Greenfinch – summary since 2000

December 1, 2021December 2, 2021 Annie H

Chloris chloris – Llinos Werdd – Breeding resident and passage migrant

The Greenfinch has been in catastrophic decline in Britain for the past twenty years or so, although this decline was not been particularly obvious in Pembrokeshire until about ten years ago. Its status as a breeding resident and passage migrant was so taken for granted that entries in the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports only comment on the largest flocks seen. That changed in 2015, when its scarcity was suddenly obvious.

In 2021, the greenfinch was added to the UK red list

Two species moved directly from the Green to Red List: Greenfinch and Ptarmigan. Increasingly severe declines in Greenfinch numbers have been reported in BBS reports for more than a decade, and the initial regional pattern of declines was associated with outbreaks of the disease Trichomonosis. This disease of the digestive tract is widespread in Greenfinch populations across Europe and may also be starting to affect other species such as Collared Dove, Sparrowhawk and Chaffinch. (Birds of Conservation Concern 2021)

The following entries are copied from the bird reports to chart its fortunes:

Year	Comments
2000	Autumn passage totaling 140 bird days Skomer 13 Oct – 21 Nov, with peaks of 25 on 17 Oct, 16 on 22 Oct, 30 on 3 Nov and 10 on 13 Nov. Flock of 75 Trefin 27 Dec. (179 ringed – one moved to Oxfordshire)
2001	Flock of 200 Freshwater W 20 Jan. Distinct autumn passage recorded through the islands, 12 Oct – 19 Nov, with daily max of 30 Skokholm, 43 Skomer and 48 Ramsey. (151 ringed)
2002	Autumn passage most pronounced at Skomer, where 691 bird-days, 30 Sept – 18 Nov, maxa 120 on 28, Oct and 146 on 4 Nov.
2003	Autumn passage recorded on the Islands Oct-Nov including 116 E Skomer 14-19 Oct; max count Ramsey 30 on 16 Oct. (101 ringed – one bird moved to Norfolk)
2004	The only spring record received from the islands was Skomer 24 Mar. Autumn passage Skomer: 6 Oct-14 Nov (max 78 w 18 Oct). At Strumble Hd 140 passed in 1 hr on 24 Oct. At Whitesands 250+ regularly fed on sunflowers in Oct.
2005	Leucistic Juv Felindre Farchog 10 Aug. Autumn passage from the islands Sept-Nov. Max counts Skomer, where 86 on 14 Oct, 230 south-east 27 Oct, 87 west 1 Nov and 97 west 12 Nov. (165 ringed – one ringed in Cumbria 13/10/2005 found at Mullock 30/10/2005)
2006	Small numbers reported from the islands Apr-May and Oct-Nov, max 20 Skomer 29 Oct. Singles were on Ramsey 2 and 15 Jan. One winter count: 1500 Hubberston 5 Jan (PJ). (410 ringed)
2007	The largest counts were of 80 at Castlemartin Corse on 22nd Jan., 230 Furzymount (RSPB survey) on 23rd Oct. and 200+ at Freshwater West on 17th Nov.
2008	Largest winter counts 100 Freshwater W on 12 Jan and 40 Pengawse Hill on 5 Nov
2009	Largest count 30 Little Milford on 29th Oct and 50 on Skomer on 9th Nov.
2010	Largest count 100 Furzey Mount Farm 30th Oct.
2011	(25 ringed at Teifi Marshes)
2012	Max count 50+ Gupton Farm 30th Nov & 72 on 2nd Dec (48 ringed by Teifi ringing Group)
2013	Largest count received was of 100 at Bullslaughter Bay, Castlemartin on 23rd Sept
2014	Fairly scarce throughout the county this year, the only double-figure count received was of 16 on Ramsey on 25th Oct. Skokholm recorded only two birds, singles on 29th Oct & 9th Nov.
2015	Breeding evidence noted from 23 1km squares.
2016	107 records (of between 1 & 10) from at least 39 1km squares, with breeding evidence from at least 12 of these. This species has been hit extremely hard by the disease Trichomonosis.
2017	Recorded from at least 35 1km squares. Breeding evidence reported from eight locations. Maximum count was 10 Gilfach Goch on 10th Aug a mixture of adult and juveniles.
2018	Reported from at least 50 1km square locations. Breeding evidence from at least 14 of these. Maximum count was 10 Gilfach Goch on 27th Oct.
2019	Reported from 48 locations. Breeding evidence was reported from eight locations. Largest counts were: eight at Gilfach Goch 31 Jan with nine there 7 Apr.
2020	Reported from 29 locations. Breeding evidence reported from six locations. Largest count was of 12 at Gann 4 Aug. A total of 36 were ringed in a Clarbeston Road garden during April to June.

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports which may contain more detail than shown here

More about the Greenfinch in Pembrokeshire

Quail – records since 2000

September 14, 2021June 26, 2022 Annie

Coturnix coturnix – Sofliar – Unusual summer migrant.

