Skomer NNR Bird Report 2011
Compiled by Chris Taylor Cover photo by Chris Taylor SKOMER ISLAND N.N.R. BIRD REPORT 2011
The island was inhabited between 1st March and 20th November inclusive.
A total of 149 species were recorded in 2011 (146 in 2010 145 in 2009 and 2008)
Desert Wheatear – Chris Taylor 2011
Highlights
Desert Wheatear 1st island record Sabine’s Gull 3rd island record Palla’s Warbler 2nd island record Bee-eater 3rd island record Rose-coloured Starling 4th island record Cetti’s Warbler 6th island record. Spoonbill 8th island record Black Guillemot 10th island record Garganey 13th Island record Black Tern 15th island record Knot 17th Island record Kestrel Breeding attempt Driftwood Bay. Last failed breeding attempt was 1996. Last successful attempt 1994. Bonxie (Great Skua) Seven was the largest ever count on record for Skomer (no more than 3). Artic Skua A count of Seven has only been beaten in 1992 when there was 9 spotted. Guillemot Highest island count on record (>21000) Puffin Adult taking fish into burrow 20th August. Never been recorded this late since 1963.
Whole Island Seabird population summary for 2011
Total % 5 Year % Change Change Fulmar (AOS) 474 -10.57 -22.42 Cormorant(AON) 0 Shag (AON) 2 Lesser Black Backed Gull (AOT) 10238 -0.11 -13.36 Herring Gull (AON) 420 -2.55 -.2.33 Greater Black Backed Gull (AON) 80 -32.20 +1.24 Black-legged Kittiwake (AON) 1837 -4.42 -5.41 Guillemot (IND) 21866 +8.65 +23.62 Razorbill (IND) 5118 -5.06 +5.59 Puffin (IND) 12577 (2010 +15.64 figures)
Dunnock on standby Chris Taylor 2012
Systematic List
CANADA GOOSE 18 pairs were recorded attempting to breed on Skomer. An estimate of 34 young were observed. One seen on nest 13 March, First chicks 10 April
Monthly maximum: March April May June July August September October November 59 44 29 85 77 53 200 12 0
BARNACLE GOOSE (domesticated) Three 4 and 7 May on North Pond
SHELDUCK One on 5 March, two 27 April four 30 April. Between 2 and 6 in May. 2 until 5 June. No breeding attempts.
EURASIAN WIGEON One on 6 and 13 March. One 27 August. Five 25 and 26 October.
MALLARD Present on all months Ducklings first observed on 28 April
Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 9 19 8 3 12 1 8 29 59
EURASIAN TEAL No breeding attempts observed in 2011 Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 24 14 2 2 0 10 13 15 165
NORTHERN SHOVELER Breeding not confirmed. Breeding attempt started on Moorey Mere 23 April. One dead Shelduck found on North Pond 26 May.
Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 12 8 7 1 0 1 4 0 0
GARGANEY One on 18 May – flew from North Pond towards Marloes Mere.
TUFTED DUCK Up to six on 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 March
COMMON SCOTER Thirty 1 July , Twelve on 19 and 28, seventeen on 20 and 21 July. Three on 6 September, one 7 September, twelve on 12 September, 5 on 18 September, thirty on 25 September, twenty-six on 26 September. Forty 1 and 13 October.
PHEASANT Present all over the island with successful breeding attempts.
RED THROATED DIVER One 19 January
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER One 13 April flew over North Haven, one 29 April, two 13 May, One 15 November
NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmar were back on cliffs after breeding by 5 October. six 26 October. Total 474 AOS.
Northern fulmar breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1963-2011. 800
700 Whole Island 600 Count Study plot 500 count 400
300 No.of AOS 200
100
0
1978 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1981 1984 1987 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011
Northern fulmar breeding success on Skomer Island 1986-87 and 1992-2011. 0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
No. ofchicks No. per fledged AOS 0
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
MANX SHEARWATER First Manx Shearwater was on land in North Haven on 12 March with the first fresh carcass found 14 March (maybe an inexperienced bird). 17 on surface between farm and north haven by 22 March. Flock 100 offshore 29 March. One adult with puffinosis was seen on Green Pond 26 May – sometimes Manxies do survive the disease. Chicks began to be observed from 18 June (two in response rate burrows). Large rafts observed in August and fledglings on surface. Only young observed on surface by 12 September with “few” young observed from 15 September onwards. Single observations in October including 2 between farm and north haven on7 October.
