02 November 2011

Visible Migration at Rhossili

Starlings over Inner Worm
Nothing too unusual today with regards to species during my visit to West Gower.However, there was an apparent visible migration with Starlings contributing to a large portion of the birds passing through. 1980 Starlings were counted heading west with most birds choosing to fly over The Worm. Other large numbers were provide by Linnet(511), although this number also includes a large group of regular birds, and Chaffinch (233)
Linnets over Rhossili fields
Some other highlights from the day were as follows:-
Rhossili - 3 Yellowhammer
Mewsalde - 10 Redwing, 2 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff, 1f Blackcap and 2 Yellowhammer
Overton - 3 Teal, 4 Stock Dove and 3 Redwing
Paviland - 1 Teal, 1 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Woodcock, c150 Skylark and c3000 Starling feeding in the fields
Oxwich Bay - Only one bird found on the sea, a single and possible Red-necked Grebe. It was a bit distant and conditions made viewing very difficult. Anyway it's worth a mention to anyone who might be in the area to check it out in calmer conditions.

4 comments:

Barry Stewart said...

Your Teal observation is interesting. Not sure if your bird was on a pond on in a field, but Martyn (and I think Paul Pa) saw 7 feeding in the stubble last Dec, admittedly in much more challenging weather than we have at present.

Mark Hipkin said...

The 1 I've listed under Paviland flew from the Littlehills pond so probably not too unusual.
The 3 (which should be 2) listed at Overton flew over the very wet lane going toward Littlehills. It appeared that they might have been in one of the vegetable fields nearby but my view was obscured by the hedgerow so can't be certain.

One other thing I notice was a hawthorn bush that makes a sound exactly like a Corncrake when it moves in the wind! Located on the track that from Pilton Green to Foxhole Slade SW of Paviland Manor. Not quite as good as the real thing but stopped me in my tracks yesterday, not that one would be singing at this time anyway!

Barry Stewart said...

I guess with all the rain there may be some puddles in the fields big enough to attract the odd duck.
I'll listen out for the Crataegus crex next time I'm passing!

Alan Kearsley-Evans said...

Hi Mark
Where abouts on Rhossili did you get your counts from? We (National Trust) have got some fields on the Vile with a sacrificial barley crop and any records we can get for them will be greatfully received, all records welcome!
Also any idea where there are starlings roosting in large numbers nearby? Large flocks passed over our office at Pilton Green last week but i was supposed to be in a meeting and didn't get the chance to follow it up.