December 2012
Highlights
Two Whooper Swans were reported from Cosmeston 10th and the juvenile Pink-footed Goose was also seen there on the 8th. Three Velvet Scoter were at Whiteford Point 1st. A Black-throated Diver was on Eglwys Nunydd Res. 26th. A Slavonian Grebe was Broughton 1st and another at Whiteford Point 23rd. Two Great White Egrets have been frequenting Llanrhidian Marsh most of the month and another was seen over Sarn 11th. A Bearded Tit was heard at Kenfig rivermouth 5th. Snow Buntings were at Pink Bay 5th-13th & Aberavon Beach 25th-27th.
Waxwings were seen at various sites around Cardiff, with a flock of c300 being noted. Cosmeston (new for site), Barry & Barry Docks, Beddau, Mountain Ash, Bridgend, Maesteg, Neath and Morriston.
Other Notable Species
A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was at Llanrhidian Marsh 20th. A Long-tailed Duck was at Burry Pool Harbour 8th and another at Kenfig Pool 23rd. A Red-breasted Merganser was on the lagoon at Aberthaw mid month, an unusual sighting of this species at this site. A Great Northern Diver was at Whiteford 1st and Red-throated Divers were seen off Sker 8th [2] & Rhosilli 18th [12]. Bitterns were seen at Forest Farm 1st, Kenfig [2] present most of month & Swansea Vale LNR 17th-27th. Little Egret numbers at roosts were Llanrhidian 26 on 20th & Hendre Lake 22 on 28th. A Spotted Redshank was at Penclawdd on 15th with 2 there on 24th. Hen Harriers were noted at Mynydd Eglwysilan 1st, Penderyn 5th, Parc Slip 10th, Cefn Hirgoed 12th, Rhaslas & Dalton's Point both 23rd. Short-eared Owls were at Wentloog-Cardiff, Llanilid, Baglan Dunes & Rhaslas, were up to 6 have been reported. The Pied Wagtail roost in Cardiff City centre was up to 750 on 5th. Black Redstarts were seen at Penarth Marina 4th-21st at least, Dunraven 11th, Sker 13th, Oxwich Bay 19th and Cardiff Bay Barrage 21st. Finally a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Coed Cefn-Fforest on 26th. This species is now listed as a Rare Breeding bird in GB.
November 2012
Highlights
A juvenile Pink-footed Goose was at CBWR 25th, this thought to be the Ogmore bird moving around with the Canada Goose flock. Four, then five Velvet Scoters were found at Blue Pool Bay, Gower from 10th. Up to 3 Great White Egrets may be present along the north Gower coast and one was seen flying over Lamby Lake in east Cardiff 23rd. An adult winter Kumlien's Gull was reported from Cosmeston Lake 23rd. A Hoopoe was seen briefly at Llancadle on 12th. The undoubted highlight this month was the Waxwing influx into the county with birds being seen from Cardiff, Barry, Merthyr, Maesteg, the Rhondda, Neath, Swansea and Gower. A Great Grey Shrike was found at Carn Brynllydan in NPT 4th. Snow Buntings were seen along the coastal path between Pink Bay & Sker with up to 3 present on 3rd and flying over Lock's Common 24th.
Other Notable Species
A Pale-bellied Brent Goose was seen at Broughton Bay 10th. The Long-tailed Duck remained on Kenfig Pool till 11th and two more were found at Rhossili Bay 14th. Red-throated Divers were at Baglan Bay 5th & 14th and 3 at Rhossili Bay 15th. Up to two Bitterns were reported from KNNR. A Spotted Redshank was at Brunel Dock on 17th. A late Swallow was seen at Lavernock Point 6th. Water Pipits were at Portobello, Ogmore from 10th and at RGW 17th. Black Redstarts were reported from Cardiff Bay, Llwynypia Hospital, Sker, Baglan & Pennard. Two Ring Ouzels were on Mynydd Bach 11th. A Firecrest was seen at Margam 16th. Finally a Hawfinch was at Lavernock Point 6th.
October 2012
Highlights
A very good month, with many scarce species being noted throughout Glamorgan. The highlight was the sighting of a Long-billed Dowitcher at Dalton's Point on 29th. This bird has been present on the VC44 side of the estuary. This is only the second record for this species in Glamorgan (First for Gower), the other being Mar/Apr. 1989 in Cardiff.