Last observed bird 17 October with a possible fresh carcass 21 October.
Whole Island Manx Shearwater census Full report available on request: Perrins, C.M., Wood, M.J., Garroway, C.J., Boyle, D., Oakes, N., Revera, R., Collins, P., & Taylor, C. (2012) Skomer Island Manx Shearwater Census 2011. Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
Executive Summary In 1998 a census was made of the whole island, and the adjacent islands of Skokholm and Middleholm, in order to try to establish the size of the breeding population; the Skomer population was estimated to be just over 101,000 breeding pairs. A second census was carried out in 2011. First, a set of study burrows was opened and a tape of the male call (normally only males respond to these) was played down each burrow several times during the course of incubation in order to establish the male response rate. Then the same tape was played down all the burrows in each of 288 randomly selected plots across the island and the number of responses recorded. Extrapolating responses from census plots to the whole island yielded an estimate of 125,112 ± 16,445 responses. Adjusting this figure to take account of the response rate yielded an estimate of 316,070 (SE ±14,688) breeding pairs.
SOOTY SHEARWATER One 17 July. Two in St Brides Bay 5 September, One flew north 19 September.
BALEARIC SHEARWATER One in St Brides Bay 5 September. One 18 September
EUROPEAN STORM PETREL First observed in North Haven on 13 May (five birds). 25 birds ringed at Tom’s House. Not observed after 8 September.
GANNET Observed daily throughout the season. One on Mew Stone 28 March
GREAT CORMORANT No Cormorant bred on Skomer in 2011. There is a possibility of pairs nesting on the South Side of the Mew Stone but no young were observed. Three to five birds were present in the area throughout the season. Ten 31 August, thirteen 13 October.
Great cormorant breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1960-2011 30
25
20
15 No. ofAON No. 10
5
0
1993 2002 2011 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1996 1999 2005 2008
EUROPEAN SHAG Two shags nested on the north coast of Skomer. 53 on Middleholm. (productivity 2.64) Groups observed including twenty three 24 March.
European shag breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1960-2011.
25
20
15 No. ofAON No.
10
5
0
1993 2002 2011 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1996 1999 2005 2008
LITTLE EGRET Singles 31 May, 2 June and 18 June
GREY HERON One 30 May, One 1, 3, 20 July, one 29August. One 1 and 4 September, two 28 September, One 1, 7, 10 and 14 October, two 8 and 11 October
SPOONBILL One seen flying North from Wick 26 June.
RED KITE One 16 March, two 25 March, one 17 April, one 20 April,
HEN HARRIER Monthl maximum count March April May June July August September October November 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK No. of days recorded in month March April May June July August September October November 0 5 1 0 0 8 7 9 2
COMMON BUZZARD Four pairs established territory this year at Wick Basin (fledged one), South Castle, Bull Hole (fledged one) and a possible pair at North Castle. Carrying nesting material from 9 April. Chicks first observed 19 May. Fully fledged birds recorded by 15 June. Group of twelve circling/displaying 14 September
KESTREL One or two kestrel seen around the island daily, usually North Valley. Kestrel seen mating on 27 May, nest found above Driftwood Bay 15 June. No fledglings observed specifically from this nest, but there were some young spotted at the landing stage, but these birds could well have come from the mainland. Last failed breeding attempt was 1996. Last successful attempt 1994.
MERLIN One seen on 11, 16, 17 March, One seen 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 23, 26, 27 April. One 25 September, One 8, 10, 15, 16, 21, 23, 25, and 26 October. Three 5 November – one or two for rest of season.
PEREGRINE 3 Pairs, Garland Stone/North Coast east of Garland – Pair on territory all season and 2 young were seen regularly. High Cliff – Pair regularly seen. Unknown success. No young recorded Protheros Dock – Pair regularly seen no young.
