Pembrokeshire Wildlife

New image

2012-03-09T08:38:00.000Z

The new title image is of an otter at Bosherston taken by Marj Hawkins on the 2.2.12.

Thanks

Adders

2012-03-08T09:10:00.002Z

It looks like a good time to look for male adders as they spend an inactive month basking outside their hibernation site, the warmth speeding up the development of sperm, before the females appear. More info on the Gower Wildlife Blog http://goweros.blogspot.com/

New title photograph

2012-03-08T09:07:00.000Z

Has anyone a picture for the title? I haven't changed it for a long time! Please email a jpg to andy@andydavies.info

Thanks

Andy

Otter near Sandy Haven

2012-03-04T17:57:00.002Z

This afternoon a large otter fishing in the second Bay towards dale from Sandy Haven. Wasn't having much luck but a nice find on a nice day. First time I have seen one down the Haven waterway although the Gann has plenty - at least there are plenty of footprints and scats but you never see them during the day.

Otter off Dale Point

2012-03-03T11:12:00.002Z

No pictures I'm afraid but this week an otter was seen diving off Dale Point by David Scales who was repairing the boiler in St. Brides (B Block). I've never seen one and (as far as I know) I'm the only person who has a regular look.

Beetles can be BIG.....

2012-02-25T12:21:00.002Z

Found this chap in my moth trap this morning - male Great Diving Beetle at about 1 .25 inches long! Rosemary

Frog chorus

2012-02-16T19:56:00.004Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn1509lhOqg

Our garden at night has a constant frog chorus as probably 100 frogs gather to mate in our small wildlife pond. It's a truly amazing sight and sound!Enjoy the video!

frog spawn

2012-02-14T16:51:00.000Z

I thought that I should blog this find - frog spawn in our shallow pond. on valentines day!

haven't seen the frogs yet!

Marloes area

2012-02-11T19:42:00.002Z

A walk with the dogs around cliffs & mere this afternoon, 3 Gannets inshore, 1 Ringtail Harrier, heading towards St Ann`s Head. 1 male Kestrel, still large numbers of Lapwing (1,000+) 3 Golden Plover in with them. Alas no Glossies, or S/E Owl. On our garden feeders - 1 female Blackcap.

Field vole

2012-02-03T17:26:00.000Z

Field vole, seen at Bosherston lily ponds on wednesday afternoon. Being such a cold day it seemed strange to see this little vole out and about but it was in the sunshine Jan Hannaford

Mating foxes

2012-02-01T15:52:00.000Z

Pembrokeshire is unmistakenly a good place for wildlife, even in frosty january 2012.
These two local foxes obviously feel very much at home.
Mating foxes is not a sight that we see every day.
Looking forward to fox cubs in the spring.

Yours kindly

Henk and Wendy Smit

First Newts!

2012-01-24T22:17:00.003Z

A couple of Palmate Newts seen in our pond at Martin's Haven yesterday. It feels pretty early (especially how cold it was inland at Llandeilo last night) but, checking my records, around here we generally see the first newts by the end of January: they are really very hardy!

Butterfly and Moth Records

2012-01-15T18:26:00.002Z

I would like to thank everybody who have sent me their Butterfly and Moth records for 2011. All the records are entered into Pembrokeshires database which goes on to make up the National database.
If you can help with any records from past years or for this year please contact me on Paul.warren@rocketmail.com

Paul Warren, County Lepidoptera Recorder for Pembrokeshire

There have been some early butterflies on the wing in 2012 with 1 Red Admiral at Monk Haven 0n 8-1-2112 and 1 Small Tortoiseshell flying around Valero Refinery on 11-1-2012.

Paul Warren

Moth Identification Course

2012-01-15T18:20:00.002Z

Norman Lowe and Dave Grundy are thinking of running a moth identification course in Pembrokeshire, in April or early May. The course would offer a joint event that would start with an overnight moth trapping session (not officially part of the course but very enjoyable) followed next morning by a presentation on moths for beginners and finishing with an afternoon practical course including identification of the moths trapped the night before. They will have to make a small charge for the course to cover their costs. If anyone is interested please contact me on
paul.warren@rocketmail.com

Bosherston Otter and Eel

2012-01-15T17:05:00.001Z

Flat calm lake, only ripples caused by this otter with his eel

Bosherston otters

2012-01-12T18:09:00.004Z

The otter family at Bosherston was very confiding this morning, particularly in the vicinity of Grassy Bridge.

