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.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

We have teamed up with Steve Cale again to offer advance details of our fabulous two week tour to Trinidad and Tobago from 31st January - 15th February 2008. Spending seven nights at the renowned Asa Wright centre, two at Pax Guest House and four at the Blue Waters Inn on Tobago, this is sure to be a trip to remember. The tour cost is £2819.00 for a single room or £2369.00 in shared accomodation. Places are already very limited, so please register now if you wish to join this tour. Full details will be published both on this website and in our 2008 brochure due out in August.

1ST - 4TH MARCH 2007

MARCH began with a westerly gale with the only significant news being of the Firecrest still in Cardiff Bay, two Green Sandpipers again at Hendre Lake and four Red-billed Chough in Porthcawl. On the 2nd two Red-billed Chough were again at Porthcawl and a male Northern Goshawk showed very well in Caerphilly. Three Siskin were at Kenfig alder wood on a rather quiet day. The 3rd produced three Red-billed Chough and two Green Sandpipers at Ogmore, while the River Loughor at Pontarddulais held four Green Sandpipers, four Common Sandpipers and three Common Greenshank. The female Greater Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes and a Northern Goshawk was near Bridgend. The Firecrest and Little Gull were once again at Cardiff Bay. The 4th produced just a Marsh Tit on a day of torrential rain.

19TH - 28TH FEBRUARY 2007

On the 19th, three Iceland Gulls were at Pontitscill Reservoir and the Firecrest was again in Cardiff Bay. The 20th saw the six Pink-footed Geese again at Penclawdd and the Black Redstart at Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 21st a Barn Owl was at Bridgend and two Common Crossbills were at Margam Forest, while two Green Sandpipers were at Hendre Lake, Cardiff. Two Black Redstarts were at Gileston on 22nd and the drake Red Crested Pochard was again at Ogmore Estuary. A Eurasian Woodcock, Green Woodpecker and two Siskin were at Kenfig Alder wood on the 23rd, while The Loughor Estuary produced 606 Brent Geese, 51 Common Eider, 1300 European Golden Plover, seventy Grey Plover, nineteen Red-breasted Merganser, a Green Sandpiper 830 Northern Lapwing and 2000+ Red Knot. Incredibly early migrants included a Barn Swallow at Treforest, Rhondda and two White Wagtails at Ogmore Estuary. The 25th produced a Great Northern Diver and Purple Sandpiper at Port Eynon, the Red Crested Pochard, Green Sandpiper and a female Merlin at Ogmore Estuary, three Common Scoter at Gileston and a Black Redstart and an adult Little Gull at Cardiff Bay. A female Greater Scaup was at Cosmeston Lakes and a female Northern Goshawk was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. Eight Tree Sparrows were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and a first winter Little Gull and 82 Sanderling were at Kenfig Rivermouth. A Taiga Bean Goose was an exceptional record thirty miles inland at Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. A Great Bittern was at Kenfig Pool again on 26th, along with a Jack Snipe, fourteen Common Goldeneye and a male Yellowhammer. Three Marsh Tits were at Millwood, Gower and three Red-billed Chough, two Green Sandpiper and 35 Common Teal were at Ogmore-by-Sea. A first winter Iceland Gull was again at Pontitscill Reservoir on 27th, the adult Little Gull was again in Cardiff Bay and two Red-billed Choughs were at Porthcawl. The Iceland Gull was again present on 28th and a drake Greater Scaup was at nearby Llwyn On Reservoir. Four Brambling were at Llanwonno Forest and Red Kites were out of normal range at Lamby Way and Loughor Bridge

MOROCCO

OUR inaugural tour to MOROCCO provided us with some outstanding birding and wonderful experiences in this exotic, vibrant and richly diverse country. The full tour report will appear soon, but amongst the many highlights, despite it being a bit early for migrants, were some very showy Desert Sparrows, singing Black-crowned Tchagra, 200+ Bald Ibises flying in over a sparkling Atlantic Ocean, several flocks totalling over fifty Cream – coloured Coursers as we drove through the Sahara Desert in full bloom, two Houbara Bustards, nest building Brown-necked Ravens, twelve Crowned and 35 Black-bellied Sandgrouse, hundreds of Trumpeter Finches, Red-rumped, Mourning, Desert, Black and White-crowned Black Wheatears, Desert, Bar-tailed, Thick-billed, Hoopoe, Temminck’s Horned, Shore, Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, displaying Levaillant’s Woodpeckers, an amazing count of fifty Crimson-winged Finches, Bonelli’s Eagle, Marbled Ducks, Wrynecks, Golden Eagle, Barbary Falcon and Barbary Partridges, but whilst hugely impressive, the birds alone don’t do the tour justice, as how can one begin to describe the glorious weather, the colours and smells and in particular the sight of the desert stars to those who have not had the good fortune to have witnessed them? We will be returning in February 2008 with dates to be announced in the near future – I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, so if it does appeal, please book very early as it is sure to be extremely popular again.

1ST - 18TH FEBRUARY 2007

FEBRUARY began with a pair of Goshawks displaying over some forestry near Pontardawe and Dippers in song at several locations. The 2nd produced three Black Redstarts in Cardiff Bay and the Firecrest again nearby, while elsewhere in the Cardiff area, two Marsh Tits were at Forest Fawr. A glorious, sunny day on 3rd produced a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and a Dartford Warbler in Maesteg, the Great Northern Diver again in Barry Docks and the Firecrest and three Black Redstarts were in Cardiff Bay, while the birch wood at Kenfig had a Eurasian Woodcock. Twelve Purple Sandpipers and two Red-billed Chough were at Rhossilli Bay and a female Merlin was at Mewslade Valley. A Little Egret was again at Sker on 4th and three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea. The Firecrest remained in Cardiff and a Cetti’s Warbler showed well at Kenfig Pool. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was at Bryngarw Country Park on 5th while the 6th brought Goshawk activity from many places, the Great Northern Diver again in Barry Docks and a Spotted Redshank at the Rhymney Estuary, Cardiff. The 7th produced a Great Grey Shrike at Porthcelyn near Merthyr Tydfil and a Purple Sandpiper and 200 Sanderling at Sker. The Great Grey Shrike was again present on the 8th and three Brambling were at Mountain Ash, while the 10th saw an exceptional count of 568 Northern Lapwings at The Watermill, as well as a Black Redstart, 33 Common Goldeneye and 24 Rock Pipits at Ogmore Estuary. The Firecrest remained at Cardiff Bay. A busy day on the 11th saw a male Merlin and three Goosander at Kenfig Pool, a Little Gull was at Cardiff Bay and a female Greater Scaup at Cosmeston Lake. The Ogmore Estuary also had a Little Gull, a Green Sandpiper and a female Hen Harrier and a Red Kite was at Maesteg. On the 13th, the Rhymney Estuary had counts of 1200 Red Knot, 2000 Dunlin, 105 Northern Pintail, 650 Common Redshank and an adult Yellow-legged Gull while Cardiff Bay again had the Firecrest and two Black Redstarts. On the 14th, a Eurasian Woodcock was an unusual find in the centre of Swansea, a Northern Goshawk was displaying at Margam and three Back Redstarts were in Cardiff Bay. The Great Grey Shrike was seen again on the 16th, the Little Gull was still present at The Watermill and two Willow Tits were in Caerphilly. The Great Grey Shrike was again present on the 17th and an Iceland Gull and a Hen Harrier were at nearby Pontyscill Reservoir. The drake Red Crested Pochard returned to the Ogmore Estuary, where a Black Redstart, three Red-billed Choughs and a Dartford Warbler were present. A Black Redstart was also at Southerndown, along with fourteen Purple Sandpiper. A Bittern and Jack Snipe were at Kenfig Pool. On the 18th a Long-tailed Duck was amongst 240 Common Scoter at Rhossilli and two Green Sandpipers and the Little Gull were again at The Watermill. The Great Grey Shrike was again present at Porthcelyn and a Common Crossbill was also present there.

