Golden Oriole - 1994

Scarce visitor

Mathew (1894) recorded just one Golden Oriole, at Goodwick in April 1870. The next was at Caldey in May 1922 (Wintle 1924). One was at Musselwick on 10 May 1953 and a male bird was present in Haverfordwest from 11 July to mid- December 1955. This male was accompanied by a female on several occasions, suggesting but not confirming breeding.

Since then up to four Golden Orioles have been recorded between 24 April and 18 June in 20 years up to 1992, including every year since 1984. They have occurred once at Castle Martin Ranges, Cwm yr Eglwys, Hayscastle, Llanwnda, Newgale, Solva, St Bride's and Trecwn, twice at Skokholm, four times at Marloes, six times at Skomer and eight times at St David's.

Most records refer to males, their bright coloration being conspicuous in open terrain and their fluty calls revealing their presence when hidden in dense tree canopy.

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

Treecreeper - 1994

Breeding resident

A common resident according to Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949), the Treecreeper is still widely distributed in Pembrokeshire, wherever there are suitable trees. Census results suggest an average density of five pairs per occupied tetrad and thus a county total of about 1,000 pairs.

Severe winter weather sometimes causes a marked increase in mortality, particularly when ice glazes tree bark, but they seem to recover their numbers quickly in subsequent years.

They wander with tit flocks outside the breeding season and have reached most of the offshore islands, usually being seen about the sea cliffs, rock outcrops and walls, but one seen on Grassholm on 17 June 1957 was clinging to the only wooden post on the island.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 75

Orange = breeding probable = 64

Yellow = breeding possible = 72

Total tetrads in which registered = 211 (44.1%)

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

Nuthatch - 1994

Breeding resident

Formerly rare in Pembrokeshire, Mathew (1894) knew of only one occurrence, a bird shot at Slebech in September 1893. However, Tracy, a contemporary bird-stuffer, considered Nuthatches to be "tolerably common". W.M. Congreve found them at Picton and Saundersfoot in 1908 while Lloyd commented "not so scarce as supposed, increasing apparently" and his diaries for 1927-1934 document a wide distribution. Lockley et al. (1949) stated that they were common breeders in all wooded areas of the county.

Nuthatches were found breeding in most woodlands during the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988, as well as in more open habitat where mature trees grow along hedgebanks and in gardens. An estimated average density of three to four pairs per occupied tetrad suggests a total county population of 600-800 pairs.

They accompany roving tit flocks outside the breeding season and have reached Skomer (but not the other islands) on three occasions, 28 August and 8 September 1986 and 30 July 1990.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 65

Orange = breeding probable = 87

Yellow = breeding possible = 47

Total tetrads in which registered = 199 (41.6%)

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

Great Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

A common resident since at least Mathew's (1894) time, Great Tits breed throughout Pembrokeshire, being absent only from the bare mountain tops and the offshore islands, with the exception of Caldey. Census work from Dyfed Wildlife Trust reserves suggests that a density of 35 pairs per tetrad would be a reasonably good average across the county, which means the total breeding population is probably about 13,500 pairs.

They are eruptive in some autumns and are found on exposed headlands and reach some of the offshore islands, though in smaller numbers than Blue or Coal Tits.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 225

Orange = breeding probable = 114

Yellow = breeding possible = 48

Total tetrads in which registered = 387 (81%)

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

Blue Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

Blue Tits have been common since Mathew's (1894) time and breed in a variety of habitats, including urban areas where they utilise holes in masonry and nest-boxes, and are only absent from the tops of the Preseli Mountains and all of the offshore islands save well-wooded Caldey. Census data from the Dyfed Wildlife Trust reserves of Rosemoor, Old Mill Grounds and Pengelli Forest, suggest an average of 60 pairs per tetrad which would amount to a county total of about 24,000 pairs.

They are eruptive in some autumns, like Coal Tits, and flocks are seen wandering q about the open coast, some reaching the offshore islands, with up to 50 at Skokholm in October 1957 and 1964 and 85 at Skomer in October 1991.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 302

Orange = breeding probable = 54

Yellow = breeding possible = 52

Total tetrads in which registered = 408 (85.4%)

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

Coal Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

Known to Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) as a common resident, today the Coal Tit breeds throughout the woodlands of Pembrokeshire, being most numerous in the conifer plantations. These plantations largely post-date the previous avifaunas, and this additional habitat has contributed to the species becoming more numerous than formerly. At an estimated average of two to three pairs per tetrad generally and 50 pairs per tetrad in the plantations, the total breeding population is probably 500­ 700 pairs.

Coal Tits are prone to eruptive behaviour during autumns following productive breeding seasons, and are then seen on the open coast, and reach the offshore islands of Ramsey, Skomer and Skokholm. They were particularly numerous in the autumn of 1991 when they were noted along the cliffs of the mainland; up to seven reached Skomer and 15 were recorded at Skokholm.

 

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 78

Orange = breeding probable = 69

Yellow = breeding possible = 52

Total tetrads in which registered = 199 (41.6%)

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

Willow Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

The Willow Tit was not separated from the Marsh Tit until 1897 so it was unknown to Mathew (1894). W.M. Congreve found a nest near Haverfordwest in 1925 (Lockley et al. 1949) and Lloyd encountered the species twice in Pembrokeshire, in 1931 and 1939. They were found around the Tenby area in 1961 and by 1964 Donovan (1965) was able to note that they were widely distributed, later adding that they were to be found in boggy thickets (Condry 1970). The Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 found most Willow Tits in boggy thickets, but some occurred in woodland where soft timber was present. Experience suggests an average density of two to three pairs per tetrad and a total county population of about 200-300 pairs.