An early Whooper Swan was on Kenfig Pool 28th-30th. A Pink-footed Goose was at Ogmore Estuary 17th & 19th and again at Kenfig Pool 28th. The regular male Lesser Scaup was recorded at Cosmeston 19th and CBWR 21st. Two Slavonian Grebes were seen off Whiteford Point 21st. Balearic Shearwaters were observed from Tutt Head & Porthcawl 3rd and off Port Eynon 21st. The Great White Egret was seen on north Gower from 13th till 22nd at least. Juvenile Sabine's Gulls were seen during the month, at Dunraven 14th, Common Cliff, Gower 20th and at Rhossili 21st, the last two sightings may refer to the same individual. Two Common Cranes were reported from Penrhiwfer 10th. Wrynecks were seen at Aberthaw 12th and Crymlyn Burrows 14th. Up to four Wood Larks were reported from Mewslade 1st, Oxwich 7th and Lavernock Point 13th & 15th. A mini influx of Yellow-browed Warblers occurred during this month with eight reports of nine birds: Cwm Nash 4th, Mewslade 6th, Foxhole Slade, Gower 6th, Cosmeston CP 11th, two seen together at Norton Woods, Ogmore 13th, Crymlyn Burrows 13th , St. Mellons, Cardiff 15th & Mewslade 21st. A single Dartford Warbler was seen along the south Gower cliffs 20th. A Bearded Tit was at Kenfig saltmarsh 12th. Snow Buntings were present at Pink Bay/Sker 20th-23rd, Berges Island 21st and at Werfa mast 28th-30th.
Other Notable Species
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese were observed at Blackpill 6th & 8th Aberavon 7th. Up to 6 Greater Scaup were seen at Cardiff Bay 23rd-31st. A Long-tailed Duck was at Rhossili 21st and another at Kenfig Pool 28th-30th. Eider were at Aberavon beach 11th (2), Whiteford Point (15) & Rhossili both 21st. A Red-breasted Merganser was seen at Crymlyn Burrows 10th. A Quail was in fields at Rhossili 12th. A Great Northern Diver was briefly at Kenfig Pool 28th. Red-throated Divers at Aberavon 7th & 15th, Whiteford Point (2) & Rhossili both 21st. Up to 40 Gannets were seen feeding off Worm's Head 6th. An early Bittern was at Cosmeston CP 27th. The first record of returning Jack Snipe was at KNNR 3rd. An Arctic Tern was off Ogmore-by-sea 4th. Short-eared Owls were seen at Ferndale 13th and Gileston 23rd. Water Pipits were at RGW 18th & Berges Island 21st. A good influx of Ring Ouzels was noted from mid-month mainly in northern districts but some coastal locations were noted. Black Redstarts were at Nash Point 24th (2) and Llanmadoc (2) & Pink Bay 25th. Up to four Firecrests were noted: Lavernock Point 25th & 28th and Mumbles 27th (2). A late Pied Flycatcher was seen at Mewslade 20th and the last noted Spotted Flycatcher was at Lamby Lake, Cardiff 10th. A small passage of Hawfinches was noted from RGW 5th, Radyr floodplain 20th and Lavernock Point two on 23rd & 24th.
September 2012
Highlights
A Garganey was seen at RGW 6th. A Great White Egret was on Llanrhidian marsh 9th, 12th & 16th. A mini Wryneck influx was noted with at least five being found: Bridgend 3rd, Kenfig saltmarsh (West Glam) 4th, Caerphilly 9th, Cathays Park, Cardiff 11th & Ogmore Estuary 22nd & 23rd. At least two Lapland Buntings were present at Weobley saltmarsh 16th & 22nd.
An immature Snow Goose was with Canada Geese at KNNR 19th, origin unknown.
An immature Snow Goose was with Canada Geese at KNNR 19th, origin unknown.
Other Notable Species
Two Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Llanrhidian 20th. A summer plumage Red-throated Diver past Porthcawl 30th. A Red Kite was at Dowlais Top 7th. Ospreys were seen at Neath & Weobley 16th. A LRP was at Ogmore Estuary 6th, Curlew Sandpipers were seen at Weobley 1st (2), 15th (4), 16th (3) & Ogmore Est. 29th. A Ruff was seen at RGW 6th. A Great Skua and an Arctic Skua were seen off Porthcawl 30th. The usual Yellow-legged Gull was seen at Lisvane Res. 7th & 9th and three Sandwich Terns were at Porthcawl 30th. A Guillemot was at Barry 10th. Up to three Chough were at Cwm Nash 9th and finally a Firecrest was at KNNR 21st.
