Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - Summer 1993 - No 55
Rob Hunt & Barry Stewart
JANUARY
A Little Egret remained at Kidwelly Quay (10th-16th), the fifth successive year for the species (which is increasingly seen in Britain as a whole) to occur in the county, whereas a drake Surf Scoter off Ragwen Point, Pendine (31st) was the fourth county record for this North American duck. Ten Bewick's Swans and 34 White-fronted Geese were at Dryslwyn at the end of the month, whilst four Velvet Scoters were seen among the several thousand Common Scoters off Morfa Bychan. A single Jack Snipe was at the Upper Lliedi Reservoir, and up to 3000 Lapwing and 1000 Golden Plover were at Penallt near Kidwelly. Following strong winds in mid-month, adult Kittiwakes were seen at Burry Port and St Ishmaels, and a male Hen Harrier was watched over the fields between. Pembrey Forest and the main road. Two Yellow-legged Herring Gulls were seen at the Sandy Water Park, Llanelli. Up to 15 Chiffchaffs were present around the sewage works near Kidwelly Quay, including two grey abietinus/tristis types. Single female or immature Black Redstarts were present at both Ferryside and Kidwelly.
PENCLACWYDD WWT
The high tides during the second week produced some of the hest wildfowl and wader counts of the month. Shoveler appeared to be wintering in higher numbers than usual with a maximum of 164, while Teal (570) and Wigeon (350) numbers were about average. Pintail (273) were less evident than in past years.
Most of the masses of waders which feed in the Inlet roost on the south shore. In spite of this, a good selection of species was recorded on the scrapes, with two Greenshank and up to 45 Black-tailed Godwits regular. Two Spotted Redshank proved more elusive, only appearing on the highest of tides. Snipe (60), Lapwing (269) and Curlew (300) were around most days, often being disturbed by either Peregrines or a male Hen Harrier. Over 200 Redshank fed and roosted on the marsh, where occasional groups of Brent Geese could be seen (max.220). Thirteen White-fronted Geese flew past (3rd). Shelduck peaked at 469, mid-month.
Storms led to a couple of Kittiwakes pitching down, both subsequently dying, and a Little Auk brought in from Gorseinon (24th) suffered the same fate. Kestrels were unusually scarce, whereas 143 Coot were double their usual figures after icy conditions at the start of the month. Kingfisher, Stonechat and Brambling were also all recorded.
FEBRUARY
The drake Surf Scoter was again seen, this time off Gilman Point, Pendine early in the month. A Great Grey Shrike was discovered near the Usk Reservoir (28th), and a Slavonian Grebe was seen there, together with four Goldeneyes (16th-22nd).
A Black-throated Diver, up to 11 Velvet Scoter and three Long-tailed Duck were counted off Pendine. At Dryslwyn there was a maximum of 63 White-fronted Geese and ten Bewick's Swans. Nearby at Ffairfach, a drake Garganey was an early migrant (8th-28th), whilst five Brent Geese there on the 10th was a most unusual record for the Tywi Valley. Six days later, two White-fronts turned up at the same location (Ty Gwyn Pond). On 7th, 14 Gadwall, several Tufted Ducks, a drake Shoveler, 45 Coots and a pair of Dabchicks were on the main Machynys Pond. A visit to the Dinefwr Oxbows produced c50 Coot, 19 Tufted Ducks, 50 Wigeon, 22 Pochard, 120 Teal and a pair of Gadwall, whilst c80 Snipe fed on waterlogged ground nearby. Some 20 Siskins were in nearby trees. (An added bonus for the observer was a distant view of Sr. Otter swimming across the Tywi in broad daylight).
Sixteen Chiffchaffs were ringed at the sewage farm at Kidwelly Quay and up to 30 Reed Buntings were also noted. A Chiffchaff was additionally recorded at the Witchett Pool, Pendine, as were two Cetti's Warblers.
The only notable raptor records were of a male Hen Harrier at Ginst Point and 25 Buzzards at Llanybydder.
PENCLACWYDD WWT
The mild weather kept most duck and wader counts fairly static. Up to 332 Wigeon grazed the fields adjacent to the scrapes where 250 Lapwing and 60 Snipe also fed. Teal, always difficult to count on the marsh reached 312 but Pintail, lower than usual, only reached 170. Shoveler numbers were good with 100 regularly using the lagoon. Over 300 Shelduck were counted (9th) along with 61 Brent Geese, three Goldeneyes and three Great Crested Grebes. A flock of 364 Redshank (9th) also included a Spotted Redshank. Two Greenshank were frequent on the marsh scrape as was the flock of 40-50 Black-tailed Godwits.
Two Kingfishers pleased mary visitors as they fed in front of the marsh hide. other regulars included the male Hen Harrier, four Water Rails and two Peregrines.
