The first outing of the new year will be a simple local trip covering Cosmeston Lakes CP and if time permits, Cardiff Bay, on Mon 2nd January.

I think the easiest option is for all to meet in the car park at Cosmeston at say 9:30 a.m. [to avoid rush hour as the traffic can be a problem].

There is a charge for parking at Cosmeston now, £1 for up to 2 hours or £2 for up to 4 hours and the machines can take contactless payment. I’d think 2 hours shd be adequate but be aware that although it’s free up to 10 a.m. you still need to cover being there after 10 if you arrve at 09:30. It’s only £1.

Current birds around at the moment are a few Pochard, Tufties, around 30 Teal, Redwing Fieldfare and Hawfinch have started to appear again in the last couple of days.

For Cardiff Bay it depends what is around as to where to park. Certainly not in the barrage car park at Penarth [it’s expensive]. Recently there have been Goldeneye and a Scaup off the Ice Rink area, Common Sandpiper & Turnstone by Penarth Marina and of course there’s Bleck Redstarts over by Porth Teigr. There’s fee free parrking for all these localities.

As always, let me know if you intend coming. John Wilson