22ND - 31ST OCTOBER 2007

On the 22nd, a Common Rosefinch was trapped and ringed in Mewslade, where there was also a Firecrest and a Short-eared Owl. A Great Bittern was at Kenfig Pool, along with an adult Mediterranean Gull and Red Kites were in various lowland locations including five at Abernant Tip. Tyn-y-Caeau Farm had 250 Fieldfare and the first significant Wood Pigeon movement of the autumn with 750 noted. Four Tree Sparrows were also present there and the Spotted Sandpiper was again at Lisvane Reservoir. A Ring Ouzel, forty Fieldfare and two Common Snipe were at Werfa Mast. Three Green Sandpiper and a Little Egret were at The Watermill Flood. On the 23rd, the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Lisvane Reservoir and the Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade, where there was also a Firecrest and two Yellow-browed Warblers. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Cwm Nash, along with 300 Chaffinch, 800 Wood Pigeon and a Brambling and Yellow-browed Warblers were also present at Kenfig Pool and in Swansea. A cold day on 24th brought four Bewick’s Swans to Kenfig Pool, where there was also a late Eurasian Hobby, Great Bittern, three Water Rail, six Common Chiffchaff and two Common Goldeneye. The Common Rosefinch and a Yellow-browed Warbler were again at Mewslade, a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysilian and visible migration at Aberthaw Marsh produced 35 Lesser Redpoll and two Brambling. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Maesteg Cemetery and the Spotted Sandpiper was at Lisvane Reservoir. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Blaen-y-Cwm on 25th and a Dartford Warbler was at Maesteg. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool, along with a female Goosander. The Spotted Sandpiper remains at Lisvane Reservoir and 700 Chaffinch were at Lavernock Point. The Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade, as was a Brambling, and a Black Redstart, 24 Eurasian Wigeon and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Aberthaw Marsh. On the 26th, the Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade and the Spotted Sandpiper was at Lisvane Reservoir. A male Common Redstart was at St Donats, Vale of Glamorgan and six Tree Sparrows were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A Great Bittern and twenty Common Snipe were at Kenfig Pool. A breezy and very overcast day on 27th saw the Spotted Sandpiper again at Lisvane Reservoir and a drake Northern Pintail and an adult Mediterranean Gull at Kenfig Pool. The Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade. Heavy rain on the 28th meant few birding opportunities, though three adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Kenfig Pool. A short sea watch at Porthcawl produced a Leach’s Petrel, three Red-billed Chough and a single Razorbill. The Spotted Sandpiper remained at Lisvane Reservoir and the Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade. Glamorgan’s first White-rumped Sandpiper since 1970 was found by Neil at Kenfig Pool on the 29th and sparked a major local twitch which thankfully resulted in plenty of birders seeing this confiding bird at close range – terrific!! Also present were a Dartford Warbler and 65 Fieldfare of note. The Spotted Sandpiper at Lisvane Reservoir made it a transatlantic double for anyone visiting the county today. Elsewhere, the Common Rosefinch was again at Mewslade and a Brambling and two Red-billed Chough were in Porthcawl. Another cracking day at Kenfig on 30th saw the White-rumped Sandpiper still present, along with a Great Bittern and impressive overhead migration included 1910 Fieldfare, 700 Wood Pigeon, two Brambling and 197 Eurasian Jackdaws, while a Firecrest was in the west pool bushes. Elsewhere, the Spotted Sandpiper was still at Lisvane Reservoir and the Common Rosefinch was also again at Mewslade. The 31st saw the White-rumped Sandpiper again at Kenfig Pool and the Spotted Sandpiper again at Lisvane Reservoir – nice that both birds have stayed long enough to be well watched. A Peregrine and Merlin, along with four Grey Plover were at Sker

15TH - 21ST OCTOBER 2007

A much quieter day on the 15th produced just a female Greater Scaup and two Northern Pintail at Kenfig Pool and 26 Mediterranean Gulls were at Bracelet Bay. Two Common Goldeneye and a Water Rail were at Kenfig Pool on 16th and two Green Sandpipers were at Llanilid. On the 17th, a Brambling was at Dunraven, eleven Northern Wheatear were at Rhymney Great Wharf and six Red-billed Chough were at Locks Common, Porthcawl. The 18th produced two Dartford Warblers at Caswell Bay, Gower, thirty Eurasian Siskin at Summerhouse Point and a ringtail Hen Harrier and four Red Kites at Lliw Reservoir, Swansea. Four Grey Plover were in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan and a Common Tern was in Cardiff Bay. A Brambling, Merlin and Fieldfare, as well as a Clouded Yellow butterfly were at Kenfig Pool. On the 19th, a Eurasian Woodcock was at Mountain Ash and a Dartford Warbler was at Kenfig Pool. A male Merlin and eighty European Golden Plover were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. A juvenile Spotted Sandpiper was a cracking find at Lisvane Reservoir on 20th – the first in Glamorgan for 33 years! Elsewhere, the Dartford Warbler remained at Kenfig Pool, along with nineteen Fieldfare, eleven Redwing, three Common Chiffchaff, five Lesser Redpoll, seven Eurasian Wigeon and five Gadwall. Two Ring Ouzel were in Maesteg Cemetery. The 21st produced a Yellow-browed Warbler and three Firecrest at Mewslade, along with four Red-billed Chough and a Brambling. The Dartford Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool, where 112 Redwing, 36 Fieldfare, nine Lesser Redpoll, an adult Mediterranean Gull and a Common Goldeneye were also present. The Spotted Sandpiper was again at Lisvane Reservoir and a Merlin, 44 Red Knot, three Bar-tailed Godwit and Razorbill were at Sker Point. The Great Grey Shrike and a Common Crossbill were at Perthcelyn.

WEST CORNWALL 2007

Glorious weather, fantastic food and some great birds too!! If its October, it must be our West Cornwall tour - this year run in conjunction with Bird Watching magazine from 13th - 19th October 2007. A very showy Radde's Warbler was the real highlight of the week, but we also enjoyed excellent views of Yellow-browed and Dartford Warblers, a Dutch ringed Eurasian Spoonbill, Eurasian Woodcock, two Firecrest, two Little Stints and both Pied and Spotted Flycatchers. We also saw two Mediterranean Gulls, Ring Ouzel, four Red-billed Chough, Pomarine, Arctic and a couple of Great Skuas, five Balearic Shearwaters, Peregrine, Merlin, five breeding plumaged Black-tailed Godwits, Red-throated Diver and large numbers of Eurasian Siskin amongst a total of 105 species.

Spaces are already filling up for 11th - 17th October 2008, so if you would like to join us for what is always an enjoyable tour based at the Mount Haven Hotel, please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

As a footnote, we'd like to congratulate our partners at The Mount Haven Hotel for inclusion in the Sunday Times Top Twenty Hotels for service list recently; we can certainly vouch for them deserving this prestigous accolade as we have been staying there for the past ten years.

8TH -14TH OCTOBER 2007

The 8th produced the returning Great Grey Shrike at Perthcelyn, a Little Egret and Jack Snipe at Kenfig Pool and a fly over White Stork at Aberthaw Marsh. The 9th saw a very late European Nightjar at Nant-y-Fyllon, a Little Egret at Blackpill and three Ring Ouzel and a Merlin were at Dare Country Park. The 10th produced a Yellow-browed Warbler at Kenfig Pool as well as six Lesser Redpoll, nine Eurasian Siskin, seven Mistle Thrush, twenty Barn Swallows and fifty Eurasian Jackdaws. A Hen Harrier and 72 European Golden Plover were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. A Red Kite, three Ring Ouzel, ten Yellowhammer, 21 Common Crossbill and a Northern Goshawk were at various places around Maesteg. A Firecrest was at Lavernock Point. A Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool on the 11th, along with a Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Redwing and ten Song Thrush. Rhymney Great Wharf held 400 Dunlin, 21 Common Snipe, two Jack Snipe, a Black-tailed Godwit, 200 Meadow Pipit, 32 Sky Lark and two Northern Pintail and a Merlin was at Blaen-y-Cwm. The 12th produced a Common Greenshank and Green Sandpiper at Llanilid, 200 European Golden Plover at Sker and three Mediterranean Gulls in Porthcawl . A Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped and ringed at Kenfig Pool, along with two Reed Warblers, and two Merlin, eight Grey Partridge and four Tree Sparrows were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm, a Willow Warbler was in a Cardiff garden and a Hen Harrier, thirty Common Crossbills and a Ring Ouzel were in Maesteg. On the 13th, another two Yellow-browed Warblers were at Blaen-y-Cwm. A busy day on 14th saw a Richard’s Pipit and Black Redstart at Sker and 25 Red Knot and four Sanderling at Kenfig Sands. A Corncrake was an excellent find at Rhossilli, a Yellow-browed Warbler remained at Blaen-y-Cwm along with a Ring Ouzel and a Short-eared Owl. An amazing count of 85 Mediterranean Gulls were at Blackpill, along with two Little Stint, nine Grey Plover and ten Bar-tailed Godwits.

FAIR ISLE 2007

Our tour from 1st -8th October 2007 to Fair Isle was another huge success with some excellent birds and great company, as well as the best weather we've experienced on this magical island. Things began well with a Killdeer at Pool of Virkie on the mainland that we saw both at the start and end of the tour and a Ring-necked Duck was at Tingwall Loch. Once on the island, things just got better as we added Buff-bellied Pipit, Lanceolated Warbler, Greater Short-toed Lark, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and White-rumped Sandpiper the biggest attractions. A fine supporting cast included a Marsh Warbler, three Barred Warblers, two Bluethroats, a Richard's Pipit, fifteen Yellow-browed Warblers, six Lapland Buntings and at least three Common Rosefinches. Good numbers of Brambling, 50 Snow Buntings, seven Ring Ouzel, seventeen Whooper Swans, 200 Pink-footed, twenty Barnacle and two Greenland White-fronted Geese, Common Redstart, two Whinchat, Short-eared Owl, Eurasian Woodcock, European Storm Petrel, three Little Stints and a Greater Scaup were among the other notable species amongst a trip total of 108 species and we also saw a Minke Whale. Our tour next year runs from 13th - 20th September 2008 and places are now only available for a boat crossing as all flight places have been taken. If you would like to join us, please book immediately as the trip is guaranteed to run and is certain to fill up.