August 2012
Highlights
A Garganey was present at CBWR 19th and the returning male Lesser Scaup, seen in eclipse plumage was briefly at CBWR 25th. It was at Chew Valley Lake (England) later in the month. A report of a Honey Buzzard in the Merthyr area 4th and a Roseate Tern was at Wernffwrd 15th.
Other Notable Species
A party of 24 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Blackpill 30th. A Hobby was at Llanilid 6th and a Goshawk there on 18th. Up to 16 Curlew Sandpipers were at Weobley 18th and 11 Green Sandpipers were at Pendoylan 2nd. Three LRPs are at Llanilid 5th. A Great Skua was off Tutt Head 30th. Two Arctic Skuas were seen off Port Eynon 4th. The regular Yellow-legged Gull was at Lisvane Res intermittently throughout the month. A excellent movement of terns was noted in the Burry Estuary mid month: selected max: Common Tern 800 on 15th with 1,707 there 17th. Arctic Tern 20 on 15th, Sandwich Tern 50 on 15th & 70 19th and 23 Little Terns 15th along with a Black Tern 15th, with four being present there 19th [for full account see Gower Wildlife]. Elsewhere Sandwich Terns were seen at Port Eynon 4th & Lavernock Point 11th. A Nightjar was seen at Coed Ruperra 5th. A Pied Flycatcher was present at Pant Norton 25th and Crossbills were seen at Radyr Flood Plain 24th & 4 at Lisvane 31st.
July Highlights
[A quiet month generally in Glamorgan. Wader passage increased towards the end of the month at various sites, esp. Llanilid. Some seabirds were noted and movements of Common Crossbills.]
The highlight of the month was a Roseate Tern off Tutt Head 15th. Other D-List species were a Wood Sandpiper briefly at Llanilid 30th, 5 Pomarine Skuas off Mumbles Head 1st, and a Garganey at CBWR 28th, with a report of 2 more at RGW 29th.
Other Notable Species
A Quail was heard calling at Llanilid 25th. Two Little Egrets were observed flying over Rhaslas Pool 21st, a good record for this species in northern districts. A Storm Petrel seen from a boat off Kenfig Sands 26th. Hobbies were seen at Merthyr Mawr 18th & Cross Inn 21st. A Goshawk was observed flying over Sully Island towards Flat Holm 21st. Good numbers of LRP were reported from Llanilid, max 17 on 25th. Other returning waders of note: Two Curlew at Llanishen Res. 15th, 8 Sanderling at Cardiff Heliport 16th, a good number for Cardiff, a Curlew Sandpiper at Llanilid 25th & 26th and 9 Green Sandpipers and a Greenshank at Llanilid 26th. Great Skuas were seen off Tutt Head 18th & 29th and at RGW 30th. Two Arctic Skuas were off Kenfig river mouth 1st. The regular adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen at Llanishen Res. till mid month and the same or another was at RGW 30th. Mediterranean Gull numbers in Swansea peaked at 50 at West Cross on 4th, with 8 seen at Cardiff Heliport 3rd. Sandwich Terns were at Tutt Head 17th (2) & 18th and at Sker Point 28th. Four Guillemots were off Tutt Head 17th. Three Nightjars were observed at Coed Ruperra 25th. A male Dartford Warbler - south Gower 28th. Common Crossbills were seen flying over at various locations inc. Gorseinon (10), Sully (9) & Cosmeston (20).
June 2012
Highlights
[With the wettest June every recorded in Wales, beating the June of 1998, it's not surprising that the majority of records came from seawatching at various locations around the Glamorgan coastline.]
Weather apart, two excellent species were recorded in Glamorgan this month, a Gull-billed Tern (2nd VC41 rec.) which was located at Loughor Bridge on 24th and was intermittently seen there until 28th. The other was a Black-headed Bunting seen and photographed in a garden at Godre'r Graig by Barbara Wood on 17th. Unfortunately for Glamorgan birders it didn't stay. However it was later relocated in VC44 and more photos revealed it was the rare black-throated form and is the first occasion this form has been seen in Great Britain. If accepted it will be a first for the county. The only other highlight was two Pomarine Skuas off Porthcawl 8th.
