Cleddau Reach - Pembroke Dock

High tide this morning 97 B-H Gulls, 14 redshank, 2 Common sandpipers, 2 curlew and little egret.

Wagtails and Wheatears - St Anns Head

min 25 white/pied wagtails and 17 wheatear this evening. Wheatear were scattered along the coast path from Kete with 8-10 in the ploughed field n. of lighthouse. The wagtails were in the field opposite lighthouse down in front of the row of cottages that are for sale. Also few flocks of linnets.Quite a bit of farming activity so a few more fields will have had a cut by the morning. Hide tide at Mullock Bridge - 2 herons, little egret and 2 buzzards.

Glossy Ibis

Still at Marloes Mere this evening, another full month has now passed with it being here. The Birdguide news letter said a Glossy was seen Steart, (Somerset) for a couple of days in August, 26th/27th was quite likely "ours." Could well have been, it wasn`t around then. Also 6 Ringed Plover over.

Skomer

Not many migrants numberswise but really good variety this morning - 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Whinchat & 8 Willow Warblers

More Barnacle News

From Jeremy Moore - The barnacle geese referred to over Ramsey were over Porthgain about 8.30 am. I think they came from the south-east.

A red kite near there yesterday evening.

Wryneck

At 10:30am, Teifi Ringing Group caught a Wryneck in the 2nd net while carrying out a C.E.S session. It has now been released on Teifi Marshes - 10:45.
Photos by Tommy Evans

Angle Area

As I stepped out of the car at Kilpaison this morning there was a small group of waders on the shore line with the tide just starting to drop. Just as I was setting up the tripod with some photos in mind there was a loud "woomph" as a Peregrine hurtled past some 20 feet over my head, went over the beach and scattered the waders! Still, they did return after 5 mins or so and settled a little further down the beach. They proved to be very approachable and I crawled to within 5 yards of the group of 41 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling and a lone Ringed Plover. The only trouble this time that they were so settled that they were reluctant to take their heads out of their wings for a photo. On the far end of the beach there were also 12 Turnstone.
Onto Angle Harbour where there were 12 or so Dunlin, 8 Turnstone, 3 Redshank, a Little Egret, 3 Med Gulls and the Black-tailed Godwit pictured, still in much of it's summer plumage.
Last stop Freshwater West - 31 Ringed Plover, 1 Sanderling and a mix of 14 Pied and White Wagtails - the majority Whites.

Ramsey - Barnacle Geese

A flock of 55 Barnacle geese just circled the island and headed across towards St Davids head - a good record for out here.

Green Sandpipers -- Teifi

2 or maybe 3 Green Sands flying around the Marsh tonight.
Only single figures of Dunlin and Ringed Plover around the estuary with daily counts of 1-3 Sanderling.

Dale Airfield

News from Peter Howe: at 3pm this afternoon, female Marsh Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit & a Dunlin - 2 airfield ticks for me!!!

Long-tailed Skua, Sabine's Gull...Strumble

Strumble 0600 - 1100;-
5 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Balearic Shearwater, 22 Arctic Skua, 7 Bonxie, 2 juv. Long-tailed Skua, 1 adult Sabine's Gull
(Adrian R)

see Strumble Blog later for full listing of today's passage

Gann and Airfield

Gann: High tide - Peregrine hunting with intent along the river flushed 30 Curlew and 40 BH Gull. 4 cormorants, 10 oystercatchers and a little grebe on pools.
Airfield: 5 Pied wagtails and a wheatear by the circular feeders. 6 plover-like waders put up by buzzard beyond Hooksees, followed them with optics but with wind-shake always too high and fast to get an ID. Pointed wings, white bellied, fast wing beats - continually climbing heading inland.
Mullock Bridge: Sparrowhawk upsetting the resident GS woodpecker.

Carew Med gull

Adult Med gull floating on the tide just below the tidal barrage at Carew, 1730. First I've seen there.

Glossy Ibis

At last after 3 days, mornings & evenings, it showed itself at Marloes Mere, about an hour ago. I`m sure it`s been somewhere, I checked all the usual places. Also there of late, 5 Dunlin, 12 Teal, c200 Starlings, 1 Curlew/Whimbrel (distant) 1 Blackwit.

