County Recorder

As from 1/10/2016 Phil Bristow will be the new CR for East Glamorgan, as I am retiring from the post after 8 years. I would like to thank all our local birders for the support given to me and the GRC over the years. It's been a great honour and a privilege to be CR for East Glamorgan, however it's time to move and I know you'll all give Phil a good welcome. Sincere thanks to all Glamorgan birders. Cheers Jake.

Cwm Cadlan

Hen Harrier at Cwm Cadlan 15/09/2016 found by Bob Griffiths.

Lapland Bunting at Rhossili

Great to stumble across a very approachable Lapland Bunting at Rhossili, this morning. It was showing along the track down from the NT car park that passes through The Vile (SS411877). I watched it along the same 30m stretch of track on three occasions between 09:10 and 16:30, and on each occasion it was tucking into some Equal-leaved Knotgrass.
The bunting's patience and endearing tameness allowed me to optimistically attempt a record shot using my iPhone's camera lined up with my bins. Knowing now how awkward it is to get anything decent from that combo, I can't imagine me using it for a Pallas's Warbler. It would be nice to give it a go though, especially somewhere in Glamorgan!

Wryneck : Dunraven

Few images of the Wryneck from yesterday evening.......

Wryneck at Dunraven

A Wryneck was found this afternoon at Dunraven by Dave Ripley. The bird favoured the area around the car park approach road, just up from the toilet block.

Little Gull Cardiff Bay

Very smart juvenile Little Gull in Cardiff Bay. Very close into the shore at first just north of the Harbour Authority compound but last seen feeding out from the sails.

Important News

Llanishen & Lisvane Reservoirs are to be closed to the public for at least the next 12 months due to maintenance work on the reservoirs. The infrastructure of the reservoirs walls/banks & the work to bring Llanishen back into service will mean that heavy plant will have to be used, thus H&S decrees that the public will have to be kept out whilst this important work takes place. Viewing will be from the platform at the Blackoak Road entrance only.

As for the concerns of the local birding element - I'll quote Laurel & Hardy: "That's another fine mess you've got me into!"

Wryneck in Cardiff

A Wryneck was found in Grangetown, Cardiff this am by Amy Schwartz. The first in the capital since 2012.

Grey Phalarope at Lisvane Res.

Found by Alan & Jess Cripps 5th & still present 6th. Photo by Jess Cripps. The first at the Reservoir since 1983.