ISLES OF SCILLY PELAGICS

There is just one place remaining for this fabulous seabird spectacular from 17th - 20th August 2007. If you are interested, please BOOK NOW to avoid disappoinment - first come first served! Cost £375.00 plus £50.00 single room supplement

22ND - 31ST JANUARY

The 22nd produced a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Forest Farm Cardiff, as well as Fieldfares, Redwings and Siskin there. The Great Northern Diver was again at Barry Docks on 23rd and 100 Northern Pintail and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Rhymney Estuary, Cardiff. Six Dark-bellied Brent Geese flew down channel at Sker Point, where a Bar-tailed Godwit was among the 275 Oystercatchers present. Three Green Sandpipers were at Hendre Lake, Cardiff, while cold weather movements at Loughor Bridge included 24 Ringed Plover, 37 Grey Plover, eight Red Knot, 151 Dunlin and 77 Northern Lapwing. At Eglwys Nunydd reservoir 108 Great Crested Grebes was noteworthy and a Water Pipit was again at Llwyn On Reservoir near Merthyr Tydfil. The 24th produced two Chiffchaffs and five Blackcaps at Candleston, while two Short-eared Owls and a ringtail Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh at dusk. Also on the North Gower Coast at high tide were three Slavonian Grebes, 1340 Northern Pintail, 3000 Dunlin, 686 Brent Geese, 250 Shelduck, 166 Grey Plover, 108 Wigeon, thirteen Red-breasted Mergansers, 32 Teal, 267 Shoveler, 52 Eider, a Merlin, four Peregrines, 700 Knot, 37 Bar-tailed Godwit, 292 Curlew, 133 Redshank, one Green Sandpiper and a “low” count of 4000 Oystercatchers, a Water Pipit, nineteen Little Egrets and a Kingfisher! A pair of Dartford Warblers was back on territory in the local area and another male was seen at another site nearby. Another cold day on the 25th produced five Red-throated Divers, 66 Northern Shoveler 42 Eurasian Wigeon, 82 Common Teal, 90 Northern Pintail, three Common Scoter, seventeen Grey Plover and 1000 Dunlin at Rhymney Estuary, while further west, four Tree Sparrows, fifteen Yellowhammers, 70 Sky Larks and ten Reed Buntings were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A Peregrine was at Candleston where 150 Fieldfares, forty Redwings and two Blackcaps were also present. The Drake Red Crested Pochard was again at Picton Pond, along with a Common Snipe, three adult Mediterranean Gulls and three Black-legged Kittiwakes were at Porthcawl and a female Dartford Warbler was at the same location as yesterday. A Merlin was at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir on 26th and another two were at Llanrhidian Marsh, where five Hen Harriers, a Green Sandpiper and a Eurasian Spoonbill were also present. At Whiteford NNR, eight Slavonian Grebes, 52 Common Eider, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, a Peregrine, 675 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a single Pale-bellied bird, two drake Common Scoter and a fly past Great Northern Diver were seen, along with huge numbers of Common Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Curlew, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Red Knot and Dunlin. Four Treecreepers and three Great Spotted Woodpeckers were also present in the conifer plantation and another Green Sandpiper was at Landimore Pill. A Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper were at Penclawdd Pill, a Merlin was at Sker and three Green Sandpipers were again at Hendre Lake. The 27th produced three Red-billed Choughs, three European Shag, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, four Common Scoter and six Purple Sandpipers at Ogmore-by-Sea, 22 Common Goldeneye, a drake Gadwall and a drake Goosander on the estuary, whilst a Dipper was in Bridgend Town Centre. Candleston Bridge produced a Kingfisher and a further three Goosander, as well as a Mink, while an undisclosed site in West Glamorgan had a pair of Northern Goshawks, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, fifteen Siskin and fifteen Common Buzzards on a lovely afternoon. Two drake Greater Scaup were again at Cosmeston Lakes, two Little Egrets were at The Watermill Flood and three Red-throated Divers and seventeen Mediterranean Gulls were at Mumbles. Two Jack Snipe were at Kenfig Pool 0n 28th, along with a Grey Wagtail and eleven Common Goldeneye of note. A Water Pipit was again at Llwyn On Reservoir and a pair of Northern Goshawks was over Maesteg. A Woodcock was in Aberdare on 29th, an excellent count of 291 Northern Lapwings were at The Watermill Flood, a male Hen Harrier was seen in the morning at Llanrhidian Marsh, where a Green Sandpiper was still present. An amazing count of nine Dartford Warblers was seen at a site near Bridgend. Spring was in the air on a very mild 30th with many resident birds in song or courtship behaviour at Kenfig. In addition, a nice mixed flock of 80 Redwings, three Mistle Thrushes and thirteen Fieldfares were around the Castle Meadow and two European Jays and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were in the Alder wood. A Jack Snipe and Woodcock were at Gorseinon, displaying Northern Goshawks and Peregrines were seen in several locations, an Iceland Gull was at Blackpill and a Firecrest was in Cardiff. On the 31st small numbers of Common Crossbills were reported singing from various upland forestry locations and two drake Greater Scaup were again at Cosmeston Lakes.

FAIR ISLE UPDATE

Our Fair Isle tour this year is now full. Please book early for 2008 - dates will be announced soon on this website.

NORTH NORFOLK TOUR 13TH - 18TH JANUARY BIRD WATCHING MAGAZINE

OUR NORTH NORFOLK tour for BIRD WATCHING magazine from 13th – 18th January 2007 produced an absolute feast of birds with 129 species recorded in total. Day One saw highlights of Black-eared Kite, Lesser Yellowlegs, nine Barn Owls, twelve Snow Buntings, four Shore Larks, a drake Smew, five Whooper Swans, a ringtail Hen Harrier, male Merlin, twenty Twite and thousands of Pink-footed Geese, as well as vast flocks of Sanderling, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Knot and Pintail on The Wash. All this in superb, cold, sunny and crisp conditions. Day Two produced an amazing flock of thirty Hawfinches, a Firecrest, Grey Partridges, thousands of Pink-footed Geese, smaller numbers of White-fronted Geese, Common Scoter, Eider and Red-breasted Merganser, Snow Buntings, more Barn Owls, Marsh Tits and a couple of Red-throated Divers. Amazingly, we also found the Black-eared Kite moving east along the coast being mobbed by Marsh Harriers. Day Three was pretty wet but we persevered and got some excellent bird with the highlights being Taiga and Tundra Bean Geese, 29 Common Cranes, 22 Mediterranean Gulls, forty Marsh Harriers, two Hen Harriers, fifteen Red-throated Divers, 70+ Snipe, fifteen Ruff and two Chinese Water Deer. Day Four produced the Black-eared Kite and the Lesser Yellowlegs at Thornham as well as excellent views of the Twite. Sea watching at Holme and Titchwell saw excellent numbers of Little Gulls, Great Crested Grebes, Kittiwakes, Red-breasted Mergansers, Red-throated Divers, Guillemots and Razorbills and two splendid Pomarine Skuas close inshore as well as Harbour Porpoise and Common Seals. A drake Ruddy Duck was also at Holme, a Water Rail, Chiffchaff and Avocet at Titchwell and truly vast flocks of Pink-footed Geese were again coming in to roost at Holkham. A superb few days!

ORIOLE ADVENTURES SOUTH WALES 25TH - 28TH JANUARY TOUR

Our four day excursion in South Wales with Oriole Adventures was another tremendous success.. Our group met at noon on DAY ONE at the Atlantic Hotel, Porthcawl and we took a walk along Victoria Avenue where three adult Mediterranean Gulls gave good views on the rocks. Five Turnstones and a Shag were also noted. In the harbour, three Kittiwakes gave some nice views. At Candleston Bridge, a Grey Wagtail was by the River Ewenny and we also saw Nuthatch and Treecreeper here. Moving on to a farmland bird feeding site, Tyn-y-Caeau Farm, wild bird cover crops proved fruitful for obtaining good views of a range of species. 70 Skylark was an excellent total, while 15+ Yellowhammer and 10+ Reed Bunting wee also present. Good views of four Tree Sparrows were a highlight and we also recorded Stonechat, Kestrel and three Common Buzzards. Pausing by Picton Pond, a superb drake Red Crested Pochard was seen, as well as Teal, Wigeon, Common Snipe and Stock Dove. At a nearby site, we had excellent views of a female Dartford Warbler at close quarters, as well as Sparrowhawk and a pair of displaying Ravens. Finally, our last port of call was Candleston Warren where a visit to buckthorn scrub by the dunes yielded 150+ Fieldfare and 40+ Redwing, two female Blackcap, four Mistle Thrush, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk. DAY TWO produced two Merlins at Llanrhidian Marsh, where five Hen Harriers, a Green Sandpiper and a Eurasian Spoonbill were also present. At Whiteford NNR, eight Slavonian Grebes, 52 Common Eider, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, a Peregrine, 675 Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a single Pale-bellied bird, two drake Common Scoter and a fly past Great Northern Diver were seen, along with huge numbers of Common Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Eurasian Curlew, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Red Knot and Dunlin. Four Treecreepers and three Great Spotted Woodpeckers were also present in the conifer plantation and another Green Sandpiper was at Landimore Pill. A Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper were at Penclawdd Pill. DAY THREE saw the sun return and some more excellent birding, the highlights of which were three Red-billed Choughs, three European Shag, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose, four Common Scoter and six Purple Sandpipers at Ogmore-by-Sea, 22 Common Goldeneye, a drake Gadwall and a drake Goosander on the estuary, whilst a Dipper was in Bridgend Town Centre. Candleston Bridge produced a Kingfisher and a further three Goosander, as well as a Mink, while an undisclosed site in West Glamorgan had a pair of Northern Goshawks, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, fifteen Siskin and fifteen Common Buzzards on a lovely afternoon. DAY FOUR was cold and breezy as we scanned the beach at Blackpill. Good numbers of Oystercatchers, Curlews, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling were present and a few Great Crested Grebes were offshore, but with the tide low, there were few gulls, so we moved back t Kenfig Pool. Two Jack Snipes were the highlight of our walk and we also managed tow Common Snipe for comparison. Eleven Goldeneye were on the pool, along with small numbers of Tufted Ducks, Pochard and Shoveler which were all new for the tour and we finished with a Grey Wagtail flying over the reserve centre just as it started to rain – perfect timing at the end of a very successful few days in good company.