Melodious Warbler & Common Rosefinch - Skokholm

Report from Lewis of c. Rosefinch and melodious warbler in the mist net on Skokholm this morning.
Chris
Just seen marsh harrier on skomer

Swift - Narberth

1  flying south between Narberth and Templeton this morning

Skomer

Still absolutely dead out here, the only migrant I saw round the valleys this morning was a Willow Warbler

After the rain

Marsh Harrier at Marloes, 12 Teal, 1 male Kestrel on the cliffs. No Glossy since Saturday.

Wet!

A trip out early afternoon basically resulted in a thorough soaking - nothing Paramo or Brasher could do about it apparently.  At the Gann 5 juvenile Turnstone, a Dunlin, a Redshank, around 20 Black-headed Gulls and my first Little Grebe of the autumn at this site.  Onto Dale Airfield, more water than I have ever seen, the wind thrashing the rain so hard into me it hurt!  No waders but plenty of large gulls, including a dark backed adult that may have been a hybrid HG/LBBG or possibly a Yellow-legged Gull, too windy too see it properly.

Baird's & Spoonbill

According to Birdguides the Baird's Sandpiper was still present at West Angle today, and a Spoonbill flew over there at 10am this morning.

Ty Rhyg

Group of c20 snipe dropping in behind pool, otherwise quiet.

Gann & Dale Airfield

A beautiful, calm early morning visit revealed 5 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit (which departed towards Marloes), 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin & 13 Rp's. The airfield, despite plenty of inviting pools was very quiet on all fronts with just a single ,very confiding juv Turnstone (or more appropriately- Turnpoop!)

Baird's Sandpiper & Marsh Harrier

Click here to see some great video of the Baird's Sandpiper taken by Mark Hipkin in the rain and some clear periods yesterday.

News today of the Marsh Harrier from Michael Bates - I was in the National Trust car park and was able to see the Marsh Harrier flying around the Mere at 1pm today.

Skomer

There was quite a pale Balearic Shearwater in with the Manxies in St Brides Bay tonight

Back on home ground

The Glossy Ibis at Marloes Mere this afternoon, posing nicely in front of the Britton hide.

Skomer

Not a single migrant in the valleys this morning

North Pembs waders

Newport;-
52 Dunlin, 45 Ringed Plover and 1 Redshank at high tide
Teifi;-
5 adult and 1 juvenile Sanderling, 1 Ringed Plover on Patch at high tide.

Here and there

Gann - last night - 1 black-tailed godwit heading off towards Marloes and a Peregrine sat ominously on rock, oystercatchers getting jittery.
Picton Point - this morning. Plenty of mullet topping but no sign of the hoped-for osprey. 6 young herons up by Millin.
Dale airfield - this afternoon - 1 curlew, 6 wheatear, 1 wagtail (?) in the sheep field along runway (up and gone too quickly in the wind).

Twitching

I too saw the Sandpiper with Clive this morning, what a little beauty it is. Didn`t look anything like a Glossy Ibis...

Baird's Sandpiper at West Angle

The Baird's Sandpiper was still present on West Angle beach late morning but was actively feeding along the strandline immediately in front of, and within ten metres of, the car park.  When people and dogs were too close it simply crouched low in the sand hummocks until the perceived danger had passed.  The bird was very easy to overlook when crouched in the sand...

Teifi Marshes

The first Wigeon back - Creek Hide

Baird's Sandpiper - West Angle

Still present this morning,
(Ed Hunter)

Marloes Mere

Just the Marsh Harrier this morning, appeared to be working it`s way West towards Skomer.

Wryneck - nr. Cilgerran

I contacted the RSPB to tell them of a sighting of a wryneck in our garden yesterday and they suggested I contact you.  I attach a photo I took yesterday.  The wryneck stayed in our garden eating the ants all afternoon and roosted in the fruit tree.  I have not seen it today which is just as well as our neighbour's cat was in the garden this morning.

We (my husband and I) live near Cardigan and we were very excited to see a wryneck, have never seen one before.  Thought you would like to know.  Unfortunately only saw one but it looked healthy.

Regards

Carole B

nr Cilgerran

(Jon G)

Baird's Sandpiper at West Angle

At lunchtime today, the Baird's Sandpiper was still in the same general area on the beach at West Angle, along with 12 Ringed Plovers, nine Sanderlings, six Oystercatchers and a Curlew.

Pembroke Dock

Front Street mud flat: 37 Ringed plover, 25 Redshank, 20 dunlin, 2 snipe, 2 curlew, 2 turnstone (summer plumage), 2 mallard.

