Putative Thayer’s Gull seen this morning. More info here. (Barry Stewart)

51

 curlew this morning.. 30+ oycs… 2 mistle thrush

In addition to Paul’s post below, 10 Goosander (3m, 7f) on a very high river at Portobello first thing this morning.  On the wave-battered rocks, along with the seven Purple sandpiper there was a Shag which flew off as I drove up to park.

1 Bonxie chasing a Herring Gull briefly, before landing on the sea (14:45). Also at least a couple of Little Gulls in with the passing Kittiwakes – at least 1 Ad + 1st W. 

The Black-necked Grebe first seen yesterday afternoon by Chris Hawes from the Ice Rink area, was round the corner at the mouth of the Taff this morning, associating with around 12 Little Grebes between the east side of Cardiff Bay road bridge and the first line of moored boats, best viewed from the W side by Windsor Quay apartments, where there is shelter if it’s raining! Present  until 12:30 at least, when I left.

Ooops, Dave Gilmore posted [below] whilst I was in the process of composing this! 🙂

BNG still Cardiff Bay – see GRC for details.

Impressive tide but nothing of great note bird wise. Counts between Gowerton and Llanrhidian included 239 Shelduck, 168 Teal, 500+ Pintail, 291 Dark-bellied Brent, 1 Pale-bellied Brent, 39 Great Black-backed Gull and a juvenile Kittiwake at the Gowerton end the only surprise. 

Apologies for a non sighting post – 

Could anyone interested in showing pictures or video at the members evening on Tuesday 7th Jan, please contact me to prearrange a slot.

My details are on the website contacts page

– Thanks 

I arrived as Owain and Rhian were leaving. I managed to see 10 of the 16 Purple Sands & the 2 Chough made a brief appearance. Additional birds included a 2cy Little Gull just off the point along with Kittiwakes 86 (mostly loitering), 14+ Med Gulls, 12 Guillemots (sadly none of the Black persuasion), 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 female Common Scoter loafing just of the point and 1 Fulmar.

Elsewhere Owen Leyshon saw a G.N.Diver, 3 Slavonian Grebes & 52 Eiders at Whiteford and 2 Velvets among the distant flock of 1300+ Common Scoters in Rhossili Bay.

1 woodcock, 2 chiffchaff, and a male sparrowhawk.

Just a quick family walk, but an ad Yellow-legged Gull was noted on E lake, and 6, poss 8 Gadwall on W lake, plus 2 Little and 2 Great Crested Grebes.

A pair of goosander by old stone bridge this morning one male one red head

Showing very well in Cardiff Bay, just off the ice rink.

16 purple sandpiper on Sedgers Bank was my highest ever Gower count. Also 14 turnstone, redshank, little egret, and small flocks of oystercatcher and curlew. 6 shag close in.

Also 26 ravens over the cliffs above Holy’s Wash (between Slade and Oxwich Point). Birds displaying / tumbling and calling. Two chough also present.

It’s new year, so happy new year everyone. Before you get too tied up with this year’s birding plans remember to get your 2013 sightings sorted and sent in to me, by the end of the month if poss. Any upcoming grotty days would be an opportunity 🙂

Saw my first ever Merlin  yesterday near Sker House. Sitting on fence posts and then flying low over the shore.

Greg Nuttgens

Great Northern Diver still present at 8.10 this morning per Martin Bevan