27TH - 31ST JULY 2009

On the 27th, 2000+ Manx Shearwaters passed Worms Head, along with thirty Northern Gannet. Torrential rain until the 30th saw no news until seven Common Sandpiper and a Little Egret were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 31st, ten Whimbrel were at Whiteford NNR and a Red-billed Chough was at Rhossilli. Two European Nightjar were in Maesteg, a Tree Sparrow was at The Monktons and two hundred Linnet and two Yellowhammer were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm.

20TH - 26TH JULY 2009

The 20th saw the Common Quail still in Maesteg and a Lesser Whitehtroat, two Willow Warbler and four Common Chiffchaff were at Lavernock Point and four Common Redshank were at Ogmore Estuary, while a Grasshopper Warbler was at Kenfig Pool. On the 21st, nine Common Whitethroat, three Common Pochard, two Common Sandpiper and a Common Redshank were at Kenfig Pool. Two Tree Pipit were at LLanilid and five Sanderling were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 23rd, 850 Manx Shearwater and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Rhymney Estuary and high tide at Loughor Estuary produced five Sandwich Terns, two Yellow-legged Gull, 27 Little Egret, 5000 Black-headed Gull, five Mediterranean Gull, 870 European Oystercatcher, 627 Eurasian Curlew, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Scoter and seventeen Great Crested Grebe. On the 24th, three Sandwich Terns, 250 Dunlin, 83 Eurasian Curlew, six Ringed Plover, nine Whimbrel and a Peregrine were at Penclawdd. On the 25th, a Dunlin, eighteen Willow Warbler, 21 Common Whitethroat, a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, fifteen Reed Warbler, four Sedge Warbler and twelve Common Swift provided further evidence that the autumn migration is already well under way at Kenfig Pool and two European Nightjar were at Llanwonno Forest. On the 26th, a European Golden Plover was an early autumn migrant in Maesteg and twelve Common Crossbill were near Aberdare. Two Whimbrel and a Little Egret were at Rhymney Estuary and 53 Sanderling were at Sker.

LATE AVAILABILITY

Owing to a late cancellation, a place has become available for our Isles of Scilly and Cornwall tour 13th - 18th August 2009. It involves a room share on Scilly and a single room in Cornwall. If you are interested, please contact Neil on 07971 983227.

13TH - 19TH JULY 2009

The 13th was a washout while the 14th brought a Common Quail to Maesteg, five Mediterranean Gulls to Mumbles Head and another at Cardiff Heliport. Another Mediterranean Gull was at The Watermill Flood and three hundred Common Swift were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 15th, two Common Quail were in Maetseg and a Eurasian Hobby was at Llanilltid. Further Common Quail were in Cardiff and Llanilid and a Garden Wrabler was an early migrant at Lavernock Point. Two Common Quail were at Llanilid on the 16th while the 17th was another day of torrential rain. The 18th saw a Common Quail again in Maesteg and three Red-billed Chough were at Dunraven. On the 19th a Common Quail was again at Llanilid.

6TH - 12TH JULY 2009

The 6th saw eleven Common Eider, an unseasonal Dark-bellied Brent Goose, as well as 800 Black-headed, 100 Common and two Mediterranean Gull and 100 Common Swift at Wernffrwd, North Gower. Nine Northern Gannet and three hundred Manx Shearwater passed Ogmore-by-Sea and a Little Egret was on Ogmore Estuary. Four Little Egret flew north over Porthcawl on the 10th and a Eurasian Hobby was in Bridgend on the 11th. On the 12th, twelve Common Sandpiper, twenty six Common Shelduck and a Mediterranean Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. Fifty Manx Shearwater and two Mediterranean Gulls were at Aberthaw Marsh.

1ST - 5TH JULY 2009

As ever, high summer proved to be a rather quiet time as the 1ST JULY saw a singing Lesser Whitethroat at Kenfig Pool and two hundred Manx Shearwater off Aberthaw Marsh. Rain on the 2nd saw two Common Sandpiper were at Ogmore Estuary, while the 3rd produced just a few returning Black-headed Gulls at Cosmeston Lakes and Ogmore Estuary and a pair of Common Teal at Parc Slip. On the 4th an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Barry Island and a singing Lesser Whitethroat was in Roath Park, Cardiff. Signs of autumn on the 5th as two Black-tailed Godwit, a Common Sandpiper, five Black-headed Gull, fifteen Sand Martin and two Tufted Duck were at Kenfig Pool and a Common Redshank was at Cosmeston Lakes.

22ND - 30TH JUNE 2009

On the 22nd, two Green Sandpiper were at Hendre Lake and Honey Buzzards were seen on four occasions in the uplands of the county. On the 23rd, the Woodchat Shrike re-appeared briefly at Rhossilli Down and two Sandwich Terns were off Nash Point. Two Little Egret, a Red Knot, two Mediterranean Gulls, a Green Sandpiper and a Dunlin were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 24th a Honey Buzzard and Northern Goshawk were in the Neath Valley, a Eurasian Hobby was near Bridgend and a Common Redstart was at Llanilid. On the 25th, seven Red-billed Chough were at Rhossilli and fifty Manx Shearwater were off Flat Holm Island. The 27th produced a Honey Buzzard again in the usual site, a Yellowhammer and two Common Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary and a Lesser Whitethroat at Aberthaw Marsh. On the 29th, three Wood Warbler were at Margam Forest, while two Honey Buzzard, a Red Kite and Northern Goshawk were in the usual site. Five Red-billed Chough were near Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 30th, a Peregrine and Common Sandpiper were at Rhymney Estuary and three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea.

15TH - 21ST JUNE 2009

On the 15th, a Spotted Flycatcher was in Maesteg and a Common Cuckoo was on Sully Island. A Eurasian Hobby was at Crymlyn Bog, Swansea, along with two Red Kites. The 16th produced a surprise late migrant in the form of a Woodchat Shrike at Rhossilli Downs, Gower. On the 17th, two Whimbrel and a Little Egret remained at Rhymney Estuary, but heavy rain washed out any chance of checking on the shrike. The 18th saw a return to better weather and the Woodchat Shrike was again at Rhossilli and 35 Manx Shearwater were off Sully Island. On the 19th, the Woodchat Shrike was again present at Rhossilli as it was again on the 20th. On the 21st, an Atlantic Puffin was among large numbers of Common Guillemot and Razorbill, Manx Shearwater and Northern Gannet at Worms Head, Gower.

17TH - 20TH JUNE 2009

Our NORFOLK 17TH – 20TH JUNE 2009 got off to a flying start as DAY ONE provided a fifteen minute long view of a stunning pair of Golden Orioles near the nest, as well as a Eurasian Hobby, Stone Curlew, Firecrest, Tree Pipit, Common Cuckoo and Grey Wagtail. DAY TWO produced superb views of Honey Buzzards, four Eurasian Spoonbill, breeding plumaged Little Stint, three adult Mediterranean Gulls, two Little Ringed Plover and Little Tern, while the evening excursion produced four European Nightjar, seven Eurasian Woodcock and a Barn Owl. DAY THREE saw the tour finish on a high with close and prolonged views of a male Montagu’s Harrier, as well as Wood Lark, Bearded Tit, Corn Bunting, Little Owl and breeding plumaged Spotted Redshank, Red Knot and Bar and Black-tailed Godwit in an excellent total of 120 species.