Starlings at Mabesgate

2012-01-09T14:34:00.000Z

More starling related japes and scrapes from another part of Pembrokeshire can be found on you tube under: "Starlings at Mabesgate"

More winter flowers

2012-01-08T20:39:00.003Z

Among the wild flowers seen yesterday were Heath Milkwort Polygala serpyllyfolia (pictured) at Tresinwen, Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris (the fourth species of umbellifer seen flowering in the last two weeks) at Dowrog Common and, almost but not quite, Three-lobed Crowfoot Ranunculus tripartitus - which had a flower that was yet to open.

Flowering of Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium is both widespread and common this winter.

Starlings at Hayscastle

2012-01-07T23:54:00.003Z

I have been trying to upload a video of the starlings at Hayscastle but it has taken nearly 2 hours and not finished.
If you would like to see it, it can be found at

http://youtu.be/bmb9MZvamvM

just copy the line and paste into the search bar

I hope the link works and sorry about our chat - just turn the volume down.

Strumble, Fishguard area and Dowrog

2012-01-07T20:59:00.004Z

An interesting day in the Fishguard area began with an imm Iceland Gull drifting SW past Strumble Head with a flock of Herring Gulls at 09:30 - last seen heading towards Pwllderi. Otherwise Strumble was pretty quiet, with on 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Diver sp., 11 Shelduck flying W, 2 adult Gannets, a small number of Fulmar (sadly no blue phase), and relatively small numbers of Guillemot, Razorbill and Kittiwake.

Another Red-throated Diver was in the bay at Cwm yr Eglwys, while a visit to Fishguard Harbour proved to be time well spent - with two Great Northern Diver closely associating with each other, 5+ Shags, a winter plumage Guillemot and, the highlight, a Bonxie - which targeted the gulls that were feeding in the wake of the ferry as it left on its afternoon sailing.

The remainder hour or so of daylight was spent at Dowrog, where the only birds of note were a Peregrine and a single ring-tail Harrier.

Sad demise of the "Last of the Unique Hens" ....

2012-01-03T23:23:00.000Z

Sad to report foxy is fatter and our last of the Unique hens is no more , tossed off theis mortal coil.. deceased gone to a better place etc etc...

New Years Day flowers

2012-01-02T18:09:00.002Z

Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria and smooth sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus flowering at Orielton yesterday, and Primrose Primula veris flowering in both Maidenwells and Dale, though ithese plants were in the vicinity of houses, so might not be truly wild.

celandine

2012-01-02T11:53:00.001Z

Jan 2nd.......& not in a sunny spot, sheltered from the south - open to the north!

More winter flowers

2011-12-24T18:07:00.003Z

On Thursday, at Brownslade Burrows, there were at least three more species flowering: Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea, Common Storksbill Erodium cicutarium and Autumn Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis.

Christmas flowers

2011-12-23T16:44:00.001Z

Flowers taken today 23rd December.

knapweed

2011-12-17T11:30:00.001Z

This knapweed bud was thinking about opening, however the cold will slow it down so I will keep an eye on it to see if it dares!

Wild flowers in winter

2011-12-11T21:29:00.008Z

As we enter the period of lowest daylight hours, it is interesting to see so many wild species of plant producing flowers. Over the past couple of days I have noticed several species in flower, including those in the image above - clock wise from the top: Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris, Red Campion Silene dioica, Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum, Alexanders Smyrnium olusatrum, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa and Wood Avens Geum urbanum.

Other flowers noted were Dandelion Taraxacum agg., Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea, Groundsel Senecio vulgaris, Daisy Bellis perennis, Winter heliotrope Petasites fragrans, Scentless Mayweed Tripleurospermum inodorum, Smooth Hawk's-beard Crepis capillaris, Selfheal Prunella vulgaris, Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium, Herb Robert Geranium robertianum, Wood Dock Rumex sanguineum and Sharp-leaved Fluellen Kickxia elatine.

It would be interesting to compile a list of plants seen flowering during these shortest days of the year, perhaps between now and the end of January - if other observers would be prepared to contribute via this blog?

Foxy would a hunting go...

