Recent sightings/highlights

Seabirds

A feeding flock of 44 Black-headed gulls off North Haven included 2 Sandwich terns (7th). The following day 7 Black-headed gulls were seen off the Garland stone (8th).

Shorebirds and allies

The wader highlight of the week was undoubtedly a juvenile Curlew sandpiper that was found in the early morning on North Pond (7th). Amazingly unlike other waders this autumn it spent the whole morning feeding and roosting on the pond. It was briefly joined by 2 Greenshanks and then was joined by a Redshank making quite a wader filled morning for Skomer! A small passage of Ringed plover included birds over Bull Hole (7th), North Haven (7th), Moorey Mere (9th) and on North Pond (12th). 2 separate Whimbrel went over North Haven (8th) with another past Skomer Head (9th). Turnstone numbers continue to build in North Haven reaching 14 (12th). The week ended with 2 Black-tailed godwits circling North Pond before changing their minds and heading off east (12th).

The Curlew sandpiper feeding with 2 Greenshanks - Ed Betteridge

The 2 Black-tailed godwits that flew through North Valley - Ed Betteridge

Wildfowl

Common scoter made up the bulk of interesting wildfowl with 52 logged past the island. Additionally, Canada goose numbers continued to rise to 92 in the North Pond roost. 

Birds of prey

Up to 2 Marsh Harriers remained on the island with a max count of 5 Kestrels (10th). A Short-eared owl was seen in North Valley (12th).

Passerines and allies

The long staying Wryneck continued its stay throughout the week, mainly preferring the area to the west of the farm. The first Rooks of the autumn (13) flew over the farm (11th),  2 Collared doves were at the farm (11th), a Great-spotted woodpecker was on the rocks at High Cliff (11th) and a late Swift was over the farm (7th).

Wryneck - Ed Betteridge

Spotted flycatchers continued to migrate through the island with 22 (10th), 18 (8th) and 13 (7th) being the highest day counts. A good count of 5 Pied flycatchers were recorded on the 7th with only 1 remaining until the following day. An additional bird was seen at the farm later in the week (12th). Redstarts peaked at 3 (7th) with at least 4 different birds across the week including a showy male at the farm. Whinchats were seen in high numbers this week with at least 9 at Bull Hole, 4 in North Valley and 3 to the west of the farm.

Male Redstart - Ed Betteridge

Warbler passage included a max day count of 73 Willow warblers (7th), 4 Chiffchaffs, 13 Whitethroats and 7 Sedge warblers. Additionally 13 Blackcaps, 3 Reed warblers and a Garden warbler were recorded. Goldcrests were at North Haven, North Valley (3), Moorey Mere, Garland Stone and the farm.

The 7th saw a large hirundine passage of 165 Swallows, 159 Sand martins and 2 House martins. The 12th saw another high count of 150 Swallows around the farm. A total of 6 Yellow wagtails and 35 Grey wagtails were recorded along with 12 White wagtails and an additional 14 unraced fly-over ‘alba’ wagtails. Tree pipits continued to pass through the island in good numbers this week with 13 logged including 7 on the 7th.

Tree pipit - Ed Betteridge

Other

A total of 3 Painted ladies, 3 Migrant hawkers and 3 Common darters were recorded. A good night for moths on the 8th saw an impressive 60 Silver Y and 18 Dark sword grass. A Convolvulus hawk-moth came to check us out whilst we sat outside on the evening of the 10th and briefly fed on some wine! Unfortunately though it didn’t manage to find its way into the trap. Rush veneer (12th), Rusty dot pearl (12th) and Pearly underwing (11th) were also caught this week.

A migrant Rush veneer was one of the rarest moths caught this week 

30-6/9/21

Seabirds 

A juvenile Common gull went past North Haven (31st) as well as 10 Black-headed gulls also past North Haven (6th).