Photo above – Quail at the Quarry on Skokholm, 1 May 2021 © Richard Brown

2000	None reported
2001	One heard calling at Gelli in June (AKP, JAP)
2002	Two unusual records, the first of one on Skomer 1 June – only the 9th island record, the other, a mile off St. Ann’s Head seen from the Waverley on 16 June.
2003	Males heard calling at Marloes Mere 31 May and at Skomer 11 June.
2004	All records were of single calling males: at Waterston 21 May (GHR et al), Mountain Park Farm 28 May (VNR) and Skomer 15 June (JGB).
2005	Males heard calling at Abercych 12 – 13 May, Skomer 14 & 30 May, Kilpaison 19 – 25 June, Plumstone Mountain 29 June and St. David’s AF 28 July.
2006	Males heard calling near Marloes 15-16 June, Rhoslanog Fach 12 July and near Nolton 23 – 28 July.
2007	None reported
2008	The only records were of calling males at: St. Govan’s on 16 May (BH) at Castlemartin on 27 June & 15 July (BH) and two at Hayscastle Cross on 12 July (RT).
2009	The only record was of a single calling at Marloes Village on 16 June (MS).
2010	Two calling birds were reported this year, both in June, from Brawdy 15 – 18th and St. Davids airfield on 17th (I. Bullock).
2011	Two calling at Pantgwyn on 22 June, three near Brawdy 28 – 30 Aug. All other records all of singles: at Hayscastle 6th June, at Slebech Park on 29 June & 5 July and at Pantmaenog on 22 July.
2012	Two records both of singing males, the first at Porthlysgi Farm St.Davids on 28 May (BD), the other Brynberian Moor 24 June (WJ, DJ). One flushed on Grassholm on 24 July was possibly a first for the island (NS, SV).
2013	Two calling males reported this year, Abereiddy on 9 July (JG) and one calling in the Marloes area on 17 of the same month (BS).
2014	Records more widespread this year starting with a bird on Skokholm on 17 May (see below) then three between Little Haven & St. Brides on 3 June, a single bird at Harmony near Strumble Head on 19 June, a bird calling at Boncath on 29 July and finally one on Skomer on 6 Aug.
2015	A single was flushed on Skomer on 11 May and another on Skokholm on 2 June (see below). One on the mainland calling at Nolton Cross on 22 Aug.
2016	None reported
2017	One flushed on Skokholm 10 (see below)
2018	Two calling Llangloffan Fen 21 July and another two calling at Treseissyllt on 3 Aug. Up to three calling 12 July – mid-August near St. Nicholas.
2019	Calling males heard at Llanrhian 18 June and Brynberian 21 June. Marloes Mere 31 May, Skokholm 31 May – 4 June (see below), two calling at Camrose 14 June, then singles at St. Ishmaels 16 July and at Brawdy 11 Aug.
2020	None reported
2021	Only two records of calling birds, at Redberth 30 May and near Upper Treleddyn Farm 23 July.

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports which may contain more detail than shown here

Detail from the Skokholm Annual Reports

Earlier records	There were three singles in the 1990s, approximately six records in the 1980s (three of which were probably of two birds lingering for up to three days), five singles in the 1970s, seven singles in the 1960s, eight singles in the 1950s, four singles in the 1940s and three between 1938 and 1939 including one found dead on the roof of the Lighthouse.
2014	One heard singing along the Lighthouse Track at just before midnight on 16th May was the first Skokholm record for over a decade (CB, EW). Checks on subsequent nights proved unsuccessful.
2015	One flushed from above North Haven during the afternoon of 2nd June was not relocated .This was the first record since a singing bird on 16th May 2014 and only the second to be logged this decade.
2017	One flushed from the coastal grassland above Purple Cove on a drizzly 10th June was the first record since 2nd June 2015 and only the third sighting this century following a singing bird on 16th May 2014 (GE).
2019	One photographed on the plateau above Purple Cove on 31st May was the first since one at the same location on 10th June 2017 (LP, KO). One was flushed from the culvert along the South Pond Lower Drain the following day (RDB), a male was singing near North Pond on 4th June (GE et al.) and a bird was flushed from Windmill Gully on the 5th (RDB). Although it is possible that some of these sightings refer to the same very mobile individual, it would seem likely given the typically elusive nature of this species that more than one bird was present.

More about the Quail in Pembrokeshire

Black Redstart – first and last dates

September 10, 2021 Annie

Phoenicurus ochruros – TINGOCH DU – Winter visitor and passage migrant

All records since 1981.