WATER RAIL One 14 and 16 March. Then one 20 and 23 August, two 24 August, three 26 August. Then up to three seen/heard regularly until end of season including Five 22 September, Six 4 October, ten 16, 25, 26 October.
MOORHEN Four territories were marked but more pairs are thought to breed on the island. These four territories were plotted at North Pond, South Pond, Moorey Mere and at East Bog. Chicks were often seen at North Pond (Max 4) and Moorey Mere (Max 8).
OYSTERCATCHER
38 territories were recorded. Many birds favoured the grass areas clear of bracken but used nearby bracken for cover. Mating first observed 20 April. First chicks observed 26 May.
Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 117 102 P P P 15 35 23 75
RINGED PLOVER Two 16 July. One 31 August. Two 1 September, singles 2 September and 28 September
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER One 17 May heard calling in North Haven after dark
GOLDEN PLOVER One 14, 21, 24 March. One 30 April. Two 1 May. One 2 and 22 September. Seventeen 14 October
LAPWING One 22 July. One 11 November
KNOT One 29 August
DUNLIN One 10, two 28, 39, four 29 April, five 1 May, four 4 May, one 7 may, one 13 May. One 23 and two 24 August. One 28 and 29 August. One 3 September
SNIPE Maximum annual count of Six 14 October
Number of days recorded March April May June July August September October November 10 0 0 0 0 2 2 6 6
JACK SNIPE One 14 October
WOODCOCK One 15 and 17 October. Two 26 October. Two 8 November, one 11 November
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Four 18 April. One 1, 2, 7 May
BAR-TAILED GODWIT One individual 30 April - 7 May
WHIMBREL Three 16 April. One 18 and 19 April. Up to 7 Present 25 April – 2 May. Three 7 May. Four 13 May, One 14-16 May. One 18, 19 and 25 August. One 3, 4, 7 September. Two 5 September
CURLEW 5 pairs established territories and were fairly evenly spread across the island. Once with chicks, the birds constantly moved around the island making productivity monitoring difficult. Chicks observed in North valley 1 June and Calves Park 11 June
Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 37 7 6 P P 5 15 15 30
GREENSHANK Two 25 August.
COMMON SANDPIPER One 17, 27 April. Two 28 April. One 30 April. One 1, 3, 4, 7, 13 – 17 and 19 May. One 26 June. One 19 August. Five 23 August, two 25 August and one 29 August. One 15 October.
TURNSTONE Two 1 March, three 2 March, two 16 March, three 18 March, one 20 March. One or two most days in April, Six 11 April. Five 23 August. Two 4 and 5 September. Five 6 September. Three 20 and 26 September. One 1. Five 3. Two 4. Six 8. Twelve 10. Six 15, nine 18, ten 19, six 21 and 22, ten 25, 4 26 October.
ARCTIC SKUA Seven 6 September (6 dark morph). (Largest count on record) One 7 September. Four 12 September. One 13 September. One 25 September.
GREAT SKUA Seven 6 September (Largest count on record). One 7 September. One 13 September. One 18 September. One 25 September. Two 26 September
LONG-TAILED SKUA One 6 October
MEDITERRANEAN GULL One 1 March
BLACK-HEADED GULL One 20 April. Three 14 May, one 18 May. One 13 June. Three 27 June. One 1 July. Ten 2 July. Six 3 October. Twelve 13 October. Eight 25 October. One 5 and 6 November
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
Pair bonding first observed 3 March – stick carrying. Eggs first observed 20 April. First chicks 19 May. Significant reduction in numbers noted by 8 September, mainly juveniles only being seen by 20 September. A total of 10238 AONs
Lesser black-backed gull breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1961-2011. 25000 Eye Count Eye Count X Correction Factor 20000
15000
10000 NumberofAONs
5000
0
1961 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011
HERRING GULL Present all year round. First eggs observed 17 April. First Chicks 14 May. Low numbers noted from 26 October. A total of 420 AONs
Herring gull breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1961-2011. 3500
3000
2500
2000
1500 No. ofAON No.
1000
500
0
2009 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2011
Breeding success of coast-nesting herring gulls on Skomer Island, 1962-2011. 1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
No. ofchicks large No. per AON 0.2
0
1966 1984 1962 1964 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Present all year round. First eggs observed 14 April. First chicks 13 May. Roost 105 on The Spit 2 September. A total of 80 AONs.
