EGBR 2014 - Glamorgan Birds

Transcription

EASTERN GLAMORGAN
BIRD REPORT 2014
No. 53
GLAMORGAN BIRD CLUB
November 2015
Chair
Adrian Murch, 30 Lewis Avenue, Bridgend, CF31 4JJ
chair@glamorganbirds.org.uk
Secretary
Ceri Jones
secretary@glamorganbirds.org.uk
Membership Secretary
Alan Rosney, 10 Parc-y-Nant, Nantgarw, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF15 7TJ
alan.rosney@glamorganbirds.org.uk
Treasurer
Anne Wilson, 122 Westbourne Road, Penarth, VoG, CF64 3HH
treasurer@glamorganbirds.org.uk
East Glamorgan Recorder/Glamorgan Rarities Committee Chair
David Gilmore
d.gilmore2@ntlworld.com
Report Editorial / Production Team
John Wilson, (Editor, Design) – johndw1948@gmail.com
122 Westbourne Road, Penarth, VoG, CF64 3HH.
David Gilmore (East Glamorgan Recorder, data integrity, proof reading)
Richard Smith (colour photo editor)
Species Summary Compilers
Wildfowl – Daniel Jenkins-Jones
Divers, Herons, Grebes, Cormorants, Petrels etc – Rob & Linda Nottage
Raptors – John Wilson
Game birds, Coot, Moorhen, Water Rail – John Wilson
Gulls, Terns & Auks – John Wilson
Waders – John Wilson
Doves to Woodpeckers – John Wilson
Larks, Pipits, Wagtails, Hirundines – John Wilson
Chats, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher – Alan Rosney
Thrushes – Ceri Jones
Warblers – Ceri Jones
Tits, Corvids, Sparrows, Finches & Buntings – John Wilson
i
Text © Glamorgan Bird Club 2014
Line drawings and artwork © 2014 the artists as indicated
Colour photographs © 2014 the photographers as indicated
Published by Glamorgan Bird Club - Registered Charity No. 1129684
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, optical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the written permission of the publishers.
First published – November 2015
Printed in Wales by:
CopyPrint
Treforest Industrial Estate,
Treforest,
Pontypridd, CF37 5UR
Wales
Tel 01443 844502
ISBN: 978-0-9927301-2-3
Front Cover – Tawny Owl in Roath Park – Rob Mitchell
Rear cover - recording area map - Glamorgan Bird Club database - basic design by David Gilmore
ii
INTRODUCTION
This is the fifty-third annual Bird Report since 1962 and the twenty-sixth to be published by the
Glamorgan Bird Club, since its break-away from the Ornithological section of our former parent
organisation, the Cardiff Naturalists Society, in 1988. It has been compiled from records
submitted to the Recorder, and all contributors are warmly thanked for the information they have
provided. Although not every record received is detailed in this report, all are preserved for future
reference. The records which appear in this Report have been accepted by the various rarities
committees where necessary, namely the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), the Welsh
Records Panel (WRP), and the Glamorgan Rarities Committee (GRC). The last named was served in
2014 as follows: D.R.W. Gilmore (East Glamorgan recorder and chair), M. Hipkin (West Glamorgan
recorder), M.C. Powell, B. Stewart, P. Parsons, and N.P. Roberts.
The recording area
The recording area covered by this Report comprises the geographical area of the County
Boroughs of Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Rhondda-Cynon-Taff and Merthyr Tydfil,
together with the western part of Caerphilly. The recording area is known by the Glamorgan Bird
Club as 'Eastern Glamorgan'. It equates to the geographical area covered by the former counties of
Mid- and South Glamorgan, which were abolished in 1996 upon local government re-organisation
in Wales, and falls mainly within Watsonian Vice County 41 (Glamorgan). However it also includes
a small part of VC42 (Brecon), north of Merthyr Tydfil and a small part of VC35 (Monmouth) east
of the river Rhymney in the south. A map of the Eastern Glamorgan recording area appears on the
back cover of this report. The boundary of the Recording Area is shown in red - the dashed red
line in the east denotes the VC41 boundary. Details of bird sightings in 'West Glamorgan', which
also falls within VC41, appear in 'Gower Birds', the publication of the Gower Ornithological
Society. All records of bird sightings in 'West Glamorgan' should be sent to the West Glamorgan
Recorder, Mark Hipkin – markhipkin1@gmail.com. Rarities requiring adjudication should be sent
to the Glamorgan Rarities Committee c/o - d.gilmore2@ntlworld.com - 07779 176766.
Sequence, nomenclature and taxonomy
The sequence, nomenclature, and taxonomy in this report follows the British Birds List of Western
Palearctic Birds, published on the BB website at http://www.britishbirds.co.uk/birdingresources/the-british-birds-list, where there is a link to the latest list in downloadable format.
The Eastern Glamorgan Bird List
As this report goes to print in 2015, the current total number of species recorded in Eastern
Glamorgan is 310. The entire list is provided at the end of this report.
Further reading and references
The most recently published avifaunas covering all or part of the recording area are listed below:
'Birds of Glamorgan' (1995) compiled and published by Clive Hurford and Peter Lansdown,
obtainable from Dr. S. Howe, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff or leading
booksellers. At the time of writing, some are available from Kenfig National Nature Reserve.
'Birds in Wales' (1994) by Roger Lovegrove, Graham Williams, and Iolo Williams and published by
T. and A. D. Poyser.
‘Birds in Wales 1992 - 2000’ (2002) by Jonathan Green and published by the Welsh Ornithological
Society.
The above publications are highly recommended and are essential background references to this
report. The last publication referred to above, updates ‘Birds in Wales’ (1994). Readers are also
referred to 'Welsh Birds', the journal of the Welsh Ornithological Society, published twice yearly
(in June and December). The December issue is primarily devoted to the Welsh Bird Report and the
annual Report on Bird Ringing in Wales.
The following publications are also useful sources of information:
‘Birds of Bridgend’ (2001) by S. J. Moon and N. Donaghy, published by Bridgend County Borough
Council, available from the authors via Kenfig National Nature Reserve, Ton Kenfig, Pyle, Bridgend.
‘The Birds of Cardiff’ (Nov 2006) by David Gilmore, published by Glamorgan Bird Club, available
from John Wilson - Tel: 029 2033 9424, e-mail johndw1948@gmail.com. A downloadable PDF
update is available free on the Glamorgan Bird Club website.
In addition, the Glamorgan Recorders Forum at <http://grcforum.blogspot.com/> has very
relevant information, and the Glamorgan Birds Website (in association with the Gower
Ornithological Society) at <http://www.glamorganbirds.org.uk/records.html> is also pertinent.
iii
Table of Contents
FOREWORD 2014 ........................................................................................................................ 1
A SUMMARY OF THE WEATHER DURING 2014 ....................................................................... 2
SUBMISSION OF RECORDS ....................................................................................................... 6
RECORDS OF SPECIES REQUIRING DESCRIPTIONS ............................................................. 6
WILDFOWL ………………………….. ........................................................................................... 9
GAME BIRDS, DIVERS, SHEARWATERS, PETRELS, GANNET ........................................... 16
CORMORANT, HERONS, EGRETS, GREBES ……………. .................................................... 18
RAPTORS ………………………….. ........................................................................................... 21
WATER RAIL, MOORHEN, COOT ………… ............................................................................ 24
WADERS ……………………………………………………….. ..................................................... 26
SKUAS, AUKS, TERNS, GULLS ……………………….. ........................................................... 32
DOVES, PIGEONS, CUCKOO, OWLS, NIGHTJAR, SWIFT, WOODPECKERS ...................... 38
SHRIKES, CROWS …………………………………….. ............................................................. 42
CRESTS, TITS …………………………….. ................................................................................ 44
LARKS, HIRUNDINES, CETTI'S WARBLER, LONG-TAILED TIT ............................................ 46
WARBLERS …………………………………………………… ...................................................... 48
NUTHATCH, TREECREEPER, WREN, STARLING, DIPPER ................................................... 51
THRUSHES ……………………………………. ........................................................................... 53
FLYCATCHERS, CHATS, DUNNOCK …………………….. ...................................................... 54
HOUSE SPARROW, TREE SPARROW, WAGTAILS, PIPITS .................................................. 56
FINCHES & BUNTINGS …………………………………............................................................. 58
ESCAPES AND BIRDS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN ...................................................................... 62
RECORDS DEEMED NOT PROVEN ......................................................................................... 62
PENDING OR DOCUMENTED RECORDS NOT SUBMITTED.................................................. 62
PHENOLOGY – MIGRANT DATES 2014................................................................................... 63
RINGING REPORTS ................................................................................................................... 64
THE BTO NEST RECORD SCHEME IN GLAMORGAN ............................................................ 70
BTO SURVEY REPORT ............................................................................................................. 74
EAST GLAMORGAN LEPIDOPTERA REPORT 2014............................................................... 77
GAZETEER OF MAIN SITES ..................................................................................................... 78
THE EASTERN GLAMORGAN LIST ......................................................................................... 80
OBITUARIES .............................................................................................................................. 84
CONTRIBUTORS 2014 ............................................................................................................... 87
.
iv
FOREWORD 2014
This year’s Foreword starts on a very sad note with departure of four Glamorgan birders, all of
whom will be sadly missed. Two, Dave Glanville & Ron G. Davies left us in 2014. Dave was teacher
in Cardiff and was a regular on the local birding scene for many years. He moved away to
Pembrokeshire in the 1990s and was active down there until his untimely death. Ron was a local
birder from north Cardiff who used to birdwatch around the lake and Reservoirs, and even when
elderly he got about and always sent his records in for those areas by the first week in January.
Maurice Chown will be known to all, and not only local birders but throughout the British birding
scene. Maurice was a regular in the bird reports since 1972 and was on the local rarities panel for
many years. He was President of the Cardiff Naturalists’ Society Ornithological Section in 1977
and their Secretary from 1979-81. An obituary follows later in the report.
Finally, Steve Moon, probably the best known Glamorgan birder, he was the longest serving
County Recorder, both for Mid, Mid & South and later East Glamorgan. He was the warden at KNNR
and later the County Ecologist for Bridgend Unitary Authority and a very gifted all round
naturalist. He was until very recently the top county lister. His tragic and untimely death brings to
end a very illustrious career, notably here in Glamorgan and for his work in the Welsh
Environmental scene too. A formal obituary follows.
Our sincere condolences go to all their respective families in their loss.
On the Bird Report, again I would like to thank John Wilson for his sterling editorial work in
producing another excellent bird report. Also Richard Smith, photographic editor for the superb
photos and Alan Rosney for the weather report. To the summary writers and to all those who have
contributed to this report with your records and photographs – a big thank you.
Finally, thanks to the GRC committee: Mark Hipkin, Mike Powell, Barry Stewart, Paul Roberts & Paul
Parsons, whose support and excellent birding qualities make up the Glamorgan Rarities
Committee.
