Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone. The very best of luck next year and, hopefully, there'll be some memorable rares for us to celebrate....

Today
5 Waxwing at The Quays, Baglan (LR)
4 Short-eared Owl near Rhaslas Pool (MW)

Yesterday
10 Waxwings at Melrose Avenue, Penylan, Cardiff (JS)

Recent News

Today
1 Short-eared Owl again at Baglan Dunes, Aberavon (NE)
No sign of the Snow Bunting at Aberavon Beach (AL)

Yesterday
2 Waxwing at Roath Court Road, Cardiff (CH)
1 Short-eared Owl near Rhaslas Pond (BK)
22 Little Egret at Hendre Lake roost (DRWG)

Christmas Bird News updated #1

28th Dec
Waxwing [2] at Penylan - Roath Court Rd.
Little Egret [22] at Hendre Lake, St. Mellons - roost site

27th Dec
Bittern at Kenfig (LR)
Bittern at Swansea Vale LNR (MHu)
Snow Bunting still at Aberavon Beach (JS)
Short-eared Owl at Baglan Dunes, Aberavon (DMC)

Boxing Day
Black-throated Diver at Eglwys (ND) (see below)
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Coed Cefn-Fforest (MB)
25+ Waxwing at Roath Clinic, Cardiff (BK)
2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Cosmeston (AB)

Christmas Day
Black Redstart - Cardiff BarrageChristmas Day
Snow Bunting - Aberavon Beach (GL)) (see below)

21st Dec
3 Waxwing at Bryncoch Post Office, Neath (BA)

Black-throated Diver record shots

(c) N Dallimore

Here are a couple of record shots that have been kindly provided by Nick showing the Black-throated Diver at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir on Boxing Bay.

(c) N Dallimore

Please note that stakeholders committee for the reservoir continue in their stance that access to the site is not permitted by the general public, or indeed any local clubs, societies, etc..

Snow Bunting:Aberavon Beach

Few shots of the Snow Bunting still feeding on the strand line almost as far west as you can walk along the beach,thanks to Mark for the directions and approx location although the bird was further west then his sighting of it yesterday.Nice to bump into and chat with Terry Tovey on my walk back.

Snow Bunting at Aberavon

The Snow Bunting found yesterday by Gary Lewis was still present this morning. Judging by Gary's description of where he saw it yesterday, it was further along the beach NW and nearer the Neath River today. It flew from the dunes, or possibly the BP Baglan area, before settling to feed along the highest tide strand-line at the base of the dunes. (SS721921)

Also of note from the area, 23 Raven flew over together in a loose group heading SE and nearby 4 Mediterranean Gulls were with a decent flock of gulls (inc 100+ Common Gulls) feeding on the flooded playing fields.

BBRC & WRP News

Firstly a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all, from all at the GRC.

News from BBRC & WRP: All taking effect from 1/01/2013

Glossy Ibis is now no longer considered a national rarity and becomes a Welsh Records Panel species

Ring-billed Gull will stay a WRP species

Bearded Tit is now only considered by WRP for descriptions outside Gwent breeding & dispersal area*

Richard's Pipit is now a GRC D-List species

Wood Lark is now a GRC D-List species

*: I have asked for clarification as to the extent of the 'dispersal area' concerning Eastern Glamorgan.

Dear Santa....

(c) Jacob Spendelow

The good birders of Glamorgan were wondering whether it's too late to ask for an American Robin to be found somewhere in the county before the New Year? Preferably at an easily accessible site with lots of parking and minimal disturbance, with inexperienced Sparrowhawks and friendly Mistle Thrushes. Thanks in advance.

Best Wishes to everyone over the festive period and the very best of luck.

Many thanks go to Jacob Spendelow for providing the image (Don't panic; it was taken in West Virginia!) who owns a fantastic website and wanted to wish us "Happy holidays and good birding."

Please take a moment to visit his site by clicking on the photo or via the link below

www.tringa.org

Yesterday's other news

Llanrhidian - 1 Great White Egret, 2(1m) Hen Harrier, 1 Barn Owl and 1 Short-eared Owl (CDB)
Dalton's Point - 3 f/imm Scaup (CDB, HO)
Penclawdd Pill - 2 Spotted Redshank (CDB)
Whiteford - 3 Red-breasted Merganser and 1 Slavonian Grebe (DP)
Swansea Vale LNR - 1 Bittern still (JE & GE)
Roath Court Rd, Cardiff - 50+ Waxwing (CH)
Cardiff Barrage - 1m Black REdstart (GP)
Rhaslas Pond - 4 Short-eared Owl (MW)

Long-tailed Duck:KNNR

Couple of record shots of today's visiting Long-tailed Duck,always distant.

