Bosherston Hobby

Two great shots of a very late juvenile Hobby at Bosherston today, close to the Grassy Bridge,  from Jim Bebbington.

Scaup and Merlin

A female Scaup on Penberry pond this morning and a Merlin just out from Croes Goch on the H'west road

Gupton Farm etc..

Two or three Bramblings in a mixed finch flock near the entrance to Gupton Farm this morning, also a Jack Snipe upstream from the bridge at Freshwater West, and a decent Starling roost at the Corse this evening.  Elsewhere, an adult Mediterranean Gull was on West Angle Beach, and a Chiffchaff and a few Goldcrests were in the garden at Orielton.  Generally, there was a notable increase in the number of finches and Skylarks in the area today.

Porth Clais

A Firecrest was showing well at Porth Clais car park this morning, also some Jays and a Chiffchaff. A solitary Whooper Swan flew over, heading in the direction of Trefeithan moor. Just after high tide six late House Martins were jetting round the harbour picking up insects off the water.

Ramsey

Black redstart, hen harrier, SEO, bullfinch, grey wagtail, blackcap, 10 long tailed tits and 5 bramblings were the highlights of today. Also a bare minimun of 100+ skylarks, 4 greenfinch. 50+ chaffinch and 60+ starlings went over.

Goldenenye

2 x goldeneye on small pond at Westfield pill @ 11am today
Steve and Julia 

Short-eared Owls

2 birds hunting yesterday next to the Green Bridge/Stack Rocks car park at dusk (Drew Buckley).

Dale Airfield and Marloes peninsula yesterday (29th)

Dale Airfield yesterday was full of Jackdaws and Starlings, but relatively little else. Best was a very large flock  (c.200?) of Linnets feeding in the ploughed field at the East end by the main gate. The flock had a handful of Skylarks in it, and possibly other species; a fly-over of 5-6 small birds were probably Lapland Buntings, but I am not familiar enough with their calls. On the airfield itself, no Snipe (a remote-controlled aircraft may have put them down), but 4-5 Reed Buntings.

At Marloes Mere, 2 Reed Buntings, a Chiffchaff and Goldcrest in the sallows by the Britton Hide, and a flushed Water Rail. No sign of Derek's Glossy.

On the way back to Martin's Haven, up to 3 Merlins (all female/juvenile-type) chasing the flocks of Starlings,  a couple of Sparrowhawks, and a Peregrine.

It was a lovely day for Black Redstarts, and many thanks to Paul Grennard for pointing me in the direction of the 2(+) on Renny's Slip, feeding with a bunch of Rock Pipits (and a very out of place Robin!). And my thanks to whoever called over the Deer Park Wall  to point out to my wife that a Black Redstart was on our roof! I missed that one, but the tip-off was hugely appreciated.

In the valley, 1-2 colourful Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest, and several Stonechats.

Castlemartin Range West

A fine day on Range West (doing a vegetation survey) produced very nice views of a snow bunting near the Wash this morning, and an hour later 3 lapland buntings near Mount Sion (they eventually flew off west towards Linney Head/Angle peninsula area) single merlin, kestrel, sparrowhawk, peregrine and a goshawk noted at various times during the day. Only a small number of chough seemed to be present (about a dozen at most) and there was a late-ish wheatear near Linney Head.

Ramsey

Ring tail hen harrier here today. Also 1 white wagtail, 2 grey wagtails, 1 merlin and a female bullfinch of note. Good skylark movement this morning, 100+ birds heading west, plus good numbers of chaffinch going over, 13 siskin and 2 brambling. Single chiffchaff and fieldfare. 2 snipe.

A huge flock of starlings could be seen from the island as it wheeled over St Davids head then moved inland. Easily 2,000+ birds.

Strumble Hd am

There was very little moving at sea apart from a few Common Scoter, a single wp Red-throated Diver and a 1st w Med Gull so Adrian R and I decided to wander around the cliffs and fields. We were rewarded with a couple of Snow Buntings, a Merlin and a Lapland Bunting. We looked hard for yesterdays Rose-coloured Starling amongst the hundreds of Common Starlings but no luck. Overhead a handful of Chaffinches were moving and maybe 50 or 60 Skylarks.

Pink-feet -- Skomer

The 4 Pink-footed Geese are on North Pond Skomer this morning, also 1 ring tail Hen Harrier, and 1 Lapland Bunting.
(Dave B)

Late Swallows

From Ben Manning -
Not sure if its of interest but there is a Swallow with young nesting in the doorway of the Kings Arms pub in Pembroke.
Don't know what its chances are of surviving here this late, but I have heard of UK / Pembrokeshire sightings throughout the winter.

Slebech this evening

The Starling roost is deceptively big: they come into the roost in small groups, but the numbers build up over an hour or so until patches of the reedbed is black with roosting birds. I can't count this sort of thing remotely accurately, but think that the numbers is well into the tens of thousands, not single digit thousands: fantastic.
Surprisingly few raptors: as with Rich Crossen's report the other day a couple of deeply ineffectual buzzards only. It is almost frustrating wondering where the other raptors think is better feeding.

Martin's Haven

Fairly quiet here this morning: a pair of Reed Buntings, the now-resident Robins, Gold- and Chaffinches. Highlights were a late male Wheatear on the Deer Park wall and a female/immature Merlin near West Hook Farm. The Chough flock is around 15 birds; there are also an unusually large number of Jackdaws at present. The two species do not seem to get on, and the Chough seem to move field when the Jackdaws arrive.

Marloes Mere

A final evening look, before the dark nights prevent any after work forays. Glossy still there, at the gate feeding with the Wigeon. Starlings in bigger numbers than this morning, maybe c5,000? It`s going to be a long dark winter.

Gupton Farm - farmland bird survey

On Friday morning, Richard Crossen, Richard Ellis, Bob Haycock and myself carried out a coordinated count of the farmland birds using the fields at Gupton Farm (near Freshwater West).  Although many of our wintering birds are yet to arrive, we recorded more than 3350 birds using the fields, with mixed flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches and Reed Buntings in the margins of most weedy maize and cereal stubbles.

The most numerous species on the site were Starling (2000+), Carrion Crow (66), Jackdaw (1000+), Chaffinch (257), Curlew (44), Goldfinch (433), Linnet (620), Reed Bunting (65), Rook (60), Skylark (106).  The wintering Lapwing flock is just starting to build with just 55 birds present, and only five Golden Plovers were seen.  Obviously these numbers are likely to undergo a marked increase in the next few weeks.......  I look forward to the results from the next count day at the end of November.


  

Pink-feet - Skomer &....

4 Pink-feet flying over to the mainland and back, 2 visits now, by 13:30
(Dave B)

Pen Anglas

Hi - a quick note from a chilly visit to Pen Anglas yesterday morning:
1 x great-spotted woodpecker, down near the foghorn
2 x chough
2 x ravens
1 x female kestrel
7 x skylarks
thrushes, meadow pipts, stonechats and tits hiding in the gorse scrub and flocks of corvids and starlings over the fields
3 intrepid harbour porpoises surfing.

Rose-coloured Starling

One at Strumble Head today.  Details here:
http://strumbleheadseawatching.blogspot.co.uk/

Lapland Bunting - Haverfordwest

Yesterday one at Slade Farm, viewable from Trafalgar Road estate, in a stubble field (Peter Howe).

Newport

76 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 2 Dabchick, 1 dark bellied Brent, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Kingfisher & a Waterail.

