St. David's Head

After lunch in Solva, we decided to follow a walk around St David's Head. However, the heat of the afternoon sun proved too much so we instead decided upon a walk to the headland followed by a spot of sea-watching.

The usual seabirds were seen, including several Manx Shearwaters (a tick for Tom.) We also saw a Whimbrel go past south, as well as two small flocks of Common Scoter. On land we saw six Choughs plus several Ravens, as well as a Painted Lady and Greyling butterflies.

Skomer

Sitting eating breakfast in a rather gloomy Pembroke Dock, whilst the rain poured outside, we were wondering whether we should make the trip to Skomer as planned. In the end we decided to drive to Martin's Haven and see what the weather was like when we arrived. Fortunately it had stopped, so we took a chance and saw two Chough from the boat before we had left.



It wasn't long into the crossing before we saw our first auks: Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills, as well as Kittiwakes, Gannets and Fulmars. We were also fortunate to have close views of a Harbour Porpoise and Grey Seal.

After a brief shower, the rain cleared and was sunny for the rest of the time on the island. We took a walk into the centre by the farm before heading south to where most of the sea-bird colonies are. Common Lizard was seen roosting in the sun by the small bird hide.


After some photography we took a circular walk around the rest of the island, stopping for a short sea-watch on the north side where we saw little apart from several more Harbour Porpoises and Grey Seals.

Making the boat by only a few minutes, we all had a fine day. Our island list for the day also included Peregrine, Raven, Jackdaw, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Stonechat, Sedge Warbler (heard), Whitethroat, Wren, Shoveller, Greater Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, and Common Gull.

Amwell and Fowlmere

A quick visit to Amwell produced two Oystercatchers and two Hobbies. Later in the day, a Shoveler (eclipse male) and Sand Martin were seen in an equally brief visit to Fowlmere.

Goshawk?

What was I'm sure a female Goshawk flew over the A1, south of Peterborough. It was flying west, possibly out of Monks Wood (where they apparently breed.) Not an easy species to positively claim whilst driving!

Fen Drayton

A quick walk after working in Peterborough produced a tatty male Marsh Harrier as well as a much cleaner female. Also, a female-type Crossbill.