Other Notable Records
A Whimbrel was seen off Porthcawl 16th. Yellow-legged Gulls were at Llanishen Res. 22nd & Cosmeston 23rd. Short-eared Owls were reported from KNNR & RGW. Nightjars were observed from a number of northern forestry sites.
Seawatching results from various locations in Glamorgan:
Common Scoter:
Porthcawl 9 on 3rd and 18 on 9th.
Crymlyn Burrows 70 on 4th.
Port Talbot 3 on 10th
Lavernock 30 on 10th
Tutt Head 2 on 16th, 13 on 25th and 7 on 30th.
Bracelet Bay 9(m) & 1(e) on 23rd and 4 on 29th.
Common Eider:
Burry Pill 11 on 11th.
Great Northern Diver:
Port Eynon Point 3 on 9th
Porthcawl 3 on 9th (same birds?)
Fulmar:
Porthcawl 2 on 3rd, 85(m) & 25(e) on 8th, 4 on 9th, 9 on 16th and 5(m), 26(md) & 10(e) on 22nd.
Lavernock 30 on 8th, 2 on 9th & 9 on 22nd.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 15th, 7 on 22nd, 7 on 23rd and 14 on 29th.
Tutt Head 5 on 16th, 7 on 22nd and 3 on 30th.
Mewslade 1 on 20th.
Penarth 2 on 22nd.
Manx Shearwater:
Porthcawl 60 on 2nd, 180 on 3rd, 800(m) & 35(e) on 8th, 10 on 9th, 251(m) & 760(e) on 16th and 400(m), 11250(md) & 53(e) on 22nd.
Lavernock 470 on 8th, 5 on 9th, 1340 on 22nd & 407 on 23rd.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) on 8th.
Mumbles Head 40 on 8th.
Port Talbot Docks 5 on 9th.
Tutt Head 90 on 9th, 230(m) & 1500(e) on 16th, 150 on 22nd, 5 on 25th, 350 on 28th and 7 on 30th.
Bracelet Bay 214 on 14th, 15 on 15th, 768 on 16th, 6 on 22nd, 182(m) on 23rd and 60 on 29th.
Port Eynon 246 on 16th.
Frair's Point, Barry 300 on 16th.
Cold Knap Point, Barry 350 on 22nd.
Storm Petrel:
Lavernock 3 on 8th, 51 on 9th and 1 on 22nd.
Porthcawl 11(m) & 25(e) on 8th, 8 on 9th and 1(m) & 7(e) on 16th and 2 on 22nd
Mumbles Head 25(m) & 30(e) on 8th and 16 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport 1 on 8th.
Tutt Head 20 on 9th, 44(m) and 13(e) & 6(e) on 16th.
Cardiff 2km off-shore 2 on 10th (feeding on chum from fishing boat)
Port Eynon Point 7 on 16th.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 23rd.
(petrel sp. Mumbles 1 on 8th, presumably Storm Petrel)
Gannet:
Porthcawl 11 on 2nd, 20 on 3rd, Present 9th, 32(m) & 74(e) on 16th and 16(m), 29(md) & 10(e) on 22nd,
Crymlyn Burrows 5 on 4th.
Lavernock 10 on 8th, 1 on 9th, 12 on 22nd and 1 on 23rd.
Mumbles Head 40 on 8th and 8 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) 8th.
Tutt Head 2(m) & 20(e) on 9th, 15 on 16th, 25 on 22nd, Present (no count) on 25th and 2 on 30th.
Whiteford Point 1 on 11th.
Bracelet Bay Present (no count) 14th, 20 on 15th, Present (no count) 20th, 15(m) & 10(e) on 23rd and 27 on 29th.
Friar's Point, Barry 10 on 16th.
Port Eynon Point 77 on 16th.
Penarth 1 on 22nd.
Kenfig Pool 1 on 23rd.
Shag:
Mewslade, Gower 5 on 20th
Great Skua:
Porthcawl 1 on 8th.
Lavernock 2 on 9th.
Tutt Head 1 on 16th.
Arctic Skua:
Porthcawl 1(m) & 1(e) on 8th and 1 on 16th
Cardiff Heliport 1 on 8th.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 15th and 2(m) & 2(e) on 23rd
Tutt Head 1 on 16th.
Lavernock 1 on 22nd.
Kittiwake:
Lavernock 2 on 8th, 7 on 9th and 2 on 23rd.