Marloes Mere

Several thousand Starlings, c2-3, with more varying size flocks flying West as I drove home. Wigeon now about 70, 12 Lapwing, 7 Snipe. Haven`t sen the Glossy since Friday evening. Whooper still at the Gann yesterday.

Teifi

After a Woodcock free wander pre-dawn across one of our key study sites above the Gwaun Valley and a male Eider past Mwnt....time for the Teifi.
Wigeon now c190 around the estuary mouth and a few up river with the bulk of the c80 Teal from Creek Hide. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers were feeding off  Patch and 2/3 Goosanders on the river between Priory Bridge and the river view point. High tide at the Webley this evening,  produced 97 Curlew, 67 Oystercatchers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Dunlin and 6 Redshank. 1 Jack Snipe at Mallard Pond and very few Starlings  came to roost this evening in the Marsh.

Minwear and St Govan's

The Starling roost at Minwear Lookout was rather disappointing this evening. Plenty of birds - probably in excess of 10,0000 - but they came in pretty late and, with a single Buzzard the only raptor present, they kept low over the reedbed and settled fairly quickly. So no spectacular displays. Whilst waiting a flock of c.70 Greylags passed over heading Northeast, presumably the same birds which have been reported in the area over recent weeks. On the river 9 Little Grebes and a single Kingfisher.

This morning at St Govan's a Dartford Warbler near to the car park got me off to a good start but otherwise it was pretty quiet with a single Fieldfare and 4 Stonechats the only birds of note.

Newport Sat pm & a Black Headed Gull.

Highlights were an imm Goosander, 65 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 3 Pale B Brents (2 ads & a juv), 12 Turnstones (a lot for here), 11 Ringed Plovers, 9 Redshank, & 5 Little Grebes
And a more interesting than usual Cotswold water park BHGull, ringed as a pullus in June 2010, in Dec 2011 it was in NE Spain, back to its birth site in April 2012. then at Newport on Oct 18, perhaps on its way back to Spain.

Mixed winter flocks

Is a good mix of species in our winter flocks, here in Pembrokeshire, becoming a rarity?

This AM, close to Narberth Town Centre, we encountered a flock comprising:- 2 Treecreepers, 2 Nuthatches, c5 Coal Tits, a good span of Long-tailed Tits, several Great Tits, single Goldcrest and Chaffinch. And of course, the dominant Blue Tit.

Woodlark

Having finished a morning's shift at St Davids Hd I thought I'd call in at Heathfield GP on my way home. A couple of Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon and 3 Tufted Duck added to Wigeon, Teal, Shovelers and the usual Scaup at Penberi esarlier. A day for arriving wildfowl but only a Merlin at the Hd otherwise. As I trudged to the car at about 1:25pm I vaguely heard a distant disyllabic 'too eet' and saw a bird drop somewhere near the parking area. Clearly no pipit, I didn't recognise the call so wondered about a bunting, again couldn't really think of one and almost didn't bother. Thankfully I did and stumped across for a look. Apparently from the concrete area, a bird flew up now quite close and called repeatedly an instantly recognisable 'tirriileep' call of a Woodlark. I had plenty of time to grill its distinctive shape as it slowly made its rather bouncy way east. Absolutely superb.

Ramsey - Dartford Warbler

Lisa found a Dartford warlber this morning. Only the second record for the island (the first being 24/10/07). Also around of note, a female bullfinch, female/juv merlin and 2 late swallows.

Great Grey Shrike - Pantmaenog

The returning Great Grey shrike at Pantmaenog this morning, either side of the paddock as in previous years. Redwings passing eastwards. Woodcock put up from track. Looked in at Ty Rhyg but very quiet just a pair of Red kites over Morvil (another over Crundale on way home). Rosebush Res: 8 Tufted ducks, 6 Teal, 2 mallard, 1 Little grebe, 2 Coot, 2 Moorhen.

St Davids today

Had a really enjoyable day out with Mark Hipkin today even though the weather became windier and colder as the day progressed. There were some good birds too starting with c10 dark bellied Brent Geese flying over Whitesands Bay Car Park. There was very little else going over but Mark flushed a Jack Snipe near the Burial Chamber and I flushed 2 Short-eared Owls walking over to join him. Then seconds after watching a Fieldfare on the western rocks, a 1st winter male Ring Ouzel called and popped up in the same place; both clearly newly arrived. The rest of the day was largely devoted to Chiffchaffs with a very pale grey-brown individual in the Withies which looked good for an 'abietinus bird, so different to a 'collybita' individual just nearby. Then at Porthclais a selection of Chiffchaffs including perhaps more than one 'washed out' interesting birds and an intriguing call but all very hard to be certain about. Something for another day. A merlin flew over pursued by a corvid as we left.

Ring Ouzel St Davids Hd

'abietinus' Chiffchaff Porthmelgan Withies

Chiffchaff Porthclais

                                                                 (Pics by Mark Hipkin)

Black Redstart - Goodwick

News from John Stewart-Smith:

'There is a Black Redstart flitting around the farmhouse at Penrhiw Farm (SM943390) just above Goodwick'

Hoopoe Withybush Airfield

Hoopoe flew over Withybush airfield 1115 this morning, heading towards Agricultural Society offices on east side but not seen to land (Terry Gover). Worth a look.

St David's - Black Redstart

Highlights of a look around St David's with Mike YP -
The Scaup was still on Penberi pool to start the day. It soon became apparent that with the change to cooler, windier weather, the number of migrants on the ground was down on recent days. There were plenty of Chaffinches moving, at least 700, with 4 or more Brambling. A few Redwing, around 60 Siskin and a single Skylark passed over too.
There was a single Wheatear on the way up to to the head, 2 Ring Ouzels in Porth Melgan valley and a Black Redstart in the trees behind the Youth Hostel.
Porthclais was quiet but the interesting pale Chiff that Mike saw yesterday was seen briefly.

Hoopoe

Report of a Hoopoe in a private rear garden this morning in Crundale -
(Sally J, photo to follow)

Newport (Parrog)

5 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 34 Wigeon, c10 Meadow Pipits.

Colour-ringed Kestrels

The yellow P26 colour ring identifies it as being born at 
Stackpole Head in 2011. Kestrels have been fitted with colour rings as part of a long-term study to try and establish why they are declining so much as 
a breeding bird in the county. The study is dependent upon as many resightings as possible and this is first time this particular individual has been 
seen since fledging. 
(Paddy Jenks)

Part of the reply to a sighting  by Andrew Thomas in Tenby

At the risk of being a bore....

With every bird seeming to fly into Pembs, circumstances tied me to Marloes Mere for a couple of hours this afternoon. And, guess what I saw - yes, a Glossy Ibis! Several thousand Starlings feeding on insects flying above. I saw Paul, who reeled off all the goodies he`d seen, which had me heading off to Dale, but at 5:45 light was going fast....

Marloes and Dale area

Today there were 3 Lapland Buntings and 2 Bramblings over Martin's Haven with winter thrushes; Woodcock over fields south of the Deer Pk and Barn Owl near Winterton Fm. At St Anne's Hd there were 2 Black Redstarts. and in Dale Village there was a Yellow-browed in The Vicarage gdn. Finally: 14 Lapland Buntings west of the pond on Dale Airfield and 2 Jack Snipe nearby. Phew.
( Paul Grennard & Mark Hipkin)

Skomer

A pretty amazing morning's birding - loads of thrushes dropping in briefly from the North & heading off east towards the mainland - 1300 Redwings, 50 Song Thrushes, 240 Blackbirds & 24 Fieldfares. Loads of Chaffinches too but loads missed as well, saw about 750 but only 1 Brambling.