Great black-backed gull breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1960-2011. 300
250
200
150
100 Number of AONs of Number
50
0
1993 1996 1960 1963 1966 1969 1972 1975 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011
Great black-backed gull breeding success on Skomer Island 1996-2011. 1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
Fledglings per breeding pair breeding per Fledglings 0.2
0
2001 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Present from 1 March (Island occupied) with 160 seen on Bull Hole by 13 March and forty seven on high cliff 28 March. Nest building first observed 7 May. First egg 13 May. First Chick 16 June. Lower number recorded from 23 August – twelve. Thirty-two in St Brides Bay 7 September and hundreds on 10 September. Seen irregularly in September and October. Two hundred 26 October. A total of 1837 AONs on Skomer.
Black-legged kittiwake breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1960-2011. 3000
2500
2000
1500
1000 Number of AON of Number
500
0
1996 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Black-legged kittiwake breeding success on Skomer Island 1989-2011. 1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40 Chicks fledged per AON per fledged Chicks 0.20
0.00
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
SABINE’S GULL One 3 October
SANDWICH TERN Two 17 April. Twenty-five 5 September . Nine 6 September. One 13 September. Two 18 September. One 7 October.
BLACK TERN One 12 September
ARTIC TERN Five 26 September
COMMON TERN Forty 20 September.
COMIC TERN Three hundred and eighty-five 6 September. Eight 13 September. Fifteen 18 September.
Puffins in North Haven – Chris Taylor 2012.
COMMON GUILLEMOT First observed on the cliffs on mass 14 March, but very scarce by 16 March. Back on all cliffs on 19 March. First eggs on Amos 21 April. First Chick 23 May. First fledgling 16 June, peaking on 27 June. Only two chicks left in Bull Hole B by 12 July. Cliff were nearly empty 20 July. Not regularly noted after 23 July. Then ten 6 September. Five 19 September. Fifteen Guillemots on cliffs 16 October. Five-hundred (High Cliff) two-hundred (South Stream) 5 November. Whole island count highest on record 21866
Common guillemot breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1963-2011. 25000 Whole Island Count 20000 Study plot count
15000
10000 No. of individuals of No.
5000
0
1977 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011
Common guillemot breeding success on Skomer Island 1989-2011. 0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
site 0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1 Fledglings per active and regular nest nest and regular active per Fledglings
0
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
BLACK GUILLEMOT One 15 October
RAZORBILL Similar arrival pattern to Guillemot. First egg 14 April. First chick 18 May. Cliff were nearly empty 20 July. Not regularly noted after 23 July. Then one 6 September. Twelve 19 September. Whole island count 5118.
Razorbill breeding numbers on Skomer Island 1963-2011 7000
Whole Island 6000 Count
5000
4000
3000 No.of individual
2000
1000
0
1965 1979 1963 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011
Razorbill breeding success on Skomer Island 1993-2010. 0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4 site 0.3
0.2
0.1
Fledglings per active and regular nest nest and regular active per Fledglings 0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
ATLANTIC PUFFIN
First seen (seventeen) 17 March and 286 on 18 March and 4200 by 21 March. First puffin on land 22 March. Regularly on land by and of March. 3800 3 April. 15 April birds seen with nesting material and one seen with fish! First bird in breeding season with fish 25 May. First chick coming out of burrow noted on 29 June with a substantial increase by 5 July. Numbers of adults severely reduced in number by 22 July. 20 August one bird seen going down a burrow with fish maybe a late second attempt after first egg failed? looks like 1963 was the last time there was still a chick around this late!
No maximum spring count was carried out on Skomer in 2011 due to timing restrictions co- ordinated with a day the warden went shopping.
