Lavernock 30th Nov

For the record, here is a shot of the Pom Skua noted by Gareth in the post below, taken by Lol Middleton and posted here with his permission.

Lavernock Seawatch

Seawatch from 0800 - 1230. Others in attendance who might add more. 1 pomarine skua (pale phase adult with incomplete spoons) - lingered off the point for at least a couple of hours giving excellent views, was undoubtedly the highlight. Additional sightings as following:

1 distant skua sp. (prob pom)
4 bonxie
3 guillemot
1 brent goose
3 wigeon
150+ kittiwakes

Interestingly two tankers heading up the estuary were followed closely by flocks of some 30 kittiwakes each. I am sure these flocks encouraged the skuas into the estuary.

My first seawatch here for a while as I have previously been disappointed by the lack of birds. I now have renewed faith in Lavernock.

Whooper Swan at Fendrod Lake (22/11/15)

© P. Smith

Nice capture of the Whooper Swan by Peter Smith at Fendrod Lake, found at 08:00am yesterday by Rob Taylor. Whoopers at this location very rarely stay long and this bird was no different, having departed by 09:00.

CBWR Firecrest

Great to see this from the boardwalk at 08:30 this morning. In the bushes for about 10 minutes then last seen looking like it was going to work its way up the hedge towards the yacht club gates.

Managed a couple of shots for the record.

Great grey shrikes.

                         The Afon argoed bird from Saturday.

                        The Mynydd margam bird from Sunday.
                        Possibly the same bird? The distance between sites is about 3km.
                        Both photos by Paul Tabor.
                     

Snow Goose feeding / lookout strategy

Mention has been made about the waryness or was it awareness of the Snow Geese at KNNR this week.
A feature of this is their sharing of eating / drinking so that some are aware and some are engaged in feeding
or drinking and then they swap over role as a sub - group.  In this way the sentry's can alert those otherwise engaged.
These shots were taken in early Nov. in Manitoba, Canada - and these are truly wild geese - however they showed no interest in me at a distance of about 30 yards - so maybe they are not that wary after all?

News

News of a Pom Skua past Lavernock this am [GNS]

EGBR 2104

Not bird news but pleased [and relieved!] to announce that the 2014 East Glam Bird Report is now with the printer. Just awaiting a costing before giving the go ahead to print but I took away a proof copy which he prepared while I watched him in action. Impressive.

Snow Geese at Kenfig Pool

© N.Donaghy

6 Snow Geese were feeding in the fields along Kenfig Pool's east shore this morning. An unusual record to say the least and their origin will in all likelihood remain a mystery. A series of strong Atlantic weather systems, large flocks of feral geese (including Snow Geese) in Holland and a local occasionally free flying captive flock (up to 9 birds) that spent the night at the Gnoll Rugby Ground on 20th October might all come into consideration when trying to work out where they've come from.
Of the observers that have seen them, the common theme is that they appear wary.
Thanks to ND, JC, GP et al for the reports.

Water Pipit at Penclawdd

When I was scanning the estuary from the car park just west of Dalton's Point this morning, there were 6 or more Rock/Water Pipits flitting around calling constantly, but never landing in view. One or two at least appeared to have striking white bellies so I played Water Pipit song on my phone and after about 5 minutes a rather smart Water Pipit landed about 5m from the car. Great binocular views, but unfortunately by the time I'd focussed my scope and got the camera on my phone ready it had disappeared. I must take the proper camera next time.