Friday, 20 November 2009
Rose - coloured Starling -- Pembroke Dock
The starling was seen again in the private garden at c15:00 today.
Access is likely to be arranged if the bird continues it's stay, but will be by prior arrangement only.
Access is likely to be arranged if the bird continues it's stay, but will be by prior arrangement only.
Bittern -- Teifi Marshes
Kingfisher Hide;-
The Bittern was seen briefly in front of the hide this am at c09:00, but not since. Seen in the area of cut reeds to the right as you look from the hide.
(Paul M.)
The Bittern was seen briefly in front of the hide this am at c09:00, but not since. Seen in the area of cut reeds to the right as you look from the hide.
(Paul M.)
Black Redstart
One present at Sealyham today
Spotted Redshank -- Llangwm Pill.
The wintering bird showing well in the Pill at 14:15 today.
(Merv.)
(Merv.)
Tetrad-bashing, and loving it
I received my emails from the BTO Atlas people and then from Annie this week and felt guilty at the number of blank and under-recorded tetrads in Pembrokeshire. So I decided to volunteer for a tetrad up in the Preselis, far off my patch, and one in an area lacking many roving records. So I signed up for SN13L, the "peak" of Foel Drygarn, with a large area of moorland, and an interesting plantation in the south-east corner.
First thing this morning did not seem promising for a winter TTV, but by 1030 the sky was clearing, and the wind dropping as my brother and I set off from the car up the long open slope towards Foel Drygarn. We nearly stopped right there: the slope was just covered with beautiful Fieldfares, feeding, chacking and acting as nervously as only Fieldfares can do. The count started at 40, and quickly hit 100+, and then we started to count Redwings, hidden amongst the Fieldfares. 50, then 100. As we finally dragged ourselves away from this lovely sight we started to wade up a boggy area with several small streams taking runoff from the rain. A strange snipe flushed, and then immediately dropped down again. Small, and no bill apparent. Then another, but this one flew much further in a "snipe way", and showed strong white barring on the back, tail and wings, and a bill. As we walked up, the original bird flushed again: Jack Snipe!
As we reached the summit, the bird activity dropped off to a pair of Ravens as the exposure to the wind increased, but the crags along the entire ridge line look a potential habitat for Ring Ouzels next year (3 more TTVs to go!). Reaching the plantation, Meadow Pipits started to show: singletons, then a flock of 9, and a lone Reed Bunting sat on a patch of gorse. As we walked along the tree line (the pines are far too densely planted to see anything inside) we flushed 2 Woodcock in the clearfell, and the road back to car had 50+ Chaffinches, 4 species of tits and good numbers of House Sparrows, all benefiting from feeders at the farms.
So, a fantastic morning out: 28 species from an area that, without the Atlas, I would probably never have visited.
First thing this morning did not seem promising for a winter TTV, but by 1030 the sky was clearing, and the wind dropping as my brother and I set off from the car up the long open slope towards Foel Drygarn. We nearly stopped right there: the slope was just covered with beautiful Fieldfares, feeding, chacking and acting as nervously as only Fieldfares can do. The count started at 40, and quickly hit 100+, and then we started to count Redwings, hidden amongst the Fieldfares. 50, then 100. As we finally dragged ourselves away from this lovely sight we started to wade up a boggy area with several small streams taking runoff from the rain. A strange snipe flushed, and then immediately dropped down again. Small, and no bill apparent. Then another, but this one flew much further in a "snipe way", and showed strong white barring on the back, tail and wings, and a bill. As we walked up, the original bird flushed again: Jack Snipe!
As we reached the summit, the bird activity dropped off to a pair of Ravens as the exposure to the wind increased, but the crags along the entire ridge line look a potential habitat for Ring Ouzels next year (3 more TTVs to go!). Reaching the plantation, Meadow Pipits started to show: singletons, then a flock of 9, and a lone Reed Bunting sat on a patch of gorse. As we walked along the tree line (the pines are far too densely planted to see anything inside) we flushed 2 Woodcock in the clearfell, and the road back to car had 50+ Chaffinches, 4 species of tits and good numbers of House Sparrows, all benefiting from feeders at the farms.
So, a fantastic morning out: 28 species from an area that, without the Atlas, I would probably never have visited.
