Garganey - 2011 Status

Querquedula circia  

Passage migrant.

The Garganey is a summer visitor to north and west Europe, which largely winters in southern Africa. Migration to winter quarters occurs late July to October, peaking through Europe in August and early September, with stragglers from November to February. Return movement begins in February, with the main passage through Europe from March to April. It is a scarse breeder in the UK.

Mathew (1894) described the Garganey as an annual summer visitor, while Lockley et al.(1949 ) provided four additional records of 10 birds.

Donovan and Rees (1994) stated the Garganey was almost annual in occurrence, usually occurring on fresh waters near the coast, such as Trefeiddan and Marloes Mere, between March and June, less regularly from July to October.

So far there has been no evidence of breeding in Pembrokeshire.

Spring passage has been recorded from the 8th March to the 11th June. One to four birds at a time have been noted but six together were at Newgale on the 16th March 1959. Eight birds in two years were recorded in spring during the 1950’s. Subsequent records are shown in graph form.

Single birds have been recorded in 17 years during autumn, up to 2011, between the 23rd July and the 26th September, plus one at Orielton on the 24th October 1939 and one at Skomer on the 28th November 2005.  

In winter Mathew (1894) recorded three shot at Pen y cwm on the 28th February 1888, Lockley et al noted captures at the Orielton Decoy on the 14th February and 22nd February 1889 and four were seen from a boat in Dale Roads on the 10th January 1968.

Graham Rees

Garganey – Habitat

Frequents shallow fresh water with extensive cover, using salt water areas temporarily while on passage.

Pembrokeshire records relate to occurrences at fresh water sites at Marloes Mere, Trefeiddan, Treleddyn, Dowrog, Newgale Marsh, Orielton, Bosherston, Skokholm, Skomer, Thornton  Reservoir (now defunct), Pembroke Mill Pond, Teifi Marsh, Westfield Pill, “Esso” (Herbranston), Orielton, Goodwick Moor, Rosemoor, Nine Wells and Ivor’s Pond.

Birds in transit have been noted on or over saline and salt water at Hook Reach, Nevern Estuary, Dale Roads, Gann, off Skomer and at Strumble Head.

Garganey – Discussion

Several factors make it likely that the Garganey has probably been under recorded. It tends to keep within cover at its favoured fresh water sites, such unobtrusiveness suggesting it is easily overlooked.

Good views are necessary to separate females from the similarly plumaged Teal at all seasons, this also applying to juveniles in the autumn and even to males in moult that are not seen in flight. 

Graham Rees

Chaffinch - 2003-07 breeding

The colourful male Chaffinch, with its distinctive reddish pink underparts, blue grey crown and bold white wing bars, is a familiar sight throughout the county. The short but emphatic and frequently uttered song is a characteristic sound in the summertime countryside. The female is a browner version of the male.

The Chaffinch nests in trees and bushes, being found in woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens, being absent in the county only from the tops of the Preseli Hills and most of the offshore islands. It has usually bred on the partly wooded Caldey Island and has nested on Ramsey Island, most recently in 2006.

Little change in distribution was detected between the two surveys. Chaffinches take up territory in late winter but do not normally lay eggs until early May. With such a long period of song it seems unlikely that many were overlooked, even in marginal tetrads. The population estimate accompanying the 1984-88 survey was based on census results from reserves which were mostly woodland plots. The resultant value of 120 pairs per tetrad was applied to the whole county. However, woodland in the county represents only about the equivalent of 11 tetrads, the remainder being mostly farmland which carries smaller densities of Chaffinches.

A reappraisal required an assessment which accommodates farmland. The 1988-91 National Atlas supplied an average density for the UK. If this is applied to the 1984-88 distribution, a revised estimate for Pembrokeshire at that time was about 38,000 pairs. The BBS noted a decrease of 13% in Wales between 1994 and 2007, which if applied to the earlier estimate, suggests a breeding population of 29,000 pairs in Pembrokeshire at the end of 2007.    

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 155

Orange = breeding probable = 278

Yellow = breeding possible = 13

Total tetrads in which registered = 446 (91%)

Golden Plover - 1980s winter

The BTO winter atlas showed that Golden Plovers were present in both estuarine and agricultural 10km squares during the winters of 1981-82, 1982-82 and 1983-84.