2011-12-11T10:22:00.002Z

I was in my study talking on the phone when our three chickens started up a mass alarm and I noticed a fox grappling with one of them in our small low walled front garden.
Moving pretty swiftly for one of my generous proportions, I ran downstairs and in a couple of bounds was grabbing a handy marrowbone knuckle-end, en route to the scene of the crime. The fox still intent on its meal had taken shelter in a small bramble tangle and in this direction I hurled the bone. This seemed to come as a bit of a shock to "Charlie" who left at speed scaling the wall, out and away.
Looking somewhat dishevelled, the hen ("Sage") was in a semi comatose state but so far as I could see without any obvious wounds. This particular brown hen, an ex "free range" critter had arrived with another, both lacking a good deal of the amount of feathers that one would normally associate with fowl that had lived a pastoral existence.
My third hen comes from a long line of home hatched and rather elegant poultry, gone so feral that they have all eschewed the safety of the hen hut for a roost in a thick tangle of honeysuckle.
It is the last of its line, and over the years its forebears have disappeared with only a trail of a few fine feathers leaving a clue to their likely fate. It is, perhaps understandably, due to the trauma of seeing multiple of its relations disappear on a one way journey accompanied by "Charlie", a bit neurotic, not quite part of the gang.
There is still a hungry fox out there, so I tried to round my remaining covey up and put them in the hen house. I managed to catch Onion the unmolested doppelganger of Sage and they are both now safely incarcerated for their own protection. Our remaining hen which I was unable to catch remains wild and free like its ill fated predecessors, now uniquely so. I suppose for the time being at least, she is “the last of the unique-hens”!

Polecat

2011-11-26T18:51:00.002Z

Ran across the road in front of me as I was driving back from Milford this evening - 5.30pm, at the first St Ishmaels junction. Judging by the size (in my very limited knowledge of such things) it appeared to be a female / young adult. Nice anyway.

Nat Trust Bosherston Lily Ponds Otter

2011-11-14T13:24:00.002Z

Early this morning this fellow decided to cross from one lake to the other by the difficult route, finally made it with a bit of rock climbing!

Eel at Martin's Haven

2011-11-14T11:13:00.002Z

Whilst clearing out a heavily silted up small pond, I disturbed a male silver eel. It was about a foot long and finger-thin, and quickly burrowed back into the silt. The pond drains into Martin's Haven via the stream by the Deer Park gates, but still quite an effort for an eel to get there, and not a lot of obvious food once it has.

Proud otter showing off her catch, worse that fishermen!

2011-11-13T16:44:00.003Z

Bosherston Lily Ponds this morning, biggest fish I've caught without a rod and a lot of bragging!

Bosherston Lily POnds otters fighting over an eel.

2011-11-12T17:38:00.001Z

It all kicked of this afternoon at Nat Trust Stackpole estate, not so cuddly now!

Early Morning Otter

2011-11-11T17:17:00.001Z

Enjoying an early breakfast at the National Trust Stackpole Bosherston Lily Ponds

November and still butterflys about

2011-11-05T15:28:00.001Z

Whilst searching in vain for some rare birds in a farmyard near Strumble yesterday afternoon, a nice fresh looking Red Admiral fluttered about, too quick for a photo though!

Hedgehogs

2011-11-04T15:59:00.004Z

You all may be fed up with hearing me on the radio but this is a bad time for hedgehogs. Some are hibernating but some mothers are still with their babies while some very young ones have only just left their mothers. Their favourite nesting, resting or sleeping places are in dry leaves, compost heaps and piles of wood so a lot get scooped onto bonfires or crawl into the wood that is piled ready. Please, if you are lighting a bonfire, either set it and light it right away, move it before lighting it, try to look into it with a strong torch or, if none of these are possible, at least light only one side so any animals inside it may stand a chance of escaping. It is not only hedgehogs that are burnt alive in bonfires.
Any hedgehogs under 650g at this time of year need picking up to be cared for throughout the winter as well as any seen out during the day. For more information on this you can look at my web site www.wobblyhogs.moonfruit.com

Seal season

2011-10-30T17:11:00.000Z

The seal pup season is going strongly with many pups on the Deer Park coves and at Martins Haven. Alas, the Dale Princess has now finished but I was fortunate enough to spend last Wednesday on the Island watching numerous adult seals and pups in North Haven.

Bosherston Lily Ponds 'clock change' otter

2011-10-30T13:36:00.001Z

Cub waiting for mum to rescue it, it wasn't going to loose this one.

Pembrokeshire Stackpole otter running from the fight

2011-10-27T19:18:00.001+01:00

This one decided enough was enough!