Year	Last record	First record	Notes
1981	18 April	24 Oct
1982	15 May	17 Sept	1
1983	20 June	22 October
1984	20 May	20 August
1985	28 May	13 Oct
1986	29 April	13 Sept
1987	27 April	24 Sept
1988	19 April	9 Sept
1989	9 June	26 Oct
1990	7 May	27 Sept
1991	26 April	12 Oct
1992	29 May	7 Oct
1993	6 June	2 Sept
1994	13 June	7 Oct
1995	5 June	16 Sept
1996	16 June	18 Sept
1997	6 July	19 Oct	2
1998	16 May	26 Aug
1999	3 May	13 Oct
2000	20 May	22 Sept
2001	5 May	23 Sept
2002	9 April	29 Sept	3
2003	21 April	4 August
2004	6 May	25 Oct
2005	13 May	16 Oct
2006	17 April	15 Oct
2007	1 June	2 Oct
2008	9 June	26 Oct
2009	28 April	17 Oct	4
2010	14 June	7 Oct
2011	24 April	4 Sept
2012	29 March	24 Oct
2013	13 June	1 Nov
2014	3 July	1 Oct	5
2015	9 July	11 Oct	6
2016	11 July	13 Oct	7
2017	12 June	15 Oct
2018	3-4 July	17 Oct	8
2019	10 July	22 Oct
2020	28 May	15 Oct	9

Notes

(1) 1982 – An unprecedented Black Redstart event for our county was of no less than 111 recorded from 38 localities in early November – 54 of which were located in one day in the Castlemartin peninsula. Numbers gradually reduced through November, and by December they were found only at Stackpole, Bosherston and Strumble Head.

(2) 1997 – Late record of a female on Skokholm

(3) 2002 – twelve black redstarts known to have over-wintered

(4) 2009 – Excellent year for records of this species in spring. In autumn, widespread between 17 Oct and 25 Dec with a peak in the last week of Oct, max of 9 at Bosherston

(5) 2014 – A bird at the Farm on 3rd July was unseasonable (Skokholm Annual Report)

(6) 2015 – Late record on Ramsey

(7) 2016 – An adult male on the Little Neck on 11th July was unseasonable; the only other July records have been singles in 2014, 2011, 1997 and 1976. (Skokholm Annual Report)

(8) 2018 – Late record on Skomer

(9) 2019 – An adult female, around the Observatory buildings on the 10th, was only the sixth island record in July. (Skokholm Annual Report)

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports which may contain more detail than shown here

More about the Black Redstart in Pembrokeshire

Pintail – first and last dates

May 24, 2021November 14, 2021 Annie

Anas acuta – HWYADEN LOSTFAIN – Winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred

Dates of departure and arrival. Note that in some years, dates were complicated by a few pairs remaining to breed. For more detail on breeding, see Pintail – breeding records

Year	Last recorded	First recorded	Comment
1981	8 April	8 Sept
1982	6 May	8 Sept
1983	7 April	15 Oct
1984	18 April	4 Sept
1985	24 March	6 Oct
1986	24 April	2 Nov
1987	21 April	?	Breeding?
1988	12 April	?	Breeding
1989			Breeding
1990			Breeding
1991			Breeding
1992	11 April	5 Oct	Breeding
1993	March	6 Sept	Breeding
1994	14 May	26 Aug	Breeding
1995	14 May	30 Aug	Breeding
1996	Mid-April	14 Sept	Note (1) below
1997	March	Sept	Summer
1998	Feb	20 Sept	Summer
1999	23 April	10 June	Summer
2000	17 April	23 Sept	Sprinkle Pill – 21 in Nov building up to 61 by 29 Dec
2001	15 March	29 Aug
2002	11 May	16 Sept	Breeding
2003	5 April	14 Sept	64 on Daugleddau 18 Jan
2004	30 March	13 Sept
2005	20 May	21 Sept
2006	9 April	10 Sept
2007	25 Jan	28 Sept
2008	27 Feb	31 Aug
2009	March	17 Sept
2010	18 Feb	4 Sept
2011	18 Feb	5 Sept	59 at Sprinkle Pill on 13 Jan
2012	15 Feb	14 Oct
2013	6 April	24 Sept
2014		7 Sept
2015	15 May	14 Oct
2016	29 Feb	18 Oct
2017	2 May	28 Sept
2018	7 May	5 Oct
2019	1 May	22 Sept
2020	5 April	20 Sept

Note (1) In 1996 a spring passage was detected on the Cleddau Estuary during daily monitoring of water birds immediately after the Sea Empress oil spill

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports which may contain more detail than shown here

More about the Pintail in Pembrokeshire

Red-breasted Merganser – Records

May 1, 2021June 26, 2022 Annie

Mergus serrator – HWYADEN FRONGOCH – Winter visitor

Red-breasted Mergansers wintered regularly in small numbers on the Cleddau Estuary and other sites around Pembrokeshire. The maximum counts for each year are shown on the Wetland Bird Survey page. That page also shows the maximum numbers recorded in Carmarthen Bay from the Amroth/Wiseman’s Bridge area – these counts are ad hoc, and not part of WeBS.

The Wetland Bird survey shows a decline in the UK’s wintering population of Red-breasted Mergansers evident since the mid-1990s. Numbers wintering to the east of the UK increased steadily in the same period, suggesting a shift in wintering range, as has been shown for other waterbirds. However, there is now evidence of a decline there too.