OCTOBER 1ST - 7TH 2007

OCTOBER 1st saw a Little Gull join what were now four Arctic Terns at Lisvane Reservoir, three Sandwich Terns and four Bar-tailed Godwits were at Blackpill and a Eurasian Hobby was at Blaen-y-Cwm. The 2nd produced just two Arctic Terns at Cardiff Bay, and on the 3rd, a Ring Ouzel was at Maesteg and a Hen Harrier and Merlin were at Mynydd-y-Glog. A busy day on the 4th produced three Arctic Terns, a Lesser Whitethroat, Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler and 330 Goldfinch at Lavernock Point, a Whinchat and a Common Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary and two Sedge Warblers at Kenfig Pool. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Cardiff Bay, a Ring Ouzel at Nant-y-Fyllon and a Eurasian Hobby at St Donats. A Jack Snipe and 22 Mistle Thrush were at Perthcelyn. On the 5th a Ring Ouzel and six Redwing were at Dare Country Park, a Northern Goshawk was in Maesteg and a Hen Harrier at Llanilid. The 6th was quiet with two Dunlin and three Bar-tailed Godwits were at Kenfig Sands and a late Willow Warbler was at Lisvane Reservoir. Four Green Sandpipers were at The Watermill Flood on the 7th and a Northern Goshawk and Black-tailed Godwit were at Ogmore Estuary. Seven Common Eider, a Red-breasted Merganser and two Bar-tailed Godwit were at Whitford NNR.

24TH - 30TH SEPTEMBER 2007

A very windy day on 24th, but unfortunately offshore in direction, produced four Arctic Terns at Ogmore Estuary and four Curlew Sandpipers at Blackpill among a flock of 37 Dunlin and 118 Ringed Plovers. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose and 32 Mediterranean Gulls were also present there. On the 25th, at least two Curlew Sandpipers were still present at Blackpill and a Garden Warbler, Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, twenty Common Chiffchaff and 400 Barn Swallows were at Lavernock Point. The first two Redwings of the autumn flew south over Abertridwr near Caerphilly. On the 26th, visible migration finally got under way with 200 Meadow Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails, fifty Sky Larks, 35 Chaffinch, 27 Eurasian Siskin, three Lesser Redpoll, five Mistle Thrush and two Peregrines at Nash Point. Another 200 Meadow Pipits were at Dunraven along with a Northern Goshawk, a Peregrine and a Yellow Wagtail. A Spotted Flycatcher, 200 Goldfinch and a Northern Wheatear were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. Two Whinchat, a Northern Wheatear, fifty Barn Swallow and a Dartford Warbler were at Ogmore Down and a Tree Sparrow was at The Monktons, amongst a flock of sixty House Sparrows. Twenty Common Crossbill and four Coal Tit were in Maesteg and twenty Common Chiffchaff and another Coal Tit were at Blaen-y-cwm. The 27th produced a Curlew Sandpiper at Kenfig Pool, which was later refound at Ogmore Estuary. A Honey Buzzard was at the Kenfig Rivermouth, where there were also six Common Snipe and the pool held eleven Eurasian Wigeon, five Northern Shoveler, four Gadwall and a female Northern Pintail. Back at Ogmore, two Mediterranean Gulls and a Bar-tailed Godwit were present. A Jack Snipe, Common Greenshank, 33 Northern Pintail, 87 Eurasian Wigeon, 200 Barn Swallow and 200 Common Shelduck were at Rhymney Great Wharf. On the 28th, the highlight was a Little Stint at Kenfig Sands, where there were also four Grey Plover, fifty Red Knot, four Bar-tailed Godwit, 300 European Oystercatcher, nine Dunlin, sixteen Ringed Plover, three Common Scoter, 100 European Golden Plover and three Northern Wheatear. Kenfig Pool produced six Eurasian Siskin, three Northern Lapwing, eight Northern Shoveler, 22 Common Teal, 250 House Martin, 200 Barn Swallow, a Sedge Warbler and a Common Snipe. At least 1000 Barn Swallows were at Summerhouse Point, along with a Sedge Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, 30 Common Chiffchaff and a Garden Warbler. An Osprey flew over the River Neath and three Arctic Terns were at Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff. A Ring Ouzel at Mewslade on 29th was the highlight of the day, but visible migration was also in evidence with 15000 Barn Swallows at Aberthaw Marsh, along with a further 1200 at Port Talbot Docks. Also at Aberthaw were 500 Meadow Pipits, 250 Eurasian Siskin and 150 Sky Larks. A Merlin was at Rhossilli and ten Bar-tailed Godwits and 500 European Oystercatchers were at Kenfig Sands. A Common Redstart was at Blaen-y-Cwm. On the 30th, common species were involved in visible migration at Kenfig Pool, with 38 Eurasian Siskin, 350 Barn Swallows, five Lesser Redpoll, five Grey Wagtail, 245 Meadow Pipit, 29 Pied Wagtail, seven Sky Lark, one Sand Martin and seventeen Chaffinch. Also present were an adult Mediterranean Gull, nine Northern Shoveler, 14 Common Chiffchaff and a Common Kingfisher. Twelve Ring Ouzel, 100 Redwing and a female Hen Harrier were at Dare Valley Country Park, while a Eurasian Hobby and a Common Redstart were at Nash Point. Three Arctic Terns were again at Lisvane Reservoir and a Fieldfare was at Cardiff Bay.

NORFOLK 23RD - 29TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Our Norfolk Bush Bash will be remembered for the sheer quality of the birds on offer this year. Seabirds featured hiugly with 4 Sabine's Gulls, Grey Phalarope, Pomarine, Arctic and Great Skuas, Manx Shearwaters, 100+ Little Gulls, 2000+ Northern Gannets and a few Red-throated Divers and Commo Scoters aongst the usual array of auks. Pink-footed Geese were already back in their thousands and we also had a Lesser Snow Goose amongst them -fantastic! Not to be outdone, passerines featured Wryneck, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Great Grey Shrike, a Greenish Warbler briefly, Common Redstart, Brambling, Snow Buntings, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and amajor fall of Goldcrests and Common Chiffchaffs, Great Bittern and Short-eared Owl were among the overhead igrants, while the pick of the shorebirds were Long-biiled Dowitcher and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, but we also saw plenty of Curlew Sandpiper, Pied Avocet, Ruff and Little Stint. Yellow-legged Gull, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harriers and Garganey rounded off a spelndid weeks birding. Join us again in September 2009 for more exciting autumn birding.

17TH - 23RD SEPTEMBER 2007

On the 17th, two Lesser Redpoll, four Reed Warblers and a Sedge Warbler were at Kenfig Pool. A glorious day on the 18th produced ten Siskin, a male Merlin, a Common Whitethroat and Reed Warbler were at Kenfig Pool. A Little Egret and 25 Yellow Wagtails were at Rhymney Great Wharf. With strong winds on the 19th sea watching was the only option and at Nash Point both Great and Arctic Skuas were recorded along with a breeding plumaged Great Northern Diver. Kenfig Sands produced forty Common Scoter, two Common Guillemot, four Manx Shearwaters and five Black-legged Kittiwakes. Seventy Sandwich Tern, six Common and an Arctic Tern were at Loughor Estuary. More gales on 20th meant sea watching was again the order of the day and the results were excellent. Port Eynon produced five Arctic, a Great and a Pomarine Skua, a Balearic Shearwater, 36 Northern Gannet, 51 Black-legged Kittiwakes, three Manx Shearwater and small numbers of Common Guillemot Sandwich Tern and Razorbill. A juvenile Sabine’s Gull was off Kenfig Sands among with four Arctic Terns and an Arctic Skua and a further three Arctic Terns were at Porthcawl. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool, while eight Bar-tailed Godwit, 165 Northern Pintail, 62 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern were at Dalton’s Point, North Gower. The 21st produced two Sooty Shearwaters close in at Port Eynon, along with two Great and two Arctic Skuas, two European Storm Petrels, Red-throated Diver and an Arctic Tern. Another Arctic Skua, four Bar-tailed Godwits and seven Red Knot were at Kenfig Sands and two Bar-tailed Godwits and an Arctic Tern were at Ogmore Estuary. A Leach’s Petrel was the highlight at Porthcawl, where three Mediterranean Gulls, twelve Arctic Terns and eight Manx Shearwaters were also present. On a good day for raptors, a Honey Buzzard and a Eurasian Hobby went south over Swansea, a Hen Harrier was at Llanilid and a Peregrine was at Kenfig Pool. Overnight rain on 22nd finally produced a fall of warblers at Kenfig Pool with single Garden Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler present along with 31 Common Chiffchaff, 25 Blackcap and also an Arctic Tern was over the pool. At Loughor Bridge, there were 123 Sandwich, one Black, three Arctic and two Common Terns and the adult Yellow-legged Gull. The Arctic Tern remained at Kenfig Pool on 23rd, where there was also a female Northern Pintail. A Ring Ouzel was near Caerphilly and sixty Red Knot and 24 European Golden Plover were at Sker.

POLAND MAY 2007 HIGHLIGHTS

AFTER an absence of two years, we returned to Poland from 15th – 24th May 2007 and whilst there were undoubtedly one or two teething problems with a slightly over ambitious itinerary, the group did exceptionally well to record 169 species. The main problem came in the Tatra Mountains, where the walks had been designed to suit individual birders rather than a group, but despite this and the presence of many school parties, we still managed to see a good selection of birds. Back on more familiar territory in the north, the tour really began to gather momentum and we were fortunate enough to see almost all of the speciality species including Wallcreeper, Ural and Pygmy Owls, Spotted Nutcracker, Aquatic, River, Marsh, Icterine and Barred Warblers, Great Snipe, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers, Caspian Gull, Lesser Spotted and White-tailed Eagles, Scarlet Rosefinch, Hazel Grouse, European Roller, Citrine Wagtail, several species of woodpecker, all three marsh terns and a whole host of herons and shorebirds. For future tours, we have removed the Tatras from the itinerary and will instead be offering an eight day tour from 17th – 24th May 2008 covering the Biebrza Marshes, Bialowieza Forest and Narew Valley.