Pembrokeshire Stackpole otters fighting

2011-10-27T19:15:00.001+01:00

All very quiet one minute then POW this happened

Sunfish

2011-10-27T19:13:00.003+01:00

Sunfish ‘molar molar’ often become covered in parasites. In order to have these parasites removed they ‘offer’ themselves to gulls by floating/swimming on the surface of the sea and via their gills ‘squirting ’water vertically as the attraction for a meal to the gulls. From my own observations it seems that only Juvenile GBBGulls seem to ‘get the message’ at these latitudes, which, must be pretty frustrating for the poor sunfish.
Hopefully the pictures I took on a Sea Trust trip in 2006 show both parasites and the attraction technique. Perhaps this explains the behaviour blogged below.

Otters - Wldlife Trust reserve Cilgerran

2011-10-27T15:27:00.003+01:00

Over the last few weeks I (and many others) have been lucky enough to see the ‘Otter family’ on the Wildlife Trust reserve at Cilgerran. Their territory might not always be truly in Pembrokeshire but it certainly is worth a look if you are in that ‘neck of the woods’

Sunfish

2011-10-25T19:08:00.000+01:00

Between 4.20 and 4.45 on the 18th October, we watched a sunfish off Wooltack Point in Deer Park. We watched it drift down from St. Brides Bay passed Tusker Rock into Jack Sound. It was about 1.5 metres long and swimming near the surface waving its dorsal fin. For some of the time it was lying on its side and was being followed by a couple of gulls.

Sara-Jane Arden

Ichneumon suspiciosus

2011-10-24T12:30:00.002+01:00

This common Ichneumon was probably looking for somewhere to hibernate when I caught it. It is easy to identify by the white bits in the middle of the antennae , the orangy abdo. and the white tail end. I'd love to know how it got its name; likewise the moth, Suspected (Parastychtis suspecta). Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

red admiral

2011-10-22T13:46:00.001+01:00

There were 3 red admirals in our garden just after lunch today; getting late, although I presume they are feeding up ready to hibernate soon.

Autumn but still some insects about

2011-10-19T15:11:00.000+01:00

Despite the cold wind this Common Hawker (I think) Dragonfly was still out and about at midday and feeding okay as it was eating a fly.
At St Govan's a Clouded Yellow butterfly was a nice sight but it wouldn't pose for a photo.

Westfield Pill.

2011-10-17T09:05:00.002+01:00

Plenty of signs of winter this morning,with parties of Redwings,Fieldfares,and Siskins.Also a record count of 7 Little Egret.

2011-10-16T21:55:00.000+01:00

Bosherston Lily Ponds Otter having a good roll around in the mud

only cloud with a yellow lining?

2011-10-15T18:32:00.001+01:00

I was looking for some silver lining to lift my spirits after the debacle of this mornings rugby. This clouded yellow flew past me at the car park at Strumble this afternoon and then landed on a Dandelion. It must have been exhausted having flown off the sea, and allowed me to approach very close (my fingers!).

Its the only one I have seen this year and so far as I can remember my only ever October record!

Solitary bees

2011-10-12T14:42:00.002+01:00

The local records centre is organising a one-day workshop for people to learn more about the habits and identification of solitary bees. It will probably take place at the end of November at the Cardiff Museum. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Annie at rushmoor1@tiscali.co.uk

This one is Andrena hattorfiana

2011-10-11T17:53:00.000+01:00

Otter family at Bosherston Lilly Ponds today, waiting for full moon?

WNFC visit in September

2011-10-08T20:32:00.002+01:00

There is a report on the visit to Pembrokeshire by the Wexford Naturalists Field Club in September here http://www.wexfordnaturalists.com/images/tripreports/walestrip.pdf

They stayed at Stackpole & highlights of the visit included the Bosherton otters, a bat walk with Bob & Annie Haycock & the local hospitality.

The report has a list of the birds, mammals & other wildlife seen by the group on their trip. It does show what can be achieved in one short week-end.

Water Shrew at Llangloffan Fen

2011-10-06T14:27:00.000+01:00

After a lot of deliberating, book searching and a chat with Nathan Walton I am happy to confirm seeing a Water Shrew about 20 metres from the hide overlooking the pond at the ‘Wildlife Trusts reserve at Llangloffan Fen’ I have never seen one before – brill !!

