Please note that due to the change of the East Glamorgan CR some parts of this site haven't been updated. A full round-up will be in place for Sept-Dec. 2016 by the end of January 2017. The GRC apologises for any inconvenience caused by this. GRC 6/01/2017
December 2016
Highlights
A Cattle Egret was found at Wentloog, subsequently going to roost at Hendre Lake (26th). A Richard's Pipit turned up at Nash Point (1st), remaining in the vicinity for the next week. The first 'white-winger' of the winter was a juvenile Glaucous Gull at Cardiff Bay (31st). A Great Grey Shrike frequented Afan Argoed. Yellow-browed Warbler sightings continued to trickle in, with birds at Forest Farm (3rd), Brynna Woods (24th) and Bute Park (28th). Both Black-throated Diver and Lapland Bunting were noted at Rhossili. Putative Siberian Chiffchaffs occurred at Kenfig and Cardiff Bay. In addition to the birds wintering at Llanrhidian, Great White Egrets were recorded over Margam (4th) and at Neath (31st).
Other Notable Species
Cardiff Bay held seven Scaup and a Long-tailed Duck, the latter also briefly visiting Cosmeston. An additional Long-tailed Duck was off Rhossili. A Great Northern Diver was tracked as it drifted along the coast between Nash Point and Porthcawl, with another on the Afan, Port Talbot. Hen Harriers were at Llanilid and at Swansea (heading towards Crymlyn). Up to 16 Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea. Black Redstarts were observed at Nash Point (two), Sker and Aberthaw. Unseasonal visitors arrived in the form of a Willow Warbler at Cardiff Bay, a Whinchat at Sker and a Lesser Whitethroat (race not established) coming to garden feeders at Ewenny.
September to November 2016
Will appear here shortly...
August 2016
Highlights
A Garganey was at the Watermill, Ogmore 28th with 2 at Kenfig Rivermouth 29th. A Sooty Shearwater past Sker Point 3rd. A Balearic Shearwater at Tutt Head & past Porthcawl both 20th. A juvenile Marsh Harrier at KNNR 26th & 29th & another at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. A Wryneck was in the Pant Norton, Ogmore area 28th.
Other Notable Species
A Quail (of unknown origin) was found at Llangynwyd 24th. Good numbers of Storm Petrels off Lavernock Point 3rd (1), 20th (6), 21st (17) & 22nd (1), another 4 off Porthcawl 20th, six off Cardiff Barrage 21st & 3 off Port Talbot breakwater 22nd. An Osprey over Pant Norton 26th and at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th with 2 there 28th & 29th and another at Lisvane Res., Cardiff 27th. Good numbers of Curlew Sandpipers in the county: Weobley (4) & Aberthaw (1) 21st, Ogmore Est (1) 22nd & 23rd. A juvenile Little Stint at Whiteford 7th & 12th, Kenfig Sands 11th, Sker Point 16th & another at the Ogmore 22nd & 25th. A juvenile Ruff was present at Ogmore Est. 11th & 3 were present at Rhaslas Pond 20th & 21st. Three Arctic Skuas past Port Eynon 3rd & A pale phase past Tutt Head 20th. Two Black Terns at Lisvane Res. 21st & 22nd. Two Sandwich Terns at Blackpill 5th, 4 at Port Eynon 15th & 5 off Sker Point 16th. Common Terns were present at Lavernock Point 7th (25), a juvenile at Lisvane Res. 9th & 5 off Porthcawl 20th. An Arctic Tern & three Little Terns past Porthcawl 20th. A churring Nightjar at Llanwonno 13th.
(A report of a Cory's Shearwater off Port Eynon 3rd)
July 2016
Highlights
A Balearic Shearwater at Rhossili Bay 28th & a Leach's Petrel past Porthcawl 10th.
Other Notable Species
An Arctic Skua (dark phase) off Porthcawl 10th. A LRP at Ogmore Est. 25th. also 2 Sandwich Terns there. A late Cuckoo was noted at Pant Norton 26th.