8TH - 14TH JUNE 2009

On the 8th, 1000 Manx Shearwater, 100 Northern Gannet and fifty Black-legged Kittiwake were off Mewslade, South Gower and a Sandwich Tern was at Wernffrwd, North Gower. The 9th saw a Eurasian Hobby in Cardiff and a Little Egret and Whimbrel at Sker Point, whilst the 10th produced two Grasshopper Warbler and a Whinchat in Maesteg and two Tree Sparrows in Monknash. On the 11th, two Sandwich Terns were off Porthcawl and a first summer Mediterranean Gull at Lamby Lake. The 12th saw a Common Cuckoo at Kenfig Pool and two Cetti’s Warblers at Cadoxton Ponds, Barry – a new bird for the site. The 13th produced a very unseasonal Ruff and Common Teal at Kenfig Rivermouth, while a Common Crossbill, two Grasshopper Warbler and four Tree Pipit were in Maesteg. On the 14th two pairs of Whinchat and a Peregrine were in Maesteg.

1ST - 7TH JUNE 2009

The 1ST JUNE produced three European Nightjar in Maesteg and seven Grey Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwit and sixteen Sanderling were on Kenfig Sands. On the 2nd, twenty six Black-tailed Godwit and a drake Eurasian Wigeon were on Kenfig Pool. On the 3rd, a European Storm Petrel was off Tusker Rock, Ogmore, a second summer Mediterranean Gull was in Cardiff Bay. On the 4th, three Honey Buzzards were in the Neath Valley and three Sandwich Terns were at Kenfig Sands, while the 5th produced a Common Quail in the Vale of Glamorgan and two Pied Flycatcher in Maesteg. Torrential rain on the 6th meant no news, while the 7th saw a Wood Warbler, three Tree Pipit and three Common Crossbill in Maesteg.

POLAND 28TH MAY - 4TH JUNE 2009

Our POLAND tour 28th MAY – 4TH JUNE 2009 was another tremendous success with 135 species recorded. DAY ONE produced Black Woodpecker, two male Golden Oriole, several Red-backed Shrike, Icterine Warbler, Eurasian Hobby, Black Redstart, seven Montagu’s Harrier, three Marsh Harrier, large numbers of White Stork and a few Hawfinch en route to Bialowieza. An evening walk around the Czar’s Lake produced three Great Reed Warbler, five Common Rosefinch, Icterine Warblers, European Serin, Spotted Flycatcher and Sedge Warblers. DAY TWO produced an array of superb birds that included calling Corncrake, as well as lekking Great Snipe, Lesser Grey Shrike, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Collared Flycatcher, River, Barred, Wood and Marsh Warblers, Lesser and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Wryneck, Common Crane and Grasshopper Warbler. On DAY THREE, we were hampered by some poor weather in the morning, but still managed to find several Collared Flycatchers, a Red-breasted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike and Hawfinch during the day and three Eurasian Woodcock, a showy Thrush Nightingale and a superb Pygmy Owl during our evening excursion. DAY FOUR and temperatures were a lot higher today, though the afternoon was interrupted by a whole series of thunderstorms and torrential rain. Our walk in the ancient remnant forest exceeded expectations as Three-toed, White-backed and several Middle Spotted Woodpeckers were noted, along with another first year male Red-breasted Flycatcher and Hawfinch. We also saw Red Squirrel and Red Fox. Grey-headed Woodpecker and another Thrush Nightingale were seen before the rain on the eastern side of the village and Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike were also noted. Once the rain had stopped, we went back out until dusk and added a splendid male Little Bittern at the Czar’s Lake, while displaying Green Sandpiper and Eurasian Woodcock and calling River Warblers and Corncrake rounded off another excellent day. DAY FIVE was transfer day, though a super stop at Siemianówka Reservoir added a large number of birds for the trip such as Whiskered, White-winged Black, Common and Black Terns, four White-tailed Eagles, Great White Egret, male Citrine Wagtail, Penduline Tit, Garganey, Common Hoopoe, an adult Caspian Gull, Great Grey Shrike and Turtle Dove, while more Lesser Spotted Eagle, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Great Reed Warbler, Red-breasted and Collared Flycatchers, Hawfinch and Black Woodpecker made for yet another superb day. DAY SIX was our first day in the marshes and despite heavy rain in the morning, we were rewarded with a very showy Aquatic Warbler, as well as several Common Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit and Marsh Harriers. Our first Savi’s Warbler was also a very showy bird, as were four European Bee-eaters and a male Syrian Woodpecker, but a Spotted Nutcracker was only seen briefly in flight. Northern Shoveler, Little Ringed Plover and Whooper Swan were also new for the tour. Other interesting species included a further three White-tailed Eagles as well as Montagu’s Harriers, Common Crane, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Green Sandpiper, Great Reed, Icterine and Marsh Warblers, Common, Whiskered and White-winged Black Terns. We also had excellent views of Elk and a Stoat carrying a Water Vole in its jaws. DAY SEVEN was our last full day and it started well with a Black Stork near the hotel, along with another Black Woodpecker and four Wood Lark However, the weather deteriorated fast and most of the day resembled early winter with menacing black clouds scudding across the sky as a freezing wind whipped torrential showers over the marshes. Incredibly, we had excellent views of White-spotted Bluethroat, male Ortolan Bunting, Penduline Tit, White-tailed Eagle, Black Terns, Great Grey Shrike and Green Sandpiper, as well as many more White Stork and Common Cranes. DAY EIGHT produced new trip birds in the form of Bullfinch and Common Treecreeper as well as another White-tailed Eagle, a pair of Great Grey Shrikes, a very showy Thrush Nightingale and another Black Stork, which rounded off a hugely enjoyable trip despite some difficult weather conditions. We return from 1st – 8th June 2010 and this tour is sure to be popular again, so please BOOK EARLY if you are interested in joining us.

NORTH EAST ENGLAND MAY 2009

The first of our two tours this year ran from 29th May - 5th June and while it was a little quiet for scarcer migrants, the weather was fantastic with hot temperatures and clear blue skies throughout. That said, a singing Marsh Warbler was still evry good bird to see and the full array of species included Roseate Tern, Barn Owl, Tree Sparrow, Yellow Wagtail, Black and Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Common Redstart, Grasshopper Warbler, Atlantic Puffin, Red Kite, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and the amazing seabird colonies made for a memeorable tour for all concerened.

HUNGARY 16TH - 23RD MAY 2009

This was a custom tour organized for birding and agricultural interests and both proved to be very successful for the small group of participants. For the most part glorious blue skies and hot sunshine was prevelant - and to my eyes these are the right conditions to visit the vast putsza or steppe in. Great Bustard was as ever a prime target and the birds showed very well, while Lesser Grey Shrike, Red-footed Falcon, Ferruginous Duck, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker, Aquatic Warbler, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Caspian Gull, Grey-headed and Black Woodpeckers, Caspian and Black Terns, Barred Warbler, European Bee-eater, Wryneck, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Reed, Icterine and River Warblers, Collared Flycatcher, Long-eared Owl, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, Black-crowned Night Heorn, Bluethroat, Marsh Warbler and Golden Oriole ensured that a pretty decent bird list was enjoyed too. We will return to this excellent all round destination in May 2010 when we will run the full birding tour again.

