3 Chiffchaffs singing in Clyne Woods on Thursday evening. Dipper showing well on the River Clyne:

At midday the Little Gull was feeding over towards the barrage area in the SE quadrant of the bay, then at around 4:30 p.m. it was mid bay. V v windy on the barrage! No sign of the Iceland Gull at the Mermaid Quay pontoons [or indeed in the Bay] late afternoon.

A 2nd winter Iceland gull was present on the pontoons at Mermaid Quay from 09.15 this morning. Presumably Graham’s bird from yesterday.

Little gull still present showing well at the mouth of the Taff. Also at least 5 med gulls in the bay (2 x 2nd sum; 2nd win; ad sum; 1st year. 9 scaup still.

A female wheatear was present at Hamadryad Park (my first of the year)

Cattle egret in field with 2 little egrets and 2 cows at 2.00pm

called to see Paul parsons art exhibion at mumbles pier very good as usual went to see the kittiwakes plenty of birds on the platforms to many to count 32 turnstones 2 redshank 20 + sanderling few of the birds were in the seaweed so couldn’t count them

Bittern still present, flew from the reserve to the small island of reeds at 5.15 this afternoon.

The hope was for spring migrants.Chiffchaff(3) with only one obliging with a song ! Perhaps the greatest surprise was a Painted Lady. Dipper(2) they have built a substantial nest on the metalwork of the by-pass bridge.Goldcrest(2 carrying nest material),Grey Wagtail(2),Jay(1),Lesser Redpoll(5),Cormorant(3 all roosting in a tree on the Tawe),Buzard(1),Moorhen(2).

On the GBC weekday trip to Cwm col-Huw today during a 2 hour walk before rain arrived, the highlights were 4 Yellowhammer, 4 Wheatear in a field east of the valley, Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 4 Buzzard, at least 8 Fulmar on the cliffs, several Chiffchaff, 2 pairs of Stonechat and other common species. A bit over 30 species in all.

here is the photo I don’t think it is now but could be a possible hybrid.

1ad-Little Gull,1m-Goosander,9-Scaup 5m-4f,1-Long Tailed Duck.Ducks all close to ice rink side,gull out in the middle.10h20-11h00

A walk from Rest Bay out to Sker Point and back was chilly in the strong winds and hail showers. Nevertheless it was a productive one as I ticked off my first Wheatears for the year. The 3 males and 3 females were favouring the cover of the dry stone walls at Pink Bay. Several pairs of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat were singing / displaying. There was also a flock of approximately 250 Sanderling just south of Sker roosting with 2 Golden Plover on the rocks. Five Oystercatcher were at Rest Bay on the rising tide.

 

4 House Martin and c.6 Sand Martin at Cosmeston this morning, over the central path near the main bridge. Chiffie singing but no Willow Wblr. Pr of GCG displaying, and ad + juv Heron still present W lake.

Picture. To follow it landed on my fence Sunday afternoon. For 5 mins then took off it was a massive bird

Three dozing ducks whilst I was looking for the Black-necked Grebe [which had moved over to the the other side – see Pete Howletts post below].

Apologies for the non-sighting post.

On Fri 24th Mar there will be an indoor meeting at the Environment Centre, Pier St, Swansea. A talk will be given on long-term monitoring of Pied Flycatchers at Cwm Clydach’ by Heather Coats

Following this there will be a overview of the ringing year at Oxwich by Owain Gabb.

The meeting will start at 19:15. It will be £1 on the door to cover costs of room hire.

The summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe finally (and very briefly) ventured close enough in towards St David’s Hotel to get some shots late pm – there was even decent light too.

10-Snipe on the island this afternoon.

Via Twitter – a Black-necked Grebe was off the barrage this morning – latest report was 10:30. You need to look at so many channels now to see news.

Finally heard my first Chiffchaff today: one bird singing by the lake in Brynmill Park. A Little Grebe was also on the lake. Still a few Redwings flying in to roost in Clyne Woods at dusk, and more flying over Sketty after dark. A little clip of the grebe:

20 sand martins, 32 mute swan 30+ Canada geese a few pochard and tufteds usuall mallard coots moorhens and gulls about