On 8th June 2023, I visited the following sites:
SWWWT Pengelli Forest is part of the largest block of ancient oak woodland in west Wales.
Similar to Minwear Forest, I would imagine that SWWWT Pengelli Forest is an excellent site during spring for woodland birds. However, again, it was evident that the period of peak bird activity and bird song had passed and, disappointingly but not unexpectedly, it was relatively quiet.
The highlights during my visit were as follows (heard only records in italics): Blackcap (1 singing male), Chiffchaff (1 singing male), Goldcrest (2 singing males), Common Buzzard (1)
Following a disappointing visit to SWWWT Pengelli Forest), I moved on to nearby SWWWT Teifi Marshes which is one of the best wetland sites in Wales. The reserve is situated on the floor of the wide pre-glacial channel left by the former course of the River Teifi and now occupied by the River Piliau which meanders through the marshes in a narrow but deceptively deep cut. There are a range of habitats including open pasture and well wooded hedgerows, alder and willow carr, freshwater marsh with open pools and reedbeds and tidal mudbanks.
Flooding is extensive in winter, when the area attracts large numbers of wildfowl and waders. However, during the spring and summer months, the reserve is important for breeding warblers plus dragonflies and damselflies. It is also an important site for Otters.
Whilst I had an enjoyable circular SWWWT Teifi Marshes which took in all the different habitats, it was generally hard work to actually see much.
The highlights during my visit were as follows (heard only records in italics): Chiffchaff (9 singing males), Blackcap (4 singing males), Reed Warbler (at least 5 singing males), Sedge Warbler (1), Cetti’s Warbler (2 singing males), Reed Bunting (1 singing male), Swift (1), House Martin (1), Mallard (3 adults plus 3 juveniles), Moorhen (2 adults plus 2 juveniles), Mute Swan (2), Red Kite (1), Common Buzzard (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Grey Squirrel (1), Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Blue-tailed Damselfly
Photo: entrance to SWWWT Teifi Marshes .... and the only Otter sighting!
Following my visit to SWWWT Teifi Marshes, I drove 26 miles west to Strumble Head.
Strumble Head is located on the north west tip of Pembrokeshire, 6 miles from the ferry port of Fishguard. The general area is known as the Pencaer peninsula, the focus of which is Strumble Head Lighthouse perched on a tiny island just off the coast and reached by a small suspension bridge.
From a birding point of view, Strumble Head is a well-known and very productive seawatching location during the peak seabird passage during August to October.
Whilst my visit did not occur during this period, I was able to record, as expected, my first Manx Shearwaters of the year.
The highlights during my visit were as follows (heard only records in italics): Manx Shearwater (5), Gannet (at least 20), auk species (at least 5 probable Guillemots), Herring Gull, Rock Pipit (1), Meadow Pipit (1), Stonechat (1), Skylark (1 singing male)
Photo: Strumble Head
I stayed overnight at Cedar Farm campsite in St. Twynells, 6 miles south of Pembroke Dock. This was another basic rural campsite with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.
Photo: Cedar Farm campsite
Photo: Cedar Farm campsite
The highlights during my stay at Cedar Farm campsite were a calling male Tawny Owl as I went to sleep and an extremely loud early dawn chorus the following morning.
During my stay, I recorded the following (heard only records in italics): Tawny Owl (1 calling male), Sparrowhawk (1), Mute Swan (2 fly-over birds), Chiffchaff (1 singing male), Swallow (2), Mistle Thrush (evidently a breeding pair that regularly fed in the campsite field before returning to the adjacent wooded area), Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Wren, Jackdaw, Herring Gull
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