Visited early doors, before the cattle had been let into the field. Four Little Egrets were present. Returned an hour or so later, when the cattle were out and the Cattle Egret flew in.

Went on later to Aberthaw, where there were 59 Wigeon at the mouth of the river.

 

Cracking mornings birding with John Duffy & Tim Adcock. 52 species seen including Sand Martin, Jack Snipe, 35 Common Snipe, 2prs Dipper, 2 Goosander, 4 Green Sandpipers, 10 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Teal, 7 Stock Doves plus 5 raptor sp.

Signs of migration. 30 Redwings flew over the house this afternoon

Apologies for non-sighting post but I’m sorting out the next GBC newsletter. Has anyone got photos, taken in Glamorgan, for inclusion?

Huge count of 68 Snipe (one of which was later taken by a Peregrine) and 61 Teal today on the Ely floodplain. Large flock of Redwing with a few Fieldfare mixed in. (ASR, JFD & TA)

Some excellent birding today (with John F Duffy & Tim Adcock). Hundreds of Redwing with lesser numbers of Fieldfare amongst them. Also 7 Green Sandpipers, 2 Dippers, 4 Grey Wagtails, 33 Snipe, Water Rail, 5 Lesser Redpolls and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker. A very strange Starling with a white tail had us going for a while.

Two Red head Goosanders on the moat

I’m starting to put together the January GBC newsletter. Any photos gratefully received- preferably taken in East Glam.

Male Goosander on the moat this morning

Thirty six (36) Snipe in the flooded fields alongside the Ely river this morning.

I had a call from Sue Webster this evening. She is keen to go to the WOS Conference on 5th November in Myddfai but requires a lift. If you’re going and could help her out please call her on 01922629547.

As John Wilson is unavailable, I’ll be leading this one. Meet either at St. Margaret’s Road in Whitchurch at 9.15 a.m. or in the small car park below the Plough & Harrow in Monknash at 10 a.m. (SS918705)

Chris Hodgson has been in touch. Sadly he’s had a break in and his scope was stolen – an Opticron with angled eyepiece. If you hear of anyone trying to sell one, please get in touch.

Don’t forget that it’s the first GBC indoor meeting of the season tomorrow evening. Paul Bowden will be speaking on “The Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil”. Kenfig Reserve Centre at 7.45 p.m. Hope to see you there.

I’m starting to put together the October newsletter and need some photos. Please get in touch if you can contribute.

 

Arctic and Great Skua, plus a couple of Scoter d/c at Porthcawl

Plenty of warbler activity in Pant Norton inc. Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Also Spot Fly and a couple of Yellowhammers there.

Four or five Swifts over the Taff this afternoon

Highlights from this morning : 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whimbrel, Peregrine, Kestrel. 4 Ringed Plover (inc 1 juv). Not as much activity as expected but small numbers of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap. Linnet and Rock Pipit on the sea wall.

Lots of Swallows, Martins, Swifts and Gulls over the Taff at Upper Boat this afternoon

If Ceri’s post has whetted your appetite, there is a GBC evening visit to Llanwonno, this Wednesday (8th June), to try and find Nightjars. Meet in the car park of the Brynfynnon Hotel at 8.30 p.m. (ST033956 or CF37 3PH). Bring a torch and insect repellent.