Highlights: Two firsts for Glamorgan were found on two consecutive days at Sker – Red-eyed Vireo (21^st) and Cliff Swallow (22^nd) – an excellent reward for dedicated patch work by Neil Donaghy. Continuing the theme of American rarities was a Spotted Sandpiper, briefly on the causeway at Sully (10^th). In addition, a probable Bobolink was discovered in the valley at Nash Point (22^nd), but lost to view flying up to the headland. Female Ring-necked Ducks were found at Llwyn-on Reservoir (20^th) and Lisvane Reservoir (24^th), the latter lingering and most likely a returning individual. A Turtle Dove was seen a couple of times west of Kenfig Pool (13^th). A Grey Phalarope at Kenfig Pool sadly succumbed soon after arrival, while another was on the sea off Newton Point (both the 28^th). A Balearic Shearwater was off Porthcawl (19^th). Cattle Egrets turned up at Kenfig (two) and Ogmore Estuary.

Other Sites: A flock of 32 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (19 of which were juveniles) commuted between Ogmore Estuary and Newton Beach (14^th). A drake Mandarin Duck arrived at Pwll-y-Waun, Porthcawl. A Common Scoter stopped off at Lisvane Reservoir (12^th). Two Storm Petrels passed Porthcawl. Bitterns were recorded from Parc Tredelerch and Cosmeston. Ospreys were logged at Kenfig/Sker on two dates, with another hanging around at Aberthaw. A Hen Harrier moved quickly through at Kenfig, where a Hobby or two stayed a while to feast on the abundant Migrant Hawker dragonflies. Merlins were seen at Craig Ogwr and Southerndown. Waders from Rumney Great Wharf on the 5^th included three Ruffs, three Black-tailed Godwits and 33 Whimbrels. Ogmore Estuary hosted a Greenshank and a couple of Green Sandpipers. A seawatch at Porthcawl produced two Black Terns, an Arctic Tern and four Arctic Skuas (19^th), with three of the latter seen from there the next day. A Little Gull found Lisvane Reservoir to its liking. The only Short-eared Owl sighting came from Lavernock (17^th). Firecrests graced Nash Point and Dunraven. Choughs wandered from their Heritage Coast stronghold as far as Sker and Barry. A feeding flock of 30+ Yellow Wagtails in the upper dovecote field at Cosmeston for a few days bridging 5th, was notable.
Summary by Paul Roberts