The East Glamorgan Atlas was published this year (2014) in electronic format and is available via
the GBC website. This has been a great effort by all those concerned and will be a really useful tool
to all those researching East Glamorgan’s avifauna.
A Brief review of the year: Whooper Swans, a very scarce migrant to East Glamorgan nowadays,
were seen at KNNR. The drake Lesser Scaup was about in its usual haunts. Great White Egrets were
seen at several locations this year. A White Stork flew over Lisvane for one lucky observer. It was a
great year for Black-necked Grebe with many sightings throughout the recording area. Our 2nd
record of Night Heron was seen briefly at Cosmeston in June. A Caspian Gull was a county first &
2nd Welsh record for East Glamorgan (Lawrence Middleton & Andy Burns). The adult Bonaparte’s
Gull reappeared in Cardiff for another year. A Kumlien’s Gull was another good record. A male
Woodchat Shrike was at Gileston. A full list of all our rarities follows in the Systematic List. Well
done to all those finders.
Finally well done to Dean Bolt who is now becomes the leading Glamorgan Lister.
David Gilmore
1
A SUMMARY OF THE WEATHER DURING 2014
This report has been produced to give an overview of the weather that affected our area in 2014.
The bulk of the data comes from three weather stations and is supplemented with data from the
BBC and Met Office web sites.
Weather station details:
Aberdare (Cwmbach)
Kenfig NNR
Nantgarw
SO 028016 - 170 metres above sea level
SS 803813 - 27 metres above sea level
ST 123854 - 50 metres above sea level
UK overview
The most noteworthy meteorological event of 2014, from a national viewpoint, was the flooding
that dominated the headlines during January and February. Given that both November and
December 2013 had been exceptionally wet months, the water table was already very high. The
persistent rain continued into 2014, with both January and February experiencing record-breaking
amounts. This, combined with extreme low pressure, gales and tidal surges, meant many areas
suffered substantial damage during this period, particularly the Somerset levels, West Wales and
the Thames Valley. By contrast, July was a scorcher, with a run of exceptionally warm, sunny days.
January
Summary: an extremely wet month
January 2014 proved to be the wettest experienced in Wales for 40 years. It was however, quite
mild, with few frosts experienced. Aberdare did have sub-zero temperatures on three nights in
mid-month. A succession of weather systems tracking across the Atlantic brought rain and gales
in the first week of the month. Mumbles had SW winds of 66mph on 6th. Flooding was experienced
in many locations, with coastal areas being particularly hard hit. The flooding was exacerbated by
a series of tidal surges. Kenfig received more than double its January average rainfall. Aberdare
had rain on every day of the month. New Year’s Day was the wettest of the year at this site, with a
total of 55mm recorded.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
February
Average
temp oC
5.22
6.4
6.77
n/a
Rainfall
mm
408.35
234.6
312.5
244.2
Rain
days
31
n/a
27
n/a
Summary: Another stormy, unsettled month
The stormy weather of January continued into February. The first half of the month was
dominated by a succession of violent winter storms, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
Temperatures held up, with double figures being achieved on several dates. Once again the main
feature was the rain however. A look at the figures in the table below highlights this aspect.
Nantgarw had rain on every day of the month, whilst Aberdare had only one dry day. Once again,
Kenfig had more double its average rainfall for the month. Ironically the only dry day in Aberdare
(16th) resulted in a ground frost. The Met Office declared the winter of 2014 to be the wettest since
records began in 1910. Gale force winds hit the region on 5th, 6th 8th and 12th. The strongest were
near hurricane force (96mph) in Mumbles on 12th. Dramatic hailstorms were experienced on 27th.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
Average
temp oC
5.43
7.1
7.11
n/a
2
Rainfall
mm
454.95
161.4
280.9
176.1
Rain
days
27
n/a
28
n/a
March
Summary: A real contrast to the previous quarter with high pressure
dominant
Calmer conditions prevailed in March. Temperatures were relatively mild, peaking at 15oC on 16th
in Nantgarw. Ground frosts were experienced on several dates, with a minimum of -2.3 oC in
Aberdare on the night of 24th. After two rainy days at the start of the month, there was a run of 11
dry days thereafter. Winds were generally light, with a run of south-easterlies being experienced.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
April
Average
temp oC
7.48
8.05
8.79
n/a
Rainfall
mm
103.5
61.6
75.95
94.2
Rain
days
15
n/a
n/a
n/a
Summary: A relatively warm month
April was the fifth month in a row with above average temperatures. The start and end of the
month were rather unsettled with a calmer weather in-between. The peak temperature was 18.2oC
in Aberdare on 21st. Winds were generally light although south-easterlies on 2nd brought Sahara
dust to southern Britain. Thunder and hail were experienced on 27th.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
May
Average
temp oC
9.73
11.0
11.32
n/a
Rainfall
mm
120.85
100.0
122.6
77.4
Rain
days
17
n/a
18
n/a
Summary: Warmer than average
May was yet another mild month. Temperatures exceeded 20oC on seven dates, especially in midmonth. The warm weather didn’t mean that it was dry. Several convective storms were
experienced, meaning it was the wettest May since 2007. There were strong south-westerly winds
on 10th and 11th with 63mph recorded in Mumbles. The end of the month saw extremely humid
conditions in South Wales.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
June
Average
temp oC
7.48
13.1
13.3
n/a
Rainfall
mm
103.5
135.6
151.05
120.7
Rain
days
15
n/a
n/a
n/a
Summary: Again above average temperatures
June mirrored the conditions experienced in April, being unsettled early and late with high
pressure dominating in mid-month. Temperatures peaked on 12th and 13th with 24oC being
recorded in both Aberdare and Nantgarw. The wettest day of the month was 4th with 22 mm in
Aberdare and 19.2mm in Nantgarw. Thunder was experienced on three or four dates during the
month.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
Average
temp oC
15.62
16.7
16.87
n/a
3
Rainfall
Mm
69.5
39.8
106.85
79.5
Rain
days
11
n/a
11
n/a
July
Summary: A warm month
July was a warm month with temperatures regularly exceeding 25oC. Indeed max temperatures
only dipped below 20oC twice in Nantgarw. High cirrus clouds were observed on many dates.
Severe convectional storms with associated thunder and high humidity were experienced several
times in mid-month.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
August
Average
temp oC
17.11
18.65
18.89
n/a
Rainfall
Mm
53.85
39.8
61.3
43.3
Rain
days
15
n/a
11
n/a
Summary: Unsettled
It was a typical August with unsettled conditions. Cool conditions were experienced in the last
three weeks of the month. Indeed it proved the coolest August since 1993. St. Athan had the
distinction of being the sunniest place in the UK on 7th, with 13.5 hours of sunshine. Conversely
temperatures dipped as low as 3oC on the night of 21st in Aberdare. The remnants of Hurricane
Bertha passed over the region on 10th, bringing heavy rain and strong winds (46mm in Nantgarw
and 33mm in Aberdare). Thunder was experienced in the afternoon of 14th.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
September
Average
temp oC
14.12
15.65
15.78
n/a
Rainfall
mm
186.15
185.1
231.5
190.7
Rain
days
23
n/a
20
n/a
Summary: Exceptionally dry throughout the month
High pressure dominated the month, bringing dry, settled conditions. Temperatures were not
exceptional. Despite this, it was the warmest September in Wales since 2006. Sunshine hours were
well above the norm. Rain was in short supply with only 5mm recorded in Aberdare in the whole
month. It was the driest September for 50 years.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
October
Average
temp oC
14.38
16.1
15.48
n/a
Rainfall
mm
5.0
14.2
8.6
16.5
Rain
days
6
n/a
4
n/a
Summary: Unsettled
October came as a great contrast to the previous month. After 3rd the weather became particularly
stormy. Temperatures were however, well above average. Southerly winds brought unusually
warm weather on the last day of the month with 18.5oC and 17.3oC at Nantgarw and Aberdare
respectively. There were several severe rain events during the month with 46mm in Aberdare on
6th. There was a run of 19 consecutive rain days in Nantgarw from 5th. The tail end of Hurricane
Gonzalo brought very strong winds on the night of 21st.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
Average
temp oC
11.37
13.25
12.75
n/a
4
Rainfall
mm
242.5
122.6
196.55
144.4
Rain
days
24
n/a
24
n/a
November
Summary: A continuation of the unsettled weather of October
The warm weather of late October spilled over into November. For example, Nantgarw had 15oC on
1st. By contrast ground frosts were experienced on 24th and 25th, brought about by a run of north
or north-easterly winds. Cardiff proved to be the warmest place in the UK on 30th. Rainfall was well
above average with Aberdare recording over 80mm in the first four days of the month. The first
snows of the winter fell in North Wales on 4th. The strongest winds of the month were on 13th,
when Mumbles had 75mph south-westerlies.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
December
Average
temp oC
7.58
9.35
9.46
n/a
Rainfall
mm
272.25
155.8
206.3
181.3
Rain
days
23
n/a
21
n/a
Summary: Mild and drizzly conditions
For most of December weather systems came from a westerly direction, giving mild, wet
conditions. Temperatures were generally above average. Mid-month saw the highest temperatures,
when blustery westerly winds were experienced. Indeed the Severn Bridge was closed for a spell on
18th. Conversely the last week of the month had a run of sub-zero temperatures, bringing hard
ground frosts. The wettest day of the month was 12th with 38mm in Aberdare and 36.5mm in
Nantgarw. Boxing Day saw some snow at low levels. There were further wintry showers on 27th.
Month
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
Average
temp oC
4.88
5.85
7.5
n/a
Rainfall
mm
187.2
109.8
130.2
110.3
Rain
days
21
n/a
13
n/a
Year
summary
Aberdare
Cardiff
Nantgarw
Kenfig
Average
temp oC
10.4
11.76
12.0
n/a
Rainfall
mm
2258.65
1397.3
1884.3
1478.6
Rain
days
232
n/a
n/a
n/a
Yearly summary
* A rain day is classed as one on which 0.2mm or more falls.
Alan Rosney
5
SUBMISSION OF RECORDS
Contributors are reminded that records of sightings should be submitted using either (i) an Excel
spreadsheet specially formatted for import into the main MapMate database, (ii) MapMate itself, or
(iii) record slips. If using the spreadsheet, observers are particularly encouraged to submit them
on a monthly basis as the year progresses. These can be imported directly into the master
database, which makes for easy extraction and sorting of the years’ records when work on the
report starts. The spreadsheet file is downloadable from the Glamorgan Birds website at
http://www.glamorganbirds.com (go to the <Records> page and scroll down to Submission of
Records), or is available from the editor. Better still consider obtaining, installing, and using
MapMate - only £32 from <http://www.mapmate.co.uk>. A significant number of contributors now
do this. Standard record cards or slips can be downloaded from the Glamorgan Birds website and
saved (go to the <Records> page and scroll down), or are available from the Recorder. Please note
that sightings posted on websites or telephoned into bird information lines, will not necessarily
reach the bird report unless supported by a submitted record. If you use record cards or slips, it
would greatly assist in the collation of records, if they were sorted into systematic order before
they are sent in (refer to the latest report for the order). Please also write clearly on your cards if
handwritten. Some observers are able to prepare lists of observations as computer printouts, but
they are requested to consider summarising records in systematic order to avoid long lists of
single sightings of individual species. If you export records from your own database, please try
and export them in Excel format, or at least as a Tab delimited file. Whichever method you use,
please send in your records as soon as possible after the year end - aim for the 31st January. The
most valuable records are breeding records, especially standardised counts over several years, but
maximum counts, early and late dates, and unusual migrants are all needed. Look at any recent
bird report to see the types of records used in the report. The gaps in coverage (especially for
common species), will also be clear. In general, it is more expeditious if records in whatever
format are sent direct to the editor - see page i.