Skomer

The Marsh Harrier was around again this morning, there was a juvenile Turtle Dove at the Farm, a Swift flew over & there was a Common sandpiper calling in North Haven after dark

Pembroke Dock

Watersports Centre - School Bass chasing fry was exciting the c.70 B-H Gulls who were dashing around trying to snatch a fish or two, a grey heron and 2 egrets having a look. Otherwise: c25 Redshank, 2 oystercatchers, 1 curlew.
Front Street: c50 B-H Gulls, 6 ringed plover, 5 redshank, 4 oystercatchers, 2 turnstones.,

Glossy Ibis

With DG awol I had better report that "our" Glossy was present this eve, from the old hide, on the scrape in company with a single Black- Tailed Godwit.

Glossy

At Marloes early this morning, also 2 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 1 Blackwit.

Kilpaison & a S E Owl

Quiet at Kilpaison this morning with just 12 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot and a few Curlew. 14 Redshank was, however, a good number for this location. Dunlin pic taken yesterday sent in by Gary Jenkins and Short-eared Owl taken by Peter Harris at Llanwnda on 20 August.

Baird's Sandpiper - West Angle

Thanks to all for putting the news out on the Baird's Sandpiper.  I enjoyed a couple of hours with this delightful bird today.  I had not seen this species for about 20 years.
(Derek Moore)

Glossy Ibis

Flew over me at the barbed wire gate, I wouldn`t have seen it if it wasn`t for the gutteral "rr rr" voice. it headed out to sea for a few moments & then headed East. 5 minutes later it flew back, settled on the Mere for 10 mins then took off again, same direction till we (with the couple staying in the white cottage) lost sight of it. Just a recreational flight? won`t be able to have proper look till Friday.

Water Rail at Westfield Pill

There was a water rail at Westfield Pill this morning.

Skomer

Spent the day on Skomer which seemed strangely quiet with all the seabirds departed. Nevertheless a good day with a couple of sightings of the Marsh Harrier which has been commuting between the island and Marloes. Also a Peregrine and 2 Kestrels. Nothing seen in the way of migrants. Just out to sea off North Haven there were 3 Porpoises showing well below a group of a dozen or so Gannets with a further Porpoise near the Garland Stone.
Whilst waiting for the boat out to Skomer this juvenile Ringed Plover provided a nice photo opportunity as it was totally oblivious to people on the beach at Martin's Haven.

Bairds & Bits

The Bairds was showing very well again today up to 9.15am. (And also reported by Richard Dobbins at 5:30p.m. in it's usual location - Rich C)
At Angle Harbour a very creditable 23 Med Gulls on the shingle spit at high tide.(20 Ads, 2 juvs,1 2nd W). 3 darvic colour ringed birds present & read-White, Green & Yellow. Details as i get them. A single Black- tailed Godwit joined the group.

Baird's Sandpiper - still at West Angle

Showing this morning at 08:00, same area as previous posts, - see below.
(Karen M.)

Marloes Mere

Marsh Harrier, hunting around the Mere - as noted by Dave on Skokholm, the trauma in it`s left leg now seems have been sorted. It flew off in the direction Skokholm about 1845. As the Harrier flew out of sight, our old friend, the Glossy Ibis popped up. Also 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe.

Baird's Sandpiper

Wow what an amazingly confiding bird and a real stunner too. I had to take off the 1.4 converter to fit him in at one stage when it threatened to walk under my tripod! I left around 12 noon and it was busy feeding again after a short rest and a preen.
Click on pic above for more photos. Well done Clive & many thanks for finding it.

Baird's Sandpiper

A couple of nice wing shots from Elwyn Davies.

Bairds sandpiper

What a delightful little bird – many thanks to Dave Paul and Clive for not only finding and blogging the bird but keeping the more ‘elderly and lame’ up to date.

Baird's Sandpiper

Still present 12:30 ish (Stuart D).

Baird's Sandpiper still at West Angle

The Baird's Sandpiper was still on the beach at West Angle this morning, and still feeding along the strandline at the top of the beach to the left of the car park (as you face the sea).  The bird was still being watched at 08:30.

Also, 13 Mediterranean Gulls and three Little Egrets in Angle Harbour, and c.30 Sanderling, c.20 Ringed Plover and c.50 Dunlin at Kilpaison.

Newport

Seen from the riverside path ~ 1 Little Egret, 3 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Greenshank, 9 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin & roughly the same amount of small waders running around in the Glasswort.