10TH - 16TH SEPTEMBER 2007

A stiff westerly on the 10th brought a Great Skua to Sker Point, along with eight Black-legged Kittiwakes, two adult Mediterranean Gulls, 21 Red Knot, three Northern Gannets and nine Common Scoter. On the 11th, two Lesser Whitethroats, nine Common Whitethroats, three Sedge Warblers, a Willow Warbler, seventeen Blackcaps, a Tree Pipit and a Lesser Redpoll were at Kenfig Pool. Two Green Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary. A Whinchat , four Mediterranean Gulls, eight Yellowhammers and three Northern wheatears were at Gileston and at Lavernock Point there were 750 Barn Swallows, eight Tree Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails and nine Common Chiffchaff. Neil was fortunate enough to find Wales first Audouin’s Gull at Sker Point on the 12th; a second winter bird that flew off towards Swansea, but much to everyone's disappointment, it has not yet been relocated. Also present there were 27 Red Knot and 62 Meadow Pipits of note. Two Spotted Flycatchers were in a Swansea garden on and another was in Bute Park, Cardiff, where there were also two Peregrines. A further 23 Red Knot were at Rhymney Great Wharf, along with three Black-tailed and two Bar-tailed Godwits, a Common Greenshank, nineteen Dunlin, two Reed Warblers and two Yellow Wagtails. A Ring-necked Parakeet was at Lavernock Point. The 13th produced 750 Linnets at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm, along with five Tree Pipits. Four Whinchat were at Llanilid, while overhead passage at Gileston included 400 Barn Swallow, 290 Meadow Pipits, thirty Sky Larks and a Yellow Wagtail. On the 14th, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was again at Kenfig Pool, along with a Sedge Warbler and an adult Mediterranean Gull, 24 Red Knot and two Common Scoter were at Kenfig Sands. Five Northern Gannet, a Grey Plover and Yellow Wagtail were at Lavernock Point. The 15th brought 25 Common Chiffchaff, five Tree Pipit and a Lesser Whitethroat were at Lavernock Point, a Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Redpoll and European Siskin were at Pant Norton. Two Green Sandpipers, two Common Snipe and a Tree Pipit were at Kenfig Pool. Another three Green Sandpipers were at Pendoylan. On the 16th, a Merlin and Mediterranean Gull were at Dunraven, along with six Red-billed Chough. A Eurasian Hobby, Merlin, two Northern Pintail and four Yellow Wagtails were at Kenfig Pool and fifty Common Crossbills were at Llanwonno Forest. Two Common Redstarts and two Tree Pipits were at Llanilid, seven Common Buzzards were at Lavernock Point, as well as 500 Barn Swallow and a Peregrine. Two Manx Shearwaters were at Sker, along with five Northern Gannets and six Common Scoter and Red Knot numbers have risen to 36. A Curlew Sandpiper and two Common Greenshank were at Port Talbot Docks.

1ST - 9TH SEPTEMBER 2007

A fall of warblers at Kenfig Pool on 1st SEPTEMBER kicked off the month with great optimism with totals of 25 Common Chiffchaffs, three Sedge, two Reed, a single Willow and Garden Warbler, six Common Whitethroats and twelve Blackcaps recorded. Four Grey Wagtails and a Tree Pipit went over east and a Dunlin was on the east pool shore. The two Ospreys were still at Wernffrwd and a Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher were in Bute Park, Cardiff. Two Common Redstarts were at Llanilid and another Was at Island Farm, Bridgend. On the 2nd, a Great White Egret and the Ospreys were at Wernffrwd, a Common Tern was in Cardiff Bay and two Common Kingfishers were at Cosmeston Lakes. A good selection of birds at Kenfig Pool included an adult Yellow-legged Gull and five Northern Shoveler at the pool, 23 Common Scoter and fifteen Sanderling at the sands and two Sedge and a Reed Warbler in the bushes. Three Common Redstarts, four Whinchat, a Dartford Warbler, a Little Ringed Plover, Common Greenshank and Green Sandpiper were at Llanilid. The 3rd was a rather quiet day with just three Sedge Warblers, a Garden Warbler and a Lesser Whitethroat of note at Kenfig Pool. A juvenile Northern Goshawk was at Pant Norton, along with a Lesser Whitethroat, five Yellowhammers, thirteen Common Whitethroats and a European Golden Plover. On the 4th, a Little Egret flew north over Kenfig Pool and five Common Redshank dropped in briefly. The Lesser Whitethroat remained and four Reed Warblers were new in. Three Little Egrets, a Common Greenshank and an excellent count of 41 Yellow Wagtails were at Rhymney Great Wharf. Four Black-tailed and a Bar-tailed Godwit were at Kenfig Pool on 5th, where other migrants included a Whinchat, three Common Redshank, two Tree Pipits, three Common Whitethroat and excellent early autumn counts of 34 European Robins, 22 Common Blackbirds and nine Reed Buntings. Six Tree Pipits and a Yellow wagtail were at Lavernock Point and 25 Dunlin, a Red Knot, two Black-tailed Godwits and 130 Common Redshank were at Rhymney Great Wharf. A Eurasian Hobby was near Caerphilly, a Common Redstart was at Pant Norton and a Spotted Flycatcher was at Hendre Lake. On the 6th, a Grasshopper Warbler was at Kenfig Pool, along with the first Eurasian Siskin of the autumn and six Song Thrush. The male Common Redstart was again at Pant Norton. Three Eurasian Siskin were at Kenfig Pool on 7th and the first pair of Eurasian Wigeon arrived on the pool. Other migrants present included 200 Barn Swallows, two Common Sandpiper, a Lesser Whitethroat, five Grey Wagtails, a Tree Pipit and four Reed Warblers. Three Yellow Wagtails, three Northern Wheatear and a Garden Warbler were at Blaen-y-Cwm. Another hot day on the 8th produced two Northern Pintail and a late Willow Warbler at Kenfig Pool, while six Reed Warblers were at the river mouth and fourteen Dunlin, 43 Ringed Plover, 23 Sanderling, a Bar-tailed Godwit, three Sandwich and a Common Tern were at Kenfig Sands. Two Yellow Wagtails were at Ogmore Estuary and a Wryneck and Grasshopper Warbler were at Lavernock Point in the early evening. Two Red Kites were in Maesteg on 9th, while a very quiet day at Kenfig produced just a single Tree Pipit of note. Two Red Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit, a Common Greenshank and two Mediterranean Gulls were at Gileston and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Ogmore Estuary.

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Due to unprecedented demand, we have now added a third week from 2nd - 8th June 2008. All other details remain the same as the brochure, though please note that the number of single rooms available on this tour are extremely limited.

20TH - 31ST AUGUST 2007

Torrential rain again on 20th produced two Common Sandpipers, a Tree Pipit, Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat of note at Kenfig Pool and six Common Sandpipers and a Gadwall were at Ogmore Estuary. Sea watching produced three Little Gulls, an Arctic Skua, three Arctic, three Common and three Sandwich Terns in Swansea Bay, where there were also 49 Mediterranean Gulls, 1325 European Oystercatchers, 35 Dunlin, 33 Sanderling, twelve Red Knot, 212 Ringed Plover and 248 Black-legged Kittiwakes remained at the colony on Mumbles Pier. On a busy day of passage the 22nd saw a Wryneck at Aberthaw Marsh, though it was a skulking bird and showed only briefly. A Marsh Harrier was at Kenfig Pool along with four Tree Pipits, two Yellow Wagtails, sixteen Common Whitethroats, a Lesser Whitethroat, seven Sedge Warblers and five Northern Wheatears. At Sker, five Red Knot were new in and a Whinchat posed beautifully amongst a family of Stonechats. Eight Common Redshanks flew in off the sea there and a Sandwich Tern roosted on the rocks. On the 23rd, a Common Greenshank and seven Northern Wheatears were at Aberthaw Marsh. A Pied Flycatcher was an excellent find at Kenfig Pool where there was also a Spotted Flycatcher. On the 24th, a Ring Ouzel was in a Cardiff garden and a Whinchat was at Lavernock Point. A Common Greenshank and five Common Sandpiper were at Kenfig Pool, where eleven Common teal and a Northern Shoveler were on the pool. Six Common Crossbills were in Maesteg and three site firsts were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm with two Yellow Wagtails and single Tree Pipit and Lesser Whitethroat recorded. On the 26th, a Common Greenshank, Whinchat, Common Redstart, three Little Ringed Plovers and five Spotted Flycatchers were at Llanilid and a Northern Goshawk was at Parc Slip. A Little Owl and Yellow Wagtail were at Sker Farm. Four Yellow Wagtails and three Common Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary and four Whinchat were at Nash Point. The 27th produced some good birds at Kenfig Pool, where single Spotted Redshank and Green Sandpiper were the pick of the shorebirds, a Black-necked Grebe was on the pool, along with 20 Common Teal, five Northern Shoveler and a drake Gadwall while a large female Peregrine, and unusually, a juvenile Northern Goshawk provided the raptor entertainment. A Whinchat and twelve Ringed Plover were at Sker and eleven Grey Partridges were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. In the evening, a Eurasian Spoonbill, nine Eurasian Wigeon and two Ospreys at Wernffrwd rounded off an excellent day. The 28th was much quieter with two Yellow Wagtails and two Sandwich Terns at Cardiff Bay and two Grey Wagtails at Kenfig Pool. The two Ospreys remained at Wernffrwd and a female Ruddy Duck was at Lamby Lake, Cardiff. Two Spotted Flycatcher, 150 Linnet and 22 Red-billed Chough were on South Gower. The Ospreys were again present at Wernffrwd on 29th and two Yellow and four Grey Wagtails were at Kenfig Pool. On the 30th, twenty Red Knot, four Northern Lapwing, three Bar-tailed Godwit and a Common Tern were at Sker. Two Little Ringed Plovers and a Common Greenshank were at Llanilid. The 31st brought a Northern Gannet and adult Mediterranean Gull to Sker and a Common Tern to Cosmeston Lakes. The two Ospreys remained at Wernffrwd.

CELTIC DEEPS PELAGIC 26TH AUGUST 2007

Here is the update from our 26th August Celtic Deeps Pelagic led by Paul Roberts. The conditions were superb throughout, but we would have hoped for just that little extra something special to put the icing on th cake to what was still a very enjoyable day:

Birds:
Fulmar - a few dozen, especially after chumming.
Manx Shearwater - hundreds, mainly between Grassholm and The Smalls on the outward journey.
Sooty Shearwater - 1 seen very well on the outward leg between Grassholm and The Smalls.
Storm Petrel - at least 10, all attracted to chum.
Gannet - 67,873 counted on Grassholm (honestly!), stunning close up views of the colony.
Shag - double figures in total, especially near Grassholm.
Kittiwake - dozens seen, plenty of young indicating a good breeding season?
Common Tern - 2.
Guillemot - plenty seen (100s in total) in rafts.
Razorbill - small numbers among the above.
and................. Sand Martin - 3 in the middle of nowhere!

Cetaceans:
Common Dolphin - several small groups on the way out, a bigger pod all around the boat while chumming on the way back.

Fish:
Ocean Sunfish - 3.

ISLES OF SCILLY PELAGICS 2007

Celtic Bird Tours Scillies Pelagic 2007: Photos by kind permission of Ben Geldenhuis

Here are a summary of birds and other aquatic life seen on three pelagics aboard the MV Sapphire of St. Mary’s and the outward and return trips between the Scillies and the main land on the MV Scillonian 17th - 20th August 2007.