In the case of unusual species (as defined below), records should be submitted to the Recorder
with the required description and/or other supporting details (photos are particularly useful), as
soon as possible, preferably within one calendar month of the sighting. Copies of a standard rare
bird report form are available from the County Recorder, and are also downloadable from the
website (see above). Use of the form is advised when submitting records of unusual species.
Alternatively, the report can be submitted on a sheet of paper, provided all necessary details are
included. Either alternative can be submitted in electronic form. The East Glamorgan Recorder,
David Gilmore, is happy to discuss the submission of records, and can be contacted by e-mail at
d.gilmore2@ntlworld.com or telephone: 07779 176766.
RECORDS OF UNUSUAL SPECIES REQUIRING DESCRIPTIONS
Species requiring further details fall into three categories: rarities, sub-rarities and uncommon
birds. Each of these categories is dealt with below. This list is applicable from 2015.
Rarities: A complete list of national rarities for which details are required for consideration by
the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), is viewable by accessing BBRC website at
http://www.bbrc.org.uk/main-information/species-taxa where there is a link to a downloadable
Excel file. Records concerning nationally rare birds do not come under the jurisdiction of either
the Glamorgan Records Committee or the Welsh Records Panel, and are often sent directly to the
BBRC by the observers. However, it is recommended that a record of a national rarity be
submitted via the Recorder, who will retain a copy of it for the county archive, and forward the
original on the observer's behalf. An observer is normally informed by the Recorder of the
acceptance or otherwise of records concerning a rarity, within six months after the submission of
the record.
Sub-rarities: These are species considered rare in Wales, and come under the jurisdiction of both
the Glamorgan Rarities Committee (GRC) and the Welsh Records Panel (WRP), and are as follows:
Bean Goose, Snow Goose, Brent Goose (of race nigricans 'Black Brant'), American Wigeon,
Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ferruginous Duck, Surf Scoter, Whitebilled Diver, Cory's Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-petrel, Night Heron,
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Purple Heron, White Stork, Black Kite, White-tailed Eagle,
Montagu's Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Spotted Crake,
Corn Crake, Common Crane, Stone Curlew, American Golden Plover, Kentish Plover,
Temminck's Stint, White-rumped Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper,
Red-necked Phalarope, White-winged Black Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Alpine Swift, European
6
Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Penduline Tit, (Greater)
Short-toed Lark, Shore Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Greenish Warbler, Pallas's Leaf Warbler,
Radde's Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Barred Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Icterine Warbler,
Melodious Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Rose-coloured Starling, Common
Nightingale, Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Citrine Wagtail, Richard's Pipit, European
Serin, Common Redpoll, Arctic Redpoll, Parrot Crossbill, Common Rosefinch, Cirl Bunting,
Ortolan Bunting, Little Bunting, and Corn Bunting.
Records concerning such species, together with supporting details, are submitted to the Recorder
and considered by the GRC, before being passed to the WRP.
Uncommon birds: These are species considered scarce locally, and are dealt with solely by the
GRC, and are as follows:
Bewick’s Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Garganey, Velvet
Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Red Grouse, Black Grouse, Black-throated Diver, Sooty Shearwater,
Balearic Shearwater, Leach's Storm-petrel, Eurasian Spoonbill, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian
Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Honey-buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Dotterel, Grey
Phalarope, Wood Sandpiper, Pomarine Skua, Long-tailed Skua, Puffin, Black Guillemot,
Little Auk, Roseate Tern, Sabine's Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Turtle Dove, Longeared Owl, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Great Grey Shrike, Bearded Tit, Wood Lark, Yellow-browed
Warbler, Waxwing, Yellow Wagtail (all races other than flavissima), Water Pipit (all nonestuarine records and records from May to Aug), Rock Pipit (of race littoralis), Twite, Snow
Bunting, Lapland Bunting, plus any species not previously recorded in Eastern Glamorgan.
Records concerning such species, together with supporting details, are submitted to the Recorder
for consideration by the GRC. Supporting details may include a written description and sketches
based on field notes, plus photographs, video, sound recordings, or combinations of these
methods. Records concerning unusual species trapped for the purposes of ringing should be
additionally supported by biometric data. The Recorder will notify observers of sub-rarities and
uncommon birds whose records have been not accepted, as soon as practicable.
Heard only records of the above species (i.e. those requiring descriptions):
Criteria for the acceptance of these by the GRC records panel are set out below:
1. The observer must have good experience of the species concerned, and demonstrate that the
call of the bird claimed was heard clearly.
2. The call must be described in detail, including transcription on paper (length, quality, tone etc.
of call), comparison with other calls heard either at the same, or around the same time or failing
that, qualification as to why it was different to commoner species, and frequency/timing of call(s).
3. The observer should provide an exact account of the record including, for example, how many
times the bird called, and over what period of time it was heard.
Occasionally, further details may be requested at the discretion of the Recorder for more common
species for such occurrences as colour variants, out-of-season sightings, and unusually large
numbers. Also, further details may be requested for other scarce and rare races, such as eastern
Chiffchaff of the race tristis.
As indicated above, it would be appreciated if records of unusual species were sent to the
Recorder as soon after the sighting as possible, to ease the workload that otherwise falls to the
various records committees towards the end of the year. Records not requiring additional details
may, of course, be sent at any time, and it would be quite in order to send a whole year's records
to the Recorder or Editor as soon as the year is over.
st
All records for 2015 should be submitted by 31 January 2016
East Glamorgan Recorder: David Gilmore, T: 07779 176766, E-mail: d.gilmore2@ntlworld.com
7
SPECIES SUMMARIES FOR EASTERN GLAMORGAN 2014
The following abbreviations are used in the summaries:
ad(s)
adult(s)
KNNR
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
CES
Constant Effort Site (ringing)
u/c
up-channel
CBWR
Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve
Llan/Lis
Llanishen/Lisvane
CP
Country Park
(L)NR
(Local) Nature Reserve
d/c
down channel
N., S., E., W.
Points of the compass
Est
Estuary
Pt
Point
fem(s)
female(s)
R.
River
f/o
flew/flying over
Res
Reservoir
imm(s)
immature(s)
RGW
Rumney Great Wharf
juv(s)
juvenile(s)
P
in the tables – bird[s] present but
not counted
Where sufficient data has been submitted, tables of monthly maximum counts are published. A
dashed entry in the tables indicates that no count was received for that month, as opposed to a
zero count. ‘P’ indicates birds present but not counted.
Broad definition of status referred to in the Systematic List
Beneath the English and scientific names of each species, there is a short statement of the status
of the species in the Eastern Glamorgan recording area. This normally summarises the relative
abundance of the species, its seasons of occurrence, and breeding status. A broad explanation of
the definitions used in these statements is presented below.
Common:
widespread and abundant in suitable habitat in the recording area
Locally common:
less numerous/widespread than ‘common’ species and/or confined to
areas of restricted habitat
Uncommon:
occurs annually in small numbers, normally between 5 and 15 records
per annum
Scarce:
normally occurs annually in very small numbers, usually less than 5
records per annum
Rare:
occurs less than annually, but has occurred more than 10 times in the
recording area
Very rare:
occurs less than annually, and has occurred fewer than 10 times in the
recording area
S.42:
Species with this notation in their status sub-heading are those listed
as being of principal importance for conservation of biological
diversity in Wales. These species can be viewed on the Biodiversity
Wales website at < http://www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/Section-42Lists>, where there are links to the relevant documents.
There were a lot more records this year due to the Recorder being able to access records from the
BTO BirdTrack database.
8
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
Alarch Dof
Locally common resident breeder and winter visitor, rare in upland areas
Breeding season
The earliest cygnets were reported on 2nd May and breeding was confirmed at fourteen sites. Four
pairs bred at Roath Park Lake, 3 pairs at Cardiff Bay, 2 pairs at both Kenfig rivermouth and on the
lower R. Ely near Cardiff Bay. Single pairs bred at Caerphilly Castle Moat, Cosmeston, East
Aberthaw Lagoon, Hamadryad Park, Hendre Lake, Kenfig Pool, Llanilid and Parc Tredelerch. Single
pairs with nests on the feeder at Bute East Dock and on the R Taff at Llandaff failed with infertile
eggs.
Monthly max at favoured sites
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Hendre Lake
7
3
3
4
2
2
3
6
8
5
3
Parc Tredelerch
5
5
1
1
2
10
8
6
8
Roath Park Lake
65
67
68
62
88
102 100
89
102
Cardiff Bay
7
44
45
54
4
184 358 334 155
50
39
40
Caerphilly Castle
3
5
5
5
9
9
5
5
6
Cosmeston CP
55
50
60
54
52
34
32
33
46
40
45
46
The Knap, Barry
33
36
28
25
17
24
17
15
19
19
24
28
Ogmore Est
10
9
15
13
8
2
1
9
15
12
Pwll y Waun Pond
3
3
9
8
8
6
6
6
Kenfig Pool
4
2
2
3
10
4
4
5
7
8
7
6
The count of 358 at Cardiff Bay on 25th Jul eclipses the previous highest count of 209, set in 2003
(PMH). The only other double figure counts away from the tabulated sites were 12 at Kenfig on 9th
Jun, max 43 on the R. Ely between Leckwith and Penarth Rd on 11th Oct and max 16 at Penarth
Marina on 12th Jul.
Northern sites
Despite a recent substantial growth in numbers in the south of the recording area, this species
remains scarce farther north. The only records from the north of the M4 corridor were max 2 at
Abercwmboi Lake on both 23rd Oct and 26th Dec, max 2 at Butetown Pond 6th Aug, 2 at Cyfarthfa
Castle Lake - Merthyr between Aug and Oct, max 6 at Llanilid on 16th Mar and 2 at Parc-y-Justice Capel Llaniltern on 7th Sep.
Other notable reports
Occasionally recorded on the sea, there were also 2 records from Flat Holm: 4 on 30th Mar and 3 on
10th Oct. (Reports: 810; Locations: 62).
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
Alarch y Gogledd
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, though formerly a regular winter visitor in small numbers
Two dropped in at Kenfig Pool on 12th Oct (JDW, WM) but were seen off by the resident Mute
Swans, and what were possibly the same birds were seen there on 29th Oct (DGC).
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus
Gŵydd Droed Binc
Very rare winter visitor
There was 1 at the Watermill Flood – Ogmore on 9th Apr (NPR), which was seen again briefly at
Llanilid on 12th (per GRC).
