Starling - 1994

Breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant

Very few Starlings bred in /Pembrokeshire prior to 1880 but they have slowly increased since. Mathew (1894) noted that they were increasing and Lloyd's diaries detail the patchy distribution they had achieved during 1925-1937. Lockley et al. (1949) agreed that they were rare nesters in some parts of the county while Davies (1948) gave details of some 50 pairs•in just eight localities.

The Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 found Starlings to be well distributed in towns but sparse in many rural areas (see map). Very few bred in trees, but they bred freely in rock crevices in mainland cliffs and on the offshore islands. The majority used buildings, and their patchy distribution may be due to a lack of suitable structures in some areas. A population estimate has been made by taking fairly accurate figures from the islands and some mainland towns (where local observers live), and adding them to estimates for other urban areas and to an estimated average of ten pairs per tetrad for rural areas, giving a total of about 2,000 pairs overall.

They flock from June onwards, with juveniles predominating. Many of these are undoubtedly locally-bred birds, but as numbers grow during July and August it seems likely that others from outside the county make their way to the coastal strip.

Vast numbers pass through Pembrokeshire from October to early December, ringing recoveries showing that they include birds from the Continent as far east as Karelia, in Russia. The majority appear overnight and there are many records from the lanterns of the Smalls and South Bishop lighthouses. There is also considerable diurnal movement, principally towards Ireland, including 10,170 logged flying north-west out to sea at Strumble Head on 6 November 1983.

The coastal pastures of Pembrokeshire swarm with Starlings during the passage period and these are also the principal feeding . grounds for the large numbers that winter in the county.  Many small to medium sized roosts are formed but by late December the majority are concentrated into a few large roosts. Sites have varied but in recent times have included the reedbeds at Bosherston Pools and Canaston, and the conifer plantations on the flanks of the Preseli Mountains and at Dudwell. Birds spread out to feed during the day, some travelling considerable distances. The Preseli roost gathers birds from all over north Pembrokeshire as far as the Teifi, as well as from the south and east. The Dudwell birds fly in from St David's to Fishguard in the north, from the western coastal plain and from the western Castle Martin peninsula. Starlings feeding on the Castle Martin ranges east of Flimston have been noted flying towards the Bosherston, roost but those on Range West depart northwards and the flightlines can be traced back to Dudwell. This sharp division has also been noted elsewhere, for example Starlings feeding at the village end of the Trecwn valley fly to Dudwell but those feeding at the Llanychaer end head for the Preseli roost. It is not known whether individuals remain faithful to a particular roost. The numbers using the roosts can be considerable, at least 200,000 having been estimated at the Preseli roost, and rough counts made at Dudwell suggest a total of two million Starlings assemble there.

Cold weather advancing from the east causes large numbers of Starlings to move through and to Pembrokeshire. Prolonged bad weather sometimes causes extensive mortality. Most movements are towards the west and are sometimes heavy; for example, birds passed at a rate of about 1,000 per 15 minutes at Marloes in January 1952 (Conder 1954) and over 52,000 passed over Milford Haven in 41/2 hours on 14 January 1987, an average of nearly 3,000 birds per 15 minutes.

Spring passage mainly takes the form of a fairly sudden departure, which is presumably nocturnal, during March. Starlings have been recorded at the lantern of the Smalls lighthouse throughout March and in early April. Night observation by radar, conducted near Tenby in March 1968 (Johnson 1969), recorded a strong passage of starling-sized birds overflying Pembrokeshire from north-west to south-east, consistent with through passage from Ireland.

 

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 155

Orange = breeding probable = 32

Total tetrads in which registered = 187 (39.1%)

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

Raven - 1994

Breeding resident

Ravens have increased in Pembrokeshire since the time of Mathew (1894), who thought that 20 pairs nested. By 1949, Lockley et al. were able to note that the population had grown to not less than 80 pairs, 60 of them on the coast and islands.

A reasonably accurate assessment of the present population can be made following the fieldwork of the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988. Ravens were found breeding on the offshore islands and the mainland cliffs and on crags and in trees in most areas inland. On the islands, 12 pairs were reported breeding, with 65 pairs around the outer coast. The inland population has been estimated by omitting the 'present' category from the map, as such records could represent wandering non- breeders or foraging adults from nests in adjoining tetrads. The resultant map plot suggests that about 60 pairs breed inland, making a total county population of about 140 pairs.

They have a tendency to flock after the breeding season, although many individuals seem not to become involved and some breeding territories remain occupied throughout the year. Flocks of up to 80 have been noted on Skomer in September (when fledgling Manx Shearwaters are probably the attraction) and of up to 250 at Dudwell from August (attracted by discarded offal from the slaughterhouse). The Skomer flock generally disperses in October but the Dudwell gathering persists longer and up to 170 have been recorded there into April ( these are presumably non‑breeding birds). Ravens also form communal roosts during the winter, the sites being subject to periodic change. Up to 150 were noted roosting at Walwyn's Castle in 1954 and up to 263 at Roch in 1964, but most roosts feature 30-50 birds.