Porthcawl 4(m) & 2(e) on 8th, 1(m) & 9(e) on 16th
Mumbles 87 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) on 8th
Bracelet Bay Present (no count) on 14th, 1 on 23rd,
Port Eynon Point 7 on 16th.
Sandwich Tern:
Porthcawl 1 on 3rd
Mumbles 3 on 8th
Lavernock 3 on 23rd
Bracelet Bay 2 on 23rd
Tutt Head 6 on 30th
Arctic Tern:
Porthcawl 1 on 8th
Mumbles 1 on 8th
Common Tern:
Porthcawl 2 on 2nd, 1 on 8th, 1 on 16th and 2 on 22nd.
Lavernock 1 on 8th
Little Tern:
Port Eynon Point 1 on 9th
(Tern sp. Tutt Head 3 on 16th, reported to be Little Terns)
Guillemot:Seawatching results from various locations in Glamorgan:
Common Scoter:
Porthcawl 9 on 3rd and 18 on 9th.
Crymlyn Burrows 70 on 4th.
Port Talbot 3 on 10th
Lavernock 30 on 10th
Tutt Head 2 on 16th, 13 on 25th and 7 on 30th.
Bracelet Bay 9(m) & 1(e) on 23rd and 4 on 29th.
Common Eider:
Burry Pill 11 on 11th.
Great Northern Diver:
Port Eynon Point 3 on 9th
Porthcawl 3 on 9th (same birds?)
Fulmar:
Porthcawl 2 on 3rd, 85(m) & 25(e) on 8th, 4 on 9th, 9 on 16th and 5(m), 26(md) & 10(e) on 22nd.
Lavernock 30 on 8th, 2 on 9th & 9 on 22nd.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 15th, 7 on 22nd, 7 on 23rd and 14 on 29th.
Tutt Head 5 on 16th, 7 on 22nd and 3 on 30th.
Mewslade 1 on 20th.
Penarth 2 on 22nd.
Manx Shearwater:
Porthcawl 60 on 2nd, 180 on 3rd, 800(m) & 35(e) on 8th, 10 on 9th, 251(m) & 760(e) on 16th and 400(m), 11250(md) & 53(e) on 22nd.
Lavernock 470 on 8th, 5 on 9th, 1340 on 22nd & 407 on 23rd.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) on 8th.
Mumbles Head 40 on 8th.
Port Talbot Docks 5 on 9th.
Tutt Head 90 on 9th, 230(m) & 1500(e) on 16th, 150 on 22nd, 5 on 25th, 350 on 28th and 7 on 30th.
Bracelet Bay 214 on 14th, 15 on 15th, 768 on 16th, 6 on 22nd, 182(m) on 23rd and 60 on 29th.
Port Eynon 246 on 16th.
Frair's Point, Barry 300 on 16th.
Cold Knap Point, Barry 350 on 22nd.
Storm Petrel:
Lavernock 3 on 8th, 51 on 9th and 1 on 22nd.
Porthcawl 11(m) & 25(e) on 8th, 8 on 9th and 1(m) & 7(e) on 16th and 2 on 22nd
Mumbles Head 25(m) & 30(e) on 8th and 16 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport 1 on 8th.
Tutt Head 20 on 9th, 44(m) and 13(e) & 6(e) on 16th.
Cardiff 2km off-shore 2 on 10th (feeding on chum from fishing boat)
Port Eynon Point 7 on 16th.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 23rd.
(petrel sp. Mumbles 1 on 8th, presumably Storm Petrel)
Gannet:
Porthcawl 11 on 2nd, 20 on 3rd, Present 9th, 32(m) & 74(e) on 16th and 16(m), 29(md) & 10(e) on 22nd,
Crymlyn Burrows 5 on 4th.
Lavernock 10 on 8th, 1 on 9th, 12 on 22nd and 1 on 23rd.
Mumbles Head 40 on 8th and 8 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) 8th.
Tutt Head 2(m) & 20(e) on 9th, 15 on 16th, 25 on 22nd, Present (no count) on 25th and 2 on 30th.
Whiteford Point 1 on 11th.
Bracelet Bay Present (no count) 14th, 20 on 15th, Present (no count) 20th, 15(m) & 10(e) on 23rd and 27 on 29th.
Friar's Point, Barry 10 on 16th.
Port Eynon Point 77 on 16th.