15TH - 21ST JANUARY

On the 15th 1200 Dunlin, 140 Grey Plovers, four Slavonian Grebes, 260 Wigeon, 45 Eider, fifteen Red-breasted Merganser and a female Merlin were at Whitford NNR. Twelve Purple Sandpipers and four Little Egrets were at Ogmore-by-Sea, the Great Northern Diver was again in Barry Docks, Mediterranean Gull was at Cosmeston Lakes, a Green Sandpiper was at Pennard, Gower and a Woodcock was at Mynydd Margam. A very wet day on the 16th saw just four Red-billed Chough at Ogmore estuary and the drake Red Crested Pochard in St Brides Major. A Ruddy Duck was at Kenfig Pool on 17th and a Common Sandpiper was at The Watermill Flood. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and two Woodcocks were in the Swansea Valley. The Ruddy Duck was again at Kenfig Pool on a stormy 18th and an adult Ring-billed Gull was new in at Swansea Docks. On the 19th, the Ruddy Duck and a Jack Snipe were again at Kenfig Pool and a first winter Iceland Gull and two Little Gulls were in Swansea Bay. Two Chiffchaffs were in Cardiff on 20th on the first cold day of the year! The Ruddy Duck was again at Kenfig Pool and a female Northern Goshawk was at Sker Farm. The Great Northern Diver was again at Barry Docks and four Red-billed Choughs were at Ogmore-by-Sea. Three Green Sandpipers and five Little Egrets were at The Watermill Flood. Cold and sunny again on 21st and three Goosander were on Kenfig Pool, along with the Ruddy Duck and Jack Snipe. Five Pink-footed Geese were at Penclawdd, North Gower, along with a Hen Harrier, Merlin and 238 Lapwings.

8TH - 14TH JANUARY

Another very wet day on the 8th produced five Goldeneye on Kenfig Pool, a Little Egret again at Sker and twelve Sanderling at Newton Point, Porthcawl. A very wet and windy day again on the 9th saw 78 Great Crested Grebes, 258 Pochard and four Goosander at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, a Peregrine a Kenfig Pool, three Mediterranean Gulls on Swansea University roof and a Firecrest in a Swansea garden. A Red-throated Diver and ten Fulmars went past Porthcawl. The 10th produced a Jack Snipe at Kenfig Pool, where there were also two drake Goosanders, a female Merlin and a Peregrine, while five Common Scoters were offshore. A Water Pipit and four Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore Estuary, a Great Northern Diver was again at Barry Docks and two Mediterranean Gulls were in Porthcawl. A truly awful day with violent westerly gales meant that birding was difficult on 11th, but the Jack Snipe, two Goosander, six Common Snipe and an adult Mediterranean Gull were at Kenfig Pool and two Greater Scaup were again at Cosmeston Lakes. On the 12th, two Woodcock and a Willow Tit were at Millwood on Gower, a Bittern showed briefly at Kenfig Pool and the two Goosander were still present. Four Little Gulls were at Swansea Docks and the drake Red Crested Pochard was back again at Ogmore Estuary. More poor weather on 13th saw the Great Northern Diver at Barry Docks and a Black Redstart again at Llancadle. The 14th produced two male Hen Harriers and a Merlin at Llanrhidian, three Grey Plovers were at Kenfig Sands, the Black Redstart and Great Northern Divers were both still present at Llancadle and Barry Docks, while 200 Common Scoter and 400 Dunlin were off Aberavon, Swansea Bay.

1ST - 7TH JANUARY 2007

The 1st January 2007 was wet and windy but produced four Red-billed Chough at Sker, along with a Peregrine and a female Merlin. A Common Chiffchaff was at the pool and wildfowl counts included 21 Eurasian Wigeon, 27 Northern Shoveler, a Kingfisher and 76 Common Pochard. Elsewhere, six Purple Sandpipers, fourteen Common Goldeneye and the drake Red Crested Pochard were at Ogmore Estuary. More windy weather on 2nd brought adult Little Gulls to Porthcawl and Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and ten Black-legged Kittiwakes to Kenfig Sands. A drake Goosander was at Kenfig Pool and a Little Egret was at Sker. On the 3rd the drake Greater Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lake and the Red Crested Pochard was back in St Brides Major. Seven Slavonian Grebes were at Whitford Point, along with three Red Breasted Merganser, two Jack Snipe and good numbers of Common Eider, Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Grey Plover, Common Snipe and European Oystercatcher. A male Hen Harrier was at Salthouse Point, a Razorbill was at Dunraven, two Green Sandpipers and a Little Egret were at Hendre Lake and a female Northern Pintail and a Kingfisher were at Kenfig Pool. A Great Skua was close offshore at Porthcawl. A very windy day on 4th saw two adult Little Gulls at Kenfig; one offshore and one at the pool. Also present offshore were three Common Scoter and a single Black-legged Kittiwake. The 5th brought a Siberian Chiffchaff, a Jack Snipe and forty Redwings to Kenfig Pool and 23 Goldeneye, five Little Egrets, four Red-billed Chough and fifteen Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary. A Black Redstart was in a Llancadle, Vale of Glamorgan garden, two Scaup were at Cosmeston Lakes and three Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Little Egret were at Sker. Up to 350 Pied Wagtails were seen going to the established roost in the centre of Cardiff. On the 6th torrential rain hampered birding, but an adult Little Gull was off Locks Common, Porthcawl, while at Kenfig Pool, Shoveler numbers were up to 51 and Goldeneye three and a Barnacle Goose flew over south east. A very wet day again on the 7th produced three adult Yellow-legged Gulls at Cosmeston Lake, a Little Gull at Mumbles and a Great Northern Diver at Barry Docks. Two Goosanders were at Kenfig Pool and fifteen Mediterranean Gulls were at Bracelet Bay, Swansea. A Green Sandpiper was at The Watermill and sea watching at Porthcawl produced two Razorbill and a Red-throated Diver of note.

25TH - 31ST DECEMBER

On Christmas Day a Short-eared Owl and Hen Harrier were at Llanrhidian Marsh, a Purple Sandpiper was at Locks Common and seventy Northern Lapwings, two Little Egrets and 21 Common Teal were at The Watermill Flood. A drake Northern Pintail was new at Kenfig Pool on Boxing Day, where there were also two Jack Snipe, 68 Northern Shoveler, eight Bullfinches and the Dartford Warbler. Five Black Redstarts were at Gileston on 27th and a drake Red Crested Pochard was in St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan. On the 28th, three Black Redstarts and a Common Chiffchaff were in Cardiff Bay, at least fifty Reed Buntings, fifty Yellowhammers and 100 Sky Larks were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and the Red Crested Pochard was again in St Brides Major. A drake Greater Scaup was again at Cosmeston Lakes and four Little Egrets were at The Watermill Flood, while five Red-throated Divers and a Guillemot were at Sker. Up to eight Hen Harriers were at Llanrhidian Marsh – the best count by far in recent years, along with a Barn Owl and a Merlin. A wet and windy day on 29th saw three Blackcaps in a Port Talbot garden and another in Bridgend. Four Purple Sandpipers and 104 Northern Lapwings were at Ogmore Estuary and the Red Crested Pochard at St Brides was joined by 24 Eurasian Wigeon. On the 30th, three adult Little Gulls were at Gileston, the Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool, the Red Crested Pochard in St Brides and fourteen Northern Fulmars were back on the breeding ledges at Cwm Nash. New Years Eve saw a Black Redstart again at Cardiff Bay, while Kenfig Pool held 28 Eurasian Wigeon and a female Northern Pintail. Three Little and four Mediterranean Gulls were at Ogmore Rivermouth, four Red-billed Choughs were on the seafront there and 78 Great Crested Grebe and 289 Common Pochard were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. Finally; Happy New Year and Good Birding to all.

MULL 22ND - 28TH JUNE 2007

Our inaugural MULL tour will now be based at The Pennyghael Hotel and not The Glenforsa as advertised. Please note that there are no single rooms left for this tour.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Its now coming up to 20.00 GMT on Christmas Eve 24th December 2006. Before going off for some festive cheer and to wrap the kids presents, I'd like to say a very big Thank You to all of you who have travelled with Celtic Bird Tours in 2006 and have helped to make it the most successful year ever. I very much hope that you will decide to join us again in 2007 for more amazing birding adventures!

In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Bird-filled New Year to everyone

Neil

17TH -24TH DECEMBER

On the 17th, we finally saw some frost and light winds and a flock of 64 Fieldfare were at Kenfig Pool, along with the Yellow-browed Warbler briefly, fourteen Water Rails, a Merlin at the river mouth, 32 Northern Shoveler and two Siskin. A Dartford Warbler was at Locks Common, Porthcawl, the Great Northern Diver was again at Barry Docks and a Hen Harrier and a Barn Owl were at Llanrhidian Marsh. Two Red-throated Divers were at Sker on 18th and the Great Northern Diver was again present at Barry Docks. Four Purple Sandpipers were at Newton Point, Porthcawl on the 20th, a Merlin was at Llanrhidian Marsh and eight Common Goldeneye, two Red-billed Chough and an adult Ring-billed Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. A Water Pipit, two male Hen Harriers and 55 Common Snipe were at Llwyn Onn Reservoir, Merthyr Tydfil. On the 21st four Black Redstarts and two Red-breasted Mergansers were at Gileston, a Eurasian Woodcock was at Cosmeston Lakes and thirteen Common Goldeneye, three Mediterranean Gulls and a Little Gull were at Ogmore Estuary. Two Green Sandpipers were at Hendre Lake, Cardiff. A Short-eared Owl was at Lamby Way, Cardiff on 22nd, while a Barnacle Goose of unknown origin, three Common Goldeneye, 48 Northern Shoveler, ten Eurasian Wigeon and a second winter Mediterranean Gull were at Kenfig Pool. On 23rd a Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Ogmore Estuary, along with two Little Egrets, nineteen Common Teal and 54 Eurasian Curlew and two Dartford Warblers were at Maesteg. The adult Ring-billed Gull returned to Cosmeston Lakes today and a drake Greater Scaup was also there. Christmas Eve produced a Dartford Warbler on the east shore at Kenfig Pool and a Little Egret, 338 Eurasian Golden Plover, thirteen Eurasian Wigeon and four Red-throated Divers were at Kenfig Sands. A male Blackcap was at Sker, two Black Redstarts were at Gileston and a Brambling was at Mynydd Eglwysilian.