A new Yellow-browed Warbler was in South Valley, 8 Chiffchaffs (The one we think is a Sibe was probably seen briefly), 12 Blackcaps, 2 Jack Snipe, 1 Woodcock, a Redstart, the first Black Redstart of the autumn & a Lapland Bunting went over

Lapland buntings - Dale airfield

3 Lapland bunting west of pond with Paul G and Mark H who had a double figure count earlier. A few snipe inc Jack snipe put up from pond area. Starling numbers increasing c.1,000 on airfield with a large corkscrew of birds over Dale. Red kite at St Ismaels.

St Davids

Vis mig included about 180 Chaffinches; 30 Greenfinches, a few Skylarks, Reed Buntings and Snipe with good numbers of Thrushes, especially Blackbirds, present. Highlights were an early morning Yellow-browed Warbler along The Cabin Track from the ex hotel to Whitesands Bay (in the willows just before the coastpath joins the track). Then there were two Ring Ouzels together in Porthmelgan Valley, 1st yrs male and female but no sign of yesterday's Yellow-browed in The Withies. At Porthclais there were two Firecrests and possibly a third, however my attention was drawn to a strikingly pale Chiffchaff which, on examination, must have been 'abietinus' (the way 'tristis' was supposed to look last year). Stunning bird, especially when seen near a richly coloured 'collybita'.

Ramsey

70 redwings, 3 fieldfares (first of autumn) and a woodcock today. Felt cold just looking at them! A lone wheatear to remind us of summer. Also 30 blackbirds, 15 song thrush, 1 chiffchaff and 300 starlings.

Yellow-browed Warbler - Martins Haven

Saw a Yellow Browed Warbler today at Martin's Haven, in the bushes in the valley. Also, the Whooper Swan is still at the Gann, and the Starlings (+ Goshawk and Peregrine) were displaying at Plumstone. 

(Leo Reich)

Skomer

 A very bad photo of one of todays stunning Yellow-browed Warblers

 I think this is what Siberian Chiffchaffs are supposed to look like this year, unfortunately it didn't call

 Couldn't believe this - Dominic Davidson heard a 'Tree Pipt' over the farm in the early afternoon - you would have put money on it being an Olive-backed with all the ones around at the moment but a couple of hours later I bumped into this stunning Tree Pipit

 

I never got the hang of putting photos where I wanted them to be with the old format, got no idea how to do it now!

 

 

Hen Harrier in the Starling roost - Minwear

5000+ starlings at the roost tonight. Most had settled by 5.20pm.

 One ringtail repeatedly passed through them sending great clouds into the sky. Quiet something! Will go a little earlier tomorrow.
 (David Finch)

Skomer highlights...

2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 1 (siberian?) Chiffchaff, 1 Tree Pipit (no OBP....yet!), 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 Woodcock, 3 Brambling.

(Dave Boyle - hope to post photos later if internet re-connects)

Pen Anglas

Short-eared owl
5 x Risso's dolphin (the third time I've watched them here now in the last four visits)
8 x harbour porpoise

Marloes Glossy

Just to make a change from Derek's info, this from Michaael Bates - Glossy Ibis on Marloes Mere approx 15 yards from barbed wire gate near youth hostel, this was 12:55pm. He then took off and landed about 50 yards away in the reeds. Hundreds of Starlings in one large flock flying around before landing in a field.

Out of the blue.......

.....or more appropriately.....the gloom; Woodcock Porthclais.

It was dank, dull and gloomy when we arrived at Porthclais early this AM, but we entered the valley with high hopes when we were greeted in the car park by a handful of chiffs, crests and 30odd SongThrushes. But that was all of note until midday when, as large as life, a  Woodcock did three passes between the sewerage gates and the car park. If it had grunted we may have been mislead into believing the seasons had about faced and we were looking at a spring roader. It brought a cheer to our faces in what was an otherwise a cheerless morning.

Yellow-browed Warblers...so far

Skomer;-

Probably 2 ybw,

(Dave B)

Porthmeigan Valley, St David's Head;-

1 ybw in withies,

(Mike YP)

Skokholm;-

Brambling so far,

(Wendy J)

Kite with tag Black/Blue P5

This bird was one of a brood of two from a nest near Llanycefn, Pembs in 2010. This is the first resighting and it is particularly good news, as the male parent died when the chicks were still in the nest, leaving the female to feed both chicks on her own, a situation which reduces the chances of post-fledging survival.

Scaup - Penberry

 The scaup is still at Penberry pond.
( Leo Reich)

Glossy Ibis

On the Mere at last knockings. 1 Swallow over St Ishmaels.

Merlins today

Two sightings of females in the Marloes area this afternoon. First a dashing female flying fast and low over the B4327 to Marloes road away from the village. Ten minutes later just before the entrance to the NT carpark at Martins Haven another female perched conveniently next to the road produced this beauty! Had to be another individual!

A Coal Tit

I didn't see Byron's Snow B on the Head this morning but there was a Coal Tit. A close look revealed a dullish olive-green back and mantle warm buff tones on flanks and a creamy yellow suffusion most noticeable in the cheeks. Birds showing these characteristics arrived on St Agnes in the Scilly Isles on October 10th following north-westerly winds. There were at least 20 on St Agnes where they are far, far rarer than the Grey-cheeked Thrush which was present three days before, in fact the last record anywhere in Scilly was 2008. They caused quite a stir and lots of speculation about their provenance since the yellow suffusion in the cheeks is indicative of the Irish race 'hibernicus' (check The 'Collins Guide' or 'Svensson'). So to find a similar bird on a North Pembrokeshire headland today is perhaps predictable but nevertheless quite exciting.
Also today and yesterday some vis mig lite, mainly Chaffinches and Skylarks with a few Redwings and Greenfinches. Best things (excluding the Coal Tit) a couple of Chiffchaffs, Brambling and Woodcock.

Ramsey

Black redstart, ring ouzel, bullfinch, long tailed tit, grey wagtail the highlights of today. Plus 1 wheatear.

Preselis - Sunday

Foel Cwmcerwyn (Preselau): Three plus one golden plover.

Carn Menyn (Preselau): One male hen harrier on southern flank near sunset. Possibly going to roost nearby – clearfell in OS 15.32?

(Jerry Moore)

Kites - tag reading

Report from a farm contractor working at Pelcomb (approx GR SM92 18) on Friday 19^th October 2012, 3 buzzards and 4 red kites on the plough – one kite with blue P5 tags on both wings.

RegardsTrevor Theobald

North Pembs - Sunday

Sunday 21st October:

4 Red Kite in flight over Solva

Large flocks of Starling over St David's Head

Group of ~ 10 Whimbrel in flight near Newgale

Up to 15 Chough on St David's Golf Course (Whitesands)

(Steve Jarvis)

St. Davids Head

A rather furtive Snow Bunting on the head this morning, in the area of the hut circles, Keeping it company were two late Wheatears which were not in the least bit shy.

A Little Gem

Highlights from this morning's callover:-

Firecrest and 1st winter male Ring Ouzel at Porthclais. (the Firecrest was working the south facing bank half way along the track to the sewerage works).

Whinchat on Solva headland and Water Rail St Davids Airfield.

The modest influx of Jays into our region these last few weeks continued with 6 Porthclais.  2 Jays landed on Carn Llidi on Sunday when they realised they were fast running out of land!

