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.