Highlights: A Purple Heron was found at Cwmbach Wetlands (29^th), remaining into May. A Stone Curlew was seen in flight at Sker (22^nd), but could not be relocated ‘on the deck’. Two Alpine Swifts were seen over Whitchurch, Cardiff (2^nd). Female Ring-necked Ducks lingered at Lisvane Reservoir (two) and Roath Park Lake. An Avocet called in at Rhaslas Pond (18^th). A juvenile Iceland Gull frequented Cardiff Bay and the nearby foreshore. A Siberian Chiffchaff was identified at Silurian Park, Cardiff (17^th). 
Other Sites: First records of the year included Whitethroat at Atlantic Wharf (1^st), Redstart at Ogmore Down (4^th), Wood Warbler at St Fagans (14^th), Whinchat at Cosmeston (17^th) and Ring Ouzel at Cwmparc (20^th). A somewhat exotic feel was provided at Ogmore Estuary by two Egyptian Geese and a Mandarin Duck. A Great White Egret was seen in flight over the same site. A Hobby was logged at Kenfig rivermouth. A Curlew Sandpiper at Newton Beach was the pick of the waders, while the passage of several hundred Bar-tailed Godwits, particularly between Ogmore and Kenfig, was noteworthy. Further wader sightings included 45 Whimbrels, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and three Little Ringed Plovers at Rumney Great Wharf (19^th); three Grey Plovers, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary; three Green Sandpipers at Cwmbach Wetlands (8^th) and two Green Sandpipers on the River Ely. A passage of over 45 Little Gulls occurred offshore at Cardiff Barrage (20^th). Several Yellow-legged Gulls were still being reported at Ogmore Estuary early in the month. A Common Tern was at Kenfig Pool and one or two Arctic Terns called in at Cardiff Bay.
Summary by Paul Roberts