Highlights: An American Golden Plover at Sker was the first county record (2^nd-5^th). A drake Lesser Scaup commuted between Cardiff Bay and Lisvane Reservoir, where two Ring-necked Ducks remained (until the 21^st). An Alpine Swift showed superbly for a couple of hours at Kenfig Pool (19^th). A Green-winged Teal was found at Kenfig rivermouth (27^th). Eight Waxwings at Cosmeston tarried into the second week of the month. A Black-necked Grebe was a brief visitor to Cardiff Bay (23^rd). A Pomarine Skua was noted off Laverrnock (27^th). Two Cattle Egrets turned up at Lamby (29^th).
Other Sites: Two Common Scoters stopped off at Cardiff Bay. A Long-tailed Duck made occasional sorties to Kenfig Pool from over the border. Ospreys moved through at Sker and Cosmeston. Hobbies were seen at Cosmeston and St Mary Church. Waders of note were Curlew Sandpiper at Rumney Great Wharf and Little Stint at Ogmore Estuary. Several Arctic Terns graced Cardiff Bay, while a Sandwich Tern dropped in at Kenfig Pool. A Short-eared Owl was observed at Picketston. A passage Wood Warbler was at Hendre Lake. Migrant Pied Flycatchers were at Llwyn-on Reservoir, The Wilderness (Porthcawl), Garth Mountain and Bryngarw Country Park.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A first-winter drake Lesser Scaup was found at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve (31^st). The two Ring-necked Ducks remained at Lisvane Reservoir. A pair of Garganey called in briefly at Kenfig Pool (28^th). 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 (3^rd). 

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 (23^rd) and Cuckoo at Heol-y-Cyw (31^st). 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

Highlights: A drake Green-winged Teal was briefly at Kenfig Pool (25^th). 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

Highlights: A first-winter Caspian Gull was noted intermittently in the Cardiff Bay roost. A female Ring-necked Duck at Lisvane Reservoir also visited Cardiff Bay. Four Cattle Egrets were present at Cog Moors. Two Waxwings were briefly at Ystrad Mynach. A Siberian Chiffchaff was identified at Cardiff Bay. A Snow Bunting flew over the Knap, Barry. 

Other Sites: A count of 82 Pintails was made at Rhymney Estuary. Scaup were observed at Cardiff Bay (three), Cosmeston (two), Llwyn-on and Kenfig. Sightings in the vicinity of Sker included eight Dark-bellied Brent Geese, a Red-breasted Merganser, two Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver. A further two Great Northern Divers lingered at Llanishen Reservoir. Bitterns were at Forest Farm and Kenfig Pool. A Great White Egret was in fields between Wick and Castle-upon-Alun. A Greenshank called in at Ogmore Estuary, where a Little Gull was also observed. A maximum of nine Yellow-legged Gulls occurred at Cardiff Bay. A Water Pipit remained at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts were logged at Cardiff Bay (maximum three at Porth Teigr), Cardiff City Hall, Nash Point, Aberthaw and Dunraven. Firecrests graced Bute Park, St Mary’s Well Bay and Kenfig. A Hawfinch was at Wern Ddu.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A first-winter Caspian Gull was identified in the Cardiff Bay roost. A female Ring-necked Duck present at both Lisvane Reservoir and Cardiff Bay was joined for a couple of days by a drake. Two individual Snow Buntings were observed at Nash Point. Kenfig Pool hosted two Whooper Swans and a Bearded Tit. 