Given the decline in numbers, this page shows all records as presented in the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports since 2010.

2010	Max. 25 at Amroth on 27th Jan and 20 there on 11th Dec. All other records were of one or two birds from the Gann, Teifi, West Angle, Wisemans Bridge, Newport and Fishguard Harbour. Single birds passed Strumble Head on 3rd Sept & 23rd Oct.
2011	Max. Amroth/Wisemans Bridge 21 on 18th Dec, three at Carew Millpond 20th Nov, two redheads were Broad haven (N) 6th Jan & Pwllgwaelod 19th Feb. All other records were of single birds at Fishguard Harbour on 3rd & 22nd Jan, Teifi Estuary 11th Oct and at Pembroke on 29th & 30th Dec.
2012	Max 48 Wisemans Bridge 5th Jan with nine there on 3rd March, six Amroth on 8th Jan with 20 there on 18th Dec. The Gann had two on 1st Oct with all the other records being of single birds at the Teifi 21st March, Bluckspool 30th Oct & finally at Pencarnan on 12th Dec.
2013	Max count was 12 at Wisemans Bridge on 21st Nov, a male at the Gann on 2nd June was quite late, possibly indicating an interest in breeding at the site again ?
2014	Another species surely under recorded with only eight records received from five different sites, all counts received were of four at Wiseman’s Bridge on 8th Jan, a pair at Fishguard Harbour on 4th Jan (the only record from the North of the county), a pair at Amroth on 28th Dec, then singles at Bosherston 1st to 4th Jan and another on 4th Mar, at Carew Mill on 5th Jan and at Amroth on 10th Nov.
2015	Recorded at The Gann, Newport & the Teifi in the North of the county and Saundersfoot, Amroth, Wisemans Bridge area in the South. Maximum count was of seven at Amroth on 28th Dec and four at Newport on 20th Oct. A bird seen from Lydstep Headland on 7th May was an interesting record and could possibly indicate a breeding attempt in the area.
2016	A single fly past bird at Strumble Head on 21st Aug & two seen between Pwll Deri & Strumble Head on 21st Oct. Elsewhere: only recorded from the Teifi which had a max of four on 4th April and Amroth/Wiseman’s Bridge/Coppet Hall area which had the only double figure count of 12 at Amroth on 6th March.
2017	Another species recorded at just a few sites, a maximum count of nine birds at Wiseman’s Bridge on 15th Dec.
2018	Seven Amroth 31st Mar, four off Wiseman’s Bridge 3rd & 4th Jan, three off Monkstone Point 26th Dec, two Teifi Estuary 13th Nov. Otherwise singles at the Gann and Nevern.
2019	see below. Elsewhere: single Solva 15 Dec and five Wiseman’s Bridge 23 Dec.

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Nevern		1								2
Fishguard Harbour		5								1		1
St Bride’s Bay		4	5									5
Teifi	1	2	2
Gann	1	1	1								2

2020	Singles: off Aber Fforest 6 Jan, in Fishguard Harbour 8, 9 & 19 Jan, Solva 12 Jan, off Broad Haven (N) on 23 Oct, at Gann 4 – 22 Nov. Two on the Teifi Est 20 -21 Mar and 26 Oct. Largest numbers were off Wiseman’s Bridge with up to 11 in Jan (peak 26th), three in Feb (peak 3rd) and nine in December (peak 11th). Three off Skokholm 18 Sept.
2021	All records were of singles unless stated: Sprinkle Pill 1 Jan, two off Amroth 5 Feb, Fishguard Harbour 27 Feb & 27 Oct – 1 Nov; Llys-y-fran 21 Mar, Teifi Est 9 – 11 Apr, off Strumble Head 6 Nov and six off Wiseman’s Bridge 15 Nov.

More about the Red-breasted Merganser in Pembrokeshire

Purple Sandpiper – first and last dates

April 23, 2021April 30, 2021 Annie H

Calidris maritima – PIBYDD DU – Principally a winter visitor

Earlier records are summarised in Purple Sandpiper 1994

In some bird reports, a distinction is made between the dates of overwintering birds, and those passing through. See the individual reports for details.