Shorebirds and allies

A Ruff went east over North Haven (31st). A Grey heron went over North Valley (1st). A Green sandpiper went over North Valley (1st & 2nd). A Redshank was briefly on North Pond (1st). Ringed Plovers went over both North Valley (2nd) and the Farm (30th & 4th) with 2 juveniles briefly landing on North Pond (5th). A Whimbrel went through North Haven (5th). A Common sandpiper was at the Garland stone and North Haven (6th). Up to 6 Turnstones were in North Haven.

Redshank - Ed Betteridge

Wildfowl

4 Common scoter went past Pigstone Bay (4th) with a flock of c30 past North Haven (5th). Teal peaked at 15 (2nd) and Canada geese number continued to increase to 50.

Birds of prey

Sparrowhawks were seen daily and peaked at 4 individuals (31st). A Short-eared owl was back in North Valley. 1+ Red kites were over North Valley (5th) representing the first of the autumn; with another over the farm the following day (6th).

Passerines and allies

The highlight of the week was a Wryneck found at the farm (31st) however, the bird unfortunately only showed briefly. Possibly the same Wryneck was seen again around the west side of the Farm (3rd); staying until the end of the week and showed well at times but remained elusive. A few late Swifts went over the Farm on the 3rd and 4th.

Warblers continued to move south with Willow warblers peaking at 31 (4th) and 67 (5th). The maximum count of Chiffchaff was 7 (5th) along with a Blackcap and 2 Reed warblers. The first Goldcrest of the autumn was at Moorey Mere (31st) along with the first Garden warbler of the autumn also there (3-4th). 29 Spotted flycatchers were recorded during the week with peaks of 7 (30th) and 8 (5th). Pied flycatchers were at North Valley Crossing (2-5th), Moorey Mere (3rd) and 2 at Skomer Wood (4th). 30 Robins on the island on the 5th was notable. A Common redstart was in the fields to the east of the Farm (1st & 4th). Up to 4 Whinchats were at Bull Hole with another 2 to the west of the Farm all week.

Swallows peaked at 137 (3rd) and 107 (4th) with 25 House martins (3rd) as well as 18 Sand martins (4th) and 10 (6th). 8 Yellow wagtails went over mainly heading east along with 24 Grey wagtails, 7 White wagtails and 36 unraced ‘alba’ wagtails. 29 Tree pipits were recorded this week, a good count for this species here with a day maximum of 11 (2nd).

Wryneck - Ed Betteridge

Whinchat - Ed Betteridge

One of a good number of Willow warblers recorded this week - Ed Betteridge

 

Other

Only 3 Painted ladies were recorded along with a small influx of Small whites. A good number of Silver Y’s arrived across the island with most being along the coast. A good count of 13 Common dolphins (3 calves) were off the Garland Stone (2nd).

Regular moth trapping around the farm has continued to bring in a range of species including many of continental origin. Migrants caught this week included 3 Pearly underwings, 17 Silver Y’s, 8 Rusty dot pearls and 3 Rush veneers.

Pearly underwing - Ed Betteridge

22-29/8/21

Seabirds 

Seabirds were quiet but one Razorbill was spotted off the Garland Stone (27th). A small movement of Cormorants over the island included a max count of 12 Cormorants (23rd). 75 Black-headed gulls mainly past North Haven was a good day count (25th). The week also saw a reduction in both Fulmar and Kittiwakes on the cliffs with Kittiwakes reducing to just 7 - all at the Wick - by the end of the week.

