Hooded Crow, Oriole and Garganey

A Fantastic spring started morning at Marloes Mere. At first things were slow with a Spotted Flycatcher by the car park being the only bird of note. Further along towards the youth hostel large numbers of corvids were feeding a recently ploughed field. A *Hooded Crow* amongst them was a pleasant surprise and the start of things to come. Sedge Warblers were singing in any available scrub and another Spot fly was by the Britton Hide. Out at the west of the mere I couldn't believe my eyes when a bright green bird flew over my head and into the hedge...a cracking Golden Oriole!! Dave Astins had one briefly yesterday afternoon but I wasn't expecting to re-find it. It showed well but distantly for about 15 minutes before I lost it in cover back towards the mere. No sign of the Dotterel from yesterday but there were 3 Ringed Plover and 2 White Wagtails in the field. Back at the mere plenty of hirundines around, mostly Swallows and a few Sand Martins and House Martins, a few more Spot flys and the smart pair of Garganey close by the barbed wire gate. Driving back, 3 Swifts flew over Marloes Village. St Ann's Head was a bit blown out, with the only bird of note here being a Wheatear. St Bride's was more sheltered but quite with only a Spot fly in trees by the church.

Hooded Crow

Golden Oriole

Female

Garganey

Curlew Sandpiper

Early yesterday afternoon I headed down to the Gann for a couple hours birding and a chance to see the Curlew Sandpiper, which has been around for about a week. At first there was no sign of any small waders, just several Whimbrel and Oystercatchers. However, it was only a short walk before a group of small waders was visible, roosting on shingle at the mouth of the river. A quick scan through them revealed the smart *Curlew Sandpiper*. It's still largely in winter plumage with a few flecks of summer plumage appearing on the back and breast.

Curlew Sandpiper