25TH - 31ST MAY 2009

The 25th saw five European Nightjar, Common Cuckoo and six Tree Pipit at Ogmore Forest, another five European Nightjar were at Llanwonno Forest and another two in Maesteg. Three more Common Cuckoo and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were at Llanilid. Both Eurasian Hobby and Honey Buzzard were seen in the Neath Valley. On the 26th, two Common Cuckoo were at Kenfig Pool and a Spotted Flycatcher was at Lower Monkton Farm. The 27th saw four European Storm Petrel, 2550 Manx Shearwater, sixteen Common Scoter, two Sandwich Tern and fifty five Northern Fulmar off Porthcawl, while the 28th produced two Garganey in Cardiff Bay. On the 29th, a Red Kite was over Porthcawl. The 30th produced a Turtle Dove at Cosmeston Lakes and a Common Greenshank at Llanilid, a Pied Flycatcher again at Coed-y-Bedw and five European Nightjar, four Tree Pipit, two Garden Warbler and two Wood Warbler at Llanwonno Forest. Four Common Cuckoo were in Maesteg on the 31st and eight Whimbrel were at Kenfig Pool.

18TH - 24TH MAY 2009

On the 18th, the Eurasian Spoonbill was again at Kenfig NNR, while sea watching at Porthcawl produced three European Storm Petrel, two Arctic Skuas, 300 Manx Shearwaters, four Great Northern Divers, seventeen Northern Fulmar, seven Common Scoter, fourteen Northern Gannet, eleven Black-legged Kittiwake, twelve Whimbrel, eleven Dunlin and three Sanderling. Another Arctic Skua was off Port Talbot, 400 Manx Shearwaters, four European Storm Petrel and a Common Tern were at Port Eynon and a Great Skua was off Lavernock Point, while two Lesser Whitethroat and a Spotted Flycatcher were on land there. The 19th saw a return to calmer, but still cool and wet conditions and three European Storm Petrel, thirty five Northern Gannet, a Sandwich Tern and sixty Manx Shearwater were again off Porthcawl. Two European Nightjar were at Llanwonno Forest. A pair of Eurasian Wigeon at Kenfig Rivermouth was an unusual record fro the time of year, while fifty three Dunlin and a breeding plumaged Curlew Sandpiper were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 20th, a European Storm Petrel was off Sully Island, while the 21st produced a Sandwich Tern at Lavernock Point. The 22nd saw the pair of Eurasian Wigeon again at Kenfig Rivermouth and two Common Cuckoo at Llanilid. Pied and Spotted Flycatchers were at Coed-y-Bedw. On the 23rd, Common Redstart, Common Cuckoo, Tree Pipit and Wood Warbler were near Maesteg and a pair of Spotted Flycatcher were in Pencoed, near Bridgend. On the 24th, a Whinchat and a Common Cuckoo were again in Maesteg.

ESTONIA & LATVIA

Our Estonia & Latvia tour 16th - 23rd May 2009 produced 180 species, though the migration was a littler slower than on previous tours. That said, you can't argue with seeing continuous streams of Barnacle Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, Long-tailed Duck and Common Scoter, as well as smaller numbers of Greater Scaup, Velvet Scoter and Black and Red-throated Divers. Several Eurasian Hobby, White-tailed and Lessser Spotted Eagles, Common Cranes, Red-necked Grebe, Garganey, Smew, Great White Egret, Black Storks, Whiskered, White-winged Black and Black Terns were noted along with a few Bean Goose, Montagu's Harriers, Rough-legged Buzzard, Arctic Skua, Honey Buzzard, Red-necked Phalarope, Osprey, Golden Oriole and Hawfinch. Warblers were late arriving, but we still managed Great Reed, Savi's, Icterine, Grasshopper and Marsh while Citrine Wagtail, Penduline and Bearded Tits, Red-breasted Flycatcher, European Nightjar, European Serin, Thrush Nightingale, Red-backed Shrike and Common Rosefinch provided the other passerine highlights. Great Snipe is always a much wanted species and they were seen on the lek, Grey-headed, Black and White-backed Woodpeckers, Temminck's Stint, Spotted Redshank, Capercaillie, Black and Hazel Grouse, Racoon Dog, European Beaver and Pine Marten rounded off a very enjoyable holiday. we will be returning from 15TH - 22ND MAY 2010.

NORFOLK - THE COMPLETE TOUR 17TH - 23RD MAY 2009

Our NORFOLK COMPLETE TOUR 17th – 23rd May 2009 was once again a classic with a whole host of excellent birds present. DAY ONE saw the group meet in the evening while DAY TWO provided some splendid birding with highlights being a Collared Pratincole, Temminck’s Stint, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Turtle Dove, Eurasian Hobby and Bearded Tit. DAY THREE and the Collared Pratincole and more Temminck’s Stints were seen, along with a cracking Woodchat Shrike. Corn Bunting, Little Gull, Eurasian Spoonbill, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Common Eider, Common Cuckoo, Red Crested Pochard with ten chicks and breeding plumaged Grey Plovers made for another cracking day. On DAY FOUR another superb selection of birds included three Golden Oriole, twenty Eurasian Hobby, a drake Garganey, a booming Great Bittern, Firecrest, Marsh Tit, Stone Curlew, Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher during the day and four Eurasian Nightjar, ten Eurasian Woodcock and a Tawny Owl on a night visit. DAY FIVE was hampered by very poor weather and the only birds of note were trip ticks in the form of Pink-footed Goose, Stonechat and Goldcrest. DAY SIX saw us back on track with a really close view of a displaying male Honey Buzzard, three Montagu’s Harriers, four Red Kites, Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Hobby, Barn Owl and Mediterranean Gull. DAY SEVEN and the tour finished with more Eurasian Hobby, Red Kite, Tree Pipit and four Wood Lark in an amazing total of 137 species for the week.

11TH - 17TH MAY 2009

On the 11th four Sandwich Terns were at Blackpill and a Garden Warbler was at Sker. Fourteen Black-tailed Godwit and two Little Egret were at Kenfig Pool and five Arctic Terns, two Sandwich Terns, a Common Tern and 95 Manx Shearwater were at Lavernock Point. On the 12th, a Tree Sparrow was again present in the Monknash area, seventeen Manx Shearwater and seven Sandwich Terns were off Porthcawl. A Black-tailed Godwit was at Cosmeston Lakes. The 13th saw a female Marsh Harrier arrive at Kenfig Pool and the 14th saw a Spotted Flycatcher there. Another Spotted Flycatcher and two Garden Warbler were at Pant Norton, Ogmore. Two Cattle Egrets were briefly on Gower and a first summer Iceland Gull was in Cardiff. Torrential rain on the 15th produced a Lesser Whitethroat at Kenfig Pool and three Black-tailed Godwit off Porthcawl. More rain on the 16th and a Eurasian Spoonbill was at Kenfig Pool, along with a Common Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher, a Pomarine Skua was off Mumbles Head and three Arctic Skuas were at Rhymney Estuary. Four hundred House Martin were in Maesteg and a Garganey was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. More torrential rain on the 17th and the Eurasian Spoonbill was again at Kenfig Rivermouth, while a late pair of Northern Shoveler were on the pool. An Arctic Tern was at Rhymney Estuary and a breeding plumaged Great Northern Diver and a European Storm Petrel were off Porthcawl.

NORFOLK 12TH - 14TH MAY 2009

Our mini Norfolk tour 12th - 14th May 2009 produced some excellent birding as ever. DAY ONE saw Common Nightingale, Little Tern, Montagu’s Harrier, Little Gull and Common Redstart as highlights. DAY TWO produced a splendid Citrine Wagtail at Cley, while twenty Black Terns, male Ring Ouzel, two Temminck’s Stint, three Wood Sandpiper and two Little Owl provided a fine supporting cast. DAY THREE produced a female Kentish Plover, two Dotterel, forty Black Terns, a Little Stint, a few more Temminck’s Stint, a second summer Mediterranean Gull, thirteen Common Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Black Redstart and a Peregrine to round off a brilliant couple of days.