Long-tailed Duck at Kenfig

One this morning and also a Bittern there (GR, DMC, et al)

Seawatching from Tutt Head 8:30 to 9:30
2 Red-throated Diver; also 20+ Razorbill, 6+ Guillemot and Auk sp on the sea.
nearby 1 Little Egret on the University playing fields was working the significant amounts of standing water there.

Recent news

Today

Llanrhidian - 1 Great White Egret, 3(1m2f) Hen Harrier, 2 Barn Owl and 1 Short-eared Owl (NE)
River Rhymney, Ystrad Mynach - 1 Bittern this morning (KW)
Swansea Vale NR - 1 Bittern still (AL)
Cardiff Barrage - 2 Black Redstart (GP)
Wellington Street, Cardiff - c20 Waxwings (TF)

20/12/12

Llanrhidian - 2 Great White Egret (BS)

19/12/12

Sully - 1 Waxwing (JPH)

18/12/12

Oxwich - 1 Black Redstart (IT)

Some Recent News

Today

60+ Waxwing Princes St, Roath & 70+ Waxwing New Zealand Road, Whitchurch , Cardiff (CH)
3 Waxwing Schooner Street, Cardiff (SS)
Bittern still at Swansea Vale NR (per AWF) [probably since 11/12/12]
Black Redstart at Cardiff Bay (GP)
Black Redstart at Pencoed (PL)

Last Weekend

Scaup from Salthouse Point ( 8 on Sat 15th, MHu), (4 on Sun 16th, AL)
Spotted Redshank at Penclawdd Pill (1 on Sat 15th, CDB), (1 on Sun 16th, AL)
2 Waxwing at Cosmeston CP on Sat 15th (MB), (AB) [New for Site]

Llanrhidian roost

Andrew Lucas and I were treated to a Llanrhidian special this evening with lots of good birds. We arrived at Marsh Road around 15:30 and the action continued until it was nearly too dark to see through the telescope.

Almost immediately on arrival a female Hen Harrier showed well and she showed off and on for about 20mins during which time she disturbed a male Hen Harrier that hunted thereafter, till the end. A Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl were found as the light began to fade and pretty quickly after that there were 2 Barn Owl hunting, one showing particularly well. A Merlin flew through and at very last (useful) light 2 Great White Egret flew in together from Llanrhidian Pill.

2 Great White Egret, 2(m+f) Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 2 Barn Owl and 1 Short-eared Owl

Earlier some seawatching from Rhossili was fairly uneventful 3000+ Common Scoter, 12 Red-throated Diver and c200 Auks (mainly Razorbills and activity around the Worm showed many birds returning to ledges)

Recent News - updated #2

Today

Snow Bunting still at Sker (DGC)
Black Redstart on pebble beach at Sker (GR)

Waxwings

No sign today in Neath, at Milland Rd or Stockhams Corner
86 at Fishguard Road, Llanishen, Cardiff (MCP)
4 over MacGregor Row, Maesteg (IL)

Baglan Bay - 7 Wigeon, 1f Common Scoter, 301 Great Crested Grebe (113 Aberavon + 188 Crymlyn) & good numbers of Gulls on Crymlyn Beach (2000+) - mainly Herring Gulls

Yesterday

Snow Bunting still at Sker

Waxwings

1 Morriston (JE)
8 Stockhams Corner, Neath (NE, RJ)
20+ Heath, Cardiff
13 Craddock St, Riverside, Cardiff (AB)

News

Great White Egret seen in flight over Sarn heading east towards Pencoed (PTa)

Black Redstart at Dunraven (NPR)

Waxwings

100+ Heath (DT) +  20 Hamiton St (JR) - Cardiff
9 Stockhams Corner & Milland Road, Neath (Multi obs)
Yesterday - 6+ at Bryn , NPT (PM)

Another casualty!

At least 5 Waxwings have tragically flown in to windows in Roath,4 birds in Bangor st last week and now this one in Roath court rd.

Whooper Swans Cosmeston

I was informed at the C. Bay Starling roost late this afternoon that there were 2 Whoopers at Cosmeston E lake today. Maybe last year's ringed bird has brought in another? CAn't check them out myself as I have to shoot up to London tomorrow.

Waxwings in Neath

At least 10 around the Stockhams Corner roundabout this afternoon, but flighty due to Mistle Thrush there.

Sunday News - updated.

Snow Bunting still present at Sker, this morning (AJ)

Waxwings

c120 Fishguard Road & surrounds, Llanishen, Cardiff (PB) (separate to Heath flock please see comments)

200+ around Rhydelig Avenue, Heath, Cardiff (multi obs)

10 at Margam crematorium briefly, this afternoon. (GM)

2 in Neath. Initially on rose bush, Milland Road (SS74099719) before moving to Stockhams Corner roundabout. Feeding on ornamental berry tree at last light (SS75229694) (RJ et al)

Waxwings:Roath Court Road,Cardiff

c100 birds present in trees opposite Health Clinic at 10.45 this morning until a Sprawk sent them all packing.