Little Auk & Pom Skua
I had a good day out at Pen Anglas point today, a little auk west close inshore at 13:00, a moulting pale phase pomarine skua west at 14:30 and a merlin over east at 15:00.
Flagpoles 16.00 20th Nov. Divers
At least 6 Divers in the bay , 2 Great Northern & a group of 4 more distant which i couldn't quite pin down , although i suspect they are Great Northern as well. An Adult Med. Gull & a very advanced 1st W. Med. Gull. 1 Great Crested Grebe fairly close in.
Barcud Coch this morning by New Inn at Rosebush.
Barcud Coch this morning by New Inn at Rosebush.
Rose-coloured Starling -- Pembroke Dock
Hi, Richard
The bird arrived earlier this week (Wednesday) and was in my garden for two days. It roosted in a small conifer next to the bird feeding station. It was very aggressive toward the local starlings which it chased from the food table whenever they approached. It didn't seem in the least bit timid. I'm only sorry I didn't get a better pic.
There was also a visit on two days from a female black redstart on Sunday (15th) and Tuesday(17th)
Cheers
George
The bird arrived earlier this week (Wednesday) and was in my garden for two days. It roosted in a small conifer next to the bird feeding station. It was very aggressive toward the local starlings which it chased from the food table whenever they approached. It didn't seem in the least bit timid. I'm only sorry I didn't get a better pic.
There was also a visit on two days from a female black redstart on Sunday (15th) and Tuesday(17th)
Cheers
George
Shags
Interesting sight this morning - a tight group of 57 Shags close inshore in the bay at Pickleridge.
Must have eventually got fed up with the windy weather and sought some shelter.
Rosemary
Must have eventually got fed up with the windy weather and sought some shelter.
Rosemary
Thursday, 19 November 2009
See photo on Birdguides
Rose-coloured Starling -- Pembroke Dock !!
Med Gulls...... & Common Sand.
Gelliswick;-
7 Med. Gulls,(6 ad & 1w)
Castle Pill;-
1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank.
Newgale;-
1w Med Gull on the campsite.
(Paul G.)
7 Med. Gulls,(6 ad & 1w)
Castle Pill;-
1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank.
Newgale;-
1w Med Gull on the campsite.
(Paul G.)
Flagpoles 15.00 ish 19th Nov
1 Adult Med. Gull with the mix of Blk Headed , Common & Herring Gulls. 1 Great Crested Grebe & 2 Great Northern Divers viewable with bins quite close in from the flagpoles.
Strumble Head earlier for an hour , a large flock of gulls ( 200+ ) feeding between the lighthouse & the lookout , predominantly kittiwakes with a fair number of this years birds. A few Gillies & Razorbills in the flock as well. Nothing passed out to sea apart from a couple of suicidal Cormorants.
Strumble Head earlier for an hour , a large flock of gulls ( 200+ ) feeding between the lighthouse & the lookout , predominantly kittiwakes with a fair number of this years birds. A few Gillies & Razorbills in the flock as well. Nothing passed out to sea apart from a couple of suicidal Cormorants.
Reptiles for Birds
Bird conservationists need to think long-term. So, if you want to get your reptile food supply up to scratch for future colonisation by Short-toed Eagles or just feed the local Barn Owls with frogs, you might be interested in this excellent event on the 28th of this month - details here
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Angle (15 Nov 09)
Sorry for the late post!
Better views of birds on Sunday compared to Saturday - from Old Point House:
Great Northern Diver - 3
Slavonian Grebe - 1
Razorbill - 1
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The Pembrokeshire Breeding Birds Atlas is published
After 5 years of fieldwork by some 127 observers, visiting 492 tetrads and collecting some 30,000 records, the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pembrokeshire 2003-2007 is now a reality. This latest important audit (dare we say health-check) of our breeding birds will be formally launched at this weekends Bird Conference being hosted by Chevron.
The book covers more than 100 breeding species, with maps for most showing changes in distribution between the first breeding birds survey (1984-88) and 2003-07. Initially it will be on sale at the conference (price £10-00) and at future Bird Group meetings.
The book covers more than 100 breeding species, with maps for most showing changes in distribution between the first breeding birds survey (1984-88) and 2003-07. Initially it will be on sale at the conference (price £10-00) and at future Bird Group meetings.
THE Hen Harrier -- a first...!