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
Gŵydd Wyllt
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant, though now firmly established as a locally common feral breeder
Breeding season
Three pairs bred at Caerphilly Castle Moat and a number of pairs bred at Roath Park Lake.
Monthly max at main sites
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Caerphilly Castle
9
10
15
22
25
15
12
15
90
50
55
Roath Park Lake
28
35
31
40
23
30
19
46
28
35
Tirfounder Fields
7
5
15
18
10
2
4
2
6
Kenfig Pool
2
3
5
9
2
4
Elsewhere, there were 3 at Llanharan Marsh on 23rd Jan, 2 at Abercwmboi Lake on 2nd Feb, 1 at
Ogmore Est on 22nd Feb, max 3 at Sker Pt on 7th Mar, max 2 at Pwll Waun Cynon in Mar and Apr,
max 2 at Parc Slip NR in Apr, 4 at The Watermill on 10th Apr, 1 at Mountain Ash 28th Apr, max 6 at
Wentloog Levels on 28th May, max 29 at Aberdare Town Park on 6th Dec and max 2 were at Hendre
Lake throughout the year. (Reports: 143; Locations: 16).
9
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
Gŵydd Canada
Locally common feral breeder
Breeding season
The earliest goslings were recorded on 2nd May at Parc Slip NR. Five pairs bred at Caerphilly Castle
Moat but a programme of egg control to reduce the numbers of breeding pairs at this site
continues. Two pairs bred at Duffryn Bach Lake near Clawdd Coch, Kenfig Pool and Parc Slip NR.
Single pairs bred at Cosmeston, Cwm Bargoed, Cwm-y-Bwlch, Bedwas, East Aberthaw Quarry Pool,
Kenfig rivermouth, Penallta Park Pond and Tonteg. Pairs were present in suitable habitat during
the breeding season at a further sixteen sites. Given its success as a species, one would expect
more breeding records and it is highly likely that this aspect is under-recorded
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Hendre Lake
39
51
15
25
37
26
36
33
2
38
Cardiff Bay
2
5
4
2
1
210 110
4
Roath Park Lake
66
42
42
25
87
31
36
51
22
23
Lisvane Res
42
36
16
18
35
52
48
34
Cosmeston CP
43
30
18
8
14
13
12
26
56
100 163 120
Caerphilly Castle
77
96
79
38
70
73
20
49
64
63
130
Parc Cwm Darran
18
11
11
10
13
22
20
Cyfarthfa Castle
17
24
5
28
17
13
Ogmore Est
100
77
50
20
20
51
340 376 100 350
92
Kenfig Pool
116
47
50
12
27
56
58
119 223 108 118 123
The size of the post-breeding flock at Ogmore Est remains very high and numbers at Kenfig Pool
during the same period leapt up this year. This species continues to flourish and can now be seen
in suitable habitat right across the recording area. Other notable counts away from the tabulated
sites were 100 at East Aberthaw rivermouth on 5th Sep, 61 at Rhaslas Pond on 31st Aug, max 60 at
Lavernock Pt on 17th Sep, and 52 at Kenfig rivermouth on 10th Sep. (Reports: 799; Locations: 87).
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
Gŵydd Wyran
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant, a small feral population exists
There was 1, of unknown origin, at Ogmore Est on 2nd Jan and 1 at Sker Pt on 3rd Apr was probably
the same individual which appeared at Ogmore Est and Cosmeston in the company of Canada
Geese from 9th Nov 2013. Only 2 birds, recorded throughout the year, now remain of the freeflying feral population at Roath Park Lake.
BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla
Gŵydd Ddu
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, with records usually involving the dark bellied race. The
pale-bellied race is an uncommon visitor to the recording area.
First winter period
In recent years, the foreshore at Gileston/Aberthaw has become a favoured spot for both races of
this species. There were 10 pale-bellied birds there between 4th and 9th Jan, and 2 dark-bellied and
7 pale-bellied on 30th Mar. At Ogmore Est, a ringed, dark-bellied bird which also carried a GPS
recorder, remained at the site between 23rd and 27th Jan. It had been ringed at Sciermonnikoog,
Holland and spent the previous breeding season on Severnaya Zemlya, Russia and the previous
winter off west coast of France. It was joined on 25th Jan by a pale-bellied bird. The only other
record from this period was 1 pale-bellied bird at Newton Point - Porthcawl on 25th Jan.
Second winter period
First recorded on 2nd Oct when 2 pale-bellied birds were seen feeding at Sker Pt and 3 dark-bellied
birds were at the same site on 11th Oct. At Ogmore Est, a single dark-bellied bird was seen on 1st
Nov and 4 birds, not determined to race, which flew u/c past Kenfig Sands on 18th Nov, were
almost certainly the family party of 2 ad and 2 juv dark-bellied birds which were at Ogmore Est on
the same date, and which remained there until at least 20th Nov. Birds were at Gileston/Aberthaw
foreshore between 17th Nov and the end of the year and numbers fluctuated, with max 10 palebellied on 28th Dec and 2 dark-bellied on three dates between 13th and 28th Dec. Two birds, not
determined to race, which flew S.W. over Pant-yr-Awel on 19th Nov comprised the only inland
record. (Reports: 32; Locations: 7).
10
COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
Hwyaden yr Eithin
Common resident, passage migrant, and winter visitor, breeds in small numbers at coastal estuaries and on
Flat Holm
Breeding season
A poor year in terms of records with only one report of confirmed breeding at Ogmore Est, where
there were 4 juvs on 5th Jul and 1 juv on 23rd Aug. Two or more birds were seen at another nine
sites between May and July, although there was no evidence of breeding at any of these sites.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
RGW
30
40
250
29
35
6
14
60
40
Rhymney Est
65
10
435 130 130
Cardiff Foreshore
61
6
1
3
200
Cardiff Bay
1
2
21
9
2
1
1
5
4
Flat Holm
1
22
41
3
Ogmore Est
10
13
11
30
2
12
6
1
2
1
KNNR *
3
5
6
3
P
* includes Kenfig rivermouth and saltmarsh
Recorded in small numbers in coastal areas from RGW to KNNR. The only double figure count
away from the tabulated sites was 11 at Lavernock Pt on 1st Dec. Numbers appear to have declined
sharply over the last decade between RGW and Cardiff Foreshore and additional observer coverage
around this area would be welcome.
Inland records
The only non-coastal record was a pair seen at Llanilid from 15th to 19th Apr. This was the first
record of this species at this site (NPR). (Reports: 161; Locations: 15).
EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope
Chwiwell
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant, occasionally recorded in large numbers in hard winters
Cardiff Bay
Rhaslas Pond
Gileston/Aberthaw
Kenfig Pool
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
23
-
21
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
4
11
14
45
3
28
29
1
46
-
First winter period
In Jan, there were 27 at Parc Slip on 16th, 1 at The Wilderness Pond - Porthcawl on 19th, 21 at RGW
on 21st and 5 at Cosmeston on 28th. There were 10 at East Aberthaw Quarry Pool on 16th Feb. A
record of ‘present’ at Kenfig rivermouth on 25th Mar was the latest record of this period.
Similarly, records of ‘present’ at Kenfig rivermouth on 23rd Jul and 30th Aug were the earliest
records from this period. The max count at this site throughout the year was 48 on 23rd Sep. Other
counts during this period from all other sites were 1 at Glamorgan Heritage Coast north of Cwm
Nash on 21st Sep, max 4 at Llanishen Res on 3rd Oct, max 16 at The Watermill on 9th Oct, 1 at Parc
Slip NR on 10th Oct, 1 at Thompson's Park - Cardiff on 11th Oct, max 6 at East Aberthaw Lagoon on
26th Oct, max 20 at RGW on 30th Oct, max 3 at Cosmeston on 18th Nov and 1 at Pitcot Pond on 7th
Dec. Other than Rhaslas Pond, 2 at Tirfounder Fields on 19th Sep and max 6 at Llanilid on 23rd Sep
were the only records from north of the M4 corridor. (Reports: 102; Locations: 19).
GADWALL Anas strepera
Hwyaden Lwyd
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant
Breeding season
This species is largely absent in the recording area between the months of May and Aug and its
only breeding record here comes from Kenfig in 1969. Its presence this year at Kenfig rivermouth
throughout the year is therefore notable, although there was no evidence of a breeding attempt
there.
Cosmeston
Ogmore Estuary
Kenfig Pool
Kenfig rivermouth
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
17
8
11
2
15
5
5
P
15
7
1
3
2
4
2
5
2
3
P
P
3
11
11
6
7
3
4
11
3
2
7
8
9
11
First winter period
During the WeBS counts on 19th Jan there were 5 at East Aberthaw Quarry Pool, 2 at Hensol Lake
and 1 at Pitcot Pond, St Brides Major. Hensol Lake had 5 on 16th Feb and there were 2 at Cardiff
Bay on 27th Apr. Away from Kenfig rivermouth, 2 at Cosmeston on 6th May was the latest record
from this period.
Again, away from Kenfig rivermouth, the earliest records were 2 at Kenfig Pool and 5 at The
Watermill, both on 6th Sep. A male was at Llanishen Res on 16th Sep. There were 2 at Pwll Waun
Cynon, 10 at Talygarn and 2 at The Wilderness Pond - Porthcawl during the October WeBS counts.
The only record from Nov was 3 at Rhymney Est on 12th. In Dec, there were 3 at Pitcot Pond on 7th,
3 at Rhymney Est on 8th, 1 at Michaelston-le-Pit Salmon Leaps on 11th and 4 at Hensol Lake on 12th.
(Reports: 171; Locations: 16).
EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca
Corhwyaden
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, rare breeder
Hendre Lake
RGW
Llanishen Res
Cardiff Bay
Cosmeston CP
E Aberthaw Quarry
Talygarn
Tirfounder Fields
Watermill Flood
Ogmore Est
Parc Slip NR
Kenfig Pool
Kenfig rivermouth
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
8
4
35
20
4
70
9
14
15
42
39
11
50
7
3
33
18
12
50
6
12
22
68
42
-
25
14
6
9
7
9
34
44
19
7
31
41
2
3
1
12
20
2
2
-
9
3
1
2
3
19
24
5
5
13
3
1
3
18
7
67
6
10
36
4
18
5
12
10
34
8
7
25
24
7
3
13
19
10
44
24
35
6
22
23
41
24
25
19
33
6
36
61
16
60
First winter period
Recorded in Jan and Feb on the R. Rhymney at Lamby Way Bridge, max 30 on 20th Feb. Present at
Talygarn between Jan and Mar, max 9 on 19th Jan. The remaining counts from this period all came
from north of the M4 corridor with 3 at Ffos-y-Fran Pond and 2 over Pant-yr-Awel on 6th Feb, 10 at
Pwll Waun Cynon on 15th Mar and 4 at Llanilid on 11th Mar.