Year	Last	First	Notes
1990	7 May	18 July	Up to 24 at Skomer in Nov
1991	9 May	12 Aug	Max 7 Skomer in Oct and 7 Skokholm in Nov.
1992	28 April	20 July	max. 33 Skomer 10th Apr
1993	8 May	6 July	max 22 Skomer 19 Mar
1994	18 May	29 July	Max 23 Skomer on 23 Nov
1995	3 May	10 Aug	Max 7 in Jan, Sept & Nov
1996	7 May	27 July	Max 24 Skomer in Nov
1997	22 Feb	17 Sept	Max 10 at the Smalls 26 Sept
1998	12 May	10 Aug	BTO non-estuarine coastal survey, Amroth to Cemaes Hd. 11 birds recorded
1999	12 May	3 July	Max 14 Skomer in March
2000	26 May	8 Aug	Max 6 Skokholm in May
2001	19 May	10 Sept	Max 9 Strumble Head in September
2002	25 Feb	2 Aug	Max 7 fishguard Harbour in December
2003	6 May	11 Sept	Max 10 Fishguard Harbour in January
2004	2 April	14 Sept	Max 5 Fishguard Harbour in February
2005	1 April	30 July	Max 10 Ramsey Oct – Dec
2006	11 May	August	Max 18 Ramsey Oct – Nov
2007	May	July	Max 23 Ramsey in October. Interesting record of 12 at sea, 5 miles south of St Ann’s Head on 24 October
2008	15 May	29 Aug	Max 12 Ramsey in February
2009	May	July	Max 17 Ramsey in September
2010	May	August	Max 12 on Skomer in May
2011	April	July	Max 12 Ramsey 26 March
2012	9 May	October	Max 21 Skomer in February
2013	30 May	28 Aug	Max 7 Broadhaven in February
2014	13 May	13 Aug	Max 9 Fishguard outer breakwater in February
2015	12 April	9 Aug	Max 18 Skomer in March
2016	24 Feb		Max 7 Fishguard outer breakwater in February
2017	13 May	5 Sept	Max 45 on the Smalls in April
2018	5 May	21 Aug	Max 40 Skomer in April
2019	March	October	Max 7 Skokholm in October
2020	March	24 July	Max 10 Monkstone in December

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports which may contain more detail than shown here

More about the Purple Sandpiper in Pembrokeshire

Richard’s Pipit – Records

April 19, 2021June 26, 2022 Annie

Anthus richardi – Corhedydd Richard – Scarce visitor

1967 – Skokholm singles 13 Sep, 17-30 Oct, 16 Nov; Five at Wooltack Point 25 Nov

1968 – Skokholm – singles 7-8 Oct, 21-22 Oct; 26 Oct-5 Nov

1969 – Skokholm single 25 Sep

1970 – Skokholm two on 27 Sep, four on 29 Sep, single on 7-17 Oct

1971 – Skokholm, singles 12 Sep, 6-7 Oct, two on 24 Oct

1973 – Skomer single 18 Oct

1976 – Dowrog single 22 Oct

Above records taken from the WRP database & Welsh Bird Reports

1982 – Skokholm single 10 Oct (JD, EGG, GGG)

1983 – The Smalls single 30 Sep (MPL)

1985 – Stackpole single Warren 29 Sep (RJH)

1987 – Skokholm single 27 Sep (MB)

1988 – Skokholm singles 19-21 Sep, 12-14 Oct, 20 Oct (MB et al)

1989 – Single Skomer 9 Apr – First spring record for Pembs

1992 – Singles Skomer 11 Mar, Skokholm 6,7 & 9 Nov

1993 – Skokholm single 8 Oct (MB)

1994 – Singles Ramsey 1,4 & 9 Nov (DJA, IDB, JG) , Skokholm 14-15 Oct (MB)

1995 – Singles Esso 15 Oct (JWD), Strumble Hd 22 and 31 Oct (GHR) and 3 Marloes Mere 17 Oct, 2 on 18th (0 & GR et al).

1997 – One Angle Bay 18 Dec (AW) First Dec record for Pembs

2000 – Single Skomer 13 Nov (JGB).

2001 – Singles Skokholm 4-5 Oct and 10 Nov (GT).

2002 – Singles Strumble Hd 29 Sept (MYP), Pen Porth 3 Oct (BDG), Skomer 30 Sept and 22 Oct (JGB)

2003 – A good autumn for this species, singles Strumble Hd 18 Oct and 22 Oct (SEB, MYP et al), Whitesands 16 Oct, St Davids 24 Oct, Porthselau 26 Oct with 2 there 22-23 Oct and 11 Nov (PKG et al)

2004 – Singles Skomer on 11 and 31 Oct both flying W (JGB).

2005 – Singles Pembroke River 20 Oct (RE), Pen Anglas 22 Oct (AR).

2006 – Single bird heard Skomer 14 Oct (JGB).

2007 – The only accepted record was of a single at Point St. John by Ramsey Sound on 11th Oct (JB & MB). Additional record from 2007, one at St. David’s Head on 20th Oct. (MYP).

2008 – There were two records this year both of singles on Skomer on 26th Oct (DB) and at Angle Bay on 16th Dec (PJ).

2010 – The only record was of one at Freshwater West on 6th Dec (CH).

2011 – Singles Skomer on 14th & 28th Oct and 12th Nov (all DB), St. Davids Head on 2nd Nov (MYP) and Marloes Mere on 19th Nov (DJA).

2013 – A single at Strumble Head on 1st Oct (AR), Angle Bay 9 Nov-31 Dec (see below)

2014 – Single Skokholm on 15th Sept. (RDB, GE). One over-wintered at Rhoscrowther, Angle Bay from 9th Nov 2013 – 24th Feb 2014 (M. Ahmed)

Skokholm Annual Report 2014 – A vocal bird which flew low and east over the Gap on 15th September was the first Skokholm record since 2001 (RDB, GE). All Skokholm records sit within the period 12th September to 10th November and are typically of single birds, although there were four logged on 26th October 1968 and 29th September 1970.