Glossy

At the Mere this morning.

Skomer

3 Pied Flycatchers round the valleys this morning - they're nornally a good sign that there's some migrants around, but not today!
A juvenile Marsh Harrier was in South Valley this evening, headed off to the mainland at about 19:15 - if its the same one that's been around for a while there didn't seem to be anything wrong with its legs now
A late-ish Swift was over the Neck yesterday

Baird's Sandpiper at West Angle

The Baird's Sandpiper was still being watched on the beach at West Angle at 19:45 this evening.  It was favouring the strandline at the top of the beach (well away from the shoreline) towards the southern edge of the bay.

Also, three Little Egrets were roosting in trees at Angle Harbour this evening.

Baird's Sandpiper

Well done to Clive on this excellent find, and very good of him to get the news out so quick so that others can enjoy this bird.  News from others that it was still present at the top end of the southern side of the bay at 3.30pm.

Baird's Sandpiper still at West Angle beach at 13:30

Dave Astins reports that the Baird's Sandpiper was still at the southern end of the beach at West Angle at 13:30.  Another pic from earlier attached.

Baird's Sandpiper on beach at West Angle

A juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was on the beach at West Angle at 09:00 this morning some pics attached.  The bird was  feeding on the beach just above the tideline during the high tide period.  There were several tourists on the beach and the bird flew off quite high on one occasion, doing several circuits of the bay before dropping down in amongst the rocks on the southern edge of the beach.  Hopefully the bird will return to the beach to feed as the tide drops - when there is more room to accommodate both the tourist and the bird.  Otherwise, might be worth checking The Gann....

Glossy/ Marsh Harrier

At Marloes Mere, this morning, + 2 Blackwits, 5 Snipe.

Dale Airfield & Marloes Mere

My first visit to DA in a number of months, main runway looked superb for waders and produced a Snipe and a confiding Dunlin.  Let's hope the autumn delivers something unusual!

On to Marloes Mere and the Glossy Ibis was visible from the Oriole Hide, on the bank of the Irrigation Pond.

Martins Haven / Wooltack

A Pied Flycatcher in the willows at Martins Haven, appeared to be a 1st winter bird,in Jack Sound 9 Common Scoter.

Teifi

From John O'Sullivan - Quiet again this morning. A Sandwich tern came in from the bay and a Different Med gull in front of the Webley. This bird with a single dark primary so not quite full adult plumage. No passage/small waders at all.

Green sandpiper - Ramsey

2 here too!

Green sandpiper, skomer

2 on green pong then Moorey mere.
Dave b

Angle Bay

A very wet Kilpaison still held good numbers of waders this morning although less than yesterday - 80 Ringed Plover, 100 Dunlin, 30 Sanderling, 8 Turnstones, 1 Knot, 1 Barwit, 5 Curlew. As I was getting soaked I didn't hang around but no doubt there would have been more Curlew when the tide dropped further.

Marloes Mere

Glossy Ibis at the barbed wire gate, 2 Redshank on the Mere in front the white cottage, 3/4 Ringed Plover over, 11 Snipe, 2 Blackwits, 12 Teal & a white winged hybrid Mallard.

Teifi

From John O'Sullivan - This morning at the Webley

10 (a pair and 8) Blackwits, 4 Whimbrel, 2 Common Sands, an adult Med and a teal.

At the moorings 4 little Egret, a very vocal Juv peregrine with an adult, 5 redpoll, a great spotted wood pecker and a red kite

Newport Sat pm

Sunny, not windy, A nice, near, flock of small waders; c70 Dunlin, 45 Ringed plovers, 22 Sanderling, 7 Redshanks, 5 Turnstones, & a Little Stint ided by by Richard D as a moulting adult (I only knew it wasn't right for a juv).Also 22 Oystercatchers & 2 Blackwits + a ringed B H Gull (probably from the Cotswold Water Park) & resident Herring Gull Blue BHS.

Angle Peninsula

A clockwise walk around the Angle Peninsula this morning - thick mist, starting to lift around West Angle Bay. 0730, high tide at Freshwater West - 30 sanderling, 2 dunlin, 12 ringed plover, 5 whimbrel and a curlew at the north end of the beach. Party of 6 chough at East Blockhouse. Whimbrel over Angle Lifeboat station. Adult med gull in Angle harbour (10.45), plus curlew, oystercatcher, redshank, 2 little egret.