Productivity of puffin Burrow Total No. No. % No. of chicks Max. distance from burrows occupied Occupied based on 2 Productivity the cliff edge burrows (3+) feeds (m) < 5 91 66 73% 54 (51) 0.82 (0.77) 5-10 54 45 83% 40 (37) 0.89 (0.82) >10 55 30 55% 25 (24) 0.83 (0.80) Total 200 141 71% 119 (112) 0.84 (0.79)
Feeding rates of Puffins in relation to time of day in 2012. 80
70
60
50
40
30 19-20 June
20 3-4 July
10
0
05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30
------
04:30 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00
FERAL PIGEON Several visited both the Farm and North Haven
WOODPIGEON Three pairs were mapped, probably more present on the island. Not regularly recorded from 19 March until 20 September then 520 5 November and forty-five 6 November.
COLLARED DOVE Two 20 April, one 21 April in North Valley. Two 26 June, one 4 and 15 September.
TURTLE DOVE One North Valley 20 April until 1 May
CUCKOO One 19 July at Bull Hole
BARN OWL In March regular birds roosting at Moorey Mere and North Haven. Then 1 May – 3 June pair regularly seen around the farm. Barn Owl box was used no attempt to breed. Then no signs until pellet found at roost site at Moorey Mere 5 September. One 9 October, roost site in North Valley crossing used fairly regularly through October/November.
LITTLE OWL One pair raised three young on the West side of the Farm. Storm Petrel wings were observed close to the nest site.
SHORT-EARED OWL Pair bred in North valley fledged 4 chicks. Another pair was establishing territory in South Valley. No nest found. Territorial fighting seen 4 March. Wing clapping from 8 April, with two independant pairs in North and South Valley. Only North Valley Pair active by 26 May. First fledgling seen 14 June. Juveniles flying 27 June. Not regularly recorded after 8 July. 17 July a dead Short-eared Owl was found in North Valley, it was a juvenile. Nineteen on 19 November roost - flushed from a patch of bracken 50mX50m
SWIFT Number of bird days March April May June July August September October November 0 0 6 4 4 0 2 0 0
BEE-EATER One 14 June, flew west over north haven. (Ben Sheldon, Matt Wood and Dave Boyle)
WYRNECK One 10 April. Singles regularly around farm from 1st September – 15 October. A second bird between the Garland Stone and Bull Hole 2 – 29 September.
Wryneck - David Astins 2011
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER One 22 September, one 15 October.
Greater Spotted Woodpecker – Dave Boyle 2011.
SKYLARK Thirteen territories were recorded on Skomer in 2011, a significant decline on recent numbers. Most were located in the central fields. Observed carrying food 20 May. Seventy-eight flew over on 26 September, forty-five 8 October, 190 on 16 October. 480 on 20 October. 140 on 5 November.
SAND MARTIN Observed between 16 and 28 March. Forty 25 March. 11 bird days in April. One 2 May. Recorded on four days in August including six individuals 31 August. Twenty 16 September, two 26 September.
SWALLOW First swallow observed 26 March. Thirty by 15 April. One-hundred 13 May. Ninety 14 May. Eighty 17 August. Two hundred just around farm on 31 August. Five-hundred 16 and 19 September. 1500 on 24 September. Four pairs had several broods around the farm complex. A further pair at North Haven Lime Kiln had three broods. Total of five pairs. Eggs observed in nest 3 June, fledge by 30 June.
HOUSE MARTIN March April May June July August September October November Bird 0 7 10 3 2 3 4 1 0 days Max 6 6 1 2 6 50 5 Count
RICHARDS PIPIT One 14 October. One 12 November.
TREE PIPIT Two 19 April, One 20 April. One 28 April. One 2 and 4 May. One 22 August. Two 30 and 31 August. Four 1 September, three 2 September and one 4 September. One 20 October.
MEADOW PIPIT 45 territories were marked on maps. Most territories are evenly distributed across the island. First observed carrying food 26 May.
ROCK PIPIT Territories were not mapped along the north coast in 2011 so no estimate can be made. From the areas that were surveyed, in comparison to last year, the population appears stable.