2016 – (Skokholm record accepted by the County Records Panel but not included in Pembs or Welsh Bird Reports)

Skokholm Annual Report 2016 – A vocal bird on 21st October circled North Plain and then Orchid Bog before heading east (GE, RDB); it seemingly continued for the mainland as it could not be located on the Neck. This was the first Island record since another east-bound flyover found on 15th September 2014. The only other records this century were on the 4th and 5th October and 10th November 2001 and on 2nd May 2000.

2017 – One on Skokholm 21st Oct was the only record.

Skokholm Annual Report 2017 A typically vocal and rather skittish bird which dropped into Home Meadow on a drizzly 2nd November also perched in an Elder to the south of the meadow and briefly visited the Knoll before heading off high in a north-easterly direction (RDB, GE).

2018 – Single Skokholm on 10th Oct.

Skokholm Annual Report 2018 A typically vocal and rather skittish bird flushed from Purple Cove on 10th October was picked up in flight over South Pond and briefly relocated on the ground at Frank’s Point before it flew off north (GE, RDB).

2021 – The only record was of one amongst a flock of Skylarks on Skokholm 1 Oct.

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports and the Skokholm Annual Reports

More about the Richard’s Pipit in Pembrokeshire

Lapland Bunting – first and last dates

March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 Annie

Calcarius lapponicus– BRAS Y GOGLEDD – Passage migrant.

Photo – one of two Lapland Buntings which dropped in on North Plain, Skokholm on 27 March 2017. This was the first spring record since 1995, the first March record ever and only the fifth spring sighting for the Island. Richard Brown, Skokholm Blog.

Year	Winter/Spring records	Autumn migration	Notes
1981	14 May
1984		28 September
1985		30 Sep – 20 Oct
1987		15 Sep – 1 Nov	26 at Strumble on 5 October
1988		24 Sep – 14 Nov	26 at Strumble on 24 September
1989	5 February	30 July – 2 Nov
1990		30 Sep – 22 Nov
1991		15 Sep – 23 Oct
1992		27 Sep – 13 Nov
1993	26 January	17 Sep – 19 Nov	up to 34 on Ramsey 10 October
1994		11 Sep – 5 Dec
1995	18 May	20 Sep – 3 Nov
1996		20 Sep – 10 Oct
1997		3 Sep – 24 Oct
1998		24 Sep – 15 Nov
1999		9 Oct – 25 Oct
2000		19 Sep – 22 Oct
2001		10 Oct – 18 Oct
2002		1 Oct – 26 Oct
2003		29 Sep – 14 Oct
2004		15 Sep – 31 Oct
2005	30 January	23 October
2006	4 – 6 February	14 October
2007	20 May	13 Sep – 12 Nov
2008	22 April	25 Sep – 13 Nov
2009		26 Sep – 28 Oct
2010		5 Sep – 26 Nov	Largest influx for many years – up to 100 birds
2011	12 March & 7 April	22 Sep – 17 Dec	max count 18 on Dale Airfield 23 October
2012	5 Feb & 22 March	29 Sep – 15 Nov	max count 16 Dale Airfield 6 November
2013	9 Jan – 9 April	1 Nov – 26 Dec	max count 19 Dale Airfield 25 November
2014	2 Jan – 4 April	1 Oct – 5 Nov
2015		10 Oct – 13 Dec
2016		7 Oct – 27 Nov
2017	1 Jan – 23 March	9 Oct – 25 Nov
2018	11 March	4 October
2019		2 Oct – 23 Nov
2020		18 Sep – 22 Nov

Records summarised from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports

More about the Lapland Bunting in Pembrokeshire

Snow Bunting – records

March 21, 2021June 26, 2022 Annie H

Plectrophenax nivalis – BRAS YR EIRA – Passage migrant and winter visitor

Previous records are summarised in Snow Bunting 2007.

2008 – Single at Fishguard outer breakwater from 5 Nov – 29 Dec, With two on 6 Nov and three on 23 Dec. Singles on Ramsey 12 Nov. and on Skomer 24 & 31 Oct.

2009 – On the outer breakwater at Fishguard Harbour, three on 1- 28 Jan with two here on 21 Feb. singles on 1 Mar and 17 Oct until the end of the year. Singles at Strumble Head 11 Oct, on Skomer 9 Nov and Ramsey on 11 Nov and three on Foel Drygarn on 25 Dec.