Other Sites: Up to eight Dark-bellied Brent Geese frequented the flood at Sker, with four Pale-bellied and a single Dark-bellied at Breaksea Point, Aberthaw. A pair of Egyptian Geese was noted at Ogmore Estuary, Flemingston Moor and Kenfig Pool. Three Scaup were at Cardiff Bay. Two Eider passed Sker. Female Red-breasted Mergansers were seen at Aberthaw, Butetown Reservoir and Sker. Single Great Northern Divers occurred at Cardiff Bay and Llwyn-on Reservoir, with at least four in the Kenfig locality. A Cattle Egret was Sker and a Great White Egret dropped in at Ogmore Estuary. A male Marsh Harrier was at Kenfig. Common Sandpipers were at Lisvane Reservoir and Ogmore Estuary. Late Arctic Skuas were logged at Ogmore-by-Sea, Porthcawl and Cardiff Bay. A maximum of seven Yellow-legged Gulls came to roost at Cardiff Bay. Short-eared Owls were at Cosmeston and Lavernock. A Water Pipit looked set to winter at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts graced Cardiff Bay (two), Aberthaw (two), Llantwit Major and Nash Point. Firecrests were at Penarth Head (three), Aberthaw (two), Boverton, Kenfig and Bute Park. Choughs wandered east as far as Aberthaw and Barry. A Hawfinch was at Michaelston-le-Pit.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A Richard’s Pipit flew over at Sker (29^th), where a juvenile Glaucous Gull was also briefly present (31^st). The female Ring-necked Duck remained at Lisvane Reservoir all month. Snow Buntings were noted from Mynydd Pwll-yr-lwrch (Maesteg, 24^th), Nash Point (28^th onwards) and Sker (31^st). Two Spoonbills were seen over Lavernock and then Cardiff Bay (12^th). Cattle Egrets were noted in ‘ones and twos’ at Kenfig, Barry, Flemingston Moor, St Brides Major, Cardiff Bay and Cwmbach Wetlands. A total of at least six Woodlarks was observed on passage over Lavernock, with further sightings over Kenfig (10^th) and Cardiff Bay (two on the 12^th). 
Other Sites: Late migrants concerned a Common Tern at Llanishen Reservoir (19^th), a Whitethroat at Sker (29^th) and a Hobby at Kenfig Pool (31^st). Great Northern Divers called in at Lisvane Reservoir and Kenfig Pool (31^st), where a Bittern and three Great White Egrets also occurred. Further Great White Egrets were at Ogmore Estuary, Aberthaw and Rumney Great Wharf. Kenfig hosted two Hen Harriers and a Marsh Harrier. Another Hen Harrier went through at Lavernock. The only Osprey sighting came from Ogmore Estuary. A Greenshank overflew Lisvane Reservoir, where a Little Gull remained from September into the start of the month, with another Little Gull calling in at the Watermill, Ogmore Estuary. Short-eared Owls were logged at Lavernock and Kenfig. Two Black Redstarts were at Aberthaw. Ring Ouzels stopped off at Kenfig (two), Mynydd Pwll-yr-lwrch (two) and Cwm Nash. A Dartford Warbler was found in clifftop scrub at Nash Point (23^rd). Firecrests were at Kenfig (two trapped for ringing), Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve and Gwaelod-y-Garth. Up to nine Choughs were frequenting the coast in the vicinity of Porthcawl, away from their more usual Vale of Glamorgan haunts. A visible migration of 270 Crossbills was recorded during a single hour at Dunraven (16^th).

Highlights: Two firsts for Glamorgan were found on two consecutive days at Sker – Red-eyed Vireo (21^st) and Cliff Swallow (22^nd) – an excellent reward for dedicated patch work by Neil Donaghy. Continuing the theme of American rarities was a Spotted Sandpiper, briefly on the causeway at Sully (10^th). In addition, a probable Bobolink was discovered in the valley at Nash Point (22^nd), but lost to view flying up to the headland. Female Ring-necked Ducks were found at Llwyn-on Reservoir (20^th) and Lisvane Reservoir (24^th), the latter lingering and most likely a returning individual. A Turtle Dove was seen a couple of times west of Kenfig Pool (13^th). A Grey Phalarope at Kenfig Pool sadly succumbed soon after arrival, while another was on the sea off Newton Point (both the 28^th). A Balearic Shearwater was off Porthcawl (19^th). Cattle Egrets turned up at Kenfig (two) and Ogmore Estuary.