Late summer/second winter period
Away from the tabulated sites, the first autumn/second winter record concerned 3 at Llanilid on
18th Aug, which remained there until at least 14th Sep. Also in Aug 2 flew over Sker Pt on 28th. At
Rhymney Est, 11 on 13th Oct and 20 on 12th Nov were the only records of the year. In Oct, 2 flew
over Pant-yr-Awel on 15th and 7 were on the R. Ely at Leckwith on 26th. In Nov, 1 was Rhaslas Pond
on 7th and a pair were on Bogey Road Pond - Merthyr on 30th. The max counts at the following sites
were: 5 at Roath Park Lake on 18th Sep; 25 at Pwll Waun Cynon and 33 at Talygarn on 7th Dec, and 3
at Gileston/Aberthaw on 28th Dec. (Reports: 394; Locations: 26).
GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas crecca carolinensis
Corhwyaden Asgell Werdd
Very rare visitor
A drake at Kenfig saltmarsh from 25th Mar to 8th Apr was only the second record for recording
area, the first being in 1981 (DCC et al).
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
Hwyaden Wyllt
Common resident breeder whose population is augmented by local hand-reared releases
The number of records received was double the previous highest figure, which was set in 2013.
The number of locations recorded is also the highest ever.
Breeding season
Despite such a large increase in the number of records and sites, breeding remains underrecorded and was only confirmed at twenty sites. The earliest ducklings were recorded at Llanilid
on 4th Apr.
Hendre Lake
Parc Tredelerch
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
29
21
10
9
16
15
11
7
P
4
17
-
20
-
P
35
25
-
32
41
25
22
6
10
12
J
F
M
Cardiff Bay
28
47
45
Roath Park Lake
126
86
47
Lisvane Res
23
12
12
Llanishen Res
40
22
13
Cosmeston CP
110
97
42
Forest Farm /
87
47
61
Glamorgan Canal
Caerphilly Castle
43
57
68
Parc Taf Bargoed
56
47
38
Cyfarthfa Castle
57
15
Clydach Vale CP
62
16
25
Tirfounder Fields
50
21
19
Michaelston-le-pit
16
15
6
The Knap, Barry
17
20
10
Talygarn
18
12
14
Parc Cwm Darren
53
47
31
East Aberthaw Quarry 20
16
4
Bryngarw CP
65
71
57
Ogmore Est
30
32
10
Pwll-y-Waun Pond,
28
13
Porthcawl
Wilderness Pond,
19
33
23
Porthcawl
Kenfig Pool
173 168
8
Kenfig Saltmarsh
73
P
1
The count of 205 at Cardiff Bay on 25th Jul
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
35
28
24
32
8
40
P
77
77
P
72
32
205
P
76
39
149
147
10
121
28
63
153
12
126
38
75
155
8
35
154
95
56
110
9
12
164
121
35
131
14
12
168
116
26
30
30
16
14
8
8
29
5
30
27
-
55
P
33
8
6
26
20
16
25
1
10
34
42
15
46
25
9
9
18
38
16
36
4
19
60
20
11
34
10
46
32
55
5
13
68
88
43
50
22
8
26
52
16
68
12
14
52
33
47
11
33
14
53
75
3
-
75
36
25
25
28
23
39
16
41
2
80
11
11
109
72
33
20
24
34
18
49
28
77
36
17
99
58
55
30
36
30
43
41
80
34
27
-
19
48
66
34
-
26
40
20
28
62
52
P
24
40
23
32
2
104
22
27
P
P
88
52
13
was the highest count of the year.
Other notable counts
Notable counts at sites other than those tabulated above were: max 60 on the R. Thaw at Aberthaw
on 5th Sep; 66 on the R. Ely at Leckwith on 11th Oct; 55 on the R. Taff between Blackweir and
Butetown on 12th Oct; max 50 at Rhymney Est on 12th Nov; 45 at Aberdare Town Park on 6th Dec,
and max 43 at Dare Valley CP on 26th Dec. There were two records from Flat Holm, both in Mar,
max 5 on 30th. (Reports: 1601; Locations: 181).
PINTAIL Anas acuta
Hwyaden Lostfain
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant, the main wintering population being confined to the
Rhymney Est
Numbers of reports and magnitude of counts have been declining since 2008 with counts only
reaching low double figures, so the count of 230 at RGW on 30th Dec is a welcome increase,
although it remains to be seen whether this marks the start of an upward trend.
RGW
Rhymney Est /
Cardiff foreshore
Kenfig Pool
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
2
-
21
-
73
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
3
80
120
230
125
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
1
1
First winter period
The only other reports concerned 2 at Cosmeston on 31st Jan and a drake which flew over the
observer’s garden in Pant-yr-Awel on 14th Feb.
Autumn/second winter period
There were three records from Kenfig rivermouth during this period, max 6 on 12th Sep. The only
other record was 6 at Rhaslas Pond on 12th Sep. (Reports: 43; Locations: 8).
GARGANEY Anas querquedula
Hwyaden Addfain
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant, very rare breeder
It was a very good spring for this species. A male was at Kenfig saltmarsh from 2nd to 8th Apr
(DGC). This was followed by a remarkable 7 on R. Ogmore on 16th Apr, comprising 5 males and 2
females (NPR), the second highest count for the recording area. The highest was the 9 at Llan/Lis
Res on 5th Mar 1969. There was a pair at Kenfig saltmarsh on 27th Apr (KL) and a male there on 28th
& 30th Apr (DCC), and finally a pair was at Cosmeston Lakes CP on 2nd May (JDW).
13
Late accepted 2013 record
There were 2 at CBWR from 22nd to 29th Aug (AGS).
SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Hwyaden Lydanbig
RGW
Rhymney Est
Llanishen Res
Roath Park Lake
Cardiff Bay
Cosmeston CP
Kenfig Pool
Kenfig rivermouth
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
2
2
-
-
2
2
1
2
2
3
1
2
-
6
1
P
1
2
5
18
4
5
4
P
26
6
1
5
2
P
30
30
16
4
1
2
1
4
First winter period
There were 3 at Pitcot Pond - St Brides Major on 2nd Jan and 2 there on 19th, and 5 at The
Wilderness Pond - Porthcawl on both 19th Jan and 16th Feb. The only count from Lisvane Res was 4
on 11th Feb. In Apr, 2 were at The Watermill and 3 flew over Pant-yr Awel on 2nd, and a drake was at
East Aberthaw Quarry Pool on 20th.
At Lisvane Res there were 10 on 26th Nov and 6 on 31st Dec, 1 was at Pwll-y-Waun Pond - Porthcawl
on 7th Dec and 1 was at Michaelston-le-Pit Salmon Leaps on 12th Dec. These were the only records
in this period away from the tabulated sites. (Reports: 154; Locations: 16).
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
Hwyaden Gribgoch
Self-sustaining feral populations exist elsewhere
A female of unknown origin was on Kenfig Pool between 24th Apr and 10th May (many observers).
COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina
Hwyaden Bengoch
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, occasionally summers in small numbers and rarely breeds
An exceptionally poor year in terms of overall numbers, reflecting a decline in the wintering
population across most of the UK. This national decline, coupled with no cold weather movements
to boost numbers, meant that this was the first year since before World War II where there were
no ‘three figure counts’. The large wintering population at Rhymney Est, which numbered 1,000 in
1987, appears to have completely disappeared, as have the former three figure counts at
Cosmeston Lakes.
Monthly max at main sites:
Roath Park Lake
Lisvane Res
Llanishen Res
Cosmeston CP
Wilderness Pond
Kenfig Pool
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
6
38
3
4
13
6
39
1
36
4
-
1
13
3
18
-
2
5
-
-
P
-
15
-
P
1
-
12
5
7
1
17
7
8
2
-
7
28
10
31
4
24
First winter period
At East Aberthaw Quarry there were 4 on 19th Jan and a single drake on 16th Mar. Pwll-y-Waun Pond
had 1 on 19th Jan and 2 on 16th Feb. In the north of the recording area, single birds were at Rhaslas
Pond on 19th Jan and at Butetown Pond on 28th Jan.
Singles were recorded at Cardiff Bay on 21st Sep and 8th and 30th Oct. There was 1 present at Dare
Valley CP on 22nd Sep, 3 at Rhaslas Pond on 7th Nov and 2 at East Aberthaw Quarry Pool on 7th Dec.
(Reports: 201; Locations: 12).
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
Hwyaden Gopog
Rare resident breeder, but common winter visitor and passage migrant, large post-breeding moult-flocks
noted on certain inland waters in late summer
Breeding season
Breeding was proven at East Aberthaw Lagoon, Cardiff Bay, Parc Slip NR and Michaelston-le-Pit
Salmon Leaps. Pairs were present in suitable habitat during the breeding season at Kenfig
14
Saltmarsh, Cosmeston CP and East Aberthaw Quarry Pool. Counts of 2+ birds occurred at a further
six sites during this period, where the sex of the birds present was not noted.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Parc Tredelerch
12
13
6
2
12
9
4
Lisvane Res
99
75
62
14
P
50
60
43
21
106
Llanishen Res
2
14
10
7
27
37
51
Roath Park Lake
107 114
43
5
4
P
3
29
137
Bute East Dock
56
43
36
11
22
37
51
Cardiff Bay
195 145
87
70
4
17
30
27
95
190 105 155
Cosmeston CP
220 227 118
10
2
4
5
11
43
80
120 159
The Knap, Barry
32
32
11
5
6
12
10
7
Rhaslas Pond
16
8
9
12
30
28
Hensol Lake
8
5
11
13
2
1
22
3
E. Aberthaw Lagoon
2
5
15
14
4
1
E. Aberthaw Quarry
4
8
8
6
3
11
24
6
7
14
14
Kenfig Pool
32
5
6
2
5
4
4
24
The late summer counts at Lisvane Res, which traditionally reach three figures, were
disappointingly low this year. The only double figure count away from the sites above was max 13
at Michaelston-le-Pit Salmon Leaps on 18th May. (Reports: 680; Locations: 34).
GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila
Hwyaden Benddu
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant
In the space of the last five years, this species has gone from being a regular, if uncommon, visitor
to being a local scarcity. No records were received from the first winter period and only five
reports were received from two locations in the second winter period: 1 at Lisvane Res on 3rd Sep
and a female was at Kenfig Pool on 27th Oct.
LESSER SCAUP Aythya affinis
Hwyaden Benddu Leiaf
Very rare visitor
First winter period and spring
The returning drake was reported at Cardiff Bay/CBWR from 1st to 25th Jan, from where it moved
to Cosmeston CP from 26th Jan to 16th Feb – the last date it was recorded in the first winter period
(many observers).
Autumn and second winter period
The same bird returned for the second winter period and was first recorded on 4th Sep at Cardiff
Bay (AGS), where it remained until the year’s end (many observers). (Reports: 132; Locations: 2).
COMMON EIDER Somateria mollissima
Hwyaden Fwythblu
Scarce winter visitor
An imm drake at Sker Pt from 22nd to 30th Nov was the only record of the year (GR et al).