Bosheston Otters

2011-10-01T14:26:00.002+01:00

Mother and cubs enjoying this bright Saturday morning.

Stackpole Estate Bosherston Lilly Ponds Otter

2011-10-01T12:54:00.000+01:00

Female otter on west bank of Central Lake, 08-00 today, cubs around somewhere!

Stackpole Estate Bosherston Lilly Ponds Otter

2011-09-29T19:22:00.001+01:00

Otter spotted on the west shoreline of the Central Lake 08-00 today

National Trust Stackpole Estate Pembroke

2011-09-27T20:58:00.002+01:00

Mum and two cubs seen running along the south bank of the Bosherston Lilly Ponds Eastern Arm, about 8-00 am

adder

2011-09-27T10:20:00.002+01:00

Bosherton; an adder that did not hang about to be photographed well, so a hurriedly taken snap before it had gone (Saturday 17th), picture by James Hopkins.

Deer Park and Marloes Sands

2011-09-26T20:31:00.000+01:00

The sheer numbers of chough seen between the Deer Park and Marloes Sands was the stand out highlight for today. They were everywhere in flocks of up to 40. Plenty of other birds around including wheatear and stonechat.

A couple of great black gulls and two juveniles were seen flying around the seal pup breeding beaches a week last Saturday, possibly attracted to the afterbirth from a freshly born seal pup at midday.

Sunfish!

2011-09-26T12:04:00.002+01:00

A large Sunfish (3-4ft in each direction) seen on Saturday about 3/4 mile offshore basking in sea between West Dale beach and Marloes Sands. Sadly it would not stay around for photos!

National Trust Stackpole Estate Pembroke

2011-09-23T18:06:00.002+01:00

Is this the otters pipe dream, seen thur 22nd 0830 in the Bosherston Lilly Ponds. Mum followed by the two cubs.

Female Otter at the Grassy Bridge.

2011-09-21T11:07:00.002+01:00

Nice sighting of the three otters at Bosherston Lilly Ponds this morning, 08-00, in the Eastern Arm close to the Grassy Bridge, this is the mum, shortly after this pic they crossed the Broad Haven Beach path and headed towards Bosherston.

Same eel worn as a muffler

2011-09-19T19:26:00.002+01:00

This is the same eel as the last post showing its brown back (as compared to the first pic showing white underside) does this tell you its a female?

Deer Park Saturday 17th Sept

2011-09-19T15:02:00.000+01:00

The Deer Park was spectacular on Saturday with the odd heavy shower followed by beautiful light. We saw a pup born on Pebbly cove with plenty of cows and pups surrounding it. The nearest cow started a fight with the new mother. Gannets were plunge diving offshore and plenty of raven and chough flew past.

West Williamston

2011-09-19T14:45:00.002+01:00

Brown Hairstreaks will be around until the second week of October. They come down over the tree canopy, 'hugging' it and the Blackthorn which is their food plant (and where the females lay their little white bun-shaped eggs).

The weather has been appalling ......... by this time last year I had recorded over 30 adults - the tally so far for me this year is 7 positives and 3 probables, all female!! If the weather settles, warms up, the wind drops and there is a bit of sun to be seen, I reckon females laden with eggs will be on the wing within a few hours laying. Main places to witness this is on Blackthorn on the tree egde in top field by little carpark, in the middle field where there is plenty of Blackthorn, and along the foreshore of the reserve ......... the butterfly glade is a popular spot at the moment because is has a micro-climate and can be very warm on a very average day.

Last year and this, females were seen on leaves in the trees edging this glade. The other place that is both interesting (an important geological fault - part of the Carew Anticline) and sheltered for BH is the main estuary side of the Limestone Ridge which is off the foreshore and further along it.

Mum and Cubs at Bosherston Lilly Ponds

2011-09-19T11:35:00.002+01:00

The three otter otters seen in the Eastern Arm and Central Lake at Bosherston Lilly Ponds Stackpole. At one point an otter, which I took to be the smaller of the two cubs, was on its own swimming in an agitated manner and making short high pitched squeaks, cub calling for mum? or mum calling the cubs?

Spiders from Wendy Smit

2011-09-18T10:37:00.004+01:00

Wendy Smit, Penwaun has sent me these spiders snapped recently in her garden. I used to have a book on British Spiders, but I couldn't get on with it so gave it to a friend. He's away in The Outer Hebrides. Can anyone provide names for these two?

Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

Eel and Otter

2011-09-15T20:14:00.002+01:00

Lovely picture from Jim.
The interesting (and rather depressing) fact is that an eel of that size (a female) if probably nowadays significantly rarer (both here in Pembrokeshire and elsewhere in the UK) than the Otter.

2011-09-15T20:05:00.002+01:00

Female otter, taken tues 13th at 17-30, in the Eastern Arm of the Bosherston Lilly Ponds, she took the eel over to the far bank and let the two cubs fight over it.

Mark's caterpillar

2011-09-13T17:53:00.000+01:00

Definitely an Elephant Hawk-moth!
Likely feeding up before it pupates for the winter.

Hawk moth

2011-09-13T12:28:00.002+01:00

This fella was in the garden today, braving the hefty showers. I think it is an elephant hawk moth caterpillar, probably!

Mark Wilson

Help needed with Brown Hairstreak photography at West Williamston SSSI

2011-09-13T12:20:00.001+01:00

Wanted - good photographs of male Brown Hairstreak butterflies taken at West Williamston – a unique Wildlife Trust Reserve half a mile west of the hamlet.

We are looking for help with photographing and/or recording male Brown Hairstreak butterflies at West Williamston. For over three years now surveys have been carried out to learn more about behaviour of this stunning little butterfly, and to try and establish where the assembly trees are, and the extent of the population there.

Females have been regularly photographed with excellent results. However – photographing males is a completely different story:- results consist mostly of small dots high in trees!

Males were thought to be on the wing in the earlier weeks of their life cycle, but it is quite possible that they are around just as long as females (12th October was the last sighting at West Williamston last year – possibly a UK record – she was battered but flying among bramble on the foreshore there). They remain mostly in trees, often Ash, basking on leaves even in weak sunshine or making short flights lower down. Being less obvious and with all the focus on egg-laying females they are definitely under-recorded.

So – if you fancy a visit to somewhere new, or a photographic challenge, please make a visit to West Williamston. All records would be valuable, including negative data of trees observed with dates and times.

On Bank Holiday Monday seventeen keen enthusiasts from all over South Wales helped survey the whole reserve, and despite poor weather six Brown Hairstreak were photographed with at least a further 3 seen briefly on the wing. There were, however, no males seen!

Nikki Anderson

For any further information please contact Nikki Anderson on 01646 686469 or via email pembrokenikki@hotmail.co.uk and Jean Hambly on 01834 871701 or email jean525@btinternet.com

Moth

2011-09-09T22:02:00.002+01:00

Thanks Mike. When a youngster - just a few years ago !! - I used to see them in Worcetershire, it seems an odd place to find one where I live now. I guess it may have been blown here from somewhere else.

Lyndon's Moth

2011-09-09T19:07:00.000+01:00

Tried to post as a comment but failed miserably.
The moth is an Oak Eggar - very sad looking as you say.

A storm damaged moth

2011-09-09T17:24:00.004+01:00

I found this very sad looking storm damaged moth on my lawn yesterday. Anyone able to identify it?

2011-09-09T17:24:00.001+01:00

Speckled Bush Cricket

2011-09-06T09:32:00.002+01:00

These Bush Crickets have incredibly long antenae. Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

Here be Dragons

2011-09-05T09:48:00.004+01:00

My neighbour, Wendy Smit of Penwaun Farm, has just sent me these super photos of Dragonflies from round her huge pond. All common, but nice. Gold-banded, Southern Hawker and Emperor. Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

Martin's Haven & Deer Park Adders & Slowworms

2011-08-30T09:52:00.002+01:00

A really good weekend for both: Adders seen every day, most regularly at around mid-morning when they are sunning themselves at the side of paths. Lots of Slowworms, too ranging from tiny shoelace babies to huge fat females. Again, mid-morning is best, and somewhere in the sun.

Colour scheme

2011-08-30T09:24:00.003+01:00

August 2011. I am trying to improve my Macro images and , the other day, I took shots of this Devilsbit Scabious flower head. My eyesight isn't very sharp these days and it was only with the magnification of a Macro photo that I was able to appreciate the beautiful crimson anthers complementing the lilac-blue of the florets. It is the sort of colour scheme some of my grand daughters might go for! Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

Fantastic Fungi

2011-08-29T10:49:00.002+01:00

The recent rains seem to have caused a sudden eruption of wonderful large fungi. On the coast path near St Ann's head we found two enormous parasol mushrooms - they would have made a tasty dinner but in the end we left them for others to admire. Then walking back along the track from Watwick, there was a Giant Puffball - the first I have seen for many, many years. It had, unfortunately, been kicked by a passer by - why do people do that? - and again we toyed with taking it home for dinner. They are such extraordinary things, with their soft suedey texture and earthy smell.