Single figures for both Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests.

Skomer

A really good morning's birding - lots of thrushes dropping in & quickly heading off towards the mainland first thing - 120 Song Thrushes, 75 Redwings, 45 Blackbirds, 3 Fieldfares (first of the autumn) & a Ring Ouzel.
Lots of finches going over - 250 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, 35 Greenfinches & a Crossbill
& round the valleys there was 3 Blackcaps, 6 Chiffchaffs, 7 Goldcrests, 7 Long-tailed Tits & a female Bullfinch.
A Red Kite came over & caught a Slow-worm & ate it in flight & a Whimbrel was on Rye Rocks

Penally - Red Kite

1 Red Kite at this southern site today.
(Allan Morris)

Marloes Mere, early morning / late afternoon

Glossy Ibis, 2 Tufted Duck, 10 Snipe, c40 Skylarks, 2 Lapwing + other stuff flying around, Chaffinches, Starlings, several hundred Jackdaws early this morning, Wigeon, Teal. As yet, no Ringtail Harriers.

Ramsey

Today saw 2 red kites plus the first long tailed tit and woodcock of the autumn. Wheatear still trickling through with 2 seen this morning.

It must be winter...

There again,  a couple of swallows off Rosslare yesterday on our Sea Trust Stena Europe Survey, were stragglers from the summer we never had I suppose. Half a dozen winter plumage Tysties were in Rosslare harbour this morning along with an adult Med Gull. A couple of Divers one Diver Sp but probably RTD and another BTD were more signs of winter. We almost ran over a cracking adult Pom which none of us saw untill it flew up off our bow, another was also sat on the briny but out of camera shot . These were about twenty miles of Strumble so Welsh Birds ( Rich Stonier or Rich Davies would probably have copped them from Strumble! )  Luckily this Snow bunting on the Fishguard Harbour outer breakwater was much more confiding!

Sam's bird

Sam, check out pics of immature Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Bill can look red after munching berries. If you think it looks good please let us know.

Zebra Finch

The mystery bird is a fawn Zebra Finch ,seen yesterday as I was walking the path to Newport Parrog.

 

I would suggest that Sam's 'mystery' bird might possibly be a Java Sparrow.

Rose-coloured Starling, Haverfordwest

Info and photo of a Rose-coloured Starling from Krystal Thomas of Shoals Hook Lane, Prendergast, Haverfordwest - It has been hanging around my garden for the last few days, arrived at the same time as my usual Starlings, but he hangs around on his own, and is aggressive towards other Starlings.

Also spotted a Dipper on the river through Bowens Wood, Haverfordwest.

Scaup and Whinchat

On Penberry Pool this lunchtime -  a juvenile female Scaup.

Before naming, sexing and ageing this Aythya duck, we spent much time with our noses in the Macmillan Field Guide before concluding this bird was the genuine article.

Just down the lane at Ivor's Pond - Whinchat.

An adventurous Med Gull, & an exotic.

A 2nd winter Med Gull at Newport yesterday had been ringed as a pullus in Holland in June 2011. In late Oct/early Nov it was near Lugo in NW Spain. In July 12 it was in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, & then down to Newport.
There were also 3 other Med Gulls in the rather large preening flock of gulls.
Anyone any good at exotics?. Also at Newport a bird the size of a blackbird, but stockier. Plumage seemed, on brief view, to be all creamy white except for pale brown wing coverts. It had a large, bright red, isoceles triangle bill.
The bill made me think of waxbills, but I think they are smaller, & I couldnt find any pictures with this plumage pattern on the internet.

Ramsey

A decent crop of migrants today. Jay was the bird of the day - not many records out here over the years. Also 1 ring ouzel, 1 lapland bunting, 1 red kite, 1 GS woodpecker, 15 siskins, 2 reed buntings, 20 chaffinch, 5 wheatears and 13 goldfinch

Bonaparte's / Yellow-browed / Whooper

What a day! A morning walk at the Gann, highlight being the adult Whooper Swan on the lagoon, also a Med Gull (adult) and a Water Rail out in the open. A trip to St. David's early afternoon landed a very handsome Yellow-browed Warbler in the valley at Nine Wells, about 200m down from the car park (below the pink house). Back home and a text from Adrian (thanks Ade) alerted us to the reappearance of the adult Bonaparte's Gull at Strumble Head - 47 minutes later we were on-site with Adrian, and after 10 minutes of frantic scanning picked up the bird on the sea beyond Mackerel Rock, soon lost to view as it drifted eastwards (sighting c.5.45pm). Whizzed down to Fishguard Harbour to check the gulls there, a good showing but alas no Bonies - adult Little Gull, 3 Med Gulls (all ads, one ringed), 7 Brent Geese (pale bellied) and a Great-crested Grebe. (photo of last week's Ring Ouzel at Watwick Bay also included) (with Paul G)

The Gann

Whooper swan still present this afternoon, along with four Little Grebes and a nice Red-breasted Merganser.

Marloes Mere

Glossy Ibis at the gate, Starlings increasing, difficult to guesstimate - 1,000 - 2,000? Usual dabblers, nothing else.

Bonaparte's Gull - Strumble Head

The adult Bonaparte's Gull from the Strumble look-out now !
(Adrian R)

Pencarnan to Porthclais and back

At 08:00 this morning, when we stepped outside here at Pencarnan, it was immediately obvious that today was good for viz mig.

Above us, and flying south parallel to Ramsey Sound could be seen, and heard, flocks of Chaffinch that in the course of the morning amounted to thousands of migrating birds. Also present from first light were flocks of Starlings that also numbered thousands of birds, again all on a southerly heading. (It is interesting to note that on Wednesday, when the recent gales, here along the coast, were at their most severe, a larger number of Starlings headed south along the coast).

Greenfinches were also notewothy this morning with many flocks of 30-40 birds, all airborne and heading south;likewise Siskins. There were smaller numbers of Reed Buntings, continental type Blackbirds, and Songthrushes - the first significant numbers this autumn - Linnets and Meadow Pipits. 17 Golden Plovers and a neat vee formation of Cormorant were also observed. The morning's Swallow count topped 12.  We recorded just 2"crests" and no warblers.... here, the avian scene is  changing rapidly.

Of most interest for us today was the sighting of a flock of 9 Coal Tits, seen flying up and out of Porth Clais, and heading south across St Brides bay. They were shortly followed by 3 Bullfinches. A further 3 Coal Tits were noted at Rhosson Farm, a first for our patch.

Post Script. During Wednesday's gales, an adult Sabines Gull fought its way south across Whitesands Bay, and a Grey Wagtail flew past the caravan...both were additions to the caravan list. For the past two weeks a flock of 90+ House Sparrows use "our bush" as a safe haven while feeding in an adjacent stubble field.  Roll on tomorrow and the next few days....the weather charts are shaping up to deliver something good! Anyone for a Black Redstart or a real rarity?

Blackbirds fledged...today

Three more Blackbirds fledged in a Pembroke garden today, the 19th October. Two pairs have been in the garden all season with the first fledged, - two on 2nd February.
(Ian Campbell)

Yellow-browed Warbler, Mullock, Dale

1 trapped and ringed  in a private garden this morning.
(Paul W and Steve S)

Snow Bunting - St. Govan's Head

Had a male Snow Bunt briefly at 3 30 today which was moving on as I could not find it settled after it flew towards the car park.Could be anywhere Also flight view of Dartford at start of valley.
(Mervyn J)

Dale Lagoon - Grey Seal

A Grey Seal in the lagoon this afternoon - a first ?
A further report that the Seal has a youngster with it. Hopefully they will find their way out of the lagoon on the next high tide later this evening. If not and they are seen in the lagoon tomorrow it may be advisable to notify the local Seal rescue people - see here for relevant info.
(Mark C)

Med Gull

A very smart 1st winter Med Gull at Newport yesterday had been ringed as a pullus on an island off Holland in June.
This was it's 1st subsequent sighting.

