ST DAVID’S HEAD

WALES

PEMBROOKSHIRE (St. David’s, Justinian’s), (W)

National Grid 00o00´/00o00´ N/A ha 16-35m, hills, cliffs, mainly rugged stunning heathland coastline, small sheep grazing pasture

Early summer (9-11.04.04)

 

Birding Site Guide

This is a beautiful stretch of coast, much protected within Pembrookshire National Park. The heather covered cliffs are high the pastures roll to the sea and there are tall hedgerows along the country lanes. The area abounds with campsites and bed & breakfast places, including the large campsite we stayed at right by the cliffs. The village of St. David’s has a fish and chip shop and along the lane to the campsite is a farm shop, and the campsite also sells a few provisions.

All the coastal cliffs are accessible by Public Rights of Way and this affords the best opportunities to birdwatch. Spring and early summer are good times to visit as summer migrants are here and seabirds that breed nearby can be seen. One species we did not see was the declining Chough, but it is possible here. Some birds seen are given below, other common and widespread species were also seen but are not listed.

 

Birds seen

  • Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
  • Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
  • Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo
  • Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
  • European Herring Gull Larus argentatus
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
  • Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
  • Sand Martin Riparia riparia
  • Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
  • House Martin Delichon urbicum
  • Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
  • Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
  • European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
  • Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
  • Common Raven Corvus corax

Author: BSG

 

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