MARCH
The month saw the arrival of the first spring migrants, with a Sand Martin at Sandy Water Park, Llanelli (12th), two Swallows at Ffairfach, Llandeilo (28th) and a Wheatear at Penclacwydd (11th).
In the Tywi Valley, the Garganey remained at Ffairfach (to 14th), together with three Pintails. The first Little Ringed Plover appeared nearby at the Dinefwr Oxbows with two there (24th); a Green Sandpiper was also seen near Llandeilo. A flock of 77 Curlews stopped off by the Dinefwr Oxbows en route to their summer breeding grounds (8th). Seven Mute Swans on Llyn Taliaris (7th) are believed to constitute the first known sighting from this tree-surrounded, secluded Lake.
A Black-throated Diver remained in the Pendine area, together with several Red-throated Divers and four Velvet Scoters (7th). Five Goldeneyes and 307 Brent Geese were observed at Loughor bridge (2nd), whilst ten Gadwall remained on machynys Ponds (3rd).
A Long-eared Owl, discovered by a local walker in thick thorn/willow scrub near the new Berwick roundabout S.of Bynea (7th), unfortunately had a broken wing and had to be put down. The few of us who had close views of this ill-fated individual, admired the intensly-orange eyes, the prominent "ear"-tufts and the way in which it narrowed its body as we initially approaced it. There are other occasional recent records of Long-eared Owls in the county - for example, one flushed from willow carr amongst the Machynys Ponds and others noted in Pembrey Forest. Areas of scrub in these areas could profitably be searched in winter in the hope of finding a winter roost - a "long-shot" perhaps, but worth it for the lucky individual:
A Black Redstart at the North Dock, Llanelli remained highly elusive early into the month, but another, a male, was observed at Llandeilo railway station on the 12th. A raptor record of note was a female Merlin hunting Skylarks on Pembrey Saltings on the 8th.
PENCLACWYDD WWT
Waders provided the greatest interest, as on the scrapes two Spotted Redshanks, two Greenshanks and 60 Black-tailed Godwits all regularly fed and roosted. Redshanks also frequented the scrapes in good numbers and up to 300 were present (12th). A Ruff also appeared, from 20th, and there was a lot of displaying by Redshanks and Lapwings. Raptors were much in evidence with three Peregrine, Merlin, Hen Harrier and two Short-eared Owls being the highlights. Water Rails showed well with at least six individuals.
Most waterfowl departed this month, with Wigeon dropping from 254 to 37. Gatherings of Teal, Pintail and Shoveler all became less evident, but a good selection of species was still present at the end of the month, including eight Gadwall. Up to 425 Shelduck were present on the estuary (1st) where a male Scaup fed (1st-3rd). Regular flights of small groups of Brent Geese occurred on the estuary.
The first migrant of the year was a Wheatear (11th), with eight more recorded (by 28th). The first Chiffchaff appeared (15th) and five Sand Martins flew over (17th). A single Tree Sparrow, new for the Centre, was seen (28th) with Chaffinches and Greenfinches.
APRIL
Many summer migrants made their first arrival during the month. Typical dates included: Cuckoo at Mynydd Llangyndeyrn, (15th); Yellow Wagtail at Ffairfach, (11th); Grasshopper Warbler at Ffrwd Fen, (19th); Sedge Warbler at Ffrwd Fen, (13th), a Wood Warbler near Llangadog, (29th), and a Redstart at Castle Woods (8th).
A single Dotterel was located on the Tair Carn Ridge, near Ammanford (25th-28th), followed by six there (29th). The first Common Sandpiper was at Ffairfach (11th) and the first Whimbrels were at Penclacwydd (12th). Over 40 Little Ringed Plovers had returned to the Tywi Valley (25th). A Hobby was a good find at Pembrey Forest (24th) and following strong winds, an Arctic Skua was seen off Cefn Sidan (19th), and later three Great Skuas and 22 Sandwich Terns on the 20th. An adult Mediterranean Gull was a nice find at Ferryside on the 10th.
A pair of Bramblings were late visitors to a Burry Port garden (20th) and 20 Redpolls were seen at "Gweunydd Cochion", south of Tumble (4th). A pair of Great Crested Grebes displayed briefly (4th) on the Machynys Pond raising hopes that they may breed, but they soon moved on. Two days earlier, a pair of Gadwall were also present, though like the Grebes, they soon departed. PENCLACWYDD WWT
Small numbers of waterfowl lingered well into the month, with two Pintail and three Wigeon present (27th). The last Brents were seen on the 9th. Waterfowl on the estuary included a Goldeneye and 24 Eiders (6th). Great Crested Grebes (up to four) were also regular. On the scrapes up to 30 Teal stayed throughout, and a male Garganey was present from the 9th-11th, the same or another occurred on the 26th. An Egyptian Goose appeared on the 25th with two Greylags and stayed to the end of the month.
waders on the scrapes included two long-staying Spotted Redshanks which moulted quickly into summer plumage, and two Greenshanks which were seen copulating. A Ruff was present most of the month, as were up to 41 Black-tailed Godwits. Whimbrel arrived on the 12th with a maximum of 24 recorded; other summer waders included a Little Ringed Plover (25th) and the first Common Sandpiper (9th). A Hobby gave excellent, if brief views as it passed through (27th), and the last Short-eared Owl was seen on the 14th.
