Highlights:
The Lesser Scaup [male] was present at Cardiff Bay till 4th, relocated at Cosmeston CP 16th till end of month. Six Velvet Scoter were seen off Aberavon Beach 9th with two there on 17th. Ruddy Ducks were reported at KNNR (max 5 on 8th) & Eglwys Nunydd Res (max 2 on 9th) . Two Red-necked Grebes were in Oxwich Bay 14th & 15th. Slavonian Grebes were seen off Whiteford Pt. max.3 on 3rd & 29th, Cosmeston CP 14th and Atlantic Wharf in Cardiff 18th-20th. A report of an ad. W Ring-billed Gull at Porthcawl mid month. Water Pipits were at Ogmore 3rd, RGW 9th & Penclawdd 23rd. A South-eastern Lesser Whitethroat was frequenting a garden in Skewen end of month. A Great Grey Shrike was at Perthcelyn. Waxwings continue to be reported from the Cardiff area, Swansea and at Cimla. A Snow Bunting was found predated at Mynydd Bach. Lapland Buntings remained at Paviland, Gower max. 36 on 29th.
Other Notable Records:
Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Burry Holm's, Port Eynon (3) & Broughton Bay 3rd, and Landimore Marsh 22nd. A redhead Smew was seen on the river Taff in Cardiff 3rd. Red-throated Divers were seen from Whiteford, Burry Holm's, Rhossili, Worm's Head, Oxwich, Aberavon, Crymlym Bay, Baglan Bay & Sker. Great Northern Divers were seen off Worm's Head, Burry Holm's, Port Eynon, Rhossili, Oxwich, and in Swansea Docks. Bitterns were reported from Margam Burrows, Margam Park, Baglan Pool, Eglwys Nunydd Res., KNNR max. 5 on 22nd, Cosmeston CP & Lamby Lake. A Spotted Redshank at Dalton's Marsh 23rd. Eight Green Sandpipers were seen together on the river Ely at Pendoylan. Up to 50 Mediterranean Gulls were at Bracelet Bay 2nd. Yellow-legged Gulls were at Cosmeston CP, Lamby Lake & Lisvane Res. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were seen at Forestganol & Hendre Lake. A fem. Dartford Warbler was seen in the NPT region.
FEBRUARY 2011
Highlights:
A Bewick's Swan was seen at Kenfig Pool and a flock of 14 Pink-footed Geese frequented the Kenfig area till end of month. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen at Wernffrwd & Whiteford Point. The drake Lesser Scaup remained at Cosmeston and a female was seen at Eglwys Nunydd Res. intermittently from 16th to 25th. Single Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes were noted at Cardiff Bay, whilst in Gower 5 Slavonian Grebes were seen at Wernffrwd, 2 at Whiteford and 1 was at Eglwys Nunydd Res. on 24th. Bitterns were present at KNNR all month. A Water Pipit at Ogmore 19th. The regular wintering Great Grey Shrike was observed at Llanwonno. The only Waxwings were a flock of 20 at Whitchurch, Cardiff. Up to 22 Lapland Buntings were still present at Paviland stubble-fields mid month.
Other Notable Records:
Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Wernffrwd 8th & Whiteford Point 22nd. Red-throated Divers were reported from Whiteford Point, Worm's Head, Tutt Head & Oxwich Bay. Great Northern Divers were seen at Tutt Head and 3 present in Queen's Dock, Swansea. Bitterns remained at Kenfig with 2 there on 1st & Margam Park 14th. Waders included: Spotted Redshank at Wernffrwd 8th, Greenshank at KNNR & Penclawdd Pill and Jack Snipe at Kenfig, and a very early Whimbrel at Ogmore. A Bonxie was seen off Mumbles Head on 5th. The only scarce larids were single Yellow-legged Gulls at Cosmeston, Pentwyn and Cardiff Bay. Dartford Warblers on Gower and in the Vale.
MARCH 2011
Highlights
The flock of 14 Pink-footed Geese at KNNR were last seen on 3rd. The male Lesser Scaup remained at Cosmeston till 12th. Slavonian Grebes were seen at Burry Pill, River Loughor, Leason Pill max 6 on 20th and in Cardiff Bay the long staying individual was there all month. Bitterns were seen at KNNR & Oxwich. In Cardiff Bay, the regularly returning spring Bonaparte's Gull duly appeared on 13th and was there till 28th at least. Also in the Bay a Glaucous Gull was seen briefly on 25th and a one-legged Iceland Gull was seen feeding on a garage roof in Rhiwbina, Cardiff 7th. A bumper month for Great Grey Shrike in Glamorgan with sightings at Mynydd Margam, Mynydd Bwllfa [Bwlch-y-Lladron], Mynydd Nant-y-Bar, Mynydd Penhydd, Gwaun Blaencorrwg & Llanwonno. Lapland Buntings were present at Paviland, Rhossili and at Sker Point.
Other Notable Records:
Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Dalton's Point & Pwll-y-froga. An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin put in a brief appearance at Kenfig Pool 15th. A Long-tailed Duck at Wernffrwd 19th-23rd. Bitterns remained at KNNR & Oxwich. An Osprey at Gwyn-faen lower saltmarsh 15th was the first reported this year. Whimbrel were seen in Cardiff late month. A Little Gull was at the former Penclawdd Sewage Works 15th. Yellow-legged Gulls were present at Cardiff Bay and Rhymney Est. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the Paddock, Pontcanna. An early Common Redstart at the Lower Lliw Res. 19th. Two Firecrests were present at Merthyr Mawr Warren (Burrows Well) on 12th.