Shorebirds and allies

Light north-easterlies and clear skies resulted in a large movement of waders across Skomer with the majority being fly-overs due to the dwindling water level on North Pond. On the 23rd a Ringed plover, Dunlin, Green sandpiper and Redshank all flew through North Valley. The following day 5 Lapwings were recorded with a flock of 4 east and another dropping into North Pond (24th). Additionally, a Ringed plover flew past Skomer Head, 2 Black-tailed godwits went over North Valley and a Common sandpiper was at South Stream (25th); which remained until the end of the week. A Greenshank flew into North Pond for a matter of minutes then circled Green Pond before flying off South-West (25th). Another Redshank went through North Valley (26th). Perhaps the wader highlight of the week was a juvenile Spotted redshank that flew through North Valley along with 2 Golden plovers (27th). On the 28th the 3rd Redshank of the week went over the Farm as well as a Golden plover. Additionally, up to 5 Snipe and 13 Curlews were recorded daily. Water rails were recorded for the first time this autumn with 2 in North Valley. 3 Little egrets flew through South Valley (23rd) followed by 1 the next day at North Haven (25th) and presumably the same bird the day after was seen at both the Garland Stone and South Haven (26th). The warm weather also resulted in a small movement of Grey herons with 5 together over North Valley (24th), 1 over North Valley (26th) and 2 over North Haven (28th).

Clockwise from top left: Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Golden Plover & Lapwing - Ed Betteridge

Wildfowl

Teal were recorded most days with a peak of 10 on Green Pond (25th). The only other wildfowl recorded were 4 Canada Geese back on North Pond (24th) and 13 Common Scoter past North Haven (24th).

Birds of prey

One of the stand-out highlights of the week was a juvenile BLACK KITE which flew north over the Farm before turning and flying over North Haven to the mainland (23rd). The following day 2 Ospreys were seen flying over the island (24th). Marsh Harriers were recorded daily with a peak of 2 together on the 29th. Photos revealed a wing-tagged bird indicating at least 3 birds present, all being juvenile types. Buzzards and Sparrowhawks were seen daily, peaking at 12 and 3 respectively.

 

Black kite - Ed Betteridge

Passerines and allies

A busy week for passerines both overhead and on the deck. The highlight was a juvenile ICTERINE WARBLER at Moorey Mere on the evening (28th). Another highlight was the influx of flycatchers with a peak of 20 Spotted flycatchers (24th) and 3 Pied flycatchers (25th). Robins were seen daily however, a count of 36 was notable (23rd). A Collared dove was seen at the Farm (28th). Warbler migration is now in full swing with maximum counts of 15 Willow warblers and 8 Chiffchaffs (23rd). Blackcaps still seem to be in lower numbers with only 4 recorded during the week. Up to 2 Reed warblers were at Moorey Mere (28th). 

Swallows peaked at 111 (22nd), House martins at 17 (22nd) and Sand martins at 9 (28th). A Song thrush was at the farm (26-27th). 4 Yellow wagtails flew over South Valley (29th). 16 Grey wagtails were logged mainly flying over with a peak day total of 5 (25th). A small influx of White wagtails saw 2 at the Farm (25th) and 7 along the West coast (27th). A further 13 unraced ‘Alba’ wagtails were also recorded during the week. A good week for Tree pipits with 27 recorded including a day maximum of 12 (25th). 3 Siskins over North Haven were the first of the autumn, remaining until the next day (28-29th).

Icterine warbler - Ed Betteridge

Whinchat - Ed Betteridge

Pied Flycatcher - Ed Betteridge

Other

A small influx of butterflies resulted in a week total of 26 Painted ladies, up to 50 Small tortoiseshells and Common blues at the Garland stone (22rd) and the Farm (22-23rd). 3 Migrant hawkers were seen across the island (23rd) and a Greater horseshoe bat was found roosting in the workshop (26th). 3 Common dolphins were seen from North Haven (25th) and the Garland Stone (27th). 

15-21/8/21

Seabirds

Seabirds were in short supply however, a Puffin at High cliff carrying fish on the 16th represented a very late record along with 4+ ‘Comic’ (Common/Arctic) terns distantly of the Garland Stone (20th).

Shorebirds and allies

Curlew continued to be seen sporadically however, 6 past Garland Stone and 5 past North Haven on the 20th was notable. The only other wader of interest was the first Snipe of the autumn flushed at Skomer Head (15th).