June 2016
Highlights
A male Honey Buzzard was over Mawdlam 18th. A Temminck's Stint and a Gull-billed Tern were at Kenfig Pool, albeit briefly, 5th. A Turtle Dove was reported from a Llanishen garden 28th.
Other Notable Species
Six Common Scoter off Lavernock Point 20th. A Greenshank was at Kenfig Pool 28th. Up to 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have been visiting a Leckwith garden most of the month.
(A report of a f/o White Stork at Bridgend 9th)
May 2016
Highlights
The undoubted highs for May was the Gull-billed Tern at Loughor 18th to 20th (BS) & the Squacco Heron at the Watermill Ogmore 29th (DCB). Two Pink-footed Geese (unknown origin) at Kenfig Pool 6th. The drake Lesser Scaup was at CBWR. Two Cattle Egrets were seen to fly-over Cardiff Bay 6th. Two Spoonbills were at the Loughor 20th. Two Common Cranes presumably from the GCP in Somerset, were over Kenfig Pool 5th. A Turtle Dove was seen briefly at KNNR 7th.
Other Notable Species
Female Mandarin on River Afan 23rd & 24th and another at the Watermill 24th. Two Grey Partridge at Aberthaw 8th. Two Great Northern Divers off Sker Point 20th. Four Storm Petrels off Porthcawl 18th & 6 on 21st. An Osprey was at Bracelet Bay 24th & another at Caerphilly. A female Marsh Harrier at KNNR 7th & 8th and another fem. was Llanrhidian Marsh 17th. A Curlew Sandpiper at Whiteford 16th. Two Little Stints were at Rhaslas Pond 11th. Three Sandwich Terns at Wernffrwd 6th & three at Broughton Bay 8th. 6 Common Terns off Porthcawl 10th & 18th [1]. Two Short-eared Owls on the Burry 24th. A singing Black Redstart on Cardiff Bay Barrage area 11th.
(First Nightjars at Cwm Kenfig 13th [2 churring] & reports of Garganey at KNNR & Llanilid)
April 2016
Highlights
The highlight of the month was a Kentish Plover found at Sker Point 18th. The individual was colour-ringed. This constitutes the 5th East Glam. record & the first in the area since 1981. A Whooper Swan was at Parc Slip NR 3rd. The drake Lesser Scaup was present at CBWR till 23rd at least. Two Slavonian Grebes at Burry Inlet 11th. A fully hooded Bonaparte's Gull was seen in Cardiff Bay 5th & again on 19th. This could possibly be our returning adult - all but very briefly. A 2cy Iceland Gull was seen around the Cardiff Bay area 11th-20th & at Llan/Lis Res. 23rd. The Great Grey Shrike was still at Afan Argoed till 10th at least. A Blue-headed Wagtail type was at Kenfig Pool 28th.
(Report of a drake Garganey at CBWR 10th.)
Other Notable Species
Two Great Northern Divers off Worm's Head 3rd, with another off Rhossili 10th. The Bittern was still at Cosmeston till 3rd. An Ospreys were at Llwyn-On Res. 2nd and at Merthyr Mawr 9th and again over Ogmore Estuary 11th. A Marsh Harrier was at Oxwich Marsh 17th. Hobbies were seen at Parc Slip 5th (earliest ever VC41) & at Merthyr 11th. A Little Ringed Plover past through Kenfig Poll 11th. Arctic Skua past the Cardiff Heliport 24th. A 2cy Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay 11th - 13th. Two Sandwich Terns off Port Eynon 4th, 7 at Overton 13th, 5 at Whiteford 20th & 1 at Sker Point 22nd. Up to 7 Common Terns in Cardiff Bay 11th with singles there 16th & 26-27th. A single Arctic Tern in Cardiff Bay 16th. A Little Tern was on Kenfig Pool 29th. A fem Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Clone woods, Blackpill 9th & a calling male at a north Cardiff site 25th. Male Ring Ouzels were at Foel Fynyddau (NPT) 3rd, Dunraven & Mynydd Eglwysilan 15th. A Hawfinch was in a Pitton garden 13th & another at Fforestganol 28th.
