HAPPY NEW YEAR

I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big Thank You to everyone who has travelled with us this year. I look forward to birding with you all again next year and to welcoming the ever growing number of new faces who are joining us - you are very welcome!

Wishing everyone a Happy, healthy and bird filled 2009

Best Wishes

Neil

22ND - 31ST DECEMBER 2008

On the 22nd, the Slavonian Grebe and five Greater Scaup were in Cardiff Bay, a first winter Ring-billed Gull was in Swansea Marina and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in a Caerphilly garden. The Bearded Tit as again at Cosmeston Lakes on 23rd and the Red Kite was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. Christmas Eve produced three Dark-bellied Brent Goose on the sea at Penarth and five Hen Harrier at Llanrhidian Marsh. A Merlin and Red Kite were at Mynydd Eglwysilian and two Common Chiffchaff and the Slavonian Grebe were at Cardiff Bay. On Christmas Day, the Bearded Tit showed well at Cosmeston Lakes, four Greater Scaup were at Rhymney Estuary, the Water Pipit remained at Llwyn On Reservoir and the Red Kite was again at Mynydd Eglwysilian. A Black Restart was in Penarth Marina and another was on St. Donats Castle Vale of Glamorgan. Boxing Day produced a first winter drake Lesser Scaup at Cosmeston Lakes – the first record for Glamorgan and the Bearded Tit was also present. The Ring-billed Gull remained at Lamby Lake and a Water Pipit was at Rhymney Estuary. On the 27th, the drake Lesser Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes, along with the Bearded Tit and six Bohemian Waxwings were in Briton Ferry. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Ogmore Estuary and a Dartford Warbler at Caswell Bay. Two Yellow-legged Gulls were in Cardiff Bay. The Lesser Scaup was still at Cosmeston Lakes on the 28th and five Bohemian Waxwings remained in Briton Ferry. Three Jack Snipe, nineteen Common Snipe, eighty Fieldfare and four Red Kite were in Maesteg. On the 29th, the Lesser Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes, the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake along with a Jack Snipe and a Barn Owl. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool and a Green Sandpiper was at Llanilid. On the 30th, a Short-eared Owl, three Yellow-legged Gulls and the Ring-billed Gull were in the Lamby Lake area and a Bohemian Waxwing was in eastern Cardiff. A male Hen Harrier, 470 Fieldfare, 140 Redwing and a Red Kite were in Maesteg and the Slavonian Grebe and twenty three Lesser Redpoll were in Cardiff Bay. A Water Pipit and Jack Snipe were at Candleston. The Lesser Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes, a Great Grey Shrike was a new arrival at Llwyn On Reservoir and an Egyptian Goose was at Neath. Another freezing day on the 31st and a Jack Snipe was at Hendre Lake, while a small influx of wildfowl at Kenfig Pool saw forty one Northern Shoveler and forty four Common Teal present, a Dartford Warbler and a Eurasian Woodcock were in the northern dunes and twenty European Golden Plover flew south east overhead. Three Water Pipits, 149 Black-tailed Godwit and 500 Dunlin were at Salthouse Point and a Spotted Redshank was at Penclawdd Pill. The Lesser Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes and the Ring-billed Gull and Short-eared Owl were again in the Lamby Lake area.

15TH - 21ST DECEMBER 2008

The 15th saw the Bearded Tit again at Cosmeston Lakes and 41 Grey Plover were at Rhymney Estuary. The Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake. On the 16th two Mediterranean Gulls were at Ogmore Estuary, while the 17th produced a Bohemian Waxwing at Brackla, Bridgend, the Ring-billed Gull at Lamby Lake and a Jack Snipe, sixty Common Snipe and twenty Reed Bunting at Oxwich Marsh and a Red-throated Diver and Common Guillemot in the bay there. At Penclawdd, 46 Grey Plover, 138 Black-tailed Godwit [including two colour-ringed birds] and 89 Bar-tailed Godwit were present, the latter being the biggest flock there since 2001. A Common Sandpiper was still present in Penclawdd Pill. A Snow Bunting, Water Pipit, 86 Eurasian Wigeon and two Common Scoter were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 18th, the Bearded Tit was again at Cosmeston Lake, the Snow Bunting and a Short-eared Owl were at Rhymney Estuary. A Little Gull and two Mediterranean Gulls were in Swansea Marina. On the 19th, the Snow Bunting was again at Rhymney Estuary, a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysilian and a Marsh Tit was near Pontypridd. Two Peregrine, thirty Yellowhammer and sixteen Grey Partridge were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The Slavonian Grebe was again in Cardiff Bay and the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake. On the 20th, the Ring-billed Gull and a Jack Snipe were at Lamby Lake, the Snow Bunting was at Rhymney Estuary, the Slavonian Grebe and Black Redstart were in Cardiff Bay and a Hen Harrier was at Llanilid. The 21st saw a Red Kite at Mynydd Eglwysilian and a Mediterranean Gull and Peregrine were new at Cosmeston Lakes.

8TH - 14TH DECEMBER 2008

On the 8th, a Water Rail survey at Kenfig NNR produced forty one calling birds and a Snow Bunting was at Werfa Mast. A Black Redstart was in Cardiff Bay and the male Hen Harrier and 152 European Golden Plover were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The 9th produced a Firecrest at Bishops Wood, Gower, the Slavonian Grebe and Black Redstart were at Cardiff Bay, a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Caerphilly and the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake. On the 10th, the Slavonian Grebe was again at Cardiff Bay and a Jack Snipe was at Lavernock Point, while three Green Sandpipers were at Hendre Lake. The 11th produced the Water Pipit again at Llwyn On Reservoir, the Ring-billed Gull at Lamby Lake and five Purple Sandpiper at Sker Point. A Snow Bunting was at Mynydd Eglwysilian on the 12th but torrential rain wrote off the rest of the day. On the 13th the Slavonian Grebe, a Siberian Chiffchaff, seven Lesser Redpoll and two Greater Scaup were in Cardiff Bay. Nineteen Purple Sandpiper and two Red-billed Chough were at Rhossilli. On the 14th, a Barn Owl and the Ring-billed Gull were at Lamby Lake, the drake Ferruginous Duck was at Cosmeston Lakes and the Slavonian Grebe at Cardiff Bay. A Black Redstart was at Gileston.

1ST - 7TH DECEMBER 2008

The 1ST DECEMBER saw a Eurasian Woodcock at Llanwonno Forest and a Water Pipit, two Jack Snipe and two Common Chiffchaff were at Candleston. A Firecrest was in Cardiff and a Yellow-browed Warbler was in Maesteg. On the 2nd, a male Hen Harrier and fifty five European Golden Plover were on Mynydd Eglwysilian and the male Bearded Tit was again showing well at Cosmeston Lakes. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Summerhouse Point, Llantwit Major. A glorious day on the 3rd saw a small influx of wildfowl to Kenfig Pool with twelve Northern Shoveler, ten Eurasian Wigeon, three Common Teal and eight Gadwall. Two Great Northern Divers, seven Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 350 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, two Common Greenshank, five Red-breasted Merganser, a Green Sandpiper, twenty Common Scoter and fourteen Common Eider were the highlights on the North Gower coast. The Bearded Tit remained at Cosmeston Lakes and four Red-billed Chough were at Southerndown. A miserable day on the 4th saw the Ring-billed Gull at Lamby Lake and a Little Owl nearby. On the 5th, two Hen Harrier, eight Common Crossbill, four Slavonian Grebe and ten Common Eider were at Whiteford NNR and ten Eurasian Siskin and two Common Kingfisher were at Forest Farm, Cardiff. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool and the Bearded Tit was again at Cosmeston Lakes. Two Black Redstarts were in Cardiff Bay. On the 6th, the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake and a Mediterranean Gull was at Ogmore Estuary. Ninety Common Snipe, a Red-throated Diver, Merlin, Firecrest, Green Sandpiper were at Oxwich NNR and four Mediterranean Gulls were at Scurlage, South Gower. An adult Little Gull was in Swansea Marina, and the Black Redstart and Slavonian Grebe were at Cardiff Bay. On the 7th wildfowl counts at Kenfig Pool included eleven Gadwall, twelve Eurasian Wigeon and a Northern Pintail, while seventeen Red-throated Diver, three hundred European Golden Plover and a Dark-bellied Brent Goose were at Kenfig Sands and two Bearded Tits were at the Rivermouth. The Ring-billed Gull and a Common Greenshank were at Lamby Lake. The Ferruginous Duck re-appeared at Cosmeston Lake along with the Bearded Tit and a drake Greater Scaup and a Black Redstart was at Port Talbot Harbour. Eight hundred Ringed Plover were at Blackpill, a Great Northern Diver was at Mumbles and a Hen and Marsh Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh, along with eighty Little Egret. Two Jack Snipe were in Maesteg and five Eurasian Woodcock at Perthcelyn, Rhondda.