YELLOW WAGTAIL One 20 – 24 and 27 May. Two 25 August. One 30 August. One 2 September. One 2 October.
GREY WAGTAIL One – five regularly seen flying over 26 August – 16 October.
PIED WAGTAIL Eight territories were recorded this season and young birds observed at the Farm and by Moorey Mere. The Farm pair had two broods. First fledglings spotted 8 June.
WHITE WAGTAIL One 14 April. Two 26 April, One 27 April, Two 28 April. One 21 August. Two 21 and 22. August. Two 29 August. Four 31 August. Forty 2 September, twelve 3 September and ten 4 September – smal numbers seen through Septmeber. Two 5 November.
WREN 29 territories were recorded, but wthout crossing every inch of the island, this is an underestimate. Fldeglings recorded on 7 June.
DUNNOCK Dunnocks were recorded all over the island with large numbers of juveniles seen in the Aumtumn (probably a combination of mainland birds and Skomer birds. Birds being chased out of teritories made this all the more obvious.
ROBIN Seen regularly until 14 April then not regularly seen until 19 August. Thiry 31 August.
BLACK REDSTART One seen daily from 24-28 March. Singles 18, 24 April and 1, 2, 14, 18, 25, 26 October. 8- 15 November including four 15 November.
COMMON REDSTART Three 10 April. One 1-3 April.
WHINCHAT One 1 – 3 May. Two 1 September, One 3, 7, 24, 28 September. Three 29 September. Five 1 October. Two 4 and 6 October. One 8 October. Four 14 October. Two 16 October.
STONECHAT Another year of no breeding. Juveniles were spotted in June onwards but unlikely to be from Skomer.
March April May June July August September October November Bird 11 0 1 4 0 3 8 8 0 days (15th) Max 4 0 1 3 0 1 11 4 0 Count
NORTHERN WHEATEAR First Wheatear was seen 8 March. Seen daily after including Ten 24 March. Twenty-five 10 April. Forty 30 April. Fledglings first seen 3 June and another 11 June. Thirty-two 2 September. Thirty-five 1 and 2 October. Thirty 3 October. Five pairs mapped on Skomer in 2011. Two on South Plateaux, one South Pond, one Skomer Head and one near Bull Hole.
DESERT WHEATEAR One 15 November. First for Skomer.
Desert Wheatear / Picture by Chris Taylor
RING OUZEL One 17, 21, 24 and 29 April. Three 28 April. One 1 and 3 May. One 4 October. Fifteen 14 October. Two 15 October. One 21, 23, 25 and 26 October. One 10 and 11 November.
BLACKBIRD Eight pairs bred on the island. Forty-five 14 October. Sixty-five 11 November
FIELDFARE 4 days in March, including five 25 March. Two bird days in April. One 4 May. Thirty 14 October. One 16 October. Recorded every day in November, including twelve on 8 November.
SONG THRUSH 10 days in March, mainly ones and twos. One 3 April. Then none until One 17, 19 and 26 September. One 4, 8, 12 and 13 October. Then fifteen 14 October, ten 15 and 16 October, up to 8 present for the rest of October, (max. Thirty 14 October). Recorded every day in November (max. fifteen on 8 November).
REDWING Thirteen bird days in March (ones and twos). Sixty-five 14 October, twenty 15 and fifteen on 16 October. Seen on most days thereafter (up to six)
MISTLE THRUSH One 26 March, One 9 April. One 14 April, One 14 and 20 October. One 6, 8, 14 and 15 November, Five 7 November.
CETTI’S WARBLER One 20 October – singing in South Stream
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Up to two birds seen daily from 15 April at Farm and North Pond research Hide with nest building near North Pond. No sightings after May. One 22 August. One 28 September. One 1 October.
Grasshopper Warbler – Dave Boyle 22 August 2011
SEDGE WARBLER First recorded three 10 April. Then regularly present until 5 October. Including nine 23 April. Singing first recorded on 24 April. Popular breeding sites were centres around the bottome of main valleys and the farm. Other areas also included North Haven and near Bull Hole/Saunder’s Fist. 26 territories were mapped.