March 2016
Highlights
A Pink-footed Goose was at Neath Saltmarsh 5th & 6th. A pair of Garganey were at Kenfig Pool 28th. The drake Lesser Scaup was present at Cosmeston or CBWR most of month, except on 17th when it visited Lisvane Res. Up to 3 Great White Egrets were seen at the Llanrhidian Marsh roost on several dates this month. Six Slavonian Grebes were present at Wernffwrd 10th & 3 off Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. An Avocet at Aberthaw Saltmarsh 22nd. A 2 CY Iceland Gull at Llantwit Major 15th. A 2CY Glaucous Gull at Crymlyn Burrows 25th to 31st. Finally Great Grey Shrikes still at Garwnant 7th, 9th, 12th & Afan Argoed 13th & 30th.
Other Notable Species
A single Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. A Great Northern Diver off Rhossili 5th. A Bittern at Cosmeston 10th. Sandwich Terns seen off Port Eynon 31st. A Marsh Harrier at Llanrhidian 26th. An adult Yellow-legged Gull at Llanishen Res. 14th. A Ring Ouzel at Llangennith. Firecrests were seen at several sites: Mewslade 5th, Cosmeston 19th & 20th [2], Pant Norton 20th & Aberthaw 22nd. Black Redstarts were also numerous with birds seen at Fall Bay 45th, Penarth Marina 11th [2] & 12th [2], Nash Point 12th, Sker 20th, Cardiff Docks 23rd & Sully 12th & 25th. A Water Pipit was at Cwm Ivy Marsh 29th.
February 2016
Highlights
The drake Lesser Scaup was present at Cosmeston & CBWR all month. Red Grouse were seen at their traditional site in north Glamorgan mid month. Up to 3 Great White Egrets were seen at Llanrhidian Marsh this month. A Grey Phalarope was reported at Barry Docks 11th. The 1st W Glaucous Gull remained at the Knap till the 18th at least then was seen at Aberthaw 22nd and in Cardiff Bay 26th & 27th. Great Grey Shrikes were seen intermittently this month at Mynydd Marchywel, Afan Argoed Forestry and at Garwnant and a new sighting at Coed Craig Ruperra 27th.
Other Notable Species
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Whiteford 28th. A female Mandarin was at Oxwich Marsh 22nd & 23rd. A Red-throated Diver was off Porthcawl 11th. A Great Northern Diver was in Broughton Bay 14th & 28th and 3 at Whiteford 25th. Two Slavonian Grebes were in the Burry Est. 11th. A Bittern was still at Forest Farm 1st, one at Oxwich 14th and one was at Llanrhidian Marsh 19th & 27th. A Little Stint was at Wernffwrd 11th. Up to 4 Short-eared Owls were still present at RGW and 3 at Llanrhidian during the month. A female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Fforestganol 25th. Firecrests were seen in Cardiff at Bute Park & Lamby Lake 18th and at Aberthaw 27th & 28th. Two Black Redstarts remained in Penarth Marina all month also one at Swanbridge, with another at Rhossili 15th. A Hawfinch was seen at Cosmeston 4th.
January 2016
December 2016
Highlights
A Cattle Egret was found at Wentloog, subsequently going to roost at Hendre Lake (26th). A Richard's Pipit turned up at Nash Point (1st), remaining in the vicinity for the next week. The first 'white-winger' of the winter was a juvenile Glaucous Gull at Cardiff Bay (31st). A Great Grey Shrike frequented Afan Argoed. Yellow-browed Warbler sightings continued to trickle in, with birds at Forest Farm (3rd), Brynna Woods (24th) and Bute Park (28th). Both Black-throated Diver and Lapland Bunting were noted at Rhossili. Putative Siberian Chiffchaffs occurred at Kenfig and Cardiff Bay. In addition to the birds wintering at Llanrhidian, Great White Egrets were recorded over Margam (4th) and at Neath (31st).