Other Sites: A flock of 32 Pale-bellied Brent Geese (19 of which were juveniles) commuted between Ogmore Estuary and Newton Beach (14^th). A drake Mandarin Duck arrived at Pwll-y-Waun, Porthcawl. A Common Scoter stopped off at Lisvane Reservoir (12^th). Two Storm Petrels passed Porthcawl. Bitterns were recorded from Parc Tredelerch and Cosmeston. Ospreys were logged at Kenfig/Sker on two dates, with another hanging around at Aberthaw. A Hen Harrier moved quickly through at Kenfig, where a Hobby or two stayed a while to feast on the abundant Migrant Hawker dragonflies. Merlins were seen at Craig Ogwr and Southerndown. Waders from Rumney Great Wharf on the 5^th included three Ruffs, three Black-tailed Godwits and 33 Whimbrels. Ogmore Estuary hosted a Greenshank and a couple of Green Sandpipers. A seawatch at Porthcawl produced two Black Terns, an Arctic Tern and four Arctic Skuas (19^th), with three of the latter seen from there the next day. A Little Gull found Lisvane Reservoir to its liking. The only Short-eared Owl sighting came from Lavernock (17^th). Firecrests graced Nash Point and Dunraven. Choughs wandered from their Heritage Coast stronghold as far as Sker and Barry. A feeding flock of 30+ Yellow Wagtails in the upper dovecote field at Cosmeston for a few days bridging 5th, was notable.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A rather elusive Purple Heron was at Kenfig Pool (25^th-26^th). A drake Ring-necked Duck remained at Lisvane Reservoir. A Balearic Shearwater was off Lavenock (2^nd). Cattle Egrets turned up at Aberdare Park (5^th), Cosmeston (14^th) and Kenfig Pool (five on 29^th). Wood Sandpipers passed through at Kenfig Pool (18^th-20^th), Cardiff Bay (18^th) and the Watermill, Ogmore Estuary (22^nd-24^th).
Other Sites: Storm Petrels were off Lavernock and Porthcawl. A Great White Egret was noted flying from Monknash Beach towards Nash Point (16^th), with another at Kenfig Pool (13^th). An Osprey was over Dare Valley Country Park (17^th). Hobbies were logged at Ogmore Estuary, Porthcawl and Southerndown. Greenshanks were observed at Llantwit Major Beach, Ogmore Estuary and Kenfig Pool. Further sightings from Kenfig NNR included Ruff, three Green Sandpipers, Marsh Harrier, two Arctic Terns and an impressive day count of 120+ Tree Pipits (25^th). Five Black Terns went down channel off Lavernock (19^th).
Summary b y Paul Roberts

Highlights: Seawatching efforts at Lavernock were rewarded with three Roseate Terns (1^st), Sooty Shearwater (30^th), Arctic Skua and several Storm Petrels. A Storm Petrel was also noted off Sker. A drake Ring-necked Duck turned up at Lisvane Reservoir (10^th) and subsequently lingered until at least the month end. A Cattle Egret was briefly at Kenfig Pool (14^th), joining a Great White Egret, with another of the latter species calling in at Ogmore Estuary. A Hobby was seen over Bridgend. A couple of juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls appeared at Cosmeston. Waders included a flock of 25 Black-tailed Godwits over Lisvane Reservoir, seven Black-tailed Godwits and two Little Ringed Plovers at Kenfig Pool, plus a Little Ringed Plover at Ogmore Estuary.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: Late news from May involved a singing Nightingale at St Mellons (16^th-25^th) and a Rosy Starling in a garden at Litchard, Bridgend (31^st). Meanwhile, in June a Turtle Dove was found at Grangemoor Park, Cardiff (30^th) and a drake Garganey called in at nearby Cardiff Bay (11^th). Waders reported from Llanilid included Wood Sandpiper, maximum five Green Sandpipers, two Greenshanks and a Black-tailed Godwit. A group of four Little Ringed Plovers passed through at Ogmore Estuary, where a Mandarin Duck remained. Little Ringed Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were both noted at Kenfig Pool.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A Night Heron was found at Cosmeston (15^th). Sightings from around Kenfig NNR included Purple Heron (Kenfig Pool, 27^th), Wood Sandpiper (Sker Pool and Kenfig Pool, 26^th and 27^th respectively), two Greenshanks, Little Tern, Arctic Skua and Brent Goose. A Purple Heron was still at Cwmbach Wetlands (2^nd), having been first seen in late April. A drake Garganey visited the Watermill flood, Ogmore Estuary (7^th). Ospreys were seen over Bridgend on two occasions. A group of four Hobbies was observed at Newton Moor, Cowbridge, with a single noted at Ogmore Estuary. Four Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea. The first Spotted Flycatchers arrived at Pennsylvania Wood and Gwaelod-y-garth (3^rd). 