NORTH WALES

Our NORTH WALES tour from 5th - 10th May 2009 produced some excellent birding depsite the often very difficult conditions that often resembled December rather than May. We were delighted to welcome back Alan Davies who led the tour for the first time in a few years following other committments and as ever, he did us proud. The weather throughout was dominated by howling gales, but was mainly dry, but did this stop us from finding the target birds - not a bit of it as we recorded 128 species! Nineteen Pomarine Skua were a superb find at Criccieth, while other interesting seabirds included Manx Shearwater, Northern Gannet, Black Guillemot, Atlantic Puffin and Little Gull, while Whooper Swan, Red-breasted Merganserand Common Eider were also noted at coastal locations. Amazingly eight Black Grouse braved the elements to lek and Red Grouse, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Twite, Pied Flycatcher, Red-billed Chough, Northern Goshawk, Ring Ouzel, Osprey, Dipper, Wood Warbler and Common Redstart were among the many breeding highlights. As expected in those conditions few migrants were noted, but Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Whimbrel, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits and Lesser Whitethroat were among those that were noted to round off a superb effort by all concerned. We will of course be running this very popular tour again from 3rd - 8th May 2010.

1ST - 10TH MAY 2009

MAY began quietly with just Common Cuckoos and Whimbrel reported from a few places, along with fifty Common Swift at Cardiff Bay on the 1st. The 2nd produced a the Lesser Scaup in Cardiff Bay, a Hawfinch at north Cardiff, a Whinchat in Maesteg and a Barn Owl at Kenfig Pool. On the 3rd, a Hen Harrier was at Kenfig Pool and a Wood Warbler and Common Cuckoo were in Maesteg. A Eurasian Hobby was at Aberthaw Marsh. A cold day on the 4th saw four Common Scoter off Kenfig Sands and more poor weather on the 5th kept things quiet, but the first Spotted Flycatcher was at Lavernock Point and a Manx Shearwater was off Rhymney Estuary. Two hundred Common Swift were over Cardiff Bay. On the 6th, the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary and an Osprey was in Miskin. Two Wood Warbler were in Aberdare. A brighter day on the 7th produced two Little Terns over Kenfig Pool, along with seventeen Dunlin and fifty Common Swift. Eighty Dunlin and 100 Common Swift were at Rhymney Estuary. Four hundred Common Swift and the Lesser Scaup were in Cardiff Bay and a Grey Plover was in Sully Island. On the 8th, a Manx Shearwater and a Northern Fulmar were off Kenfig Sands and forty Sanderling were on the beach. Five Bar-tailed Godwit were at Pennard, Gower and two Wood Warbler were again in Aberdare. The Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary and a Whinchat was at Kenfig Pool. On the 9th, 48 Manx Shearwater were off Sker and an excellent count of 62 Common Whitethroat were around Kenfig Pool and 400 Manx Shearwater and a Great Northern Diver were off Mumbles Head. Common Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers were at Coed-y-Bedw, Cardiff and a Whinchat was at Llanilid. A Eurasian Hobby was on North Gower. The 10th produced Common Cuckoo, Whinchat, Tree Pipit and Wood Warbler in Margam Forest and a Whinchat and Common Cuckoo were in Maesteg. The Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary.

MALLORCA

Our inaugural Mallorca tour 25TH April – 2ND May was another huge success. The house party style that we chose for this tour gave us the freedom to really explore at a pace to suit ourselves and had the advantage of having many wanted species within the grounds of our amazing villa. DAYS ONE & TWO saw species such as Sardinian Warbler, Eurasian Serin, Cirl Bunting, Balearic Warbler, Booted Eagle, Osprey, Woodchat Shrike, Stone Curlew, Firecrest, Wood Warbler, Black Redstart, European Bee-eater, European Scops Owl and Yellow Wagtail get our trip off to a flying start. DAY THREE saw us at the amazing S’Albufera Marshes where a stunning array of birds were seen. Moustached, Cetti’s and Great Reed Warblers gave superb views as they sand from reed tops, Marsh Harriers, Red Crested Pochard and Purple Heron were seen in good numbers, while Black-crowned Night Heron, Common Nightingale , Kentish Plover, Common Greenshank, Black-winged Stilts and Little Ringed Plovers were also well represented. However, it was the scarcer species that really made the day as we notched up four adult Audouin’s Gulls, Squacco Heron, a Temminck’s and four stunningly marked breeding plumaged Little Stints, breeding plumaged Curlew Sandpipers, two Wood Sandpiper, a couple of Stone Curlew, a Northern Goshawk and a dark phase Eleonora’s Falcon that were both mobbing a Golden Eagle low overhead, two Purple Swamp Hens, four Red-knobbed Coot and most unexpectedly a Short-eared Owl that gave scope filling views as on rested on a marshy bank – superb! On DAY FOUR we ventured into the mountains and were rewarded with good numbers of both Griffon and Black Vultures soaring overhead along with a Peregrine and large numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls. A pair of Woodchat Shrikes put on a fine display as did a couple of Tawny Pipit, but a pair of Greater Short-toed Lark and a male Subalpine Warbler were far more elusive. Migrants were in a short supply, but quality made up for the lack of quantity as a Wryneck gave superb views a it called form the branch of a pine tree and a couple of male Common Redstart also showed exceptionally well. A pair of Firecrest were also noted along with Booted Eagles. DAY FIVE saw us get superb views of displaying male and a pair of Balearic Warbler, as well as Spectacled Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Common Nightingale, Eleonora’s Falcon and migrants such as Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart and Willow Warblers. DAY SIX produced more superb birds on the hottest day of the trip. Waders were much in evidence as we made our way to the south of the island and the Salt Pans. Grey Plover, Dunlin and Spotted Redshank were noted in breeding dress, while five Collared Pratincole hawked insects and rested at very close range. Five Greater Flamingo, Pied Avocet and Water Rail were also noted, along with our first Crested Lark and Gull-billed and Little Terns. Turtle Doves and Common Hoopoe were noted in several places, while a sea watch off Cap dos Selines produced some superb views of Cory’s and Balearic Shearwaters and large numbers of European Shag and a few Audouin’s Gull. We rounded off the day at the very picturesque site of Porto Colom, where we enjoyed excellent views of Pallid and Common Swift side by side as they fed over the clear blue seas. On DAY SEVEN heavy rain persisted throughout the morning and meant a trip into the mountains near Arta was abandoned. Instead, we had a quick look at Boquer Valley, where two Western Bonelli’s Warblers were new for the tour and where another cracking male Pied Flycatcher was present. We drove to Albufera Pools and Sewage Works and were rewarded with a pair of Marbled Teal resting on a bank and two Red-rumped Swallows and a Pallid Swift among a huge cloud of hirundines and Common Swifts. Other notable species here were Spotted Redshank, six European Bee-eater, Red Crested Pochard, Little Ringed Plover, Purple Heron and our first Common Pochard of the tour. Thankfully, the rain stopped mid afternoon and a walk around the grounds of the villa produced more Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Stone Curlew, Woodchat Shrikes and Common Redstart. DAY EIGHT was our final morning and a walk around the grounds saw a couple of Booted Eagles and an Osprey over and a Tree Pipit to round off an excellent tour. We will be returning next year 24TH APRIL – 1ST MAY 2010 and if you would like to join us, please register your interest early as places are already limited.