9TH - 16TH DECEMBER

On the 9th, two Little Gulls and a Black Redstart were at Gileston, A Great Bittern was at Kenfig Pool and five Dark-bellied Brent Geese were off Porthcawl. Another two Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Ogmore Estuary along with five Common Goldeneye, while some excellent counts from Rhymney Estuary included 1200 Common Redshank, 1000 Dunlin and 220 Northern Lapwing. Great Skuas were seen there and also at Lavernock Point and a Black Redstart was at Cardiff Bay. Sea watching form Porthcawl on 10th produced 27 Black-legged Kittiwakes,35 Common Gulls, seven Northern Fulmar, one Great Skua, fourteen Common Scoter, three Dark-bellied Brent Geese, four Great Northern Divers, one Red-throated Diver, two Guillemot, thirteen Dunlin and five Sanderling. A wet and windy day on 11th saw a first winter Sabine’s Gull at Porthcawl, two adult Mediterranean Gulls at The Watermill Flood and one of the county’s latest ever Barn Swallows in Penarth. The Yellow-browed Warbler was again at Kenfig Pool on 12th and a Merlin was a good record in Bute Park, Cardiff. Three adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Ogmore Estuary. The 13th produced 112 Black-legged Kittiwakes off Mumbles Head, along with three Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver and 34 Guillemots. A male Hen Harrier was at Llanrhidian Marsh and an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Sands. An Arctic Skua was off Porthcawl on 15th and a Great Northern Diver was on Barry Docks, Vale of Glamorgan. On the 16th three Red-throated Divers were at Sker.

1ST - 8TH DECEMBER - LEACH'S STORM PETREL WRECK

December 1st began with the Yellow-browed Warbler, Great Bitterns and Short-eared Owls again at Kenfig Pool, along with a Merlin and three different Song Thrushes singing on an incredibly mild start to the month. Three Green Sandpipers, three Dunlin, three Kingfishers and two Little Egrets were at Ogmore Estuary. A female Merlin was at Kenfig Rivermouth on 2nd, along with two Red-throated Divers and the Yellow-browed Warbler and a Kingfisher were at the pool. A Dartford Warbler and 100+ Redwing were in Pant Norton. A very big storm overnight on 3rd saw sea watching at Porthcawl produce fifteen Leach’s Storm Petrels, three European Storm Petrels, a very late Manx Shearwater, sixteen Common Scoter, twelve, Northern Fulmars, 25 Black-legged Kittiwakes, a dark phase Arctic Skua, two Red-throated Divers, four Red-billed Chough and an adult Mediterranean Gull. Three Leach’s Storm Petrels were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Little Gull was at Ogmore Estuary. Another four Leach’s Petrels, a juvenile Long-tailed Skua and a Great Northern Diver were at Salthouse Point, North Gower. The Yellow-browed Warbler showed briefly at Kenfig Pool where there were at least five Chiffchaffs of three different races, two Little Gulls and a Northern Gannet. A first winter Iceland Gull was at Fendrod Lake, Swansea, a Great Bittern was at Cosmeston Lakes and a Merlin at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The 4th produced a wreck of Leach’s Storm Petrels all along the coast with an incredible 93 off Porthcawl, 27 off Kenfig Sands, nine off Port Eynon and three off Ogmore-by-Sea. Other seabird totals included two Little Gulls, thirty Razorbills and eighteen Common Guillemots at Port Eynon, a Great Skua, 95 Black-legged Kittiwakes and a Great Northern Diver at Porthcawl and three Razorbill and nine Black-legged Kittiwakes were also off Kenfig. Leach’s Storm Petrels continued to dominate the news on 5th with 56 off Porthcawl, a further 22 were off Kenfig Sands, another twelve off Mumbles, six off Newton Point, six at Loughor Bridge, two off Lavernock Point and one at Rhymney Estuary, Ogmore-by-Sea and Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir with another an amazing 40 miles inland at Tir Founder Fields, Aberdare. An adult and first winter Little Gull were at Ogmore Rivermouth, Great Skuas were at Lavernock Point and Porthcawl, eight European Storm Petrels were off Porthcawl, along with a Great Northern Diver, six Mediterranean Gulls were at Mumbles and a Great Bittern was at Kenfig Pool. Leach’s Storm Petrels continued to dominate on 6th with 30 at Loughor Bridge, 25 at Gileston, 32 at Porthcawl, ten at Kenfig Sands, five at Ogmore-by-Sea and singles at Kenfig Pool and Cardiff Bay. A Great Bittern as also at Kenfig Pool, a first winter Little Gull was again at Ogmore with another at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, a Barn Swallow was a very late migrant at Cardiff Bay and two Black Redstarts and a Razorbill were at Gileston. The 7th was a very distressing and violently windy day as the wreck of Leach’s Storm Petrels continued unabated with many emaciated birds found on inland waters as the weather worsened. Totals included eighty plus over Kenfig Pool, 42 at Porthcawl, eleven at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, nine at Loughor Bridge, eight at Lavernock Point, four at Ogmore-by-Sea, and singles at The Watermill Flood and Cardiff Bay. Inland birds included six in Bridgend, four in Maesteg, three in Ewenny, singles at Bryncethin, Briton Ferry and Trebanos [those who have been birding here will know this as the tip we visit for Red Kites] and a bird flying around a chip shop at North Cornelly near Kenfig. Many others were picked up dead. Other birds seen included a first winter Little Gull again at Ogmore Rivermouth, an Arctic Skua at Lavernock Point, a Great Skua, fifteen Northern Fulmars, eleven Black-legged Kittiwakes, a drake Red-breasted Merganser and a Red Knot at Porthcawl and two more Red Knot at Kenfig Pool.
With the wind finally abating on the 8th, the Leach’s Strom Petrel numbers were way down on previous days, though four were off Penarth, a single off Lavernock Point and two at Llanishen Reservoir, Cardiff. Four Great Skuas were off Lavernock Point, as were 250 Red Knot and an adult Little Gull and an Arctic Skua at Loughor Bridge, while two Great Northern Divers were off Kenfig Sands. A female Hen Harrier and Green Sandpiper were at Llanrhidian and 2000 Northern Pintail and 600 Dark-belled Brent Geese were on the Loughor Estuary. Two Common Sandpipers were at Rhymney Estuary and another was at Port Talbot and a Dartford Warbler was at Ogmore Estuary.

22ND - 30TH NOVEMBER

Rain all day again on 22nd meant little news other than a Ruddy Duck at Cosmeston Lake and three Brambling at Mountain Ash. A windy 23rd produced a Ruddy Duck at Lisvane Reservoir, five Black-legged Kittiwakes and an adult Mediterranean Gull at Kenfig Sands, while two Great Bitterns were at the pool and a Peregrine and two Blackcaps in Cardiff. Two Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper were at The Watermill Flood on 24th when yet more heavy rain spoiled proceedings. A Great Bittern and three Mediterranean Gulls were seen briefly at Kenfig Pool. A calm day on 25th saw a newly arrived Short-eared Owl showing well at Kenfig Pool, where two Peregrines, a Water Rail and a Fieldfare were also present. Two Snow Buntings, a Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Woodcock and four Common Crossbills were in or over Afan Forest and a male Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysilian. The Short-eared Owl was again present at Kenfig Pool on 26th and two Great Bitterns were seen briefly again there as well as a Little Egret and two Peregrines. Four Short-eared Owls were at Rhymney Estuary, .Cardiff, along with two Green Sandpipers and two Black Redstarts and two Little Egrets were at Gileston. The 27th produced a Pale-bellied Brent Goose and four Red-billed Chough at Porthcawl and four European Shag at Kenfig Sands. At Whitford NNR, North Gower, counts included a Slavonian Grebe, Dark-bellied 300+ Brent Geese, 200+ Northern Pintail, 1000+ Eurasian Wigeon, 20 Common Eider, 100 Common Shelduck, two Red-breasted Mergansers, ten Little Egrets, 25 Bar-tailed Godwits, a fem/imm Merlin, a male Hen Harrier and two Common Chiffchaff. On the 28th, two Short-eared Owls were at Kenfig Pool and 100 Fieldfares were at Laleston, Bridgend. A further 100 Fieldfares were at Cosmeston Lake and a Green Sandpiper was still at The Watermill Flood. An astonishing record of an Alpine Swift came from Kenfig Pool on 29th and another very late migrant involved a Northern Wheatear at Cardiff Bay. The male Hen Harrier was again at Mynydd Eglwysilian, while sixteen Purple Sandpipers, 100 Eurasian Curlews and three Common Goldeneye were at Ogmore Estuary. The 30th produced a Yellow-browed Warbler at Kenfig Pool along with two Great Bitterns, 243 Common Pochard two Short-eared Owls, four Common Chiffchaffs and fourteen Fieldfare. Seven drake Velvet Scoters flying down channel at Ogmore-by-Sea was a Glamorgan record count of this uncommon migrant and was a terrific way to round off what had ultimately proved to be a difficult birding month.

