Kestrel hovering over B4265 quarter of a mile west of railway bridge on west side of Llantwit 10.30 Saturday.
Month: December 2022
November 2022
Highlights: Scarcities at Kenfig were a Glossy Ibis in flight over the pool (19th), a juvenile Sabine’s Gull at Sker (10th) and a Red-backed Shrike (found in the southern dunes in October), reportedly around until early in the month. Cardiff Bay held two Caspian Gulls (adult and 2nd-winter), a Red-necked Grebe (11th), a Leach’s Petrel moving down channel from the barrage (2nd) and the long-staying Whooper Swan. Leach’s Petrels were also recorded from Lavernock on several dates (notably four on the 9th), with Black-throated Diver (9th) and at least two Siberian Chiffchaffs also present. Two female Ring-necked Ducks frequented Lisvane Reservoir. A flock of six Waxwings flew over Maesteg (16th). A Swift species (Common or Pallid) was over Wildmill, Bridgend (1st).
Other Sites: Single Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Cardiff Bay, Ogmore Estuary and Sker, where Red-breasted Merganser and Great Northern Diver were also logged. Another Great Northern Diver was briefly on Llanishen Reservoir (27th). A Red-crested Pochard, three Bitterns and a Great White Egret were at Kenfig. A male Merlin was at Sker. A coordinated count in the Ely Valley revealed a total of 11 Green Sandpipers. Common Sandpipers comprised two at both Ogmore Estuary and Lisvane Reservoir. Purple Sandpipers at Sker peaked at 14. A Great Skua was seen heading from Sker towards Porthcawl. Little Gulls had a good showing, with records from Ogmore Estuary (two 1st-winters), Sker (adult and 1st-winter), Kenfig Pool (1st-winter), Porthcawl (adult) and Cardiff Bay (1st-winter). The Cardiff Bay roost held a maximum of 16 Yellow-legged Gulls. Late Arctic Terns were seen at Gileston (9th) and Kenfig Pool (15th-19th). Two Water Pipits turned up at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts occurred at Penarth (three), Cardiff Bay (two), Porthcawl (two), Coity and Nash Point. An estimated 10,000 Redwings moved over Lavernock in 90 minutes (1st). Ring Ouzels passed through at Dunraven and Maesteg. Firecrests graced Pant Norton, Ogmore (two) and Swanbridge. Hawfinches were Fforest Fawr, Lavernock and Cosmeston.
Summary by Paul Roberts
Cosmeston
Yesterday there were 2 pairs of Gadwall on E lake, but not seen today. There were also c.50 Tufties recently but now only a few remain. Wayne Strong had 3 Wigeon this morning but they weren’t showing when I was there at around 11:45, but poss skulking in the W lake reeds? A Gadwall appeared to be ‘walking in water’ in the W lake bay [actually standing on a part submerged one of the posts]. Mowing of W paddock was in progress and a few Redwing and Fieldfare were watching from trees lining ther Mile Road, presumably waiting to drop down to snaffle disturbed worms etc. In a finished area there were around 20 Pied Wagtails and a few Meadow Pipits feeding. In the already mown E paddock a Green Woodpecker was foraging. A couple of shots below of that bird – they are very wary on the ground so difficult to approach even with extreme caution. I got to within about 80m before grabbing some pix, but even these are biggish crops. This is a female [no thin red stripe in the moustache].




Field trip 10th Dec – Slimbridge WWT
There will be a visit to Slimbridge WWT on Saturday 10th Dec [this is a revised date from the originally scheduled date of Sun 11th which is an important winterf WeBS count day].
The reserve opens at 09:30 so I suggest trying to get there at around that time, which using Cardiff as a start point, means leaving at around 8 a.m. To car share be at the usual Whitchurch end of St Margaret’s Rd at 8 a.m. and please:
1) email me if you are inteding to come and
2) say whether you will go straight there or wish to car share – I can take 3 passengers.
If you are not a member of WWT, the entry fee is £15 [or £16.50 if you gift aid it].
My email – johndw1948 at gmail dot com [please only email as it’s onerous to try & keep tabs on all modes of communcation].
You must be logged in to post a comment.