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A Purple Heron was found at Cwmbach Wetlands (29^th), remaining into May. A Stone Curlew was seen in flight at Sker (22^nd), but could not be relocated ‘on the deck’. Two Alpine Swifts were seen over Whitchurch, Cardiff (2^nd). Female Ring-necked Ducks lingered at Lisvane Reservoir (two) and Roath Park Lake. An Avocet called in at Rhaslas Pond (18^th). A juvenile Iceland Gull frequented Cardiff Bay and the nearby foreshore. A Siberian Chiffchaff was identified at Silurian Park, Cardiff (17^th). 
Other Sites: First records of the year included Whitethroat at Atlantic Wharf (1^st), Redstart at Ogmore Down (4^th), Wood Warbler at St Fagans (14^th), Whinchat at Cosmeston (17^th) and Ring Ouzel at Cwmparc (20^th). A somewhat exotic feel was provided at Ogmore Estuary by two Egyptian Geese and a Mandarin Duck. A Great White Egret was seen in flight over the same site. A Hobby was logged at Kenfig rivermouth. A Curlew Sandpiper at Newton Beach was the pick of the waders, while the passage of several hundred Bar-tailed Godwits, particularly between Ogmore and Kenfig, was noteworthy. Further wader sightings included 45 Whimbrels, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and three Little Ringed Plovers at Rumney Great Wharf (19^th); three Grey Plovers, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary; three Green Sandpipers at Cwmbach Wetlands (8^th) and two Green Sandpipers on the River Ely. A passage of over 45 Little Gulls occurred offshore at Cardiff Barrage (20^th). Several Yellow-legged Gulls were still being reported at Ogmore Estuary early in the month. A Common Tern was at Kenfig Pool and one or two Arctic Terns called in at Cardiff Bay.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: Alpine Swifts were discovered at Penarth (18^th), Parc Tredelerch (two on the 19^th) and Porthcawl (20^th). An adult Night Heron was found roosting at Cors Crychydd Reen, Lamby (30^th), before flying off at dusk, but present again the next day. Female Ring-necked Ducks remained at Lisvane Reservoir (two) and Roath Park Lake. An immature Spoonbill frequented Hendre Lake, St Mellons.
