Many thanks to Strinda Davies for leading today’s GBC walk at Kenfig NNR and also to the 21 participants for coming along. Highlights included a diving Shag close in at Sker Point found by Alan Rosney, Golden Plover in breeding plumage, 2 Wheatear, a House Martin, Swallows and a flock of Sanderling.

There were dozens of Willow Warbler in song on the walk to Sker, along with a supporting cast including Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Dunnock and Skylark.

Forty species were seen or heard on the walk to/from Sker Point, and those who stayed on for a brief visit to Kenfig Pool added a further 15 species.

Full species list:

Sker walk: Canada Goose, Mallard, Shag, Buzzard, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Turnstone, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Linnet.

Kenfig Pool (additional species): Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Sand Martin, Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Warbler.

Delayed WeBS at Rhymney Est this morning. Surprised to see a pair of Pintail still hanging around. Other than that just 200 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, a couple of Shelduck and some Mallards!

Lesser Whitethroat near the car park.13h00

Lovely to have the chance to see a Greenshank on the deck in the Bay – normally just fly-overs. This one on the Ely along John Batchelor Way found by Mathew Meehan.

River Ely, Cardiff Bay

River Ely, Cardiff Bay

Barn Owl flying over the A473, south of Junction 35, M4 on the dual carriageway towards Coychurch at 21.45 hours on Weds 12th April per David Rich.

2 Wheatear by the sails.2 Oystercatchers 06:55.

One common sandpiper this afternoon

Yesterday -Red kite over A3232 between M4 and Culverhouse.

CBNR  Just missed the  Ring Necked Duck, at least two Chettis Warblers, Wren , Goldfinch, Moorhen,Coot, Reed Warblers heard, 14+ Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Mute Swan, House Sparrow, Tufties, 20 + hirundines over, too fast to identify.

Osprey spotted at 18:15 today flying g towards Briton ferry workies the turned left towards mountain towards the res

Two Cetti’s Warblers singing; Greenfinch singing as usual. (only included because last year someone noted how uncommon they were at this site).

Birds in or over the garden Sunday: Red Kite, Buzzard (3), Raven, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Grey Heron, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker (heard), Nuthatch, Herring Gull, Pheasant (heard)

Greenshank on Portobello Island this morning but disturbed by 2 canoes.

A male Shoveler was a surprise find on Brynmill Park Lake on Saturday evening:

Now 2 Reed Warblers.

Here are a few images from GBC trip on Wednesday. Thanks to John Wilson for leading, and all Glamorgan bird club members who attended for a really enjoyable day’s birding. Great company!!

A short visit was productive nonetheless as I was welcomed by 3 Swallows, a House Martin and 3 Shelduck. A Great White Egret was flying east out in the Bay. In the scrub near the farm there was a Lesser Whitethroat rattling away and 2 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaff.

Nice circular walk starting from the Cafe at Lower Reservoir. On the walk up Chiffchaff(7),Blackcap(5),Willow Warbler(6),Green Woodpecker(2 Yaffling),Great Spotted Woodpecker(1 drumming),Nuthatch(2), Goosander(1). On Mynydd Garn Fach Skylark(10), Meadow Pipit(24), Kestrel(1),Red Kite(2),Buzzard(3), Swallow(5 heading North).In Brynllefrith,Stonechat(4), Great Tit (2),Blue Tit(2), Long Tailed Tit(2),Great Spotted Woodpecker(1), Lesser Redpoll(2), Crossbill(1),Willow Warbler(4),Chiffchaff(2),Reed Bunting(2).On Upper Reservoir Canada Goose(4).

Crossbill at Brynllefrith

Blackcap 4 Chiffchaff 3 Willow Warbler 1 Siskin 2 also Butterflies: Brimstone 4 Large White 1 Comma 2 Peacock 3 and a Weasel.

Two house martins along the river this morning, and a holly blue in the Treforest sunshine this afternoon.

Highlights of yesterday’s field trip at Craig-y-Cilau were 5 raptor species plus a displaying Tree Pipit and numerous singing Willow Warblers. Stunning views from the former tramway out over the Usk valley and beyond.

Later at the Blorenge we saw at least 3 Red Grouse, including 1, watched from the summit, out in the open in the sunshine for an extended period. Wheatear there too, seen from the Foxhunter car park.

Thanks to over 20 participants who came along on the day, and to John Wilson for leading the walks. A really enjoyable day’s birding.