SPECIAL OFFER CHINA

Owing to very favourable exchange rates, and flights at sensible prices, we are able to drop the cost of our China tour 8th – 20th May 2007 from £2450.00 to £1999.00 plus any single room supplement that applies. The tour offers amazing possibilities to watch those much wanted “sibes” in large numbers as they migrate through to the breeding grounds in Siberia and Japan. Full itinerary available on the Asia pages.There are now just TWO places remaining and includes accommodation, meals, flights and services of leaders and ground transport in China.
In order to be able to do this, we need people to book very quickly to secure the flights before they start to increase in cost too. If you are interested, please contact me ASAP - first come, first served.

Happy Birding
Neil

15TH -21ST NOVEMBER

The 15th produced more rain and just a Guillemot of note off Kenfig Sands. The 16th was slightly less wet, but windier, but eleven Purple Sandpipers at Ogmore-by-Sea was a good early winter count. A Green Sandpiper was also at The Watermill. More terrible weather on 17th saw a Dartford Warbler and 60 Fieldfare in Maesteg. The 18th produced a Merlin at Glynneath and two Red-billed Chough at Dunraven in between torrential showers – we really are paying for the dry summer and early autumn at present. Nine Bramblings were in the Cynon Valley at Mountain Ash. Yet another poor day on 19th saw two Bramblings in Porthcawl, 415 Oystercatchers at Kenfig Sands and a Kingfisher at the pool. The 20th produced a Bittern at Oxwich Marsh, South Gower, a Red-throated Diver at Kenfig Sands and a Brambling again in Porthcawl. Two Barn Owls were seen near Gelligaer early morning on 21st and another was at Tir Founder Fields. Seven Common Crossbills at Ogmore Estuary was a good record and a Little Egret was also there.

8TH - 14TH NOVEMBER

The 8th produced a late Osprey along the River Taff at Treforest, while the Long-tailed Duck and a Snow Bunting were at Cardiff Bay. The 9th was a gloriously sunny, windless day and with a flat calm sea, four Red-throated Divers, two Como Scoters and a Guillemot were showing well off Kenfig Sands. The Long-tailed Duck and Snow Bunting remained at Cardiff Bay. On the 10th, five Mediterranean Gulls included a new first winter bird at Kenfig Pool, where a Bittern was also present. A Siberian Chiffchaff was also there and six Red-billed Chough were at Locks Common, Porthcawl. A pair of Dartford Warblers was again in Maesteg, a Barn Owl was at Talbot Green and an interesting record involved a Ring Ouzel pecking insect from the back end of a cow at a garden centre in Cardiff! Five Red-billed Chough were again at Locks Common on 11th, a female Ring-necked Duck was a good find at Kenfig Pool and two Great Bitterns were also new in there. The Long-tailed Duck remained at Cardiff Bay, where a male Black Redstart was also present. The 12th saw two Great Bitterns again at Kenfig Pool, where there was no sign of yesterday’s Ring-necked Duck. At Pitton, South Gower a male Hen Harrier, seventeen Common Snipe, twelve Yellowhammer, 34 Stock Dove, three Blackcap and 55 Golden Plover were on some farmland. The 13th was a washed out start to the new week, but better weather on 14th saw three Black-legged Kittiwakes at Porthcawl, while Kenfig Pool held three adult Mediterranean Gulls and four Red-throated Divers were again offshore. Three Red-billed Choughs were still at Locks Common, Porthcawl and a Barn Owl was at Junction 37 of the M4.

1ST - 7TH NOVEMBER

November 1st was bright and chilly, in marked contrast to the rest of the autumn so far. An astonishing count of 25,000 Wood Pigeons were moving down channel from Nash Point in large flocks, making for an amazing spectacle over the channel. A Whooper Swan was at The Watermill, a ringtail Hen Harrier at Mynydd Eglwsyillian and two Dark-bellied Brent Geese at Sker. Three Ring Ouzels were still present at Dare Valley Country Park, while a Merlin and at least 150 Sky Larks were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The Snow Bunting was again at Dunraven. Another cold day on 2nd produced a Hen Harrier at Llanrhidian, a Red Kite at Ogmore Estuary and a Barn Owl at Llanharry. A Whooper Swan and the first three Common Goldeneye of the winter were at Kenfig Pool and a Long-tailed Duck showed very well at Cardiff Bay. Twenty Fieldfares were in Porthcawl, a Green Sandpiper and two Purple Sandpipers were at Ogmore Estuary, fifty Lesser Redpolls were at Mynydd Eglwysillian and a Dartford Warbler was again at Pant Norton, while three Ring Ouzels remained at Dare Country Park. On the 3rd, two Common Scoters, six Common Goldeneye, 309 European Oystercatchers, a Fieldfare, five Blackcaps and a Kingfisher were at Kenfig Pool and six Tree Sparrows were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. Another cold day on the 4th produced three Ruddy Ducks at Kenfig Pool, a pair of Hen Harriers, a Green Sandpiper, a Greenshank, thirty Dark-bellied Brent Geese and at least 150 European Golden Plover at Llanrhidian Marsh. Five Red Kites were at Trebanos Tip, a Wood Lark was at Mewslade and two Jack Snipe and three Willow Tits were at Tir Founder Fields, Cynon Valley. On the 5th, the Long-tailed Duck was again at Cardiff Bay, where there were also two Greater Scaup, while Tyn-y-Caeau Farm produced two Merlins, four Tree Sparrows and good numbers of Yellowhammers and Sky Larks. Three Red-billed Chough were at Ogmore-by-Sea, two Mediterranean Gulls and a Little Egret were on the estuary and a Ring Ouzel was at nearby Pant Norton. A ringtail Hen Harrier was at Llanilid, along with 35 Common Snipe. A Black Redstart was at Aberthaw Power Station and 49 Eurasian Wigeon were on the sea there, along with a Dark-bellied Brent Goose and two Common Scoter. Three Red-billed Chough were in Porthcawl on 6th, a further nine were at Ogmore-by-Sea, where a Black Redstart was also present. An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kenfig Pool, 420 Common Scoter were at Oxwich Bay and two Water Pipits and two Common Sandpipers were at Penclawdd. On the 7th, a Ring Ouzel was at Candleston and a Wood Lark and two Dartford Warblers were at Nant-y-Fyllon, Maesteg, while seven adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Kenfig Pool.

21ST -31ST OCTOBER

A Pallas’s Warbler was an excellent find at Middleton on Gower, along with a Black Redstart on 21st, a Turtle Dove was in Cardiff and a Black-tailed Godwit was at Ogmore Estuary. A Black Redstart was also in Cardiff Bay. The Pallas’s Warbler was still present at Middleton on 22nd and a Barn Owl was at Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff. Two Dartford Warblers were at Pant Norton, Ogmore and a Black-tailed Godwit remained at The Watermill Flood, while seven Ring Ouzels were near Aberdare. A Firecrest was at Mewslade on 24th and a Great Northern Diver flew over Kenfig Pool. A Black Redstart was at Bracelet Bay, Swansea and the Snow Bunting was again at Dunraven along with a Sandwich Tern. A Merlin and Brambling were the highlights at Nash Point. Three Ring Ouzels and a male Hen Harrier were at Craig Walter. The 25th was a total wash out with stair rods of rain and little news other than fifteen Grey Partridges at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. A better day on 26th produced four Red-billed Choughs and a Northern Wheatear at Ogmore-by-Sea and an adult Mediterranean Gull and two Red Knot at Porthcawl. A Brambling was at Dunraven and a female Hen Harrier was a site first at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. Two Peregrines were at Kenfig Pool on 27th and were watched pursuing a large flock of migrating Wood Pigeons, while hunting in tandem. An excellent count of 171 Common Pochard were on the pool and small numbers of overhead migrants included 275 Wood Pigeons, forty Chaffinches, four Siskins, five Redwings and 68 Eurasian Jackdaws. A Ring Ouzel and Brambling were at Nash Point and up to eight Tree Sparrows at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm. The 28th was another wash out with no news at all, but thankfully the 29th dawned bright and clear and visible migration at Kenfig Pool included 670 Wood Pigeons, 375 Redwings, fourteen Siskin, twenty Sky Larks and the first five Lesser Redpolls of the autumn. A Long-tailed Duck was at Cardiff Bay and a further 5500 Wood Pigeons were at Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff. Another very wet day on the 30th produced an adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull at Kenfig Pool. The 31st saw Common Pochard numbers at Kenfig Pool up to 219 and three Gadwall were new in on a very windy day. The Snow Bunting remained at Dunraven, but on the whole October has been rather disappointing this year.