By the end of the month Whitethroats, Sedge Warblers and Swallows had taken up the usual territories and Cuckoos were calling regularly around the Centre. Twice as many pairs of Redshank than last year were displaying, with approximately 15 pairs. Lapwing, also about 15 pairs, were well into incubation by the end of the month. Shelduck dropped from 300 to 138 birds mid-month with a good number of these pairing and searching for nest sites. Two pairs of Kestrel had nest sites half a mile apart and many aerial encounters occurred over the Centre allowing superb views.
Below: Lesser-spotted Woodpecker
MAY
Garganeys were recorded at the Witchett Pool, Old Castle Pond and the relatively-new pond besides Kymer's Canal between Kidwelly Quay and Comissioners Bridge; there was also a pair present on the Dinefwr Oxbows, Llandeilo. A Marsh Harrier put in an appearance at the Witchett Pool area. Single Hobbies were recorded in the Tywi valley - near Ffairfach and at Whitemill.
Dotterel continued to be seen on Mynydd Tair Carn, with three on 1st and five on 2nd May. Wader records from the Tywi valley included a Greenshank near Ffairfach, three Ringed Plovers at the same site and singles at both the Dinefwr Oxbows and Rhosmaen; a lone Dunlin was also recorded at the latter locality. Six resplendent summer-plumaged Black-tailed Godwits put in an appearance at the main Machynys Pond before they were scared off by a fisherman (14th). Two broods - of three and six birds - of Goosanders were on the Tywi at Llanwrda (31st), as were a pair of Mute Swans with five cygnets. Three Cetti's Warblers were singing around the Witchett Pool and Lesser Whitethroats were noted at Capel Dewi, Nantgaredig, Dryslwyn, Pontargothi and Crugybar; they were also recorded at some coastal localities, with early records from Llwynhendy (7th) and Ffos-fach, Bynea (9th). Extremely few Crossbills have been around this year, so one seen in a plantation on Mynydd Llanybydder is a noteworthy record. A Greenland Wheatear (a male) was on the shingle beach at Penrhyngwyn, Machynys on the 18th, whilst no less than a group of seven (4 females and 3 males) were on the Banc-y-Lord, Kidwelly the next day. Another "Greenland" was found at Rhosmaen in the Tywi valley (21st), where 3 White Wagtails were also observed on the 14th.
Normally elusive Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers were heard calling or drumming at Bronwydd, Llanegwad, Golden Grove and Stradey Woods towards the end of April. A female and a young male were subsequently seen at Bronwydd and family parties seen just outside Carmarthen and Glantowy Farm. A pair of Little Owls flushed from an oak tree surprised observers searching for Tree Sparrows at Rhosmaen (26th), but ten Tree Sparrows were discovered feeding in a small stable yard near Bethlehem two days later. Another observer noted Tree Sparrows at White Mill (carrying nesting material) and "at least 3 or 4 pairs" in the Dryslwyn-Felindre area. Other singles were noted along the A40 between. Carmarthen and Dryslwyn, favouring dead trees and old buildings for nesting purposes. Tree Sparrows were also seen around Sand Martin colonies coming in and out of nest holes.
A small non-breeding group of 6 individuals (1 adult and 5 let year birds) have also been present on the new, large and natural-looking water body at the tip of the Machynys Peninsula ("Penrhyngwyn Pond"). This water body, strategically placed at the tip of the Machynys Peninsula will improve considerably as vegetation and invertebrates colonise, providing food and shelter for water bodies; it will be worth watching in the future. Mute Swans were absent from the "Ashpits Pond", Burry Port, presumably due to the, now almost complete encroachment of the open water by reeds. At Penclacwydd WWT two pairs bred, fledging two and one cygnets (see below).
Another Hobby was noted in June, this time at Crugybar. This raptor is increasingly being seen in the county, giving rise to hopes that it may soon breed if it is not already doing so) as it does in parts of SE Wales. The Tywi valley, with its Sand Martin colonies and dragonfly-rich oxbows providing ample prey, might well be attractive to this raptor. A Peregrine was watched taking a Noctule bat at dusk by Whitemill in the Tywi valley or. 5th (James McCallum) -perhaps the first time this has been witnessed in the British Isles (though it has been noted on the Continent).