10 Wilson’s Petrel amongst 500+ Storm Petrel
15 Great Skuas
1 Arctic Skua
2 Long-tailed Skuas (a 2nd/3rd year bird and a full adult)
12 Sooty Shearwaters
100+ Manx Shearwaters
8 Great Shearwaters
1 Mediterranean Gull
1 juv Puffin
2 Arctic Terns
Many Sandwich Terns and Common Terns
Large numbers of Gannet and Fulmar
Large numbers of Great Black- backed, Lesser Black-backed & Herring Gulls with small numbers of Black-headed Gulls.

37+ Basking Shark
1 Blue Shark (tagged)
50+ Common Dolphins
2 Harbour Porpoise
3 Sun Fish
1 Ling

In addition excellent views were had of a Semi-Palmated Sandpiper on Porth Hellick Pool.

For next years tour, it is now possible to book the pelagic only element of thre trip from 15th - 18th August 2008. Cost £375.00 plus £50.00 single room supplement.Places are already very limited especially in single rooms, so PLEASE BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment

13TH - 19TH AUGUST 2007

Five Common Greenshank were at Llanilid on 13th and a mini arrival of birds at Kenfig Pool included a Ringed Plover, two Eurasian Curlews, a single Common Swift, 22 Willow Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat and six Reed and six Sedge Warblers. A drake Common Scoter, 22 Common Snipe, a Green Sandpiper and a Common Greenshank were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 14th, despite the torrential rain in the morning, an excellent count of 21 Red-billed Chough were at Overton South Gower and a further six along with five Northern Wheatears were at Ogmore-by-Sea. Another Northern Wheatear and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Kenfig Pool. Sea watching off Porthcawl produced an excellent count of 58 European Storm Petrels, 45 Manx Shearwaters and a drake Common Scoter. More heavy rain on the 15th saw five Black-tailed Godwits and seven Reed Warblers at Kenfig Pool and the drake Common Scoter, two Mediterranean Gulls, two Whimbrel, two Northern Wheatears and a European Storm Petrel were at Porthcawl. Twenty Common Swifts and 150 House Martins and the drake Greater Scaup were at Ogmore Estuary. Eurasian Hobbies were seen on the 17th at Trowbridge, Cardiff and near Caerphilly and a Common Kingfisher was at Kenfig Pool. On the 18th, thirty Sand Martins were at Cosmeston Lake and forty Common Terns were in Cardiff bay – a good count for the site.

BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR

I enjoyed my visit to the Birdfair enormously this year after being absent in 2006. It was wonderful to meet up with so many old friends and also to make quite a few new ones too. I hope that we will be able to establish new working relationships and look forward to announcing some exciting new tours over the next couple of years as a result of this.

6TH - 12TH AUGUST 2007

The 6th was a red letter day as Glamorgan’s first ever European Roller was found in the early afternoon at Bryn Farm, Llanmorlais, North Gower. The bird had apparently been present since last Thursday according to the local farmer. Five Lesser Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler remained at Kenfig Pool, where there were also a Coal Tit, six Sedge Warblers and five Reed Warblers and two Red Foxes. Two Hawfinches were the second very good find of the day at Lavernock Point, where there were also two Common Chiffchaff. A flock of eighty Stock Doves at St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan was an excellent count for Wales. The European Roller was again present at Bryn Farm on 7th, a Eurasian Hobby was in Cardiff and a Northern Wheatear was at Kenfig Pool on an otherwise quiet day for migrants. A glorious morning on the 8th produced the first Common Greenshank of the autumn at Kenfig Pool and Spotted Flycatchers were there and at Pant Norton, but there was no sign of the European Roller after clear skies overnight. A Eurasian Hobby was at Mynydd Eglwysilian and another was at Parc Slip, near Bridgend. More splendid weather on the 9th saw a small increase in migrant numbers at Kenfig Pool with three Common Redshanks, nine Sedge Warblers, six Reed Warblers, three Common Swifts and a Garden Warbler present. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Dunraven. A quiet day at Kenfig on 10th with just a Common Snipe and Common Kingfisher of note and a moulting drake Greater Scaup and two Green Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary. A Pied Flycatcher and a Spotted Flycatcher were at Llanilid and three Lesser Whitethroats and a Tree Pipit were at Pant Norton. The 11th was again relatively quiet at Kenfig Pool, where five Lesser Whitethroats, a Tree Pipit and a Common Redshank were the highlights. Three Common Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper, three Spotted Flycatcher and three Tree Pipits were at Llanilid. A Eurasian Hobby was at Broad Pool, Gower. On the 12th, the wader roost at Sker/Kenfig Sands included 118 European Oystercatchers, six Ruddy Turnstone, six Whimbrel, 34 Ringed Plover, four Dunlin, seven Sanderling, a Common Redshank and a Common Sandpiper, while Kenfig Pool had a Common Snipe on the east pool shore. The drake Greater Scaup was again at Ogmore Estuary and two Spotted Flycatchers were near Caerphilly .

ROLLER ON NORTH GOWER

This European Roller - the first for Glamorgan was found early afternoon on 6th August 2007 at Bryn Farm, Llanmorlais, North Gower and was still showing well at 19.15 this evening. Thanks to Barry Stewart for the pix!

1ST - 5TH AUGUST 2007

AUGUST began with a single European Storm Petrel and a Great Skua off Porthcawl on 1st and a Eurasian Hobby flew over the M4 at Pencoed. At Kenfig Pool, a female/juvenile aythya duck strongly resembling a Redhead was present, along with two Dunlins. Heavy rain on the 2nd produced four Lesser Whitethroats at Kenfig Pool, as well as the Redhead type, which has been identified as a juvenile. Two Little Owls were at Sker Farm. A Eurasian Hobby was at Parc Slip near Bridgend, while Wernffrwd had 1000 Eurasian Curlews, nine Whimbrel, 76 Little Egrets, thirty Mediterranean Gulls and four Yellow-legged Gulls. A Pied Flycatcher was at Pant Norton. On the 3rd, two Whinchat and a Pied Flycatcher were at Trethomas near Caerphilly. The bushes at Kenfig Pool were busier than of late with two Garden Warblers, 23 Common Whitethroat, 24 Willow Warblers, , seven Bullfinches, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Stock Dove. A female Common Teal was on the pool and the Redhead type juvenile remained, while Sker had 25 Ringed Plovers, 150 Sanderling, twelve Dunlin and nine Whimbrel. A Tree Pipit was at Pant Norton. More rain on the 4th produced eight Green Sandpipers and a Little Stint briefly at Llanilid, where there were also thirty Mistle Thrush, five Spotted Flycatchers and a very early European Golden Plover. Kenfig Pool had two Common Teal, a Grasshopper Warbler and three Lesser Whitethroat of note, but there was no sign of the Redhead type aythya duck despite sevreal people searching. On the 5th, Kenfig Pool had a fly over Little Egret, five Lesser Whitethroats, two Garden Warblers, a Kingfisher, seventy Barn Swallows and four Northern Shoveler were new in on the pool. Forty Ringed Plover, 38 Ruddy Turnstone and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Gileston.

JULY 2007

JULY began with eight Common Sandpipers at Ogmore Estuary on 1st and sea watching at Porthcawl produced 153 Manx Shearwaters, six European Storm Petrels, fifteen Northern Gannets, a Sandwich Tern, three Black-legged Kittiwakes, seven Northern Fulmar and two Common Scoter. Sea watching was the only option again on 2nd as yet more wind and rain came in from the west. Totals today included a Porthcawl high of 59 European Storm Petrels off Porthcawl, along with 275 Manx Shearwaters, five Northern Gannets, nine Common Scoter, seven Northern Fulmar and a Black-legged Kittiwake. On the 3rd sea watching from Port Eynon produced 500 Manx Shearwaters, three Arctic Skuas, thirty Northern Gannets, thirty Black-legged Kittiwakes and a European Storm Petrel. A Lesser Whitethroat was at the point and fourteen Red-billed Choughs were at Mewslade. Six Mediterranean Gulls were at Wernffrwd, along with 54 Common Gulls and 930 Herring Gulls, 150 Eurasian Curlew, fifteen Little Egrets and sixty Common Shelduck. The 4th saw the first Yellow-legged Gull of the autumn at Crofty, where a Bar-tailed Godwit, two Common Sandpiper, three Whimbrel, nine Sandwich Terns and an excellent early autumn count of ten Mediterranean Gulls. Fourteen European Storm Petrels were off Porthcawl, along with sixteen Northern Gannets, five Northern Fulmars, twelve Common Scoter, 122 Manx Shearwaters and fourteen Eurasian Curlews, while a Common Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover were at Kenfig Pool. The Little Ringed Plover remained at Kenfig Pool on 5th, where there were also four Common Sandpipers. Yet more sea watching, in much lighter winds today at Porthcawl produced twenty European Storm Petrels, 17 Manx Shearwaters, six Common Scoter and a Northern Fulmar. Four Common Crossbills and two Spotted Flycatchers were in forestry near Bridgend. The 6th was again blessed with gale force winds and counts at Porthcawl of twelve Northern Fulmar, nine European Storm Petrels, five Eurasian Curlew, 175 Manx Shearwaters, nine Common Scoter, twenty Northern Gannets and a Black-legged Kittiwake. The moulting adult Little Ringed Plover remained at Kenfig Pool and a Eurasian Hobby was in the Vale of Glamorgan. On the 7th, 27 European Storm Petrels were at Porthcawl along with a Sandwich Tern and a Little Egret and seventeen Black-headed Gulls were typical seasonal migrants at Kenfig Pool. The 8th produced a Green Sandpiper at Tir Founder Fields and a Grasshopper Warbler at Lliw Reservoir, Swansea. Signs of autumn at Kenfig on 10th when eight Common Pochard were on the pool and 42 Common Swifts, 21 Sand Martins, ten Barn Swallows, three Sedge Warblers, a Little Egret and 130 Black-headed Gulls passed over going north west. Two Mediterranean Gulls were at Oxwich Bay on the 12th and a Green Sandpiper was an early migrant at Ogmore Estuary. Eighteen Tufted Ducks were back on Kenfig Pool on 13th while the 14th produced a summer plumaged Black Tern at Porthcawl, along with 307 Manx Shearwaters, four European Storm Petrels, ten Northern Gannets, five Northern Fulmars, to Black-legged Kittiwakes and eight Common Scoter. The 15th produced a Honey Buzzard near the usual breeding area. On the 16th, the sun shone and North Gower was the place to be with two newly arrived Ruddy Shelduck present at Wernffrwd. Also present were fifty Little Egrets, six Mediterranean Gull, twenty Dunlin, 735 Eurasian Curlew, 1050 European Oystercatcher, thirteen Whimbrel, three Bar-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine. A Black-tailed Godwit and two Dunlin were at Kenfig Pool. The 18th produced a Grasshopper Warbler and a Whinchat at Caerau, Maesteg and a Blackcap and tow Great Spotted Woodpeckers were early migrants at Kenfig Pool. On the 19th, a Common Cuckoo was at Colwinston near Bridgend, along with several Yellowhammers. A family party of Barn Owls were at Llanilid and a Yellow-legged Gull was at Crofty. Two Common Greenshank and 23 Common Sandpiper were at Penclawdd. A further eleven Common Sandpipers and ten Sand Martins were at Kenfig Pool. On the 20th, twelve Common Eider were back at Whitford NNR and a Green Sandpiper was at Llanilid. The 21st produced a Black Tern at Porthcawl, along with 107 Manx Shearwaters and the 22nd saw another Green Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary and three Dunlin at Kenfig Pool, while three Little Egrets were in Cardiff Bay. On the 23rd, four European Nightjars were near Swansea and 33 Mediterranean Gulls were at Blackpill. Eleven Common Sandpipers and two Dunlin were at Ogmore Estuary. The 24th produced family parties of Red-billed Chough at Nash Point and nearby Southerndown and 56 Eurasian Curlews at Porthcawl. On the 25th, single Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper were at Kenfig Pool, where Tufted Duck numbers had risen to 29 and Common Pochard to fourteen. Sea watching at Port Eynon produced forty European Storm Petrels in two hours on 26th. The 27th produced a Mediterranean Gull bonanza with 116 counted in Swansea Bay including 83 at Blackpill alone! Also there were seven Whimbrel and a Common Tern, while the adult Yellow-legged Gull was again at Loughor Bridge. Eleven European Storm Petrels and 61 Manx Shearwaters went past Porthcawl, a Honey Buzzard was at an unnamed location and 48 Common Ravens were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. On the 29th, a Eurasian Hobby and a fall of Spotted Flycatchers and Willow Warblers were at Llanilid and a Northern Wheatear was at Kenfig Pool. The 30th saw two Common Crossbills over Penylan, Cardiff and a Little Egret, Kingfisher and Sandwich Tern were in Cardiff Bay. A Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Kenfig Pool were early passerine migrants. On the 31st, a churring Eurasian Nightjar was an unusually late singer at Llanwonno Forest, while two Common Sandpipers were at Kenfig Pool, where passerines included two Lesser Whitethroats, Garden Warbler and four Sedge Warblers.