Other Sites: An Osprey passed through Cardiff Bay, continuing up the River Ely (31^st). A ringtail Hen Harrier overflew Pentyrch. Migrant Redshanks included six at Cosmeston and 22 at Roath Park Lake, both unusual site occurrences. Four early Whimbrels moved down channel off Rumney Great Wharf (22^nd). A Little Gull arrived at Cardiff Bay after strong winds. Two adult Yellow-legged Gulls lingered at Ogmore Estuary, with a second-winter also identified there. Common Terns were noted at Lisvane Reservoir and Parc Tredelerch. Short-eared Owl sightings from Lamby Tip and Rumney Great Wharf may have related to the same individual? Water Pipits were still at Ogmore Estuary and Rumney Great Wharf. Black Redstarts were at Bute Park and the Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay. Dartford Warblers stopped off at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course and Ogmore Estuary. Firecrests were at Penarth and Dunraven. Hawfinches were observed at Rudry, Dyffryn Gardens and Tongwynlais.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: An immature Spoonbill frequented Hendre Lake, St Mellons. Two female Ring-necked Ducks remained at Lisvane Reservoir, with another female commuting between Cardiff Bay and Cosmeston. Siberian Chiffchaffs were found at Cardiff Bay and Merthyr Mawr Warren. 
Other Sites: Nine Dark-bellied Brent Geese were intermittently at Ogmore Estuary. A Whooper Swan remained at Cardiff Bay, where a Scaup was presumed the same individual also observed at Cosmeston, with an additional two Scaup at Kenfig Pool. A Bittern arrived in off the sea at Sker (from Somerset, perhaps?), heading inland towards Kenfig Pool. Merlins were at Laleston, Dunraven and Kenfig. Cardiff Bay and Ogmore Estuary each hosted two Common Sandpipers. Any Lesser Spotted Woodpecker sighting these days is noteworthy, so occurrences at Nantgarw (along the Taff Trail), Deri and Aberkenfig were very welcome. At least 11 Water Pipits were counted over a spring tide at Rumney Great Wharf, with one or two also at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts comprised three at Southerndown and two at Cardiff Bay. A Firecrest was observed at Glyncornel. Two Choughs wandered as far as Friars Point, Barry. Hawfinches were at Duffryn Gardens, Cosmeston and Tongwynlais.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: At least three female Ring-necked Ducks were frequenting the Cardiff vicinity (two at Lisvane Reservoir, plus singles at Cosmeston, Cardiff Bay and Roath Park Lake). A Cattle Egret was on the flood plain of the River Taff, near Whitchurch
(2 nd ). The long-staying Whooper Swan was at Cardiff Bay. Kenfig Pool hosted a Slavonian Grebe, a Yellow-browed Warbler and two Siberian Chiffchaffs. Another Siberian Chiffchaff was at a small sewage works near Wick.

Other Sites: Brent Geese comprised 10 Pale-bellied at Aberthaw and a single Dark-bellied at Sker. A lone Greater Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. At least one Bittern remained at Kenfig, a Great White Egret was at Penllyn Moor and eight Little Egrets gathered at Waterton, Bridgend. A male Merlin graced Ogmore Estuary. A synchronised count along the River Ely revealed a record 16 Green Sandpipers. Wintering Common Sandpipers were present at Ogmore Estuary, Cardiff Bay and Llanishen Reservoir. A Little Gull was observed off Cardiff Bay Barrage. At least one Water Pipit was still at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts included up to four in Barry, three at Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay and one at Pyle. Firecrests comprised two at Kenfig Pool and one at St Mary’s Well Bay. Three Hawfinches were seen occasionally at Cosmeston.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: Two female Ring-necked Ducks remained at Lisvane Reservoir. An adult Caspian Gull was identified at Cardiff Bay (8^th), where the long-staying Whooper Swan was still present. A Cattle Egret was briefly at Porthcawl (15^th). Scarcities from Kenfig comprised Whooper Swan (8^th only), Yellow-browed Warbler and two Siberian Chiffchaffs at the pool, plus a Snow Bunting at Sker.