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis
Hwyaden Gynffon-hir
A fem/imm found at The Knap - Barry on 4th Feb (RJN, LEN) was seen regularly until 28th Feb, and
was reported again on 26th Mar. A fem, first found at East Aberthaw Quarry Pool on 16th Feb (RJN,
LEN), remained there until at least 18th May.
A drake, which was recorded at Llanishen Res from 7th Nov to 27th Dec (DRWG, RJT et al), was
occasionally seen at nearby Lisvane Res during its stay. A 1st winter drake at Roath Park Lake on 7th
Dec (AGS, DCP), was the first there since 1905, the latter being the first confirmed record for
VC41.
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra
Môr-hwyaden Ddu
Locally common all year in upper Bristol Channel and passage migrant at coastal sites especially in winter,
rare inland, S.42
Porthcawl
Sker Pt
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
-
1
1
-
11
1
P
-
6
-
22
12
1
1
-
6
2
2
11
15
Elsewhere, reported as present from Kenfig rivermouth in Jan, Jun and 5 there on 13th Oct. There
were 2 on Lisvane Res on 6th Mar and a fem was on Kenfig Pool on 10th Nov. (Reports: 26;
Locations: 5).
VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca
Môr-hwyaden y Gogledd
Scarce visitor, usually in the west of the recording area
There was 1 seen by the observer during a cetacean survey offshore at Porthcawl on 3rd Nov (SER).
COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
Hwyaden Lygad-aur
Monthly max at main sites:
Rhaslas Pond
Ogmore Est
Kenfig Pool
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
10
38
6
9
38
15
30
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
9
4
16
-
First winter period
Away from the tabulated sites, there was 1 at the Wilderness Pond - Porthcawl on 19th Jan, a pair at
Pontsticill Res on 24th Jan, and 2 at Fochriw Res on 1st Mar. The last record from this period
concerned 4 on Kenfig Pool on 30th Mar.
The earliest record from this period concerned 1 at Llanishen Res on 1st Nov, which remained at
the site until at least 10th Dec, and was and the only one away from the tabulated sites. (Reports:
99; Locations: 7).
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
Hwyaden Frongoch
One flying over Kenfig Pool on 26th Aug, was the only record of the year (ND).
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser
Hwyaden Ddanheddog
Locally common winter visitor, occasionally more numerous in hard weather
Breeding season
Although birds were once again recorded in every month throughout the year, there were no
confirmed breeding reports for the second year in a row.
Monthly max at favoured sites:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
Rhaslas Pond
6
5
3
8
R. Taff:
2
1
6
5
4
4
4
6
3
3
Gabalfa to Bute
Park
Ogmore Est
3
5
3
7
1
9
Recorded in small numbers throughout the recording area in suitable habitat – on bodies of
water and on the rivers Ely, Ogmore, Taff, Taf Fechan, Rhondda and Rhymney.
D
7
1
3
still
Notable counts
The highest count of the year was 10 at Abercwmboi Lake on 8th Feb. There were 9 at Candleston
on 17th Apr and 7 at both Parc Slip NR on 11th Oct and at Parc Cwm Darran on 6th Dec. (Reports:
254; Locations: 52).
COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix
Sofliar
Rare summer visitor, has bred
There was 1 calling in a field near Sker Farm on 9th Jul (DGC et al). One was found and
photographed in a garden in Grangetown - Cardiff on 18th Jul (via Twitter). In view of the location,
the possibility of an escaped bird cannot be ruled out, although wild birds have been known to
turn up in unusual places.
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa
Petrisen Goesgoch
Scarce resident and probably breeds, with populations occasionally augmented by releases from shooting
clubs
There were just two reports, both from the Rudry area where there are known shoots – present (no
count) on 15th May and 1 on 5th Jun.
16
RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus
Grugiar
Scarce resident, possibly breeds in very small numbers in the highlands in the extreme north of the
recording area
Just one report – there were 3 at an upland site on 21st Sep (MB).
GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix
Petrisen
Locally common, but declining, resident breeder, S.42
There was 1 at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm on 13th Apr (ND), and 6 at New Mill Farm – Cwm Nash on 5th Sep
(NPR).
COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Ffesant
Locally common resident breeder, with numbers frequently augmented by releases from shooting clubs
Breeding season
There was only one confirmed breeding report, of an adult with 9 chicks near Rudry village on 5th
Jun. There were widespread reports of small numbers in May and Jun from as far north as
Butetown Pond, down to the coast. The only other high count during this period comprised 14 at
Creigiau on 5th Jun.
Other reports
There were 26 at Corntown on 20th Sep and 16 there on 4th Oct. Other than these, reports related
to, in the main, 1 or 2 birds at widely spread locations. (Reports: 129; Locations: 75)
RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata
Trochydd Gyddfgoch
Generally uncommon but regular winter visitor, chiefly to coastal waters
First winter period
Singles were noted at Kenfig rivermouth on 9th and 14th Jan, and u/c off Sker Pt on 16th Jan.
All records were from Sker Pt in Dec: 1 on 1st was followed on 4th by 13 (a flock of 7 flying u/c, the
rest in ones and twos), then 6 on 5th and 3 on 9th. (Reports: 7; Locations: 2)
BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica
Trochydd Gyddfddu
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant
There was 1 at Barry Docks on 7th & 8th Feb, with 2 there from 13th to 15th (DRWG, MCP). Cosmeston
Lakes CP hosted a single bird from 7th to 23rd Mar (LM, ABu).
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer
Trochydd Mawr
First winter period
The bird present at Llwyn-on Res at the end of Dec 2013 remained until 8th Jan, and what was
probably the same individual, was there from 4th to 8th Feb. One on Kenfig Pool on 4th Feb was
heard calling before flying off SE.
Spring passage
Two were seen from Porthcawl seafront on 10th May, one in breeding plumage flying d/c, and a
single was there on 12th May.
After a report from Kenfig rivermouth on 13th Oct, one arrived at Kenfig Pool on 7th Nov after
overnight gales and was present the next day, and 2 were on the sea off Sker Pt on 30th Nov. Up to
2 were reported at Llwyn-on Res from 14th Nov to 15th Dec. (Reports: 56; Locations: 6)
FULMAR Fulmaris glacialis
Aderyn-Drycin y Graig
Locally common throughout the year, except in mid-winter. Breeds on suitable cliffs between Southerndown
and Llantwit Major
Breeding season
Cwm Nash cliffs were the only proved breeding site with max 15 birds on 20th Jun and 6 juvs on
16th Aug. Prospecting birds visited in all earlier months of the year max 22 on 22nd Feb and 19 on
15th Mar. There was a report of 4 at Cwm Col-huw cliffs, a former breeding site, on 11th Apr.
Other reports
Movement was reported offshore at various coastal points between Lavernock and Kenfig
rivermouth in all months except Sep and Oct. The most notable passage was during a period of
strong NW winds 7th-11th May with 6 off Lavernock Pt on 7th and max 50 off Irongate Pt Porthcawl
on 10th. One seen from near Cardiff County Hall on 25th May was unusual. Three casualties were
noted during a beached bird survey along Kenfig beach on 5th Mar and 1 at Sker Pt on 29th Aug was
unable to fly. (Reports: 53; Locations: 14)
17
MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus
Aderyn-Drycin Manau
Common summer visitor offshore, chiefly May to October, occasionally seen in large numbers following
westerly storms
Spring, summer and autumn passage
Apart from 13 u/c past Sully Bay on 5th Jul, all reports were from the Porthcawl/Kenfig coast. The
first records were in May during strong NW winds with 55 d/c on 7th and 100 d/c on 10th off
Porthcawl seafront. Other notable counts were 160 seen from Sker Pt on 27th Jun, 300 u/c off Sker
Pt on 17th Jul and 51 off Porthcawl on 10th Aug. The final report of the year was 1 seen from
Irongate Pt - Porthcawl on 9th Oct. (Reports: 20; Locations: 4)
Late records for 2013
There were 20 past Porthcawl on 10th May, and 115 there on 22nd Jun.
EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus
Pedryn Drycin
Uncommon summer visitor off coast, chiefly recorded following westerly storms
All records refer to the period of strong NW winds from 7th to 11th May. Max noted off Porthcawl
were 2 on 7th, 4 on 9th, 25 on 10th and 36 on 11th. Also on 11th 3 were seen off Lavernock and 10 off
Sker Pt. (Reports: 30; Locations: 3)
Late record for 2013
There were 8 past Porthcawl on 22nd Jun, the highest count of the year (AGS).
NORTHERN GANNET Morus bassanus
Hugan
Locally common visitor throughout the year off the coast though scarce in winter
The earliest report was an adult u/c off Sker Pt on 17th Apr. The strong NW winds from 7th to 11th
May provided a flurry of records including 5 from Cardiff Heliport, 3 off Lavernock Pt and 5 d/c
Porthcawl on 7th. Up to 3 off Porthcawl on 9th and 10th were followed by 2 from Lavernock Pt on
11th. Sporadic reports in Jun, Jul and Aug included monthly max of 10 on 22nd Jun, 7 on 5th Jul and
8 on 10th Aug, all from Porthcawl. Finally, in Oct, 1 was seen from Flat Holm on 12th, and at
Porthcawl there were 20 on 9th with the last one seen on 19th. (Reports: 30; Locations: 6)
There were 10 off Porthcawl on 22nd Jun.
GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Mulfran
Common non-breeding resident at all coastal sites and inland lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Monthly max at favoured sites:
Flat Holm
Cardiff Bay
Lisvane Res
Roath Park Lake
Cosmeston CP
Barry Docks
Llwyn-on Res
Ogmore Est
Kenfig Pool
J
12
11
3
18
2
12
8
4
2
F
53
2
12
4
15
19
2
4
M
5
47
1
1
3
10
5
3
A
35
3
2
5
1
1
M
2
4
2
1
6
J
22
5
1
2
-
J
7
56
5
3
1
A
69
1
10
15
8
8
11
S
9
74
2
1
3
1
8
7
O
2
77
6
8
4
10
12
7
3
N
71
5
6
4
11
5
12
5
D
67
37
11
5
8
7
9
8
Highest counts elsewhere
The only other double-figure counts were 10 at Lavernock/Penarth on 6th May, 14 at Atlantic Wharf
- Cardiff on 8th Oct and 13 there on 11th Nov, 11 at Maesteg on 15th Oct, and 14 at Rhaslas Pond on
30th Nov. Single-figure counts from a spread of northern sites included max 6 at Abercwmboi Lake
on 2nd and 8th Feb, 4 at Butetown Pond on 11th Feb, 2 at Penderyn Res on 23rd Oct and 4 at Parc Taf
Bargoed on 9th Nov. At Caerphilly Castle Moat 4 on 16th Feb was the most seen by the observer at
this site. (Reports: 887; Locations: 82)
SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Mulfran Werdd
Uncommon non-breeding resident, chiefly seen in winter, spring and autumn, rare east of Aberthaw, and
inland.