Angle area

At Kilpaison this morning 24 Light-bellied Brents, 3 Mute Swans, 7 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Knot.
Round at Angle Harbour 16 Redshank, 23 Turnstone, 8 Dunlin, 4 Curlew, c.60 Black-headed Gulls, 1 ad. Med Gull and 8 Little Egrets including a colour ringed bird - left leg white ring letter S, right leg yellow ring letter D.

Geese and Gulls

A group of about 50 Greylags flew upriver from Llangwm to alight somewhere out of sight in the Sprinkle Pill area, no doubt part of the larger gathering recently reported by Bob and Annie.

Congratulations on the Bonaparte's Gull at Strumble to day. This was the third to be recorded in the county, one in the 19th century at Solva, one in the 20th century at Strumble, now a 21st century bird. Let us hope the frequency of occurrence increases!

The Black-necked Grebe was the first for Strumble. October is being productive yet again.

Marloes Mere

Glossy Ibis still there - flew from the gate, to the middle of the Mere to roost at last light.

Skomer

A really nice dark Balearic Shearwater in St Brides Bay this morning

GP

There were approx 250 golden plover between Frenni Fawr & F-Fach yesterday (15th)

Bonaparte's Gull -- Strumble Head

The Bonaparte's Gull was picked up at approx. 10 a.m. by Red Liford, feeding at about tide race distance with a group of Kittiwakes. The two other observers ( Myself & Clive Hurford ) soon got on to the bird which was then present for another 20+ minutes until a Bonxie moved through. A short time later the flock re-formed slightly more distant & the bird was present again for a short time.
(Adrian R)

See Strumble blog for numbers so far today

A Black-necked Grebe seen yesterday (Red Liford) at Strumble may be a site 1st ?

Dale & St Brides

News from yesterday morning at St Brides- The woodland at the castle was alive with Chaffinches, meanwhile around the church Goldcrests & Blue Tits were the dominant species, a group of 58 Blue Tits were counted streaming across the car park toward the coastal cottages leaving many more behind around the scout camp. A few Siskins were heard going over.

While today on Dale Airfield 2 possibly 3 Lapland Buntings on the grassland west of the pond. At the Gann the Whooper seems settled with its 2 Mute friends also 1 Ad Med Gull, 1 Kingfisher.  Greenshank & Water Rail heard. Not a small wader to be seen.

Also the first Redwings of the autumn with 4 over my house this morning.

Castlemartin Corse

Did my Webs count at Catlemartin Corse a day late today around midday. Highlight was a juv Marsh Harrier quartering the ditches - seen from the back of Castlemartin Church. Later it was over the fields quite near to the back of the beach car park at Freshwater West.
The webs itself produced 46 Mallard, 62 Wigeon, 7 Snipe (put up by the Harrier), 1 Curlew, 2 Grey Herons. Not a lot but October counts have produced no water birds at all in the last few years - needless to say there is plenty of water on the Corse already this year. Also c.80 Linnets.

Skomer

A lot quieter round the valleys this morning but 2 Ring Ouzels were new. Only seen 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps & still a Willow Warbler. A Bramblng went over (had one yesterday which I think I forgot about) & about 150 Skylarks

St David's Head

News from Paul G this morning - a Lapland Bunting & a 1st winter male Ring Ouzel the highlights.

Out to the Islands

A cargo and admin trip out to Skokholm and Skomer yesterday.

Skokholm felt pretty empty on the ponds and cliffs, but still Chiffchaffs, Robins and Goldcrests in most of the bushes, and a couple of vocal Water Rails at Well Pond. A steady passage of Swallows over in the morning, a couple of flocks of Mipits in the afternoon. 2 Whimbrel near South Haven may be the regular over-wintering birds.

Anyone who has not been out to Skokholm this year is likely to be pretty amazed by the changes achieved by the volunteer work parties organised by the Friends of Skomer & Skokholm. The Cottage is now fully operational, several other rooms refurbished and available for stays next year. A major upgrade to the water system promises the possibility of running water in the rooms and kitchen (!). And three brand new Heligoland Traps (by the courtyard outer wall, in the Garden, and the largest of all by the Well Pond) mean that ringing (and, hopefully even more rarities recorded) should go up several gears from 2013-on.

On the sea, 3 Brent Geese flying South between St Ann's Head and the Islands, and a small flock of predominantly Mediterranean Gulls between the islands. Most of these (7-8) were really smart winter plumage adults, plus c.3 juveniles. Several winter plumage Guillemots around, including one feeding right inside Dale Harbour.

A quick look around the south side of Skomer Neck gave a flock of 15 Curlew and 1 Whimbrel on the rocks, and 8 Purple Sandpipers near a regular winter roost site  Just outside North Haven 2 Turnstone on the rocks.

Ramsey

Highlights of today were 2 female great spotted woodpeckers and a lapland bunting. Good numbers of common migrants this morning including, like Skomer, a late willow warbler.

Ring Ouzel and Whooper Swan

An afternoon out with Paul G at Dale & St. Ann's.  Two very brown looking and dark legged Chiffchaffs in the woodland by the car park may have been from a decent way east.  Whilst in the car park a / the Whooper Swan flew directly overhead in a south-westerly direction and was lost to view.  Quiet at Dale Fort, but things perked up on a loop of St Ann's with a first-winter male Ring Ouzel in the valley at Watwick with migrant Song Thrushes and Blackbirds, also a Coal Tit here.  A good flock of pipits in stubbles at Kete included an interestingly olive toned bird but we could not turn it into an Olive-backed!  Final stop was the Gann which was beautifully still, 9 Little Egrets, 6 Turnstones and a Wheatear.

Skomer

A really nice mornings birding before the rain - highlight was a stunning Yellow-browed Warbler down the bottom of North Valley. More Goldcrests (20 ), Chiffchaffs (10) & Blackcaps (10) than recently & a late Willow Warbler.
More thrushes around as well - 15 Blackbirds, 32 Song Thrushes & 4 Redwings & some finch passage which included 30 Greenfinches & a couple of Redpolls
I've been checking the only patch of rocks on Skomer that gets Purple Sandpipers fairly regularly but 4 there today were the first ones I've seen this autumn. I can't see anything special about this patch of rocks

Firecrest - Pantmaenog

Point-blank view of a Firecrest just down the track from the car park this morning, in the willow scrub just other side of the first pool on left. Lots of activity in the scrub inc. mixed flock of blue tit, great tit and goldcrest (a second Firecrest sighting a few yards further on I'm assuming may have been same bird) also goldfinch, reed buntings and stonechat. Quiet up on the top apart from a few redpoll, pipits, a red kite and female kestrel. Called in at Ty Rhyg - Willow tits calling in a couple of spots and flock of dozen goldfinch on willowherb, again plenty of goldcrests. Did a full circuit of Dale peninsula yesterday - disappointingly quiet just a Willow warbler on coast path near Kete.