24TH - 30TH NOVEMBER 2008

On the 24th, a Common Scoter was on Lisvane Reservoir, eight Common Goldeneye were at Kenfig Pool and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Ogmore Estuary. The Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake and seven Grey Partridge were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The Bearded Tit was again at Cosmeston Lakes on the 25th, along with a first winter drake Greater Scaup. A Jack Snipe, five Common Chiffchaff, two Water Rail and two Lesser Redpoll were at Candleston, while two Velvet Scoter, a Great Northern Diver, a Brambling and nine Eurasian Wigeon were at Oxwich NNR. The Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake. On the 26th, a Richard’s Pipit was an excellent find in the Vale of Glamorgan at Glan-y-Mor near Southerndown. The bird frequented set aside fields on the cliff top, where fifty Sky Lark and a Common Snipe were also present and seven Red-billed Chough were also on the cliff tops there. Elsewhere, a Spotted Redshank, Common Sandpiper and Common Greenshank were at Penclawdd Pill and another Common Sandpiper was in Swansea Marina, along with a Black Redstart. Two Tree Sparrows were at the very unusual location of Blackpill, yet another Common Sandpiper was at Rhymney Estuary, along with 1800 Dunlin and 1000 Red Knot and another Black Redstart was in Cardiff Bay. Two Mediterranean Gulls, 114 Great Crested Grebe and ten Common Scoter were off Aberavon Beach. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool on 28th along with a Common Chiffchaff and seven Eurasian Wigeon and a male Merlin was at Glan-y-Mor, but there was no sign of the Richard’s Pipit. Ten Little Egret were at Hendre Lake, thirty five Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Barn Owl were at Rhymney Estuary. Seven Lesser and a Common Redpoll, as well as a Black Redstart were in Cardiff Bay. The male Bearded Tit was again at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 29th, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake, along with a Barn Owl, Black Redstarts were at Cardiff Bay and St Donats and a Merlin and Common Crossbill were on Maesteg. The Bearded Tit was at Cosmeston Lakes and the Slavonian Grebe again at Penarth Marina. On the 30th, two Barn Owls were at Lamby Tip and eleven Fieldfare, thirty Greenfinch, twenty Reed Bunting, fifteen Yellowhammer and one hundred and fifty Wood Pigeon were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A Black Redstart was in Cardiff Bay and the Bearded Tit was again at Cosmeston Lakes.

NORTH EAST ENGLAND 2009

Please note that both tours for 2009 are now full. We will only run one tour in June 2010, so if you are interested, please contact us and we can take an advance registration.

17TH - 23RD NOVEMBER 2008

On the 17th, the Whooper Swan, a Water Pipit and two Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore Estuary, three Great Northern Diver, a Green Sandpiper, 160 Common Snipe and two Jack Snipe were at Oxwich NNR and thirteen Mediterranean Gulls were at Port Eynon. The Ferruginous Duck and Bearded Tit were again at Cosmeston Lakes and thirteen Eurasian Wigeon were also there. A Black Redstart was in Cardiff Bay, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake and the Slavonian Grebe was again in Penarth Marina. The 18th produced the Ferruginous Duck and Bearded Tit at Cosmeston Lakes. Two Black Redstart were in Cardiff Bay and a Common Eider was again at Lavernock Point. A Little Gull was in Swansea Marina. On the 19th a thrush movement at Kenfig Pool saw 430 Redwing and 155 Fieldfare go north west and a Goosander was on the pool. Twelve Lesser Redpoll, fourteen European Golden Plover and thirty two Reed Bunting were in Maesteg, the Whooper Swan remained at The Watermill Flood and two Red-billed Chough were at Southerndown. The Ferruginous Duck and Bearded Tit were again at Cosmeston Lakes. A Black Redstart was at Cardiff Bay and the Slavonian Grebe was again in Penarth Marina.
Seven Common Crossbill and eight Lesser Redpoll were at Caerphilly and the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake. An amazing count of 176 Great Crested Grebe were off Blackpill, where seven Dark-bellied Brent Geese were also present. A Green Sandpiper was at Ogmore Estuary on 20th, the Whooper Swan was again at The Watermill Flood and nineteen Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea. The Bearded Tit and Ferruginous Duck were again at Cosmeston Lakes, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake and 185 Northern Pintail, 1250 Dunlin, a Grey Plover and 500 Common Redshank were at Rhymney Estuary. A Ring-tailed Hen Harrier was at Llanrhidian Marsh and a female Marsh Harrier was a late migrant at nearby Penclawdd Pill. On the 21st, two Eurasian Woodcock were at Tondu, the Bearded Tit and Ferruginous Duck were again at Cosmeston Lakes and a Ruddy Duck and three Yellowhammer were at Kenfig Pool. The Slavonian Grebe was still present at Penarth Marina. On the 22nd a Eurasian Woodcock was at Candleston, the Common Eider was again at Lavernock Point, a Brambling was at Forest Farm and eight Eurasian Wigeon and a Siberian Chiffchaff were at Kenfig Pool. The Bearded Tit and Ferruginous Duck were again at Cosmeston Lakes, the Slavonian Grebe was in Penarth Marina, three Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver were at Rhossilli and two Black Redstarts were at Southerndown. On the 23rd, the three Great Northern Divers were again at Oxwich NNR, the Ferruginous Duck and Bearded Tit were at Cosmeston Lakes and the Common Eider was off Lavernock Point.