PS just seen Clive's post!

Angle Harbour Med Gulls

Apologies for the late post, but worth noting that on Thursday there were 23 Mediterranean Gulls on the spit near Angle Harbour, mostly adults, but with two juvs and at least two second winters.  There was also a Little Egret there, the first returning bird at the site that I am aware of.

Angle Bay

At last a decent number of waders at Kilpaison after all the excitement further north in Ceredigion.
This morning as the tide started to drop there were many waders feeding high up on the beach and the tideline or loafing on the pebbles. Ringed Plovers seemed to be the most numerous with around 250 birds. Also 200+ Dunlin, 70 Sanderling, 15 Turnstone, 2 Knot. As the tide dropped further the larger waders moved over from the roost on the north side of the bay - 23 Curlew, 3 Whimbrel and 12 Oystercatchers.

Well worth a soaking from the heavy drizzle early on.

Glossy Ibis / Marsh Harrier

Watched the Harrier for 5 mins, close, at the barbed wire gate hunting, seemed to have full control over it`s left leg. It flew off towards the cliffs before vanishing in the mist. The Ibis, I managed to locate it in the wet/marsh area to the West of Goose cottage, on the North side of Martinshaven lane. Bumped into Ian Swain, a visiting birder, whom I met earlier in the week, it was he who saw the Bittern, I commended him on such a good find. (through gritted teeth!)

Bittern at Marloes Mere.....

Reported in the hide log book for Wed 15th, flying left to right in front of the Britton hide. In what looked the same hand, Glossy Ibis + 4 Blackwits for Thurs. The observer(s) didn`t Id themselves. This evening the Marsh Harrier hunting, it`s left leg looking a tad better.

Newport 830am

830am update - see post below for earlier visit;-
No terns now, just 20 small waders on dunes.
(Karen)

Fishguard Harbour - 830am

Flagpoles;-
30 Common Terns, a few Arctic Terns, juvenile Med. Gull, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Turnstone, 5 Redshank, 2 Sanderling, Dunlin.
(Adrian)

See post below for lovely photo of  Fishguard Wood Sandpiper !!

Black Terns and more terns !! - Newport

A 5am visit to Newport was rewarded --

541 terns on the dunes as it became light, by 6am of these, - 39 Black Terns both adults and juveniles (50%), only 1 Sandwich Tern a juvenile, a couple of adult Arctic terns too, the remainder appearing to be Common Terns, mainly adult with very few juveniles in the flock.

The flock appeared to fly off at c630am.........but... who knows, poor weather all day and very high tides.
Also 5 Sanderling, a few Dunlin and Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 1 adult Kittiwake

(Karen and Rich D)

Wood Sandpiper - Goodwick

From Jeremy Moore - A Wood Sandpiper at the Flagpoles (Goodwick) today about lunchtime. Also a Cetti’s warbler heard in the valley between Cwm-yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod about 10 am.

Newport Thurs pm

Highlights were regular Herring Gull Blue ELW & 6 Common Sandpipers at the bridge. The flock of small waders from 2 days ago at the Boat Club seemed mostly intact including 4 Sanderlings.

Green Sandpiper

Still at Marloes Mere around 0645 this morning, same place as yesterday - 50 metres or so from the barbed wire gate, where the track is closest to the marsh. Quite obliging, begging for a better camera than my Brownie 127!

Pied flycatcher skomer

Present again today, near to farm. Movement of willow warblers yesterday with c.30 in north valley.
Chris

Waders, Carew Millpond

2 ringed plover and 2 dunlin on N side of Carew Millpond at 1700. Lots of b-h gulls.

Teifi estuary

High tide roost this evening at the Webley;-
1 Whimbrel, 1 adult Kittiwake, 1 presumed hybrid Med /Black-headed Gull, c200 Black-headed Gulls.

Not the c800+ terns of  6 species present off Wernffrwd on the Burry Inlet (Carms) tonight
(Barry Stewart)

Back to the Teifi - on Patch;-
1 Turnstone, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin

Marsh Harrier -- Skomer

1 still present today,
(Chris - Warden)

Glossy Ibis

At Marloes Mere, being buffeted by the Southerly gale as it flew a circuit this evening, about 1815. 1 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher over, calling, being blown S-N in a rain shower with two small waders that I couldn`t make out. Thanks Brian for the B/wit info, will check it out now.....

