Magnolia and Canada Warblers, Pembrokeshire

When news broke of a Magnolia Warbler being found at St Govan's Head in Pembrokeshire Wales Brian was keen to go. However, family commitments thwarted our plans, but delaying the trip would prove a masterstroke of luck. 

Friday evening and the news of the bird apparently going to roost was the little nudge we needed and we made plans for the trip. Brian picked me up at 12.30am and we set off on the 275-mile journey to Wales. It was a clear night which added some apprehension to the journey, thoughts like would the bird have stayed overnight? Have we left it too late? crossed our minds.

We arrived at the car park at 5.15am, and had an hour's rest up before the light improved enough to make our way down the path and begin the search for the warbler. A line of white tape had been erected along the side of the field as a barrier to prevent further encroachment onto MOD land. There had been no sightings for an hour when suddenly it was spotted by a couple of guys, the crowd converged on their location, and after a few directions, I had it in view! Over the next hour, we enjoyed several views as it moved in and around the scrub, often sitting out in the open among the berry bushes. We also enjoyed the sight and sound of Choughs and Ravens flying overhead.

The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial, however, this quickly changed when news broke that a Canada Warbler a potential first for Britain had now been found in the sallows along Ermigate Lane close to Stack Rocks car park!! 

Upon arrival, we found some birders had chosen to park up on the grass verges along Ermigate Lane. We opted to park in the car park and walk the short distance back. We joined the search, and after an hour someone spotted it among the dense cover at the back of the sallows. I wasn't so lucky and failed to see it. Thankfully it was spotted again and this time I was in the right place at the right time. Brian had earlier moved along the track and had already enjoyed some superb if brief views before rejoining me. The crowds by this time were growing, and people were becoming more unhappy with the cars parked along the entrance track, so we headed back to the car park to begin the five-hour journey home.

It's been a week to remember,  American Cliff Swallow on Wednesday, and then two absolute stunners Magnolia and Canada Warblers today. Sometimes not being able to drop everything and go straight away can pay dividends, today was one of those days.