They are highly mobile birds and are seen passing over all parts of the county. Some may be wanderers from outside Pembrokeshire, for there is evidence to confirm this: nestlings ringed at Skokholm have twice been recovered in north Wales, which suggests some degree of interchange.

Young birds from the quarry at Goodwick Moor used to be exported to replenish the population at the Tower of London.

            

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 91

Orange = breeding probable = 42

Total tetrads in which registered = 133 (27.8%)

Inland breeding tetrads= 57 (42.9% of breedng tetrads)

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

Carrion Crow - 1994

Breeding resident

Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) agreed that the Carrion Crow was a common resident.

They were formerly persecuted throughout Pembrokeshire: 134 were killed on the Cawdor Estate at Stackpole in 1821 (Carmarthen County Records Office, Box 1-234) and Lloyd counted 150 on a gibbet at Slebech in 1930. Although still sometimes shot by game preservers and shepherds, they are now largely unmolested.

They breed over a wide area, mostly in trees but also on cliff ledges, and have occupied most of the offshore islands (see map). They used to breed on Ramsey, but were eradicated, at least temporarily, by trapping during the 1980s, and have declined at Skomer, perhaps due to increased competition for food and nest sites from Magpies. The distances between nests were noted in a number of areas of the county during 1986 and 1987 and used to estimate an average density of 40-45 pairs per tetrad, suggesting a county population of 18,000-21,000 pairs.

Groups of non-breeding birds, sometimes up to 100 strong, gather on the estuaries during the summer to feed on shellfish, notably at Fowborough and the Gann. This habitat is also utilised by family parties after the breeding season and throughout the winter, when up to 200 may gather.

Lockley (1957) stated that roosting flocks of up to 100 were common in Pembrokeshire but most modem records refer to 60 or less, though 208 were counted gathering at Dowrog in November 1988.

They are perhaps partial migrants, judging by records of birds overflying remote offshore areas such as the Smalls or flying in or off the sea at headlands, and a nestling ringed at Bardsey was later found in north Pembrokeshire.

Hooded Crows, which occur most years on the islands of Ramsey, Skokholm and Skomer, or at the coast in localities such as Fishguard Harbour, St David's, Solva and Martin's Haven, undoubtedly come from elsewhere, most likely from Ireland. They have turned up in every month and individuals have sometimes made prolonged stays. One which wintered at Fishguard Harbour in 1986/87 was seen displaying in the spring and may have attempted to breed.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 390

Orange = breeding probable = 22

Yellow = breeding possible = 47

Total tetrads in which registered = 459 (96%)

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

Rook - 1994

Breeding resident

Resident and abundant in all districts according to Mathew (1894), who noted that thousands perished in the severe winter of 1880. Lockley et al. (1949) also knew the Rook as resident and numerous.

They now nest throughout Pembrokeshire wherever there are suitable trees amid farmland, and are only absent from the mountain tops and the offshore islands, though they occasionally visit Ramsey and to a lesser extent Skokholm and Skomer.

The BTO census of 1944-1946 located a total of 9,664 nests in 147 colonies in Pembrokeshire. The Dyfed Wildlife Trust conducted a repeat survey in 1971 and found 10,109 nests in 281 rookeries. The BTO census of 1975-1976 logged 8,280 nests in 268 colonies. It would seem therefore that the Pembrokeshire population has been fairly stable for a long period; a sample census conducted by T.C.E. Hughes in 1986-1993 reached the same conclusion.

Saunders (1971) noted that the average rookery size had decreased between the 1944-1946 survey and that of 1971. He also noted that rookeries were sparse in the east of the county. The Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 found that many areas in the east had since been colonised.

Lockley (1947) noted a regular south-west to north-east movement off the sea during March and early April. McCanch (1985) noted large scale departures to the west and north-west over the South Bishop during November 1975, including 350 on 6 November and 110 on 8 November. No other marked movements have been noted.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 220

Orange = breeding probable = 3

Total tetrads in which registered = 223 (46.7%)

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

Jackdaw - 1994

Breeding resident

A common resident according to Mathew (1894) and Lockley eta (1949), the Jackdaw is probably the most versatile of Pembrokeshire's birds, for it has learnt to exploit just about every niche in the county, nesting in quarries, on crags, in trees, in buildings and other man-made structures, in the sea cliffs of the mainland and on the larger offshore islands.