The darker the colour, the higher the relative total count for each 10km square.  The darkest blue represents over 496 birds.

Day roosting birds made up high numbers at the Cleddau Estuary, whereas those on the Castle Martin ranges were active feeders.  

Graham Rees 

Coot - 2003-07

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%)

Reed Bunting - 2003-07

The Reed Bunting is a largely inconspicuous bird with streaky black brown and off white plumage and white outer tail feathers. Breeding males have a striking black head and bib and broad white collar, females lack these. The preferred habitat is marsh, fen and boggy areas, in which they place their nests low down among rank vegetation.

It was estimated that about 500 pairs were nesting in Pembrokeshire at the time of the 1984-88 survey. Because this was based on experience of the species within its specialised distribution, it was thought to be a realistic assessment. The survey of 2003-07 found there had been a 38% spread in distribution, which if added to the earlier estimate suggests the population in the county had reached about 690 pairs. The introduction of oilseed rape as a crop has probably been the main factor affecting the increase in Reed Bunting distribution, permitting them to expand out of wet areas.

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 22

Orange = breeding probable = 101

Yellow = breeding possible = 15

Total tetrads in which registered = 138 (28.2%)

Yellowhammer - 2003-07

Historically common and widespread in the county, it was still well-distributed during the 1984-88 survey, being detected in 82% of the tetrads. In the absence of comprehensive census data, three small sample areas were surveyed during 1989 and singing males recorded. On this basis extrapolation arrived at a county total of 14,000 – 15,000 territories.  However, using data from the 1988-91 National Atlas, modified by the species' relative abundance in Pembrokeshire a figure of about 13,000 pairs can be derived for the county.

During this time the Yellowhammer was probably decreasing and the BBS subsequently recorded a 41% decline across Wales between 1994 and 2007. The Pembrokeshire survey of 2003-07 found there had been a 50% reduction in distribution since 1988. This suggests the population had reduced to about 7,000 pairs, if no allowance is made for any decrease in density. However, field-workers found Yellowhammers to be sparsely distributed in the tetrads where they were found and an assessment suggested an average density of four pairs per tetrad was realistic. This would generate a county estimate of about 800 pairs breeding. However, in at least 10 tetrads which were visited frequently throughout the 2003-07 survey, birds located in 2003 and 2004 could not be found during 2005–2007. It therefore seems likely that the breeding population in Pembrokeshire at the end of 2007 had decreased to below 800 pairs and may be disappearing at an increasing rate.

Changes in agricultural practices, resulting in a huge reduction in winter stubbles and a general reduction of weeds, are thought to be a major factor in the Yellowhammers decline. A reduction in farm dung heaps has also probably contributed. As a consequence of significant national declines, the Yellow-hammer was red-listed by the review “Birds of Conservation Concern 3” (Eaton et al., 2009).   

Graham Rees

 

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 15

Orange = breeding probable = 142

Yellow = breeding possible = 31

Total tetrads in which registered = 188 (38.4%)

Common Crossbill - 2003-07

No Common Crossbills were found during the 1984-88 survey. They were recorded in four tetrads during the 2003-07 survey, though there was no firm evidence of breeding in the county. This species breeds very early in the year and is strongly dispersive, which means on the dates birds were seen here they could have come from one of the neighbouring counties, in both of which they are habitual breeders. The only proven breeding in Pembrokeshire was in 1991, following an autumn invasion in 1990.

Crossbills in Ceredigion mostly fledge from February to April but fledging has been recorded from December to July (R. Liford, pers com). To be certain of breeding in Pembrokeshire nest sites must be found, which will require fieldwork effort early in the year. 

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07

Red = breeding confirmed = 0

Orange = breeding probable = 1

Yellow = breeding possible = 2

Total tetrads in which registered = 3

Lesser Redpoll - 2003-07

The Lesser Redpoll is a small brown, streaked finch with a red forehead and black bib. In Pembrokeshire it is found mostly in conifer plantations but also in parkland and orchards. Nests are placed in trees, variously against the trunk or further out on hanging branches.

