Six people assembled at Kenfig NNR , including the leader for the day John Western, for the monthly GBC bird walk on Saturday 20th July.

Undoubtedly,  the dismal weather forecast had put potential participants off, together with the start of the peak holiday season , following schools breaking up the previous day.

Thankfully, the rain kept away until late morning by which time those taking part were heading for the car park and home.

This good fortune meant that the group headed for the bird hide, but not before completing a circular walk around the woodland adjacent to the hide. The path used for this walk had, until recently, been flooded and impassable. The flood water had since receded and all was well.

July has the reputation of being a quiet month from a birding point of view, and so it proved. Small birds, including the usual suspects such as Robin, Dunnock and Great Tit were conspicuous by their absence, both visually and vocally.

Nevertheless, the group soldiered on and eventually managed to report the grand total of 18 species.

A single Raven flew over, a Great Black Backed Gull was resting on the old boathouse, a calling Water Rail was heard and it was gratifying to see the Great Crested Grebe family in full view and good shape on the far side of the pool. 

It is hoped that the August walk will be more productive, but none the less it was an enjoyable experience. 

Full list of species recorded is as follows:- Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Swift, Swallow, Coot , Black – headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great black – backed Gull, Lesser black- backed Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Great Crested Grebe and Water Rail.”

Many thanks to John Western for this report and for leading the walk.