Sunday morning on Castlemartin Range and Monday morning at Stackpole

Yesterday, whilst it was generally quiet for spring migrants (other than Chiffs) local breeding wheatears were fairly numerous - at least 15-20 territories occupied between St Govan's and Flimston, including females gathering nest material at a couple of sites. The chough breeding population is still a bit down on recent years but, judging by their behaviour, all pairs in Range East are now incubating at known nest-sites.

Today noted a few swallows around Stackpole area and amid numerous blackcaps in song, and a few willow warblers were heard singing in a few places ranging from Stackpole Warren to lake-side woodland. Great-spotted woodpeckers were obvious but absolutely no evidence of yaffles.

Maria Evans contacted us about a short-eared owl handed over to her for care and rehabilitation by HM Customs last Friday. It had landed (presumably on northward migration) a few days ago on a Spanish ship bound for Milford Haven. Presumably it had become exhausted/disorientated on route through the Bay of Biscay during some bad weather. It is now very well fed  and seemingly appearing to be fit and healthy. It will be released in an area with good habitat known to support this species in winter, hopefully none the worse for being in captivity for a few days or so, and will re-orientate.