ICELAND

Our fact finding tour/family holiday to Iceland from 20th - 27th July 2007 was an awe inspiring trip for many reasons. Those who have been there will know what I mean, as the dramatic scenery that encompasses you wherever you go, cannot fail to bring out a sense of wonder at nature's beauty as well as a reminder that it can be cruel and harsh too. As for birding, I managed to see 53 species without really trying very hard with the undoubted highlights being up to 20 Harlequin Ducks, six Barrow's Goldeneye, a family party of hunting Merlin, Glaucous & Iceland Gulls, Brunnich's Guillemot, Arctic and Great Skuas, a pre -migratory flock of approximately 2500 Red-necked Phalaropes at Rif on a pool on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and countless flocks of Arctic Terns Common Eiders, Greater Scaup, Atlantic Puffins,Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwits and a Snow Bunting. We also saw Minke Whales and White-beaked Dophin from a boat in Faxafloi Bay off Reykjavik and were delighted to see that whale watching is rapidly becoming more economically important than whale hunting and will no doubt in the future be seen as the more important of the two. We couldn't go to Iceland and not go bathing in the Blue Lagoon, which was a surreal and very enjoyable experience. We were fortuntate to have good friend Andy Jones and his wife Gudrun with us for a couple of days and we had a great time with them visiting the black beach and seabird cliffs at Vik, stunning waterfalls at Gullfoss and Skagerfoss, the unmissable Strokkur Geysir and volcanoes Hellid and Hekla. Andy is great company and has an incredible knowledge of the geology and geography of Iceland that is second to none - he also speaks fluent Icelandic and showed incredible generosity to us during our stay. There is no doubt that Iceland is expensive, but in my opinion it is worth every penny and I do believe that an organised tour is probably the most economical way of seeing it, as car hire, accommodation and meals take up a large part of the budget. We are delighted to announce that we will be offering a ten day tour in June/July 2009 with Andy as principal guide based on our experiences, but with additional whale watching trips and longer visits to Snaefellsness for White-tailed Eagles and Lake Myvatn for larger numbers of wildfowl and Gyr Falcons. Why not pre-register now for this unmissable experience as places will be very limited and available on a first come first served basis.

THE BOSPHOROS

If you are looking for a bird-filled, short autumn break with a difference, why not join us for our first visit to the raptor highway that is The Bosphoros. Our mini tour runs from 13th - 17th September and as well as watching the migration of many species of raptor that are passing into Asia, we will spend time looking at some of the more interesting cultural sites in the exciting and stimulating city that is Istanbul. There are just three places remaining at an inclusive cost of £650.00 per person plus £100.00 single room supplement.

Book Now to avoid disappointment!

NORFOLK JULY 2007

Our 6th – 9th JULY 2007 tour was very successful with the highlight being a male Golden Oriole feeding a chick that we saw fledge – an amazing moment! Barn, Tawny and Little Owls, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Woodcock, five Stone Curlews, Spotted Flycatcher and superb views of Eurasian Nightjar completed day one… Day Two produced Spotted Redshank, Little and Arctic Terns, Little Gull, Dartford Warbler, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, more Eurasian Hobbies, Green Sandpiper and Greenshank. The final day produced excellent views of Bearded Tits, Corn Buntings, Grey Partridge, Turtle Doves and Common Scoters as well as a calling Quail and more shorebirds.

APOLOGIES

I'm sorry if anyone has been trying to acess the site over the past few weeks. We suffered a major probem with the server and this was compounded by the fact that Chris was away in Italy at the time, so we were unable to load the back up copy. Hopefully now, normal service has been resumed and the next brochure will be loaded on schedule at soem point in August. The brochure is with the printers so of you require adavance itineraries for any of the 2008 tours, please drop me a line or give me a call.

Hapy Birding!

Neil

JUNE 2007

June started very quietly as Neil took a couple of days off from guiding to complete the 2008 brochure. A Common Cuckoo was at Kenfig Pool on 3rd and a pair of Tufted Ducks was a new arrival there the same day. On the 4th, eight Cetti’s Warblers ten Sanderling and fourteen Grey Herons were at Kenfig Rivermouth. The 5th saw a very elusive singing Golden Oriole arrive at Kenfig Pool and a Turtle Dove was at Cosmeston Lakes. Today also produced a very showy male Eurasian Nightjar at Ogmore Forest, where there were also seven Lesser Redpolls and seven Tree Pipits in display flights. On the 6th, the Golden Oriole was heard but not seen at Kenfig Pool, where a lesser Whitethroat was feeding young. Pairs of Grey Partridges were seen at both Lan and Tyn-y-Caeau Farms. On the 7th, Dartford Warblers were showing well at the usual site and a couple of male Yellowhammers were also present there. A Common Cuckoo and Common Redstart were at Gelligaer and a Dipper was in Bridgend Town Centre. On the 8th, glorious weather at Worms Head produced fantastic views of a pod of fifteen Common Dolphins, 100 Manx Shearwaters and large numbers of Northern Gannets, Common Guillemots and Razorbills, as well as a couple of Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Atlantic Grey Seals. Back on land, a pair of Red-billed Chough were at Pennard, while a woodland walk in Clydach produced fantastic views of a pair of Pied Flycatchers, a Wood Warbler gathering food, a male Common Redstart and a very active Spotted Flycatcher. A Honey Buzzard at the usual site on the 9th was the highlight, but three Red Kites were also there. A new Little Ringed Plover nest was found at Llanilid. An Osprey was a very late migrant at Kenfig Pool on 10th, but was soon chased off by a flock of gulls. The 11th saw pairs of Grey Partridges at Tyn-y-Caeau and Lan Farms, as well as good numbers of Yellowhammers and Linnets, while four Tree Sparrows and a Little Owl were at The Monktons Farm. Two Little Ringed Plovers were at Llanilid and a Red Kite was over Penarth. On the 12th, sea watching produced 100 Manx Shearwaters, two Razorbills, five Northern Gannets and two Black-headed Gulls off Porthcawl, while Kenfig Rivermouth held a Little, a Common and nine Sandwich Terns, a breeding plumaged Mediterranean Gull, a Common Cuckoo and nine Sanderling. A Northern Goshawk was at the usual raptor watch point. Two Eurasian Hobbies were at Bonvilston on 13th when 400 Manx Shearwaters were off Porthcawl. On the 15th, an Egyptian Goose was on the River Neath, while on the 17th, seven Red-billed Choughs near Bridgend included four newly fledged juveniles – terrific news! Over 500 Common Swifts were in Cardiff Bay on 18th and breeding pairs of Common Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers were at Parc Cwm Darren in Caerphilly. On the 19th, fifty Manx Shearwaters, five European Storm Petrels, two Northern Fulmars and three Northern Gannets were all seen close inshore off Porthcawl, despite the wind coming from the NE which is offshore there! An excellent count of 2500 Common Swifts were at Aberthaw Power Station on 20th, a Little Tern was again at Kenfig Sands, where three Northern Gannets, a Northern Fulmar, eleven European Storm Petrels and 130 Manx Shearwaters. A Eurasian Hobby was at Coychurch, Bridgend. Sea watching was again the main focus on 21st when 225 Manx Shearwaters and seven European Storm Petrels were the highlights of a short morning stint at the shelter. On the 22nd, a female Common Redstart at Lan Farm was most unexpected, while three Grey Partridges were at Tyn-y- Caeau Farm. On the 23rd 214 Black-legged Kittiwakes were at the colony on Swansea Pier including 103 chicks. Surprisingly, a Common Tern was also there. A Sandwich Tern was at Kenfig Sands, an unseasonal female Merlin was in the north of the county and good numbers of Whinchat were found during a breeding survey. A Common Cuckoo was at Llanilid on 24th during another day of heavy rain. Yet more rain on 25th produced 1000 Common Swifts and 100 House Martins in Cardiff Bay, as well a two returning Black-headed Gulls. Twenty four European Storm Petrels and 62 Manx Shearwaters were off Porthcawl and a European Storm Petrel and a Northern Fulmar were at Sker Point. More sea watching on 27th produced seven European Storm Petrels, forty Manx Shearwaters and four Northern Gannets off Porthcawl and a Common Redshank was on the east pool shore at Kenfig, where a Dartford Warbler was in the west pool. A Sandwich Tern was in Cardiff Bay and three Common Sandpipers were back at Ogmore Estuary. Bird of the day though was a Eurasian Hobby watched for fifteen minutes at a suspected breeding site in the Vale of Glamorgan. On the 28th, further signs of the coming autumn were noted with two Little Ringed Plovers at Ogmore Estuary and a Sandwich Tern was again in Cardiff Bay. Fifteen Manx Shearwaters were off Porthcawl. Sea watching on 29th produced six European Storm Petrels, four Common Scoter, a Common Guillemot, ten Northern Gannets and 350 Manx Shearwaters off Porthcawl. The 30th produced five Little Egrets at Ogmore Estuary and twelve Common Scoters off Porthcawl.