APRIL 2011
Highlights
A report of a male Garganey at Cosmeston on 14th. The male Lesser Scaup was present at Cardiff Bay 2nd. A summer plumage Black-necked Grebe was at Llanilid pools 30th. The Slavonian Grebe remained in Cardiff Bay until 3rd. A Purple Heron was at Kenfig Pool 22nd & 23rd. A White Stork seen roosting on a lamp post at Aberdulais on 29th was seen to fly off early next morning and was reported in fields near Clyne 30th. A Hoopoe was reported from Llanmadoc on Gower 19th and Wrynecks were reported from Oxwich 12th & Cardiff 16th. A Woodchat Shrike was present at Llangennith from 9th to 16th and the Great Grey Shrike was still at Bwlch-y-Lladron till 9th.
Other Notable Records:
Dark-bellied Brent Geese lingered at Berges Island & Salthouse Pill. Egyptian Geese of unknown origin were sighted at Porthcawl 15th & Cardiff Bay 24th. A count of 137 Common Eider and 5 Red-breasted Merganser off Burry Pill 3rd. An Osprey was seen over Taff's Well 7th. Two records of Hobby in Cardiff 15th & 27th. An Arctic Skua was seen off Worm's Head 10th. A passage of 34 Arctic Terns off Cardiff Heliport 25th. A late Short-eared Owl was at Llangennith Moors 10th A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Nant Fawr woods, Cardiff 1st. A Scandinavian Rock Pipit was seen at Berges Island 3rd. A Ring Ouzel in the Garw Valley 6th. Excellent numbers of Grasshopper Warblers reported, especially in the Llynfi Valley this spring [MHn pers comm]. Dartford Warbler (Gower) 9th.
MAY 2011
Highlights
A drake Garganey was at Llanilid on 6th. The summer plumage Black-necked Grebe remained at Llanilid until 8th. A Black Stork was seen flying over Mynydd Ty-talwyn, nr. Maesteg on 22nd [JS,PT] a 1st VC41 record. Two Dotterel were found on Cefn Cadlan 1st - 3rd. A Wood Sandpiper was present at Port Talbot Harbour 3rd. A Hoopoe was reported from Llanharry 1st and at Cowbridge 21st. A Woodchat Shrike was found at Fairwood Common on 10th - 12th .This individual is considered to be different to the Llangennith bird. A Hooded Crow was recorded at Sker Point/Pink Bay fields on 5th.
Breeding pair of White Wagtails at Ogmore Vale (GW), first confirmed breeding in VC41 for this race.
Other Notable Records
Two late Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Penclawdd 17th. A Great Northern Diver was at Llwyn-on Res. 8th and another three along with a Red-throated Diver off Porthcawl 22nd. Storm Petrels were noted off Cardiff Heliport, Porthcawl (max 9 on 22nd) , Summerhouse Point & Cardiff Bay Barrage. Eighteen Purple Sandpipers were at Sker Point 19th. Pomarine Skuas were seen off Mumbles 23rd & Porthcawl 28th. Arctic Skuas were recorded from Nash Point 6th, Sker Point 20th, Porthcawl (2) 22nd & Port Talbot (2) 24th. Great Skuas were seen off Porthcawl 23rd & 25th. Sandwich Terns Porthcawl 2nd, Sker Point (7) 4th & at Cardiff Heliport 22nd. Black Terns were at Porthcawl (3) 2nd & RGW 30th. Hobbies were reported from KNNR, Llwyn-on Res. & RGW. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Cwm Nant Gwyn, Maesteg 14th.
A Saker Falcon, of unknown origin, was seen & photographed coming in off the sea at RGW on 26th.
JUNE 2011
Highlights
A Bee-eater over Wernffrwd, Gower on 14th was an unexpected garden tick for one lucky observer.
Other Notable Records
An unseasonal female Goldeneye off Cardiff Heliport 10th. Two Quails were heard calling in fields between Pilton Green & Paviland 26th. Seawatching at Porthcawl reported Storm Petrels 18th (4) & 25th (9), also at Mumbles Head 22nd (2), Arctic Skua 25th, Bonxies 18th & 25th, Sandwich Terns 18th & 25th also off Mumbles 22nd and Common Tern 25th (10). Hobbies at KNNR, Bridgend, CCR & RGW. A count of 20 Mediterranean Gulls at RGW was a record count for Eastern Glamorgan. A Little Gull at RGW 8th. Up to 5 Nightjars at Llanwonno 20th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Lan Woods, Pontypridd 30th. Dartford Warbler on Gower. Choughs were seen at Mewslade & Dunraven. A flock of 10 Crossbills were seen at Llanishen.
JULY 2011
Highlights
A Great White Egret at Loughor Bridge 17th. A Garganey at Oxwich Marsh 22nd to 24th.
Other Notable Records
Red Kite over Whitchurch, Cardiff 3rd. Hobby over Oxwich marsh on 24th. A Quail at Pontrhydyfen 3rd. Early returning waders this month: Little Stint at Llanishen Res 27th & Llanilid 30th, a Ruff at Kenfig river mouth 31st, Black-tailed Godwit at Lamby Lake 8th & 20 at Llannant Saltmarsh 19th. Greenshanks at Sker, KNNR & Llanilid. Great Skua off Porthcawl 27th. Sandwich Tern 1 off Porthcawl 9th, 4 at Crymlyn saltings 3rd & Blackpill 2 on 28th. A Willow Tit was at Kenfig NNR on 14th (3rd KNNR rec.). Chough 5 south Gower 9th.