Irish Hen Harrier :-
Hi Elwyn, I've been alerted to your photos on birdguides.com. Well done, wonderful pics. This beautiful bird I ruined by putting on wing tags this summer as a youngster in West Clare, Ireland. She is from a brood of 4, hatched in a lovely quiet bog, with lots of green molinia and heather. She was a quite large bird (538g, Wing 254mm). I'm delighted to see she is still doing well (though I'd nearly hoped she'd stay on Skomer Island, where she'd spent the last month or so). Can you tell me about where you saw her. Where exactly is it? What is the habitat like? Is it a safe place? Plenty of food? Do you think she is roosting there also? Is it a known roosting area? What time of day did you see her and do you live in the region? She will forever be remembered as the first Hen Harrier proven to fly off the island of Ireland! And all thanks to yourselves in Wales. Her trip to Skomer was 285km from home, on a direct bearing of 112 degrees. This bearing from home to Skomer, crosses straight over Hook Head, where so many young Hen Harriers in Ireland are found each autumn and winter. I have long suspected and stated that Hen Harriers must be leaving Ireland at points like this, and that in the case of the South-East, these birds must be travelling to either Cornwall or Wales. Skomer would be the first landfall for such a journey in that direction. I have attached for you both the colour scheme for Ireland 2009 (if possible, you can circulate this to your contacts/on your website/offices etc). I also attach a photo of your new neighbour from when she was young(er)! and a map of her journey to date. I would very much appreciate it if you could send some of the hi-res shots you took of her, as it helps inform me as to her plumage and health. I would be delighted if you could pass on any further sightings, or let your colleagues/friends know to keep an eye out for her (unless it creates a scene and attention from landowners). Thanks and well done again Elwyn, a truly magnificent find! Make sure ye look after her! They're as precious over here as they are in Wales. And I've no doubt birds from Cymru are heading to Éireann! Barry
Hi Elwyn, I've been alerted to your photos on birdguides.com. Well done, wonderful pics. This beautiful bird I ruined by putting on wing tags this summer as a youngster in West Clare, Ireland. She is from a brood of 4, hatched in a lovely quiet bog, with lots of green molinia and heather. She was a quite large bird (538g, Wing 254mm). I'm delighted to see she is still doing well (though I'd nearly hoped she'd stay on Skomer Island, where she'd spent the last month or so). Can you tell me about where you saw her. Where exactly is it? What is the habitat like? Is it a safe place? Plenty of food? Do you think she is roosting there also? Is it a known roosting area? What time of day did you see her and do you live in the region? She will forever be remembered as the first Hen Harrier proven to fly off the island of Ireland! And all thanks to yourselves in Wales. Her trip to Skomer was 285km from home, on a direct bearing of 112 degrees. This bearing from home to Skomer, crosses straight over Hook Head, where so many young Hen Harriers in Ireland are found each autumn and winter. I have long suspected and stated that Hen Harriers must be leaving Ireland at points like this, and that in the case of the South-East, these birds must be travelling to either Cornwall or Wales. Skomer would be the first landfall for such a journey in that direction. I have attached for you both the colour scheme for Ireland 2009 (if possible, you can circulate this to your contacts/on your website/offices etc). I also attach a photo of your new neighbour from when she was young(er)! and a map of her journey to date. I would very much appreciate it if you could send some of the hi-res shots you took of her, as it helps inform me as to her plumage and health. I would be delighted if you could pass on any further sightings, or let your colleagues/friends know to keep an eye out for her (unless it creates a scene and attention from landowners). Thanks and well done again Elwyn, a truly magnificent find! Make sure ye look after her! They're as precious over here as they are in Wales. And I've no doubt birds from Cymru are heading to Éireann! Barry
Tegryn
We have had a peregrine over here a couple of times in the last week. The Gt-Sp-woody has been about again now I am feeding.
Also the tawny owls were heard 3 nights ago.
Still several kites regularily on Frenni Fawr over the re-seeded field by the road.
Also the tawny owls were heard 3 nights ago.
Still several kites regularily on Frenni Fawr over the re-seeded field by the road.
Pen Anglas
I saw a merlin fly over east at 14:00.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Hen Harrier Marloes
A couple of nice shots of a wing tagged Hen Harrier taken by Elwyn Davies from the Britton Hide, Marloes Mere this morning.
Flagpoles 16.00 17th Nov.
