The annual summer survey of the shelduck population on the Daugleddau Estuary and Milford Haven Waterway which is aimed at measuring the number of ducklings has recently been undertaken. Organised by the Milford Haven Waterway Environmental Surveillance Group and facilitated by the Port of Milford Haven using its patrol Rhib, the survey has been taking place since 1991 by Ecologist, Jane Hodges.
Two rounds are held each year, one in June and one in July, covering the entire Waterway above the Cleddau Bridge plus Pembroke River, Angle Bay and Sandy Haven, with Jane also conducting shore based surveys of The Gann and Westfield Pill.
Photo: Shelducks and their ducklings
The Daugleddau Estuary and Waterway hold regionally important numbers of shelducks, many of which breed here. They are distinctive due to their dark green head, red bill and chestnut-brown band across its white body.
As well as the shelducks, all other wetland birds are counted including redshank, curlew, whimbrel, black-tailed godwit, oystercatcher, Canada goose, moorhen and kingfisher. Occasionally there are rare visitors like the black scoter duck which normally lives at sea but can come into the estuary during summer storms.
Photo: Canada geese
Photo: Greylag Geese
Regular sightings of Osprey can be enjoyed in the Daugleddau Estuary:
The team were also treated to some other species of wildlife during the survey including a fox watching its prey and a seal keeping an eye on the patrol boat!
The data collected in the survey will now be collated, analysed and presented back to the Milford Haven Waterway Environmental Surveillance Group.