Local birds appear to be sedentary, not having reached the islands, but a bird showing the plumage characteristics of the Northern race, P. m. borealis, was reported from Nevem on 16 November 1986.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 40

Orange = breeding probable = 30

Yellow = breeding possible = 36

Total tetrads in which registered = 106 (22.2%)

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

Marsh Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

Mathew (1894) described Marsh Tits as common residents which were very numerous around his home at Stone Hall, although it should be borne in mind that Willow Tits were not separated from Marsh Tits until 1897. Regarded by Lockley et al. (1949) as a "fairly common resident, even in the exposed west", today Marsh Tits breed in deciduous woodland throughout Pembrokeshire, and hence their distribution is patchy. They were twice found occupying old Willow Tit nest holes during the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988, an ability that has permitted them to extend their range into willow and alder carr. An estimate of three to four pairs per tetrad in some woodland plots gives a probable total breeding population of about 500-700 pairs.

They usually seem not to wander far outside the breeding range, but have nevertheless reached the islands, with singles at Skomer on 8 November 1961 and 23-31 October 1989, and at Skokholm on 12 October 1988.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 65

Orange = breeding probable = 61

Yellow = breeding possible = 46

Total tetrads in which registered = 172 (36%)

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

Long-tailed Tit - 1994

Breeding resident

Mathew (1894) and Lockley et al. (1949) found the Long-tailed Tit to be a common resident.

Long-tailed Tits suffer high mortality during severe winters, the winters of 1949, 1962 and 1963 drastically reducing Pembrokeshire's population, but numbers recoup during subsequent milder periods. The 1979 cold spell had less effect but did mean that the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 was conducted during a recovery period and fewer Long-tailed Tits were found during the earlier years than towards the end of the survey. An estimated average density of six to eight pairs per tetrad was reached by 1988, suggesting a total county population of between 1,100 and 1,600 pairs. They were commoner on two of the plots in 1989 than in 1988, so our county estimate probably does not represent the maximum population possible.

Long-tailed Tits have a tendency to 'spill over' to atypical habitat during the autumn, being seen swinging about the cliff faces of the outer coast, while a few have reached the offshore islands of Skomer and Skokholm. A flock of 30 was seen at Skomer on 12 October 1967.

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 109

Orange = breeding probable = 35

Yellow = breeding possible = 51

Total tetrads in which registered = 195 (40.8%)

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

Beared Tit - 1994

Vagrant

Mathew (1894) quoted Sir Hugh Owen as the authority for the occurrence of Bearded Tits near Sealyham in about 1860. Up to ten were seen at Rosehill Marsh, on the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion border, between 31 December 1973 and 17 January 1974 (M.A. Patterson et al.), a period when a surplus Dutch population was colonising Britain, Denmark and Sweden (Sharrock 1976).

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

Rosehill Marsh is part of what is now the Teifi Marshes nature reserve

Pied Flycatcher - 1994

Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Not recorded from November to March

Mathew (1894) considered the Pied Flycatcher to be a rare visitor and did not personally encounter one, though he knew of occurrences at Stackpole and Pembroke. Lockley et al. (1949) stated that it was a passage migrant in small numbers.

Lloyd suspected a pair was breeding at Lancych in 1936 and Lockley et al. noted that a singing male was at Nevern in 1941 and 1942 but that no nest was found. They were found breeding at Ffynone from 1978 onwards and a pair bred in a nest box at the Rhos in 1983. The Pied Flycatcher has subsequently further colonised Pembrokeshire and by the end of the Breeding Birds Survey of 1984-1988 at least 100 pairs were breeding (see map).

This colonisation has taken place while long-established populations elsewhere, e.g. in mid-Wales, have been at a high level, and also at a time when trees that replaced those cut down during World War II reached suitable maturity. Several nest box schemes such as that at Pengelli Forest Nature Reserve have also benefited Pied Flycatchers. Similar schemes operating in the 1960s did not attract the species, so presumably there was not then any surplus in other populations which could provide colonists.

Up to four at a time pass through coastal districts in the spring between 14 April and 27 May, being most noticeable on the islands of Skomer and Skokholm.

They are recorded passing through the islands and most coastal areas in the autumn between August and 27 October, with up to ten occurring at individual sites.

n

Fieldwork 1984-88 (based on 478 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 16

Orange = breeding probable = 11

Yellow = breeding possible = 4

Total tetrads in which registered = 31 (6.5%)

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

Red-breasted Flycatcher - 1994

Rare visitor

Thirty-two single birds have been recorded in autumn since the first was noted at Skokholm on 26 September 1949, with 70% of the records falling between 20 September and 20 October, and with extreme dates of 20 August and 31 October. There are just five mainland records, from St David's, Haverfordwest, Saundersfoot, Llanwnda and Strumble Head, the majority of records coming from the offshore islands of Grassholm, Skomer, the Smalls, South Bishop, and, overwhelmingly, Skokholm.

Single Red-breasted Flycatchers were at Skokholm on 19 May 1972 and 20 May 1988.

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