'Chasing Blackwits'

Thinking of the Godwit Derek photographed at the Gann - The latest Dee Estuary newsletter has a short piece about Black-tailed godwits.
http://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news.htm#firsthttp://www.deeestuary.co.uk/news1208.htm

Terns - Cleddau Reach

Lunchtime - 2 Commic terns hunkered down amongst the BH Gulls in the squally rain.

Green Sandpiper

At Marloes Mere this morning, 13 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover.

Manx shearwaters - Kete

1,000s of Shearwaters fairly close-in streaming towards Skomer for over an hour early this evening, with a few gannets going against the flow towards St Anns.

Pembrokeshire Bird Conference

Many thanks to Valero for once again kindly hosting the Bird Conference, and, to all those working so hard to make it happen – Saturday 24th November – more details later – booking and more info from Wendy at Cilgerran on 01239 621212
Lyndon
The Pembrokeshire Bird Group is a section of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales

Glossy Ibis, Marsh Harrier...

Both entered in the hide log book today at Marloes Mere.

Castlemartin Corse & Angle Bay

A femaile Marsh Harrier was over the reedbed at Castlemartin Corse this afternoon. Also a young Peregrine.
Yesterday afternoon a brief visit to Kilpaison produced 14 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin and 3 Redshank on the tideline and over on the north side of the bay there were 50+ Curlew.

Teifi Marshes - Hobby

A Hobby at 9pm  flying amongst the pre-roost gathering of  c400 Swallows  last night.
(Wendy J.)

These 2 Greenshank at Creek Hide yesterday evening,
(photo Tommy), only just received the news of a Spotted Redshank on 26th July too......

Newport Tues am

In the creek by the Boat Club, 42 Ringed Plovers, 22 Dunlin, 4 Sanderling & a summer plumaged Turnstone.

Pied Flycatcher -- Skomer

1 on Skomer yesterday / today.
(Chris - Warden)

Skok warden position, please help to spread the word.

Looking for a full time warden for skok.. Warden Skokholm Island | The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested. Feel free to ring me on 07971114302. Good bird id essential!
Chris
Skomer warden

Glossy Ibis / Marsh Harrier

At Marloes Mere this evening, Ibis showing well close to the barbed wire gate - the Harrier flew in from the area behind the Scammel hide, flushing the roosting gulls. It`s left leg still trailing, though it was nearer 45` than 90` 1 Whimbrel over calling.

Ramsey - Purple Sandpipers

The first 2 purple sandpipers of the autumn were back at the usual roost site today (info from Ffion Rees of Voyages of Discovery)

Cosheston Pill

Lunchtime - 1 Little egret, 1 Grey heron, 26 Curlew, flock of 32 Redshank

Newport

On the tidal mud/sand later today ~ 25 Ringed Plover & 12 Dunlin.

Little Owl -- Porthgain

A Little Owl showed today in the old quarry, it's regular site - also 3 Whimbrel over.
(Jon B)

Waders at the Gann

Ringed Plover, 25, Dunlin, 3 - increasing from Brian`s numbers last night, also 1 juv Knot. Of the Blackwits no sign.

Marsh Harrier - St. David's Airfield

The female reported recently, seen again this morning heading towards the Dowrog
(Jon B)

Newgale

At Newgale yesterday evening there were 4 sanderling, two in near breeding plumage and two in winter garb; a couple of sandwich terns in the gull flock where the stream runs out onto the beach at the Pebbles car park; the gull flock included c8 juvenile black-headed gulls, the first I have seen there this year, along with c10 adult black-headed in various stages of moult to winter plumage. There were good numbers of gannet fishing in the bay.

Waders at Marloes Mere

12 Snipe, 6 Dunlin, 4 Grey/Golden type, distant, heading West. Several hundred gulls, (300) mostly Lesser Blacks, using the "facilities" of the Mere - bathing & socialising, these past two days. The Marsh Harrier was seen by others yesterday around midday. No sign of the Ibis for a few days now.

Amroth to Manorbier

From John Ramm - Completed another section of the Coastal Path walk - Amroth to Manorbier today. At Amroth at 10.00 a.m. there were many common terms dive-bombing close to shore with gannets, adults and immature, in attendance and several fulmars. A pair of porposies were visible from the promenade across from the 'Amroth Arms' pub. They stayed for about 15 minutes. The section of the walk between Penally and Manorbier is, for those who don't know it, excellent in terms of a variety of habitat - it almost guarantees, as today, lots of linnets in bright summer colours, stonechats, choughs and a whitethroat.