Up to 2 were present around Ogmore-by-Sea between 5th and 30th Jan. Presence was noted in
Cardiff Bay on 14th Jan and 29th Apr. At Sker Pt, singles on 18th Mar and 22nd Apr, were followed by
2 on 14th May. One was reported there again on 18th and 19th Sep with 2 on 9th Dec. The only other
records were of singles at Kenfig rivermouth on 11th Nov and Ogmore-by-Sea on 15th Dec. (Reports:
16; Locations: 4)
18
EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris
Aderyn y Bwn
Scarce winter visitor chiefly to reed beds at KNNR and Cosmeston Lakes, and most frequently recorded in
harsh weather, S.42
First winter period
Up to 3 were present at Kenfig Pool between 2nd Jan and 15th Mar. Parc Slip hosted one between 1st
Jan and 1st Mar, while at Forest Farm - Cardiff one was noted from 6th Jan to 4th Feb.
At Kenfig Pool one was seen between 11th Oct and 31st Dec while another was reported at
Cosmeston CP from 18th to 29th Dec. (Reports: 96; Locations: 4)
NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax
Crëyr y Nos
Very rare visitor
At Cosmeston CP, an adult seen flying across the west lake into bushes on 12th Jun, was a surprise
find for the observer, who fortunately had a camera to hand. It spent most of the day concealed in
its chosen Willow (PMH et al). This was the second record for the recording area, the first being at
Roath Park Lake in the winter of 1989-90.
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
Crëyr Bach
Locally common and increasingly occurring visitor to coastal wetlands, especially in summer
An increase in the numbers frequenting the area is reflected in the highest ever count of 31 at the
usual Hendre Lake - St Mellons roost site in each of the winter periods, on 8th Jan and 26th Nov.
Records came from widely distributed sites on or close to the coast throughout the year with max
5 at Aberthaw on 9th Feb and 5 at Watermill flood - Ogmore on 16th Feb. Single birds ventured as
far inland as Cowbridge, Llanilid and Llanishen Res. (Reports: 212; Locations: 19)
GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba
Crëyr Mawr Gwyn
Formerly very rare visitor, now becoming more frequent
An increasing UK presence of this species as visitor and breeder is reflected in an unprecedented
number of sightings locally. One visited Kenfig saltmarsh on 15th May (MHi, DCC, DGC), and was
again present at KNNR from 30th Jun to 8th Jul (DGC), followed by one at CBWR on 23rd Jul (BSa). In
Oct, singles were observed at KNNR on 4th (DGC), Llwyn-on Res on 7th (TG, MTH) and both
Lavernock Pt (PB) and Talygarn Lake - Pontyclun on 13th (MHe). (Reports: 7; Locations: 6)
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
Crëyr Glas
Common resident breeder
Breeding season
Annual counts (or best estimates) of the number of nests at known heronries
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Coryton Wood, Cardiff
15
23
27
29
Darran, nr Merthyr Vale
10
11
Mynydd Gelliwion
nr Trehafod
Coed Llwyn Rhydidd,
14
26
27
24
Hensol
Llwyn-on Res
4-5
4-5 4-5 4-5
Blaencanaid,
10
9
nr Merthyr Tydfil
Maendy, nr Ton Pentre
31
19
Merthyr Mawr Warren
2
3
3
5
There was also no count at Roath Park Lake where the
abandoned.
25
23
22
-
27
-
-
17
13
16
-
14
10-12 12
6
6
18
18
15
13
6
-
15
4-5
4-5
4
-
-
3
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
20
12
11
4
5
5
4
2
1
3
previous heronry is assumed to have been
Other notable reports
The highest counts came from the Kenfig rivermouth/reed bed area with 14 there on 16th Jun and
13 on 13th Apr. A flyover flock of 11 was noted at Parc Cwm Darran on 25th Jan. Counts of 5 were
recorded at Cosmeston CP on 27th Jun, Llwyn-on Res on 27th and 29th Mar, and Tirfounder Fields on
23rd May and 14th Jun. Elsewhere, as well as regular reports from the main water bodies including
Hendre Lake, Cardiff Bay, Forest Farm – Cardiff, Lisvane Res, Roath Park Lake, Ogmore Est and
Parc Slip throughout the year, there were sightings at more northerly sites in the Aberdare,
Bargoed, Gelligaer and Merthyr areas, notably 4 at Rhaslas Pond on 31st Aug. (Reports: c.1000;
Locations: 130)
19
PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea
Crëyr Porffor
Very rare visitor
One visited Kenfig saltmarsh on 30th Apr (ND), the same location as in 2013.
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia
Ciconia Gwyn
Very rare visitor
One was seen flying over Lisvane Res on 21st Apr (PB), the first record since 2007.
EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia
Llwybig
Very rare visitor
One flew over Flat Holm on 29th Apr (JBa), the first record since 2009.
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
Gwyach Fach
Locally common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor
Breeding season
Three pairs bred successfully at Parc Slip and at least two pairs were seen with chicks at E.
Aberthaw Quarry and Llanilid. A pair with 3 small chicks at Llanishen Res on 8th Jun was probably
the first confirmed breeding at this site. One juv being fed at Kenfig rivermouth on 21st Jul was the
only other proved breeding although a juv was reported at Cosmeston CP on 15th Jul and fledged
young at Cors Crychydd Reen on 13th Aug.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cardiff Bay#
32
54*
29
2
1
1
4
31
36
48
41
Lisvane Res
11
11
4
10
20
15
10
Llanishen Res
2
10
2
6
8
5
5
Roath Park Lake
5
2
1
4
5
7
Cosmeston CP
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
Parc Taf Bargoed
20
16
8
1
3
7
14
17
Pwll Waun Cynon
1
1
1
2
1
1
3
Tirfounder Fields
2
1
2
2
3
Dare Valley CP
4
6
6
6
Clydach Vale CP
3
1
1
2
3
2
E. Aberthaw lagoon
4
2
1
1
3
2
4
5
7
E. Aberthaw Quarry
1
1
2
6
5
5
3
4
4
3
2
1
Talygarn
5
5
1
2
3
4
2
Parc Slip
2
3
6
5
4
6
5
4
2
2
2
2
Ogmore Est
9
7
4
1
4
10
9
Kenfig
2
1
3
2
2
1
2
3
2
1
4
3
saltmarsh/reed beds
# includes R. Taff-Hamadryad * This count which was on 4th Feb, is the highest ever in the
recording area.
Elsewhere, small numbers were reported in all months of the year from many other sites
throughout the recording area. (Reports: 765; Locations: 49)
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Gwyach Fawr Gopog
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed with chicks seen at Bute East Dock – Cardiff (2 pairs including a late
brood on 12th Sep), Caerphilly Castle Moat (2 pairs), CBWR (2 pairs), Cardiff Bay (at least 1 pair),
Hamadryad inlet (1 pair), R. Ely at Ely Fields (at least 1 pair), Cosmeston CP (1 pair), E. Aberthaw
Quarry (1 pair), Parc Tredelerch (1 pair) and Roath Park Lake (1 pair). An occupied nest was noted
at Hendre Lake – St Mellons.
Parc Tredelerch
(Lamby Lake)
Bute East Dock
Cardiff Bay
CBWR
Lisvane Res
Roath Park Lake
J
4
F
4
M
4
A
5
M
7
J
-
J
-
A
3
S
-
O
4
N
3
D
1
6
6
2
-
5
23
14
6
1
10
35
9
3
4
34
33
2
4
12
6
-
4
23
3
6
2
52
22
1
3
45
4
2
5
42
21
2
-
3
39
6
-
7
4
4
-
6
8
4
5
-
20
Cosmeston CP
Caerphilly Castle
Moat
Barry Docks
Rhaslas Pond
Butetown Pond
Hensol Lake
Llwyn-on Res
KNNR
J
5
1
F
6
3
M
8
3
A
7
4
M
3
2
J
7
3
J
7
-
A
7
3
S
4
-
O
4
1
N
4
3
D
4
1
12
2
1
1
13
3
2
1
3
1
2
2
4
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
-
-
1
2
2
2
3
1
1
1
5
2
-
2
1
1
Other notable counts
There were 12 on the lower R. Ely on 1st Mar and 14 there on 16th and 21st Apr.
Coastal records
Birds were noted off Kenfig Sands/Sker with 12 on 19th Feb, 2 on 12th Sep and 12th Oct, and 4 on 4th
Dec. (Reports: 665; Locations: 30)
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis
Gwyach Yddfddu
It was an excellent year for this species in the recording area.
First winter period
Many observers enjoyed watching the bird that took up residence in Cardiff Bay between 2nd Jan
and 4th Feb (CH et al). Later there was one at CBWR on 29th Mar (JB, AJB).
Autumn passage
There were a series of reports from Lisvane Res in Aug: 1 on 16th Aug (PB), then the latter plus a
moulting summer plumaged bird on 26th Aug (AC), then the original bird plus a juv on 30th Aug
(PB), and 1 juv which was seen on both Lisvane and Llanishen Res on 31st Aug (PB, RJT et al). On
27th Sep there was 1 in Cardiff Bay (MWa), 2 were at an undisclosed site on 29th Sep (per GRC), and
2 were at Lisvane Res on 5th Oct (PB).
There was 1 at Cardiff Bay on 27th Nov (PGD, GP).
RED KITE Milvus milvus
Barcud Coch
Scarce resident in the north of the recording area and rare breeder
Breeding season
A single breeding report was received although the result was not recorded.
Other reports
As is now usual, there were many reports of 1 or 2 birds from right across the recording area.
Reports from the south seem to be increasing, and this year were received from Colwinston,
Cosmeston CP, Cowbridge, KNNR and surrounds, Nash Pt, and Sully. As last year, there were
regular observations from an observer’s garden at Pant-yr-Awel, which produced the highest
counts of the year. These reports came in Jan to May and Sep to Dec, the highest being max 16 in
Jan, max 11 in Mar, and an impressive max 24 in Dec, on 22nd (IR). (Reports: 284; Locations: 83)
MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
Bòd y Gwerni
Scarce visitor, chiefly on spring passage at coastal wetlands
An imm was at Kenfig saltmarsh from 23rd to 26th Jul (DCC), 1 was seen from CBWR on 8th Aug
(PMH), there was 1 at Cardiff Heliport on 17th Aug (RMi), 1 at Rhaslas Pond on 25th Aug (MTH), and
a fem/imm was seen over Roath – Cardiff on 15th Sep (DRWG).
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
Bòd Tinwen
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant: records seem to be increasing, S.42
All records relate to ‘ringtails’ unless otherwise specified.
First winter period
In Jan there were singles at Garwnant on 2nd, Cefn Nantygeugarn (SN9914) on 8th, and Wentloog
Level on 26th (unsexed). In Feb there was a male at St. Mellons Business Park on 7th (unknown obs)
and another male was at Rhaslas Pond on 16th. There were 2 at Garwnant on 1st (unsexed), and 1
over Pant-yr-Awel on 25th.