SOUTH AFRICA 30TH OCTOBER - 10TH NOVEMBER 2008

Our recent ten day exploration of South Africa’s Western Cape was a tremendous success, with the group recording a total of 258 species including many of the areas endemics and speciailities. Our arrival in Cape Town on 31st October was followed immediately by an afternoon at the Strandfontein sewage works where we connected with a variety of herons, egrets, waders, ducks, gulls and terns including the rare Hottentot Teal, huge flocks of breeding plumaged Black-necked Grebes and many of the endemic Cormorants. Our first full day was spent at sea on a pelagic to the trawling grounds approximately 25 miles off the cape, and as well as numerous sightings of Southern Right and Bryde’s Whales we recorded thousands of seabirds. Four species of Albatross, Pintado, Soft-plumaged, White-chinned, Wilson’s and Northern Giant Petrels, flocks of Sabine’s Gulls and hundreds of Great Shearwaters being the highlights. Our second day on the peninsula saw us visit Kirsetnbosch botanical gardens for many of the endemic canaries, Orange-breasted, Malachite and Double-collared Sunbirds, Cape Sugarbird and nesting Spotted Eagle Owls. In the Hottnetots Holland range, such specialities as Cape Rock Thrush and Cape Rockjumper were added amid spectacular scenery followed by some excellent dining on the Cape Town waterfront in the evenings. Heading north into the Strandveld a whole new host of species became available and soon we were ticking off Secretary Bird, Black Harrier and the national bird, Blue Crane. Our spacious hotel on the banks of the Berg River was right by the estuary where Chestnut-banded Plover and Lesser Flamingo could be found, and surrounding plains held endemic Cape Long-billed Lark. In the West Coast national park, throngs of wintering shorebirds were seen at close quarters and the endemic Southern Black Korhaan seen by the roadside – perhaps the African Fish Eagle mobbed by a passing Osprey stole the show here, however! Our fourth base at the entrance to the Tanqua Karoo was in the town of Ceres, and a drinking pool in the nearby hills here added Streaky-headed and Protea Canaries to our burgeoning list with Horus Swift over the hotel. In the Tanqua, such sought-after birds as Fairy Flycatcher, Karoo Eremomela and Rufous-eared Warbler were seen and raptors included the superb Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk and subtle Greater Kestrel. Continuing our giant loop we headed south-east to the Grootvadersbosch forest, and on our early morning venture into the woodland struck gold with elusive Narina Trogon and Knysna Warbler, Blue-mantled and Paradise Flycatchers and both Knysna and Olive Woodpeckers. African Wood Owl were seen by our accommodation after dusk and the spectacular sunset and great South African cooking added to the experience. Our final stop on the Agulhas plains allowed us to add the localised Agulhas Long-billed and Clapper Larks, and along the coast here Cape Vulture, Martial Eagle, Karoo Korhaan, Denham’s Bustard and the diminutive Damara Tern rounded off our stay in this beautiful and bird-rich country. We returned to Cape Town on 9th November with a full notebook, and some outstanding and memorable birding experiences from this stunning region.We return from 31st October - 11th November 2009.

POLAND

Please note that our Poland 28th May - 4th June 2009 tour is now full. We will of course be returning to this beautiful part of the world in June 2010 and we are taking registrations in advance.

MULL

Please note our Mull 22nd - 28th June tour is now full. If you are interested in a holiday to this wonderful destination, please contact us as we are considering running a second week from 28th June - 4th July 2009.

10TH - 16TH NOVEMBER 2008

On the 10th, a Slavonian Grebe was in Cardiff Bay, along with a pair of Greater Scaup and the Common Eider was again at Lavernock Point on a very wet day. A Snow Bunting was at Ogmore-by-Sea. The 11th produced a Firecrest in a Cardiff garden and a Green Sandpiper and a Whooper Swan again at The Watermill Flood. The Snow Bunting, three Red-billed Chough and two Peregrine were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 12th, the first Great Bittern of the autumn was at Kenfig Pool, where a Siberian Chiffchaff was still present and eighty nine Fieldfare and twenty six Redwing moved west. An adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Black Redstart and two Greater Scaup were again in Cardiff Bay. The Yellow-browed Warbler was refound in Nant-y-fyllon. Three Mediterranean Gull and sixty Ringed Plover were at Newton Point. A Grey Phalarope was off Salthouse Point and a Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper were at Penclawdd Pill. A Black Redstart was at Nash Point, nine Common Crossbill were in Tondu and the Slavonian Grebe was relocated at Penarth. A very wet day on the 13th saw four Black Redstart at Gileston, a Whooper Swan and two Mediterranean Gulls at Ogmore Estuary and two Brambling at Kenfig Pool. The 14th saw the Slavonian Grebe again in Cardiff Bay and a Brambling, 250 Fieldfare, eighty Redwing and 1500 Dunlin were at Rhymney Estuary. Two Water Pipits were at Ogmore Estuary, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Way Lake, along with a Lesser Redpoll and a Wood Lark and three Brambling were at Lavernock Point. Yet another wet day on the 15th and the Whooper Swan was still at Ogmore Estuary, along with the two Water Pipits, two Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea and a Jack Snipe was at St Fagans, near Cardiff. The Slavonian Grebe was again in Cardiff Bay and a Merlin was near Cowbridge. A Red-breasted Merganser and four Greater Scaup were on Kenfig Pool and a drake Ferruginous Duck and a Bearded Tit were at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 16th, the drake Ferruginous Duck was again present at Cosmeston Lakes and a Red-throated Diver, 1000 Redwing and a Firecrest were at Kenfig NNR. Two Green Sandpiper, the Ring-billed Gull, a Barn Owl and four Cetti’s Warblers were at Lamby Way Lake and the Slavonian Grebe was off Penarth Marina. Twenty Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary, a Snow Bunting, Slavonian Grebe and six Red-breasted Merganser were at Whiteford NNR and two Grey
Partridge and five Brambling were in St Donats and two Red-billed Chough were in Porthcawl.

PYRENEES, EBRO DELTA, STEPPES

Please note the new dates for this fabulous tour are 7th - 16th June 2009. Led by David Gosney, it is one of the very best all round Spain tours available with many birding and other highlights. PSaces are limited, so if you wish to book, please do so in the near future to avoid disappointment. Cost £1275.00 - full itinerary available on the Tours by Location page on the wesbsite.

1ST - 9TH NOVEMBER 2008

The 1ST NOVEMBER saw a female Red-breasted Merganser and two Purple Sandpipers at Ogmore-by-Sea and the Whooper Swan and two Common Goldeneye were at The Watermill Flood. The second winter Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Way Lake. Kenfig Pool had a drake Gadwall, two Common Kingfisher, sixteen Common Teal, eleven Eurasian Wigeon, twelve Northern Shoveler, twelve Eurasian Siskin, two Common Chiffchaff and two male Blackcap. A Black Redstart and Eurasian Spoonbill were at Penclawdd, along with 700 Northern Pintail, 300 Eurasian Wigeon and 100+ Dark-bellied Brent Goose. An amazing movement of 22,000 Wood Pigeon took place over Western Cardiff and a Brambling was at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. On the 2nd, the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Way Lake, a female Merlin was at Llanrhidian Marsh, a Eurasian Spoonbill was seen from Dalton’s Point where there were also two hundred Black-tailed Godwit and two Spotted Redshank and a Common Greenshank were at Penclawdd Pill. Two Peregrine were at Ogmore-by-Sea, the Whooper Swan was at the Watermill Flood and large numbers of European Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Red Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Dark-bellied Brent Goose were at Salthouse Point, where three Red-breasted Merganser and three Northern Pintail were also present. On the 3rd the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Way Lake and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Rhymney Estuary. A Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl were at Llanrhidian Marsh, a Little Egret and three Common Scoter at Sker and a male Merlin was at Porth, Rhondda. A male Black Redstart was in Swansea, two Greater Scaup, a Slavonian Grebe and 263 Northern Shoveler were at Crofty, North Gower. The 4th produced a Snow Bunting at Nash Point and a pair of Goosander, four Common Goldeneye and an unseasonal Dunlin at Kenfig Pool and a Hen Harrier and a Merlin were at the river mouth. Two Yellow-legged Gulls , twelve Barn Swallow and four hundred Red Knot were at Rhymney Estuary. The Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Way Lake and a Barn Owl and a Dartford Warbler were in Port Talbot. On the 5th a Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank and twenty five Northern Lapwing were at Kenfig Pool and two Whooper Swans were at The Watermill Flood. Five Brambling were in Maesteg, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose and thirty five Eurasian Wigeon were at Aberthaw Marsh and a Firecrest was at Cardiff Bay. The 6th saw a Firecrest and Brambling at Lavernock Point and twenty seven Redwing, an adult Mediterranean Gull, a Jack Snipe and the big female Northern Goshawk were again at Kenfig Pool. The two Whooper Swans remained at The Watermill Flood and a Green Sandpiper and four Little Egret were at Ogmore Estuary. A Brambling was in Cardiff Bay, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Way Lake, a Yellow-browed Warbler was in Maesteg and two Merlin at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The 7th saw the two Whooper Swans and a Green Sandpiper at the Ogmore Estuary and a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Nant-y-fyllon, a Short-eared Owl and eight hundred Red Knot were at Rhymney Estuary and a Common Eider was at Lavernock Point. On the 8th, the Yellow-browed Warbler remained at Nant-y-fyllon and the two Whooper Swan were again at Ogmore Estuary, where there were also twenty five Fieldfare, two Little Egret, eighty one Eurasian Curlew, a drake Common Goldeneye and six drake Goosander. A Red-throated Diver was at Lavernock Point and a Short-eared Owl and a Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh. Eleven Water Rail were at Aberthaw Marsh, along with thirty five Eurasian Wigeon, two Coal Tit and two Redwing. The 9th produced a Siberian Chiffchaff at Kenfig Pool, where there was also a female Greater Scaup, seventy six Common Pochard and a pair of Gadwall. The Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Nant-y-fyllon and the Common Eider was again at Lavernock Point. The Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake and the two Whooper Swans were again at Ogmore Estuary. Seventy Common Scoter and thirty Black-legged Kittiwake were at Oxwich Bay.