Waxwing Update & News

Waxwings were seen at Roath (Roath Court Rd. [c100], Boverton St. [5] & Cathays Cemetery [1]) & Whitchurch 40.
The juv. Pink-footed Goose is at Cosmeston CP with Canada Geese.
Long-tailed  Duck earlier at Burry Port Harbour.
A report of a Richard's Pipit this morning, but no further details.

Waxwing update & News

Waxwings today in Mountain Ash, Maesteg & Cardiff (Heath area [c30], Roath [c30] & Llanishen Res. [1])
Snow Bunting still along the Pink Bay - Sker Point path.

                                                                 (c) G. Roblin

Waxwing update

The map below should show in black, most, if not all, sites where Waxwings have been recorded this winter, up until 5th Dec. It's possible some records from other MapMate users will not appear until their records have been synchronised.
[NB. Large green dots are the period 2000 to 2011 and small green dots show pre 2000 records]

News

1 Snow Bunting at Sker, 50m west of Pink Bay lifeguards station along coast path (GR)

c50 Waxwings heading north over Tesco Neath Abbey, Neath. (EAH)

Recent news

Cardiff area Waxwings (3/12/12)

12 in Barry (SPH)

277+ at roost Bangor Street, Roath (RGS). Earlier 4 were seen to fly into a window in this area and unfortunately died (PKG).

PLEASE NOTE: The sightings of Waxwings feeding in Princes St (Roath) refer to berry trees in Roath Court Road, which is off Princes St - there are NO berry trees in Princes St.

Llanrhidian Marsh (16:00 to 16:45, 2/12/12)

2 Short-eared Owl & 1 Barn Owl (AL)

Swansea Bay & Baglan Bay (2/12/12)

2 separate counts of Great Crested Grebe on this day

From Swansea Docks looking into Bagaln Bay 329, all off Crymlyn Burrows (RJ)

From Blackpill 137+ (BW-D, WW-D)

Single Waxwing outside The Range Newport rd Cardiff,30-11-2012.

News

Whiteford - 3 Velvet Scoter and 1 Great Northern Diver (CDB)

Penmaen - 29 Waxwing flew east over Great Tor (BS)

Neath - 6+ Waxing lower Cimla Road to Dyfed Road (NE)

Cardiff - Waxwing numbers continue to grow at the regular locations. 200+ (multi obs)

Rhaslas Pond - 1 Short-eared Owl, today (CJo); 5 Short-eared Owl (possibly up to 8), yesterday (MB)

Rhossili, Broughton & Crymlyn Burrows

Rhossili (08:00 to 10:30) - 2000+ Common Scoter scattered around the bay. A drake Pintail amongst them seemed unusual, but no sign of the Long-tailed Ducks. 1 Teal flew west, 1 Gannet, 30+ Kittiwake and 4 Red-throated Diver also in the general area. While scanning from the headland at Rhossili a fishing boat/trawler with some sort of separate barge (?) could be seen working beyond the gap between Burry Holms and the mainland, in the Bluepool area.

Broughton (11:20 to 13:00) - Very little on the sea except 2f Common Scoter and 1 Slavonian Grebe. A good search for the Velvet Scoter was unsuccessful here and a wider search found only small groups of Common Scoter just off Burry Holms. Also on the beach at low tide 100+ Brent Geese, those seen well enough were Dark-bellied.

Crymlyn Burrows (14:00 to 16:00) - 26 common Scoter and 191 Great Crested Grebe.

Waxwing Round-up (30/11/12)

(c) M Kirby

A selection of Waxwing reports form the area, today.

Photo showing 23 at Killay, Swansea (MK)

3 near old Vitafoam factory, Maesteg (PPa)

3 at Forge Road, Maesteg (IL)

3 at Llwyn-onn, south end of upper village (MTH)

28 at Asda car park, south Merthyr (MTH)

100+ at Quarrydale Rd area, Rumney, Cardiff (CDe)

100+ at Bangor Street, Roath, Cardiff (DRWG)

Hopefully those who have not yet connected with any Waxwings, including myself, will be able to relax a bit after this weekend.

GRC Important News

Ruddy Duck & Tree Sparrow

As from 1/01/2013 both these species will require a written description or photographic evidence for acceptance in Glamorgan VC41. 

Ruddy Duck is now believed to be present in the UK in numbers of between 60-90 individuals and there have not been any reports from VC41 since Feb. 2011. 