Snipe - Ed Betteridge

Wildfowl

The juvenile Shelduck remained on North Pond until the 16th where hopefully it successfully left the island. The only other wildfowl of note was a drake Mallard also on North Pond (18th).

Birds of prey

Only birds of note were 2 Sparrowhawks over the Wick (21st)

Passerines and allies

Perhaps the highlight of the week was an elusive Redstart at North Valley Crossing (18th). Willow warblers were recorded everyday in single figures apart from an influx of 26 on the 18th. Chiffchaffs were seen in lower numbers with a peak of 6 on the 18th. The only other warbler of note was a Blackcap at North Valley Willows (19th). Spotted flycatchers were seen at the Farm (17th) then 3 at North Valley Crossing (18th) and one there the following day. Robins are still a regular feature on the island with double figure counts of 12 and 10 on the 19th and 18th respectively. A Song Thrush joined the Blackbirds at the Farm (19th) and an impressive count of 64 Swallows mainly at the Farm suggested some autumn passage occurring. 

Spotted Flycatcher - Ed Betteridge

1-14/8/21

Seabirds

Calm weather for most of the start of August resulted in few seabirds but 2 Sandwich Terns went past Garland Stone (2nd). 62 Gannets past the north of the island on the 6th were noteworthy. Of the breeding species, Guillemots and Razorbills were last recorded on the cliffs on the 2nd with Puffins remaining until at least the 14th though daily counts were in single figures by the 10th.

Shorebirds and allies

Waders were quiet but 2 Common Sandpipers were in North Haven (4th), a Whimbrel flew through North Valley (9th), a Redshank went over the farm calling (10th) and up to 3 Curlews were seen daily. 2 Grey Herons flew over Green pond (2nd) with 1 over North Haven and North Valley (10th).

Grey heron - Ed Betteridge

Wildfowl

The juvenile Shelduck was on North pond along with up to 14 Canada Geese and 2 Mallards. The only other Wildfowl came in the form of 12 Common Scoter past North Haven (10th).

Birds of prey

Marsh Harriers were seen on multiple dates, the majority either being female or juvenile types, therefore an adult male over North Haven was notable (4th). There were a few single records of Sparrowhawk and up to 4 Peregrine and  7 Buzzards logged.

Passerines and allies

A juvenile Cuckoo in North Valley (1st) was a good start to the month. Collared Dove were at the farm (1st & 9th). A Swift went over the Farm (3rd). The first Spotted Flycatcher was at North Valley Crossing (4th). Robins peaked at 5 (10th & 12th) and a Song Thrush was at North Haven (9th). Willow Warbler numbers fluctuated daily with peaks of 36 (1st) and 22 (9th); Chiffchaff were seen most days with a peak of 4 on the 12th. Other migrant warblers included Reed Warblers at Moorey mere (1st), Farm (9th), North Valley Crossing (9th) and 2 again at Moorey Mere (12th) and a male Blackcap at the Farm (9th).

We started to see the first of the hirundine movement with 5 Sand Martins over (4th) and a House Martin over North Haven (10th). There are many pairs of Swallows breeding on the island but a count of 81 on the 10th including many along the coast indicated birds migrating. A pair of House Martins bred on the farm for the first time ever and successfully fledged 2 young on the 4th. 

Juvenile cuckoo - Ed Betteridge

Reed warbler - Ed Betteridge

Other

Harbour Porpoise were seen daily mainly off Skomer Head or the Garland Stone along with Common Dolphins on 3 dates with a maximum count of 15 off North Haven (3rd). Grey Seal numbers have started to rise with the first pup of the year at Castle Bay (8th).

Painted Ladies were seen most days mainly along the coast with a peak of 13 (2nd). Graylings were seen on 3 dates totaling 4 individuals all of which at North Haven. Day-flying moths were in short supply but 2 Silver Y’s (2nd) and up to 6 Oak Eggars were notable. The only odonata was a Migrant Hawker at North Haven (4th).

Painted lady - Ed Betteridge