Other Notable Species
Cardiff Bay held seven Scaup and a Long-tailed Duck, the latter also briefly visiting Cosmeston. An additional Long-tailed Duck was off Rhossili. A Great Northern Diver was tracked as it drifted along the coast between Nash Point and Porthcawl, with another on the Afan, Port Talbot. Hen Harriers were at Llanilid and at Swansea (heading towards Crymlyn). Up to 16 Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea. Black Redstarts were observed at Nash Point (two), Sker and Aberthaw. Unseasonal visitors arrived in the form of a Willow Warbler at Cardiff Bay, a Whinchat at Sker and a Lesser Whitethroat (race not established) coming to garden feeders at Ewenny.
September to November 2016
Will appear here shortly...
August 2016
Highlights
A Garganey was at the Watermill, Ogmore 28th with 2 at Kenfig Rivermouth 29th. A Sooty Shearwater past Sker Point 3rd. A Balearic Shearwater at Tutt Head & past Porthcawl both 20th. A juvenile Marsh Harrier at KNNR 26th & 29th & another at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. A Wryneck was in the Pant Norton, Ogmore area 28th.
Other Notable Species
A Quail (of unknown origin) was found at Llangynwyd 24th. Good numbers of Storm Petrels off Lavernock Point 3rd (1), 20th (6), 21st (17) & 22nd (1), another 4 off Porthcawl 20th, six off Cardiff Barrage 21st & 3 off Port Talbot breakwater 22nd. An Osprey over Pant Norton 26th and at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th with 2 there 28th & 29th and another at Lisvane Res., Cardiff 27th. Good numbers of Curlew Sandpipers in the county: Weobley (4) & Aberthaw (1) 21st, Ogmore Est (1) 22nd & 23rd. A juvenile Little Stint at Whiteford 7th & 12th, Kenfig Sands 11th, Sker Point 16th & another at the Ogmore 22nd & 25th. A juvenile Ruff was present at Ogmore Est. 11th & 3 were present at Rhaslas Pond 20th & 21st. Three Arctic Skuas past Port Eynon 3rd & A pale phase past Tutt Head 20th. Two Black Terns at Lisvane Res. 21st & 22nd. Two Sandwich Terns at Blackpill 5th, 4 at Port Eynon 15th & 5 off Sker Point 16th. Common Terns were present at Lavernock Point 7th (25), a juvenile at Lisvane Res. 9th & 5 off Porthcawl 20th. An Arctic Tern & three Little Terns past Porthcawl 20th. A churring Nightjar at Llanwonno 13th.
(A report of a Cory's Shearwater off Port Eynon 3rd)
July 2016
Highlights
A Balearic Shearwater at Rhossili Bay 28th & a Leach's Petrel past Porthcawl 10th.
Other Notable Species
An Arctic Skua (dark phase) off Porthcawl 10th. A LRP at Ogmore Est. 25th. also 2 Sandwich Terns there. A late Cuckoo was noted at Pant Norton 26th.
June 2016
Highlights
A male Honey Buzzard was over Mawdlam 18th. A Temminck's Stint and a Gull-billed Tern were at Kenfig Pool, albeit briefly, 5th. A Turtle Dove was reported from a Llanishen garden 28th.
Other Notable Species
Six Common Scoter off Lavernock Point 20th. A Greenshank was at Kenfig Pool 28th. Up to 3 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have been visiting a Leckwith garden most of the month.
(A report of a f/o White Stork at Bridgend 9th)
May 2016
Highlights
The undoubted highs for May was the Gull-billed Tern at Loughor 18th to 20th (BS) & the Squacco Heron at the Watermill Ogmore 29th (DCB). Two Pink-footed Geese (unknown origin) at Kenfig Pool 6th. The drake Lesser Scaup was at CBWR. Two Cattle Egrets were seen to fly-over Cardiff Bay 6th. Two Spoonbills were at the Loughor 20th. Two Common Cranes presumably from the GCP in Somerset, were over Kenfig Pool 5th. A Turtle Dove was seen briefly at KNNR 7th.