2010 – In the early part of year single birds on Fishguard Outer Breakwater 2nd Jan, at St. David’s Head 13th Apr and on Ramsey 21st Apr – 3rd May. In autumn: up to four on Dale Airfield between 4th & 31st Oct. with three at St. David’s Head on 14th Oct, up to two birds on Fishguard Outer Breakwater from 6th Oct until the end of the year. Singles at Pen Anglas 9th to 30th Oct, and on St Davids Head 7th Nov. On Skomer single birds on 1st & 9th Oct then two on 12th & 21st Oct and finally one on 1st Nov

2011 – In the early part of the year two at Traeth Llyfyn on 22nd Jan. In autumn a single on Dale Airfield 29th Sept to 1st Oct then another on 24th Nov. Fishguard Outer Breakwater had up to three birds between 10th Oct to 11th Dec. Singles on St. David’s Head on 25th Oct, 10th Nov, 12th Dec with two on 9th Dec and one at St. Govan’s Head on 17th Oct. Ramsey Island singles on 20th & 27th Apr and four on 12th Dec. Photo below by C. Hurford.

2012 – In the early part of the year birds seen at St. David’s Head on from 8th to 13th Jan with a different individual on 25th Feb. Freshwater West had two on 16th Jan & one at Castle Martin on 19th Feb. Two on Fishguard Outer Breakwater in March, one of which was ringed by members of the Teifi Ringing Group on 11th, then two different birds on Fishguard Inner Breakwater on 22nd March & a single at Strumble Head on 1st April.

At the latter part of the year a single at St. David’s Head 22nd Oct, two at Strumble Head on 29th of same month & one at Castle Martin on same date. In November: singles at Broomhill Burrows on 6th, St.David’s Head on 8th, while on Fishguard Outer Breakwater various numbers recorded, max 5 on 20th.

2013 – All records were: seven seen on Foel Cwm Cerwyn on 12th Jan, in November, 12 on the Fishguard Outer Breakwater 15th, three at Whitesands on 7th, four at Newgale on 27th and singles at Freshwater West on 22nd & Broad Haven (S) on 28th. Another single was at St.David’s Head on 24th Oct.

2014 – All records were: single birds at Newgale 10th Jan, Strumble Head 20th to 21st Oct at least, Pencarnan 27th to 31st Oct, Marloes Mere 24th Nov (photo opposite by DJ Astins) and at Foel Feddau in the Preselis on 31st Dec, with six at the same site the day before. Skokholm had single birds on 6th Oct and 19th to 21st Oct, the second being trapped & ringed (race later confirmed as P.n.nivalis – Welsh rarities report 2020). The island then had two flyover records of single birds on 24th Oct & 3rd Nov.

2015 – A single birds on the Preseli’s at Foel Feddau on 17th Jan and another at St. David’s Head on 31st Oct were the only mainland records. On the islands, one on Ramsey on 10th Mar (photo right by L. Morgan) and one on Skomer on 7th Oct, a different bird was seen the following day.

2016 – All records were: a male Fishguard Harbour on outer breakwater 25th Oct-13th Nov, when feathers were found due to it being predated, a female also present 11th -13th Nov. On Skokholm a single on 11th Nov and on Skomer singles on 20th Oct & 7th Nov.

2017 – All records: 1 st w male on Skomer on 3rd Nov, three at St. David’s Head on 8th Nov and two on the Outer breakwater Fishguard Harbour on 16th Nov

2018 – Singles unless stated: at Porthgain on 7th Jan (photo below by B. Haycock), three at St. David’s Head 7th Mar, near Fishguard Fort on 31st Oct, male on Skomer 4th Nov and Outer Breakwater Fishguard Harbour on 8th Nov

2019 – Four on Dale Airfield 26 Oct, increasing to six 1 Nov with four there the following day, photo below by E. Davies. Five at Marloes Mere 27 Oct and singles at Gann 14 Oct, Skokholm 21 & 24 Oct and 4, 7-8, 10, 17 & 29 Nov and Skomer 3 & 11 Nov

2020 – All records were of singles: Fishguard Outer breakwater 30 Oct, Skokholm 4, 6 & 9 – 11 Nov, Strumble Head 24 Nov, Pwll Deri 27 Nov and at Llanrhian 6 Dec.66 Individuals of the race nivalis accepted by WBRC include: one trapped on the outer breakwater, Fishguard 11 Mar 2012 (per RD) and a female trapped and ringed on Skokholm 19 Oct 2014 (RB).

2021 – In October at Marloes 1st , two different individuals Skokholm 8th – 14th , Dale Airfield from 9th into November, Skomer 25th , Newport 26th and Dinas Head 27th – 30th. In November at Dale Airfield, peaking at five on 13th and three on 17th, present on Fishguard outer breakwater from 8 Nov, with five there that day, birds remained until the end of the year, (peak of three on 18 & 26 Dec), Skokholm 2 & 19 – 20 Nov, three West Hook 23 Nov.

A male of the race *nivalis* was photographed at St. Davids Head on 17 Jan 2021, (S Parmor, GM),

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire Bird Reports

More about the Snow Bunting in Pembrokeshire

Hooded Crow – records

March 16, 2021March 19, 2021 Annie

Corvus cornix – BRAN LWYD – Scarce visitor

The hooded crow was considered by most authorities to be a geographical races of the carrion crow as hybridization occurred where their ranges overlapped. However, in 2002, the hooded crow was elevated to full species status after closer observation showed that hybridisation was less than expected and hybrids had decreased vigour.