20TH - 30TH APRIL 2009

On the 20th, two Whimbrel were at Sker Farm, a Grasshopper Warbler was at Kenfig Pool and two Tree Pipit, a pair of Marsh Tit, a Whinchat and three Common Redstart were in Maesteg. The Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake and two Common Scoter were off Porthcawl. A Lesser Whitethroat was at Kenfig Pool on 21st, along with 21 Common Whitethroat, two Bar-tailed Godwit were at Rhymney Estuary and a Garden Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff were at Cosmeston Lakes. Two Tree Pipit were in north Cardiff and three Lesser Whitethroat were at Lavernock Point. On the 22nd, a male Yellow Wagtail, seven Whimbrel, a Northern Wheatear, two hundred Barn Swallow and three Grasshopper Warbler were at Kenfig Pool and another two Grasshopper Warbler and two Whinchat were in Maesteg. A Tree Sparrow was in Monknash and two Wood Warblers were in Maesteg. Another Wood Warbler was in Neath and two Common Swift were in Cardiff Bay. On the 23rd, thirteen Sedge Warbler and a Peregrine were at Kenfig Pool and 28 Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwit were at Sker. A female Garganey was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Lesser Whitethroat was at Lavernock Point. A male Pied Flycatcher, two Common Redstart, Tree Pipit and a Garden Warbler were in Maesteg. The drake Lesser Scaup was still in Cardiff Bay. The 24th saw a Common Cuckoo and two Wood Warblers in the Swansea Valley and a Little Ringed Plover and two Gadwall were at Kenfig Pool. On the 25th, a drake Garganey was at Kenfig Rivermouth, six Common Swifts were in Cardiff and the Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay. The 26th produced fifty Common Swift in Cardiff and the Lesser Scaup in Cardiff Bay. Two Common Cuckoo were in the Swansea Valley and a Jack Snipe was a late migrant in Maesteg. On the 27th, the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary, five Sandwich Tern, two Red Knot and two Purple Sandpiper were at Sker. The 28th saw the Ring-billed Gull again at Lamby Lake and Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Wood Warblers, Tree Pipit and four Red Kites were at Cwm Clydach. The 29th produced a pair of Willow Tit in Maesteg and a Common Cuckoo at Rudry Common. A Purple Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit and 58 Sanderling were at Sker. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in Cardiff. On the 30th, a Common Tern, nine Whimbrel and a Bar-tailed Godwit were at Rhymney Estuary.

6TH - 19TH APRIL 2009

On the 6th, a House Martin was with thirteen Barn Swallow on a cold morning at Kenfig Pool and another was at Cosmeston Lakes. A Common Sandpiper was at Hendre Lake and the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary. On the 7th, a Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler and 35 Willow Warbler were at Kenfig Pool. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in north Cardiff and a House Martin, the Ring-billed Gull and two Sedge Warbler were at Lamby Lake. On the 8th, a song flighting Common Whitethroat was an early migrant and another Grasshopper Warbler, a House Martin, the Sedge Warbler, two Common Shelduck and a Eurasian Curlew were also present at Kenfig Pool. An Osprey and a Ring Ouzel were in Maesteg and the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary. The Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake, along with two Sedge Warbler and a Common Whitethroat was at Hendre Lake. The 9th produced a Common and a Green Sandpiper at Ogmore Estuary, while the 10th saw another Grasshopper Warbler, four Sedge Warbler, 25 House Martin, two Short-eared Owls and 120 Barn Swallow at Kenfig Pool. An Iceland Gull, Northern Gannet and Sandwich Tern were at Mumbles and a Little Ringed Plover was at Felindre, Swansea. Early Common Swifts were seen in Pontypridd and Cardiff. The Iceland Gull and five Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore Estuary and the drake Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay. A beautiful day on the 11th saw a Eurasian Spoonbill, Reed Warbler, three Common Whitethroat and a Common Sandpiper at Kenfig Pool, a Little Ringed Plover and the Water Pipit were at Ogmore Estuary and three Common Redstart, a Common Cuckoo and two Tree Pipit were in Hirwaun. On the 12th, a Grasshopper Warbler was at Pant-y-Sais Fen, a Green Sandpiper was at Kenfig Pool, an Osprey was at Cosmeston Lakes and an early Garden Warbler was at Parc Slip near Bridgend. The 13th produced a Grasshopper Warbler as well as the drake Lesser Scaup in Cardiff Bay and the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary. On the 14th a Brambling and seventeen Eurasian Siskin were in Neath, a Red Kite, a Little Ringed Plover and Mediterranean Gull were at Ogmore Estuary and the Lesser Scaup and Grasshopper Warbler were again in Cardiff Bay. Twenty House Martin were in Pontypridd on the 15th, the Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay and Common Whitethroats, Sedge and Reed Warblers were at Lamby Lake. The 16th saw Lesser Whitethroats at Hendre lake and Cardiff City Centre, an Osprey was at Treforest and a Grasshopper Warbler was at Lamby Lake, while the 17th produced the Lesser Scaup in Cardiff Bay, a Whimbrel and Fieldfare at Rhymney Estuary and eight Common Sandpiper and the Mediterranean Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. The first Pied Flycatcher was back in Maesteg on the 18th and two Manx Shearwater, two Northern Gannet, fifteen Sandwich Tern, two Whimbrel and two Tree Pipit were at Worms Head. The drake Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay and a Lesser Whitethroat and a Yellow Wagtail were at Rhymney Estuary. The 19th saw forty seven Willow Warbler at Kenfig Pool, while the first Whinchat was in at Llanwonno along with a Common Redstart and Tree Pipit. The Lesser Scaup was at Cardiff Bay, along with two Little Gulls, a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in Maesteg and a Little Ringed Plover was at Ogmore Estuary.

SPEYSIDE 12TH - 18TH APRIL 2009

Our inaugural tour to Speyside was blessed with exceptionally good weather and super birding. All of the specialities such as lekking Capercaillie, Golden and White-tailed Eagles, Rock Ptarmigan, Crested Tit, Osprey, Scottish Crossbill [a singing male and a pair displaying], Slavonian Grebes and Black Grouse. A fine supporting cast of Red Grouse, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Bohemian Waxwing, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, twenty Velvet Scoter, over one hundred Long-tailed Duck, Black Guillemot and two singing male Ring Ouzels and our extra day at Leighton Moss produced Bearded Tit, a booming Great Bittern, several Marsh Harrier and a couple of Curlew Sandpipers among the many species seen there. A decent mammal list that included Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer, a few Brown Hare, a pod of twenty or so Bottle-nosed Dolphin and two exceptionally showy Otters rounded off a splendid trip. We will be rturning 11th - 17th April 2010 and have just a couple of places remaining, so if you are interested in this holiday, please Book Early to avoid disappointment.

1ST - 5TH APRIL 2009

The 1ST APRIL saw six Barn Swallow and six Redwing in Maesteg and two Willow Warbler at Kenfig Pool. The Water Pipit was again at Ogmore Estuary. On the 2nd, the breeding plumaged Slavonian Grebe was again at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and an adult Little Gull and a Red Knot were in Cardiff Bay. Five Greater Scaup were at Rhymney Estuary. A Short-eared Owl remained at Kenfig Pool on the 3rd and 260 European Golden Plover and 24 Sanderling were at Sker. On the 4th, fifty Sand Martin and fifteen Willow Warbler were at Kenfig Pool, along with three Greylag Goose and an Iceland Gull was at Rhymney Estuary. Two Hawfinch and two Jack Snipe were near Barry and the adult Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay. On the 5th, an Iceland Gull, a Common Guillemot and three Razorbill were at Mumbles Head and a Whimbrel was at Llanilid. The Water Pipit was again at Llwyn On Reservoir and the Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay to end a rather quiet week.