15TH - 21ST OCTOBER

A female Marsh Harrier and a House Martin were at Kenfig Pool on 15th, a male Ring Ouzel was at Caerphilly and two Wood Larks were at Mewslade. Two Ring Ouzels were again at Lliw Reservoir on 16th and another was at Nash Point, where there was also heavy passage of Chaffinches. A Water Rail was in Cardiff Bay and small numbers of Redwings were seen at several sites. On the 17th, a Short-eared Owl was at Cwm Nash and a Snow Bunting and twelve Red-billed Chough were at nearby Dunraven. Two Northern Wheatears and 72 Ringed Plover were at Porthcawl, while overhead migration at Lavernock Point saw 230 Chaffinches, 5o Goldfinches, 55 Linnets, five Siskin, 185 Meadow Pipits and twelve Redwings passing. A Wood Lark at Nash Point on 18th was an excellent record and a Grey Plover was at Ogmore Estuary. Four Ring Ouzels were at Nant-y-Fyllon, Maesteg on 19th, another eight were at Craig Walter and the single remained at Nash Point, where there was also a Woodcock and a Firecrest. The 20th produced a Green Sandpiper, Back-tailed Godwit and sixteen Eurasian Wigeon at The Watermill Flood, the Snow Bunting remained at Dunraven and a ringtail Hen Harrier was at Mynydd Eglwysillian.

WEST CORNWALL

As ever our CORNWALL tour from 14th – 20th October produced some excellent autumn birding, scenery and superb food and service from our base at The Mount Haven Hotel. DAY ONE saw everyone arrive on time and we were soon on our way to the Hayle Estuary complex on an overcast, but mild afternoon. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Spotted Sandpiper that showed very well at Hayle Estuary that was much appreciated by all. The remainder of the afternoon produced a few Little Egrets, Bar-tailed Godwits, large numbers of Eurasian Wigeon, but sadly no sign of the hoped for Least Sandpiper. DAY TWO dawned windy and overcast, but it soon warmed up as the sun burnt off the gloom and we enjoyed some excellent birding. Our first stop was at the famous valley at Porthgwarra and after a bit of anxious wait, we were able to get some good scope views of a Melodious Warbler in a garden. The wind meant that few passerines were showing, but we did get a few Common Chiffchaffs and Goldcrest and a small group of Barn Swallows flew over. A couple of European Sparrowhawk showed very well and a Peregrine and Common Kestrel hunted over the cliffs. A flock of 23 European Golden Plovers were on the moor and good numbers of Northern Gannets were passing offshore. We moved on to Copperhouse Creek and after a brief glimpse on arrival, and a wait while it roosted, our patience was rewarded with stunning views of the Least Sandpiper as it fed alongside a group of Dunlin, then flew close to us and was just thirty metres away as we scoped it. A brief stop at Hayle Estuary brought a few trip ticks with Ringed Plover, Common Teal and a lone Sandwich Tern, as well as more Mediterranean Gulls, Bar-tailed Godwits and Northern Lapwing. Our final stop was at Marazion Marsh, where species such as Moorhen and Little Grebe were added to the trip list. DAY THREE began with a brisk east wind again as we made our way to Lands End. A couple of Reed Buntings and a Northern Wheatear were new, but otherwise it was small groups of European Starlings, Sky Larks and Meadow Pipits passing overhead that grabbed our attention, along with a couple of hunting European Sparrowhawks and Common Kestrels and Northern Gannets offshore. Following being caught in a ferocious hailstorm, we found a cracking Yellow-browed Warbler, which lifted everyone’s spirits as it showed beautifully after we endured a right soaking! Lunch at Sennen Cove produced a flock of Ruddy Turnstone and a large bull Atlantic Grey Seal and a walk at the beautiful Nanquidno Valley saw us add two very showy Red-billed Chough and another Northern Wheatear. The warm afternoon sunshine produced a plethora of Red Admirals, as well as a Small Copper and a Clouded Yellow butterfly, which rounded off another excellent day. DAY FOUR began with torrential downpours and we wisely waited until this weather had passed before venturing out. We added Song Thrush and Redwing to the tour list at Kenidjack before the heavens opened again and we had to spend the next hour or so sheltering. Finally, we were able to walk down the valley, where plenty of common migrants such as Common Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest, Blackbirds, Stonechats, Blackcaps and Chaffinches could be seen. We heard another Yellow-browed Warbler and eventually managed fleeting views as it disappeared into a garden and out of sight. The afternoon was spent in warm sunshine in Cot Valley, but despite our best efforts, we seemed to be in the wrong place every time the newly arrived Barred Warbler showed. We had to make do with more of the common migrants seen earlier, as well as several sightings of Common Buzzards, Kestrels and European Sparrowhawks. Butterflies were much in evidence again with more Clouded Yellows, Painted Ladies and Red Admirals noted and a walk to the bottom of the valley produced a first winter Mediterranean Gull on the sea and a few passing Northern Gannets. Small numbers of Rock Pipits and a single Northern Wheatear completed the picture here. Our final stop was again at Marazion Marsh, this time at the seaward end where a Little Egret showed well and a distant Cetti’s Warbler was heard singing from a sallow. DAY FIVE was again pretty windy and proved a real challenge to find any birds. The valleys were again quiet with just a few common migrants encountered A second winter Mediterranean Gull was on the airfield and a walk at Nanquidno again produced two Red-billed Chough, as well as new trip birds in the form of a Bullfinch and a flock of Long-tailed Tits. Earlier in the day we had seen a brief Hummingbird Hawk Moth and an amazing Death Head’s Hawk Moth that was trapped overnight. News of an immature female Surf Scoter in Penzance reached us and we enjoyed excellent views of this bird close inshore. Also here were three Greater Scaup, two Sandwich Terns, a Razorbill and good numbers of Northern Gannets. Our final stop at Marazion produced more Little Egrets as well as a flock of Ruddy Turnstones and our first Sanderling of the tour. DAY SIX was much better day weather wise despite a very poor forecast and torrential overnight rain. Our first stop was at Drift Reservoir where we soon added the long staying Pink-footed Goose to the trip list, as well as Greylag and Tufted Duck. News of a Bluethroat saw us head to the next intended destination of Porthgwarra a little earlier than anticipated. No sign of that bird, but we did get excellent views of a female type Marsh Harrier and a late Sedge Warbler while we looked, as well as a few Common Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests while we sheltered from a heavy shower. More common migrants were in Kenidjack Valley, but the highlight was a Siberian Chiffchaff found in the lower sallows. Once again, we saw several Red Admirals, and Clouded Yellow butterflies and a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. DAY SEVEN dawned cloudy, but calm, so it was perhaps surprising that we chose to go sea watching! We initially drove to the bottom of Cot Valley with the intention of searching for any missing passerines, but as we noticed streams of passing Northern Gannets and distant auks, we drove instead to Pendeen. Thousands ore Gannets went past along with large numbers of Razorbills, Guillemots and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Careful observation produced eight Common Scoters a Great Skua and five Balearic Shearwaters; all seen well and all new for the trip. By mid morning passage had died off and we were just wondering where to make our last stop when news of a Long-eared Owl at Lands End came through. We drove straight there and had scope views of what was as usual a very skulking bird – a great end to a tour that had produced some superb birds in often testing conditions. As we were driving past, we called in briefly at Drift Reservoir for lunch and a quick view of the Pink-footed Goose, which was sound asleep! Next Year’s tour is run in conjunction with Bird Watching magazine from 13th – 19th October and already has limited availability.

8TH - 14TH OCTOBER

On the 8th two Grey Plover and ten Ringed Plover were new at Kenfig Sands and an adult Mediterranean Gull and Common Sandpiper were at the pool. The first winter Little Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary, the Snow Bunting again on North Gower and four Ring Ouzels and a Merlin were at Cwmparc. Two Common Terns were at Cardiff Bay and two Black Terns remained at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A quiet day on the 9th produced a late Sedge Warbler at Ogmore Estuary as well as a Dartford Warbler and Kenfig Pool had two adult Mediterranean Gulls, a Common Sandpiper, a Common Redshank and a Northern Wheatear. Two Common Terns were still at Cardiff Bay and a Hobby was again at Nash Point. Four adult Mediterranean Gulls were at Port Talbot Harbour on 10th, a Black Tern was at Lamby Lake, Cardiff and three Ring Ouzels were at Hirwaun. The first two Firecrests of the autumn were at Kenfig Pool and finally some overhead migration was noticeable with a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 38 Pied Wagtails, 50 Greenfinches, five Northern Lapwings, three Siskin and six Barn Swallows passing and the bushes held six Blackcaps and eight Goldcrests. A Ring Ouzel was again at Cwmparc and a Ruff was at The Watermill, Ogmore Estuary.Another very wet day on 11th saw one Firecrest still at Kenfig Pool, along with thirteen Northern Lapwings, twenty Barn Swallows, two Water Rails and eight Blackcaps. The 12th produced eleven Eurasian Wigeon and three Northern Pintail at Kenfig Pool and Lavernock Point produced two late Tree Pipits, nine Common Scoter and 370 Barn Swallows. A male Ring Ouzel was at Dare Country Park Aberdare and a Merlin was at Lavernock Point. A Merlin, Marsh Tit and a Ring Ouzel were at Lliw Reservoir on 13th and another Merlin, twenty Tree Sparrows, 100 Linnets and forty Goldfinches were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm feeding station. The 14th produced a Ring Ouzel and 35 Redwings at Dare Country Park and a Merlin at Sker.

SOUTH AFRICA 2008

OUR South Africa tour planned for 2008 has almost filled prior to publication of the dates. There is just one place remaining on this fantastic 11 day trip from 30th October – 10th November 2008; please see TOUR section on the website for further details.

