Skomer 12th June 2005

A few photos of a successful visit to Skomer. As Wayne had family commitments, the party consisted of Jeff and his granddaughter Ashleigh; Dan and his young ones, Gwenni and Gethin; and my wife, Gill, and I. Lovely weather, lovely birds, beautiful place. We saw hundreds of Puffins, Kittiwakes, Guillimots, a few Razorbills, a couple of Chough, a Wheatear family and plenty of distant Gannets.

Nightjars .... and Car Trouble

I had an interesting time at Llanwonno last night. The Club had nearly 50 members in attendance for the annual Nightjar evening. Geri started proceedings in pessimistic mood by saying that given the large crowd we may be unlucky. He shouldn't have worried though as well before dark a male started churring very close by and soon came in to view, giving great close-ups in flight and at rest. A second bird was seen in flight too. Great! On the way home however, the car got stuck in reverse gear. Luckily the boys were on hand to shunt me clear of the road. After a short wait of 45 minutes or so, the recovery vehicle was on hand to carry me home. Great service, but I missed the beer.

Flycatchers

Having erected five boxes for Pied Flycatchers ealier this Spring, I've been checking them routinely through May. Despite several visits there is no sign of Pied Flycatchers anywhere in the Glyncornel woods. There is however, at least four singing Wood Warblers and possibly up to four pairs of Spotted Flycatchers with one pair nesting on the house.

New Forest Trip

An early start from Whitchurch saw us arrive at Shatterford at around 8:15am. We were soon onto Curlew, Lapwing, Little Egret and Buzzards after walking a few 100 yards south of the car park. A male Dartford Warbler was located on song and we had quite close views. Meadow Pipits were around too, and we got a distant Hobby. Further down the track we got male and female Dartford Warblers. Back at the car park, two Woodlarks were seen over the trees and were located feeding amongst some settled cows. A male Wheatear was digiscoped. On to Denny Wood, where we located Spotted Flycatcher (x2) and a male and female Redstart. Bolderwood was next for Firecrest, but we dipped. Sixpenny Handley had no Montague's Harrier on show, but we got Red-leggged Partridge, Stock Dove and Corn Bunting. We faired littled better at Martin Down, with only a pair of Yellowhammers, a few Whitethroats with Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing. Jeff was lucky enough to see a Turtle Dove. The Stone Curlew scrapes were vacant. We rounded the day off at Avebury, where Tree Sparrow was added to the list, and we had nice views of a Hobby overhead.

Lists ... lists ... lists

Okay, I've finally got hooked. After the exploits of the last two weeks, I've now added my totals up. For 2005, I have lists of:

• 40 - Work
• 66 - Rhondda Cynon Taf
• 94 - East Glamorgan
• 117 - Glamorgan
• 120 - Wales
• 145 - UK

Way behind Tim I know, but where are Dan and Jeff? Best birds so far include Long-billed Dowitcher at Goldcliff and Long-tailed Duck at Slimbridge.