Late morning as usual. The Mile Road fallen tree had been cleared. There were 2 drake Pochard and a pair of Gadwall with the Tufties on W lake. The recent Red-breasted Merganser seems to have departed. A Sparrowhawk flew over the Medieval Village field and a Buzzard was mewing from a tree nearby although I couldn’t locate it.
Author: John Wilson
Birder and traveller
Cosmeston
Late morning circuit. The usual route up the Mile Road via the Medieval Village path, was blocked by a fallen tree. Hence we went through the lower dovecote field and joined the W lake back path. Over the lower dovecote there were 2 Buzzards circling, and a Peregrine suddenly appeared and had a go at one of them, then flew off. A few Redwing flew into the conservation area as we passed. In addition to the usual Tufties there were 2 Wigeon and a drake Pochard on W lake.
November 2024
Highlights: A first-winter drake American Wigeon was present at Kenfig Pool (28th-29th). A female Ring-neck Duck arrived at Lisvane Reservoir (25th). A flock of 12 Whooper Swans seen flying up channel off Sker was subsequently noted off Aberthaw (11th). A further five Whooper Swans turned up at Flemingston Moor (15th). A Velvet Scoter (with two Common Scoters) lingered on the sea off Sully (from 18th). A Black-throated Diver flew down channel past Sker (20th). Kenfig Pool hosted a Slavonian Grebe (21st-25th). A first-winter Caspian Gull was identified in the roost off Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve on at least two dates. A Yellow-browed Warbler was found at Hailey Park, Cardiff (3rd).
Other Sites: Less common wildfowl included a Scaup at Cardiff Bay, four Eiders off Sker and a Red-breasted Merganser at Cosmeston. Both Bittern and Great White Egret occurred at Kenfig Pool. Mynydd Pwll-yr-Lwrch and Kenfig both had single sightings of Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Llanilid chipped in with an additional Hen Harrier. A Purple Sandpiper was found dead under electricity wires at Cilfynydd Common, well inland. Two Little Gulls were feeding off Sker in stormy weather. A highly unseasonal Common Swift ranged between Cosmeston and the adjacent coast (30th). The only Ring Ouzel sighting came from Kenfig. Black Redstarts were observed at Southerndown, Aberthaw and Cardiff City Hall. Wandering Dartford Warblers continued to feature, with records from Dunraven, Dyffryn Farm (Caerau), Nottage and at a weedy field at Lavernock. At least three Firecrests were at Bute Park. Lavernock enjoyed a good passage of Hawfinches, with over 20 logged, while further reports of the species came from Heath Park, Forest Farm and Cosmeston.
Summary by Paul Roberts
Cosmeston & Lavernock
On Saturday at the w/e a lucky birder found a Dartford Warbler at Lavernock. It proved to be a little elusive but I visited today after my usual Cosmeston circuit to try my luck. There was no action in the scrubby field where it had been seen, but I eventually noticed 2 Stonechats on the adjacent hedgerow. Some folk may not know that wayward Dartfords often associate with Stonechats, and so it proved to be. I only got a brief view but the little devil popped its head out from the dense cover to give me a satisfactory glimpse then back in it went. The Stonechat pair relocated to an adjacent field and I watched them there for a while in case they’d taken the Dartford with them, but got no further action. No pic of the Dartford Warbler but I did take some pix of the Stonechats, although they’re big crops. I also noted a Meadow Pipit, and a male Kestrel was hunting over the field. Also below a drake Shoveler at Cossie and a Woodpigeon head shot [it was resting by the main bridge].
Cosmeston
The long staying [4 days] Red-breasted Merganser was asleep near the SW corner of W lake this morning. I took some shots from the Mile Road viewpoint but it was too distant and the photos were ***. A drake Shoveler was with 2 females at the north end of W lake near the reedbed. No sign of yesterday’s Mandarin. Nothing too much else on the lakes bar the 100 or so Canada Geese. There were 4 Gt Crested Grebes and at least 4 Little Grebes. No interesting gulls as yet. I didn’t venture into the muddy quagmire paddocks.
Cosmeston
A drake Mandarin was on E lake this morning along the NW shore opp the cafe. It was elusive as ity kept hiding under the overhanging trees, Whilst I was on the cafe, al the gulls suddenly flushed and I grabbed my bins & got on to what was poss a Goshawk flying high over E lake going N. Whilst scanning for the Mandarin, I saw a Kingfisher fly across in front of the trees on the NW shore and land in a tree near the sluice in the corner.