AUGUST 2011
Highlights
A Garganey (imm/fem) reported at Llanilid 5th and a male in eclipse at KNNR 6th-16th. A Great Shearwater seen from a ferry 14m WSW of Worm's Head 7th. A Cory's Shearwater off Porthcawll 7th. Great White Egret seen on VC41 side of Loughor [several dates]. Ospreys at Ogmore Est. 25th, Llanrhidian 26th-28th & Baglan Bay 28th. Pomarine Skua off Swansea harbour 7th & 2 off Port Eynon 20th. A Wood Sandpiper and a reported Temminck's Stint at Llanilid 6th. Roseate Tern at Pwll-y-froga 1st.
Other Notable Records
A dark-bellied Brent Goose at Penclawydd 30th. Up to 3 Hen Harriers at Llanilid 28th. A Hobby at Roath 4th, Nantgarw & Cardiff on 6th. Ruff at Kenfig saltmarsh 1st. Two Spotted Redshanks at Llanilid 6th. LRP at Pwll-y-froga 15th & 4 juvs at Castell-du 18th. A very early returning Jack Snipe at KNNR 28th. Arctic Skua 2 at Porthcawl. Great Skua 1 off Porthcawl 11th & 1 past Port Eynon 13th. Little Tern at Sker 28th. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Nantgarw 23rd. A Cetti's Warbler was seen on Flat Holm 6th [1st island rec.]. Pied Flycatcher 13 at Garnwen, Maesteg 3rd and a Willow Tit trapped at KNNR 12th.
An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin was at Ogmore Est. 8th - 17th.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Highlights
A bumper month with pelagic species and American waders to the fore.
A Sooty Shearwater past Porthcawl 7th. A Balearic Shearwater off Port Eynon 6th. Leach's Petrel off Mumbles 13th. An unidentified 'white-bellied' petrel spp was seen off Porthcawl 21st. Great White Egret along Loughor most of month. A Glossy Ibis was at the Watermill 30th. A Black Kite f/o Parc Slip 28th. One, then two Pectoral Sandpipers were present on Weobley Castle saltmarsh, along with a White-rumped Sandpiper and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper between 19th & 29th [dates differ for each individual]. Grey Phalaropes were reported from 7th - 17th from Wernffrwd, Salthouse, Penclawdd, Port Talbot, Eglwys Nunydd Res., Kenfig Pool, Sker, Southerndown, Cardiff Bay & Merthyr. Sabine's Gulls [all juvs] were seen at Porthcawl 6th, 12th, 13th & 21st and at Mumbles 12th. Turtle Doves were found at Wentloog, Cardiff 12th-13th, Lamby Lake, Cardiff 18th and the same or another there on 25th-26th. A Wryneck was at Mynydd Gellionen 25th-26th. A Hoopoe at Langland 4th and a report of a f/o Serin at Eglwys Nunydd on 25th.
Other Notable Records
An excellent month for notable species, mainly seabirds observed during the strong winds mid-month. [Numbers are for singles unless stated]
Red-throated Divers were at Porthcawl 12th & Mumbles 18th. Storm Petrels were seen off Lavernock 7th, Tutt Head & Port Eynon 6th & 11th and Porthcawl 12th. Ospreys were observed from several locations: Port Eynon 1st (satellite tagged bird from Dyfi Est. which headed out towards Hartland Pt. Devon), Salthouse Pt. 6th, Wernffwrd 8th and a bird that was seen over Neath & Maudlam 27th-29th. Reports of Hobby were 2 in the Vale and a single over Pontyclun 5th, Pant Norton 13th & Mynydd Gellionen 27th. A Little Stint at Rhaslas Pool on 2nd was a good inland record. Arctic Skuas were seen off many locations and in good numbers: Port Eynon 6th & 11th, Porthcawl 4 on 6th, 7th & 2 on 12th, Mumbles 4 on 11th, Cardiff Heliport 11th, Lavernock Point 13th and Bracelet Bay 5 on 17th. Great Skuas at Kenfig Sands 3rd, Porthcawl 6th & 12th Port Eynon 11th, Lavernock Point 13th, Kenfig Saltmarsh & Cwm Nash 26th. Little Gull at Port Talbot 17th & Ogmore Est. 21st. Little Terns were seen at Mumbles 2 on 12th & Sker on 25th. Black Terns were seen on coastal passage and inland waters: Ogmore Est. 6th, Cardiff Bay 9th with 2 there 14th, Port Talbot 2 on 11th & 2 on 17th, Kenfig Pool 2 on 13th, 2 on 17th, 20th & 26th and Portobello Is. 21st. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was on Flat Holm 4th [1st island rec.]. Redwing 4 at Measteg on 25th. A late Grasshopper Warbler at Parc Slip on 21st and a Firecrest at Kenfig NNR on 20th.