Rosemary

Hedgehogs

2011-08-22T23:19:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to say that my first hedgehog has hibernated already, a week earlier than the record of last year set by Lavender. The frosts set in 2 weeks later last year so I don't know what Peter Tick Tock thinks we have in store.
It does mean that the latest litters will need to be picked up and cared for if they are to survive the winter. Any hedgehog weighing less than 650g or 1.5lbs needs to be put in a high sided box, covered with scrunched up newspaper, maybe fed with meaty dog or cat food and water and then to come to the Hogspital as most will have lungworm anyway.
If you see a mother with her young, do not seperate them but put food along their path each night until the young start to come on ther own, then pick them up. Their food goes to ground when the frosts come and they die of starvation, not the cold. More info and contact details on www.wobblyhogs.moonfruit.com

Seal pup season

2011-08-20T17:38:00.002+01:00

The last seal pup of the 2010/2011 season was born on North Haven, Skomer in March. Pups were appearing in the Deer Park coves well into the New Year.

Offshore on Celtic Wildcat - 17August 2011

2011-08-19T18:23:00.004+01:00

A group of members from the Mid Pembs and Bird Group section of the Wildlife trust went ‘Offshore’ on the Celtic Wildcat to watch sea birds and marine mammals.

We stopped for a while near Grassholm , the only Gannet colony in Wales and then went further out to sea, where there were lots of Auks, Shearwaters etc. Having laid a bait trail we were visited by Storm petrels and a Bonxie. Eventually approx 90 Fulmars swimming around the boat – mostly they had swum to us as they were in moult.

Having seen many seabirds, a few porpoise and some pods of Common Dolphin our skipper spotted Whales in the distance. As they came closer to us we many exciting views of them, as bets as we could we decided there were between 10 and 12. They were accompanied by ‘bow wave riding’ common dolphins and a few Manx shearwaters. A couple of hours later we spotted another two animals which may or may not have been from the initial group.

Seal Pupping Season

2011-08-15T15:08:00.004+01:00

Seal pups are starting to appear around the coast - so here is a nice picture (Copyright Janet Baxter) to get you inspired to go and see some...
Pupping season lasts until the end of November. In Pembrokeshire, many of the areas that have been agreed to be ‘seasonally restricted’ to protect seals during the breeding season are out of bounds from 1^st August.

So if you are planning to view any seal pupping sites from the coastpath/ sea kayaking / boating / coasteering adventures etc make sure you have a good look at the Pembrokeshire Marine Code maps and follow the best practice guidance which is all on the Pembrokeshire Marine Code website www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk

Be sure to give seals the space they need to have a successful year!

Cheers,
Tom

Bosherston Otters

2011-08-14T20:24:00.001+01:00

Although less confiding than last year, there is a new Otter family at Bosherston and one or more of these animals can be seen fishing in the central lake (from Grassy Bridge) periodically - this adult was seen between 10:00-11:00 this morning.

The juvenile Garganey was also still present with the moulting Mallards between Eight-arch Bridge and Grassy Bridge.

By The Wind Sailor.

2011-08-12T18:21:00.002+01:00

There have been several "By The Wind Sailor" stranding events over the past few years. The last one about four or five years ago was not merely restricted to Pembrokeshire. The shores of southern Ireland, south west England and most of Wales were covered in them, literally billions, a fantastic eruption of biomass, one of the most incredible wildlife spaectacles I have ever witnessed! Whilst on the marine theme... (hope you dont mind Andy),

I, like many others thoroughly enjoyed the BBC programme about TV personality/marine biologist Monty Walls helping the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and taking Photo ID images for them last night.
However I would point out that to do this in the UK, you require a licence from CCW/English Nature/Scottish Heritage depending where you are doing it.

The danger is that if everyone with a boat and a camera goes out chasing them, they could panic and either strand or mothers and calves become separated. Its a job for trained researchers.

