Woodcock - 1949

Scolopax rusticola

A common winter visitor, especially in hard weather.  In 1603 almost incredibly abundant, but has decreased since, and is probably still decreasing.  Mathew believed it bred in small numbers, and Wintle thought it bred on Caldey.  Alexander (1945) was given no definite evidence of breeding in the county, though a pair, evidently mating, were at Orielton 28 Feb 1935 (H.A.Gilbert).  Among good covers mentioned by Mathew are Sealyham, Cuffern, Tregwynt, near Tufton Arms, Trecwm, Stone Hall, and (especially) Slebech; to which this species still resorts.

R.M.Lockley, G.C.S.Ingram, H.M.Salmon, 1949, The Birds of Pembrokeshire, The West Wales Field Society