SOUTH WALES LATE MIGRANTS & WINTER WILDFOWL 28TH OCTOBER - 2ND NOVEMBER 2008

OUR SOUTH WALES LATE MIGRANTS & WINTER WILDFOWL TOUR from 28th OCTOBER – 2nd NOVEMBER 2008 produced some glorious if pretty unseasonably cold weather. DAY ONE saw a low key introduction with the highlights being a couple of female Goosander at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Common Nuthatch and good numbers of Coal Tit at Hafod farm. DAY TWO was sunny, cold and very rewarding. The undoubted highlight was a very showy Short-eared Owl at Sker, where there were also a Little Owl, two Red-breasted Merganser, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a close in Red-throated Diver. Also very high on the list was a superb Dipper at Candleston that gave prolonged, scope filing views and other species of note today were a late Barn Swallow, a couple of hundred European Golden Plover and a pair of displaying European Sparrowhawk. On DAY THREE a bitterly cold north east wind was blowing, but we still managed some excellent birding. Three Red-billed Chough, two Goosander, a Whooper Swan, Green Woodpecker, Mediterranean Gull and Common Kingfisher were at Ogmore Estuary and Nash Point had a Peregrine and a female Merlin. Tyn-y-Caeau Farm gave us excellent view of a flock of twenty five Redwing, as well as several Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting and a Tree Sparrow was at nearby Broughton. On DAY FOUR, we headed west to South Gower on a gloriously sunny day, but birds were quite hard to come by in a stiff north east wind. Pick of the bunch was a male Dartford Warbler and other trip ticks today included Linnet, Greenfinch, Blackcap and Common Guillemot, but otherwise, it was mostly Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tits and a Common Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker of note. DAY FIVE was spent at Kenfig Pool on another fantastic sunny day. New birds for the tour were twelve Northern Shoveler, sixteen Common Teal, eleven Eurasian Wigeon, a drake Gadwall, four Bullfinch, two Common Chiffchaff and twelve Eurasian Siskin, while other notable species included six Barn Swallow, five Grey Heron, two Common Kingfisher, three Redwing and two male Blackcap. DAY SIX and our final day. An early start saw us head west again to the wilderness of the North Gower coastline on another glorious morning and the high tide wader roost produced quite a spectacle as large numbers of European Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Red Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Dark-bellied Brent Goose were seen, while small numbers of Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-breasted Merganser and Northern Pintail were present. A Eurasian Spoonbill was seen from Dalton’s Point, a Common Greenshank and two Spotted Redshank were at Penclawdd and three Peregrine, two Red Kite and a female Merlin provided the principal raptor interest to round off a very enjoyable tour that produced a total of 107 species.

27TH - 31ST OCTOBER 2008

On the 27th, four Jack Snipe and 82 Common Snipe were at Oxwich Marsh, a Brambling was in Barry and ten Barn Swallow were at Blackpill. Two hundred European Golden Plover, 58 Sky Lark, six Fieldfare and two Eurasian Siskin were at Kenfig Pool and 300 Red Knot and 72 Black-tailed Godwit were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 28th, two Hen Harriers and three Eurasian Woodcock were at Llanilid and another three Hen Harrier and two Green Sandpiper were at Llanrhidian Marsh. Two female Goosander were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, two Brambling in Neath, two Common Scoter and two Mediterranean Gull at Sker Point and 38 European Golden Plover were in Maesteg. The 29th saw a Red-throated Diver, two Red-breasted Merganser, a Little Owl and a cracking Short-eared Owl at Sker, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Mumbles, a Barn Owl near Bridgend and a Dipper at Candleston Bridge. Eight Redwing, 366 Wood Pigeon and 26 Chaffinch were in Maesteg and a Common Sandpiper, sixteen Common Teal and two Little Egret were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 30th, a Merlin and Peregrine were at Nash Point, twenty five Redwing, twenty Yellowhammer and ten Reed Bunting were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and a Tree Sparrow was at Broughton. Three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea and the Whooper Swan, two Goosander, a Common Kingfisher and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. The 31st produced a Ring-billed Gull at Lamby Way Lake – the returning bird from earlier in the year, now a second winter. A male Dartford Warbler was at Rhossilli, a Water Pipit and Purple Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary and a Short-eared Owl and Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Rhymney Estuary. Three Brambling and twenty five Fieldfare were at Werfa and a Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe were at Llanilid.

20TH - 26TH OCTOBER 2008

On the 20th, a Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool, two Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh and two Common Sandpiper were at Ogmore Estuary. Sea watching off Porthcawl produced a late Manx Shearwater, a Mediterranean Gull, two Northern Pintail and three Common Scoter. The 21st saw a Merlin, Green Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit at Rhymney Estuary, while a Marsh Tit and four Common Crossbill were in Caerphilly. Fifty two Mediterranean Gulls were at Blackpill and thirteen Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 22nd, a Eurasian Woodcock and Barn Owl were at Llanilid and another Barn Owl was at Rhymney Estuary. A Yellow-browed Warbler was seen briefly near the reserve centre at Kenfig Pool, a Firecrest was at Aberthaw Marsh and an adult Little Gull and fifteen Barn Swallow were at Cosmeston Lakes. The 23rd saw a Short-eared Owl and 300 European Golden Plover at Kenfig Sands and a Yellow-browed Warbler in Mewslade. The adult Little Gull was again at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 24th, visible migration at Kenfig Pool produced 875 Common Starling, 278 Wood Pigeon, nine Reed Bunting, ten Redwing and thirty seven Sky Lark, while a Yellow-browed Warbler was briefly in the west pool. The Whooper Swan was again at Ogmore Estuary and three Red-billed Chough were at Southerndown. On the 25th, three Fieldfare and a Brambling were the highlights at Kenfig Pool, where there were also twelve Redwing and seventy Eurasian Jackdaw. A Barn Owl was at Rhymney Estuary, a female Merlin was at Mynydd Eglwysilian and a Jack Snipe was in Maesteg. On the 26th, the adult Little Gull was again at Cosmeston Lakes, the Whooper Swan was at Ogmore Estuary and four Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh. A Merlin and Green Woodpecker were at Kenfig Pool.

EAST YORKSHIRE 2009

Please note a slight ammendment to the dates for our East Yorkshire tour in 2009 to 2nd - 7th October.