The county breeding population was estimated to be about 100 pairs at the close of the 1984-88 survey. This was the equivalent of just over three per occupied tetrad. The survey of 2003-07 detected a 37% spread in distribution. Using the previous average density, it seems likely that the population was of the order of 130 – 140 pairs at the end of 2007. Recent extensive felling of conifer plantations is likely to have a detrimental effect on this species, which is already red-listed under Birds of Conservation Concern 3 (Eaton et al., 2009), having declined nationally over the last 25 years.

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 4

Orange = breeding probable = 25

Yellow = breeding possible = 12

Total tetrads in which registered = 41 (8.4%)

Siskin - 2003-07

The Siskin is a small yellowish green finch which has a narrow pointed bill, yellow wing bars and patches at the sides of the tail. The male has a black cap and bib. The Siskin breeds among conifers, nests being built at the tops of trees, usually attached to outer hanging branches.

At the close of the 1984-88 survey less than 10 pairs were known to be breeding in Pembrokeshire, mostly in Pantmaenog Forest. An increase in numbers followed, being most marked in 1991 following an unusually large influx the previous winter. By the time of the 2003–07 survey they had reached an estimated average density of four pairs per occupied tetrad, suggesting the county breeding population had reached about 280 pairs. During and after the survey, considerable felling of conifer plantations took place and this will have eliminated a great deal of habitat favoured by Siskins, so the period of peak population has probably passed.

Graham Rees

 

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 6

Orange = breeding probable = 39

Yellow = breeding possible = 26

Total tetrads in which registered = 71 (14.5%)

Tree Sparrow - 2003-07

The Tree Sparrow is like a House Sparrow but is slightly smaller and has a chestnut coloured crown and dark cheek patches, the sexes being alike. It nests in holes in trees and buildings.

Historically this species has always been a sporadic breeder in Pembrokeshire. During the 1984-88 survey breeding was confirmed at Dreenhill, Penblewin and Pengawse. During the 2003–07 survey just one pair was confirmed as breeding, at Ramsey Island.

The Tree Sparrow has suffered long term decline across northern Europe, including Britain, probably as a result of changing agricultural practices.

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 1

Orange = breeding probable = 2

Yellow = breeding possible = 0

Total tetrads in which registered = 3 (0.6%)

House Sparrow - 2003-07

The House Sparrow is known to most people, its extrovert character and strong association with habitation making it difficult to overlook. Nests are built in crevices, mostly in buildings but sometimes well-woven nests are built in shrubbery.

Those who took part in both the 1984-88 and 2003-07 surveys will have become aware of the increased number of breeding House Sparrows. Their distribution expanded by 11% and some colonies have grown. At the same time the urban numbers have decreased while suburban birds have flourished. Although modern and renovated housing has not provided suitable nesting holes, older stock and in particular farm buildings have provided favourable conditions. Between 1994 and 2007 the BBS calculated there was a 93% increase in Wales. The estimate of 3,500 pairs breeding in Pembrokeshire in 1988 is considered to have fairly represented the situation at that time. Applying the increase noted by the BBS to the distribution found by the 2003-07 survey, results in a new estimate of 7,500 pairs breeding in the county at the end of 2007.

Graham Rees

 

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 306

Orange = breeding probable = 79

Yellow = breeding possible = 27

Total tetrads in which registered = 412 (84.1%)

Starling - 2003-07

The Starling has been declining in Britain since the 1980’s, particularly in the south and west. The BBS notes a 53% decrease in Wales between 1994 and 2007. Comparing the results of the 1984-88 survey with that of 2003-07 shows a 69% contraction in range. There has also been a decrease within the surviving distribution. Just two pairs were breeding at Skokholm and none at Skomer, where there were 10 pairs and five pairs respectively in the 1980’s. This decrease was evident elsewhere in the county, for instance perhaps no more than five pairs survived in Haverfordwest and at Strumble Head a former thriving colony of 10 pairs was down to just one pair by 2004.

Combining the contracted distribution with such indications of decrease suggests that less than 200 pairs were breeding in Pembrokeshire at the end of 2007, whereas it was estimated there were 2,000 pairs in 1988.

Graham Rees

 

Fieldwork 2003-07 (based on 490 tetrads) 

Red = breeding confirmed = 42

Orange = breeding probable = 16

Yellow = birds reported but with no signs of breeding

Total tetrads in which registered = 58 (11.8%)