24TH - 31ST MARCH 2009

The 24th produced the first two Willow Warblers of the year at Kenfig Pool, two Northern Wheatear at Ogmore Estuary and another three at Rhymney Estuary. Two Brambling, seventeen Eurasian Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll were at Neath. The 25th saw a Little Ringed Plover at Ogmore Estuary, along with the Iceland Gull, the 26th was a write off with torrential rain all day and the 27th saw the Bonaparte’s Gull and Lesser Scaup still present in Cardiff Bay. The Water Pipit was again at Ogmore Estuary and 22 Sand Martin, a Northern Wheatear and a Northern Goshawk were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. On the 28th, a Hen Harrier was at Welshmoor, Gower, three Little Ringed Plover were at Llanilid and the drake Lesser Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. Barn Swallows were seen in Cardiff, Pontypridd and Bridgend. On the 29th, a Willow Tit was at Tir Founder Fields, the Iceland Gull, thirty Purple Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper were at Ogmore Estuary and a Glaucous Gull was at Lamby Lake. On the 30th, a Barn Swallow was at Cosmeston Lakes and another three were in Bridgend Town Centre, while a breeding plumaged Slavonian Grebe was on Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A Short-eared Owl remains in the southern dunes at Kenfig NNR. On the 31st, forty Barn Swallow and 24 Sand Martin were at Kenfig Pool, along with two Willow Warblers, while five hundred European Golden Plover remained at Sker. Willow Warblers were also present in Swansea and Pontypridd. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was near Bridgend and a male Merlin was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. Two Whimbrel were at Rhymney Estuary, the Water Pipit was at Ogmore Estuary and the drake Lesser Scaup was again at Cardiff Bay.

ISRAEL 15TH - 22ND MARCH 2009

Our first visit to Southern Israel for nine years proved to be one of our most successful ever tours with 172 species recorded during the week. The undoubted highlights were a trio of rare waders in the form of a superb male Caspian Plover, a breeding plumaged male Kittlitz's Plover and a self found Sociable Plover that proved a big hit with other birders during its stay. A male Black Bush Robin was another big rarity seen, while other uncommon or localized species seen included at least three spectacular Nubian Nightjars, a Cyprus Warbler, an adult White-eyed Gull, two Siberian Stonechats, a pair of Hoopoe Larks, three Sinai Rosefinch, ten Cream-coloured Courser, two displaying McQueens Bustards, a Little Crake and three Namaqua Doves. Raptor and soaring bird migration was just getting under way with approximate totals for the week of three thousand Steppe Buzzard, three hundred Black Kite, twenty Short-toed Eagle, ten Booted Eagle, twenty Steppe Eagle, five male Pallid Harrier, ten Marsh Harrier, three hundred White and ten Black Stork and two hundred Common Crane, while two Barbary Falcons, three Peregrine, a Griffon Vulture and eight Egyptian Vultures were also noted. Exciting residents such as Blackstart, Little Green Bee-eater, Palestine Sunbird, Western Reef Heron, Arabian and Scrub Warblers and Clamorous Reed Warbler were all noted. Male Hooded and Mourning Wheatears gave excellent views, as did several male Ruppell's Warblers, Creztchmar's Buntings, Common Quails, Bar-tailed and Desert Larks, Trumpeter Finch, Slender-billed Gulls, Desert Finches, Caspian Gulls, White-winged Black Tern, Black-bellied, Crowned and Spotted Sandgrouse, Dead Sea Sparrows, White-throated Kingfisher, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Masked, Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes, Bimaculated Lark, Eastern Bonelli's, Olivaceous and Orphean Warblers and Arabian Babblers. Common migrants included thousands of Lesser Whitethroats, Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Yellow and White Wagtails, Greater Short-toed Lark, Pallid Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Black-eared and Isabelline Wheatears, as well as lesser numbers of Little Stint, Kentish Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Little Gull and Greater Flamingo. Phew!! We will be returning 15th -22nd March 2010 and if this tour interests you, we would strongly recommend early booking as places are certain to sell out quickly.

17TH - 23RD MARCH 2009

On the 17th, the Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake, an adult male Black Redstart and 38 Yellowhammer were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm, an Iceland Gull was at Cosmeston Lakes and the Bonaparte’s Gull and Lesser Scaup were in Cardiff Bay. Six Northern Wheatear, five Red-billed Chough and 24 Purple Sandpiper were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 18th, a Barn Swallow was at Lavernock Point, an Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary. The 19th saw a Little Ringed Plover at Ogmore Estuary and the Lesser Scaup and Bonaparte’s Gull again at Cardiff Bay. A Barn Swallow and nine Northern Wheatear were in Swansea Valley. The Bonaparte’s Gull was again in Cardiff Bay on the 20th, while the 21st saw a Glaucous Gull at Rhymney Estuary, a Black Redstart on Flat Holm and the Water Pipit and Iceland Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. The Bonaparte’s Gull was in Cardiff Bay. On the 22nd, the Glaucous Gull was again at Rhymney Estuary, a Black Redstart was in Swansea and an Osprey went north over Maesteg. The 23rd saw another Osprey over Cardiff and an adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Southgate, Gower.

9TH - 16TH MARCH 2009

On the 9th, the drake Lesser Scaup, Bonaparte’s Gull, two Sand Martin, two Mediterranean Gull, the adult Little Gull and a Slavonian Grebe were in Cardiff Bay. The Iceland Gull was again at Mumbles and the Lesser Whitethroat was again in a Caerphilly garden. A Brambling was in Forest Farm, Cardiff and another Sand Martin was in Swansea. On the 10th, three Great Bittern were at Kenfig Pool and included a bird booming. The Bonaparte’s Gull was again in Cardiff Bay, along with the Little Gull, Slavonian Grebe and Lesser Scaup. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Rhymney Estuary. The 11th saw the Bonaparte’s and Little Gulls, as well as the drake Lesser Scaup at Cardiff Bay. A Short-eared Owl was at Hendre Lake and the adult Yellow-legged Gull was again at Rhymney Estuary. The Bonaparte’s Gull was in Cardiff Bay on a very wet 12th, while the 13th saw a Eurasian Woodcock in Miskin, a first summer Iceland Gull at Ogmore Estuary, along with a Green Sandpiper and the Bonaparte’s Gull, Little Gull, Lesser Scaup, Slavonian Grebe and four Sand Martin were in Cardiff Bay. The Great Bittern was again at Hendre Lake. On the 15th, the Bonaparte’s Gull was again in Cardiff Bay, three Red-billed Chough were at Lock’s Common, Porthcawl and four Sand Martin and a Great Bittern were at Kenfig Pool. The Lesser Whitethroat was again in Caerphilly and a Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake. On the 16th, the Iceland Gull was at Mumbles, the Lesser Scaup, Bonaparte’s Gull and Little Gull. Another Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary, along with seventeen Purple Sandpipers. Northern Wheatears were in at Maesteg, Sker, Lamby Lake and Rhymney Estuary and two Short-eared Owls were also at Sker. Eight Greater Scaup and a Northern Pintail were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Black Redstart was at Ogmore-by-Sea.