1ST - 7TH OCTOBER

1st October dawned wet and windy but still offered some interesting bird activity. Seven showy male Ring Ouzels and a Black Redstart were at Cwmparc, Rhondda. Three Black-tailed Godwits were at Ogmore Estuary and a Whinchat was still at Kenfig Pool, while Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir had two Common and a Little Tern. More rain on the 2nd produced two Sandwich Terns and two Common Scoter off Ogmore-by-Sea and two Mediterranean Gulls were on the estuary there. Five Black Terns were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and the Little Tern remained from yesterday, as did the two Common Terns in Cardiff Bay. The 3rd produced a Wryneck at Nash Point, Vale of Glamorgan which was seen well on a couple of occasions during the day. A fly through Honey Buzzard was at Kenfig Pool and a flock of 42 European Golden Plovers on the beach at Kenfig Sands. Passerine migrants were still in very short supply, but the first Coal Tit of the autumn arrived and a Common Sandpiper was on the east pool shore. A Little Stint was a Loughor Bridge and the five Black Terns remained at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. A Little Tern was at Rhymney Estuary, Cardiff. There was no sign of the Wryneck at Nash Point on the 4th, but a splendid juvenile Hobby and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were both unexpected there. Nine Grey Partridges were at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm along with up to ten Tree Sparrows. Two Black Terns remained at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and a Bittern was at Kenfig Pool. A very wet day on the 5th produced two Mediterranean Gulls and eight Common Scoters off Porthcawl and just a Common Sandpiper and a Northern Wheatear at Kenfig Pool. Sea watching at Porthcawl on 6th brought a Black Tern, Little Tern, eight Manx Shearwaters and six Common Scoters. A further three Black Terns were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, along with an Arctic Tern. An adult Yellow-legged Gull and a Common Tern were in Cardiff Bay and a Little Gull and five Mediterranean Gulls were was at Ogmore Estuary. The first Redwings of the autumn were a flock of 35 at Lliw Reservoir, Swansea on 7th and the three Black Terns were still at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, along with three Common Sandpipers. The Little Gull was again at Ogmore Estuary and a Merlin, ninety Golden Plover and 32o European Oystercatchers were at Kenfig Sands. A Snow Bunting and fifteen Brent Geese were at Salthouse Point, North Gower.

Our NORFOLK “BUSH BASH” took place from 24th – 30th September and was led for the first time by Ashley Saunders. Despite some difficult weather, the group managed to see some exciting birds, though few passerines were in evidence this year. The highlight was undoubtedly the juvenile Pallid Harrier at Winterton, which showed exceptionally well on our second attempt and we also saw two adult Common Cranes there for good measure. Several Red-throated Divers, Northern Gannets and Arctic Skuas were seen offshore and a couple of adult Mediterranean Gulls and Little Terns were also noted. Shorebirds as ever were spectacular at this time of year with large numbers of Little Stints and Curlew Sandpiper present along with four Spotted Redshanks and big arrivals of Eurasian Golden Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits and Red Knot. Marsh Harriers provided the main raptor interest, but we also had splendid views of a couple of Eurasian Hobbies and Peregrines. The first Pink-footed Geese were beginning to arrive and other wildfowl included Common Scoters, Common Eider, Northern Pintail and Brent Geese, and, as ever, Bearded Tits were very showy and very popular. Other highlights included good numbers of Grey Partridges, Garden Warbler and several Kingfishers.

22ND - 30TH SEPTEMBER

On the 22nd a Wryneck was in Cardiff Bay, where there were also a Green Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail. Three Black Terns were at Hendre Lake, Cardiff and another two were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. Two Little Stints, a Ruff, a Hobby, 100 Black-tailed Godwits and 50 Red Knot were at Goldcliff Pill. The 23rd produced three Curlew Sandpipers and two Little Stints at Loughor Bridge, Gower. Five Black Terns were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, while another two were at Lisvane Reservoir along with a Common Tern and another Black Tern and two Little Stints were at Kenfig Pool. A Common Tern was at Salthouse Point and shorebird counts there included 5000 Oystercatchers and 1000 Curlew and a Hobby and a Willow Tit were at Tir Founder Fields, Aberdare. The 24th produced a cracking Hobby at Kenfig Pool, where the Black Tern and one Little Stint remained, along with a Whinchat, two Yellow Wagtails, a Sedge Warbler, two Whitethroat, nine Blackcaps and two Common Snipe. Three Common Terns were at Cardiff Bay and a further three Black Terns and a Little Ringed Plover were at Lisvane Reservoir. A Dartford Warbler was at Sker Farm on 25th, while the unfortunate Black Tern at Kenfig Pool was taken by a pair of hunting Peregrines. Also present there were a 1000 Barn Swallows, a Spotted Flycatcher, Whinchat, two Wheatears, four Reed Warblers and a Sedge Warbler. Three Black Terns were still at Lisvane Reservoir and a Firecrest was at Lavernock Point. Six Mediterranean Gulls were in Porthcawl and a Red Kite was over Pant Norton, Ogmore Estuary. Three Little Stints were at Loughor Bridge. The 26th produced an Arctic Tern and two late Common Swifts at Kenfig Pool, along with a Whinchat, Sedge Warbler and 38 European Robins. Five Black Terns and a Common Sandpiper were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and an Osprey flew north over Cosmeston Lakes, Vale of Glamorgan. A Hobby and a Firecrest were at Lavernock Point. Three Black and an Arctic Tern were again at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir on 27th, while Sker had a Red Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit, four European Golden Plover, a Whinchat and a European Shag of note. Three Green Sandpipers and two Mediterranean Gulls were at Ogmore Estuary. The 28th brought an Osprey to Talygarn Lake, Vale of Glamorgan and another to Lliw Reservoir, Swansea, while four Green Sandpipers were at The Watermill Flood, Ogmore Estuary. Tyn-y-Caeau Farm feeding station held 100 Sky Larks, fifty Linnets, thirty Yellowhammers and 200 European Starlings and a Black Tern was at Cosmeston Lakes. Heavy rain on 29th meant birding opportunities were limited, but seven Common Snipe and a Dunlin at Kenfig Pool were new in, and forty Barn Swallows and a Sedge Warbler were present. Two Common Terns were at Cardiff Bay. Two Red-billed Chough at Sker House was an unprecedented record on 30th, though unfortunately they soon moved east. A Quail was also flushed from the tiny Sker Pool. At Kenfig Pool, some visible migration was finally noted with 110 Meadow Pipits thirteen Sky Larks, nine Siskins and twenty Chaffinches.

15TH - 22ND SEPTMBER

The 16th produced a Black-tailed Godwit and Black Tern at Lisvane Reservoir, Cardiff and a Little Ringed Plover was there on 17th. The same day also saw an adult Yellow-legged Gull, 735 Common Shelduck, 300 Common Redshank and 24 Northern Pintail at Rhymney Estuary, Cardiff. A Common Redstart, Whinchat, 413 Eurasian Oystercatcher, three Red Knot and 52 Sky Larks were at Sker. The Little Ringed Plover was still at Lisvane Reservoir on 19th, where there were also 24 Little Grebes. On the 20th, ten Curlew Sandpipers and four Mediterranean Gulls arrived at Blackpill at the same time as our group! Other species seen today included five Chough and 24 Sandwich Terns at Rhossilli, ten Northern Gannets, a drake Common Scoter, 100 Barn Swallows and a Willow Warbler at Mewslade and a Whinchat at Llanilid. A South East gale on 21st brought a Black Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Whinchat to Kenfig Pool, a Marsh Harrier to Llangennith, Gower and nine Choughs to Ogmore-by-Sea. On the 22nd a Wryneck was in Cardiff Bay, where there were also a Green Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail. Three Black Terns were at Hendre Lake, Cardiff and another two were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. Two Little Stints, a Ruff, a Hobby, 100 Black-tailed Godwits and 50 Red Knot were at Goldcliff Pill.

DEVON

Our inaugural DEVON tour with myself and Paul Roberts as leaders went extremely well with generally superb weather and an interesting array of birds. DAY ONE was a gentle hour or so introduction at Slapton Ley where a Peregrine plucking a kill, large numbers of migrating Swallows and House Martins, a couple of Cetti’s Warblers, Ruddy Ducks and Clouded Yellow butterflies were the highlights on a fabulously sunny afternoon. DAY TWO was again blessed with glorious weather as birded various sites on the Exe Estuary. A very brief Spotted Crake was the highlight at Dawlish Warren, where a few Wheatears, Whitethroats and a Whinchat were the only passerines of note, though a Great Spotted Woodpecker was a good fly over record. Offshore just a Bar-tailed Godwit and some Sandwich Terns were of note. Bowling Green Marsh produced some excellent wader watching with four Avocets, five Curlew Sandpipers, a Little Stint, six Greenshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, eight Knot and a Grey Plover as well as large flocks of Dunlin and Redshank as well as an early Brent Goose. Finally an adult Mediterranean Gull was at Powderham. DAY THREE was again quiet for migrants with just a Spotted Flycatcher and a few Blackcaps and Common Chiffchaffs of note at Prawle Point. However, we did get exceptionally good views of Cirl Bunting here, as well as an unexpected Whimbrel. Sea watching in rather difficult, misty conditions produced plenty of Northern Gannets, a few Black-legged Kittiwakes, Common Terns, Guillemots and a European Shag. The FINAL DAY saw some good sea watching at Berry Head, where large numbers of Black-legged Kittiwakes and Northern Gannets were offshore and we also enjoyed excellent views of two Arctic Skuas and a lingering Balearic Shearwater. We saw seven more Cirl Buntings, but once again passerine migrants were almost non-existent. We ended the tour with a respectable count of 97 species along with interesting Lepidoptera such as Convulvus Hawk Moth and Pale Clouded Yellow butterfly.