They were noted breeding in burrows at Skomer as early as 1860 (Lockley et al.). Wintle (1924) recorded them nesting in fair numbers on Caldey in 1924 and Lloyd found that they were an established breeding bird on Ramsey in 1927.  Skokholm was colonised in 1965, with numbers building to a peak of 60 pairs between 1975 and 1978 but declining to only five pairs by 1992.  At Skomer they increased from 20 pairs between 1946 and 1958 to 200-250 pairs in 1961, and the 1991 census fround 248 pairs.  Colony size elsewhere varies widely, but an estimated average density of 20-30 pairs per tetrad would mean a total breeding population of 9,000-13,000 pairs.

They form large communal roosts outside the breeding season, that at St David's Cathedral being notable for creating so much noise during their evening assembly that it eclipses the best efforts of the choir!

Despite numerous records of Jackdaws flying about over the sea we have found no evidence to confirm immigration of emigration.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 356

Orange = breeding probable = 23

Yellow = breeding possible = 70

Total tetrads in which registered = 449 (93.9%)

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

Chough - 1994

Breeding resident

Mathew (1894) thought the Chough common all around the coast from Tenby to Dinas between 1840 and 1850. He noted nesting in the ruins of the Bishop's Palace at St David's and in abundance at Manorbier Castle in 1857. However, by 1894 he considered they were fast becoming scarce.

Lockley et al. (1949) considered the Pembrokeshire breeding population to have been static at around 30 to 36 pairs for a period of at least 50 years. They also calculated that this was probably the population level during Mathew's time.

During the 1963 BTO Chough survey 33-36 pairs were found breeding (Rolfe 1966), but the coverage of the coastline was incomplete, and the hard winters of 1962 and 1963 had probably reduced the population.  A repeat survey conducted in 1971 by the Dyfed Wildlife Trust covered more ground, with just a few gaps, and found 46 pairs (Donovan 1972). The RSPB-organised Chough survey of 1982 achieved complete coverage and located 51 pairs, of which 24 produced 74 fledged birds (Bullock, Drewett and Mickleburgh 1985). Complete coverage was also achieved with the 1992 census when 58 pairs were found plus 15 non-breeding birds.

Our interpretation of the various census results is that the population has probably been fairly stable throughout the century, though severe winters have caused temporary decreases. Whether the population will remain stable is currently concerning the conservation bodies. Disturbance from cliff-path walkers, the activities of rock climbers and possibly egg collectors, as well as changes in land use practices, may all have an impact on Choughs. Donovan (1972) drew attention to the importance of grazing animals for the availability of food, especially dung beetles, in terrain where they would be accessible to Choughs. An international workshop held at Orielton in November 1988 concluded that these conditions could best be ensured by the maintenance of traditional mixed farming, providing a mosaic of habitat types (Bignal and Curtis 1989). Meyer (1989) pointed out the additional advantage of disturbed substrates, such as areas 'poached' by cattle and vehicle tracks, which improved accessibility to Choughs' invertebrate food. He also highlighted the importance of walls and hedgebanks where these had not been covered in long vegetation.

Choughs prefer natural nest sites in Pembrokeshire, the only recent man-made structure utilised being a derelict aircraft hanger at Kete in 1979, which has since been demolished. Pembrokeshire Choughs do not normally penetrate inland by more than a few kilometres, although one was recorded at Crymych in March 1972.

Nestlings ringed at Bardsey have been found in Pembrokeshire on three occasions, one possibly having joined the local breeding population at Cemaes Head in 1987. During the winter of 1992/93 several juveniles were colour ringed on the south-west peninsula, and it will be interesting to see how far they travel before settling to breed. Regular interchange of individuals within the Irish Sea population would ensure gene flow and healthy birds. 

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads)

Red = Confirmed breeding = 40

Orange = Probable breeding = 9

Yellow = Possible breeding = 17

Total tetrads in which registered = 66 (13.8%) 

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

Update on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 9:42AM by Pembrokeshire Avifauna committee

In early May 1981, I photographed a pair of choughs near Ceibwr.  When looking at the slides some years later, I realised that one of them was wearing a yellow ring.  This was a bird from Bardsey - pre-dating the above record by several years.  It was not reported at the time because I had no idea then that a recording network existed. 

Annie Haycock

Magpie - 1994

Breeding resident

The Magpie was a numerous resident according to both Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949). They were once persecuted in Pembrokeshire. Some idea of the scale can be gained from noting that 113 were killed on the Cawdor Estate at Stackpole in 1821 (Carmarthen County Records Office, Box 1-234) and by Lloyd's diary entry for 1930 where he noted 60 strung up on one gibbet at Slebech. Such draconian measures diminished after the war and Magpies increased. They may now have reached optimum numbers and are found breeding throughout the county, in exposed places nesting in low thorns and gorse,_,like those that have colonised Ramsey and Skomer.