REED WARBLER One 19, 20 and 24 September. Three 26 September. One 29 September.
LESSER WHITETHROAT One 1 September. One 21 October.
WHITETHROAT First recorded (one) 9 April. Present through until 17 September. Including fifteen 21 April. Two 4 October. One 19 October. 10 pairs were recorded. The recorded territories were around the farm, S. Valley and North Valley. This was felt to be an underestimate.
GARDEN WARBLER One 7 May. One 23 July. One 15 and 16 September.
BLACKCAP One 24 and 25 March, seen most days in April with twelve 10 April. Seen until 25 April. One 4, 13, 14 and 19 May. One 13 June. Two juveniles (from the mainland) 1 July. Juveniles/females recorded on most days for rest of July. Three 20 August, five 21 August and seven 22 August. Four 23 August – similar number for rest of month. One or two present most days in September, including seven 19 September. Up to three seen most days in October, (max thirteen 4 October). Singles on 10, 12 and 14 November.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER One 15 and 16 October. One 3 November.
Yellow-browed Warbler Dave Boyle 2011
PALLAS WARBLER One 29 and 30 October North Valley
Pallas Warbler – Dave Boyle 2011
CHIFFCHAFF First seen 13 March (one), up to six until 23 March. Thirty-two on 24 March, thirty 25 and 26 March, Fourteen 27 March. Thirty 2 April. Twenty 9 April. Upto three present most days in Arpil.. One present until 13 May. One 7 and 18 June. Two 26 June, Five 29 June (including fledglings). One 30 June. Up to four through July (more fledglings noted 17 July). Three or four present through September. Eleven 19 and 20 September. Thirteen 30 September. Up to four present daily through October. Including twelve 16 October. Four 12 November.
WILLOW WARBLER Two 26 March then twenty 2 April. 145 on 10 April then seen daily until end of April including Eighty on 18 and 19 April. Twelve 7 May. Two 15 May. Regularly present from 19 July. Present most days in August including thirty-seven 21 August, twenty-one 28 August, twenty-four 29 August. Fifteen 1 and 2 September. Twelve 4 September. One 1 October. Three 3 October. One 16 October.
GOLDCREST One 6 March. One 2 then 27, 28 and 30 April. One 21 August. Three 27-31 August. Two 1 September, one 2, 5, 7, 8, 12 September, then daily for rest of September (three or four) including six 20 and 26 September. At least two present most days in October including sixteen 4 October, ten 7 and 8 October, ten 16 October, twenty-five 20 October and ten 26 October. Two 5 November. Six 8 November, three 14 November.
FIRECREST One 2 – 4 November
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER One 7 May. One or two present from 13 May until 23 May. Fifteen 19 May. One 1, 2, and 4 June. Six 21 August, One 22 August, two 23 August. One 30 August, four 31 August. Two 2 – 4 September. One 14 September, two 25 and 17 September. One 25 September, three 26 September, two 28 September, one 29 September, three 30 September. Two 1 October, One 2, 4, and 6 October.
RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER One 28 September. One 15 October.
Red-breasted Flycatcher Dave Boyle 2011
PIED FLYCATCHER One 18 April. One 1 May. Two 28 September. One 30 September.
BLUE TIT Marc April May June July August September October November h No. 20 1 0 0 5 7 16 19 7 days (8th) (juv. (from record 9th) 21st) ed Max 4 1 0 0 3 1 25 (26th) 75 10 (7th) Count (20th)
GREAT TIT March April May June July August September October November No. 16 0 0 0 0 3 9 12 0 days (from recor 29th) ded Max 2 0 0 0 0 1 3 (29th and 5 (17th) 0 Count 30th)
GOLDEN ORIEL Two 7 May
RED-BACKED SHRIKE One individual seen Bull Hole 16 October, then at Farm 17 and at Moorey Mere 18 October.
Red-backed Shrike (Bull Hole) 2011 Chris Taylor
MAGPIE Magpie bred all over the island and were very active making territory plotting difficult. Thirty roost in North Valley 28 September.