Other Sites: The Brent Goose flock at Aberthaw peaked at 15 (10 of which were Pale-bellied), while a single juvenile Dark-bellied lingered at Ogmore Estuary. The only Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. Two Eiders and a Red-breasted Merganser were noted at Sker. Great Northern Divers were sighted on various dates at Kenfig and Sker, although it is not known how many individuals this relates to. Bitterns were found at both Kenfig and Cardiff Bay, where three Great White Egrets were seen flying over (15^th). Both Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl were observed flying in off the sea at Sker (4^th). A male Merlin was hunting at Portobello, Ogmore Estuary. A Whimbrel appeared to be attempting to winter at Sker. Common Sandpipers were frequenting Ogmore Esuary, Cardiff Bay and Lisvane Reservoir. A Little Gull stopped off at Kenfig Pool (24^th). Water Pipits were made up of two at Ogmore Estuary and two at Aberthaw. Black Redstarts had a good showing, with records from Cardiff Bay (maximum three), Cardiff City Hall, Barry, Aberthaw (two), Nash Point, Southerndown (two), Bridgend (two locations) and Lock’s Common, Porthcawl. Firecrests were logged at Cathays Cemetery, Aberthaw (two) and Pant Norton. Up to four Hawfinches were at Cosmeston. 
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: Scarcities at Kenfig were a Glossy Ibis in flight over the pool (19^th), a juvenile Sabine’s Gull at Sker (10^th) and a Red-backed Shrike (found in the southern dunes in October), reportedly around until early in the month. Cardiff Bay held two Caspian Gulls (adult and 2^nd-winter), a Red-necked Grebe (11^th), a Leach’s Petrel  moving down channel from the barrage (2^nd) and the long-staying Whooper Swan. Leach’s Petrels were also recorded from Lavernock on several dates (notably four on the 9^th), with Black-throated Diver (9^th) and at least two Siberian Chiffchaffs also present. Two female Ring-necked Ducks frequented Lisvane Reservoir. A flock of six Waxwings flew over Maesteg (16^th). A Swift species (Common or Pallid) was over Wildmill, Bridgend (1^st). 
Other Sites: Single Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Cardiff Bay, Ogmore Estuary and Sker, where Red-breasted Merganser and Great Northern Diver were also logged. Another Great Northern Diver was briefly on Llanishen Reservoir (27^th). A Red-crested Pochard, three Bitterns and a Great White Egret were at Kenfig. A male Merlin was at Sker. A coordinated count in the Ely Valley revealed a total of 11 Green Sandpipers. Common Sandpipers comprised two at both Ogmore Estuary and Lisvane Reservoir. Purple Sandpipers at Sker peaked at 14. A Great Skua was seen heading from Sker towards Porthcawl. Little Gulls had a good showing, with records from Ogmore Estuary (two 1^st-winters), Sker (adult and 1^st-winter), Kenfig Pool (1^st-winter), Porthcawl (adult) and Cardiff Bay (1^st-winter). The Cardiff Bay roost held a maximum of 16 Yellow-legged Gulls. Late Arctic Terns were seen at Gileston (9^th) and Kenfig Pool (15^th-19^th). Two Water Pipits turned up at Ogmore Estuary. Black Redstarts occurred at Penarth (three), Cardiff Bay (two), Porthcawl (two), Coity and Nash Point. An estimated 10,000 Redwings moved over Lavernock in 90 minutes (1^st). Ring Ouzels passed through at Dunraven and Maesteg. Firecrests graced Pant Norton, Ogmore (two) and Swanbridge. Hawfinches were Fforest Fawr, Lavernock and Cosmeston.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A Red-flanked Bluetail was an excellent discovery in the extensive woodland at Wenallt, north of Cardiff (16^th-18^th), the second for the recording area. A Red-rumped Swallow was found feeding with Swallows at Sully Brook, Cosmeston (26^th). A Red-backed Shrike was located in the southern dunes at Kenfig on the 13th, remaining until the month end. Two female Ring-necked Ducks turned up at Lisvane Reservoir, possibly returning birds? A Cattle Egret few west past Lavernock (9^th). At Cardiff Bay a White-fronted Goose was seen in flight over the barrage with three Canada Geese (5^th) and the long-staying Whooper Swan was still around. Woodlarks overflying Lavernock comprised four on the 21^st and one on the 27^th. A singing Siberian Chiffchaff was in the valley at Nash Point (27^th). Two Yellow-browed Warblers were logged at Kenfig – one near the Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club (16^th) and the other in the southern dunes (23^rd). Single Snow Buntings were at both Kenfig (22^nd-24^th) and Southerndown (24^th-25^th). Swift species (Common or Pallid, but surely most likely the latter, given the national influx) were noted at Cosmeston (21^st), Kenfig (22^nd) and Lisvane Reservoir (29^th).