14TH - 19TH OCTOBER 2008

The 14th saw a second winter Caspian Gull at Rhymney Estuary and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Kenfig Pool. On the 15th, a Red-necked Phalarope was a very good find at The Watermill Flood, the Whooper Swan was again at Ogmore Estuary along with a Green Sandpiper and the Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool. On the 16th, the Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool and the Red-necked Phalarope had moved to the river at Ogmore Castle. The 17th saw two Hen Harrier, a Merlin and six Redwing at Maesteg and the Whooper Swan at Ogmore Estuary, but there was no sign of the Red-necked Phalarope. Ten Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 18th two Yellow-browed Warbler were at Kenfig Pool along with 32 Song Thrush and the Whooper Swan was again at the Ogmore Estuary. A further four Whooper Swans were at Llwyn Onn Reservoir, a Hen Harrier was near Swansea and four Barn Swallow and a Ring-necked Parakeet were at Lavernock Point. A Fieldfare was at Hendre Lake, Cardiff. Fifteen Redwing and a Firecrest were at Kenfig Pool on the 19th and a Barn Owl was at Llanilid. A male Merlin was at Rhaslas Pond, the Whooper Swan was again at Ogmore Estuary and two adult Mediterranean Gulls were in Porthcawl. Another 150 Redwing and fifty Eurasian Siskin were at Aberthaw Marsh.

WEST CORNWALL 11TH - 17TH OCTOBER 2008

OUR WEST CORNWALL tour 11TH – 17TH OCTOBER 2008 enjoyed some glorious weather again – it really was summer like on occasions. DAY ONE started rather inauspiciously at Marazion Marsh and Mounts Bay, but a flock of sixteen Pale-bellied Brent Goose were present on the sea and a few Little Egret were on the marsh. A Bar-tailed Godwit was in the bay and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen flying over the reserve. DAY TWO saw more unbelievable weather and the group catch up with a superb and very showy Red-eyed Vireo at Trevilley Farm and on a day of quality if not quantity, a female Merlin gave excellent views at Lands End and two Red-billed Chough and a Peregrine were at Nanquidno. Otherwise, it was a bit of a struggle to find migrants, but Common Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Song Thrush and Lesser Redpoll were among the few we did find. On DAY THREE the sun disappeared in the morning, but we enjoyed excellent views of a female/immature Dartford Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Kenidjack Valley, as well common migrants and a small flock of Eurasian Siskin. The sun returned in the afternoon and we spent a very productive couple of hours at Lelant Saltings and Ryan’s Field on the rising tide. Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Bar and Black-tailed Godwits and Little Egret provided the shorebird interest, though we were surprised not to find any small waders at all, while two Pink-footed Geese, a few Common Shelduck and large numbers of Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal and an unexpected female/immature type Garganey were the pick of the wildfowl. A Common Kingfisher rounded off another excellent days birding. DAY FOUR produced a stunning American Golden Plover that we got superb views of alongside a flock of a hundred European Golden Plover. A Great Skua and Manx Shearwater were the highlight of a short sea watch at Porthgwarra, but a couple of Black Redstart and a Northern Wheatear were the only notable species on another poor day for passerine migrants. A couple of Sandwich Tern, Common Guillemot, Razorbill and Black-legged Kittiwake were also present. DAY FIVE was cooler and breezier, but again produced some good birds in the form of a juvenile Rose-coloured Starling, another Yellow-browed Warbler and a Spotted Flycatcher as the passerine highlights. A Common Sandpiper, a few Dunlin and a Curlew Sandpiper were new for the tour at Copperhouse Creek. DAY SIX was again very quiet for migrants, but we did add Reed Bunting, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Jay and two absolutely stunning Firecrest that gave prolonged views to less than a metre to the tour list and we also got further views of the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock. The final morning on DAY SEVEN was spent around the Penzance area on another glorious morning. A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at Drift Reservoir, where a male European Sparrowhawk gave excellent views and where we also added Tufted Duck and Common Coot to the tour list and we finished off with a flock of seven Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver in Mounts Bay. We return slightly later next year form 17TH – 23RD OCTOBER 2009 and places are already filling up, so pleaee BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment.

6TH - 12TH OCTOBER 2008

The 6th produced two Northern Pintail and a Northern Goshawk at Kenfig Pool, as well as a late Willow Warbler and the Whooper Swan was still present at The Watermill Flood. Five hundred Meadow Pipit, forty Sky Lark and three Peregrine were at Nash Point and an Arctic Skua was at Cardiff Heliport. On the 7th, the Whooper Swan was again at The Watermill Flood, along with a Green Sandpiper and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in Maesteg. Four Mediterranean Gulls were at Porthcawl and an adult Little Gull was at the Neath Estuary. An Arctic Skua was again at Cardiff Heliport and a Grey Phalarope was at Ogmore Estuary in the afternoon. A Firecrest was at Pant Norton on the 8th and 84 Sky Lark, five Coal Tit, two Grey Plover and a Lesser Redpoll were at Kenfig Pool. The Whooper Swan remained at Ogmore Estuary, where an Arctic Tern was also present, a Peregrine and Great Spotted Woodpecker were at Nash Point and a Merlin was at the Neath Estuary. Five Little Egret, two Cetti’s Warbler and two Black-tailed Godwit were at Rhymney Estuary. A drake Common Scoter was in Cardiff Bay on the 9th, an influx of 150 Blackbird, a Northern Wheatear and Tree Pipit were at Lamby Lake. A Dartford Warbler was at Nash Point and the Whooper Swan was again at Ogmore Estuary, along with a Firecrest. On the 10th, a female Northern Pintail was on Kenfig Pool and a Merlin was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. A Black-necked Grebe was at Kenfig Pool on the 11th and a Brambling was in a Neath garden. Two Green Sandpiper were at Ogmore Estuary, where the Whooper Swan remained. On the 12th, two Hen Harrier were together in Maesteg, along with a Red Kite and the Whooper Swan was again at The Watermill. A Wood Lark flew north over Mewslade and a Ring Ouzel, 35 Coal Tit and a Dartford Warbler were also there.

1ST - 5TH OCTOBER 2008

OCTOBER began windy but sunny. On the 1st, an Osprey was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, four Bar-tailed Godwit and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Porthcawl. The Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Lavernock Point. On the 2nd, a Dartford Warbler, 44 Sky Lark, two Red Knot and 51 European Golden Plover were at Sker and a Sedge Warbler was at Kenfig Pool. A ringtail Hen Harrier and forty European Golden Plover were at Mynydd Eglwysilian, a Yellow Wagtail, forty Northern Pintail and sixteen Eurasian Wigeon were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 3rd, a Hawfinch flew in off the sea at Lavernock Point and a Whinchat and Yellow Wagtail were also present. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in Cardiff, a Dartford Warbler was at Pant Norton and two Brent Geese were at Aberthaw Marsh. Five Mediterranean Gulls were present at Porthcawl on the 4th and the Osprey was again at Wernffrwd, along with a Merlin, 36 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, seven Northern Gannet, 77 Eurasian Wigeon, 221 Northern Pintail, 200 European Golden Plover and 48 Northern Shoveler. A Hen Harrier was again at Mynydd Eglwysilian, thirty House Martin and twelve Barn Swallow were still over the River Taff at Pontypridd and a Green Sandpiper was at The Watermill Flood. A Common Redstart was at Kenfig Pool on the 5th, where there were also a female Common Goldeneye and a Peregrine. Four Mediterranean Gull were in Porthcawl and a Green Sandpiper, two Grey Plover and Merlin were at Ogmore Estuary and a Whooper Swan and Northern Pintail were at The Watermill Flood. A Ring Ouzel was at Mewslade.