Penarth 1 on 22nd.
Kenfig Pool 1 on 23rd.
Shag:
Mewslade, Gower 5 on 20th
Great Skua:
Porthcawl 1 on 8th.
Lavernock 2 on 9th.
Tutt Head 1 on 16th.
Arctic Skua:
Porthcawl 1(m) & 1(e) on 8th and 1 on 16th
Cardiff Heliport 1 on 8th.
Bracelet Bay 1 on 15th and 2(m) & 2(e) on 23rd
Tutt Head 1 on 16th.
Lavernock 1 on 22nd.
Kittiwake:
Lavernock 2 on 8th, 7 on 9th and 2 on 23rd.
Porthcawl 4(m) & 2(e) on 8th, 1(m) & 9(e) on 16th
Mumbles 87 on 9th.
Cardiff Heliport Present (no count) on 8th
Bracelet Bay Present (no count) on 14th, 1 on 23rd,
Port Eynon Point 7 on 16th.
Sandwich Tern:
Porthcawl 1 on 3rd
Mumbles 3 on 8th
Lavernock 3 on 23rd
Bracelet Bay 2 on 23rd
Tutt Head 6 on 30th
Arctic Tern:
Porthcawl 1 on 8th
Mumbles 1 on 8th
Common Tern:
Porthcawl 2 on 2nd, 1 on 8th, 1 on 16th and 2 on 22nd.
Lavernock 1 on 8th
Little Tern:
Port Eynon Point 1 on 9th
(Tern sp. Tutt Head 3 on 16th, reported to be Little Terns)
Porthcawl 1 on 3rd, 1(m) & 4(md) on 22nd,
Bracelet Bay 1 on 14th, 4 on 20th, 14 on 22nd, 9(m) & 19(e) on 23rd, 40 on 29th
Port Eynon Point 66 on 16th
Tutt Head 1 on 22nd, 1 on 25th, 3 on 28th and 8 on 30th
Razorbill:
Tutt Head 1(m) & 4(e) on 9th and 4 on 28th
Bracelet Bay 4 on 14th, 2 on 15th, 1 on 20th, 2 on 22nd, 2 on 23rd and 1 on 29th
Port Eynon Point 1 on 16th.
Lavernock 2 on 9th and 1 on 22nd.
(Auk sp:)
(Tutt Head 12 on 22nd and 2 on 30th)
(Bracelet Bay 8 on 23rd)
(m) = morning count. (md) = midday count. (e) = evening count.
May 2012
Highlights
[A very wet and cool start to the month which didn't break until the third week when we had a very warm sunny end to May]
A pair of Black-necked Grebes were found at Cosmeston lakes 7th and then moved north to Rhaslas Pond 11th-13th. Two fem/imm Marsh Harriers were seen at KNNR 29th. The only other highlight was a Hoopoe at Whiteford on 8th.
Other Notable Records
A late Gadwall at Lisvane Res 27th was unusual. Eider were seen along the coast at Swansea Bay 5th, Baglan Bay 6th and at Sker Point 10th. A raft of 68 Common Scoter were off Crymlyn Burrows on 19th, a good count for NPT. A Quail was heard calling at Nash Point 20th. Red-throated Divers were seen at Bracelet Bay 1st, Baglan Bay 5th, 6th & 19th. Ospreys were seen at Nash 8th & Baglan 25th. Records for Hobby during the month KNNR 1st, Bridgend 12th, Rhaslas 16th & Neath 25th. Two Sanderling were at Rhaslas Pond 19th, first record for this northern site, also 7 Black-tailed Godwit there 4th and LRP on three dates earlier in month. Up to 30 Purple Sandpipers were at Sker Point 8th-10th with 15 still there on 13th. The long staying Yellow-legged Gull frequented Lisvane Res. most of month. A Little Tern was at Crymlyn Burrows 6th. Sandwich Terns were seen at Bracelet Bay (13) 1st, Margam Sands 4th, Aberavon (7) 5th & Crymlyn Burrows 20th. A Common Tern was with 60 Arctic Terns at Dalton's Point 1st. Short-eared Owls lingered well into May with several sightings from coastal locations to well inland. A Nightjar was seen on a guided walk at KNNR on 13th, a good record for the reserve. Good numbers of Cuckoo were heard during May from many sites.
An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin was at Aberdare Park 1st.
An Egyptian Goose of unknown origin was at Aberdare Park 1st.