Teifi warblers

Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff on the Teifi marshes this morning - more on Teifi Ringing
(Teifi RG)

Ring Ouzel, Lapland Bunting - Stack Rocks

Ring Ouzel and Lapland Bunting both 100m north of Stack Rocks car- park this morning - Castlemartin
(Rob Evans)

Martin's Haven and nearby

The first bird seen this morning in the half light, whilst waiting for Steve and the nets, was a female Merlin flying down the valley.
Still good numbers of Goldcrests around this morning, but many fewer birds moving through than yesterday, with only a handful of finches before 1000.
A wind-constrained ringing session gave a couple each of Robins, Dunnocks and Blue Tits, but 8 Goldcrests, all but one males. This evening, with lots of birds feeding avidly on the midges in the sallows, at times it seemed as if almost half of them were ringed.

Elsewhere, the Gann Whooper is a beautiful bird. Nothing I could find amongst the gull roost, but 17 Wigeon on the sea, occasionally flying around, and 22 Teal and 3 Redshank on the lagoons.

Dale Airfield was pretty empty (and surprisingly dry on the runways); 5 Wheatear, all at the SW intersection, were the most noteworthy.

At Goultrop, a group of 25+ distant Common Scoter (all but one males) felt early, but Birds of Pembrokeshire highlights their near all-year presence.

No sign (or sound) of a YBW at St Brides, but a couple of Chiffchaffs

The Gann

A small black/white Grebe on the lagoons with the Little Grebes, kept swimming away from me. I highjacked a poor defenceless woman with a scope to try & ID it, but it vanished. (apologies to Rosemary Royle!)Also, 1 2nd winter Med, 3 Swallows, 1 Kingfisher & the Whooper that Peter found yesterday.

In search of migrants

A close look mid to late afternoon at Martin's Haven, Marloes village & St Brides didn't reveal an awful lot, the highlight being a nice male Merlin at the former site, with a supporting cast of Willow Warbler at the latter and Goldcrests at all 3!

Marloes Mere

Glossy Ibis, Merlin(f) hunting, c22 Wigeon, Teal - same as Sash`s, 1 Snipe & a Badger!

Martin's Haven & the Mere

Wonderfully varied evidence of passage today: a constant stream of Skylarks overhead in the morning, all heading west. And smaller numbers of Swallows coming the opposite direction. In both cases the numbers dropped off before midday.
In the valley, the sallow bushes were full of Goldcrests: 20 or more at any one time, with fresh groups dropping in every 10 minutes or so. I tried to look at every single one in the hope of a Firecrest or YBW, but just found a single Chiffchaff..... Here's looking forward to the weekend. Other interesting birds that dropped in included a party of 5 Reed Buntings, 2 Grey Wagtails, a pair of Blackcaps, and good numbers of Linnets, Chaffinches and Goldfinches.
Most exciting was a female Sparrowhawk that has been around in recent days. She dived into the bushes by the road, and spent the next 20 minutes rummaging through the bushes, her progress marked by alarm calls of assorted tits and Goldcrests. No evidence she got anything, though.

At the Mere this afternoon, I counted over 70 Teal on the open water at the east end. Most either juveniles, or still in eclipse. The Glossy was by the barbed wire gate, ridiculously confiding. I simply do not know what Derek feeds it each day, but it works fantastically! It was really good to meet Stuart Devonald in the North Hide.

Marloes

Nothing of note on the Mere, c45 Lapwings over Winterton/Dale. 2 Juv Swalows still sitting on the edge of the nest in the car park, seem reluctant to leave despite the parents encouragement, no sign of their two siblings.

Marsh harrier, Castlemartin Corse

1530, marsh harrier being mobbed by 2 crows.

Whooper swan

At the Gann at 4-45pm, in company with two Mute swans. Sorry about the rubbish photo, but I only had a point and shoot with me.

Newport Friday pm

At the bridge 3 Med Gulls with the Black Headeds - 1 ea 1stW, 2ndW & adult. At the Boat Club a Little Egret & inbetween 20+ Wigeon.
The only waders were a few Oystercatchers & Curlews.
The colour ringed Med Gull from Monday had been ringed as a pullus on the Pas de Calais in June 2011 & this was the first subsequent sighting.

Yellow-browed Warbler - St. Bride's

A walk at St Bride's this evening with the family and dogs ultimately proved a good move, despite two soakings!  A lovely Yellow-browed Warbler with a tit flock and Goldcrests at the castle, in the trees on the right 100m beyond the cattle grid as you approach the castle (more or less opposite the front door!).  Park at the church and walk up.  This is the exact same spot that at least 2 YBWs have been seen before.

Skokholm

A Red Breasted Flycatcher spent some time in the courtyard alongside a couple of Spotted Flycatchers.

Lewis Yates

9 Wells

Between 40 and 50  House Martins feeding in Nine Wells valley early this morning on an abundance of flies, but by 10.30 they had all left.

Ramsey

Lapland bunting, pale bellied brent goose and med gull the highlights of today (S Votier)

Also at least 12 wheatears, 1 redpoll, 200+ BH gull (south), 3 common gulls (south), 1 sand martin, 1 greenfinch, 1 reed bunting, 7 goldfinch and 3 siskins

Osprey - Cleddau

Thought you may like to know we have just seen a Osprey on the River opposite  the Pembrokeshire Adventure Centre, visited on three occasion from around 1.30 – 2.30.  Dived to catch a couple of times but didn’t look successful.

 (Jane Sadler)

Dale

Airfield - 2-3 Lapland buntings creeping in and out of the nettles at the sw intersection of the runways SM 79164 06449. 6-8 wheatear. 2 lapwings. Starling flock looks to be growing. Female merlin at Marloes end and 2 noisy peregrines at West Dale. A lone swallow and a grey wagtail. Gann - 6 Little egret and 40+ wigeon. A dark diving duck way out in the bay (scoter? but getting too dark to see clearly).

Not earth-shattering, but...

...2 goldeneye on Carew Millpond this evening an unusual sight.

Laps & Greylags

2 Lapland Buntings still on Dale Airfield today, west of the pond (Paul G).

Following on from Bob & Annie's post, I contacted a friend in Carmarthenshire about Greylag Geese.  There are normally 100-200 present in the Tywi Valley during the winter, with another 100+ at Penclacwydd WWT, and sometimes similar numbers on the Taf above Laugharne.  So in theory our 174+ could be incomers from Carmarthenshire, winter WeBS count may provide more information.

Skomer

A Treecreeper down the bottom of North Valley found by James Roden this morning - the first one on here for 5 or 6 years
Otherwise its pretty quiet - there's been 2 Firecrests down North Valley the last couple of days and the first Redwing of the autumn yesterday

Dale airfield

Only a single snipe along the main runway. Starlings up to 200+. Merlin putting them up. Flock of 50 linnets in stubble field. Plenty of pipits and 3 wheatear inc a very saturated bird - Greenland? 10 Pied wagtails in grounds of Dale castle and goldcrest and a treecreeper mixed in with a flock of blue tits.

Glossy Ibis/ Marloes Mere

Still there, At the barbed wire gate, close to the track.

Greylags at Sprinkle Pill

Yesterday evening at dusk we looked across at Sprinkle Pill from Landshipping with a telescope and counted not less than 174 greylags roosting on the mud, there were only small number of Canada geese present at the time (less than 20).

Other waterfowl included species typical of the area at this time of year including a small number of shelduck, curlew, oystercatchers and redshank, 3 little egrets, 150-200 teal, 350 black-headed gulls, 120 lesser black-backed gulls and at least 120 carrion crows were also present along the shore.

