Lavernock Point

A Firecrest was at the church this morning found by AB. Also two Spotted Flycatchers, several Willow Warbler, a Blackcap and a few Chiffchaff. There was a constant stream of Swallows with some House Martins heading east. Many Meadow Pipits going east also.

Curlew Sandpiper

Dean Bolt found this gorgeous Curlew Sandpiper at Portobello, Ogmore Estuary this evening. I was lucky to grab a couple of shots before the light went.

Colour-ringed Sanderlings

On the 6th September there were a minimum of 3 colour-ringed Sanderlings at Crymlyn Burrows beach. Incredibly they all came close enough to frame in one photo, but unfortunately I wasn't able to get the full details of the sleeping bird. The other two I did get.

Front left is G2YYWG was ringed in May 2011 in Iceland. The only places this bird has been recorded away from Iceland is North Uist in May 2012 [D. Winnard] and Crymlyn Burrows in May 2013 [M. Hipkin, R. Jones] & September 2014 [M. Hipkin].

Rear right is G3WGBR was ringed in May 2013 in Iceland. Subsequently this bird was seen at Kenfig Rivermouth in September 2013 [R.E. Thomas], then a couple of times in Iceland in May 2014 and Crymlyn Burrows in September 2014 [M. Hipkin]

Guillemot at Ogmore Estuary

Not a rare bird, but certainly an unusual occurrence. This Guillemot was present over the high tide at Ogmore this evening - initially diving upstream of Portobello and then cruising downstream among the Canada Geese and Black-headed Gulls. Definitely an Ogmore first!

Llanilid

A juvenile Black-necked Grebe was on the south pools at Llanilid today. This constitutes the third site record of the species.

Spotted Redshank and YLG in NPT (6/9/14)

 On Saturday 6th a juv->1stW Spotted Redshank was with the Redshank feeding inside Brunel Dock on the incoming tide. Found by Dave Lewis this record is a good one, with only 2 other records from the last 5 years in Neath Port Talbot. The bird was still present yesterday (RJ). Also present at Crymlyn Burrows on the 6th a female Eider offshore, slowly drifting towards Mumbles.

Marsh Harrier at Llanrhidian

A Norfolk wing-tagged Marsh Harrier was hunting the marsh this evening (video grab below) BS & JNE.

Llanishen Res

Black-necked Grebe (juv) still on Llanishen Res this morning. This is the same individual first seen on Lisvane Res on 30 Aug, the bird photographed by RGS ealier in the week.

Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve

The drake lesser scaup appears to have returned again to Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve. It is associating with a flock of 30 tufted duck. 2 wigeon and 3 shoveler showing well close to the boardwalk. A significant increase in coot numbers with 140 + present. Also several willow warbler and chiffchaff present on the reserve.

BNG Lisvane Res 01/09/14

One remaining BNG this afternoon