As a new location field trip, we had a successful 4hr walk round Llanstrisant Common this morning with an unprecedented 29 participants. We broke into 2 groups and walked in opposite circuits, one led by club member Tim Collier and the other by trustee Paul Denning – thanks both. 35 species were logged as per list linked below. Best avians were a couple of Tree Pipits, one feeding and one singing in display flight. Best highlights were non-avian – a female Adder and a Green Hairstreak butterfly. Most birds distant so no prize winning pix. John Wilson Click here for the full species list.
We have planned our next ‘Walk For Women’ to be on Sunday 19th May at Kenfig NNR. Meet by the centre at 10 a.m. We plan to be out for a couple of hours, but sometimes overrun – we don’t rush. Folk are welcome to leave anytime of course. There are toilets, the cafe is outside – so we’re hoping for a warm day! We have to pay for parking when we leave, card only. Dry (we hope) sandy paths. As with all GBC walks, we ask folk not to bring dogs. We can lend you binoculars if you need them. As always, let us know if you plan to come anytime up till the evening before, so that we know to wait for you – Jean Haslam – haslamj@talktalk.net : Strinda Davies – daviesstrinda@gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who attended last night’s AGM. Chair Jean reported in full, the active year we’ve had in all the projects and activities we’re involved with. We’re all now set for yet another year. We are fortunate that we now have a Treasurer to replace our retiring treasurer Ceri Jones, who has done a sterling job over the last 3 years – many thanks Ceri. He is replaced by club member Tim Adcock who has stepped up to the oche at the last minute, so for the moment he is co-opted onto the committee, as his offering his services came too late to be included as a nominee in the official AGM notice. Anyway many thanks Tim, and welcome! We also welcomed another member, John Duffy, who stepped forward to become a Trustee. Welcome John! Also we say adieu to retiring trustee John Western, so thanks John for your input and work whilst you were with us. The evening was rounded off by an enjoyable quizz devised by Alan Rosney.
Great this morning to see my first Swifts of the spring – about 12 flying high over the Ice Rink area and then later towards the barrage end of the bay but still very high. They were reported at 09:30 by regular Bay birder Gareth Stamp. They had disappeared when we walked back across the barrage. The Grey Wag was near the exit lock of Penarth marina and must have a nest nearby judging by the huge beakful of food. A good number of House Martins were present and I noticed one or two fly up into former nest locations on the marina properties. Sand Martns were about, but there was no activity of note at the old dock.
Fairly quiet during a walk up E paddock, across Mile Rd and down W paddock, then round back of W lake and thence cafe. In W paddock highlights were 1 Jay and 1 Green Woodpecker. No sign of any Common or Lesser Whitethroats yet, at least not for me. There were c.6 Reed Warbers singing in the E lake reeds by the main boardwalk, one even showing itself, plus 2 Cetti’s Wblrs. A harsh call had me thinking Magpie until I looked up and saw a bright green shape in a tree by the reeds – Ring-necked Parakeet! It very quickly flew off towards the carpark and I think it was still there when I left as I heard the call again thru’ the open car door. DIdn’t take camera as it was raining when I left home – doh! PS this afternoon in a quick visit to Grangemoor Park I managed the hear the reported Lesser Whitethroat – singing on the opposite of the R. Ely.
13 Club members had a successful trip to Kidwelly, Burry Port, Sandy Water Park and WWT Llanelli on Sat 13th. Despite a damp drizzly start and a v v high tide at Kidwelly concealing the best wader areas, we had a pretty successful day. The final tally was 66 species – highlights – Pink-footed Geese, R-b Mergansers, Whimbrel & Common Sand at Kidwelly; c.1000 Oycs and some interesting Rock Pipits at Burry plus a male Wheatear, AdW Little Gull at Sandy Water Park; Greenshank, 5 Ruff, Blackwits galore. and Russian White-fronted Goose at WWT. We suspected at least one of the Rock Pipits was of the Scandinavian subspecies Anthus petrosus littoralis – the jury is out on that one. Click here for the full list. John Wilson
Interesting display in Pyle Library (managed by Awen Trust) for the next few weeks, raising awareness of Swifts with the aim of inspiring local people to help them. Created as part of GBC’s Glamorgan Swifts project, with considerable input from Porthcawl Swifts. As well as groups of local residents and a number of churches across east Glamorgan, GBC has the support of Bridgend Local Nature Partnership and Bridgend County Council’s Biodiversity team. We are working closely with Porthcawl Town Council and Pyle Community Council (includes Kenfig Hill). Links are being developed with Bridgend Town Council, Cornelly and Laleston Community Councils. Get in touch with us (or ‘Strinda Davies or Alan Rosney‘) if you would like to help.