April 2012
Highlights
The highlight was a female Ferruginous Duck on Lisvane Reservoir 6th, the first in Cardiff since 1972. The male Lesser Scaup remained all month at Cosmeston and lately back at CBWR. The Cackling Canada Goose of unknown origin that has roamed the region for the last few months was briefly at Lisvane Res. 22nd. A Black-throated Diver was off Crymlyn Burrows 23rd. The regular Great White Egret was still at Wernffwrd from 1st to 6th. A fem/imm Marsh Harrier was at KNNR 28th. Two Common Cranes were seen over Dowlais Top 8th. A 1st S. Iceland Gull frequented Rhaslas Pond from 6th to 10th.
Other Notable Records
Up to 9 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were off Port Eynon 8th. A late Bittern was at Parc Slip 20th. A Red-throated Diver was at Aberavon 7th. A ringtail Hen Harrier was at Cardiff Airport 15th. Ospreys were seen at Cantref Res (SW corner in Greater Glamorgan) 8th - 10th, Llwyn-on Res. 8th, Aberthaw 9th & Radyr 28th. Little Ringed Plovers were seen at the Watermill 2nd & Rhaslas Pond 6th. Two Ruff were at Ogmore 5th. A count of 24 Purple Sandpipers at Sker on 24th. A Bar-tailed Godwit was at Rhaslas Pond, most northerly record VC41. Yellow-legged Gulls were at Dowlais Top 6th and the regular at Lisvane Res. till 24th at least with another at Ogmore Est. Sandwich Terns were reported from Aberavon 7th (2), Limeslade Bay 19th & 20th (2) and Port Eynon 22nd (3). Three Black Terns were at Kenfig Pool 30th. Ring Ouzels were seen at Caer-Lan farm, Darren Coch 1st and Garw Valley 18th. Finally a flock of 150 Brambling were at Garwnant 4th.
March 2012
Highlights
The Whooper Swan remained at Cosmeston until the 11th. The Greater White-fronted Goose was again at Neath Saltmarsh 21st. A drake Garganey was at Cosmeston for a day 14th, and the drake Lesser Scaup was also at Cosmeston most of the month, however it was seen at CBWR 19th & 22nd. Up to 6 Slavonian Grebes were seen off Wernffwrd 19th. The Great White Egret was seen at roost at Llanrhidian marsh on 18th. The highlight of the month was a Stone-curlew seen at Sker Point 27th. The ad W Bonaparte's Gull frequented the Cardiff Foreshore, the Heliport & Cardiff Bay all month, it is now acquiring a dark hood. Iceland Gulls (2 x 1st W & a 2nd W) were still at Dowlais, Merthyr 1st, a 1st S in Cardiff Bay on 1st and probably the same bird seen there again 30th and a 3rd W was at Bonvilston 16th. A Caspian Gull was reported again from Dowlais Top 1st, however these are all unconfirmed. A Long-eared Owl was seen on Wentloog Level, Cardiff 2nd and again at roost on 13th. A Hoopoe was seen briefly at Mewslade, Gower on 28th. Water Pipits were seen at Llwyn-on Res. 1st & 4th and 2 at RGW 13th. Finally the Great Grey Shrike was at Garwnant on 1st.
Other Notable Records
Other Notable Records
A flock of 12 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Aberthaw 24th and Dark-bellied were seen at Newton Beach (1) 5th & Blackpill (14) 7th. A Greater Scaup (f) was at Lisvane Res. 10th. Red-throated Divers were seen off Tutt Head (1) 18th & Mewslade (3) 28th. Bitterns were still at KNNR with 3 there 4th and one still present 11th & Forest Farm all month with 2 seen on 1st & 9th. Ospreys were reported from Cardiff Bay 28th & West Cross 30th. A ringtail Hen Harrier passed over Cardiff Airport 7th. Little Ringed Plovers were seen at the Watermill 25th, Llwyn-on Res 27th and at Llanishen Res (2) 28th. A Ruff was at Kenfig river mouth 30th. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were seen or heard drumming at Dinas Powys 20th & Rhydypennau, Cardiff 5th. A Firecrest was at Nant-hir Res. 4th. A Ring Ouzel was at Nantyffyllon 28th. Choughs were seen along the south Gower and the Heritage coasts all month. Over a 100 Brambling were seen at Llwyn-on Res 31st and finally the Tree Sparrow was still frequenting a garden feeder at Middleton on Gower till mid month.
