After a few days of poor/wet/dull weather I decided to venture forth and see the excellent birds on offer. Starting in the south at (a drizzly) Bosherston the juv Black Tern was quickly found and spent most of it's time near the 8 Arch Bridge hawking over the water and occasionaly resting on a log. When I left around 12 noon it had started to favour a stretch of water further up towards the grassy bridge. Good views also near the grassy bridge of the Otter mother and 2 well grown cubs.
On to the north of the county I got to Porthclais soon after 1 p.m. and found a couple of birders at the 5 bar gate up the hill from the car park. The Isabelline Shrike soon put in an appearance and over the next 2 hours or so performed fantastically - down to 10 feet or less in the hedge, eating insects, placing insects on thorns in true Shrike-like fashion and completely ignoring the small contingent of birders who came and went. A stunner - well done Marion and John (again) for a great find.
Finishing at Dowrog Common I had Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel and, at the last knockings, a ringtail Hen Harrier close to and flying over the road. In the distance large flocks of Starlings were gathering - part of the Plumstone roost perhaps? An excellent day.
More pics of the Shrike here and of the Black Tern here
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