Tree Sparrow is now considered extinct as a breeding species in East Glamorgan and is now only recorded as a very scarce and irregular passage migrant. However there is a proviso concerning Tree Sparrow in West Glamorgan. Records from SW Gower, where the only known colony still in existence in Glamorgan is found, the GRC will waiver all records from this area for the time being. Records from north & east Gower, Swansea & the whole of NPT will however require descriptions.

Rumney waxwings

At least 100 waxwings at Quarrydale/Brachdy Road at 08.40 this morning. (Image shows 94 birds).

Waxwing sightings

Waxwing numbers and distribution seems to have burst into action today so a little summary seems to be appropriate.

Cardiff

50+ at Quarrydale Road, Brachdy Road, Ty Mawr Road...  Rumney area (many obs)

c50 at Fishguard Rd, Llanishen (many obs)

1 at Rhydhelig Ave, Heath (AK)

Elsewhere

8 flying over J35 M4, Pencoed (PT)

16 flew north near Treorchy (NPR)

Late news from yesterday

1 at Penmaen, Gower (per DKT)

Baglan Bay seawatching

Flat calm conditions allowed a decent opportunity to get a good count from the bay at low tide, today. 42 Common Scoter were feeding close to the shipping channel on the Crymlyn Burrows side. Small flocks of Common Scoter appear to be using the bay more frequently and today's birds, as mentioned earlier, were actively feeding which I've noticed infrequently at this site by this species. The Great Cresred Grebe numbered 263 in total (51 Aberavon Beach + 212 Crymlyn Burrows). A cold winter ahead may well force the numbers of Grebes in the bay over 400 which occurred in January 2011 and was a special sight.

Maesteg cemetery.

                                  4 Waxwing today, feeding in a Yew tree just behind the small
                                  chapel, 100 yards inside the main gate. Found by Colin Gittins.

Great White Egrets

2 Great White Egrets from Llanrhidian this evening. Also 2 male Hen Harriers. (CG)

Waxwings - Baglan Energy Park

(c) J Evans

 Julian has kindly provided a couple of stunning images of the Waxwings that he discovered yesterday morning at The Quays. His good fortune continued this morning when he found 3 at 09:30 which flew from near the Baglan Res towards Baglan. 5 where noted at this same location (SS740927) later on at 12:30 (GL), but a regular feeding location appears more difficult to locate. The sightings today are accessed from the roudabout at Seaway Parade, and the second roundabout in is being defended by a Mistle Thrush with other suitable berry banks nearby; this area may well produce the goodies in weeks to come.

(c) J Evans

Pink-footed Goose

Juv/1st-w, unringed and of unknown origin, Cardiff Bay late morning until at least 1.30 p.m. with Canada Geese, viewable from the boardwalk. Found and photographed by Alex Bevan.

Waxwing update

1) 20+ seen at The Quays, Briton Ferry by (JE) this morning at 10:00. Third hand information suggest that these birds were present for about 30mins. A little later (LR) saw 3 in the same area. Since then there has been a regular presence of birders at this location, and none have observed the birds to return.
I'm reliably informed that this area has turned up Waxwings in the past and there are still rose hips available to encourage them to return. The lay-by from where the birds have been seen is 300m along the road from the SW exit of the Briton Ferry roundabout (A48) (SS 7368 9348)

NB - It seems likely that the report of 20+ at The Quays, Barry, this morning, is a mistake and probably relates to this sighting?

2) 2 Waxwing were reported by main road, Tesco car park, Swansea this afternoon. (Unknown Obs)

3) 12 Waxwing on Princes Street, Roath 10.30 a.m. Present for 30 mins before flying off. Later seen near Albany Road. Not seen since. (per GBC (D?))

Friday News

1 Great White Egret flew west over Lamby Lake at 14:00 (SPH, NA)

1 Ad Kumlien's Gull was briefly at Cosmeston East Pool at 14:30 (DR)

Waxwings

(c) P Tabor

Today - 8 around Ty Mawr Rd either side of midday. Showing periodically but briefly (PT). Also reports of lesser numbers from the nearby New Road today.

Yesterday - 10 Waxwing low through Tesco carpark, Maesteg, at 16:00 (CR). No sign today (PT), but this does follow 7/8 seen flying along Llynfi river, Maesteg, at 09:35 on 19/11/12 (IL)

Great White Egrets

2 off Llanrhidian this morning at 11:35 (WT)

Waxwings - Quarrydale, Rumney

5 waxwings at Quarrydale, Rumney from 10am.
7 were here on and off throughout Tuesday but were joined by another 9 at 14.45 so two small groups in the area.

Rumney, Cardiff

At least 7 waxwings still at Quarrydale Road Rumney this am.
Also a report of 4 around the Fidlas rd area in Llanishen last weekend.

Velvet video

Some video footage of the Velvet Scoter present at Broughton Bay on 15/11/12 can be found on the link below.