22ND - 30TH SEPTEMBER 2008

The 22nd saw an Osprey, a Whinchat, Sedge Warbler, four Eurasian Siskin and five Eurasian Wigeon at Kenfig Pool and a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Whinchat were at Aberthaw Marsh. A Northern Goshawk was at Lavernock Point and a Common Crossbill was at Blaen-y-cwm. A Hen Harrier and three Green Sandpiper were at Llanilid. On the 23rd, a female Marsh Harrier, a female Northern Pintail, Whinchat, a Razorbill, 33 Ringed Plover and three Common Snipe were at Kenfig NNR. The 24th produced a Honey Buzzard at Rhymney Estuary, four Ring Ouzel in Maesteg, four Gadwall, Reed Warbler and a Coal Tit at Kenfig Pool. A Red Kite was at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 25th, four Lesser Redpoll and six Eurasian Siskin were at Kenfig Pool and five Grey Partridge were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A Eurasian Hobby and Merlin were at Llantwit Major and a Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay. Three Ring Ouzels were at Blaengarw near Bridgend and a Yellow-browed Warbler was briefly at Pant Norton, Ogmore Estuary. A large female Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Hobby and Bar-tailed Godwit were at Kenfig NNR on 26th, along with nineteen Song Thrush and twelve Eurasian Siskin. A Ring Ouzel and Spotted Flycatcher were at Mewslade and six Yellow Wagtail, a Tree Pipit, 400 Meadow Pipit, 100 House Martin, a Whinchat and seventeen Common Chiffchaff were at Lavernock Point. A European Bee-eater at Lavernock Point on 27th was the first for twenty five years, but sadly it didn’t linger. A Eurasian Hobby was at Kenfig Pool and a Ring Ouzel was at Lamby Lake. A Spotted Flycatcher and 38 Eurasian Siskin were at Blaen-y-Cwm. The 28th produced a Yellow-browed Warbler at Lamby Lake and a ringtail Hen Harrier near Caerphilly. Two Ring Ouzel and a Redwing were at Dare Country Park, while Kenfig NNR had eleven Coal Tit, thirteen Common Snipe, twenty five Common Teal, five Cetti’s Warbler and a Tree Pipit. Two Common Crossbill and 35 Eurasian Siskin were at Lavernock Point and a Yellow-browed Warbler was at Middleton, Gower. On the 29th, a Merlin and Pied and Spotted Flycatcher were at Middleton, and four Whinchat and three Lesser Redpoll were at Rhossilli. A pair of Ruddy Duck were at Cosmeston Lakes and an Osprey was again at Wernffrwd. The Green Sandpiper and a Little Egret were again at Ogmore Estuary. Four Little Owl, a breeding plumaged Red-throated Diver, a Northern Pintail, six Grey Plover, a Common Whitethroat, 46 Sky Lark, three Lesser Redpoll and five Mistle Thrush were at Kenfig NNR. A windy day on the 30th produced seven Common Scoter, a late Manx Shearwater and a Razorbill off Porthcawl Seafront, while a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Merlin were at Lavernock Point.

NORFOLK 21ST - 27TH SEPTEMBER 2008

Our NORFOLK AUTUMN MIGRATION tour from 21TH – 27TH September 2008 got off to a great start on DAY ONE with a Red-necked Phalarope and Pectoral Sandpiper being the highlights. Other notable species today included ten Little Stint, three Curlew Sandpipers, 100+ Ruff, 200+ Black-tailed Godwit, Common Greenshank, sixteen Spotted Redshank and three Pink-footed Geese. Pied Flycatcher and Bearded Tit rounded off a brilliant day. Sea watching dominated DAY TWO with an astonishing count of 96 Great Skua seen off Sheringham. Other counts included a Leach’s Storm Petrel, two Balearic Shearwaters, seven Arctic Skuas, one Sooty Shearwater, ten Manx Shearwaters, thirteen Red-throated Divers, thirteen Black-legged Kittiwake and one Little Gull – wow! A Marsh Harrier and Spotted Flycatcher as well as more Ruff, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were the main interest away from the sea. DAY THREE saw our group find a Radde’s Warbler at Wells Woods during a fall of common migrants that included Redwings, Goldcrests, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Brambling. Also present today during a fine selection of birds were a Great Grey Shrike, two Yellow-browed Warblers, five thousand Pink-footed Geese, as well as more seabirds including another Balearic Shearwater, Manx Shearwater and more Great and Arctic Skuas and Red-throated Divers. Amazingly on DAY FOUR, we found another Radde’s Warbler – this time a much more obliging bird at Burnham Overy, whilst superb views of a Lesser Grey Shrike were also much appreciated by this most fortunate of groups. Good numbers of common migrants including Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, Common Redstart, Brambling and Song Thrushes were also noted as were Grey Plover, Marsh Harrier and Eurasian Siskin. DAY FIVE was another corker as we caught up with a cracking Blyth’s Reed Warbler at West Runton, as well as another two Yellow-browed Warblers and some welcome trip ticks in the form of Tawny Owl and Eurasian Jay, as well as more good numbers of Eurasian Siskin, Goldcrest, Song Thrush and smaller numbers of Pied Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. The final morning on DAY SIX and another good bird in the form of a Red-backed Shrike for a trio of this genus of scarce migrants for the tour. We also saw another Yellow-browed Warbler, Bearded Tit and Spotted Redshank to finish the tour on a very respectable 131 species. Why not join us for some of the UK’s best autumn birding when we will run this tour from 20th – 26th September 2009

FAIR ISLE 13TH - 20TH SEPTEMBER 2008

Our Fair Isle tour in 2008 soon became our Fair Isle and Shetland tour as bad weather meant we were delayed on the mainland for two days. A record total of 121 species was noted with many highlights. For rarity value out third Lanceolated Warbler in as many tours took star prize, but the supportng cast of a Western Bonelli's Warbler, a stunning Honey Buzzard that allowed scope filling views as it sat exhausted on a hill top, a full adult male Red Spotted Bluethroat, a Wryneck, two Yellow-browed Warblers, two Barred Warblers, a Red-backed Shrike and a brief Thrush Nightingale for one of the group were also much appreciated. Lapland Bunting, Twite, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Whooper Swan, Slavonian Grebe, Osprey, four Sooty Shearwaters, Pink-footed Geese, Wood Warbler and Short-eared Owl were also seen, while a major fall of Pied & Spotted Flycatchers, Whinchat, Common Redstart, Willow Warblers, Northern Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroats and Grasshopper Warblers involving hundreds of birds was a spectacular sight. We also enjoyed amazing views of an Otter at Sumburgh Head that seemed totally oblivious to our resence until it reached approximately five metres distance and a pod of at least three Atlantic White-sided Dolphins joined us briefly onthe way home from the Good Shepherd. We are still uncertain about whether we will be able to run a tour in 2009 as the observatory is due to close for refurbishments, but if you wish to put your name forward for a provisional tour with dates to be announced early in 2009, please contact the office.

16TH - 21ST SEPTEMBER 2008

Sixteen Common Chiffchaff, fourteen Eurasian Siskin and four Water Rail were at Kenfig Pool on the 16th and a Little Gull was at Sker, while a Yellow Wagtail and Common Greenshank were at Lavernock Point. The 17th produced an Osprey at Port Talbot and two unseasonal Hawfinch at Forest Farm Cardiff and the 18th saw a Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and forty Black-tailed Godwit at Rhymney Estuary. A Merlin was at Llanrhidian Marsh on the 19th, when two Spotted Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit and a Whinchat were at Mewslade. A Common Goldeneye was an early arrival at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Short-eared Owl was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. A Peregrine, Common Redstart and Whinchat were at Kenfig Pool on the 20th, while the 21st saw ten Common Teal, a Northern Shoveler and two Tree Pipit there. Two Pied Flycatcher were at Pant Norton, an Osprey was at Llanrhidian Marsh and a Black-necked Grebe and a Mediterranean Gull were in Cardiff Bay.