Just the 2 Adult Med. Gulls today , an increase slightly in the Redshank (6) , a single Ringed Plover & the usual Turnstones & Oystercatchers. A few more gulls today with a increase in Common Gull no's.
Glynaeron Forest
On the road from Maenchlochog a male Peregrine and on the way back a group
of 4 Red Kites. Not much in the forest but saw a Goldcrest and a Woodcock
of 4 Red Kites. Not much in the forest but saw a Goldcrest and a Woodcock
Angle Area
Angle Bay, mid morning, from the old Lifeboat station 3 adult Great Northern Divers, 1 Slavonian Grebe and a Guillemot. In the harbour with the tide well out a Spotted Redshank.
Earlier at Kilpaison (from Dave G) 150 Dunlin, 2 Barwits and 14 Brents.
Castlemartin Corse a female/imm Marsh Harrier. Rich C & Morris N
Earlier at Kilpaison (from Dave G) 150 Dunlin, 2 Barwits and 14 Brents.
Castlemartin Corse a female/imm Marsh Harrier. Rich C & Morris N
Pen Anglas
I saw an adult Med gull fly east past the point at 13:00.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Angle Bay
This afternoon from old lifeboat station
2 Great Northern divers
1 Slavonian Grebe and a water pipit on the south side of the bay
2 Great Northern divers
1 Slavonian Grebe and a water pipit on the south side of the bay
Withybush
Paul G. has started the study of the gulls at the airfield for the winter!
Plenty of gulls, particularly in the surrounding fields, perhaps a greater proportion of Black-headed Gulls or is it that we are looking earlier? Otherwise the main species LBB Gulls.
Also today a large juv. female Peregrine bathing in a runway pool.
Reports from a couple of farmers to Paul, of a "white Starling" associating with Starlings. Plenty of Starling flocks feeding around the area in which to look for.....??
Plenty of gulls, particularly in the surrounding fields, perhaps a greater proportion of Black-headed Gulls or is it that we are looking earlier? Otherwise the main species LBB Gulls.
Also today a large juv. female Peregrine bathing in a runway pool.
Reports from a couple of farmers to Paul, of a "white Starling" associating with Starlings. Plenty of Starling flocks feeding around the area in which to look for.....??
Flagpoles 15.00 16th Nov.
2 Adult & 1 1st W Med Gulls in the small amount of gulls present. At least 2 Gt. Crested Grebes fairly close in on the flagpoles side of the Harbour. 4 Turnstone , 2 Curlew , 1 Redshank & a few Oystercatchers made up the wader count.
Med Gulls
Seeing Derek's shot of a winter Med and BH gull reminded me of a shot I took this summer:
Sunday, 15 November 2009
North Pembs
Teifi;-
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at the Webley this am, loosely with Canada's & the Bar-headed Goose
The Common Sandpiper at Jewsons.
Waders around the estuary included a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits, 30+ Redshank, 29 Ringed Plover & 15 Dunlin. c200 Wigeon mobile with the tide.
Newport;-
From the boat club this am. 1 Knot with c25 Ringed Plover & c20 Dunlin.
Llangloffan Fen;-
Not as flooded as yesterday, c30 Teal, c30 Wigeon.
1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose at the Webley this am, loosely with Canada's & the Bar-headed Goose
The Common Sandpiper at Jewsons.
Waders around the estuary included a couple of Bar-tailed Godwits, 30+ Redshank, 29 Ringed Plover & 15 Dunlin. c200 Wigeon mobile with the tide.
Newport;-
From the boat club this am. 1 Knot with c25 Ringed Plover & c20 Dunlin.
Llangloffan Fen;-
Not as flooded as yesterday, c30 Teal, c30 Wigeon.
Water Pipit Newgale 15th Nov.
Water Pipit still Newgale Camp Site today , reasonable views were had until it was ( & all the other pipits ) flushed by a marauding Merlin which fortunately appeared to leave empty handed. ( or empty clawed , i suppose ! ) On the marsh small no's of Wigeon , Teal & Mallard.
Dale
Highlights from Dale mid afternoon to dusk:
Fort: 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Cormorants on the pontoon in Dale Roads, including one with an obvious metal ring on the right leg (one of Steve's St. Margaret's birds perhaps?)