Gann and St Anns

Quiet up at St Anns - 3 chough, pair Pied wagtails, few groups of linnet, pair stonechat with a youngster and flock of 5 goldfinch.

At Gann - Curlew 150ish, Oystercatcher 90ish, 6 Ringed plover, single dunlin and single Black tailed godwit

Teifi Marshes.......Hobby.

Yesterday 21:00
A Hobby entered  the pre-roost gathering of hirundines (350+) and took one of them.
(Karen)
Today 08:00 a Goshawk over causing the expected upheaval amongst the corvids etc.
Sedge Warbler passage has begun, but numbers very low as expected.
(see Teifi RG for more later)

Newport, 14:00 today, 14 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover

Marloes / Gann

Again, quiet at Marloes Mere this morning, only a large female Peregrine. The Glossy Ibis was seen yesterday, along with 10 Snipe. (hide logbook) At the Gann, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Med Gull, 1 Dunlin. Everthing hunkered down against the near gale force E/SE wind.

Another Sea Trust Pelagic yesterday proved similar birdwise to that a couple of weeks ago on 26 July. We went far out into the Celtic Deep on the way seeing many Manx Shearwaters, just a few Auks, 2 Bonxies and a dozen or so Storm Petrels including one group of 6 on the sea. See the Whales in Wales blog for info on the Cetaceans seen and click on the Gannet for more pics from the trip.

Grassholm

Couple of days with Plymouth Uni on Grassholm GPS tagging gannets yielded the following other birds: 8/8 - willow warbler (20), sedge warbler, wheatear (2), kittiwake (350 loafing on rocks), common sandpiper, turnstone (25), curlew, raven (2), peregrine and redshank. The only additional birds on 9/8 were greenshank and black headed gull. Of the regular breeding birds were shag, all 3 large gull sp, rock pipit and oystercathcer.

The Gann, a very hot Gann...

 Only 4 Blackwits visible, including the flagmarked bird. Suspect the others were upstream, beyond the footbridge.

Little Gull - Fishguard

16:00;-
A 1st summer Little Gull at The Flagpoles.
(Adrian)

Freshwater West

7 sanderling at the water's edge on Freshwater West at 0930, before the crowds.Small party of dunlin flew upstream on the Corse.

Marsh Harrier

At Marloes Mere, still has a faulty left leg.

Manxie Magic

A Sea Trust Cetacean survey on the Fishguard/Rosslare ferry over the last couple of days provided some birding treats. Conditions were calm on the outward leg yesterday and there were rafts of Manx Shearwaters, Razorbills and Guillemots all the way across. Several intense feeding frenzies involving Manxies and Kittiwakes indicated that there were plenty of smallfry near the surface. Nearing Tusker Rock on the Irish side an Arctic Skua passed by and headed off in the direction of some feeding Sandwich Terns. Rosslare bay was alive with birds - Manxies, Auks, Kittiwakes, Common & Sandwich Terns and Gannets - many of them again in tight feeding flocks. Another Arctic Skua was marauding around the Terns.
This morning Rosslare harbour held 8 Black Guillemots and the views of the Manx Shearwaters, which were again seen in large numbers, was magical with near perfect reflections on the shimmering surface of the glassy sea. Very few Gannets were seen on this leg of the survey but there were large numbers of Auks including a couple of Pufflings.
See the Whales in Wales blog for info on the Cetaceans seen.

Colour ringed birds

To find the contact for a colour ringed bird cr-birding.org should have the details.

The Gann in Summer!

 10 Black Tail Godwits, on the lagoon, including this colour flagged individual.
1 Greenshank, 3 Redshanks.
Can anyone find the details of this ringed bird? Left leg -white over red. Right leg - yellow over red.

Glossy Ibis

In front of the white cottage at Marloes Mere early this morning, in the open, preening in the sunshine.

Marloes Mere

Very quiet on an unusually warm evening. The Marsh Harrier & Glossy was recorded in the notebook for yesterday (Tues)

Kete-Dale airfield

Gulls and rooks getting stuck into ants with flock of 8-9 chough also having a look. A Peregrine on its lookout. A few whitethroat, groups of linnet and a couple of goldfinch. 4 stonechat males and a couple of youngsters. Flock of c25 Meadow pipits.
Airfield - apart from 100s of gulls (mostly herring and LBB) just a lone curlew put up by farmer rounding up the sheep. 100s of Burnet moths along the coast path.