OCTOBER 2011
Highlights
A Pink-footed Goose turned up at Ogmore, and was also seen at Porthcawl & KNNR 16th-30th. Two Slavonian Grebes were present on Neath Saltmarsh 21st. Leach's Petrels were seen off Porthcawl 10th, 11th & 17th. Two Great White Egrets were present in the Wernffwrd area most of month. The Glossy Ibis remained at the Watermill 1st-5th. A report of a Pallid Harrier at Rhoose on 3rd. Two Pomarine Skuas were off Worm's Head 22nd. A juvenile Sabine's Gull was off Porthcawl 17th. A Pectoral Sandpiper remained at Weobley till 3rd. A Grey Phalarope was at Sker 12th. Wood Larks were seen at Lavernock Point 15th, Mynydd Brombil 20th & 2 at Paviland, Gower 30th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was found at the Churchyard, Lavernock16th. A Great Grey Shrike was found in the far north of the county at Garw Nant 24th-28th. Snow Buntings were at Newton 14th-24th & Cwm Garw 28th.
Other Notable Species
A Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Sker Point 19th. A party of 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese past Lavernock Point 17th [uncommon this far up-channel]. A male Long-tailed Duck past Porthcawl 11th. Single Red-throated Divers were seen at Aberavon 21st, Worm's Head 22nd & Porthcawl 31st and a Great Northern Diver was also off Porthcawl 10th. A Goshawk over west Cardiff 15th was unusual for this species. A Curlew Sandpiper was on the Loughor river 24th and a Spotted Redshank was at Cardiff Foreshore 21st. Great Skuas were seen at Swansea Harbour 1st-4th, Porthcawl 2 on 10th & 31st and at Worm's Head 2 on 22nd. Arctic Skuas were noted from Aberavon 10th, Lavernock Point 13th, Worm's Head 22nd and Mumbles 30th. A Black Tern was seen at Whiteford Point 1st. A freshly dead Razorbill on Flat Holm 21st. Ring Ouzels were reported from Mynydd Bach 2 on 16th and Craig Walter 2 on 28th. A Firecrest was at Merthyr Mawr Warren 25th and a Willow Tit was at KNNR 23rd. A Hawfinch f/o Lavernock Point 15th and finally 2 Tree Sparrows were seen with a small flock of House Sparrows feeding in a field just north of Splott farm VofG on 27th.
A Ring-necked Parakeet of unknown origin was at Singleton Park, Swansea 13th.
November 2011
Highlights
The undisputed highlight this month (year!) was the finding of an Isabelline Wheatear at Wernffrwd, Gower on 5th [RHAT], which stayed until the 10th. [New VC41].
Whoopers Swans were seen at Llwyn-on Res 6th and at Kenfig Pool 10th. A Black Brant was found at Whiteford Point on 13th and remained until 27th at least. A Black-throated Diver flew past Common Cliff, Gower 5th. A Red-necked Grebe was present at Whiteford 6th & 13th. Slavionan Grebe numbers increased to 7 by 19th at Whiteford and one was found at Lisvane Res. from 20th-30th. Two Great White Egrets were present at Wernffrwd most of month and another was seen flying over Llandaff Fields in Cardiff 6th. A Marsh Harrier was seen coming in to roost at KNNR 5th. An unexpected late Wryneck was found at Earlswood GC on 4th. A Water Pipit was found at Llwyn-on Res on 15th, which may be the returning bird from March. Water Pipits were also seen at RGW 17th & 25th. Two Great Grey Shrikes were found this month: Crynant 18th & Mynydd Margam 27th & 28th. A juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was frequenting a garden in Mumbles from 4th to 9th. Snow Buntings were seen at Sker Point 1st, Pink Bay 3 on 2nd, Rhossili 3rd, Crofty 5th-10th, Flat Holm 2 on 20th [1st island rec.] and Rhossili Down 24th. Finally Lapland Buntings were found at Lavernock Point 2nd, Overton 12th & RGW 20th.
Other Notable Species
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen at Whiteford Point 12th, with 1 there on 19th. Long-tailed Ducks were seen at Llanishen Res. 2th-5th, Whiteford Point 6th-19th & Rhaslas Pond 12th-20th, the latter being a good inland record. A count of six Red-breasted Mergansers were seen at Whiteford Point12th. Red-throated Divers were seen off Aberavon 4th & Rhossili 12th. A Great Northern Diver flew past Common Cliff, Gower on 5th. Bitterns were wintering at KNNR max: 3 on 16th and at Hensol Lake* 20th, a new site for this species. An interesting record of a Woodcock in Cardiff City Centre by Blvd de Nantes 4th. A 1st W Little Gull was at Aberavon beach 27th. A Black Redstart was at Abercwmboi on 17th and a Cetti's Warbler was at Tirfounder Fields 12th, both very good records for northern Glamorgan. A Dartford Warbler was seen at Gileston 19th. Firecrests were reported from Whiteford Point 6th & 3 at Cwm Nash 10th.
Late Summer Migrants:
A Whimbrel was seen at Whiteford Point on 19th. A Swallow was at St. Athan 5th, Northern Wheatears were reported from Southerndown 15th-17th, Whiteford 19th, Brunel Dock 20th & 22nd and Pink Bay 22nd. Whinchats were seen at KNNR 3rd & Southerndown 23rd-24th.
NOTE* Hensol Lake now has restricted access.