Also present this morning but not seen by me, Hawfinch at the usual spot past the dragonfly pond, and the Red-breasted Merganser, and a juv Gos by Cogan Wood.
Spot the Mandarin in the 1st pic! The Tufty was rather more obliging!
Cosmeston
Nothing too exciting today. Although I didn’t see it, the Red-breasted Merganser was still present on E lake first thing then moved over to W. lake. A Redwing shot across Mile Road and settled and I managed to grab a shot. It’s the first one I’ve seen at rest this winter. Also on the thrush front, there were 2 Mistle Thrushes in E paddock. A Chiffchaff was calling from a Birch outside the rangers ‘garage’.
Away from the park, the 3 Scoters were apparently still offshore at Sully.
Sully & Cosmeston
A few unusual birds locally in the last 2 days, which I’ve managed to catch up with.
Offshore at Sully bay there were 2 Common Scoter together with a fem type Velvet Scoter. Pretty unusual to get Scoters this far up the channel except after storms. They were rather too distant for photos.
Then at Cosmeston there was a female Red-breasted Merganser, found late afternoon yesterday. It was on east lake and very active, diving frequently. I also noted around 6 Little Grebes, and on W lake there were 2 fem Shoveler and a male, and a pair of Gadwall.
Sully & Flemingston
Nothing too exciting during a walk along the coast at Sully on Sat 16th, but the Kestrel posed nicely on top of a mast in the sailing club, and there were 3 Rock Pipits & 2 Pied Wags on the cricket field. This afternoon, Sun 17 I drove over to Flemingston, near St Athan to see the 5 Whooper Swans that turned up a couple of days ago. They were pretty distant but nice to see – a pretty uncommon visitor to the Vale.
Bryngarw CP – 12 Nov 2024
We had an enjoyable 3 hours at Bryngarw CP this morning with 13 booked participants and we were delighted to see our ex Chairperson, Adrian Murch with Howard Driver, who we chatted with whist admiring the drake Mandarin at the pool. We did a circuit up throiugh the woods, then down around the boardwalks and along by the river. 32 species were logged, highlights being the Mandarin, Dipper, and a circling Red Kite plus a good selection of wooddland species. Also some of us had a nice chat over coffee at the cafe afterwards. Thanks to all who attended. A few pix by yours truly, below. John Wilson. Full list click here:
Cosmeston
The sullen grey skies for the last few days have been rather depressing, and the resulting poor light not good for photography. Even so, it was a delight yesterday to find a group of c.6 Redpolls feeding in tall birches near the dipping pond. Redpolls used to be regularly seen at Cosmeston [say about 15 yrs ago and earlier] but they are very scarce these days. Today a few Fieldfare flew over W paddock, calling, the first I’ve seen this winter. Also yesterday and today, there were 3 drake Pochard on W lake – another species that used to be very numerous in the winter. Of non-avian interest – the fungi were in good condition, but my phone app was not able to ID them with any certainty.
Upcoming field trip
There’s a local field trip next week, on Tues 12th, to Bryngarw Country Park – https://www.bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk/ – Brynmenyn, Bridgend, CF32 8UU
Meet in the car park at 10 a.m. Looks like parking is £3.50 for the day although I don’t expect to be there until closing time [4:30].
Main species I’d expect to see would be Dipper & Grey Wagtail, but most common woodland species are possible. Last time we were there we had a Mandarin Duck on the pond! It’ll probably be quite muddy in the upper woodland area and there is a steep slope down at one point. Please let me know if you intend to come. John Wilson – johndw1948 at gmail dot com.
October 2024
Highlights: Yellow-browed Warblers featured prominently, with records received from Gwaelod-y-Garth, Kenfig Pool (at least four, including two trapped for ringing), Dunraven, Norton Farm (two), Barry, Treorchy, Cardiff Bay Barrage, Lavernock (at least two), Pontcanna and Sker House. Three Whooper Swans flew west past Cwm Nash. A Cattle Egret was at Kenfig. A first-winter Caspian Gull was identified in the roost at Cardiff Bay. Three Woodlarks flew over Swanbridge and three were in fields at Lavernock.
Other Sites: Great White Egrets were seen regularly at Kenfig, while singles were noted from Ogmore Estuary and by the river at Peterston-super-Ely. A Marsh Harrier was at Kenfig. A Hen Harrier flew through at Lavernock. A Black Tern remained at Lisvane Reservoir early in the month. Three Ring Ouzels stopped off at Dare Valley Country Park. The first Black Redstart of the autumn was at Cardiff Bay. A good run of coastal Dartford Warbler sightings saw birds at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Cwm Nash, Dunraven and Sker. Firecrests were seen at Dunraven (two), Bute Park (two), Kenfig and Norton Farm. A maximum of nine Choughs frequented Sker. Hawfinches were seen over Lavernock on several dates, totalling at least nine birds.
Summary by Paul Roberts
Indoor meeting, Tues 5th Nov
Sorry for the short notice. There’s an indoor meeting on Tues 5th Nov at Pencoed Rugby Club. Paul Bowden will be giving an illustrated talk entitled ‘Ecuador: Birding on the Equator”. Start time is, as usual, 7:30 p.m. Felindre Rd, Pencoed, Bridgend CF35 5PB.
Having been there I can vouch for the amazingly colourful bird life! JDW
Cosmeston
A few random images from Cosmeston visits recently. The display dancing GCGs were a bit of a surprise. The lone Siskin was by the Mile Road near the E paddock kissing gate on 14th. Oct. The Long-tailed Tit was in a party of around 15 this morning [25 Oct] which was accompanied by a Goldcrest. The images are individually captioned where necessary.
Lavernock & Cosmeston
A few bits & bobs from reccent days.
11th Oct at Lavernock – a brief visit for a change of scene. Very muddy. A female Blackcap was in trees behind the gun emplacements, and there were 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Jay and a few Skylarks overhead.
13th Oct at Cosmeston – There were c.20 Swallows over W lake and 30 Tufted Duck there, and also 80 Black-headed Gulls also on W lake.
14th Oct at Cosmeston – a single Siskin by the Mile Road was the first I’d seen in the park for a while – probably since last winter.
18th Oct at Cosmeston – A feeding party of Long-tailed Tits just had a Goldcrest with them. Also noted were 1 Meadow Pipit, a Sparrowhawk that flew through W. paddock, 2 Skylark overhead, a pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying and Cetti’s Warbler heard.
Yesterday 23rd Oct at Lavernock reserve – still failed on trying to find Yellow-browed Warbler that had been seen 2 days ago. A Long-tailed Tit feeding party just had a couple of accompanying Chiffchaffs. Three Bullfinches flew around calling and 2 Jay and 2 Mistle Thrushes were active. I heard both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Yesterday there were 3 separate Cetti’s Warblers calling in the E lake reeds area.
R.Ely floodplain – 11 Aug 2024
We met up at the layby just outside Peterston-super-Ely at 9 a.m. Davis Rich immediately gripped everyone off as he had seen a Kingfisher by the nearby footbridge! As we were about to set off, two Sparrowhawks did a nice fly-by, and a Kestrel and House Martin were noted. Access to the site was by walking down the road, across the small road bridge and then following the Lanlay Meadows National Trust signpost. Passing through some trees one emerges into a series of fields with the meandering R. Ely to the right. It was pretty obvious straight away that small birds were going to be hard to find – there was very little vocalisation. David Rich was on a roll as he spotted a Green Woodpecker sitting in the open in a distant dead tree. There were 3 corvids in the same tree and I noted the tapered bill of the upper one, which all agreed, was a Rook. Walking slowly along, a Chiffchaff was heard calling and small numbers of Goldfinch twittered in flight overhead. Other fly-overs comprised a couple of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, and then a calling Buzzard. The walk crosses several small bridges over ditches that lead into the river, and the whole site is pretty muddy in winter and requires wellies. A nice distraction as we approached one bridge, was an impressive Dark Bush-cricket that Alan had spotted in the grass, and I managed to get a nice photo of that [which is with the small selection I included with the FB and website posts]. Eventually John & Alan advised us that we were near the ‘hot’ spots for seeing the Green Sandpipers. John went off to do some jungle bashing though the dense growths of the pesky Himalayan Balsam, and we were to keep our eyes peeled along the preferred stretch of river.
After about 10 minutes a group of 6 suddenly exploded from the shelter of a corner of a meander and shot up into the air uttering their shrill piping calls. For the benefit of folk not familiar with this species we always say they look like large House Martins in flight due to the bright white underparts and bright white rump, contrasting with the rest of the jet black plumage. They circled high for a while then dropped down in the distance into another part of the river. As John returned from his jungle bash, two more flew up calling and flew high quite a distance away, but no doubt eventually returned to the river. By another meander in the river we watched a Grey Wagtail fly-catching, and in a riverside Willow on the walk back, a mystery greyish bird spotted by Eric, was eventually clinched as a Garden Warbler. Also on the walk back, last-minute attendee Charlotte spotted another Bush-cricket and managed to get a phone pic – a quick look at that confirmed its ID as a Roesel’s Bush-cricket – a great find and a new species for the site. That pic is in the comments on the FB post and in the website post.
David Rich is a keen botanist so to fill in the birdless gaps he found Round-leaved Mint and Marsh Woundwort, and contrasting with the ever present pink of the Himalayan Balsam, was a single plant of Orange Balsam [Impatiens capensis].
All in all an interesting outing, albeit not as birdy as we would have hoped, although we did log 28 species.
Llantrisant Common 28 Apr 24
Perhaps the fact that it was a new venue for some, including me, attracted an unprecedented 29 participants. Local resident and GBC member Trim Collier was to lead, but given the numbers, and the good fortune that another local resident, your committee’s Paul Denning, had decided to tag along, we split into two groups and headed off to do a roughly circular walk in opposite directions. I was in Paul’s ‘team’. We set off anticlockwise and were soon hearing Willow Warbler song and snatches of Common Whitethroat, and lots of Blackcaps. House Sparrows were in the brambles near the houses and Starlings flew back & forth from the houses presumably collecting food. We soon got on to a pair of Stonechats, the first of maybe 4 pairs. In a more open area some of our group were gesturing to come over – Andrew Withycombe had spotted a female Adder in a clump of vegetation. With careful approach all managed to get excellent views and photos. A couple walking their dog said they’d seen a bird of prey in a bush, and we were soon watching a smart pale Buzzard resting in said bush. Further on, plaintive overhead calls were heard and tentatively ID’d as Tree Pipit, and soon we had nice views of a bird feeding on the ground. As I scanned the horizon a small group of Swifts came into view and a few folk managed to pick them up as I called them. A few Swallows flew past. As we reached a very boggy area Paul suddenly called Green Hairstreak, and most got on to it before it flew a short distance, but it couldn’t be relocated. A number of male Orange-tips were in the same area and a single Peacock. Shortly after this we met Tim’s group coming in the opposite direction and we exchanged ‘gen’ as to what we had seen. We then decided to head straight across to the tarmac road and walked back to the start point along that.
All in all a very nice walk – quite chilly at first but pretty warm as we finished, after about 4 hours! A total of 35 species were logged.
September 2024
Kenfig NNR : A Wryneck was discovered (7th). Cattle Egrets called in on several dates, possibly totaling four birds. A Bittern was seen at the Pool. There was a good run of Osprey sightings, including two at the Pool (9th). A Hen Harrier moved through at Sker (18th). Hobbies occurred on several dates. Waders included Curlew Sandpiper (20th), Little Ringed Plover, Ruff and Greenshank. Single Black Terns were noted off Sker (7th) and at the Pool (28th). A maximum of 12 Sandwich Terns was off Sker, while a Common Tern was at the Pool. A Pied Flycatcher stopped off at Sker. A Firecrest was seen briefly on the reserve.
Other Sites: A Hoopoe was photographed in a garden by a non-birder at Coity, Bridgend (15th). A Black-necked Grebe remained at Llanishen/Lisvane Reservoir, where a Scaup and a Black Tern were also logged. Observations at Ogmore Estuary included up to four Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Cattle Egret (26th), Great White Egret (7th), Osprey (7th), Curlew Sandpiper (21st) and Knot. Dunraven produced a coasting Great White Egret (20th), juvenile Hen Harrier (22nd), Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a count of 54,000 House Martins in a single morning’s passage (21st). Both Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were at Rumney Great Wharf. A Black Tern was off Lavernock (15th). Cardiff Bay held a Pied Flycatcher. Three Ring Ouzels were located in the uplands near Cefn Rhigos.
Summary by Paul Roberts
GBC weekend at Portland Bird Obs
This weekend saw a successful and enjoyable GBC stay at Portland Bird Observatory with 13 folk staying in the ‘Obs’ and 3 others joining us independently. 89 species were logged, highlights undoubtedly being the 2 Red-breasted Flycatchers, a Yellow-browed Warbler & a Firecrest, albeit ‘in the hand’, Hobby, migrating Balearic Shearwaters plus innumerable Gannets of all ages, & Kittiwake & auks. Corn Buntings at Maiden Castle and a good selection of waders at Ferrybridge plus a roost of 80+ Mediterranean Gulls. Lodmoor RSPB reserve in Weymouth gave us glimpses of Bearded Tit. Click here for the full list and info. Thanks for Prof Peter Morgan of Cardiff for the seawatching pic.
Glamorgan Bird Club 
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