7TH - 14TH SEPTEMBER

The Semi-palmated Sandpiper was again present at Goldcliff on the 8th and a wildfowl influx took place at Kenfig Pool with nine Shelduck, thirteen Common Teal, seven Northern Shoveler, five Ruddy Ducks, 56 Tufted Duck, 54 Common Pochard and a pair of Eurasian Wigeon. Two Dunlin, two Kingfishers and a Common Snipe were also present. The Black-necked Grebe was again at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The 9th at Landimore, North Gower produced a Wood Sandpiper that was pushed up out of a ditch at high tide in the evening. Other species seen of interest included 27 Pintail, 3000 Oystercatchers, 65 Ringed Plover, 400 Dunlin, 380 Curlew, Greenshank, two Green Sandpipers, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 59 Great Black-backed Gulls & three Wheatears. A female Northern Pintail was new in at Kenfig Pool and the Semi-palmated Sandpiper remained at Goldcliff. On the 10th an Osprey was over Pant Norton, Ogmore, while a record count of 357 Sanderling were at Kenfig Sands along with 34 Ringed Plover. At the pool, a Bar-tailed Godwit, six Curlews and two Dunlin were on the east pool shore and a Common Redstart, Sedge Warbler, six Common Whitethroats, eighteen Blackcaps, two Jays and a Little Egret were present. A Great White Egret was present very briefly a Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The 11th brought the first Icterine Warbler for the county for almost fifteen years when a bird was trapped and ringed in Mewslade on South Gower. On the 12th, the only news was of an adult Mediterranean Gull, nine Eurasian Wigeon and a Yellow Wagtail at Kenfig Pool. The 13th was also quiet with two female Pintail at Kenfig Pool, along with an increase of Shoveler to 23 and a Sedge Warbler of note. On the 14th a Grasshopper Warbler was at Blaen-y-cwm, Nash Point and a Green Sandpiper was at Ogmore Estuary. Four Common Snipe, two Wheatears and two Reed Warblers were at Kenfig Pool on a very wet morning.

MOROCCO

Our tour to Morocco 7th - 17th February 2007 is now full, but we can take bookings for 2008 though dates are yet to be announced. With a whole host of interesting birds and cultural aspects to enjoy, this tour is sure to be popular. If you would like further details,or wish to reserve a place, please conatct Neil on 07971 983227.

New Website

Tour Leader Gerard Gorman has a new website, dedicated solely to THE WOODPECKERS OF EUROPE www.woodpeckersofeurope.info and contains a wealth of information on these fascinating birds, along with some great pictures. All of the species included [though not necessarily all at the same time] can be seen on our tours led by Gerard to Hungary, Czech Republic and Romania.

1st - 7th September 2006

September 1st began with another Arctic Skua, sixteen Manx Shearwaters, a Sandwich Tern and two Harbour Porpoise off Porthcawl, along with three Wheatears. The 2nd produced a Black-necked Grebe at Kenfig Pool and a Sandwich and a Black Tern at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The Black and Sandwich Terns were still at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir on 3rd when a Swift, three Shelduck and a Black-necked Grebe were also present. The 4th produced a Spotted Flycatcher at Kenfig and the Black-necked Grebe and Black Tern were again at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. Two Sandwich Terns were in Cardiff Bay and two Yellow Wagtails and 200 Swallows were at Lavernock Point. An Osprey, male Hen Harrier, Barn Owl and Green Sandpiper were at Llanrhidian Marsh in the evening. On the 5th two Ring Ouzels were at Cwmparc in the Rhondda Valley. The 6th produced a couple of Sedge Warblers, four Chiffchaffs and a Little Egret at Kenfig Pool, two Mediterranean Gulls in Porthcawl and a small fall of migrants at Blaen-y-cwm where three Yellow Wagtails, a Whinchat, Common Redstart and three Choughs were present. Two Tree Sparrows and fifteen Yellowhammers were at the feeding station at Tyn-y-Caeau Farm and the Black-necked Grebe and a Little Egret were at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir. The 7th brought late news of a juvenile Semi-palmated Sandpiper at Goldcliff Pools yesterday evening, but there was no sign of the bird today. Also present there were a Little Stint, two Spotted Redshank and two Ruff. Signs of passerine migration at Kenfig despite another north westerly wind included two Grey Wagtails, a Tree Pipit, sixteen Blackcaps, a Wheatear, a Whinchat and two Sedge Warblers. Also present were a record count of 257 Canada Geese, a Peregrine, 71 Sanderling, a Clouded Yellow and a showy Red Fox. At Single Common Redstarts and Yellow Wagtail were at Lavernock Point and Dunraven Walled Gardens and a Whinchat was also present at the latter, while at the former, a Lesser Whitethroat and 1500 Barn Swallows were also noted. A Hummingbird Hawk Moth on a Buddleia in the office garden was a very pleasant distraction to the weeding that I was carrying out at the time!

South Wales Weekly Bird News

This new feature allows you to keep up with what's being seen by Neil or other Celtic Bird Tours leaders on our daily birding excursons in South Wales. Beginning in September 2006, we hope that you enjoy seeing what migrants we are finding and that you will join us for a tour here in the underwatched county of Glamorgan.

FAIR ISLE

Our Fair Isle tour for 2007 is starting to fill up nicely. The revised dates are now 1st - 8th October and it is the intention to travel up from Stansted on the first day in the morning and last day back there in the late afternoon - subject to availability of flights. If you would like to reserve a place, please note that we have a strict January deadline for final balances for this tour. Cost £799.00 per person. £50.00 Single Room Supplement. Deposit £350.00. Maximum group size of six plus leader. For more details visit the web page and see our previous tour reports from this magical island.

UPDATE as of 22/12/2006 - Flight now from Edinburgh to Shetland owing to the cancelling of operations from Stansted by Atlantic Airways. TWO PLACES REMAINING.

South Wales August/September 2006 Tour

Our SOUTH WALES tour from 29th August – 3rd September produced some excellent birding and enjoyable experiences for all concerned. Our first afternoon was spent in the valley at Pant Norton where a good selection of migrant passerines included Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser and Common Whitethroats, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps, as well as a juvenile Yellowhammer begging for food from a male. Three Sparrowhawks and a Stoat rounded off a nice introduction to the tour in warm sunshine. Day Two was spent on North Gower where we excelled ourselves with two Ospreys perched on posts at Wernffrwd, at least two Peregrines, twenty Greenshank, three Spotted Redshanks, 150 Black-tailed Godwits in a wide array of plumages, a couple of Pintail, 35 Common Eider, 2000 Oystercatchers, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher and large numbers of Little Egrets, Eurasian Curlews and Common Shelducks, which all made for a great spectacle. Day Three produced great views of more Little Egrets, Spotted Redshanks, Greenshanks and other waders including Green Sandpiper, Ruff, Common Snipe, Little Ringed and Ringed Plovers, Northern Lapwings, Knot and Dunlin as well as large numbers of Common Teal, Common Shelducks and Northern Shovelers at Goldcliff Reserve on the Gwent Levels. We also found a late Common Swift and a Grey Wagtail and Dipper at Candleston near Bridgend on a windy but humid day. Day Four was windy and sea watching was the most productive aspect of the tour with an Arctic Skua, sixteen Manx Shearwaters, five Common Scoters, a Sandwich Tern and two Harbour Porpoises offshore, along with three Northern Wheatears on the seafront. New waders for the tour at Sker Point were 150 Sanderling and a small count of Ruddy Turnstone, but we also enjoyed excellent views of a hunting Peregrine and a large display of Autumn Ladies Tresses that were pointed out to us by Carole. The highlight of a very windy day five was a Black-necked Grebe at Kenfig Pool, but otherwise, we noted just a Common Sandpiper, a couple of Northern Fulmars, our first Rock Pipits and a few Speckled Wood butterflies – ultimately rewarding after a very difficult day, where the wind was not really conducive to any type of birding at all as it was also from the wrong direction for sea watching! Our final morning began at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, where we soon picked up the Sandwich Tern and quickly after a Common Swift was found. News of a Black-necked Grebe near the entrance reached us and we were rapidly in place to enjoy excellent views of what was almost certainly the same bird as at Kenfig yesterday. After much searching, we picked up the Black Tern that was first found yesterday and we watched this bird for some time as it flew back and forth along the reservoir – a very nice bird indeed. We stopped briefly at the northern end of Kenfig National Nature Reserve where a large flock of Barn Swallows were feeding, but principally we looked at flowers enjoying more Autumn Ladies Tresses, as well as Vipers Bugloss, Common Toadflax and Evening Primrose and butterflies that included Grayling, Small Heath and Meadow Brown. We concluded the tour at Bridgend station where we said our farewells after what had been a very successful and enjoyable few days birding.