Velvet Scoter video - click here

Waxwings - Quarrydale, Rumney

7 Waxwings in the two berry trees in Ty Mawr Road, Rumney this morning from 08.15.
The birds did not roost in these trees overnight probably due to the two mistle thrushes heavily defending them.
Note. This is actually Quarrydale which is the continuation of Ty Mawr Road.

Update... 16 waxwings @ 12.45

Rumney - Waxwings

Waxwings still this morning but mobile due to the Mistle Thrushes. From 4, early on, now at least 7 in the berry trees along Quarry Dale. The birds have also been seen nearby in roadside trees, near the bus stop, along New Road. (PKG)

Waxwings - Ty Mawr Road

(c) D Pritchard

(c) D Pritchard

(c) D Pritchard

Waxwings - Rumney

12 Waxwings this afternoon were coming to feed for brief periods in the two large heavily berry-laden trees in Quarry Dale, Rumney about 100m up from it's junction with New Road, where the shops are. Quarry Dale is an extension of Ty Mawr Road where the birds were reported on the GBC site yesterday. A couple of Mistle Thrushes are trying to maintain control of these trees. The Waxwings are quite flighty and don't stay for very long, but they keep coming back.

Waxwings in Cardiff

6 Waxwings were reported in a tree in Ty Mawr Road, Rumney, by an observer on the GBC site who was doing a BTO winter thrush survey. Don't think anyone else has yet checked that out. I might try 2moro.

News

Today

Neath River - 1 Spotted Redshank flew up river with Redshank towards Brunel Dock(CGi)
(later the Spotted Redshank was seen feeding with Redshank in Brunel Dock. However, it departed and flew further up river after a short time and could not be relocated (11:15 MHi, CHi). Hopefully this bird will stick in the area for a while and Brunel Dock will be a good place to look for it just before and just after high tide). (SS735935)

Baglan Bay - 22 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Diver and 80+ Great Crested Grebe (CGi)

Yesterday

Margam Railway Sidings - 1 Firecrest and 1 Brambling over (CGi)

Portobello, Ogmore - 1 Water Pipit (NPR)

South-west Gower

Broughton

The 4 Velvet Scoter, found by Chris Brewer on Saturday, have now increased to 5. I've tentatively classed all as f/imm since all appear to show a pale area behind the bill. One, or possibly two, in the group show male features to me.

The group were often split up 4+1 in the bay and showed no real intention of sicking with the 100+ Common Scoter, which was just as well since the majority of them flew off and out of sight, early on. The Velvet Scoters were a little mobile, but only making short flights, and remained on view from 07:30 till 09:00. Occasionally other duck would fly in to join them; these included small groups of Common Scoter which was nice for comparison (see below), also a Red-breasted Merganser and later a Wigeon (both drakes) settled with the Velvet Scoter briefly.

5 Velvet Scoter are the back most birds almost in a line

The best place to look for them appears to be from Minor Point, shown on the OS Map (SS 409 931). During the walk to get there at first light a Short-eared Owl was hunting the dunes and a very nice flock of 25+ Purple Sandpiper flew past heading west.


Rhossili Bay

Further to the reports on RBA and Birdguides, yesterday, the 2 female type Long-tailed Duck were still with the "closest" group of Common Scoter. Their number again, easily, 3000+. 3 Tufted Duck flew around the Bay for a while and 3 Red-throated Diver were also present.

It was also very nice to meet up with, albeit briefly, the EGBC field trip group - John W, Alan R et al. Alan R had picked up another Velvet Scoter in with the closest Common Scoter flock and hopefully there's more nice stuff to come from their very well attended gathering.

50th EGBR - non bird news so plse excuse

I have just taken delivery of the 50th Edn [2011] of the Bird Report for E Glam. Launch event is on Tues 20th at KNNR, 19:30. Copies will be handed out to GBC members who attend, and there will be a couple of short PPT presentations and refreshments and a open discussion afterwards.

Aberavon / Baglan Bay

2 f/imm Black Redstart were inside the BP Baglan fence. Around the buildings and rubble piles in the NW corner (SS726916)

On the sea 4f Common Scoter,1 Red-throated Diver, 83 Great Crested Grebe and an impressive site count of 41 Guillemot off Aberavon Beach. Also of note nearby 150+ Common Gulls on the playing fields.

Elsewhere, Rhossili Bay produced bird news alerts, this morning, concerning 2 Long-tailed Duck in with the Scoter flock

Great White Egrets

2 again, this morning (10:00), from Llanrhidian. (WT)

Hoopoe sighting

I have received a call from SPH (13:30) stating that he had seen a Hoopoe in Llancadle. A search is presently still underway to relocate the bird. More news when we have it.
Update: Unfortunately not seen again since original sighting.

