Chiffchaff in the garden this afternoon. Happy Christmas

Had a message from Mike Le Ves Conte today. Anyone able to check it out?

“As of 12.00 hrs today.Tentatively identified GND on the north shore of the island in Aberdare
Park Lake.First spotted 10.30gmt yesterday (16 Dec) by myself and Peter Priddy (Park Ranger)”

Just a reminder that Mark Hipkin will be giving a talk on video digiscoping at the KNNR Centre tomorrow evening. Start time 7.45 p.m.

GBC today – highlights were 5 Brent Geese d/c, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Goosander, 3 Goldeneye and 3 Med Gulls. No sign of Water Pipit at Portobello or Black Redstart at Dunraven. Several Goldcrests in with mobile tit flock at Dunraven walled garden however.

2 Hawfinches seen at midday – high in the canopy above the T junction on the path

Sorry for posting this here. A standing order payment went in to the GBC bank account on 10th November under the names of Harding and Gold. I have not your contact details. Could you get in touch please?
Alan Rosney, Membership Secretary GBC 01443 841555

From Birdguides yesterday – a Cirl Bunting was reported.

Just a quick reminder that the next GBC indoor meeting is next Tuesday at Kenfig. Paul Bowden will be giving a presentation on Florida. Start time 7.45 p.m. THAT’S TOMORROW TUES 5TH [admin].

31 Goldfinches on and around my garden feeders his morning. The local Chaffinches couldn’t get a llok in.

Large passage of Meadow Pipits – flock of 40 – 50 in field below Traveller’s Rest.

Lots of Swallows battling through the rain this morning.

There are currently seven species on my bird feeder – Siskin, Nuthatch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Coal Tit and Goldfinch (with Bullfinch hanging around too). By far the most aggressive are the Siskins.

Lovely walk around Rudry Common this morning. Quite quiet on the bird front. Plenty of willow/chiffs around, Meadow Pipit, Blackcap, Jay, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, Linnet, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and Long tailed Tit. Plenty of butterflies around (10 sp) and 3sp of dragonfly. Also Stoat seen

Apologies for non-sighting post. I am starting to put together the next GBC newsletter and would welcome articles, photos, items for sale etc.

I undertook the UKBMS (butterfly) survey this afternoon on my BBS square in North Cardiff. A surprise sighting was a Peregrine. I’ve done the BBS survey for 15 years and never encountered the species in the square before. Leps included nine species of butterfly plus one day flying moth sp. Also four sp of dragonfly/damselfly.

Just a quick reminder that GBC membership fees are now overdue.

GBC were invited to help with a survey of the Amelia Trust Farm, near Barry, as part of their Bioblitz. As expected it was quite quiet, however 31 species were logged, including Sparrowhawk with prey, Yellowhammer, GS Woodpecker and a family party of Blackcaps.

Strange behaviour this afternoon. A Grey Wagtail has been on my bird table picking at the sunflower seeds

Getting lots of Bullfinches on my garden feeder in Nantgarw – with juvs.