1ST - 8TH MARCH 2009

On 1ST MARCH an adult Little Gull was in Cardiff Bay and the drake Greater Scaup was again at Kenfig Pool. Both Iceland and Glaucous Gull were again at Port Talbot and a Black Redstart was at Llantwit Major. On the 2nd twenty eight Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore-by-Sea, three Hen Harriers were at Llanrhidian Marsh and the Great Bittern and the first Sand Martins of the year were single birds at Hendre Lake and Cardiff Bay, where the Lesser Scaup was still present. The Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake. On the 3rd, the Short-eared Owl was again at Pyle & Kenfig Golf Course and the Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay. The 4th produced forty five Common Eider, seventy Dark-bellied Brent Goose, a Slavonian Grebe and nine Red-breasted Merganser were on North Gower and a Whimbrel was at Oxwich Marsh. Three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 5th, two Marsh Tits and three Tawny Owls were in Three Crosses, Gower, three Peregrine were in display over Cardiff city centre and a Sand Martin was in Cardiff Bay. A Dartford Warbler was on territory, near Bridgend. Two Short-eared Owls were in the southern dunes at Kenfig NNR on the 6th, along with 250 European Golden Plover. A Black Redstart and four Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. The drake Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay and the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake. The 7th saw three Red-billed Chough at Ogmore-by-Sea, a singing male Dartford Warbler near Bridgend, where two Yellowhammer were also singing. A first winter Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary and another was at Mumbles, Swansea. A first winter Glaucous Gull was at Gileston. On the 8th an adult Bonaparte’s Gull and an adult Little Gull were in Cardiff Bay, the Glaucous Gull was in Gileston and the Iceland Gull was again in Mumbles. The Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake.

23RD - 28TH FEBRUARY 2009

On the 23rd, an Iceland Gull was at Cosmeston Lakes, the Water Pipit was at Ogmore Estuary and a Northern Goshawk was at Margam. The Lesser Scaup was again at Cardiff Bay. On the 24th, an Iceland Gull and a Glaucous Gull were at Port Talbot Docks and a Glaucous Gull was at Swansea Marina, while another Iceland Gull was again at Cosmeston Lakes. Red Kites were in several locations and four Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Rhymney Estuary and a Northern Goshawk, Peregrine and Tawny Owl were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The drake Lesser Scaup was again in Cardiff Bay. The 25th saw both Iceland and Glaucous Gulls again in Port Talbot, along with a Common Sandpiper and twenty three Goosander were on Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A male Hen Harrier was in Maesteg, a Merlin at Mynydd Eglwysilian and two Grey Partridge at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The 26th saw ten Red-billed Chough at Ogmore-by-Sea, two Yellow-legged Gulls at Penclawdd and a Dartford Warbler in Fall Bay, Gower. A pair of Garganey were very early migrants at Parc Slip NR, near Bridgend on 27th, the Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were at Port Talbot and a Brambling was in Neath. The Great Bittern remained at Hendre Lake. On the 28th, a pair of Greater Scaup were at Kenfig Pool, along with nineteen Common Goldeneye and the Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were again in Port Talbot. Three Green Sandpipers were at The Watermill Flood. A Short-eared Owl was at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club and the Lesser Scaup was in Cardiff Bay.

CORNWALL WINTER 23RD - 26TH FEBRUARY 2009

OUR inaugural CORNWALL WINTER tour from 23rd – 26th February 2009 was a resounding success. Any trip that starts with a Snowy Owl is unlikely to go far wrong and that was the case as we viewed this exceptional bird on its moorland home near Zennor. After an anxious wait the bird showed very well to the group. Also seen on DAY ONE were Red Knot, Goosander, five Mediterranean Gull, 100+ Dunlin, six Little Egret, ten Bar-tailed Godwit, fifteen Grey Plover and large numbers of Eurasian Wigeon, Common Teal, Eurasian Curlew and Common Redshank, as well as a few Common Raven and Common Buzzard. DAY TWO provided us with an awesome day of winter birding as we spent time at Gerrans Bay watching the sea. No fewer than twenty Black-throated Divers, but probably quite a few more gave superb views on a flat calm sea, where ten Great Northern Diver, an amazing thirty Slavonian Grebe and four Red-necked Grebe, as well as a drake Long-tailed Duck were also seen at close range – superb! A few Northern Fulmar, Northern Gannet, European Shag, Common Scoter and Common Guillemot were also present as well as a male Yellowhammer at a nearby farm. The afternoon as spent enjoying our boat trip up the Carrick Roads, which also delivered some superb birding. Twelve Great Northern Divers and a multitude of European Shag gave close up view, while thirty Red-breasted Merganser included several superb drakes. A flock of seven Black-necked Grebe included a splendid breeding plumaged bird and a Slavonian Grebe for fantastic comparative views, while the highlight for many were the up close and personal views of two first year drake Velvet Scoter that allowed us to get within a few metres before flying off down river. The river banks also provided us with some excellent sightings including four Common Kingfisher, thirty Little Egrets and at least that many Grey Herons, many of which were in their rookery. A Black-tailed Godwit was found among a flock of Eurasian Curlew and several European Oystercatcher and Common Shelduck were also noted. We still weren’t finished as a stop at Swanpool produced a Water Rail feeding a couple of metres away right in the open and our first Tufted Duck, Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tits of the tour were also present. How can we follow that tomorrow?! DAY THREE was spent in the district of Penwith, where another tremendous days birding was had. First year Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were present at Newlyn Harbour, two Cattle Egrets showed superbly in Sancreed and three Greater Scaup and a drake Northern Pintail rounded off an excellent morning. In the afternoon, several Great Northern and a superb breeding plumaged Red-throated Diver were in Mounts Bay, along with fourteen Common Scoter, two Black Redstarts and a first winter Mediterranean Gull were on the beach and a cracking Water Pipit, several Common Snipe, a Common Chiffchaff and two very showy Firecrest were in the marsh. Finally, a Purple Sandpiper was at Jubilee Pool. DAY FOUR produced two Siberian Chiffchaff, several Common Chiffchaff and a Firecrest in Helston, a few Common Goldeneye, European Sparrowhawk and Great Crested Grebes at Stithians Reservoir and we finished a superb tour with a female Surf Scoter, Common Greenshank and twenty Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Dawlish Warren on the way home. If you would like to join us in 2010, please hurry as we already have just two places remaining. Dates 22ND – 25TH FEBRUARY 2010. Cost £450.00.

16TH -22ND FEBRUARY 2009

On the 16th the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake, the Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake and the drake Lesser Scaup was at Cardiff Bay. The 17th saw the Iceland Gull again at Ogmore Estuary, a pair of Hen Harrier at Llanrhidian Marsh and another along with a Merlin at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The Great Bittern was again at Hendre Lake. On the 18th three Red-billed Chough were at Pennard, a Hen Harrier was again at Mynydd Eglwysilian and the first winter Iceland Gull was at Ogmore Estuary. On the 19th the Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake, two Black-legged Kittiwake were at Porthcawl and the Iceland Gull was at Ogmore Estuary. The 20th produced five Brambling in Neath, five Greater Scaup at Rhymney Estuary, a Red Kite at Port Talbot and the Great Bittern at Hendre Lake. On the 21st, a Barn Owl was at Llancadle, a Great Northern Diver was at Swansea Docks and an Iceland Gull at Port Talbot. A male Hen Harrier and a Eurasian Woodcock were in Maesteg. On the 22nd, the drake Lesser Scaup was again in Cardiff Bay and a drake Greater Scaup and three hundred European Golden Plover were at Kenfig NNR. Two Common Greenshank and four Cetti’s Warbler were at Lamby Lake. Ten Greater Scaup were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir.