Sunday News

Llanrhidian - 1+ Great White Egret in the Burry (possibly 3). Also Red Kite, 2 (m+ringtail) Hen Harrier, Merlin, Green Sandpiper & 2 Barn Owl (SM. PM)

Rhaslas Pond - 1 (sub-ad m) Hen Harrier and 6 Short-eared Owls (MB)

Mynydd Bach - 2(f) Ring Ouzel at Torcerrig Farm (CR)

Kenfig Pool - 1(f) Long-tailed Duck still (DJ)

Broughton Bay - 4 (m+3fem/imm) Velvet Scoter still (MHu)

Salthouse Point - 1 Great White Egret (MHu)

Cardiff Bay - 5 Scaup still, off Prospect Place (DA)

News

4 Velvet Scoter (1m+3imm/fem) at Blue Pool Bay, NW of Burry Holms. Also 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose with D-b Brent's at Broughton Bay. (CB)

1 Water Pipit at Portobello, Ogmore Estuary. (NPR)

Black Redstarts +

1m Llwynypia Hospital 7 to 8/11/12 (KH)

1m ad Cardiff Bay Barrage 7 to 8/11/12 (GP)
1m 1st Yr Cardiff Bay Barrage 6 to 7/11/12 (GP), (JDW)

1m ad Sker 5 to 7/11/12 (per DGC), (MHn, PPa), (GR)

1 Pennard Cemetry 4/11/12 (BW-D, WW-D)


Snow Buntings

No sign 5/11/12
2 Pink Bay to Sker 4/11/12 (A?)
3 Pink Bay to Sker 3/11/12 (GR, CR)


Baglan Bay 8/11/12

The BP grounds scanned for Black Redstarts but none so far. On the sea a small group of Common Scoter (16) and 232 Great Crested Grebes ((35 Abreavon + 197 Crymlyn)
Nearby a Jack Snipe was with 22 Snipe at Panasonic site, Baglan Moors.
Following one at Merthyr Mawr 3/11/12 (DCB)

Lavernock Point

Hawfinch (1) >S

Also Redpoll (5) <N, Swallow (1) & Common Crossbill (4) moving west + good numbers of thrushes and finches, although not in the numbers reported there in previous days. (DRWG)

Long-tailed Duck video

I've put together a video showing the LTD present at Rhossili bay 21/10/12 to 25/10/12(at least) and Kenfig Pool 28/10/12 to 5/11/12(at least) on the link below.

LTD video - click here

News

Sker - 1m Black Redstart and 2juv Wheartear, but no sign of yesterday's Snow Buntings (MHn, PPa)

Kenfig Pool - Long-tailed Duck sill present (DL)

Baglan Bay - Great Crested Grebes on view from the dunes now totalling 199 birds. Of these 120 were off Aberavon Beach and 79 off Crymlyn Burrows. Also a female Common Scoter with the Grebes and 1 Red-throated Diver also in the bay.

Great Grey Shrike near Carn Brynllydan

A Great Grey Shrike was watched in a remote part of NPT by Nick Edwards, this afternoon. It was using the Bwlch Ffos Opencast area and watched flying around the machinery (not operational today) located there. Nick describes the area as being the top of Glyn Castle road, which is useful as a means of choosing a starting point to access the site. However, quarrying activities will be fully operational during the week and caution is advised if trying to look for this bird; it may not even be possible to enter this area during operational hours? Another point of access could be from the Glyncorrwg side. The grid ref for today's bird is SN 8697 0182

Barn Owl - Ferry Rd - Cardiff

poss unusual for Cardiff UA in the city surrounds itself - a Barn Owl was report as hunting around near the Aldi supermarket by the Ferry Road complex on 3rd Nov at 18:30.

Snow Bunting at Werfa

 The Snow Bunting found by Dave Cornish, on Sunday, was still present this morning and showing well. It was a little further along the track to the NW, today, at SS91129439

Whooper Swan and Long-tailed Duck

The 1st winter/female long-tailed duck was present this morning on Kenfig Pool. The swan was there until about 10am when the resident mute swans chashed it and it flew off south-east. There was no sign of the pink-footed goose.

Long-billed Dowitcher Glamorganside

Whooper Swan (c) R.H.A. Taylor
 Broad Pool 28th October 2012

(c) R.H.A. Taylor
Penclacwydd (VC44) 28th October 2012

The Long-billed Dowitcher was with a mixed godwit and Knot flock on the rising tide around 3pm today. When the tide eventually pushed the birds off the mudflats they flew across the river to the Carmartheshire side and the bird appeared in front of the hide at Penclacwydd around 4.20pm. I suspect the best time for seeing it in Glamorgan is on the falling or rising tide. There are good numbers of feeding Bar-wits, Black-wits and Knot visible from Dalton's Point during these periods and I connected on my third check here since yesterday morning - good luck!