8TH - 15TH SEPTEMBER 2008

The 8th produced six Whinchat, a Common Redstart, a Dartford Warbler and four Common Snipe at Llanilid. A Sandwich Tern and nine Northern Wheatear were at Kenfig Rivermouth, while a nice selection of migrants at the pool included two Ruddy Duck, Garden Warbler, four Eurasian Wigeon, five Sedge Warbler, a Reed Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat and sixteen Common Chiffchaff, as well as a Common Nuthatch – the first on the reserve for four years. Two Red-billed Chough were at Locks Common, Porthcawl and two Spotted Flycatcher were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A Eurasian Hobby, three Tree Pipit, 1600 Barn Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Garden Warbler, two Spotted Flycatcher and two Lesser Redpoll were at Lavernock Point. Another Wryneck was at Pant Norton, Ogmore Estuary, along with another two Spotted Flycatchers. On the 9th, yet another Wryneck was present this time at Kenfig Pool, where there were also two Garden Warbler and a Ruddy Duck. Two Spotted Flycatcher and a Yellow Wagtail were at Pant Norton and six Black Terns, fifteen Sandwich Terns and two Common Terns were off Porthcawl. Two Red-billed Chough were again at Locks, Common, Porthcawl and a Common Tern was at Rhymney Estuary. Two Spotted Flycatcher and two Lesser Whitethroat were at Lavernock Point. The 10th produced yet another Wryneck, this time at Cosmeston Lakes. A female/immature Merlin was at Sker Farm, a Manx Shearwater was offshore there and a Whinchat and Lesser Whitethroat were at Kenfig Pool, as well as a Ruddy Duck again on the pool. A Common Redstart and two Tree Pipit were in Maesteg and a Yellow Wagtail and 300 Barn Swallow were at Lavernock Point. A Eurasian Hobby and Spotted Flycatcher were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 11th, a Grey Phalarope was at Kenfig Pool, two Whinchat were in Tondu and a Common Redstart was in a Cardiff garden. On the 12th, a Black Tern was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The 13th produced Wrynecks at Pant Norton and Cosmeston Lakes and a Common Greenshank was at Kenfig Pool. The reserve was busy with a Black Tern, Merlin, two Whinchat, eighteen Common Buzzard, a Little Egret, 54 Eurasian Siskin, a Mediterranean Gull and a Spotted Flycatcher. On the 14th, a Red-billed Chough was at Sker, along with a Yellow Wagtail and twenty Eurasian Siskin and twenty Common Chiffchaff were at Kenfig Pool. The 15th produced 63 Red Knot and 650 Common Redshank at Rhymney Estuary, three Yellow Wagtail, a Common Swift, two Common Crossbill and a remarkable 8000 Barn Swallows per hour at Lavernock Point.

EAST YORKSHIRE 6TH - 11TH SEPTEMBER 2008

OUR first tour to EAST YORKSHIRE in autumn 6TH – 11TH SEPTEMBER 2008 produced some quality migrants and got off to a flying start at Spurn with a Shore Lark and a Long-tailed Skua on the first day, as well as a Great Skua, four Arctic Skuas, a Red-throated Diver, sixteen Common Scoter, two Common Redstart, two Eurasian Hobby, seven Whinchat, two Garden Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat, as well as many more common migrants. DAY TWO saw Barn and Tawny Owls, Icterine Warbler, four Sooty Shearwater, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and Common Redstarts again. DAY THREE was wet and windy, though Mediterranean Gull, four Ruff, Bar-tailed Godwit, two Barn Owls, 300 European Golden Plover, seven Little Egret, Corn Bunting and a Little Gull was still a pretty good haul. DAY FOUR produced a Black-necked Grebe at Tophill Low, as well as good numbers of common migrants, and fifteen Little Gulls, seven Common Eider, eight Common Scoter, thirty Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, Red-throated Diver, three Common Sandpiper, Common Swift, Grey Partridge and a Little Owl. The morning of DAY FIVE saw more Common Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat and other common migrants as well as the first Common Greenshank in a fantastic trip total of 129 species.

1ST - 7TH SEPTEMBER 2008

September began with the Osprey present again at Wernffrwd, where there were also three Black Terns, thirty Red Knot and a breeding plumaged Grey Plover. Fifteen Mediterranean Gulls and three Pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Blackpill, a Common Tern was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Spotted Flycatcher and two Black Terns were at Kenfig NNR. A further four Black Terns, five Northern Fulmar and two Northern Gannets were off Porthcawl. A Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Hobby and a Yellow Wagtail were at Llanilid. A Green Sandpiper and Spotted Flycatcher were at Lavernock Point. Another busy and windy day on the 2nd saw four Black Terns, an Arctic Tern and a Little Tern at Sker, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, Black Tern, three Little Terns, 69 Sandwich Terns, eight Common Eider and two Grey Phalarope at Wernffrwd and another Grey Phalarope at Ogmore Estuary. On the 3rd, three, possibly four Grey Phalarope were at Wernffrwd and three Little Terns were at Loughor Bridge, while three Grey Phalarope were at Ogmore Estuary and another was on Kenfig Pool. At Port Eynon, two Arctic Skuas, sixty Sandwich Terns, fifteen Common Terns, two Arctic Terns and six European Storm Petrel passed east. On the 4th, more sea watching produced four Grey Phalarope at Porthcawl Seafront, along with two European Storm Petrel, an adult Mediterranean Gull and four Common Scoter. A Yellow-legged Gull and Green Sandpiper were in Cardiff Bay and another three Grey Phalarope were at Ogmore Rivermouth and another remained at Kenfig Pool. A Tree Pipit was at Lavernock Point. A female Pied Flycatcher and a Grasshopper Warbler were the highlights of another very wet day at Kenfig Pool on the 5th, while a Black Tern was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. An adult Little Gull and 300 House Martins were in Cardiff Bay and a Wryneck was at Locks Common, Porthcawl. On the 6th, a Whinchat and a Common Tern were at Kenfig Sands, while a Lesser Whitethroat and two Black-tailed Godwit were at the pool. Three adult Mediterranean Gull were at Locks Common, Porthcawl, where the Wryneck was also still present. On the 7th, three Common Terns and a Peregrine were at Kenfig Sands and the Wryneck was again at Porthcawl. Three Whinchat were at Lan Farm and four Grey Partridge and three Yellowhammer were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm.

SOUTH WALES CUSTOM TOUR

A South Wales custom tour on the 1st and 2nd Spetember 2008 produced some excellent birding despite some difficult conditions. At least ten Black Terns were noted , along with a Little Tern, Arctic Tern and Common Tern and an Osprey and a Peregrine were watched hunting over the estuary at Wernffrwd. Three Pale-bellied Brent Geese were a surprise and a mimimum of sixteen Mediterranean Gulls included birds in all plumages.
A Grey Phalarope was a bonus find at Ogmore Estuary and we also saw Goosander, Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar, Red Knot and a breeding plumaged Grey Plover. Passerine migrants were in short supply in the windy conditions, so we were happy with Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Northern Wheatear, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler.