9TH - 15TH FEBRUARY 2009

The 9th produced a drake Greater Scaup at Kenfig Pool and a female on Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, along with fifteen Common Goldeneye. A first summer Glaucous Gull was at Margam Breakwater and fifty Fieldfare were at Hafod Farm. The three Bohemian Waxwing were again in Bridgend. On the 10th, the three Bohemian Waxwing were again in Bridgend, the first winter Iceland Gull, nineteen Purple Sandpiper, five Common Raven and four Mediterranean Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. Twelve Common Crossbill, a pair of Northern Goshawk, a Peregrine, a Jack Snipe and six Eurasian Woodcock were in the Garw Valley. The Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake, another Iceland Gull was in Cardiff Bay and then Penarth and a Willow Tit was in Swansea. On the 11th, three Red-throated Divers, two Common Guillemot, a pair of Red-billed Chough and two Northern Fulmar were at Worms Head and a Black-throated Diver was in Oxwich Bay. The Great Bittern was again at Hendre Lake and the Iceland and Ring-billed Gulls were at Lamby Lake. A male Black Redstart was in Swansea. Six Grey Plover and 300 European Golden Plover were at Sker on the 12th and a Red-throated Diver and Common Scoter were at Margam Breakwater. The drake Greater Scaup and eleven Goosander were on Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The 13th produced a first winter Glaucous Gull in Port Talbot, while an adult was at Rhymney Estuary, Cardiff. The Great Bittern as again at Hendre Lake and seven Grey Partridge were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysilian, the adult Glaucous Gull was at Rhymney Estuary and the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake. The drake Lesser Scaup was refound in Cardiff Bay and a first winter Iceland Gull was at Lisvane Reservoir. Three Short-eared and a Barn Owl were at Llanilid. On the 14th two Great Northern Divers were in Oxwich Bay and two Otters were in the marsh. The Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake, the Ring-billed Gull at Lamby Lake and two Hen Harriers were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. Another Hen Harrier was in Maesteg, along with a Tawny Owl, a Jack Snipe and a Eurasian Woodcock. On the 15th, a Lesser Whitethroat was in Caerphilly and a Hen Harrier and Peregrine were at Mynydd Eglwysilian.

SOUTH WALES 7TH - 12TH FEBRUARY 2009

OUR SOUTH WALES SECRETS OF THE SALTMARSH TOUR 7TH – 12TH FEBRUARY 2009 once again provided our group with some excellent winter birding. DAY ONE was spent on North Gower where highlights included a superb male Hen Harrier, hunting Barn Owl and good numbers of Slavonian Grebe, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Northern Pintail, Common Eider and Red Knot as well as a few Red-breasted Merganser and Little Egret. DAY TWO was spent in and around Cardiff and produced some real quality birds in the form of Marsh Tit, Ring-billed, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, Barn Owl, Slavonian Grebe and Water Rail. Heading back west, three Bohemian Waxwing in Bridgend rounded off another excellent day despite it being really cold and sometimes wet. On DAY THREE torrential rain all day hampered our progress, but we still managed to see another Glaucous Gull, a Common Scoter and Harbour Porpoise at Margam Breakwater, a drake Greater Scaup and fourteen Common Snipe at Kenfig Pool and a female Greater Scaup, fifteen Common Goldeneye and three Goosander at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a drake Mandarin Duck at Margam Abbey Pond. DAY FOUR was spent in the Vale of Glamorgan in much better weather. We enjoyed excellent views of Little Owl, nineteen Purple Sandpiper, another Iceland Gull, a drake Goosander and four Mediterranean Gull in the Ogmore area and fifty Reed Bunting, twenty five Yellowhammer and two Grey Partridge at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. Four Stock Dove and a pair of Dipper rounded off another enjoyable day. DAY FIVE was quieter, but was spent in glorious sunshine on South Gower. Several Red-throated Divers, Common Guillemot, European Shag, Northern Fulmar and a pair of Red-billed Chough were the highlights. Twenty Mediterranean Gulls were also noted, along with Harbour Porpoise. DAY SIX produced six Grey Plover, three hundred European Golden Plover and a European Shag at Sker and nine Yellowhammer and three Bullfinch in the southern dunes at Kenfig NNR to round off a very enjoyable tour.

1ST - 8TH FEBRUARY 2009

On the 1ST FEBRUARY, the Snow Bunting was again at Mynydd Eglwysilian and a Northern Goshawk was at Margam. The second winter Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake and six Mediterranean Gulls and a drake Northern Pintail were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 2nd, a Greater Scaup was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, a first winter Iceland Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were at Rhymney Estuary and the Barn Owl and Ring-billed Gull were again at Lamby Lake. Another first winter Iceland Gull was again at Swansea Marina and a first winter Iceland Gull was also at Ogmore Estuary. A Water Pipit was at Llwyn On Reservoir. On the 3rd, 200 Redwing and a male Merlin were at Kenfig Pool during a blizzard. The Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake and a Brambling was in Gorseinon. The first winter Iceland Gull was again at Rhymney Estuary along with 300 Fieldfare and 300 Redwing and the Iceland Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary. The 4th produced a Eurasian Woodcock in Pontypridd and a Eurasian Eagle Owl was in Neath Town Centre. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Kenfig Pool, along with three Yellowhammer and a Little Gull was again at Swansea Marina. The Iceland Gull was again at Rhymney Estuary along with a Dark-bellied Brent Goose. During more heavy snow on the 5th a Wood Lark was at Rhymney Estuary and a Northern Goshawk was at Ogmore Estuary. A Great Bittern was at Hendre Lake and the Iceland Gull and a Water Pipit were at Ogmore Estuary. On the 6th, a Short-eared Owl was near Tondu and 450 Redwing and 52 Northern Shoveler were at Cosmeston Lakes. The Great Bittern was again at Hendre Lake and the Iceland Gull was at Ogmore Estuary. The Great Bittern was again at Hendre Lake on the 7th and a male Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl were at Llanrhidian Marsh. Whitford NNR produced 150 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, six Slavonian Grebe, three Red-breasted Merganser, fifty Common Eider, five Common Scoter, two hundred Northern Pintail and 5000 Red Knot. A Northern Goshawk and a Water Pipit were at Ogmore Estuary, Blackcaps were in several locations and the Bearded Tit and 160 Common Teal were at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 8th, the Ring-billed Gull was at Lamby Lake, along with a first summer Iceland Gull and a first winter Glaucous Gull was at Gileston. Three Bohemian Waxwing were in Bridgend, a Slavonian Grebe and two Common Chiffchaff were in Cardiff Bay and a Marsh Tit was at Forest Ganol. The Water Pipit was at Ogmore Estuary, the Common Greenshank was at Penclawdd, along with a Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper and three Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh.

26TH - 31ST JANUARY 2009

On the 26th the first winter Glaucous Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary, along with a Water Pipit and a Tawny Owl showed well at Ewenny Priory. On the 27th, the Snow Bunting was again at Mumbles Head and two Great Bittern and eight Goosander were at Kenfig Pool. Another Snow Bunting was at Werfa Mast, a first winter Iceland Gull and five Greater Scaup were at Rhymney Estuary and a Northern Goshawk, a male Merlin and a Eurasian Woodcock were at Mynydd Eglwysilian. On the 28th, eleven Common Goldeneye were at Kenfig Pool, two Mediterranean Gulls were at Sker, a Great Bittern was at Cosmeston Lakes and a Barn Owl was near Lamby Lake. The first winter Little Gull was again at Gileston. On the 29th, the Ring-billed Gull and Barn Owl were at Lamby Lake and the Great Bittern was still at Cosmeston Lakes. A Green Sandpiper was at The Watermill Flood. On the 30th the Ring-billed Gull was again at Lamby Lake, a thousand Dunlin, 34 Northern Pintail, 250 Red Knot, eighty Common Teal and 54 Grey Plover were at Rhymney Estuary. On the 31st a first winter Glaucous Gull was off Kenfig Sands and a Merlin was in the dunes. A Snow Bunting and Hen Harrier were at Mynydd Eglwysilian and a Black Redstart was at Worms Head.