Cirl Bunting - 1994

Former resident, now a rare visitor

Mathew (1894) classed the Cirl Bunting as a rare occasional visitor noting there were specimens in the Stackpole Court collection with others recorded near Tenby, Solva and Dinas. Lockley et al. (1949) quoted breeding at Solva in 1895, which was recorded by H.W. Evans, whose notes show that up to three pairs nested annually until 1910. He also recorded four or five at Haverfordwest Railway Station in July 1925. Thereafter single birds were recorded at Solva in July 1925, at Dale in 1948 (Lockley et al.) and at Saundersfoot on 24 January 1952. A pair was seen near Broad Haven (north) on 13 November 1955 and singles were recorded at Newgale on 31 August 1958 and singing at Monkton on 5 and 6 June 1961. A flock of ten was at Gelliswick on 24 November 1963, and singles were seen at Trefwrdan Isaf and Nevem in early 1965, at Ramsey on 19 April 1965 and at Pentre Ifan on 2 June 1981.

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire