Arrived at the rivermouth just after a deluge to be greeted by numerous small waders spread out along the beach (Bridgend side). After wading across (needs must) I located a juvenile Little Stint, but this soon flew off with a flock of Ringed Plovers east over the river and out of sight, when flushed by dog walkers. Not possible to accurately count them, but a rough estimate would be 130 Ringed Plovers, 50 Sanderlings and 45 Dunlin. 

Somewhat ‘as you were’ on the bird front with Green and Common Sandpiper the only migrant waders on site (although a Whimbrel was noted overhead on the 5th). Sedge Warblers appear to be passing through and Green Woodpeckers are conspicuous; presumably a good breeding season for them.

Butterflies: 15+ Clouded Yellow (pictured), Painted Lady, Wall Brown, Grayling, Common Blue, etc.

Dragonflies: Common Hawker (3), Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Emperor, Golden-ringed, Keeled Skimmer, Black-tailed Skimmer, Four-spotted Chaser, Common Darter, Black Darter.

 

 

Sightings this morning included juvenile Cuckoo, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper (2), Little Ringed Plover (5), Swift (3), Grey Wagtail and Sedge Warbler. 

Some signs of movement this morning, with two Spotted Flycatchers, plus decent numbers of Willow Warblers and Whitethroats.

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull wearing a green ring (no scope – not read) and two Little Egrets, this morning. 

Little Egret and Curlew present this evening.

A family party of Choughs noted today. An impressive floral display included goodies such as Clustered Bellflower and Tuberous Thistle, plus the greatest number of Pyramidal Orchids I can recall down there.

Two Nightjars seen last night, about 1km apart from each other. Surprisingly, no churring.

Bridgend – a Hobby just flew past the house, nice. Earlier a Dipper feeding two young on the Ogmore near the recreation centre.

Allt y Rhiw, Blackmill – Wood Warbler (2), Redstart (2), Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler (3) in difficult conditions.

Parc Slip –  Common Sandpiper on the new scrapes. 

Message from Neil Donaghy – Purple Heron at Kenfig Saltmarsh.

Amazing record of seven Garganey at Portobello, Ogmore Estuary, today. The flock consisted of five drakes and two females, although iron staining on one of the females caused some earlier confusion (thanks to Barry for clearing that up, need to look at more Garganey!).

A Green Sandpiper was at the back of the Watermill flood this evening. Some nice muddy margins appearing now, so worth keeping an eye on. 

A pair of Shelduck on the studio pool was unusual, possibly the first site record? A Common Whitethroat was new in.

 

 

This Pink-footed Goose was a bit of a surprise at the Watermill flood this morning.

A female Hen Harrier was hunting over the ‘Owl Field’ this morning. Further sightings included Kestrel, Redpoll (4), Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Little Grebe and Teal (2). Numerous singing Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers were present, with smaller numbers of Blackcaps.

A Green-winged Teal – found by Darren Coombs – is at Kenfig Saltmarsh, on the East Glamorgan side.