December 2011
Highlights
A ringed Whooper Swan appeared at Cosmeston CP 27th and remained until year's end. A Pink-footed Goose was found at Fendrod Lake 4th and has been in the area till 31st. The Black Brant at Whiteford has been reported intermittantly throughout the month. A Velvet Scoter passed Rams Tor 4th. The male Lesser Scaup returned to Cosmeston and Cardiff Bay 27th. A Black-throated Diver was seen off Porthcawl 28th. Slavonian Grebes were present at Whiteford max: 5 on 28th and the bird at Lisvane Res. remained until 5th. The Great White Egrets are still at Wernffwrd, with another at Gnoll CP 4th. A Pomarine Skua was present at Gileston 16th. An immature Sabine's Gull was at Porthcawl 8th. Iceland Gulls were seen at Portobello, Ogmore [ad W] 12th-17th and Oxwich Bay [2cy & 1st W] 28th. Water Pipits were seen at Llwyn-on Res 10th, Portobello, Ogmore 10th-24th & Neath Saltmarsh 17th. Wintering Great Grey Shrikes were reported from Mynydd Margam, Garwnant & Afon Argoed CP.
Other Notable Species
A flock of 9 Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew past Porthcawl 9th, which were seen at RGW earlier in the day. Another flock of 7 remained at Aberthaw/Gileston most of month. Two Eider were reported off Dunraven 10th - this species is now uncommon in East Glamorgan. Red-throated Divers at Porthcawl 8th (3), Tutt Head 9th (11), Dunraven 10th (2) & Oxwich 28th. Great Northern Divers were seen at Bracelet Bay & Crymlyn Burrows 1st, Tutt Head 4th & 9th (4), Porthcawl 8th, Oxwich 28th, inland at Llwyn-on Res. 28th-31st & Mumbles 31st (2). Up to 109 Shags were counted in Oxwich Bay 28th. Bitterns, up to 2 were at KNNR most of month and 1 at Hensol 4th. Great Skua[s] were seen at Tutt Head 4th & 9th and Oxwich 5th, these sightings may relate to one individual. An Arctic Skua was at Whiteford 23rd-28th. 1st W Little Gulls were at Bracelet Bay & Tutt Head on 9th & Gileston 17th (4).
Late migrants: A Common Sandpiper was at Penarth Marina 1st & a Swallow was reported from Gorseinon 9th.
MARCH 2011
Highlights
The flock of 14 Pink-footed Geese at KNNR were last seen on 3rd. The male Lesser Scaup remained at Cosmeston till 12th. Slavonian Grebes were seen at Burry Pill, River Loughor, Leason Pill max 6 on 20th and in Cardiff Bay the long staying individual was there all month. Bitterns were seen at KNNR & Oxwich. In Cardiff Bay, the regularly returning spring Bonaparte's Gull duly appeared on 13th and was there till 28th at least. Also in the Bay a Glaucous Gull was seen briefly on 25th and a one-legged Iceland Gull was seen feeding on a garage roof in Rhiwbina, Cardiff 7th. A bumper month for Great Grey Shrike in Glamorgan with sightings at Mynydd Margam, Mynydd Bwllfa [Bwlch-y-Lladron], Mynydd Nant-y-Bar, Mynydd Penhydd, Gwaun Blaencorrwg & Llanwonno. Lapland Buntings were present at Paviland, Rhossili and at Sker Point.
Other Notable Records:
Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Dalton's Point & Pwll-y-froga. An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin put in a brief appearance at Kenfig Pool 15th. A Long-tailed Duck at Wernffrwd 19th-23rd. Bitterns remained at KNNR & Oxwich. An Osprey at Gwyn-faen lower saltmarsh 15th was the first reported this year. Whimbrel were seen in Cardiff late month. A Little Gull was at the former Penclawdd Sewage Works 15th. Yellow-legged Gulls were present at Cardiff Bay and Rhymney Est. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the Paddock, Pontcanna. An early Common Redstart at the Lower Lliw Res. 19th. Two Firecrests were present at Merthyr Mawr Warren (Burrows Well) on 12th.
APRIL 2011
Highlights
A report of a male Garganey at Cosmeston on 14th. The male Lesser Scaup was present at Cardiff Bay 2nd. A summer plumage Black-necked Grebe was at Llanilid pools 30th. The Slavonian Grebe remained in Cardiff Bay until 3rd. A Purple Heron was at Kenfig Pool 22nd & 23rd. A White Stork seen roosting on a lamp post at Aberdulais on 29th was seen to fly off early next morning and was reported in fields near Clyne 30th. A Hoopoe was reported from Llanmadoc on Gower 19th and Wrynecks were reported from Oxwich 12th & Cardiff 16th. A Woodchat Shrike was present at Llangennith from 9th to 16th and the Great Grey Shrike was still at Bwlch-y-Lladron till 9th.
Other Notable Records:
Dark-bellied Brent Geese lingered at Berges Island & Salthouse Pill. Egyptian Geese of unknown origin were sighted at Porthcawl 15th & Cardiff Bay 24th. A count of 137 Common Eider and 5 Red-breasted Merganser off Burry Pill 3rd. An Osprey was seen over Taff's Well 7th. Two records of Hobby in Cardiff 15th & 27th. An Arctic Skua was seen off Worm's Head 10th. A passage of 34 Arctic Terns off Cardiff Heliport 25th. A late Short-eared Owl was at Llangennith Moors 10th A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Nant Fawr woods, Cardiff 1st. A Scandinavian Rock Pipit was seen at Berges Island 3rd. A Ring Ouzel in the Garw Valley 6th. Excellent numbers of Grasshopper Warblers reported, especially in the Llynfi Valley this spring [MHn pers comm]. Dartford Warbler (Gower) 9th.