The distance between nests was plotted in sample areas during 1987 and the results gave an average density of about 50 pairs per tetrad. Applying this to the results of the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 suggests a total population of 22,000 pairs. They habitually visit roads and verges to feed upon mammals, birds and insects knocked down by traffic, while each year many newly fledged Magpies also become casualties before they have learnt the art of avoiding approaching vehicles.

Lockley (1957) stated that winter roosts of 100 were common. In modern times 50-60 has been more normal, though up to 80 have been recorded at Goodwick and 112 at Plumstone.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 368

Orange = breeding probable = 26

Yellow = breeding possible = 53

Total tetrads in which registered = 447 (93.5%)

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

Jay - 1994

Breeding resident

Resident according to Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) but not numerous. Today Jays breed throughout the wooded areas of Pembrokeshire including the more mature conifer plantations. Experience of some woodland plots suggests that three pairs per tetrad would be a reasonable assessment of average density, and hence the total population would be about 600 pairs.

They are periodically eruptive, with small groups being found wandering around the open coast during the autumn. This could be triggered by high productivity or a response to food shortage. The acorn crop failed in 1983 and Jays were widely eruptive in both Britain and on the continent.  They had enjoyed a successful breeding season in West Wales that year, and the combination of these factors resulted in many flocks wandering westwards, largely in October and early November (John and Roskell 1985). In 1983, 200 birds passed south over Martin's Haven on 6 October and 127 coasted southwards at Strumble Head on 19 October.  Many smaller parties were seen moving along all the coasts and groups of up to 20 were frequently seen about the exposed coastal plains, where Jays are not normally found. Up to 38 reached Skomer and two were seen flying out to sea towards Ireland from Strumble Head — they were watched until lost to view, still heading steadily north-west.

   

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 60

Orange = breeding probable = 32

Yellow = breeding possible = 108

Total tetrads in which registered = 200 (41.8%)

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

Woodchat Shrike - 1994

Scarce passage migrant

First recorded near Tenby on 4 May 1923 (Lockley et al. 1949), 37 Woodchat Shrikes have been reported in 25 years between 1948 and 1992, up to four in a year occurring between 30 April and 14 September. Most were seen at Skokholm (23 birds) but others have occurred at Cam Lledi, Dale, Dowrog, Llwyngwair, Martin's Haven, Newport, Skomer, St David's and Whitesands.

One ringed at Skokholm on 3 June 1976 was retrapped just 17 days later in Suffolk.

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

Great Grey Shrike - 1994

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Not recorded from June to September

Recorded only twice prior to 1955, at Wolf's Castle "some years ago" (Mathew 1894) and at Newport on 7 January 1946 (Lockley et al. 1949), Great Grey Shrikes have been noted in 18 years subsequently. There appears to be a small but erratic passage in the periods 13 October to 22 November and March to early April, with a late bird at Freshwater West on 21 May 1960. Most are recorded from heathy areas of the mainland, but they have twice occurred at Skomer.

They were recorded in winter (December to February) at Hayscastle in 1962, at Rosebush in 1964-1965, at Mathry in 1967, at Wiston in 1969, at Newport in 1970, at Crosswell in 1974, at Roch in 1977, at Cam lngli in 1979, at Lower Haythog in 1983 and at Hook in 1989.

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

Lesser Grey Shrike - 1994

Vagrant

A rare visitor to Britain from a range extending from south-central France into Asia Minor, one was at Skomer on 18 September 1974 (M. de la Brooke) and another at the same place on 2-7 July 1993 (C. Keighley et al.), which may have been the bird seen previously at Trwyn Cynddeiriog, near St David's, on 24 June 1993 (E. and D. Liddel).

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

Red-backed Shrike - 1994

Scarce passage migrant; formerly bred

Red-backed Shrikes were recorded nesting by Mathew (1894), annually at Black Rock and at Tenby in 1887. Lockley et al. (1949) added further breeding records at Angle, Orielton, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and in the north of the county, the last about 1924. There have been no breeding reports since.

Sharrock (1976) noted that a national decline had been in progress for over a hundred years, and there were just eight pairs left in Britain by 1990 (Spencer 1993). Nonetheless they are now near-annual passage migrants to Pembrokeshire, up to four being noted between 9 April and 3 July and 12 August and 21 October in 27 years between 1946 and 1992. Of these records, 80% have been since 1960, occurring twice as often in the autumn as in the spring. Most records are from Skokholm but they have also been seen on the islands of Grassholm, Skomer and South Bishop, and on the mainland at Dale Airfield, Llwyngwair, Marloes, Martin's Haven, Rosemarket, Freshwater West, Stackpole, St Bride's and St David's.

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