25TH - 31ST AUGUST 2008

On the 25th, five Lesser Whitethroat and a Yellow Wagtail were at Lamby Lake. A Short-eared Owl was an early migrant at Mynydd Eglwysilian and thirty seven Mediterranean Gulls were at Blackpill on the 26th. On the 27th, three Bar-tailed Godwit were at Newton Point and seven Sanderling and 25 House Martin were at Kenfig NNR. On the 28th, seven Common Swift, a Lesser Whitethroat, three Common Redshank and two Sedge Warbler were at Kenfig Pool. Two Spotted Flycatcher were again at Llanilid. Aberavon Beach held 152 Ringed Plover, thirty Dunlin, 21 Sanderling and six Bar-tailed Godwit and sixty House Martin were at Cardiff Bay. The 29th produced a Whinchat at Kenfig Pool, along with seven Sedge Warbler, seventeen Common Chiffchaff, a Water Rail, twelve Common Swift and 75 Barn Swallow. A Merlin, five Northern Wheatear and three Common Snipe were at Mynydd Eglwysilian and fifty Sand Martin, eight Common Teal and a drake Gadwall were at Cosmeston Lakes. A Eurasian Hobby was over Bridgend and a Pied Flycatcher, a Tree Pipit, 600 Linnet and two Yellow Wagtail were at Monknash. Another 300 Linnet were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and there were 36 Reed Warblers and five Cetti’s Warblers at Oxwich Marsh. On the 30th, a Wryneck was an excellent find inland at Blaengarw. A Black-tailed Godwit flew over Kenfig Pool, where a drake Eurasian Wigeon and four Common Snipe were also present. A Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Pipit were at Pant Norton and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Ogmore Estuary, along with another Black-tailed Godwit. On the 31st, three Spotted Flycatcher were at Blaen-y-cwm and three Dark-bellied Brent Goose were at Blackpill. Two more Spotted Flycatcher and a Lesser Whitethroat were at Mewslade. A Black-necked Grebe was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, a Black-tailed Godwit , two Eurasian Wigeon and nine Blackcap were at Kenfig Pool. An Osprey and 26 Little Egret were at Wernffrwd. A Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Dartford Warbler were at Llanilid. Another Whinchat, twenty Northern Wheatear, five Red Knot and two Lesser Whitethroat were at Aberthaw Marsh.

18TH - 24TH AUGUST 2008

The 18th saw two European Storm Petrels off Porthcawl Sea Front and the 19th saw a Black Tern again at Ogmore Estuary. The Black Tern was still present at Ogmore on the 20th, along with a Common Swift and five European Storm Petrels were at Rhymney Estuary. Two Spotted Flycatchers were at Llanilid on 21st, a Whinchat, twenty Willow Warbler and ten Common Whitethroat were at Ogmore Estuary and 100+ Common Swift were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A busy day for migrants at Kenfig Pool on the 22nd with 23 Black-tailed Godwits, fourteen Common Redshank, a Whinchat, three Northern Wheatear, fifteen Common Whitethroat, five Tree Pipit, a Common Crossbill and a Common Kingfisher all present. A Lesser Whitethroat and Yellow Wagtail were at Lavernock Point. On the 23rd, thirteen Dunlin, two Common Sandpiper, a Tree Pipit, seven Grey Wagtail and a Little Egret were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 24th, a Peregrine was at Kenfig Pool, fifty Common Swift were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Red Kite was at Abernant.

ISLES OF SCILLY & CORNWALL 2008

Our ISLES OF SCILLY & CORNWALL tour from 15TH - 20TH AUGUST 2008 produced another exhilirating experience for seabird enthusiasts. There is simply no comparison of the views obtained of these enigmatic species and the enormously experienced crew and leaders play an important part in the success of the trip and are only too happy to impart their knowledge to all. Wilsons Storm Petrel is probably the most sort after species and one duly obliged - the first for over a fortnight in what has turned out to be a poor year for the species. An exceptional trip total of in excess of sixty Cory's Shearwaters was unprecedented after recording just one in the prevous two years, while eight Great Shearwaters was about average, but as always an exciting bird to see. Sixty seven Sooty Shearwaters included forty five seen off Pendeen Watch in Cornwall, while other total included 500 European Storm Petrel, 1500 Manx Shearwater, twelve Balearic Shearwaters, fifteen Great Skuas, twelve Arctic Skuas and we were particularly delighted to add our first two Pomarine Skuas, Grey Phalarope and full breeding plumaged adult Sabine's Gull to our overall list for this tour. In an unusually quiet year for land birds and migrants, we saw Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Mediterranean Gull, Peregrine and Black-tailed Godwits as highlights. We also saw Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Beautiful Demoiselle among a good list of Odonata and Lepidoptera. I'm afraid that we are already full for next years tour, but we are taking bookings for 13th - 18th 2010 [13th - 16th Scilly only] and we would advose immediate booking to avoid disappointment for what is one of our most popular tours.

11TH - 17TH AUGUST 2008

On the 11th, three Common Tern and 150 Common Swift were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Black Tern and Little Ringed Plover were at Ogmore Estuary. The Black Tern and two Little Egret were at Ogmore Estuary again on the 12th and two Common Kingfisher were at Kenfig Pool. Poor weather on the 13th saw thirty Northern Fulmar, sixteen Manx Shearwater, two European Storm Petrel and a Common Tern off Porthcawl Seafront and a Little Gull was at Ogmore Rivermouth. An Arctic Skua was off Porthcawl on the 14th and on the 15th a Pied Flycatcher was in Barry, along with two Common Crossbill and two Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 17th, two Common Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary.

CORNWALL WINTER

This tour is full for 2009 and we are taking advance bookings for 2010, so please contact the office if you would like to register your interest.

MALLORCA

Our new tour to Mallorca in April next year is full and we already have five names down for 2010, so if you wish to join us then, please contact the office in the near future to avoid disappointment.

GOA

The dates for our new Goa tour have changed to 31st January - 15th February 2008 and there are still a couple of places left if you would like to book.

1ST - 10TH AUGUST 2008

The 1ST AUGUST produced an Osprey over Lisvane Reservoir, while Kenfig NNR had 65 Manx Shearwater, four Northern Gannet and a Little Egret. A Green Sandpiper was at Llanilid. Sea watching from Mumbles on 2nd produced twelve European Storm Petrel, 1027 Manx Shearwater, an Arctic Tern, four Common Tern, seven Sandwich Tern, 23 Northern Gannet and ten Northern Fulmar, while Port Eynon Beach had twenty Sandwich Terns. Two Little Egret were at Kenfig Pool, while an Osprey, 21 Black-tailed Godwit and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were at Llanrhidian Marsh. Three Common Redstart and a Green Sandpiper were at Llanilid. On the 3rd, 28 Great Crested Grebe,
31 Little Egret, 16 Dunlin, 2400 European Oystercatcher, 748 Eurasian Curlew, 9 Whimbrel, 465 Common Redshank, 17 Mediterranean Gull, 3240 Black-headed Gull and 633 Common Gull and three Spotted Flycatcher were at Llanrhidian and two Mediterranean Gulls were at Aberthaw Marsh. A busy morning at Kenfig Pool saw a juvenile Marsh Harrier, eleven Common Sandpiper, 39 Willow Warbler, four Lesser Whitethroat, twelve Sedge Warbler, a Common Crossbill, a flock of fourteen Common Raven and a Grey Wagtail present. Four Common Scoter and twenty Manx Shearwater were off Porthcawl. On the 4th, a Green Sandpiper and a European Golden Plover were at Kenfig Pool and the juvenile Marsh Harrier was at Kenfig river mouth. Torrential rain on the 5th produced four Green Sandpiper and a Northern Wheatear at Kenfig Pool and an Arctic Tern and an adult Mediterranean Gull were in Salt Lake Car park, Porthcawl. On the 6th the juvenile Marsh Harrier was again at Kenfig Pool, along with a Common Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Teal, Grasshopper Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat. The 7th produced five Black-tailed Godwit, two Common Greenshank and seven Common Redshank at Kenfig Pool, where there were also thirty Common Swift. A Barn Owl was near Bridgend and another was at Maesteg. A Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, a Common Cuckoo, a Lesser Whitethroat and five Common Tern were at Lavernock Point. The 8th produced a very good count of 121 Ringed Plover at Kenfig Sands, as well as seven Northern Wheatear, a Little Owl, a European Shag and seventeen Stonechat. A Whinchat, four Red-billed Chough and two Dartford Warblers were on South Gower. Three European Nightjar were still present at Llanwonno on the 9th and 104 Sandwich Terns and twenty Common Terns were at Port Eynon. A Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay, a Little Egret at Kenfig Pool and a Common Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper were at Llanilid. On the 10th, a Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl were at Rhymney Estuary and a Common Tern, 32 Manx Shearwater and a Little Egret were at Kenfig Sands and a Eurasian Hobby and a Common Cuckoo were at Llanilid.