MAY 2011
Highlights
A drake Garganey was at Llanilid on 6th. The summer plumage Black-necked Grebe remained at Llanilid until 8th. A Black Stork was seen flying over Mynydd Ty-talwyn, nr. Maesteg on 22nd [JS,PT] a 1st VC41 record. Two Dotterel were found on Cefn Cadlan 1st - 3rd. A Wood Sandpiper was present at Port Talbot Harbour 3rd. A Hoopoe was reported from Llanharry 1st and at Cowbridge 21st. A Woodchat Shrike was found at Fairwood Common on 10th - 12th .This individual is considered to be different to the Llangennith bird. A Hooded Crow was recorded at Sker Point/Pink Bay fields on 5th.
Breeding pair of White Wagtails at Ogmore Vale (GW), first confirmed breeding in VC41 for this race.
Other Notable Records
Two late Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Penclawdd 17th. A Great Northern Diver was at Llwyn-on Res. 8th and another three along with a Red-throated Diver off Porthcawl 22nd. Storm Petrels were noted off Cardiff Heliport, Porthcawl (max 9 on 22nd) , Summerhouse Point & Cardiff Bay Barrage. Eighteen Purple Sandpipers were at Sker Point 19th. Pomarine Skuas were seen off Mumbles 23rd & Porthcawl 28th. Arctic Skuas were recorded from Nash Point 6th, Sker Point 20th, Porthcawl (2) 22nd & Port Talbot (2) 24th. Great Skuas were seen off Porthcawl 23rd & 25th. Sandwich Terns Porthcawl 2nd, Sker Point (7) 4th & at Cardiff Heliport 22nd. Black Terns were at Porthcawl (3) 2nd & RGW 30th. Hobbies were reported from KNNR, Llwyn-on Res. & RGW. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Cwm Nant Gwyn, Maesteg 14th.
A Saker Falcon, of unknown origin, was seen & photographed coming in off the sea at RGW on 26th.
JUNE 2011
Highlights
A Bee-eater over Wernffrwd, Gower on 14th was an unexpected garden tick for one lucky observer.
Other Notable Records
An unseasonal female Goldeneye off Cardiff Heliport 10th. Two Quails were heard calling in fields between Pilton Green & Paviland 26th. Seawatching at Porthcawl reported Storm Petrels 18th (4) & 25th (9), also at Mumbles Head 22nd (2), Arctic Skua 25th, Bonxies 18th & 25th, Sandwich Terns 18th & 25th also off Mumbles 22nd and Common Tern 25th (10). Hobbies at KNNR, Bridgend, CCR & RGW. A count of 20 Mediterranean Gulls at RGW was a record count for Eastern Glamorgan. A Little Gull at RGW 8th. Up to 5 Nightjars at Llanwonno 20th. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Lan Woods, Pontypridd 30th. Dartford Warbler on Gower. Choughs were seen at Mewslade & Dunraven. A flock of 10 Crossbills were seen at Llanishen.
JULY 2011
Highlights
A Great White Egret at Loughor Bridge 17th. A Garganey at Oxwich Marsh 22nd to 24th.
Other Notable Records
Red Kite over Whitchurch, Cardiff 3rd. Hobby over Oxwich marsh on 24th. A Quail at Pontrhydyfen 3rd. Early returning waders this month: Little Stint at Llanishen Res 27th & Llanilid 30th, a Ruff at Kenfig river mouth 31st, Black-tailed Godwit at Lamby Lake 8th & 20 at Llannant Saltmarsh 19th. Greenshanks at Sker, KNNR & Llanilid. Great Skua off Porthcawl 27th. Sandwich Tern 1 off Porthcawl 9th, 4 at Crymlyn saltings 3rd & Blackpill 2 on 28th. A Willow Tit was at Kenfig NNR on 14th (3rd KNNR rec.). Chough 5 south Gower 9th.
AUGUST 2011
Highlights
A Garganey (imm/fem) reported at Llanilid 5th and a male in eclipse at KNNR 6th-16th. A Great Shearwater seen from a ferry 14m WSW of Worm's Head 7th. A Cory's Shearwater off Porthcawll 7th. Great White Egret seen on VC41 side of Loughor [several dates]. Ospreys at Ogmore Est. 25th, Llanrhidian 26th-28th & Baglan Bay 28th. Pomarine Skua off Swansea harbour 7th & 2 off Port Eynon 20th. A Wood Sandpiper and a reported Temminck's Stint at Llanilid 6th. Roseate Tern at Pwll-y-froga 1st.
Other Notable Records
A dark-bellied Brent Goose at Penclawydd 30th. Up to 3 Hen Harriers at Llanilid 28th. A Hobby at Roath 4th, Nantgarw & Cardiff on 6th. Ruff at Kenfig saltmarsh 1st. Two Spotted Redshanks at Llanilid 6th. LRP at Pwll-y-froga 15th & 4 juvs at Castell-du 18th. A very early returning Jack Snipe at KNNR 28th. Arctic Skua 2 at Porthcawl. Great Skua 1 off Porthcawl 11th & 1 past Port Eynon 13th. Little Tern at Sker 28th. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Nantgarw 23rd. A Cetti's Warbler was seen on Flat Holm 6th [1st island rec.]. Pied Flycatcher 13 at Garnwen, Maesteg 3rd and a Willow Tit trapped at KNNR 12th.
An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin was at Ogmore Est. 8th - 17th.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Highlights
A bumper month with pelagic species and American waders to the fore.
