A comparison of the results from the two surveys indicates a 23% increase in distribution by the latter period. However, the overall number involved has decreased. At least two previously occupied sites have disappeared, while a change in use at another has caused Coots to desert it. There has been a marked decrease at Bosherston, coincident with an increase in Otter activity there, which was where the greatest concentration was found in the 1980’s. There were probably no more than 52 pairs breeding in the county by 2007, compared to 75 pairs in 1988.
Graham Rees
Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads)
Red = breeding confirmed = 19
Orange = breeding probable = 8
Yellow = breeding possible = 5
Total tetrads in which registered = 32 (6.5%)