BRECONSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Siberian Chiffchaff and two Chiffchaffs were at Brecon STW all month. Waxwings included 13 in Crickhowell (3rd) and 20 at Bellevue, Brecon (4th). A Hen Harrier hunted MOD Epynt (4th). A Bittern flew over Pennorth (5th). Mandarins increased to an exceptional 60 at Dolymynach Reservoir (Elan) mid-month. Llangorse Lake held a Scaup throughout, a Common Scoter (19th) and a Black-tailed Godwit (21st). A shrike ‘larder’ of an impaled vole was at Maesmerddyn, Sennybridge (15th). Eleven Jack Snipe and 85 Snipe were at Trecastle (17th). LLANGORSE LAKE: Maxima included three Great White Egrets, five Little Egrets, 55 Shovelers, 130 Teal, 343 Wigeon, 49 Gadwall, 133 Tufted Ducks, six Pintails, 364 Coots, 290 Herring Gulls, 1,600 Black-headed and 500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A wildbird crop in Llangorse village attracted 60 Yellowhammers, 30 Reed Buntings and 20 Stock Doves. In the final week, Lapwings increased to 118 and Curlews to 15. There were four Shelducks and an Oystercatcher. OTHER SITES: Up to 20 Bramblings were at Priory Groves (Brecon), Buckland and Panteg (Llangynidr) early on. Forty Golden Plovers were on both Mynydd Illtyd and Llandefalle Hill (7th). A Barn Owl was at Bwlch (8th). Three Little Egrets were by the River Llynfi at Glasbury (20th). There were 29 Red Kites at a Sennybridge roost (18th). Goshawks were at several sites. Chaffinches included 250 at Llangynidr and 400 at Felincamlais. There were 110 Pied Wagtails at Dorlangoch (Brecon). Snipe included 50 on Waun Hirwaun. An Oystercatcher returned to Pipton late on. Andrew King with www.brecknockbirds.co.uk