A Sooty Shearwater past Porthcawl 7th. A Balearic Shearwater off Port Eynon 6th. Leach's Petrel off Mumbles 13th. An unidentified 'white-bellied' petrel spp was seen off Porthcawl 21st. Great White Egret along Loughor most of month. A Glossy Ibis was at the Watermill 30th. A Black Kite f/o Parc Slip 28th. One, then two Pectoral Sandpipers were present on Weobley Castle saltmarsh, along with a White-rumped Sandpiper and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper between 19th & 29th [dates differ for each individual]. Grey Phalaropes were reported from 7th - 17th from Wernffrwd, Salthouse, Penclawdd, Port Talbot, Eglwys Nunydd Res., Kenfig Pool, Sker, Southerndown, Cardiff Bay & Merthyr. Sabine's Gulls [all juvs] were seen at Porthcawl 6th, 12th, 13th & 21st and at Mumbles 12th. Turtle Doves were found at Wentloog, Cardiff 12th-13th, Lamby Lake, Cardiff 18th and the same or another there on 25th-26th. A Wryneck was at Mynydd Gellionen 25th-26th. A Hoopoe at Langland 4th and a report of a f/o Serin at Eglwys Nunydd on 25th.
Other Notable Records
An excellent month for notable species, mainly seabirds observed during the strong winds mid-month. [Numbers are for singles unless stated]
Red-throated Divers were at Porthcawl 12th & Mumbles 18th. Storm Petrels were seen off Lavernock 7th, Tutt Head & Port Eynon 6th & 11th and Porthcawl 12th. Ospreys were observed from several locations: Port Eynon 1st (satellite tagged bird from Dyfi Est. which headed out towards Hartland Pt. Devon), Salthouse Pt. 6th, Wernffwrd 8th and a bird that was seen over Neath & Maudlam 27th-29th. Reports of Hobby were 2 in the Vale and a single over Pontyclun 5th, Pant Norton 13th & Mynydd Gellionen 27th. A Little Stint at Rhaslas Pool on 2nd was a good inland record. Arctic Skuas were seen off many locations and in good numbers: Port Eynon 6th & 11th, Porthcawl 4 on 6th, 7th & 2 on 12th, Mumbles 4 on 11th, Cardiff Heliport 11th, Lavernock Point 13th and Bracelet Bay 5 on 17th. Great Skuas at Kenfig Sands 3rd, Porthcawl 6th & 12th Port Eynon 11th, Lavernock Point 13th, Kenfig Saltmarsh & Cwm Nash 26th. Little Gull at Port Talbot 17th & Ogmore Est. 21st. Little Terns were seen at Mumbles 2 on 12th & Sker on 25th. Black Terns were seen on coastal passage and inland waters: Ogmore Est. 6th, Cardiff Bay 9th with 2 there 14th, Port Talbot 2 on 11th & 2 on 17th, Kenfig Pool 2 on 13th, 2 on 17th, 20th & 26th and Portobello Is. 21st. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was on Flat Holm 4th [1st island rec.]. Redwing 4 at Measteg on 25th. A late Grasshopper Warbler at Parc Slip on 21st and a Firecrest at Kenfig NNR on 20th.
OCTOBER 2011
Highlights
A Pink-footed Goose turned up at Ogmore, and was also seen at Porthcawl & KNNR 16th-30th. Two Slavonian Grebes were present on Neath Saltmarsh 21st. Leach's Petrels were seen off Porthcawl 10th, 11th & 17th. Two Great White Egrets were present in the Wernffwrd area most of month. The Glossy Ibis remained at the Watermill 1st-5th. A report of a Pallid Harrier at Rhoose on 3rd. Two Pomarine Skuas were off Worm's Head 22nd. A juvenile Sabine's Gull was off Porthcawl 17th. A Pectoral Sandpiper remained at Weobley till 3rd. A Grey Phalarope was at Sker 12th. Wood Larks were seen at Lavernock Point 15th, Mynydd Brombil 20th & 2 at Paviland, Gower 30th. A Yellow-browed Warbler was found at the Churchyard, Lavernock16th. A Great Grey Shrike was found in the far north of the county at Garw Nant 24th-28th. Snow Buntings were at Newton 14th-24th & Cwm Garw 28th.
Other Notable Species
A Pale-bellied Brent Goose past Sker Point 19th. A party of 5 Dark-bellied Brent Geese past Lavernock Point 17th [uncommon this far up-channel]. A male Long-tailed Duck past Porthcawl 11th. Single Red-throated Divers were seen at Aberavon 21st, Worm's Head 22nd & Porthcawl 31st and a Great Northern Diver was also off Porthcawl 10th. A Goshawk over west Cardiff 15th was unusual for this species. A Curlew Sandpiper was on the Loughor river 24th and a Spotted Redshank was at Cardiff Foreshore 21st. Great Skuas were seen at Swansea Harbour 1st-4th, Porthcawl 2 on 10th & 31st and at Worm's Head 2 on 22nd. Arctic Skuas were noted from Aberavon 10th, Lavernock Point 13th, Worm's Head 22nd and Mumbles 30th. A Black Tern was seen at Whiteford Point 1st. A freshly dead Razorbill on Flat Holm 21st. Ring Ouzels were reported from Mynydd Bach 2 on 16th and Craig Walter 2 on 28th. A Firecrest was at Merthyr Mawr Warren 25th and a Willow Tit was at KNNR 23rd. A Hawfinch f/o Lavernock Point 15th and finally 2 Tree Sparrows were seen with a small flock of House Sparrows feeding in a field just north of Splott farm VofG on 27th.