SOUTH WALES 28TH - 31ST MAY 2007

OUR mini tour from 28th – 31st May 2007 was almost totally dry, though not always warm, while the rest of the UK suffered torrential downpours! The birding was good with an excellent passage of Manx Shearwaters and European Storm Petrels along with lesser numbers of Sandwich Terns, Northern Gannets and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Raptors featured highly with the highlights being a splendid female Marsh Harrier – still a rare bird in Wales, a displaying male Northern Goshawk, two Red Kites, two Peregrines , two European Sparrowhawk and large numbers of Common Buzzards and Common Kestrels. Three Red-billed Chough showed well, Tree Sparrows , Linnets, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers were on the breeding grounds and a good variety of breeding warblers were seen including at least five Wood Warblers. Common Redstarts were also present in very good numbers and we enjoyed superb views of a Dipper feeding a well grown chick, a heavy passage of Common Swifts and a nice range of shorebirds including eight Pied Avocets, breeding plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlin and several Little Egrets. A most enjoyable few days spent in very good company.

TURKEY 23RD MAY - 3RD JUNE 2007

OUR second tour to TURKEY was another major triumph following on from last year’s spectacular success. However, it was noticeable that several other tour operators have decided to follow our lead and offer this wonderful destination as part of their programme, and this gives huge cause for concern, as in one case the group size was almost treble that of ours That tour cost £600.00 more than our tour and followed a carbon copy of our itinerary. Our group sizes [in this case 7] are deliberately set low to ensure a personal touch, as well as causing as little environmental impact as possible when visiting the most vulnerable sites and habitats, and we fail to see how a group of that size can be deemed responsible eco-tourism. We recorded 181 species this time around, which was slightly less than last year, but a total of eleven Iraq Babblers beat that of any other group, as we were able to pinpoint them again following our finding of them last year. This year, we were able to find four breeding pairs of Greater Sand Plovers at a site where we were given some superb information, five Broad-billed Sandpipers and the more expected highlights such as Caspian Snowcocks, White-tailed Robins, Upcher’s and Menetries Warblers, See-see Partridge, Striated Scops Owl, Kruper’s Nuthatch, Pied Kingfisher, Armenian Gull, Asian Short-toed Lark, White-headed and Marbled Ducks, Red-necked Phalarope, Spur-winged Plover, Radde’s Accentor, Crimson-winged Finch, Red-fronted Serin, Black Francolin, Citrine Wagtail and a hole host of other exciting species. We will be returning again from 24th May – 4th June 2008 with the tour cost held again at £1375.00 with no single room supplement

CHINA 7TH - 20TH MAY 2007

OUR inaugural tour to the migration hotspots of Beidaihe and Happy Island was a huge success with a superb selection and great numbers of birds present. We missed a few species, as they like us were experiencing some strange weather patterns this year resulting in either early or late arrivals of expected species and with so many of the birds there being migratory, it was inevitable that some would be missing. However, a total of 198 species speaks for itself and included the first record of Fairy Pitta for twelve years that was found by Neil at The Reservoir during an exciting fall of birds. Two Brown Hawk Owls included a very showy bird on Happy Island. Huge numbers of Brown Shrikes, Yellow-browed, Dusky and Pallas’s Warblers were present with good numbers of Red-throated, Yellow-rumped and Asian Brown Flycatchers also present, but we also found a pair of Elisae’s and a few Dark-sided and Grey-streaked Flycatchers too. Other warblers included Manchurian Bush, Spotted Bush, Pallas’s Grasshopper, Lanceolated, White-browed Chinese, Blyth’s Leaf, Oriental and Black-browed Reed, Thick-billed, Asian Stubtail, Yellow-streaked, Hume’s Leaf, Pale-legged Leaf and Two-barred Greenish and a good selection of thrushes included Eye-browed, Siberian, Grey-backed, Dusky, White’s, White-throated and Blue Rock Thrushes and Chinese Song Thrush. Siberian Blue Robins were seen on an almost daily basis and in good numbers, while at least three stunning male Siberian Rubythroat were absolute gems and a wide variety of buntings included Godlewski’s, Japanese Reed, Pallas’s, Chestnut, Chestnut –eared, Little, Black-faced, Yellow-breasted, Yellow-browed, Tristram’s and Siberian Meadow Buntings. Richards, Red-throated and Blyth’s Pipits all showed well, while raptors included several Amur Falcons, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Upland Buzzard, Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers and widespread European Hobbies. Thirty six species of shorebird included Grey-tailed Tattler, large numbers of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Great Knots, Far Eastern Curlews, Grey-headed Lapwings, Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers, Pacific Golden Plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper and beautifully marked Dunlin of the race sakhalina and Red-necked, Temminck’s and Long-toed Stints all alongside each other, but sadly no Asian Dowitchers due to the persistently low tides. Black-tailed, Relict, Vega and Heuglin’s Gulls loafed on the beaches, while other notable species included Yellow and Von Schrenck’s Bitterns, Baillon’s Crake, Daurian Redstart, Indian and Oriental Cuckoos, Vinous Parrotbill, Plain Laughing Thrush, Red-flanked Bluetail, Rufous-tailed Robin, Chinese Nuthatch and Pacific Swift. The whole tour was a great experience and offers a wonderful opportunity to get to grips with the identification challenges posed by the wide range of species on display. We won’t be travelling in 2008, but will be returning with a longer, improved itinerary for May 2009

HIDDEN WALES 7TH-12TH JUNE 2007

Our HIDDEN WALES tour for Bird Watching magazine from 7th – 12th June produced a very good variety of species. We began with cracking views of Little Owl, Dartford Warblers, singing Yellowhammers and several juvenile Northern Wheatears. Dipper and Grey Wagtail also showed well, while our boat trip to Worms Head undertaken in glorious weather produced fantastic views of a pod of fifteen Common Dolphins, 100 Manx Shearwaters and large numbers of Northern Gannets, Common Guillemots and Razorbills, as well as a couple of Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes and Atlantic Grey Seals. Back on land, a pair of Red-billed Chough were at Pennard, while our woodland walk in Clydach produced fantastic views of a pair of Pied Flycatchers, a Wood Warbler gathering food, a male Common Redstart and a very active Spotted Flycatcher. A male Honey Buzzard at the usual site on the third day was the highlight, but three Red Kites were also there, along with numerous Common Buzzards, a male European Sparrowhawk, four Common Ravens and a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. At least three Bullfinches were also present, as well as a singing male Blackcap on what was a very hot day. Day four produced a major bonus bird in the form of an Osprey over Kenfig Pool on another very hot day, where we also saw Reed Bunting and Reed and Sedge Warblers, but on a nice day of mixed wildlife, we also saw Small Skipper, Clouded Yellow and Dark Green Fritillary butterflies and Red-veined and Ruddy Darters as well as Emperor Dragonflies. Two Little Ringed Plovers and four Grey Partridges were the highlights of day five, but we also saw Little Owl, Yellowhammers and four Tree Sparrows as well as good numbers of Northern Fulmar and a Red-billed Chough. We also saw the first Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and both Wall and Meadow Brown butterflies and Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly. The final day was cloudy and breezy, so we started by sea watching off Porthcawl, which produced 100 Manx Shearwaters, five Northern Gannets, two Razorbills and two unseasonal Black-headed Gulls. At the Kenfig Rivermouth, we enjoyed a splendid breeding plumaged adult Mediterranean Gull, as well as a mixed flock of terns that included nine Sandwich and single Common and Little Terns. Five Sanderling, a pair of Ringed Plovers, a Stock Dove and a Common Cuckoo rounded off the birding here, but we also saw several Beautiful Demoiselle dragonflies. A return visit to the raptor watch point male European Sparrowhawk and a cracking male Northern Goshawk to round off a really successful and enjoyable trip.

NORFOLK 6TH - 9TH JUNE 2007

OUR ORIOLES, AVOCETS AND THICK KNEES tour from 6th – 9th June produced an astonishing array of birds. Eight Eurasian Woodcocks, five Stone Curlew, three Eurasian Nightjars, five Hawfinches, Barn, Tawny and Little Owls, Golden Orioles, Garganey, Firecrest, Turtle Dove and two Wood Larks were the highlights of the first day! The second day was very wet, but a pair of Montagu’s Harriers doing a food pass helped cheer everyone up and we also saw Little Tern, Little Gull, Common Greenshank and Corn Bunting. On the final day, we had great views of Honey Buzzard, then Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit, two Barn Owl, two Bearded Tits, a breeding plumaged Curlew Sandpiper and finished with a female Red-backed Shrike!! If you would like to see this kind of selection of birds, then why not join us next year for some of the best summer birding available anywhere in the UK.

MAY 22ND - 31ST

On the 22nd, three Common Cuckoos and a Water Rail with chick were at Kenfig Pool and a Red Kite was at Gileston. Six Eurasian Nightjars were at Llanwonno on 23rd and two Common Cuckoos, four Whimbrel and fifty Common Swifts were at Kenfig Pool. Two Grey Partridges were near Tondu, Bridgend. The 24th produced a Spotted Flycatcher at Llanilid, ten Wood Warblers were at Pontneddfechan and two Honey Buzzards were at the usual site. Three Nightjars were at Ogmore Forest on 25th and a female Pied Flycatcher at Coed-y-Bedw on 26th was one of very few recorded this year. After a total washout on 27th, two Red-billed Chough were at Aberthaw Marsh on 28th – a site further east than they have previously been recorded. Four Red Kites and two Common Cuckoos were at Ogmore Forest, where single Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart and four Wood Warblers were present. Raptor watching was also worthwhile with Northern Goshawk, three Red Kites, European Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and large numbers of Common Buzzards seen at the usual site. On the 29th, Ogmore Forest held six Wood Warblers, ten Common Redstarts and a Dipper feeding chicks. The 30th produced 2000+ Manx Shearwaters, forty European Storm Petrels, three Northern Gannets, three Sandwich Terns and two Black-legged kittiwakes off Porthcawl, while three Red-billed Chough and a male Northern Wheatear were at Ogmore-by-Sea. Three Yellowhammers and a Peregrine were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and 25 Eurasian Sky Larks, a female Northern Wheatear and a Tree Sparrow were at Lan Farm. On the 31st, a female Marsh Harrier was a very pleasant surprise at Kenfig Pool, where there was also a Common Cuckoo and 250+ Common Swifts overhead. Three Sandwich Terns, 675 Manx Shearwaters and seven European Storm Petrels were again off Porthcawl. Three Eurasian Nightjars were at Llanwonno, a Spotted Flycatcher was at Darren Woods, Maesteg and Tawny Owls were seen in a couple of locations.