Only 6 greylags were recorded by WeBs counters along the entire Cleddau Estuary system in September and last year's maximum for the whole county was only 41 in November (and up until now 40 in February 2012). So we assume that these birds have recently arrived here from somewhere else (Carmarthenshire perhaps?). However, they may also be arriving at the estuary close to dusk from inland fields. Could such a large concentration of geese have been missed?

9 Wells

A Red Kite flying down Nine Wells valley this morning was not made welcome by a mob of Jackdaws. We have just started feeding our garden birds again and were rewarded today by a visit from a Goldcrest.

Marloes Mere

Very quiet this evening, Coots & Morehens in shedloads, 2 Teal. 1 Curlew over, 1 Male Kestrel. No other ducks visible. Glossy not seen since Saturday......

Med Gulls

At least 20 Med Gulls feeding between Skomer & Skokholm this afternoon - nearly all adults, a few 2nd winters & 1 1st winter. They started off quite close to Skokholm but eventually difted into Skomer territorial waters!
1 Common Gull with them as well - the first one I've seen this year!

Newport & Dinas Head

This morning at Newport 7 Little Grebes, 33 Curlews & a Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 9 Wigeon & a 1stW & a 2nd W Med Gull, the latter with a green ring presumably from Northern France.
Yesterday Dinas Head again disappointed in the search for migrants. Just a few Stonechats & lots of Meadow Pipits.

Skomer

Been round the vaslleys this morning - a Firecrest again in North Valley, 21 Goldcrests, 10 Chiffchaffs & 1 Blackcap.
Flushed 3 Jack Snipe at South Pond - the first time I've ever seen more than 1 at a time on here

Turtle Dove / Lapland Buntings

Turtle Dove at Lower Moor St. David's, on 5 bar gate at Glanavon with 2 Collared Doves (Jon B).

2 Lapland Buntings at Pen Anglas, Goodwick, on heather area with Meadow Pipits (Steve B).

Hooded Crow

Highlight of a day out with Paul G was a fine Hooded Crow at Kete this afternoon, in the grassy field next to the NT car park, showing well.  Only my third in Pembs in 24 years!  As yesterday a good easterly movement of Swallows and to a lesser extent House Martins, also Chiffchaffs in several locations and a distinctive Willow Warbler at St. Bride's was presumably of a more northerly/easterly origin.  Some careful checking of the large gulls at the Gann revealed a classic 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull.

There was a Yellow-browed Warbler at Porthclais this morning (Jon B).

Finally, a late post from yesterday, a Firecrest by the castle in Dale and a Red Kite overhead.

How many Greylags are there in Pembs?

Before dusk this evening between c. 1730 and 1745, we watched to separate skeins of grey geese (c. 50 in the first and c. 70-80 in the second) fly over from somewhere to the east of Martletwy area probably towards Sprinkle Pill.  From size, colour and call (but not seen through bins) the first group all appeared to be greylags and at least 70 of the second group also appeared to be greylags with possibly a small number of Canada Geese with them. We concluded that there must have been somewhere between 100 and 120 grey geese in total - all most likely to be greylags. We presume that they had been feeding in stubble fields in the area during the day and were heading back to feed/roost on the estuary.  

Ramsey

Further signs of movement here today. 1 red kite, 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 redwing (first of autumn), another large arrival of goldfinch (175 mainly heading south after stopping off to feed), 3 skylark (west), 8 song thrush, 9 goldcrest 2 blue tit, 1 great tit, 6 greenfinch, 2 reed bunting, 15+ pied wagtails, 1 snipe, 2 wheatear, 2 house martin, 50+ swallow

No sign of the Yellowed browed warbler today

Skomer

Another good mornings birding - highlight was a Yellow-browed Warbler at North Stream Crossing. Also round the valleys there was 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Great Tit (first of the autumn) & 3 Coal Tits (first of the autumn).
2 Lapland Buntings were out west of the farm, 5 Pale-bellied Brents flew south offshore, about 70 Skylarks flew over heading west and the first 3 House Sparrows of the autumn flew over the farm.

Didn't see the Barred Warbler this morning

Gann & Dale

A single Whooper was at the Gann at 8.00hrs. Also single Grey Plover here and Water Rail heard. Later in Dale car park in with several Chiffchaffs was a Blackcap & Willow Warbler.

Birds on Skok

Yesterday- Good for raptors as one of the Red Kites made it out to circle over N Pond a while with 4 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 3 Peregrine showing themselves as soon as it had moved on.  Over 500 Swallow could be seen at a time with at least 20 House Martins mixed in.  A single Melodious Warbler settled at Well Pond.

Today- 12 Chaffinch passed through and the Melodious still showing well.

Kites

Similar to Kim's observations below, 2 Red Kites soaring with 4 Buzzards over Martins Haven on Saturday at lunchtime, then one Red Kite over our house in the afternoon - only the second one we have ever seen here.
Rosemary

Osprey and a Kite flock

Deer Park Saturday late afternoon (4:30 ish) 9 Red Kites fly over heading east, lots of Swallows with a few House Martins among them, and as we came past the Seal pupping bays a large Raptor also heading easterly across Wooltack point looked odd and big in the bins but was a bit far to get a good look, luckily I had the scope and it was then clear, an Osprey, it didn't hang about though.

Lot's of Chough too.

Ramsey

Yellow browed warbler and firecrest in the same bush and 5 whooper swans heading west were the highlights of today. Also 30+ goldfinch, 100+ swallows, 4 house martin, 2 chiffchaffs, 10 goldcrest, 1 song thrush and 2 blue tits.

Doing the rounds

A pleasant start to a lovely day, the Glossy at Marloes going about it`s ablutions in the morning sunshine, none of last night`s birds there however. A Red Kite flying West over Bicton, around 1:45pm, half an hour later, at Martins Haven car park, Red Kite flying East! (same one?) some 80 Golfinches feeding on the ragwort at the Deerpark, what was apparent was a constant stream of Swallows heading ESE, throughout the day. Had a final look at the Mere around teatime but didn`t see the Ibis.

Skomer

Just when you start moaning about the lack of birds a few come in!

This Barred Warbler was near the Well in the morning

A Red Kite came over for a couple of hours before heading back to the mainland, a stunning male Ring Ouzel dropped in to North Valley, the Wryneck popped up again at the farm and a Lapland Bunting flew over
It was the first day of the autumn with a few thrushes - 8 Blackbirds & 8 Song Thrushes, and a few finches were going over as well - about 60 Chaffinches, 5 Siskins, 65 Goldfinches 1 Redpoll & 1 Greenfinch.
In the valleys there was 17 Goldcrests, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps & a Willow Warbler

Strumble this week

I spent a few hours at Strumble this week whilst holidaying in the area and it was nice to see some of you 'regulars' again. Here follows a list of birds I saw when I was on my own there.

4/10/12 (07.20hrs-13.00hrs)

Common Scoter - males - 67 females - 8, 'Bonxies' - 4, Arctic Tern - 1, Common Tern - 17, Sandwich Tern- 13, Pomarine Skua - 1, Diver species - 1 (I thought a Black-throated but cant be sure),

Brent Geese 8 (4 dark bellied together then 2 pale bellied @ 08.52 closely followed by another 2 pale bellied @ 09.02).

A passage of 'hundreds' of auks.

Female Kestrel hunting (hovering) near Newport Golf Clubhouse in the afternoon.

