EAST GLAMORGAN

HIGHLIGHTS: Kenfig had a Glossy Ibis (19th). Sker had a Sabine’s Gull (10th) and Red-backed Shrike (early in the month). Cardiff Bay held two Caspian Gulls, a Red-necked Grebe (11th), Leach’s Petrel (2nd) and the long-staying Whooper Swan. Lavernock had four Leach’s Petrels and a Black-throated Diver (9th), and two Siberian Chiffchaffs. Two Ring-necked Ducks frequented Lisvane Reservoir. Six Waxwings flew over Maesteg (16th).

A swift species (Common or Pallid) was over Wildmill, Bridgend (1st).

OTHER SITES: Single Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Cardiff Bay, Ogmore Estuary and Sker, where Red-breasted Mergansers and Great Northern Divers were also logged. Another Great Northern Diver was on Llanishen Reservoir (27th). A Red-crested Pochard, three Bitterns and a Great White Egret were at Kenfig. A Merlin was at Sker. A co-ordinated count in the Ely Valley produced 11 Green Sandpipers. Two Common Sandpipers were at both Ogmore Estuary and Lisvane Reservoir.

Fourteen Purple Sandpipers were at Sker. A Great Skua headed from Sker towards Porthcawl. Little Gulls were at Ogmore Estuary (two), Sker (two), Kenfig Pool, Porthcawl and Cardiff Bay. The Cardiff Bay roost held up to 16 Yellow-legged Gulls. Late Arctic Terns were at Gileston (9th) and Kenfig Pool (15th-19th). Two Water Pipits were at Ogmore Estuary.

Black Redstarts were at Penarth (three), Cardiff Bay (two), Porthcawl (two), Coity and Nash Point. Some 10,000 Redwings moved over Lavernock in 90 minutes (1st). Ring Ouzels passed through Dunraven and Maesteg. Firecrests graced Pant Norton, Ogmore (two) and Swanbridge. Hawfinches were at Fforest Fawr, Lavernock and Cosmeston.