It continues to be a scarce bird in Pembrokeshire, with up to half a dozen records a year, mostly of single birds, and sometimes of long-staying individuals. The majority of records are from the St Davids to Fishguard area, although records from the south are becoming more frequent.

2002 – one Winterton Fm (Marloes) 14 Feb.

2003 – one Strumble Hd 30 Mar (SEB)

2004 – Three recorded: St David’s 1 May (LL); Trellwyn Fach nr Cwm Gwaun 31 Aug (J&MB) and between Dinas and Pontfaen 29 Dec (DJA).

2005 – Two records: St Davids 7-8 May (JB, PKG) and Skomer 8 May (JGB), this was the first on the island since 1995.

2006 – Two records: Treginnis Fm St Davids 9 May (RJC) and Pencarnan St Davids 18 Dec (JB&M).

2007 – Two records received both of singles at Ramsey, heading east, on 29 Jan. (GM) and at Marloes Mere on 24th Apr. (DG).

2008 – Singles St David’s on 12 Jan, Ramsey on 11 May and Skokholm on 16 June.

2009 – One over Ramsey Sound on 28 Apr.

2010 – A single bird on Ramsey on 21st Apr which was then relocated on the mainland at St. Justinians on 26th Apr and was last reported from Pencarnan on 16th May (GM, LM, JB. MB).

2011 – All records of singles were: in April at Cemaes Head on 17th, at St.David’s Head on 24th, and at Marloes Mere 25th. In December at the Dowrog on 17th and presumably the same bird was seen flying over Carn Lidl, St. David’s Head on 21st.

2012 – At St. David’s Head, single birds were recorded between 8th Jan & 22nd May on various dates which may all refer to just a single bird present during that time or up to three different birds, this could also be the bird that was recorded at St.Justinians on 27th of May.On Skokholm a bird was seen flying towards the mainland on 15th Apr and was most likely the same individual at Dale on 19th Apr and may be at Brownslade Burrows on 19th May. A single at St.Ann’s Head on 7th Oct.

2013 – All records received were of single birds at Ramsey 16th & 21st May and 10th June, at Haroldston Chins 26th to 29th May, Abereiddi 28th May, Teifi Est. 2nd & 3rd Aug, Marloes 12th Aug, Gann 5th to 14th Sept then probably the same bird on Dale Airfield on 15th Sept, Pencarnan 17th to 25th Nov which then again was presumably the same bird at St.David’s Head on 17th Dec

2014 – Single birds on Skomer on 24th Apr & 14th May, Pencarnan on 1st & 2nd May, then two Martins Haven on 7th May reducing to a single bird on 9th and finally another single bird on Ramsey on 16th May. As with other years it’s quite likely there are only two birds involved in these sightings.

2015 – Single birds recorded at Wooltack Point 15th March, Ramsey 3rd April with probably the same bird on Skokholm the next day, Skomer 8th June & Martins Haven 17th October.

2016 – Singles seen Marloes on 7th May, Pen Anglas and St David’s Head on 15th May also Pencarnan Farm St David’s on 12th June.

2017 – Singles at Aber Mawr 9th Feb, Skokholm on 22nd Mar, St. Brides Bay on 16th Apr, at Pen Beri on 8th Dec, with two at Pen Caer on 30th Mar And two on Skomer on 17th Apr.

2018 – Reported from at least 12 1km square locations. Singles Cause Way Plantation on 30th Mar, Pencarnan Campsite 24th -26th April, Marloes on 30th Apr and 11th Nov, St. David’s Head 1 st – 9 th May, Ramsey 14th June, Treseissylit on 22nd June, Angle 28th July – 12th Aug, Rhoscrowther on 7th Aug, St Ann’s Head on 6th Oct, Skokholm on 18th Oct, Gann 17 th Nov – 29th Dec.

2019 – Singles were recorded at: Croesgoch 31 Jan, Gann 2 Jan – 28 Feb, Nevern Est 25 Mar, Skokholm 25 Mar, 4 – 23 Apr and 19 May, Pencarnan Camp, St. David’s 2 Apr, 17 – 21 Oct, St. Justinian’s 13 Apr & 8 Sept, Porthgain 1 May.

2020 – Singles were recorded at: Nevern Est 16 Mar & 15 June, Pencarnan Camp, St. Davids 26 – 30 Mar (presumably the same bird was also seen on Ramsey 30 Mar), Skokholm 8 Apr, Carn Ingli 24 May, St. Davids 28 June – 1 July, Strumble Head – Carregwasted 9 – 10 July, West Dale 16 July, Goodwick 14 Aug, Strumble Head 5 Aug, Porthlysgi 17 Oct and at Heol Penlan 13 Nov.

More about the Hooded Crow in Pembrokeshire