A few more recent reports from other sources: Yesterday at Lavernock, Sandwich Terns flying d/c, Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the top hedge above Sully Brook [top of the big sloping field], Reed Warbler in W lake reeds amd Hawfinch at usual spot past the dragonfly pond. Today: Gannet, 1 Fulmar, 2 Manxies and 1 Sandwich Tern d/c at Lavernock.
Recent obs from me: on the inner barrage rocks on 1st Apr, a fem Wheatear, White Wagtail and a Rock POipit giving a song flight over the outer barrage. At Cosmeston on 3rd Apr, a Moorhen pair with 5 chicks on the dipping pond, a single House Martin with 4 Sand Martins over W lake and Blackcaps singing. On 5th there were 3 Willow Warblers singing and today a songle Swallow woth 4 Sand MArtons over W lake, and aGreat Crested Grebe pair have a nest in the W lake reeds. Also Club memebvr Wendy saw the Waxwings again by the far side of E lake.
Highlights: A first-winter drake Lesser Scaup was found at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve (31st). The two Ring-necked Ducks remained at Lisvane Reservoir. A pair of Garganey called in briefly at Kenfig Pool (28th). A first-winter Caspian Gull was identified at Cardiff Bay. Up to eight Waxwings lingered at Cosmeston, often feeding on rose hips. Two Woodlarks were discovered in stubble at St Mary’s Well Bay (3rd).
Other Sites: Long-tailed Ducks were at Roath Park Lake and Kenfig Pool. A Scaup was also at the latter site, with one at Cardiff Bay too. Four Great White Egrets dropped in at Kenfig Pool, while another was on the substantial flood at Sker, which also attracted a Greenshank and three Black-tailed Godwits. Two or three passage Little Ringed Plovers visited the Watermill, Ogmore Estuary. An Osprey was at Llwyn-on Reservoir. Two Little Gulls frequented Cardiff Bay. First records included Willow Warbler at Kenfig (23rd) and Cuckoo at Heol-y-Cyw (31st). A Short-eared Owl was at Rumney Great Wharf. A Water Pipit was noted at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts were at Llantwit Major and Cardiff City Hall, both males. Cosmeston held a Hawfinch. Summary by Paul Roberts
A few Sand Martins were entering nest holes in the old feeder dock by Tiger Yard (was Dr Who). Fem Wheatear and a White Wagtail were on the inner barrage rocks by the sails, and a Rock Pipit gave a song flight over the outer barrage rocks.
News from today via outher channels. A drake Lesser Scaup was at Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve, and Waxwings were till hainging around at Cosmeston, seen this morning in trees by the concrete road that runs past the Medieval Village. I oassed there late morning but couldn;t find them. At the dipping pond a pair of Moorhens have 5 tiny chicks.
Thanks to the 16 souls who came to KNNR today and walked out to Sker and those who stayed to view Kenfig Pool. Pretty successful even tho the tide was falling, with 45 species in all [subject to scrutiny]. At Sker there were at least 6 Wheatear around the farm area and a Greenshank accompanying a Redshank, was an unexpected bonus on the flood. At Sker Pt we had a flock f 28 Golden Plover that eventually settled and another flock of around 50 flew over. Alan Rosney managed to wheedle out 4 Purple Sandpipers with Turnstones – I managed to see one but sadly not everyone managed to get eyes on. There were 2 Ringed Plovers and a few Oycs. On the pool, 2 prs of Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, a few Gadwall, 1 drake Scaup, 4 Goldeneye but sadly no hirundines. Seversal Willow Warblers were singing. All in all an enjoyable few hours, and surprisingly warm. A few record shots posted below, individually casptioned where necessary. The sun corona/halo was impressive. John WIlson Full list here[subject to anything I’ve forgotten]. At the perched pipit is a Meadow although I did wonder whether it might be Tree, but concensus was Mipit. Bottom pic possibly a WIllow Warbler due to the primary extension.
A request from your committee. Can you help GBC to function in 2024-2025 by taking on the essential role of Treasurer, as our current treasurer Ceri Jones, retires at the upcoming AGM. Both members and non-mebers are welcome. If it’s not for you perhaps you could spread the word, or put someone in touch if you know anybody with a financial background who would be willing. Ceri is obviously on hand to give guidance.
Re the AGM, watch out for the notice with full details, which will be published here and linked to from Facebook and ‘X’.
In the cold this morning there were around 30 Sand Martins feeding over E. lake and over the trees on the west side, plus more over W. lake and some at some height above. Two Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps were singing and a Sparrowhawk hunted along the edge of Cogan Wood by the dragonfly pond.