Other Sites: A Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. Great White Egrets were observed at Pwll y Waun, Porthcawl (4^th), Cardiff Bay (9^th), Kenfig (12^th) and Ogmore Estuary (12^th). A late Osprey was tracked motoring south east at Laleston, then over Bridgend and lastly Merthyr Mawr (30^th). Hen Harriers were observed at Nant-moel Reservoir, Aberdare (two on 5^th), Cwm Cadlan (16^th & 18^th) and Kenfig (31^st). A Hobby was at Pentyrch, with Merlins from Kenfig, Llynfi Valley, Dunraven, Nash Point and Ogmore-by-Sea. A juvenile Ruff arrived at Ogmore Estuary (20^th). At least 90 Mediterranean Gulls were gathered at Porthcawl seafront (31^st). Cardiff Bay was the only site hosting Black Redstart. A Whinchat dropped in at Dunraven (18^th). A sizeable movement of Redwings included over 10,000 over Cardiff Bay barrage (20^th). Ring Ouzels were at Dare Valley Country Park (five on 23^rd). Llynfi Valley (25^th) and Sully Brook, Cosmeston (26^th). Firecrests were at Kenfig on several dates, elsewhere there were two at Dunraven and one at Pyle. Away from their Heritage Coast stronghold, Choughs were at Rhoose Point (two on 10^th), Flatholm (two on 22^nd) and on various dates at Rest Bay/Sker (maximum 11).
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: An Ortolan Bunting turned up a Lavernock (19th – 20th ), a site with a
notable historic track record for the species. Yellow-browed Warblers were found
at Kenfig (28th ) and Dunraven (29th ). A Cattle Egret arrived at Llanishen Reservoir
(5th ). Three Whooper Swans coasted south east past Dunraven (29th ), while the
long-stayer remained at Cardiff Bay.
Other Sites: Great White Egrets were recorded at Kenfig Pool (5th ), Llanishen
Reservoir (two on 25th ), Ogmore Estuary (two on 26th ) and Sker (30th ). A Bittern
was seen at Kenfig Pool. Ten Little Egrets at Ogmore Estuary was a site high
count. Raptors included a Hen Harrier at Cwm Cadlan, Marsh Harriers at Kenfig
and Lavernock, Merlins at Kenfig and Dunraven, with Hobbies at Sker and
Ogmore Estuary. Waders of note comprised Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint
from Kenfig, plus Little Ringed Plover and Ruff at Ogmore Estuary. Two Black
Terns and an Arctic Tern graced Parc Tredelerch. Passage Ring Ouzels called in
at Craig y Llyn, Rhigos (three) and Craig y Bwlch, Hirwaun. West Aberthaw held
a Firecrest.
Summary by Paul Roberts

Highlights: A juvenile Caspian Gull was identified at Taffs Mead Embankment, Cardiff. Sightings from Kenfig included Wood Sandpiper, Garganey, Bittern, Curlew Sandpiper, two Ruff, at least three Little Ringed Plovers and a Pied Flycatcher. A Hen Harrier was noted at Porth. Wood Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper were observed at Llanilid, with a further two Green Sandpipers in flight over Lavernock. A Greenshank and two Little Ringed Plovers were at Lisvane Reservoir, Rumney Great Wharf also recorded a Greenshank and an additional Little Ringed Plover was at Llwyn-on Reservoir.
Summary by Paul Roberts