7TH - 20TH MAY 2007

As ever, sea watching really begins at this time and from the 8th, the weather deteriorated sufficiently for good numbers of birds to be seen all along the coast. A Storm Petrel and 105 Manx Shearwaters were off Porthcawl and 163 Manx Shearwaters and four Arctic Skuas were off Nash Point. The 10th produced the first Pomarine Skua, as well as five Arctic Skuas and a Great Northern Diver off Port Eynon and four Storm Petrels, two Great Northern and two Red-throated Divers and 95 Manx Shearwaters off Porthcawl. The theme continued on the 11th as Port Eynon had two Black-throated Divers, 32 Northern Gannets, a Little Tern, an Atlantic Puffin, ten Purple Sandpipers, seventy Black-legged Kittiwakes and an Arctic and a Pomarine Skua. Elsewhere, two European Nightjars were at Llanwonno Forest, two Egyptian Geese were in Neath and Blackpill produced 118 Dunlin, six Sanderling and 52 Whimbrel. On the 12th, a Great White Egret was reported briefly at Gileston and a Common Cuckoo was in Maesteg. Another Common Cuckoo was at Kenfig Pool on 13th and a Eurasian Hobby was at Mynydd Eglwysilian, while an Iceland Gull at Cardiff Bay on 14th was a late record. Better weather on the 15th saw a Honey Buzzard going north over Maesteg and a Eurasian Hobby at Roath Park, Cardiff, while a singing Wood Warbler and Tree Pipit were at Llanwonno Forest on the 16th. More bad weather from 17th produced three Pomarine Skuas and two Common Scoters off Porthcawl and a Spotted Flycatcher was at Llanilid. On the 18th, 31 Storm Petrels were off Porthcawl, along with 45 Northern Fulmar, eighty Manx Shearwaters, and Arctic Skua and an Arctic Tern, while another Pomarine Skua and a Bar-tailed Godwit were at Lavernock Point. The 19th saw a Pied Flycatcher at Coed-y-Bedw, while off Mumbles, two Storm Petrels, a Pomarine and an Arctic Skua and three Sandwich Terns were present. On the 20th, 500 Common Swifts were at Kenfig Pool and 23 Manx Shearwaters, four Northern Fulmars and six Dunlin were off Kenfig Sands. Two Honey Buzzards and a Northern Goshawk were at the well known site and a Black-tailed Godwit and a Common Crossbill were at Llanilid.

1ST - 6TH MAY 2007

MAY began with a Garganey at Ogmore Estuary on 1st and two Common Greenshank were at Llanilid. A Yellow Wagtail and 45 Whimbrel were at Rhymney Estuary. A Spotted Flycatcher was in Porthcawl on 2nd, along with two Sandwich Terns at Ogmore Estuary. A Great Northern Diver was off Rhossilli and a Eurasian Hobby was in Gorseinon, Swansea. On the 3rd, a good count of 24 Black Terns were off Porthcawl, a Spotted Redshank and nine Whimbrel were at Llanilid. Five Sandwich Terns were at Lavernock Point. The 4th produced two drake Garganey, a Short-eared Owl and two Eurasian Hobbies at Kenfig river mouth, with two more Hobbies and twenty Common Swifts in Cardiff. A Whinchat was in Maesteg and Garden Warblers were in at many locations. On the 5th, a Little Gull was at Ogmore Estuary and the pair of Garganey were again at Kenfig river mouth. Poor weather on the 6th saw just two Grasshopper Warblers, eleven Whimbrel and a Northern Gannet at Kenfig NNR. Six Manx Shearwaters and three Northern Gannets were off Nash Point. Porthcawl was the place to be with a Pomarine, three Arctic and a Great Skua, two Arctic and three Sandwich Terns, a Red-throated Diver, 40 Manx Shearwater, 37 Common Scoter, two Little Gulls and three Razorbills.

23RD - 30TH APRIL 2007

Rain on the 23rd brought good numbers of birds to Kenfig with 150 Sand Martins, sixty Barn Swallows, 25 House Martins and four Common Swifts over the pool. At least 25 Sedge and five Reed Warblers were present, a late Common Snipe and a drake Northern Shoveler and eight Common Teal were at the river mouth. On the beach, fifty Dunlin and twenty Ringed Plovers were present along with a flock of six Little Terns. More rain on the 24th produced a Garden Warbler, Common Redstart and Tree Pipit at Darren Woods, Maesteg and a second winter Mediterranean Gull was in Cardiff Bay. A Whinchat was at Sker Farm on 25th, a Northern Fulmar was off Porthcawl and a dark morph Artic Skua was off Cardiff Bay, along with a Little Egret. On the 26th, a Eurasian Hobby was at Llanilid, along with three Little Egrets, while forty House Martins, a Common Sandpiper, three Lesser Whitethroats and seven Common Swifts were at Kenfig Pool and sixty Whimbrel were at Sker. Three Reed Warblers were in Cardiff Bay and a Great Skua, four Manx Shearwaters, two Red-throated Divers and five Northern Gannets were at Rhossilli. A Siberian Chiffchaff and eight Sandwich Terns were at Oxwich Bay and a Whinchat was at Ogmore Estuary. A Marsh Tit, two Kingfishers, three Grey Wagtails and a pair of Dippers including one amazingly perched high in a willow tree [!] were at Miskin Cricket Club on 27th. A pair of Red Kites were on territory near Bridgend, three Wood Warblers were in the Ogmore Valley and a Common Redstart was in Maesteg. On the 28th, a Long-eared Owl was an excellent find at Kenfig Pool, a Northern Goshawk was over the western end of the reserve and a flock of 22 Bar-tailed Godwits were at the river mouth. A Whinchat and several Tree Pipits were in the Garw Valley. Sixty five Bar-tailed Godwits at Ogmore Estuary and forty at Porthcawl continued the influx of this species today with 140 seen in total. Three Sandwich Terns were at Caswell Bay, Gower and a Common Redstart and Common Cuckoo were at Coed-y-Bedw, Cardiff. On the 29th, ten Common Redstarts, two Wood Warblers, three Grasshopper Warblers, two Tree Pipits, a Red Kite, a Eurasian Woodcock and a Pied Flycatcher were all in the Maesteg area and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in Bute Park, Cardiff. The 30th produced six Grasshopper Warblers and five Tree Pipits in Maesteg and 104 Whimbrel and 71 Bar-tailed Godwits at Sker.

NORTH WALES

OUR North Wales Spring tour was again fully subscribed and again produced an excellent range of species including the first Marsh Harrier that we have recorded on this trip; a female that was in off the sea at Cemlyn Lagoon. We also found another scarce migrant in the form of a Little Tern at Penmon Point. Otherwise it was business as usual with the expected Sandwich and Common Terns, Black Guillemot, Pied Flycatchers, Common Redstarts, Common Eider, Grasshopper Warbler, Wood Warbler, Red Kite and Hen Harrier recorded. We also made time to see the now regular breeding Ospreys on the Lleyn Peninsula and enjoyed excellent views of 26 Black Grouse at our regular site, where two Red Grouse, three Whinchat and a Northern Goshawk were also recorded. A flock of ten Twite included a pair gathering nest material, a resplendent breeding plumage Bar-tailed Godwit was a nice record and we rounded off the trip with a splendid and very showy male Ring Ouzel. Our tour next year will run from 3rd – 8th May and will again be based at The Swallow Falls Hotel.

A Ring Ouzel was near Pontypridd on the 16th, a second year Iceland Gull was at Blackpill, and a Little and a Sandwich Tern were at Pennard, Gower. On the 17th, 44 Whimbrel were at Wernffrwd, along with two Common Sandpipers, 266 Common Shelduck and 43 Pied Wagtails. A Common Greenshank, three Grey Plovers and 22 Dunlin were at Rhymney Estuary and two Little Terns were at Blackpill in the evening. A male Common Redstart was at Coed-y-Bedw, Cardiff on the 18th and the 19th produced a Common Cuckoo at Maesteg and eight Sandwich Terns were in Swansea Bay. On the 20th, fifty Manx Shearwaters and two Northern Gannets were at the far end of the Loughor Estuary, while at Llanrhidian Marsh, thirty Whimbrel, twelve Gadwall and three Common Sandpipers were present. A Willow Tit was near Pyle and eight Northern Wheatears were at Ogmore-by-Sea. A Eurasian Hobby was a good early record at Lavernock Point and a Lesser Whitethroat was at Rhymney Estuary. On the 21st two Black-tailed Godwits, a Reed Warbler, Common Swift, four Grasshopper Warblers and nine Whimbrel were at Kenfig Pool. Dartford Warblers and Tree Sparrows showed well at breeding sites and small numbers of House Martins were seen at various locations. A Little Owl was at Southerndown Farm, two Grey Partridges were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and a Lesser Whitethroat was at Ogmore Down. Fifteen Whimbrel, four Lesser Whitethroats and a Red Knot were at Gileston and a Wood Warbler and 27 Common Swifts were in Bute Park, Cardiff. A quieter day on 22nd produced the first Whinchat at Maesteg, along with three Grashopper Warblers. Three Lesser Whitethroats were at Kenfig Pool and seven Common Swifts were at Forest Farm, Cardiff.