Strumble 5/10/12 (07.15hrs-11.00hrs)

Common Scoter - males- 75- females - 12, Arctic Skua - 2 (light phase), Arctic Tern - 2, 'Comic' Tern 2, Red-throated Diver 1, Teal - 1 (female flying with a flock of Scoter), Female Kestrel hunting (hovering) near the car park opposite Strumble lighthouse.

Plumstone Mountain - 4 Common Snipe flushed out by horses!

Wryneck - Skomer

The Wryneck still around the farm.
(Chris)

Yellow-browed Warbler - Ramsey

1 Yellow-browed Warbler  this morning.
(Greg)

Dale Airfield

Quite a few good looking pools just 3 snipe in amongst them. Dead sheep with 15 ravens and a fox feeding side-by-side. 2 goldcrest on the lane up and another in gorse bush along runway with a willow warbler. 2 chiffchaff and another goldcrest in bracken overlooking Marloes - highlight was a male whinchat in same area, robin repeatedly pushing it from its perch. Plenty of skylarks.

Skomer news

News from Dave Boyle - Barred Warbler, Ring Ouzel and Lapland Bunting this morning.  Things are picking up - yesterday an Eastern Kingbird (1st for the Western Palearctic) in Co Galway, not there this morning but ample compensation in the form of a Belted Kingfisher!!!  It just isn't fair.

St Davids Hd

Just to echo Dave Boyle's comments re Skomer. There were a few Chaffinches and Meadow Pipits with a couple of Reed Buntings and a single Skylark going through yesterday but otherwise incredibly slow recently. Some Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs, a couple of Grey Wagtails and 4 LB Brent Geese are the best I can think of. Hopefully time for a change here but I may miss it on Scilly.

Skomer

Apart from the Firecrest & Great Spotted Woodpecker, and a handful of Chiffchaffs & Goldcrests its incredibly quiet out here - Meadow Pipit & finch passage in the mornings has been virtually non-existent & we've got no thrushes yet

Marloes Mere, late afternoon.

A female Merlin - which I assume was last winter`s resident - making three sustained attacks on Meadow Pipits, all spectacular, all unsucccessful. I came upon her a few minutes later, sitting atop a fence post at the white cottage looking slightly knackered, staring at me through the rain. Also 3 Wigeon, 1m, 2f & as noted earlier, our old friend, the Glossy Ibis.

Firecrest - Skomer

Firecrest and Great Spotted Woodpecker in North Valley this morning.
(Dave B)

Radford Pill, Thursday pm

1 green sandpiper and 3 black-tailed godwits, plus a few redshank, 3 curlew, 1 lapwing, teal....

Glossy Ibis - Marloes Mere

Showing very well from the gate at 1430 this afternoon........

End of an era

Jack Donovan died at his home last Saturday evening following a prolonged illness.


Jack was a gifted naturalist who directed much of his life towards the conservation of wildlife. He was awarded the MBE in 1988, for his outstanding contribution in promoting sympathetic agriculture and his participation in all aspects of the work of The Wildlife Trust of South and West wales. He was also made a Vice President of the Trust.

On the birding front Jack became the first Pembrokeshire Bird Recorder in 1961 and held that office for many years. Many of us have fond memories of time spent in the field with Jack and in sharing some of his finds, like for example the Nine wells Isabelline Shrike.

Jack's irrepressible manner, wicked sense of humour and all embracing sociabilty will be greatly missed. truly his name will be writ large in the annals of Pembrokeshire ornithology.

Jack Donovan MBE

As many of you will know Jack sadly passed away last Saturday. His funeral will be next Tuesday the 9th of October at Rudbaxton Church and then to the Crematorium for 1pm. More on the Pembrokeshire Bird Group blog site

Seems a bit late...

Our swallows were late nesting this year. The male seemingly having difficulties in attracting a female to help him build a nest in our shed whose door I had hacked a chunk out of the top, to let swallows in and keep Magpies out. Eventually they sussed it and raised a broodof six  which fledged in late July. They managed a second brood of five that fledged a couple of weeks ago. I though last weekend they had gone but last night noticed swallows hawking around the yard as it grew dark and then entering the shed to roost. And then same thing again tonight. Presumably they are our birds but where have they been during the day? Why have they not gone and when will they go?  Answers on a signed blank cheque please!

Glossy Ibis

At Marloes Mere, this evening.

Newport Wed pm

At the bridge end the highlight was an archetypal adult michahellis Yellow Legged Gull - yellow legs, minimal head streaking, crimson eye ring, & it helpfully sat next to a Herring Gull to demonstrate the slightly darker mantle. A Pembs first for me.
Also a 1st W Med & old faithfull Herring Gull Blue BHS plus 6 Little Grebes, a (?the) juv Goosander & a Kingfisher.
A cursory look round the Boat Club revealed no small waders or anything else of interest.

Skokholm 22-27th Sept & bits and pieces since

We were part of a small volunteer party during a memorably wet and windy week on Skokholm (memorable for the weather less so for birds). The pectoral sandpiper was seen by one of our party (Neil Mathew) near Winter Pond on Sat. 22nd but not seen thereafter. The occasional dunlin, small numbers of whimbrel, snipe (including and early jack snipe seen by Neil) were the only other waders of real note.

Passerines were not particularly numerous but it was nice to see a continuous small passage of chiffchaffs, a few willow warblers most days, increasing numbers of goldcrests towards the end of the week - could have been up to 50+ across the island, small numbers of blackcaps, probably in excess of a few hundred swallows on the best days, together with smaller numbers of house martins and several sand martins moving through the island. Mipits were numerous across the entire island and white wags (several per day) notable as well.

Just a couple of wheatears were noted passing through (or temporarily resident). Robins were pretty numerous with many autumn/winter territories being established across the island - could have been 50+ individuals.

A fine male ring ouzel flew behind the observatory buildings towards the neck on the afternoon of 25th Sept but that was the only real thrush of note other than possibly a small increase in blackbird numbers around the buildings by the time we had to leave, a day and a half earlier than planned due to forecast of deteriorating weather.

High numbers of great black-backed gulls - easily 170-200 birds - were present each day near North Pond and the Neck, mopping up some of the late fledging shearwaters (small numbers noted most nights near the buildings). Apart from a couple of hundred kittiwakes noted close inshore one blustery day there was not much notable seabird passage. Excellent views were obtained of water rails at the well reed-bed including well grown juv(s).

Back from Skokholm we noted at Pembroke Millpond a couple of colour-ringed adult black-headed gulls in the flock there of about 100 birds on 1st October - both white darvic types with black digits (TAMC and 29D6). We've since learned that TAMC was ringed at PRZYKONA Reservoir, RADYCZYNY, TUREK in central Poland in May 2010, having been reported also from New Quay, Cornwall three times since then, including in January 2012. We are awaiting details for 29D6. 

Angle

Just after high tide at Kilpaison - 11 Brents, 140 Black-headed Gulls, 2 ad Med Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 1 Knot. Also, unusually, 3 Mute Swans on the beach.
At Angle Harbour 17 Meds - 15 ads, 2 2nd W, 6 Little Egrets, 7 Turnstones.

Newport

A late afternoon stroll only found 13 Wigeon, 1 Grey Plover and a Redshank.

Skomer

Not much out here at the moment except a handful of Goldcrests. A Great Spotted Woodpecker today was nice & there was a Firecrest on Saturday

Marloes

Glosy still there. 10 Months now since the original three turned up, 5 months for this one. 4 fledgling Swallows in the car park hut, they seem just about ready to fly, they need to be out soon.

The Gann

2 mergansers this morning.