Rough-legged Buzzard - 1949 status

Buteo lagupus lagopus

The only record given by Mathew was of one shot near St Bride's, Oct 1889.  One seen near Lydstep Haven, 18 and 21 Sept 1931.  R.M.Garret was what he believed to be one near St Davids, 3 Oct 1947.

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

Golden Eagle - 1949 status

Aquila chrysaetus chrysaetus

Two, which had been kept in captivity on Skomer, were released there in 1915.  One of these was soon afterwards shot near Marloes; the other, after living on Skomer for 13 years, moved to Ramsey in 1929, where it remained for several years.  A "mate" was provided from the London Zoo in June 1929; this bird, a female, was found drowned on 9 Oct 1929, washed up on the mainland opposite Ramsey.  The other was shot in March 1932 by the farmer at Ramsey, who alleged it was killing lambs.  This too, proved to be a female.

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

Kestrel - 1949 status

Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus

Common resident.  Visits the islands at all seasons.  Breeds Ramsey and Caldey regularly; has also nested on Skomer.

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

Merlin - 1949 status

Falco columbarius aesalon

A frequent visitor in autumn and winter to the islands; has probably bred Ramsey.  Nests also recorded at St Davids, Goodwick, Maenclochog, Tenby, and elswhere.

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

Hobby - 1949 status

Falco subbuteo subbuteo

Mathew records it at Goodwick, 1871; Dale 3 Oct 1888; Letterston c 1888.  One Ramey 30 May 1939; one Monk Haven, 18 Sept 1939 (Tommy Warren Davis)

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

Peregrine Falcon - 1949 status

Falco peregrinus peregrinus

Maximum number of eyries which could be occupied in one year probably 35.  Average number of occupied eyries pre-World War II probably 25-28.  During the war it was persecuted and is now less numerous (about 18 pairs in 1947)

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

Greenland Falcon - 1949 status

Falco rusticolus candicans

Mathew records one shot at Stackpole "many years ago". and now in the British Museum

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

White-breasted Barn Owl - 1949 status

Tyto alba alba

"A resident far from common . . . in cliffs both inland and on the coast".  Thus Mathew, and this is true to-day.  A pair recorded as nesting in a little cave on the Mewstone, Skomer, among the seabirds.  Has nested also St Margaret's and Caldey.  Visits the islands in winter.  Often caught in rabbit-traps.

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

British Tawny Owl - 1949 status

Strix aluco sylvatica

Common resident in all woods and plantations, but on the islands only a rare visitor.

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

Scops Owl - 1949 status

Otus scops scops

Mathew records one caught near Pembroke in spring, 1868, which remains the only Welsh record.

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

Short-eared Owl - 1949 status

Asio flammeus flammeus

Breds annually in a few places, including one, or two, or the islands.  In winter frequently seen over heaths and bogs.

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

Long-eared Owl - 1949 status

Asio otus otus

A scarce resident, which has bred occasionally.  An adult and half-grown young in a small copse near Granant, 30 May 1912 (B.Birds XVIII 233).  Has nested at Solva and near St Dogmaels (Bertram Lloyd).  In 1935 nested in an old Magpie's nest in a small willow on the Dowrog, near St Davids (A.Brook).

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