JAY
Feather was found North Valley crossing – Dave Boyle
CHOUGH On Skomer Island, a total of four territories were confirmed as occupied, although only two of the pairs attempted to nest. They fledged a total of four young between them. First seen with nesting material 18 March. Fourteen on Mew Stone 15 October.
JACKDAW These birds bred all over the island and later in the summer large flocks were roosting in the trees of North Valley. Two albino youngsters (10 June) were found by Maria Gill in North Haven and were present until late on in the season. Adults seen taking food (egg) into nest on 13 May. Chicks observed 19 May (North Haven)
Monthly maxima: March April May June July August September October November 60 50 35 220 200 40 120 (27th)
Albino Jackdaw Ben Dean
ROOK Two 10 April. One 2 May. One 25 September, two 26 September. Fifteen 16 and 20 October. Eight 5 November. Two 6 November. Eleven 15 November.
CARRION CROW 9 nests were recorded. The majority of these were on rocky outcrops although a nest made from Manx Shearwater wings and rabbit bones was found outside Moorey Mere in a Willow tree. First seen with nesting material 13 March. Nest with eggs observed on 14 April. Young away from nest first observed 16 May.
RAVEN Raven established nests at the Mew Stone, Amy’s Reach and somewhere on the North Coast. Producing 6 young in total. 18 March first record of bird sitting on nest. First chicks observed on Mew Stone 14 April and chicks fledged 13 May. Flock twenty-four 21 August, thirty 26 August. Twenty-nine 7 September. Sixty-eight 19 September (organised count)
ROSE-COLOURED STARLING One 29 September (Farm) until 9 October.
Rose-coloured Starling Dave Boyle
COMMON STARLING March April May June July August September October November No. 15 0 0 4 12 11 1 10 8 recor (from ded 26th) days Max 14 0 0 2 30 55 1 500 1610 (5th) Count (25th)
HOUSE SPARROW One 9 April. Four 1 July. One 15 November.
TREE SPARROW One 13 October
CHAFFINCH 12 days in March including four 5 March. Four single days in April. One 3 June. Three days in July. Twenty-five 15 September. Forty 26 September. Thirty 28 September. Fifteen 2 and 4 October. 220 15 October.180 20 October. 450 25 October. 110 26 October. Up to 30 daily in November.
BRAMBLING One 7 and 8 November.
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH One 1 and 14 October. Two 15 October. Forty-five 16 October. Forty 20 and 25 October. Twelve 15 October.
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH One 16 and 24 March. Two seen daily in April, May. Ten 29 June. Ten 15 July. Thirty 14 July. 25 19 July. Sixty-five 4 October, Seventy 13 October.
EURASIAN SISKIN Two 12 and 17 April. Ten 1 and 4 October. Thirty 2 October. Twenty 19 October. Forty 20 October. One 7 October
COMMON LINNET One 17 March. Five 30 March. Seen daily April and May. Nine 2 April, ten 9 April. Twelve 14 April. Seventy-five 15 September. Ninety 25 September. Sixty 29 September. Sixty 2 October. Fifty 10 November.
REDPOLL Two 10 April. One 15 April. Three 18 April. One 19 and 21 April. Four 29 April. Two 7 May. One 13 May. One 27 June. One 26 September. One 4, 13 and 18 October. Six 20 October. Two 6 November. One 7 and 8 November.
CROSSBILL Large flock flew over before 9am 1 October.
BULLFINCH Two 25 October.
COMMON ROSEFINCH One 29 September and 1 October.
Common Rosefinch Dave Boyle 2011
LAPLAND BUNTING One flew North 7 September. One 4 and 16 October. One 5, 6, 10 and 14 November.
SNOW BUNTING One 9, 10, 14, 15 October. One 10 November.
REED BUNTING First seen on 6 March (one). Five breeding pairs were located. (2 North Valley, one Pigstone Bay, One Moorey Mere and one North Haven (Harold Stone area). Twenty 1 – 4 October.
Chris Taylor Skomer Warden [email protected]