GRC News

From 01/01/2016 Smew & Tree Sparrow are now both GRC Description species in VC41. From 01/01/2017 Red-necked Grebe & Smew will become WRP Description species.

From 01/01/2017 & following current trends, Marsh Harrier will be dropped from the current VC41 D-List. However the GRC may ask for descriptions when thought necessary.

Long-tailed Duck is still under review by the GRC.

Photographs for the next (2015) Annual Bird Report

Before 'Photographer' Members file away their bird photos for last year please be aware that I am collecting high quality pictures taken in Eastern Glamorgan in 2015 for possible inclusion in the 2015 EASTERN GLAMORGAN Annual Bird Report to be published later in 2016.
I will try, as usual, to include some of the work of all who submit photos of Rare Birds, Uncommon Birds and exceptional photos of common birds etc. Preference will be given to rare and uncommon species and photographs of those commoner ones that have NOT featured in the last few bird reports.
Please send on CD via mail to R.G SMITH 35 Manor Chase, Beddau, Pontypridd CF382JD. OR you can send via www.wetransfer.com to rgsmith@birdpix.freeserve.co.uk - this is an excellent service for transfer of large files and is free!!! If sending just a few then email will be fine.
Looking forward to receiving lots of great shots - any queries please call or text or message on 01443 205816.
Thank you.

GGS at Coed Craig Ruperra

I have received some pix and an account of the GGS reported at Coed Craig Ruperra on Sat 27th, by GBC member Andrew Bevan. I have forwarded these on to Jake.

Glaucous Gull CBWR (27th update)

The first year Glaucous Gull found by Graham Smith at midday was on the edge of the wetland reserve and further out in the Bay until at least 14:00.

Three distant shots for the record:

Closer views on Saturday morning (27th) from Llwyn Passat so a couple of shots for better comparison with the Knap bird.

Glaucous Gull at Aberthaw

1st W Glaucous Gull at Aberthaw 22/02/16 seen by Graham Smith. Looks like the Knap moving down channel.

Bute Park

Firecrest in the trees near the entrance ramp off N Road at 10:30. Last seen flying into trees near the canal.

Managed a record shot before it flew towards the canal.

About 50 minutes after I saw this bird I had a Firecrest 800m to the north in the NE corner of the playing fields at the edge of the wooded area before Blackweir. Given the time and distance a second bird?

News

Valentine's Day birding news:
1st W Glaucous Gull still at the Knap Pool [GNS]
Male Black Redstart at Swanbridge [var obs]
Two Great White Egrets & Hen Harrier (ringtail) at Llanrhidian Marsh [AJ]

Water Pipit at Crofty

These have been much more elusive than usual in the Burry this winter.

So just how large are Glaucous Gulls v Lesser BB?

Glaucous Gull at The Knap 01/02/2016