Highlights
The ringed Whooper Swan remained at Cosmeston all month. A Greater White-fronted Goose was at Neath Saltmarsh 25th. The drake Lesser Scaup was at Cosmeston all month. A Black-necked Grebe was in Cardiff Bay 6th-24th and another seen at Kenfig Pool 21st & 22nd. Glossy Ibis were seen or reported from Cosmeston & Flat Holm 6th, flying over St. Athan 10th and at Llancadle 22nd & 23rd, where 2 were reported but only 1 was seen. The influx of Iceland Gulls continued with birds being seen at Dowlais Top Merthyr, Pen-y-bryn, Portobello Is., Tycoch-Swansea & Llanbethery. A remarkable double on the Cardiff Foreshore when a 1st W Bonaparte's Gull was found 18th (& seen again on 25th in Cardiff Bay) as well as the resident adult winter bird, which was seen frequenting the water treatment works on several days. Water Pipits were seen at Ogmore Est 2nd, Llwyn-on Res 6th-11th, RGW 12th & a VC41 record of 13 at Aberthaw found on 25th. The Great Grey Shrike remained at Garwnant all month. A Snow Bunting f/o Werfa calling on 7th.
Other Notable Records
The party of 7 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were seen at Gileston/Aberthaw intermittantly throughout Feb. and party of 8 Dark-bellied Brent Geese were seen at Ogmore Est. A flock of over 800 Common Scoter were off Rhossili 12th. Redhead Smew were seen at Hendre Lake in Cardiff 11th-16th and on the Loughor 12th-20th. A Red-throated Diver was at Aberavon Beach 8th. A notable flock of 27 Little Grebes were in Cardiff Bay 11th. Bitterns were reported from Kenfig Pool, with up to 3 present all month and at Forest Farm in Cardiff from mid month onwards. A Black-tailed Godwit was at CBWR on 8th, a good record for this site and Greenshank (2) & Spotted Redshank (2) were seen at Penclawdd 2nd. On Flat Holm a count of 250 Sanderling is the highest total recorded in the Cardiff UA for this species. A Little Gull was at Gileston on 27th and a flock of 25 Med Gulls were at Mumbles 11th. The Short-eared Owls remained on RGW: max 13 on 8th. Finally 3 Chough were at Port Eynon 14th.
Highlights
The ringed Whooper Swan remained at Cosmeston all month, with a party of 10 seen at Merthyr and another party of 6 on Broad Pool, Gower both 17th. The Pink-footed Goose remained at Fendrod lake most of month. The drake Lesser Scaup was at either Cardiff Bay or Cosmeston all month. A Slavonian Grebe was at Llanrhidian Pill 14th. A Balearic Shearwater past Oxwich 4th. The 2 Great White Egrets were on Llanrhidian Marsh most of the month. A Glossy Ibis was at Cosmeston & Sully Moors 16th & 17th. The influx of Iceland Gulls
increased this month with birds being seen at Oxwich, Port Talbot
breakwater, Pyle, Dowlais Top, Pontsticill Res. Cosmeston & Cardiff
Heliport. A Water Pipit was at Llwyn-on Res 13th-31st. Great Grey Shrikes were at Garwnant and Gyfylchi forest.
Other Notable Records
The party of 7 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were still at Aberthaw until 15th. Red-breasted Mergansers were at Ogmore 10th, Oxwich 13th & 7 at Wernffwrd 14th. Red-throated Divers were seen at Oxwich 1st & 7th and Blackpill 7th. Great Northern Divers were at Oxwich 1st & 4th and at Mumbles 7th, the juvenile on Llwyn-on Res was present until 14th, and another past Tutt Head 27th. At least two Bitterns were at KNNR till 10th. Three Spotted Redshank were at Penclawdd Pill 20th. A 1st W Little Gull at Cardiff Heliport 2nd. A Black Redstart was at the Cardiff Barrage/Penarth Marina area 8th-24th. Dartford Warblers were seen on south Gower 14th. Tree Sparrows were reported from Newton 7th & 15th and Middleton 23rd on Gower and a record from Ewenny 30th, of one visiting a garden feeder. Finally a good count of 500 Crossbills from the Garw Forest 6th.
(Reports by NPR (EG) & MH, BS & RHAT (WG) compiled by DRWG)