Newport Wed am

65 Dunlin, 29 Ringed Plovers, 1 ea Redshank, Knot, Blackwit & Curlew.

Porthgain Peregrine

From Mike and Cilla Watson - This young Peregrine was flying about above Porthgain on Sunday, giving the tourists a lot of enjoyment.

Cleddau Osprey

From Graham Stephens - Had an osprey sighting yesterday morning (6/08/12 ) on Eastern Cleddau below Slebech House. This was an hour or so after high water around 11.00. The bird appeared to be carrying rthe remains of a fish in its talons and presumably had been feeding in a waterside tree.  No sign of second bird as per last year.

Apart from usual waders and two groups of Canadas upstream of Slebech, no other significant sightings.

Newport

HT at the Boat Club only found ~ 18 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 1 Sanderling & 2 Redshank.

Marsh Harrier,

The juv, at Marloes Mere this evening, it`s left leg hanging vertically - looking as though it was injured - didn`t stop it hunting however. 4 Black Tailed Gowits, flushed by the Harrier. The Glossy Ibis was seen by others at 11am today. (hide notebook)

Newport

Boat Club ~ 24 Dunlin, 37 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank & 1 juv Knot.

Cetti's Warbler movements

See Cetti's recoveries on Pembs Ringing for 4 movements of Kilpaison ringed or controlled Cetti's to or from middle England all in one year !!
Quite amazing.......
Our Cetti's on the Teifi do not appear to go anywhere...or any come to us!

Ramsey

2 green sandpipers and a juv yellow wagtail today

Glossy Ibis

At Marloes Mere this morning, along with 5 Dunlin & 1 Black Tailed Godwit.

Teifi

After a visit to our neighbour -- the larger Dyfi estuary at Ynyslas to see the Gull-billed Tern and several hundreds of waders, time to check the Teifi...
3 Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, and 2 Turnstone oh !

Glossy Ibis

At Marloes Mere this morning, on the edge of the reeds midway between the white cottage & the Scammel hide.

Dowrog Common

A female Marsh Harrier was at Dowrog Common at lunchtime today.

Report of Corncrake calling - nr. Glanrhyd, N. Pembs.

Grid ref SN125417. near the Trig Point close to the Pembs. Coast NP Viewpoint;-
6am on 1 Aug a visitor reports hearing a Corncrake call twice.
(news via Jon G)

On Caerfarchell moor this morning I came across a couple of Lesser Whitethroats feeding in the Crab apple trees near the car park, and on the far side of the moor a single Gropper was still reeling. Down at Middle Mill Spotted Flies seem to be breeding in the quarry again this year, although no young birds were seen. At the moment the quarry is shut down - hard hats are not required!

Marsh Harrier

At Marloes Mere this morning.

Thankyou, I stand corrected!

Rose chafer

Derek - that's a Rose Chafer, I've noticed a few in recent days on Meadowsweet.

2 More piccies....

 In my garden this evening,am I right in thinking this is a  Green Tortoise Beetle? About 15mm long,
Thanks Richard for the flower ( Woundwort) I kept missing it in my guide book.

Stock Doves

Two pairs of Stock Doves have bred near Rudbaxton Church for the past three years. One pair nested in an old farm building, the other in a hollow Ash tree.

The building was demolished and the tree used by nesting Jackdaws this year. No Stock Doves were seen in the area until late July, well after the Jackdaws had left the tree. A lone Stock Dove then sang occasionally from the tree but to day it sang frequently and made circular and display flights. Another non singing bird was present which eventually moved in among the branches of the tree.

Let us hope this activity leads to breeding, for Stock Doves have become local and far from numerous. Like all pigeons they will nest throughout the year if conditions are suitable.

Newport

Boat Club ~ 17 Ringed Plover (12 ad, 5 juv) and 4 Dunlin (3 ad 1 juv).
Iron Bridge ~ 3 Common Sandpipers amd 39 Oystercatchers.

St David's Airfield

From Phil Lees - Good views of a juv. Cuckoo yesterday afternoon. It was perched on one of the Gorsedd Circle stones and then a signpost for a good few minutes, before flying off in to the scrub.

Marloes Mere plants

How about Marsh woundwort Stachys palustris for the top one? The other indeed looks like Purple loosestrife.