling in a hay field. On the evening of 1st July (just after sunset) a hobby put in an appearance at Stackpole hunting the last of the hirundines over Bosherston lakes and probably also looking for the early emerging bats. Young tawny owls were also noted at both locations.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Skokholm today
A piece of tricky identification spotted by John Hayes !! on Skokholm today....A seabird ringing visit today, see Teifi Ringing Group, but with time to go birding...
A couple of migrant Chiffchaffs, and an Arctic Skua past earlier in the morning.
Irish Sea
Just back form a great trip on the Stena Europe, Fishguard to Rosslare ferry. See the Whales in Wales blog for details of the cetacean sightings.
On the bird front loads of Manx Shearwaters all the way across with quite a few Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. Strangely very few Gannets. 3 Storm Petrels were nice to see and near Rosslare a dark phase Arctic Skua put in an appearence harrying the local Sandwich Terns. An hour on the bridge in the evening was interesting with several Guillemots accompanied by youngsters just off the ledges and an early Sooty Shearwater put in an appearence amongst the Manxies
On the bird front loads of Manx Shearwaters all the way across with quite a few Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins. Strangely very few Gannets. 3 Storm Petrels were nice to see and near Rosslare a dark phase Arctic Skua put in an appearence harrying the local Sandwich Terns. An hour on the bridge in the evening was interesting with several Guillemots accompanied by youngsters just off the ledges and an early Sooty Shearwater put in an appearence amongst the Manxies
Friday, July 1, 2011
Teifi
Much the same as Newport;-
This evening, 3 Redshank -new for season, Curlew up to 77, 80 Black-headed Gulls, 10 being juveniles.
1 juvenile Little Egret off the Quay this evening, 2 flying over the marsh at dawn.
This evening, 3 Redshank -new for season, Curlew up to 77, 80 Black-headed Gulls, 10 being juveniles.
1 juvenile Little Egret off the Quay this evening, 2 flying over the marsh at dawn.
Carn-ingli a.m
A surprise at the car parking area above Cilgwyn were 4 whinchats along with 2 redstarts and further along the road 3 different pairs of redstarts still feeding young. There was at least one family of stonechats and several dark green fritillaries zipping around the gorse . What a lovely day!
Karen and Janet
Karen and Janet
Newport Fri pm
2 Gloucester landfill Herring Gulls & my 1st juv Black Headed. A Little Egret - the first for months. 2 Redshanks & with them a larger,greeny yellow legged bird with a grey & blotchy brown mantle. I finally worked out it must be a Summer plumage Greenshank - I've only seen juv & Winters before.
MID Pembs - Sunday 3 July
The Flowers and Insects of the Dowrog Common - a walk
The next outdoor meeting of the Mid Pembs section of the Wildlife Trust is as follows
– A walk to see the plants, flowers and insects of the Dowrog Common. Meet at 10.30am at the small car park car park. SN 772275 .Bring packed lunch. Leader RobinTaylor
- When – SUNDAY 3rdJuly 2011
Please bring a packed lunch wear suitable clothing and waterproof clothing as some of the areas to be visited may be wet. Both members and non members are welcome and there is no charge.
Further details from Robin Taylor on O1834 860175
Lyndon
The next outdoor meeting of the Mid Pembs section of the Wildlife Trust is as follows
– A walk to see the plants, flowers and insects of the Dowrog Common. Meet at 10.30am at the small car park car park. SN 772275 .Bring packed lunch. Leader RobinTaylor
- When – SUNDAY 3rdJuly 2011
Please bring a packed lunch wear suitable clothing and waterproof clothing as some of the areas to be visited may be wet. Both members and non members are welcome and there is no charge.
Further details from Robin Taylor on O1834 860175
Lyndon
silage
I know there are plenty of negatives to silage, but the fields after cutting are a magnet to large flock of gulls etc., not to mention the kites that circle when cutting actually takes place.
220+ mixed flock of jackdaws & rooks in the one next door to us this a.m.
Recently fledged whitethroat family was a welcome sight in the garden yesterday.
220+ mixed flock of jackdaws & rooks in the one next door to us this a.m.
Recently fledged whitethroat family was a welcome sight in the garden yesterday.
Lockley's Letters
The volume of letters written from Skokholm in the late 1930s by Ronald Lockley to his friend and brother in law, John Buxton, first published in 1947 has been republished in paperback by Little Toller Books at £10. The original illustrations by Tunnicliffe are retained. I recommend the book without reservation: it is an enjoyable and informative read!
A rather unexpected garden first
Having put the world to rights last night with Ian Rowlands of "Planet Whales (http://www.planetwhale.com/)
a good strong mug of tea was much needed this morning as we sat out in the early morning sunshine before his departure. Ahhh... said Ian , Crossbills! Five finch like birds flew over head giving their metallic almost greenfinchy chip chip call . I have to say I would not have got them were it not for Ian, but a nice start to the day and a new and unexpected garden tick!
a good strong mug of tea was much needed this morning as we sat out in the early morning sunshine before his departure. Ahhh... said Ian , Crossbills! Five finch like birds flew over head giving their metallic almost greenfinchy chip chip call . I have to say I would not have got them were it not for Ian, but a nice start to the day and a new and unexpected garden tick!