Highlights: A Red-flanked Bluetail was an excellent discovery in the extensive woodland at Wenallt, north of Cardiff (16^th-18^th), the second for the recording area. A Red-rumped Swallow was found feeding with Swallows at Sully Brook, Cosmeston (26^th). A Red-backed Shrike was located in the southern dunes at Kenfig on the 13th, remaining until the month end. Two female Ring-necked Ducks turned up at Lisvane Reservoir, possibly returning birds? A Cattle Egret few west past Lavernock (9^th). At Cardiff Bay a White-fronted Goose was seen in flight over the barrage with three Canada Geese (5^th) and the long-staying Whooper Swan was still around. Woodlarks overflying Lavernock comprised four on the 21^st and one on the 27^th. A singing Siberian Chiffchaff was in the valley at Nash Point (27^th). Two Yellow-browed Warblers were logged at Kenfig – one near the Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club (16^th) and the other in the southern dunes (23^rd). Single Snow Buntings were at both Kenfig (22^nd-24^th) and Southerndown (24^th-25^th). Swift species (Common or Pallid, but surely most likely the latter, given the national influx) were noted at Cosmeston (21^st), Kenfig (22^nd) and Lisvane Reservoir (29^th).
Other Sites: A Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. Great White Egrets were observed at Pwll y Waun, Porthcawl (4^th), Cardiff Bay (9^th), Kenfig (12^th) and Ogmore Estuary (12^th). A late Osprey was tracked motoring south east at Laleston, then over Bridgend and lastly Merthyr Mawr (30^th). Hen Harriers were observed at Nant-moel Reservoir, Aberdare (two on 5^th), Cwm Cadlan (16^th & 18^th) and Kenfig (31^st). A Hobby was at Pentyrch, with Merlins from Kenfig, Llynfi Valley, Dunraven, Nash Point and Ogmore-by-Sea. A juvenile Ruff arrived at Ogmore Estuary (20^th). At least 90 Mediterranean Gulls were gathered at Porthcawl seafront (31^st). Cardiff Bay was the only site hosting Black Redstart. A Whinchat dropped in at Dunraven (18^th). A sizeable movement of Redwings included over 10,000 over Cardiff Bay barrage (20^th). Ring Ouzels were at Dare Valley Country Park (five on 23^rd). Llynfi Valley (25^th) and Sully Brook, Cosmeston (26^th). Firecrests were at Kenfig on several dates, elsewhere there were two at Dunraven and one at Pyle. Away from their Heritage Coast stronghold, Choughs were at Rhoose Point (two on 10^th), Flatholm (two on 22^nd) and on various dates at Rest Bay/Sker (maximum 11).
Summary by Paul Roberts