Perfect coastal access with excellent viewing opportunities
Strategically situated where the eastern shore of Swansea Bay, having fronted Kenfig Burrows, makes an abrupt turn towards the Ogmore Estuary and beyond, Porthcawl offers some great birding. Alongside the shoreline footpath at one point a sign reminds walkers of the dangers of flying golf balls from the adjacent course. Hardly noticed on the rocky shore at Sker Point is a memorial to the eight men of the Mumbles lifeboat lost here in April 1947 during an attempt to reach the tanker Samtampa whose crew of 38 were also lost.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Check the sandy shore eastwards from Newton Point past Black Rock towards Merthyr Mawr Warren for foraging waders. Oystercatchers, Ringed Plovers, Sanderling and
Dunlin are the most likely, while as always never fail to check the gull flock – Mediterranean Gulls, which now breed in Wales, are likely among the Black-headed Gulls.
2
There can be few more urban seawatch sites than the waterfront at Porthcawl Point. Someone with their scope set up, especially if several observers are present, will always attract attention. Gannets and Manx Shearwaters from the Pembrokeshire islands are regular, with many of the shearwaters in September and early October being young birds. Initially blown off course during strong winds, they are now beginning a rapid migration to winter quarters off Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina; for some a journey which will be repeated for the next 30 years or more.
3
The western shore begins with a further seawatching location, at Hutchwns Point, immediately beyond which is Lock’s Common, attractive to passerines at migration times.
The shoreline, now widening, is much frequented by gulls, including Mediterranean Gulls and waders, while passage terns are always a possibility.
4
At low tide, Rest Bay offers a wider expanse, and immediately beyond is Pink Bay, described as Porthcawl’s hidden gem – the rocks at the head of the beach have a unique pink marbling effect. A Laughing Gull first seen here in early November 2005 remained on the Porthcawl coast for 10 weeks, one of at least 53 reported across Great Britain that year, birds having been whisked across the Atlantic in the wake of Hurricane Wilma.
5 Check Sker Point for Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone and even Snow Bunting, and it’s a must for seawatching; if birds are few the delights of the vast Kenfig Burrows NNR, described as the best birdwatching spot in the county, will soon beckon.
PRACTICAL INFO
POST CODE: CF36 3UP,
This is the code for Rest Bay on the north edge of the town
GRID REF: SS 821 763
MAPS: OS Explorer 151, OS Landranger 170
WHERE TO PARK:
Town car parks or along the seafront if there is space
TERRAIN: Easy walking, mostly wide and level, on a wheelchair accessible footpath towards Sker Point
ACCESS: Open at all times
FACILTIES: Everything and more that a hungry or thirsty birdwatcher needs in the town. Public toilets in John Street car park
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Choose Porthcawl Point or Sker Point for seawatching during strong or immediately following strong south west winds.
TARGET SPECIES AUTUMN ● Common Scoter ● Fulmar
● Manx Shearwater ● Storm Petrel ● Leach’s Petrel ● Gannet ● Cormorant ● Shag ● Oystercatcher ● Ringed Plover ● Sanderling ● Dunlin ● Purple Sandpiper ● Turnstone ● Mediterranean Gull ● Little Gull ● Black-headed Gull ● Sandwich Tern ● Common Tern ● Sky Lark
● Rock Pipit ● White Wagtail ● Stonechat ● Wheatear ● Fieldfare ● Redwing ● Chough ● Raven ● Goldfinch ● Linnet ● Lapland Bunting ● Snow Bunting