Glamorgan News

A nice selection of news, today, from around the county.

Kenfig Pool - 1 Whooper Swan, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 female Long-tailed Duck and also 1 Great Northern Diver. The diver only stayed briefly, but the others were still present till midday, at least. (DGC) & later (GP)

Werfa - 1 female Snow Bunting this afternoon at SS914942 (DCo)

Mynydd Bach - 2 male Ring Ouzel (CR)

Mumbles Hill - 2 Ring Ouzel this morning. 1st W male + 1st W female (MHi, RJ)

Bracelet Bay - 14 Common Scoter(w) and 1 Red-throated Diver(e)

Swansea Bay - 11 Wigeon, 6 Teal and 31 Great Crested Grebe

Late news from yesterday

Lavernock Point - 1 Firecrest (AB)

Mumbles Hill

Rob Jones found a male Ring Ouzel and a couple of Firecrests at Mumbles Hill early morning. I later joined him and a further search of the area found the male Ring Ouzel still present and showing infrequently till 15:00. Also at least 3 Firecrests were seen in quick succession, but none after 11:00. Otherwise 3 Blackcaps were around the scrub. Overhead migration was fairly constant with good numbers: 300+ Goldfinch, 3 Redpoll, 4 Siskin, 400+ Chaffinch and 1 Swallow seem worth of note.

Bittern - Cosmeston

A Bittern was seen at 10:30 this morning by Ceri Jones from Barry. It flew out of the E lake reeds by the boardwalk and settled back in again.

Ring Ouzels

Two of the four Ring Ouzels reported from Dan-y-darren Quarry by Mike Hogan 25/10/12. The two pictured show a lot of white feathering on the head.

Scaup at Cardiff Bay

A couple of record shots of two of the imm drake Scaup at Prospect Place on 23rd. The third drake had just one small grey feather showing on the side I could see.

Long-tailed Duck still in Rhossili Bay

1f Long-tailed Duck still with Common Scoter in Rhossili Bay. Similarly to Sunday, she seems to prefer being with the Scoter that are closest to the car park, but can also be found alone in the same general area. There were well in excess of 3000 Common Scoter between The Worm and Burry Holms. A search for a scarcer Scoter among the Scoter flocks was unsuccessful, but hopefully the Scoter numbers will remain high around Rhossili Bay this winter and surely with it a chance of a Surf or two. Elsewhere, the eclipse Eider was still around the causeway and 2 Merlins past, offshore while heading east, which brought an angry reaction from one of the local Peregrines.
Overhead passage was nowhere near as busy as on Sunday and the most notable migrants being a female Blackcap and 30+ Redwings.

Lavernock Point & LNR

The highlight was a Firecrest (top stubble field hedgerow) in with mixed flock.

Viz-mig was good with Goldfinch & Chaffinch being the most numerous. Also Lesser Redpoll, Brambling, Sky Lark & Linnet. Good numbers of Wood Pigeon & Goldcrests there too. House Martin was the only hirundine. Peregrine over cliffs. 26 Lapwing >NE was unusual for site. [JDW, PB & DRWG]
Late news: Wryneck at Aberthaw 12th Oct [R. Brockway] & Sedge Warbler there 21st Oct [per SPH]

Black Reds at Nash Pt. ++

Two Black Redstarts around the lighthouse complex this am [DCB]. Still there at 13.00hrs.
Two more Hawfinches over at Lavernock [PB]
Still 6 Greater Scaup at Cardiff Bay.

Lavernock Pt.

Two Hawfinches over NE and 11 Brambling. Good numbers of winter thrushes noted. Several Scaup seen at CBWR. There has been a good fall of migrants along the east coast of England, and the weather looks good for a couple days, viz-mig could be rewarding at coastal locations.

VC41 News

Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Lisvane Res. this pm

Snow Bunting still at Pink Bay, showing really well [per PB]

A Great White Egret at Llanrhidian on Gower & another OOC at WWT (VC44).

Late News [21/10/12]: Snow Bunting & Water Pipit at Berges Is./Whiteford Point also 2 Slav Grebes off shore [MHu].