To chase, follow or disturb dolphins or other protected sea creatures to photograph them is illegal and anyone doing so without a licence could be prosecuted. That is not to say merely taking photo's of animmals you encounter by chance is illegal but you must not chase them for photographs.
For more info see: http://www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk/code-of-conduct/
Cliff /Sea Trust

Grass Eggar moth?

2011-08-08T20:28:00.002+01:00

Hello - my name is Sam Burton and I'm 7. My dad found this moth in the road by Musselwick just outside Marloes village and brought it home to show me as he knows I'm very interested in moths. We haven't seen one like it before. Can you tell us if it is a Grass Eggar? And if yes - are there many sightings of it in Pembrokeshire? I think it could be quite rare. We let this one go in our garden in Marloes, but it didn't look very well.

Thank you.
Sam

By the wind Sailor

2011-08-07T11:17:00.000+01:00

Wonderful to see an image of this creature in Medusa form. I,ve only seen the mature form in 2004 when hundreds were washed up on Pembs beaches. I tried 'sailing' one. It was quite incredible. It sailed a pretty steady course. If one were to remove the rudder from a sailing dinghy it would tend to turn into the wind and 'luff up'.Maybe sail designers could learn something from this creature.

Peter Byles

Hummingbird Hawkmoth; the movie

2011-08-06T16:18:00.004+01:00

A brief view of a hummingbird hawkmoth gave me a chance to try out my new camera. You can see the proboscis clearly right at the end of the clip.

Peter

Hare

2011-08-04T11:02:00.002+01:00

On Sunday I was travelling between Moylegrove and Newport and was surprised to see a hare on the road in front of us. Unfortunately my camera was in the boot of the car and by the time we stopped and got the camera out the hare had been moved on by traffic. I looked around for some time but did not see it again. Are hares common in this part of Pembrokeshire? I have lived in the area for most of my life and not seen one before.

Tommy

Skomer 3rd August

2011-08-04T10:57:00.000+01:00

Just a few groups of puffins around the island on the water, some still carrying sandeels and feeding the last chicks in the burrows.

My Fly

2011-08-01T21:41:00.001+01:00

I agree - thankyou Mikeyp.

Derek's Fly

2011-08-01T15:47:00.000+01:00

Tried to post as a comment but failed miserably.

Looks to me like the hoverfly -Volucella pellucens - a handsome beast anyway!

Horse Fly

2011-07-31T16:03:00.000+01:00

Supposedly a female Chrysops Relictus by one reference - another reference doesn`t look anything like it! Anyway it was in our conservatory on Friday last.

Butterflies in the South

2011-07-27T22:20:00.007+01:00

A look at a few sites in the south was rewarding with a good variety of species. Highlights of the less common species included -
White Letter Hairstreak at Holyland Wood, Pembroke, early morning. On to Bosherston, an excellent spot in the dunes held Brown Argus (photos), Small Blue, Common Blue and Grayling. A single Silver washed Fritillary was on bramble near the grassy bridge. In Mere Pool valley there were a few Small Coppers and numerous Gatekeepers. Dragonflies there included 2 Emperors, some Common Darters and lots of immature Azures and Common Blue Damselflies. Next, St Govans, where just one pair of Silver Studded Blues were found. The path through the range was closed a better look is needed another day.

(Paul G and WendyJ)

Anyone for cricket

2011-07-11T09:58:00.000+01:00

This handsome fellow was climbing my patio door this morning.

The feelers are so long they would need a separate picture.

The underside is yellow-green so I assume this is the Bog Bush Cricket which is said to be common in England and Wales and active by day from July to October.

Skomer puffins - an update

2011-07-08T17:53:00.000+01:00

The puffin season on Skomer is reaching its climax with pufflings emerging from their burrows in nearly complete plumage with just a remnant of their first fluffy coat. Numerous adults were returning with beaks full of sandeels. One puffin had clogged it's bill with sticky mud and was a comical sight as it tried to preen itself.

The weather was a challenge on Wednesday with a heavy shower around lunchtime and a monsoon hour when everyone was soaked waiting to get the boat back. The razorbills and guillemots are just about absent on the ledges up from the landing. All the auks will be gone in around 2-3 weeks.

A couple more watery plants

2011-07-07T15:43:00.003+01:00

Water Avens and Ivy-leaved Crowfoot brighten up our new mini wetland.

Peter Byles, Ceibwr.

Wendy J's Plant

2011-07-07T15:19:00.000+01:00

I think this is a Bog Pimpernel.
Peter Byles.