Great Grey Shrike still at Mynydd Marchywel

© A. John

The Great Grey Shrike was in the second of the 2 clear fell areas mentioned below, today. It showed fairly well for those joining me on the GOS field trip that was focused on seeing a Great Grey Shrike. Of the 7 that joined me today it was a lifer for 5 of them, which made the day feel extra special.
Lots of other upland species performed for us today in the stunning weather. Of particular note, generally lots of Stonechat pairs about, including some truly stunning males.
No further sign of the prob Two-barred Crossbill during extensive searches over the last 2 days.

Great Grey Shrike at Mynydd Marchywel

A Great Grey Shrike appeared from the fog at Mynydd Marchywel, early afternoon. It showed briefly in a dead tree before disappearing into the murk. Historically, Great Grey Shrikes favour two patches of clear fell in this area one at SN772044, where this bird was seen today, and another at SN765051.

Probable Two-barred Crossbill at Mynydd Marchywel

Rob Jones, Darren Coombs and me did a preliminary search for Great Grey Shrike at Mynydd Marchywel, today, ahead of the GOS field trip planned for Sunday. Around late morning Rob got a brief view of a Crossbill sp sitting on a Sitka Spruce with 3 or more Common Crossbills. Rob described the bird he saw as having bold white wing bars. However, he did not notice any white tips to the tertials on the bird before it flew. Neither Darren or I got views of the bird before it flew and it's flight took it directly away from us. None of us heard it's diagnostic call.
A further search of the area until dusk brought no further sign of the bird. Small groups of Common Crossbills were seen intermittently through the rest of the day in groups of 8, 5, 3, 3 & 2 plus some heard only birds. There is an area of Scott's Pine next to the forestry track at SN773044 and an area of  Larch 1km SW of it. Birds seemed to be commuting between the 2 areas.
This area is a bit of a hike but can be accessed via forestry tracks that join onto St Illtyd's Walk. The St Illtyd's Walk can be picked up just west of Crynant (SN78890455).

Ring-billed Gull at Loughor Bridge

An adult Ring-billed Gull was south of the Loughor Bridge, this morning. (PL, and later BS)

(c) Paul Larkin

Kumlien's Gull at Ogmore

An adult Kumlien's Gull was at the river mouth at Orgmore, late morning, before flying upriver. (NPR)

The Cosmeston B t diver. Nice find Lol Middleton.

News

BTD still at Cosmeston CP this am. [MCP]

Ring-billed Gulls at Blackpill

2 adult Ring-billed Gulls this evening at Blackpill - with the tide right out it was a 1km+ walk out to them, but well worth it as there was very little disturbance. Video HERE

Yesterday, the 2 Great White Egrets were still at Llanrhidian,

News

Pair of Common Scoter on Lisvane Res this pm also 1st W Little Gull & pair of Goosander still Cardiff Bay mid afternoon [MCP & DRWG]. Male Black Redstart still on barrage.

Cardiff Bay

Early morning visit to Cardiff Bay Wetland. A good gathering of gulls, of note: 3rd winter yellow-legged gull, 1st winter med gull and 3 great black backed gulls. 1st winter little gull still in the bay.