News

Snow Bunting still, near the Pink Bay Lifeguard Station at 08:15 (GR)

Yellow-browed Warbler at Mewslade Valley between 10:50 to 11:10 (RJ)
(This bird was not relocated this afternoon despite searching the area 12:50 to 16:00 (MHi, RJ))

Balearic Shearwater feeding in Port Eynon Bay, late morning (BS)

Great White Egret at Llanrhidian Marsh, below Leason, 11:15 (WT)

    A Jack Snipe at Forest Farm 21/10/12, a species with few photos in VC41. (c) Cliff Woodhead

Sabine's Gull at Rhossili

A juvenile Sabine's Gull was feeding with Black-headed Gulls south of the lookout station at Rhossili, around 10:00. Presumably the same bird as yesterday? Nearby a female Long-tailed Duck was with c250 Common Scoter in Rhossili Bay, till 12:30 at least. Also an eclipse Eider over the causeway and a Red-throated Diver in Rhossili Bay. Common Scoter numbers between Worms Head and Burry Holms 750+

Sabine's Gull off Common Cliff

A juvenile Sabine's Gull was feeding with an aggregation of Mediterranean Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes, over the sea offshore from Common Cliff, this afternoon. It was first located at 14:30 and was watched on and off till 16:00. Despite numerous attempts to close the distance, to enable some kind of record shot it kept moving eastwards. Good numbers of Med Gulls here also seems worthy of note, with in excess of 30 birds. A Whinchat nearby was the most noteworthy passerine from the day.

Poor distant video of the bird can be found on the link below

juv Sabine's Gull video

Snow bunting

News

A Snow Bunting along the coastal path by Royal Porthcawl GC between Rest Bay & Sker Point [DGC]
A Hawfinch at Radyr floodplain [GJJ]
A late juv. Pied Flycatcher at Mewslade, Gower [CB]
Ring Ouzel, Brambling & Whinchat at Witches Point, Southerndown [CG & PP]

pink-footed goose at Ogmore estuary

Lesser Scaup

The returning drake Lesser Scaup was at Cosmeston Lakes today [per MCP]

Great White Egret at Llanrhidian

1 from Llanrhidian mid-morning (WT)

Baglan Bay Seawatching

Baglan Bay- recent seawatching summary 7/10/12 to 19/10/12

19/10/12 - 4 Common Scoter, 1(juv) Gannet, 14 Great Crested Grebe
15/10/12 - 3 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 22 Great Crested Grebe
11/10/12 - 2 Wigeon, 8 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, 13 Great Crested Grebe
10/10/12 - 1f/imm Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Great Crested Grebe
07/10/12 - 2 P-b Brents, 1 Red-throated Diver, 5 Great Crested Grebe

Water Pipits

At least two Water Pipits were seen on the very high tide this am at Sluice Farm (Gwent) [PB & RP] and another was seen feeding with meadow pipits & pied wagtails on flotsam along the base of the seawall 400yds past the county boundary (RGW, Cardiff).

Pink-footed Goose

A Pink-footed Goose was in with a large flock Canada Geese at the Ogmore Estuary [NPR]

Wood Lark over Lavernock Point, 15/10/12

Wood Lark flew over church at Lavernock Point, yesterday morning. Also Ring Ouzel nearby. (ABv)

Yellow-browed Warbler at St. Mellons, Cardiff 15/10/12 [AP]

Wryneck at Crymlyn Burrows

A record shot of the Wryneck at Crymlyn Burrows, today. It was quite flighty, but showing regularly while working an area of dunes near a concentration of Broom (SS709928), at 10:20. It showed well in this area for about 20mins and then again later on, in the same general area at 13:30.

Sabine's gull, Heritage coast.

Paul Tabor and I were surprised to see a juv Sabine's gull at 10AM this morning, in light winds and clear skies for a change. The bird came in off the sea at Cwm mawr and flew up the valley, heading east towards Wick.
Cwm mawr is just south of Dunraven at SS895 772.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Crymlyn Burrows

First seen, briefly, with Tit flock at 13:00, from the track at very west end of wood (SS703929) (RJ)

Later seen, briefly, with Tit flock at 15:00, from the sandy track in Sycamores (SS706930)  (GR)

Great White Egret at Leason

Still around favouring the small pools out on the marsh - viewed from the hill at Leason this afternoon. My first Hen Harrier of the autumn too, a very smart male hunting the marsh, then perched up in fabulous light.

Wood Lark flyover at Lavernock Point

1 Wood Lark flew over heading SW at 12:11 (JR)

Yellow-browed Warblers at Norton Wood, Ogmore

2 present this morning at 09:03 (DCB)

1 showing with Tit flock, but very mobile at 10:25 (JS)

Late News

Late News: Quail at Rhossili 12/10/12 - Chris Brewer

Bearded Tit at Kenfig Saltmarsh 12/10/12 - KNNR

Yellow-browed Warbler at Cosmeston

yellow browed warbler, between the two observation points at 11.30am

 From Jeff Curtis (Glamorgan Birds)

Wood Larks in Gower

1 Wood Lark at Mewslade, 01 Oct 12 (Philip Croft)
1 Wood Lark at Oxwich, 07 Oct 12 (P. Douglas-Jones & H.E. Grenfell)

Leucistic sp.

Not a rarity I know so plse 'scuse, but observer would appreciate an opinion To me looks like part leucistic Chaffinch with v pale bare parts - any other ideas? White rump presumably just due to the leucism.