Highlights: A drake Green-winged Teal was briefly at Kenfig Pool (25th). A Red-necked Grebe remained at Llanishen Reservoir. Two Ring-necked Ducks were still at Lisvane Reservoir, with a drake also found at Roath Park Lake. Cattle Egrets comprised two at Sully Moors and two at Cosmeston. A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Kenfig Rivermouth. An Egyptian Goose appeared at Flemingston Moor. A Long-tailed Duck made several visits to Kenfig Pool, where two Bitterns were also noted. A Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. Flooding at the Watermill, Ogmore Estuary, attracted up to 25 Grey Herons and 12 Little Egrets, both site high counts. Wintering Common Sandpipers were logged at Cardiff Bay and Ogmore Estuary. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Cosmeston. A Short-eared Owl was seen a couple of times at Lamby. A smart male Black Redstart graced Cardiff City Hall. A Firecrest occurred at Kenfig. Hawfinches were observed at Fforest Ganol and Cosmeston. Summary by Paul Roberts
A good turnout of 19 folk met at the New Fancy View viewpoint north of Parkend at 10 a.m. on a still grey, but at least dry, day. We scanned and scanned for about an hour but sadly had no luck with the hoped for Goshawk despite this being the place to look for them. Perhaps the cold grey still conditions, and the resultant lack of lift, had put them off. There was even a lack of Buzzards. We did log a few species such as a couple of Ravens, Jay, Magpie, Crow, Mistle Thrush, fly-by Chaffinches, & Goldfinches and unexpectedly a pair of Goosander. A Coal Tit was feeding as we walked back down the steep access path. Next we headed for RSPB Nagshead with the rather ambitious hope of finding Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We walked the long trail, returning via the incredibly muddy lower section. No LSW sadly, but good numbers of common woodland species including Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Wren, Song Thrush & Blackbird. Back to Parkend and the green by the cricket pitch, surrounded by tall trees, a Hawfinch spot. Some seed was distributed on their favourite feeding log. We waited quite some time before any bird at all was seen, then a few Chaffinch and Greenfinch came in, plus a lone male Bullfinch, but no appearance by the big beaked one. There was a lighting ‘smash & grab’ visit by a Marsh Tit which although incredibly brief, was identifiable by its obvious extensive bright white cheeks. After a while a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and then seen in one of the tall trees, before flying off. Just as we had given up and were about to leave, a Sparrowhawk flew through. Final stop was Cannop Ponds where we were at least guaranteed a good number of species. We parked up by the stone works at the southern end of the valley, where there are feeders, and predictably there were many Chaffinches and Tits coming down to feed on seed spread on the boulders by the lake. In Alders nearby there were a few Siskin, and a Dipper was spotted by the pond outlet, which was quite a torrent. On the water we had our first Mandarin and a couple of Little Grebes were diving. A couple of folk drove up to the northerly car park and the rest of us walked along the lakeside path. This gave us nice views of a pair of Goosander [presumably the ones we had seen at New Fancy]. A lakeside viewpoint gave very close views of Mandarins and a pair of Gadwall. By the northern lake the feeding station by the entrance road eventually gave up the regular Marsh Tit plus the usual Chaffinches and Blue & Great Tits. We had nice views of a Dipper by the stream that exits down towards the lower lake. Back at the stone works end we were greeted by an incredible 20+ Mandarins, mostly drakes, out on the grass beside the the lake, plus one cheeky one up on the fence below the seed feeder, mopping up the spillages. A couple of Greylags and a pair of Mute Swans and a few Mallard completed the wildfowl species. Last but not least were Coot & Moorhen and a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
A Whstsapp message popped up whilst I was having breakfast. Local birder Graham Smith had found 4 Waxwings on the W. paddock hedge. Fingers crossed when I eventually set out, then it started to rain!. Ploughed on with Poppy the pooch in tow, squelching through the mud of the paddock, I eventually found the birds sitting atop a Silver Birch overlooking the dragonfly pond. They were quite settled there, occasionally dropping down to grab rose hips. I tied Poppy to a bench nearby then using a bush as cover, managed to get a few photos despite the rain. In the top right pic, the lowest bird is a Redwing.
Not in S. Wales, but a club trip. We had a big turnout for the trip to the Forest of Dean yesterday – 19 folk. A dull, still, but thankfully dry day. Sadly we ‘dipped’ on the key species – Goshawk and Hawfinch … and the mythical Lesser Spotted Woodpecker! Even so we logged 41 species. Stars of the show were the Mandarins at Cannop Ponds – see the photos. There were around 20 by the stone works, a large group of them on the grass by the lake. One cheeky male was up on the fence below the bird feeder, picking off the spillages! I did have a pic of that but it was pretty poor so it was binned. Here’s the list: https://drive.google.com/…/1ZMJS1H4Gv…/view…
There’s a live indoor meeting on Tuesday next week, 5th March at 7:30 p.m. Club member & trustee Paul Denning will be giving an illustrated talk on “The Wildlife of Crete”. Paul’s wildlife interests are broad so this will cover a lot more than just birds. The venue is Pencoed Rugby Club which is in Felindre Road on the left shortly after turning left at the first roundabout on the A473 after leaving the M4 northbound from J.35. The post code is CF35 5PB.
Glamorgan Bird Club 
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