Back to local birding after a week away in N. Norfolk [117 species!! – maybe a separate post when I’ve got time].
On Mon 15th I did my monthly WeBS [Wetland Bird Survey] count at the Rhymney Estuary on the E. side of Cardiff. Highlights were around 800 each of Redshank and Dunlin, plus 55 Pintail, 30 Teal and 90 Shelduck. On my way back I stopped off at Cardiff Bay to see the Black-necked Grebe [distant from the road bridge] and then the Long-tailed Duck [from the barrage].
Yesterday, 17th on another ‘tick’ hunt I went up to Llanishen/Lisvane Reservoirs and found the Red-necked Grebe, and also the drake and female Ring-necked Duck pair plus an overwintering Common Sandpiper. Sadly the Great Northern Diver had left.
Today was the usual circuit of Cosmeston where W lake was partly frozen over but there were 140 or so Tufted Duck, 2 drake Pochard, a pair of Gadwall, and around 20 Teal. Got a couple of nice shots of Redwing and Fieldfare feeding on berries, and there were 2 Water Voles by the dipping pond boardwalk.

Photos – top L some of the Redshank & Dunlin; top R fem Goosander in the bay; middle R – v distanrt Long-tailed Duck; middle L Redwing; bottom L Fieldfare; bottom R Water Vole.