A Ring-necked Parakeet of unknown origin was at Singleton Park, Swansea 13th.
November 2011
Highlights
The undisputed highlight this month (year!) was the finding of an Isabelline Wheatear at Wernffrwd, Gower on 5th [RHAT], which stayed until the 10th. [New VC41].
Whoopers Swans were seen at Llwyn-on Res 6th and at Kenfig Pool 10th. A Black Brant was found at Whiteford Point on 13th and remained until 27th at least. A Black-throated Diver flew past Common Cliff, Gower 5th. A Red-necked Grebe was present at Whiteford 6th & 13th. Slavionan Grebe numbers increased to 7 by 19th at Whiteford and one was found at Lisvane Res. from 20th-30th. Two Great White Egrets were present at Wernffrwd most of month and another was seen flying over Llandaff Fields in Cardiff 6th. A Marsh Harrier was seen coming in to roost at KNNR 5th. An unexpected late Wryneck was found at Earlswood GC on 4th. A Water Pipit was found at Llwyn-on Res on 15th, which may be the returning bird from March. Water Pipits were also seen at RGW 17th & 25th. Two Great Grey Shrikes were found this month: Crynant 18th & Mynydd Margam 27th & 28th. A juvenile Rose-coloured Starling was frequenting a garden in Mumbles from 4th to 9th. Snow Buntings were seen at Sker Point 1st, Pink Bay 3 on 2nd, Rhossili 3rd, Crofty 5th-10th, Flat Holm 2 on 20th [1st island rec.] and Rhossili Down 24th. Finally Lapland Buntings were found at Lavernock Point 2nd, Overton 12th & RGW 20th.
Other Notable Species
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen at Whiteford Point 12th, with 1 there on 19th. Long-tailed Ducks were seen at Llanishen Res. 2th-5th, Whiteford Point 6th-19th & Rhaslas Pond 12th-20th, the latter being a good inland record. A count of six Red-breasted Mergansers were seen at Whiteford Point12th. Red-throated Divers were seen off Aberavon 4th & Rhossili 12th. A Great Northern Diver flew past Common Cliff, Gower on 5th. Bitterns were wintering at KNNR max: 3 on 16th and at Hensol Lake* 20th, a new site for this species. An interesting record of a Woodcock in Cardiff City Centre by Blvd de Nantes 4th. A 1st W Little Gull was at Aberavon beach 27th. A Black Redstart was at Abercwmboi on 17th and a Cetti's Warbler was at Tirfounder Fields 12th, both very good records for northern Glamorgan. A Dartford Warbler was seen at Gileston 19th. Firecrests were reported from Whiteford Point 6th & 3 at Cwm Nash 10th.
Late Summer Migrants:
A Whimbrel was seen at Whiteford Point on 19th. A Swallow was at St. Athan 5th, Northern Wheatears were reported from Southerndown 15th-17th, Whiteford 19th, Brunel Dock 20th & 22nd and Pink Bay 22nd. Whinchats were seen at KNNR 3rd & Southerndown 23rd-24th.
NOTE* Hensol Lake now has restricted access.
December 2011
Highlights
A ringed Whooper Swan appeared at Cosmeston CP 27th and remained until year's end. A Pink-footed Goose was found at Fendrod Lake 4th and has been in the area till 31st. The Black Brant at Whiteford has been reported intermittantly throughout the month. A Velvet Scoter passed Rams Tor 4th. The male Lesser Scaup returned to Cosmeston and Cardiff Bay 27th. A Black-throated Diver was seen off Porthcawl 28th. Slavonian Grebes were present at Whiteford max: 5 on 28th and the bird at Lisvane Res. remained until 5th. The Great White Egrets are still at Wernffwrd, with another at Gnoll CP 4th. A Pomarine Skua was present at Gileston 16th. An immature Sabine's Gull was at Porthcawl 8th. Iceland Gulls were seen at Portobello, Ogmore [ad W] 12th-17th and Oxwich Bay [2cy & 1st W] 28th. Water Pipits were seen at Llwyn-on Res 10th, Portobello, Ogmore 10th-24th & Neath Saltmarsh 17th. Wintering Great Grey Shrikes were reported from Mynydd Margam, Garwnant & Afon Argoed CP.
Other Notable Species
A flock of 9 Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew past Porthcawl 9th, which were seen at RGW earlier in the day. Another flock of 7 remained at Aberthaw/Gileston most of month. Two Eider were reported off Dunraven 10th - this species is now uncommon in East Glamorgan. Red-throated Divers at Porthcawl 8th (3), Tutt Head 9th (11), Dunraven 10th (2) & Oxwich 28th. Great Northern Divers were seen at Bracelet Bay & Crymlyn Burrows 1st, Tutt Head 4th & 9th (4), Porthcawl 8th, Oxwich 28th, inland at Llwyn-on Res. 28th-31st & Mumbles 31st (2). Up to 109 Shags were counted in Oxwich Bay 28th. Bitterns, up to 2 were at KNNR most of month and 1 at Hensol 4th. Great Skua[s] were seen at Tutt Head 4th & 9th and Oxwich 5th, these sightings may relate to one individual. An Arctic Skua was at Whiteford 23rd-28th. 1st W Little Gulls were at Bracelet Bay & Tutt Head on 9th & Gileston 17th (4).
Late migrants: A Common Sandpiper was at Penarth Marina 1st & a Swallow was reported from Gorseinon 9th.
