Lesser Scaup

drake Lesser Scaup present today at Cosmeston in far RH corner of W lake, near the hide.

Info concerning 'Caspian Gull'

Caspian Gull (Larus argentatus cachinnans)

Up to 2000 this race was considered by BBRC, since then it is now a Welsh rarity and adjudicated by the WRP. As I understand, it is still not on the Welsh list, however there have been sightings as recently as 2008 in Gwent, which is still in circulation. I am also aware that all sightings of this race must come with a very good photograph[s], to help confirm this race as a Welsh bird.

Pink-footed Geese

Still present at KNNR this morning. They are feeding in the fields around Heol Ton, near the reserve centre and then flying down to the pool. [report per: OJL, DCB & ND]

Eglwys Nunydd Res

The female Lesser Scaup & Slavonian Grebe are still present at the reservoir both in the reedy bay area. [Report M. Hipkin]

Slavonian Grebe on Eglwys

A bit of Grebe movement about at the moment, it seems. Today, a Slavonian Grebe was showing well in the NW corner of the reservoir. Associating loosely with some Goldeneye at first but later on it's own. Almost a year to the day when M Hnatiuk and E Hunter had a single bird 27th February 2010. That bird didn't stay long, only one day, hopefully this one will.

Black-necked Grebe in Cardiff Bay

A Black-necked Grebe has joined the Slavonian Grebe at Prospect Place inlet, near the Ice Rink in Cardiff Bay. [Report by A. Bevan]

Slavonian Grebe in Cardiff

Still present showing in Prospect Pl., Cardiff Bay near ice rink. [photo & observation DJJ & GJJ]
[Present 1st Mar. at same location]

Lapland Buntings gone?

Negative reports from the Paviland stubble fields of over the last couple of days suggest that the Lapland Bunting flock may have moved on? This makes Mark's sighting of 22 on the 12th Feb the last record.

Redpoll species

A "frosty" looking Redpoll species turned up in the garden late afternoon today. A quick look at it had me running for the camera with high hopes of a Mealy Redpoll in mind. My initial indicators were the pale flanks and white wing-bar.

 I didn't have too much time to look through the books after taking the photos but, a quick call to Barry this evening led me to a very good Redpoll article online. Having read through the article now it looks like this bird is an adult female Lesser Redpoll. The females especially show a great deal of similarities and I can appreciate the WRP's recent notification regarding Mealy Redpolls. Many other more experienced observers  may even have identified this species straight off but, I was surprized to find areas like the pale rump and larger appearance may have a lot of overlap with Lesser Redpoll.

 These last 2 photos have been brightened up a lot and the bottom one was also taken through a window. I just wanted to illustrate the size of this bird next to a Siskin. I've had Lesser Redpolls before but, I've never noticed one as pale as this one before.

The dark head with a lack of more defined facial markings and the quite dark uppertail-coverts seem to suggest Lesser Redpoll? Please feel free to shed more light on this area.

Lesser Scaup (male)

The male Lesser Scaup is still present at Cosmeston CP today viewed from the West Lake.