Between 39 and 42 pairs of Little Ringed Plovers were located on the shingle shoals of the Tywi, but sadly, most nests were lost after thunderstorms (and subsequent flooding) on the 10th; only nine or ten chicks are known to have flown - the third poor breeding season in a row. A pair of Wheatears probably bred at Pembrey Harbour, a significant record for this species is more regularly associated with our upland areas. At least three Cetti's Warblers were singing in the Witchett Pool area, another male was typically loudly in. song in the flooded wilow carr at the rear of the Cors Pond, Dafen on the 1st and 3rd - a new site for this species.
PENCLACWYDD WWT
The pair of Greylags, of unknown origin, which appeared in April produced four goslings - a new breeding record for the reserve. The Egyptian Goose which originally appeared on the same day as the Greylags also remained, spending its time with the Greylag family. The two pairs of Mute Swans hatched broods of eight and five from which only two and one fledged. A lack of aquatic vegetation and competition from other waterfowl are probably the reasons so few were reared. On the 7th, 79 Shelduck were counted, and 11 downy young were present on 20th.
PENCLACWYDD WWT
Wader movements included 80-plus Whimbrels and 150-plus Bar-tailed Godwits mid-May, with smaller numbers of Black-tailed Godwits and Curlews. More usual waders included two Curlew Sandpipers in May (and another duller individual in June). Two Common Sandpipers in May were accompanied by a Wood Sandpiper and two Greenshanks.
Three Little Egrets arrived (12th June) spending the whole day on the marsh scrape. Only one remained the following day. Also there, a male Garganey put in occasional appearances, sometimes associating with a group of five lingering Teals. Two immature Wigeons turned up (7th May) one showing white axillaries. closer views revealed very light vermiculations on the tips of each feather.
Raptor sightings included a Hobby (17th May) and the occasional Peregrine. Our. now seemingly regular Turtle Dove appeared (7th June) and stayed with the ever growing flock of Collared Doves.
From an estimated 12 pairs of Redshanks and 15 pairs of Lapwings, it looks as if no young will fledge. Most have been mercilessly picked off by corvids. What do you do? Greylags bred for the first time with two birds of unknown origin hatching four goslings (30th May). A pair of Kingfishers were regularly seen taking fish to a secluded pill, this would also constitute a breeding first if proven.
JUNE
A Red-throated Diver was located off Cefn Sidan on the 5th, whilst three days earlier, a female Ruddy Duck was a pleasant discovery at Sandy Water Park; it was subsequently seen there and the adjacent Old Castle Pond at to least the 18th. Another was present at the Witchett Pool. The success of local Mute Swans in the Llanelli area was monitored in June; results are given below:
Machynys Ponds 7 cygnets
Cors Pond, Dafen 4 cygnets
Sandy Water Park/Old Castle Pond 2 cygnets
Kymer's Canal Pond, Kidwelly 5 cygnets
A "Ring-tail" Harrier was noted on the 13th and interestingly, another - or the same bird - was observed on Tywyn Burrows by a party of botanists late in the afternoon of the same day. The comment offered regarding corvid predation (in the May account) was not completely accurate, for a pair of Redshank fledged two young. Numbers of adult Redshank increased rather quickly in the month - to 587 on 29th; a Greenshank also appeared from 27th, whilst a Green Sandpiper was present on 27th and 28th. A single Dunlin turned up on 25th and a Curlew Sandpiper on the 6th and 7th. Common Sandpipers bred for the first time, hatching four chicks sometime before the 23rd.
An adult Little Ringed Plover was seen on the 24th and a Kingfisher was reasonably regular after the 22nd; a Turtle Dove was around for a week in mid-month.
Erratum: Correction to "Bird Notes" (Feb 1992) - Shag: Telpyn Point, 29 February. Locality should read "Ragwen Point"
Thanks to all those observers who have contributed records and to Julian Friese and Ian Morgan for commenting on this draft. All recorders will be fully cited in the 1993 Carmarthenshire Bird Report. Gratitude is also due to James McCallum for use of two of his illustrations.
D. Astins N.R. Matthew
S. Berry J. McCallum
D. Charles I.K. Morgan
M. Cram K.F. Nicholas
M. Cross D.M. Powell
D.G. Davies G. Roberts
G.J. Davies A. Sheridan
J.R. Ellis B. Stewart
j. Friese N.H. Thomas
R.O. Hunt M.H. Williams
F.B. Jenkins
C. Jones
Rob Hunt, 9 Waun Road, Llanerch, Llanelli, Dyfed. SA15 3RS