Village: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest
Gann: 1 Great Northern Diver quite close in (moulting adult, much as the Angle bird below), 1 Razorbill very close in, 2 Dunlin, 13 Ringed Plover, 11 Turnstone, 10 Redshank, 7 Teal, 5 Little Egrets
Gull roost (from village): 3 Med Gulls (all ads), 40+ Common, c.300 Black-headed, 500+ Lesser Black-backed, handful of Herring (easy to view from the benches on the seafront, quite a few birds there from 3pm onwards)
Fort: 1 Chiffchaff, 8 Cormorants on the pontoon in Dale Roads, including one with an obvious metal ring on the right leg (one of Steve's St. Margaret's birds perhaps?)
Village: 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest
Gann: 1 Great Northern Diver quite close in (moulting adult, much as the Angle bird below), 1 Razorbill very close in, 2 Dunlin, 13 Ringed Plover, 11 Turnstone, 10 Redshank, 7 Teal, 5 Little Egrets
Gull roost (from village): 3 Med Gulls (all ads), 40+ Common, c.300 Black-headed, 500+ Lesser Black-backed, handful of Herring (easy to view from the benches on the seafront, quite a few birds there from 3pm onwards)
Skomer
2 juvenile Hen Harriers came in to roost in North Valley this evening, including the Irish wing-tagged bird.
Milford dock
Got `im! 1 week & several loaves later, now too heavy to take off, this gorgeous Med gull allowed me to take his(?) portrait. Unable to decipher alloy ring. Nice comparison with Black Headed too.
Fishguard Outer Breakwater 15th Nov.
Not really the best state of the tide to be on there but myself & Rich D still had 1 Purple Sandpiper & this extremely tame Snow Bunting.
Angle Area
With the tide way out this morning there were no waders to be seen in Angle Harbour except a lone Spotted Redshank so quality rather than quantity.A quick look over Castlemartin Corse from the road between Freshwater West and Castlemartin village was rewarded with a imm/fem Marsh Harrier quartering the reedbed. There is (not surprisingly) now an awful lot of water on the Corse and this area could be good for wildfowl and Harriers in the next few weeks.
At Bosherston a heck of a lot of silt in the water. No sign of the Otters but 10 Gadwall, 1 drake Goosander and 250+ B H Gulls loafing and bathing.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Angle (14 Nov 09)
Great Northern Diver - 1 (Ad)
Slavonian Grebe - 1 (Around the boats by the lifeguard station)
Mediterranean Gull - 3 (1st W)
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Yellow- legged Gulls -- Llys-y-fran
Tonight's roost;-
2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, & 1 r/h Goosander the highlights.
c4000 gulls, c3000 LBB's, c200 Herring, c800 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls.
(Adrian & Rich D.)
Llangloffan Fen;-
6 Wigeon, 6 Teal, Mallard, c 100Lapwing, all viewed from the top road.
During the drive from Solva, 1 Yellowhammer, Snipe being flushed from the roadside, & 10's of flocks of Starlings, each flock c500 birds.... presumably Plumstone roosters?
2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, & 1 r/h Goosander the highlights.
c4000 gulls, c3000 LBB's, c200 Herring, c800 BH Gulls, 2 Common Gulls.
(Adrian & Rich D.)
Llangloffan Fen;-
6 Wigeon, 6 Teal, Mallard, c 100Lapwing, all viewed from the top road.
During the drive from Solva, 1 Yellowhammer, Snipe being flushed from the roadside, & 10's of flocks of Starlings, each flock c500 birds.... presumably Plumstone roosters?
Water Pipit - Newgale
A Water Pipit was on the flooded campsite at Newgale this afternoon.
(Paul G)
(Paul G)
Gann
Highlights at the Gann this afternoon (3-4pm): 3 Great Northern Diver, 9 pb Brent Geese, 18 Turnstone, 14 Ringed Plover, 13 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Shelduck, 3 Mute Swan, 5 Little Egret, 10 Teal, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe & at least 8 Rock Pipit.
Penberry 14th Nov.
A quick look at Penberry Res. ( while dodging the showers ) found a few wildfowl , mostly Wigeon a few Teal , 2 smart Drake Pochard , 5 Dabchicks , 5 Coot & a couple of Moorhen.Hundreds if not thousands of Starlings in the area , some large flocks of Woodpigeon going over & a few Reed Buntings in with some small flocks of House sparrows around a couple of the farms.