Other Notable Species
Female Mandarin on River Afan 23rd & 24th and another at the Watermill 24th. Two Grey Partridge at Aberthaw 8th. Two Great Northern Divers off Sker Point 20th. Four Storm Petrels off Porthcawl 18th & 6 on 21st. An Osprey was at Bracelet Bay 24th & another at Caerphilly. A female Marsh Harrier at KNNR 7th & 8th and another fem. was Llanrhidian Marsh 17th. A Curlew Sandpiper at Whiteford 16th. Two Little Stints were at Rhaslas Pond 11th. Three Sandwich Terns at Wernffrwd 6th & three at Broughton Bay 8th. 6 Common Terns off Porthcawl 10th & 18th [1]. Two Short-eared Owls on the Burry 24th. A singing Black Redstart on Cardiff Bay Barrage area 11th.
(First Nightjars at Cwm Kenfig 13th [2 churring] & reports of Garganey at KNNR & Llanilid)
April 2016
Highlights
The highlight of the month was a Kentish Plover found at Sker Point 18th. The individual was colour-ringed. This constitutes the 5th East Glam. record & the first in the area since 1981. A Whooper Swan was at Parc Slip NR 3rd. The drake Lesser Scaup was present at CBWR till 23rd at least. Two Slavonian Grebes at Burry Inlet 11th. A fully hooded Bonaparte's Gull was seen in Cardiff Bay 5th & again on 19th. This could possibly be our returning adult - all but very briefly. A 2cy Iceland Gull was seen around the Cardiff Bay area 11th-20th & at Llan/Lis Res. 23rd. The Great Grey Shrike was still at Afan Argoed till 10th at least. A Blue-headed Wagtail type was at Kenfig Pool 28th.
(Report of a drake Garganey at CBWR 10th.)
Other Notable Species
Two Great Northern Divers off Worm's Head 3rd, with another off Rhossili 10th. The Bittern was still at Cosmeston till 3rd. An Ospreys were at Llwyn-On Res. 2nd and at Merthyr Mawr 9th and again over Ogmore Estuary 11th. A Marsh Harrier was at Oxwich Marsh 17th. Hobbies were seen at Parc Slip 5th (earliest ever VC41) & at Merthyr 11th. A Little Ringed Plover past through Kenfig Poll 11th. Arctic Skua past the Cardiff Heliport 24th. A 2cy Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay 11th - 13th. Two Sandwich Terns off Port Eynon 4th, 7 at Overton 13th, 5 at Whiteford 20th & 1 at Sker Point 22nd. Up to 7 Common Terns in Cardiff Bay 11th with singles there 16th & 26-27th. A single Arctic Tern in Cardiff Bay 16th. A Little Tern was on Kenfig Pool 29th. A fem Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Clone woods, Blackpill 9th & a calling male at a north Cardiff site 25th. Male Ring Ouzels were at Foel Fynyddau (NPT) 3rd, Dunraven & Mynydd Eglwysilan 15th. A Hawfinch was in a Pitton garden 13th & another at Fforestganol 28th.
March 2016
Highlights
A Pink-footed Goose was at Neath Saltmarsh 5th & 6th. A pair of Garganey were at Kenfig Pool 28th. The drake Lesser Scaup was present at Cosmeston or CBWR most of month, except on 17th when it visited Lisvane Res. Up to 3 Great White Egrets were seen at the Llanrhidian Marsh roost on several dates this month. Six Slavonian Grebes were present at Wernffwrd 10th & 3 off Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. An Avocet at Aberthaw Saltmarsh 22nd. A 2 CY Iceland Gull at Llantwit Major 15th. A 2CY Glaucous Gull at Crymlyn Burrows 25th to 31st. Finally Great Grey Shrikes still at Garwnant 7th, 9th, 12th & Afan Argoed 13th & 30th.
Other Notable Species
A single Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Llanrhidian Marsh 26th. A Great Northern Diver off Rhossili 5th. A Bittern at Cosmeston 10th. Sandwich Terns seen off Port Eynon 31st. A Marsh Harrier at Llanrhidian 26th. An adult Yellow-legged Gull at Llanishen Res. 14th. A Ring Ouzel at Llangennith. Firecrests were seen at several sites: Mewslade 5th, Cosmeston 19th & 20th [2], Pant Norton 20th & Aberthaw 22nd. Black Redstarts were also numerous with birds seen at Fall Bay 45th, Penarth Marina 11th [2] & 12th [2], Nash Point 12th, Sker 20th, Cardiff Docks 23rd & Sully 12th & 25th. A Water Pipit was at Cwm Ivy Marsh 29th.
