Interesting to read the post about the yellowhammers at Little Porthclew.
We recently walked various small roads and paths in tetrad SS09J (which includes Little Porthclew and areas around Freshwater East and Hodgeston) in search of breeding yellowhammers. We repeated a survey conducted last spring by Chris Orsman, who walked the same routes. We noticed a minimum 14-16 yellowhammer territory, based on the presence of male singers and/or pairs. They are visible from public rights of way. Others are likely present in places we cannot reach.
Happily (aided by some appropriate habitat management) this area continues to support an important yellowhammer population. One of us (Bob) first became aware of them in the area 40-years ago when, at the time, living in Lamphey. Hopefully, with the help of some post-breeding and winter feeding, the population here will continue to grow and expand to other areas.
On the way to Martin’s Haven yesterday morning, two yellowhammers were observed singing in the hedgerow trees near Hasguard Cross. Yellowhammers were reported near Hasguard Cross last summer, so hopefully there is a breeding population there as well.
A note to anyone watching yellowhammers look for birds with colored rings. Mike Sherman would be pleased to have records of any sightings.
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| These two men were not at Freshwater East, but were near Roch a few weeks ago |
On the coast this week (when looking for choughs and counting seabird colonies etc) purple sandpipers was noted on barnacle-covered rocks at Cemaes Head on 17th June (2 birds) with 2 turnstones. There was a single purple sandpiper on the rocks near Stackpole Head yesterday. Four puffins occupies the cliff-crevices in the usual places there.
In Caldey today, it is interesting to hear the strange calls of a water rail at the base of thick scrub on the eastern side of the island, not far from the lighthouse. One was also heard calling in the same area during a visit there in late May. Maybe a pair will breed there? The habitat is quite dense but dry – very unusual!
