Highlights: A male Cirl Bunting was a superb find at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm, Marcross, representing the first confirmed in the recording area since 1934! The bird appeared settled and it’s tempting to speculate how long it had been around before discovery. Dedicated watchers at Cardiff Bay unearthed a Bonaparte’s Gull (29^th) and a Caspian Gull (14^th). A Grey Phalarope was somewhat unexpected at Ogmore-by-Sea (3^rd). A new female Ring-necked Duck was found at Llwyn-on Reservoir (22^nd), with a drake remaining at Kenfig and at least two mobile females at sites in the vicinity of Cardiff, most notably Lisvane Reservoir and Cosmeston. A male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen near Caerphilly. 

Other Sites: At least 25 Brent Geese (mostly Pale-bellied) were off Aberthaw. Scaup were present at Cardiff Bay and Kenfig. Great White Egrets were briefly at Pwll Waun Cynon (Mountain Ash) and Kenfig. Wintering Common Sandpipers were observed at Ogmore Estuary, Cardiff Bay and Lisvane Reservoir. Rumney Great Wharf hosted a Marsh Harrier. Short-eared Owls were noted at Rhoose and Marcross. Water Pipits comprised four at Ogmore Estuary and three at Rumney Great Wharf. At least four Black Redstarts were frequenting Cardiff Bay, with others at Barry, Nash Point and Porthcawl. A Hawfinch was at Cogan Wood, Cosmeston. Up to 15 Crossbills were at Hensol Forest.
Summary by Paul Roberts