Puncheston and the Gwaun

While surveying for breeding kites this afternoon, there was plenty of raptor activity in this area. A pair of goshawks at a traditional site soared with fanned out undertail coverts climbing so high that they were tiny specks. At least three different sparrowhawks were seen but not displaying. A ring-tail hen harrier gave excellent views on Mynydd Castleblythe as it hunted low over the bracken in the sunshine, and this was only seen because I stopped the car to answer the phone (thanks Janet). A female kestrel was sat on the box there too. Also two additional pairs of kites found, so they are still on the up.

A couple of blackcaps were heard singing, adding to the rapidly accumulating singing chiffchaffs. At least 70 golden plover were in pasture near Trecwn, some now looking very black underneath.