February 2016
Highlights
The drake Lesser Scaup was present at Cosmeston & CBWR all month. Red Grouse were seen at their traditional site in north Glamorgan mid month. Up to 3 Great White Egrets were seen at Llanrhidian Marsh this month. A Grey Phalarope was reported at Barry Docks 11th. The 1st W Glaucous Gull remained at the Knap till the 18th at least then was seen at Aberthaw 22nd and in Cardiff Bay 26th & 27th. Great Grey Shrikes were seen intermittently this month at Mynydd Marchywel, Afan Argoed Forestry and at Garwnant and a new sighting at Coed Craig Ruperra 27th.
Other Notable Species
Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese at Whiteford 28th. A female Mandarin was at Oxwich Marsh 22nd & 23rd. A Red-throated Diver was off Porthcawl 11th. A Great Northern Diver was in Broughton Bay 14th & 28th and 3 at Whiteford 25th. Two Slavonian Grebes were in the Burry Est. 11th. A Bittern was still at Forest Farm 1st, one at Oxwich 14th and one was at Llanrhidian Marsh 19th & 27th. A Little Stint was at Wernffwrd 11th. Up to 4 Short-eared Owls were still present at RGW and 3 at Llanrhidian during the month. A female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Fforestganol 25th. Firecrests were seen in Cardiff at Bute Park & Lamby Lake 18th and at Aberthaw 27th & 28th. Two Black Redstarts remained in Penarth Marina all month also one at Swanbridge, with another at Rhossili 15th. A Hawfinch was seen at Cosmeston 4th.
January 2016
Highlights
The drake Lesser Scaup was back at CBWR 16th & commuted between there and Cosmeston all month. A drake Velvet Scoter past Porthcawl 3rd. A redhead Smew as at Kenfig Pool 14th & 15th. Black-throated Diver at Margam Breakwater 17th. Up to 3 Great White Egrets were at Llanrhidian Marsh most of month. A Red-necked Grebe past Porthcawl 3rd. Slavonian Grebes were off Whiteford Point 3rd [4] & 16th [2]. A 1st W Glaucous Gull was at the Knap Pool 27th to 31st. The Great Grey Shrikes was seen at Afan Forest Park 5th-23rd, Garwnant 6th and Mynydd Marchywel 23rd. A Water Pipit at Ogmore 17th. Three Snow Buntings were found at Whiteford Point on 1st and remained until 23rd at least.
(Report of a 2nd W. Ring-billed Gull at Lock's Common 31st)
(Report of a 2nd W. Ring-billed Gull at Lock's Common 31st)
Other Notable Species
Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Gileston most of month, max 25 on 17th, at Whiteford Point 3rd [1] & 19th [4] and 2 at Pwll-y-Froga 19th. A covey of 10 Grey Partridge were at Nash Point 10th. Great Northern Divers at Porthcawl 3rd, Oxwich Bay 6th, 16th & 27th, Bracelet Bay 13th, Whiteford Point 16th [8] and Worm's Head 27th. Red-Throated Divers at Porthcawl 4th [7]. A Bittern was at KNNR 10th & Forest Farm 10th-11th and one at Cosmeston 20th-23rd. An over-wintering Whimbrel was seen at Swanbridge 19th. A Great Skua past Porthcawl 4th. An Arctic Skua was at Aberthaw 16th, Ogmore 26th & Cardiff Docks 31st, could possibly relate to one individual. An ad. Yellow-legged Gull was at Cosmeston 12th. Ad W Little Gull at Broughton Bay 3rd with another at Gileston 23rd. Black Redstart at Penarth Marina 5th & 20th [2], Grangetown 8th & Sully beach 13th-20th.
