Highlights: Four Ortolan Buntings were found this month, the first being at Lavernock (16th), a site which holds the lion’s share of historical records in our area. Another was heard over Pant Mari Flanders, Ogmore (26th). Finally, one was discovered in brownfield along the Bogey Road, Merthyr Tydfil (27th), remarkably being joined by a second bird the next day, with both staying until the month’s end. At least four Caspian Gulls were identified at Jepson’s Pond, Dowlais Top, with another noted at Cardiff Bay. Both Wryneck and Quail were brief visitors to Lavernock (25th). A juvenile Garganey called in at Llanishen Reservoir (22nd). Kenfig NNR hosted a Sooty Shearwater down channel off Sker (30th), two Spotted Redshanks at the Pool (23rd) and a maximum of six Cattle Egrets (23rd). A Wood Sandpiper was at Llanilid (10th). 

Other Sites: A Mandarin Duck frequented Forest Farm. A flock of 12 Little Egrets flew up channel at Dunraven Bay. Great White Egrets were at Kenfig and Merthyr Tydfil. Several Marsh Harriers were observed in the Kenfig vicinity. Hobbies occurred at Kenfig and Tythegston. A survey of the River Ely revealed a total of between 22 and 26 Green Sandpipers. Single Ruff and Green Sandpiper were seen at Jepson’s Pond. There was a good run of Little Ringed Plover records at Kenfig, where up to 14 Black-tailed Godwits, several Greenshanks and a Green Sandpiper were also logged. Ogmore Estuary also claimed multiples of Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper. A Greenshank was on a pond at the Bogey Road, Merthyr Tydfil. Two Green Sandpipers stopped off at Llanilid. An Arctic Skua visited Kenfig Pool. Up to four Yellow-legged Gulls were at Jepson’s Pond, with another at Porthcawl. Black Terns comprised 29 down channel off Lavernock, two off Sker, one at Lisvane Reservoir and one at Cardiff Bay. 

Summary by Paul Roberts