9TH - 15TH APRIL 2007

A pair of Ring Ouzels were at Cosmeston Lakes and a Sedge Warbler was at Kenfig Pool on the 9th as the wind swung to the north west. A Grasshopper Warbler at Kenfig Pool on 10th was a very early arrival, while two Fieldfares were late visitors. A Common Sandpiper was also present on the river, along with two Barn Swallows. Another Grasshopper Warbler was this time in Maesteg on the 11th, while Kenfig Pool had twenty Barn Swallows, 25 Willow Warblers and two Sedge Warblers of note. On the 12th, another Grasshopper Warbler was at Kenfig Pool, along with two Rooks and eight Eurasian Jackdaws, which are both very scarce spring visitors. An early Lesser Whitethroat was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and Barn Swallows and Willow Warblers were widespread by the end of the day. On the 13th a pair of Garganey, a Little Ringed Plover, three Common Sandpipers, a House Martin and a new Grasshopper Warbler were at Kenfig Pool, The first Whimbrel and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were also there on a busy day for migrants and a Bar-tailed Godwit was at Cardiff Bay. A Lesser Whitethroat was at Margam Moors, Port Talbot. A much quieter day on 14th saw some House Martins nest building on a very early date in the Neath Valley and the first Common Whitethroat and a Common Sandpiper were at Kenfig Pool. Two Grey Partridges and a Ring-necked Parakeet were at Gileston on 15th and two Grasshopper Warblers and two Sedge Warblers were at Kenfig Pool.

APRIL began where March left off really, as the cool NE wind held migrants back, though the four Bearded Tits were still in Cardiff Bay and four Red-billed Choughs and seven Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea. The four Bearded Tits were still at Cardiff Bay on 2nd and a pair of Barn Owls were at Llanilid. An Osprey was over Beddau, near Pontypridd, a Red-billed Chough was at Lock’s Common, Porthcawl and a Jack Snipe remained at Kenfig Pool. Another day with very few migrants and more cold north winds on 3rd. An Osprey north over Maesteg and another over Clydach, Swansea were the only noteworthy arrivals. Two Grey Partridges and eight Yellowhammers remained at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm feeding stations. A better day on the 4th produced two Barn Swallows in Cardiff Bay and a Little Owl and five Northern Wheatears at Sker. The four Bearded Tits and three Little Gulls were still in Cardiff Bay and two Little Ringed Plovers were at The Watermill Flood. On the 5th an Osprey was over Cardiff and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker showed very well at Bryngarw Country Park. Two Bearded Tits were seen to fly high east from Cardiff Bay, which probably ended hopes of a possible breeding attempt. A Ruff was a good spring find on the Ogmore Estuary and a Common Sandpiper was also present there. The Water Pipit remained at Llwyn Onn Reservoir where there was also a Barn Swallow. The 6th produced a drake Garganey, two Willow Warblers and a Blackcap at Kenfig Pool, while 25 Fieldfares were at Mynydd Bach, Maesteg. Eleven Purple Sandpipers were still at Ogmore-by-Sea, along with six Northern Wheatears. The 8th saw Willow Warbler numbers up to twelve at Kenfig and a Ring-necked parakeet at Gileston was an unusual record for the county. A Hen Harrier and Cetti’s Warbler were at Cosmeston Lakes.

19TH - 31ST MARCH 2007

An early drake Garganey was on the Ogmore Estuary on another cold day on the 19th, when five Goosander and two Green Sandpipers were also present. Two Hen Harriers were still at Llanrhidian Marsh and seventy Sand Martins were at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 20th, the Water Pipit was again at Llwyn On Reservoir and a male Northern Wheatear braved the freezing conditions at Southerndown. A better day on 21st produced eight Slavonian Grebes, 38 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 33 Eider, 21 Red-breasted Merganser, a Merlin and a Peregrine, 133 Golden Plover, 191 Curlew, a Green Sandpiper and a Northern Wheatear on the Loughor Estuary. Three Little Gulls were again at Cardiff Bay and Northern Goshawks and Red Kites were seen displaying in several places. Eight Purple Sandpipers, a Northern Wheatear and a Black-tailed Godwit were at Ogmore Estuary and another Purple Sandpiper and Wheatear, along with 162 European Golden Plovers were at Sker. Kenfig Pool had 27 Sand Martins.
The 23rd saw the Water Pipit still present along with the Greater Scaup at Llwyn Onn Reservoir and Common Chiffchaffs seemed to arrive en masse. On the 24th, a Willow Warbler was at Lisvane Reservoir and the Great Grey Shrike was again at Perthcelyn. Two Jack Snipe were at Kenfig Pool and the drake Greater Scaup and Water Pipit were again at Llwyn Onn Reservoir on 25th. A Little Ringed Plover was at The Watermill on 26th and eight Fieldfare were at Cosmeston Lakes. The 27th saw an Osprey over the Ogmore Estuary and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Bryngarw Country Park and a Marsh Harrier came in off the sea at Gileston. Two Black Redstarts and five Northern Wheatears were at Port Talbot Docks. Two Red-billed Chough were at Kenfig Pool on 28th on a raw day that saw few migrants around. The 29th produced four Bearded Tits at Cardiff Bay and at least three Little Gulls, a Black-tailed Godwit was again at Ogmore Estuary. The 30th produced a couple of Barn Swallows at The Watermill, another at Kenfig Pool and four Purple Sandpipers remained at Ogmore-by-Sea. The four Bearded Tits were again in Cardiff Bay and another was at Cosmeston Lakes. Five Northern Wheatears were at Sker Farm. A cold, windy day on 31st saw the Bearded Tits still at Cardiff Bay, along with three Little Gulls. Seventy five Sand Martins and a Peregrine were at Kenfig Pool and a Red Kite was seen just north of the reserve flying over the M4 towards Margam.

NEW YORK

I'm just back from a hugely enjoyable mini break to New York, where as well as some quality time with the family and seeing the sights, I managed to get 52 species birding in Central Park including 12 lifers and a fine Raccoon! The first wave of migrants hit the day before we left and included 20+ Eastern Phoebes, 10+ Hermit Thrushes and six Northern Flickers, while other highlights included good numbers of Buffleheads,a pair of Hooded Mergansers, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Fox and Song Sparrows with White-throated Sparrows everywhere, Dark-eyed Juncos, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwings, American Goldfinches and White-breasted Nuthatch.as well as the thousands of American Robins that were all over the park - unforgettable!!

For anyone who enjoys combining birding with cultural activities and hasn't visited this great city, it is well worth considering and I would be happy to offer advice and help in putting together a reasonably priced package. We picked up many invaluable snippets of information that could be used to make the most of both birding time and other activities, as well as budgeting and accommodation advice.

12TH - 18TH MARCH

A busy day on the 12th saw a Short-eared and Barn Owl, as well as four Hen Harriers and 750 European Golden Plovers at Llanrhidian Marsh, ten Purple Sandpipers at Port Eynon and four Little Gulls in Cardiff Bay. The Great Grey Shrike was again at Perthcelyn and three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. A Northern Wheatear was at Kenfig Sands and the Iceland Gull was again in Swansea Marina. Three Green Sandpipers were at The Watermill Flood on 13th, along with a very early juvenile Grey Heron and the Iceland Gull was again at Pontsticill Reservoir. The first winter Iceland Gull was also in Swansea Marina and a Sand Martin was over Fendrod lake also in Swansea. On the 14th the Barn and Short-eared Owls were again at Llanrhidian, along with three Hen Harriers. Four Red Kites were over Swansea in the afternoon and Common Chiffchaffs were singing from many places. A very early Willow Warbler was singing in Cardiff, where a Whimbrel at the Rhymney Estuary was also an early arrival. Also there was a Common Greenshank and a Merlin, while at Penclawdd, the six Pink-footed Geese were again present, along with 43 Fieldfare and five Common Snipe. Eight Sand Martins were at Kenfig Pool on 15th and the first winter Iceland Gull was again at Swansea Marina. Two Barn Owls were again at Llanilid, the Greater Scaup and Water Pipit were both at Llwyn Onn Reservoir and the Great Grey Shrike was again at Perthcelyn. A glorious day on the 16th produced the four Little Gulls again in Cardiff Bay, along with a Northern Wheatear and 35 Sand Martins. Three Sand Martins were at Kenfig Pool and a Grey Partridge was at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The 17th produced sixty Sand Martins at Cosmeston Lakes, seven Red-billed Chough and a Northern Wheatear at Ogmore-by-Sea and two Jack Snipe at Kenfig Pool. The Great Grey Shrike was again at Perthcelyn. A windy and cold day on the 18th saw 100 Sand Martins at Cosmeston Lakes and three Little Gulls again in Cardiff Bay.

NORFOLK SPRING/SUMMER

Our mini break from 6th -9th June is now full. If you wish to visit this wonderful county for its breeding specialities, we still have a couple of places left from 6th -9th and 13th -16th July.

5TH - 11TH MARCH

On the 5th a pair of Smew at Port Talbot was a cracking find, while elsewhere three Red-billed Chough, four Little Egrets and Green Sandpiper were at various points on the Ogmore Estuary. The Iceland Gull was again at Pontsticill Reservoir and the Loughor Estuary held 565 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, while a Common Sandpiper was at Hendre Lake. A Brambling was in Maesteg on 6th and the adult Little Gull was again in Cardiff Bay. The first real spring like day of the year on the 7th saw the Great Grey Shrike reappear at Perthcelyn, along with a female Northern Goshawk. An Egyptian Goose was at Loughor Bridge and a Little Owl was at Sker Farm. Common Crossbills and Red Kites were seen in several locations. Another lovely day on the 8th produced a Barn Owl near Bridgend, a Black Redstart again in Cardiff Bay and four Tree Sparrows and a female Merlin at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The Great Grey Shrike was again at Perthcelyn and three Willow Tits included a pair at Tir Founder Fields, where a Kingfisher was also present. A first winter Iceland Gull was in Swansea Marina for the first time in a month or so. Two Sand Martins were in Cardiff Bay on 9th and a superb male Hawfinch and a Marsh Tit were at Tair Onnen, Cardiff. The Firecrest was again in Cardiff, three Purple Sandpipers, a Common Scoter and forty Sanderling were at Port Talbot Docks and a Red Kite was near Bridgend. Three Grey Partridge were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and the Iceland Gull was again at Swansea Marina, the drake Red Crested Pochard was again at Ogmore Estuary, along with six Red-billed Choughs. On the 10th, nineteen Northern Fulmars were back on their breeding ledges at Cwm Nash and the Little Gull was still at Cardiff Bay. On the 11th a Great Northern Diver, 76 Common Scoter and an Egyptian Goose were at Loughor Bridge and two Hen Harriers went to roost at Llanrhidian. Seven Red-billed Chough were seen flying west over Kenfig Pool, the Iceland Gull was again in Swansea Marina and the Little Gull was again at Cardiff Bay. The first Northern Wheatear of the year was at Rhymney Estuary, where there was also a Common Sandpiper. Common Crossbills and Northern Goshawks were seen at several locations.