Spring and summer
There was 1 at Llanilid on 4th Apr, 1 at Llanharan Marsh on 19th Apr, and 1 at Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer on 1st Jul.
21
There was 1 at Cefn Cadlan on 7th Sep, 1 at Abernant on 14th Sep, 2 at Waun Wen on 21st Sep, 1 at
Mynydd Eglwysilan on 22nd Sep, 1 male at Pant-yr-Awel on 16th Oct, 1 male at Mynydd Eglwysilan
on 17th and 25th Oct, 1 at Senghenydd on 29th Oct, 1 at Cefn Cadlan on 20th Nov and 1 at Garwnant
on 25th Dec. (Reports: 21; Locations: 15)
NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis
Gwalch Marth
Increasingly reported resident breeder
Breeding season
There were 2 confirmed breeding reports and another where a bird was recorded as ‘recently
fledged young’ per BTO.
Monthly frequency of reports
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
6
3
12
9
4
5
5
The reports were from locations in the southern half
one from Tirfounder Fields on 26th Jan. Apart from
concerned single birds. (Reports: 65; Locations: 30)
EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
A
2
of the
where
S
O
N
D
4
5
8
2
recording area with the exception of
breeding was confirmed, all reports
Gwalch Glas
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Coed Craig Ruperra, and a pair was reported in Coed y Graig, E. of
Craig Penllyn in Apr, and 2 juvs were reported at Bonvilston on 7th Sep.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
54
36
61
46
24
24
35
31
58
50
34
36
As foreshadowed at the start of this list, the notably increased frequency of reports in the table, is
due to extra records being available from the BTO BirdTrack database. The reports followed the
usual pattern of relating to mostly singleton fly-bys in the southern half of the recording area
from many widespread locations, although 7 were reported in the area of Cwm Nash on 5th Sep.
Two road kills were noted at Pant-yr-Awel, on 7th Jan, and 17th Sep. There were also a few reports
from the north, in Merthyr Tydfil, Tirfounder Fields, and Trecynon, (Reports: 491: Locations: 157)
COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
Bwncath
Breeding season
Breeding was proven at Allt-y-Rhiw, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, and Foel Fach near Llangynwyd,
and was deemed probable near Parc Slip NR and possible at Treforest. An ad and juv together
were seen at GR ST0471 in Aug. Display was noted at a number of well spread sites.
Highest counts outside the breeding season
In the first winter period there were max 6 at Pant-yr-Awel in Jan, 6 at Dyffryn Gardens on 11th
Feb, 12 at Parc Slip on 16th Feb, 8 at Caerlan Farm on 1st Mar and 11 there on 8th Mar, 6 at Treforest
on 3rd Mar, and 12+ at Tirfounder Fields on 17th Mar. In autumn and the second winter period,
counts worth noting comprised 10 over Pontcanna on 31st Aug, 7 at Pant-yr-Awel on 22nd Dec, and
6 at Cefn-y-Brithdir on 28th Dec. There were a huge number of reports this year, many of which
were reports of ‘present’ originating from the BTO BirdTrack system. (Reports: 1160; Locations:
c.300)
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
Gwalch y Pysgod
Scarce passage migrant
In spring, 1 flew over an observer’s garden in Bridgend on 25th Mar (EJC), then 1 was seen over the
M4 near Kenfig on 28th Mar (MJC) and what was probably the same bird was seen from Parc Slip NR
on the same day. Another flew over Penarth Head on 30th Mar (PMH). In Apr there was 1 over
Bridgend town centre on 7th (ND) and there was 1 over Maesteg on 24th (MHn). There was 1 at
Hirwaun in mid summer on 1st Jun (MJB). In the second half of the year there was 1 over Parc Slip
on 21st Aug (SD), 1 over Ogmore Est on 6th Sep (GP), and 1 at the late date of 10th Nov over Kenfig
Pool (DGC). (Reports: 10; Locations: 9)
22
COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Cudyll Coch
Common resident breeder, S.42
Breeding season
The only breeding report concerned a pair nesting in a hole in a tree at Flemingston, where young
were heard calling. The only other indication of probable breeding was a juv seen at Vaynor
Quarry on 26th Jun.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
15
18
24
18
15
27
20
39
As usual the reports were widespread and concerned 1 or 2
at KNNR on 12th Sep. As per Common Buzzard, and for the
reports this year. (Reports: 371; Locations: 108)
S
O
N
D
64
56
45
29
birds. The most seen together was 5
same reason, there were many more
MERLIN Falco columbarius
Cudyll Bach
Scarce breeding resident, uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor
Except where indicated, all reports refer to single birds, and age is given where specified.
Birds were reported at Sker Pt on 1st Jan, Kenfig Dunes on 9th Jan, Cosmeston on 22nd Jan, Pant-yrAwel on 12th Feb (male), Cardiff Bay on 14th Feb, Sker Pt on 19th Feb (fem/imm), Mynydd Baeden –
Maesteg on 24th Feb (male), Kenfig rivermouth on 5th Mar, Gelligaer Common on 16th Mar (fem),
Sker Farm on 27th Mar (fem), and Pant-yr-Awel on 31st Mar (fem). Spring reports concerned Kenfig
river mouth on 9th Apr, and Pant-yr-Awel on 13th May (male).
A fem/imm at Col-huw Pt on 30th Aug, then Nash Pt (male) and Portobello on 18th Sep, Nash Pt on
22nd Sep (juv), Cwm Nash on 1st Oct, Kenfig Pool (fem/imm) and Lavernock Pt on 13th Oct (2 birds),
Cwm Nash on 14th Oct, KNNR on 15th Oct (fem/imm), Lavernock Pt and Sker Pt (fem/imm) on 17th
Oct, Lavernock Pt on 18th and 23rd Oct, Kenfig Pool on 24th Oct (fem/imm), Kenfig Dunes on 1st Nov,
Mynydd Eglwysilan on 3rd Nov (male), Laleston on 4th Nov (fem), Dunraven Park on 5th Nov, Ogmore
Est on 26th Nov, and Hendre Lake on 15th Dec. (Reports: 35; Locations: 22)
HOBBY Falco subbuteo
Hebog yr Ehedydd
Uncommon spring, summer, and autumn visitor, has bred
First dates
First noted over Flat Holm on 1st May when there were 2 birds. Then 1 at KNNR on 4th May and 1
over Bridgend on 11th May.
Breeding season
A pair successfully bred in the recording area, and were observed with 3 young. A single was
observed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in Jun.
Autumn and final dates
Apart from the breeding location, there was 1 over Bridgend on 1st Jul, 1 over Kenfig rivermouth
on 3rd and 17th Jul, 1 at RGW on 15th Aug, 1 nr Pentre Meyrick on 18th Aug, 1 at Lisvane Res on 4th
Sep, 1 at Southerndown on 16th Sep, 1 at Pant Norton and 1 over Penarth cliff top on 17th Sep, 1 at
Marcross on 5th Oct and 1 at Parc Slip NR on 17th Oct. (Reports: 22; Locations: 16)
There was 1 adult at KNNR on 18th Jul, probably one of the pair that had been reported there
around that time (AGS).
PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus
Hebog Tramor
Locally common resident breeder that continues to suffer persecution
Breeding season
Information re monitored nests in the south of the recording area was received. Twenty-one
occupied territories were monitored and breeding occurred in 8 of these, producing a total of 18
fledged young. In at least 3 of the territories breeding was attempted but no fledged young
resulted. At one location, 3 young were reported as stolen. Independent observers noted breeding
at three sites, which may or may not have been covered by the regular monitoring. Breeding was
also confirmed on Flat Holm.
J
16
F
16
M
40
A
21
M
20
J
13
J
12
23
A
17
S
17
O
19
N
22
D
14
General summary
There were no notable counts outside the breeding season and again, the reports came from the
southern half of the recording area. (Reports: 226; Locations: 79)
Previous years
Information regarding previous years, again from the south of the recording area, was also
received: 2013 – 19 occupied territories were monitored and breeding occurred in 10, with a total
of 24 young fledged, and breeding was attempted in at least one other territory but no fledged
young resulted, 2012 – 19 occupied territories were monitored and breeding occurred in 5,
producing a total of 8 fledged young, and breeding was attempted in at least 3 other territories
but no fledged young resulted, 2011 – 20 occupied territories were monitored and breeding
occurred in 11, producing a total of 32 fledged young, and breeding was attempted in at least 1
other territory but no fledged young resulted.
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
Rhegen y Dŵr
Locally common, chiefly in autumn and winter, rare breeder
Breeding season
There were no reports of confirmed breeding but birds were reported as present during the
summer months at KNNR, Tirfounder Fields, Rhoose Pt, and Pitcot Pond.
Other reports
As usual the reports were numerous and came mainly from sites south of the M4 corridor and
concerned 1-4 birds. The highest counts comprised 10 at CBWR on 5th Jan, 11 at Cardiff Bay on 9th
Nov, 17 at Cosmeston CP on 18th Nov, and 8 at Cardiff Bay on 19th and 30th Dec. The only northerly
sites producing reports comprised Aberdare Canal, Afon Cynon (Tirfounder Fields), and Parc Taf
Bargoed.
An survey was carried out by Tony Messinger using playback of the squealing call to elicit
responses, and thus an estimate of numbers. The results are as follows, the numbers after each
site being the responses obtained (NB some of these constitute highest counts reported above):
Cosmeston, 18th Nov – 17, Cadoxton Ponds, 22nd Nov – 3, Rhoose Pt, 24th Nov – 10, Aberthaw 26th
Nov - ditch – 7, lagoon – 7, CBWR, 6th Dec – reed beds – 5, reeds below flyover – 5, R. Ely mouth Cardiff Bay side (a small inlet called Ely Fields), 6th Dec - 2, Lavernock WT Reserve, 13th Dec – 1.
Seven sites surveyed, with 57 responding birds. (Reports: 290; Locations: 30)
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Iâr Ddwr
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at fifteen southerly locations and was reported as possible at Clydach
Vale and St. Fagan’s.
Monthly maxima & highest counts outside the breeding season
The monthly maxima are from WeBS counts and other observations and
tabular form:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
Caerphilly Castle
22
26
24
10
7
11
10
Cardiff Bay
16
16
6
8
22
40
Clydach Vale CP
1
1
1
Cosmeston CP
11
4
4
1
8
6
5
5
Cyfarthfa Park
3
2
2
2
2
E. Aberthaw
4
3
5
1
1
2
4
8
Glamorgan Canal
18
9
5
4
5
7
Hendre Lake
9
3
3
3
2
2
2
3
Hensol Lake
4
1
2
1
2
Kenfig Pool
2
4
2
1
1
1
Llanishen Res *
2
2
1
Michaelston-le-Pit #
10
7
18
6
11
7
10
11
Parc Cwm Darran
5
5
5
1
4
1
6
2
Parc Slip NR
9
9
8
20
16
19
8
5
Parc Taf Bargoed
5
3
4
2
4
1
Parc Tredelerch
2
1
2
3
2
Pwll Waun Cynon
5
10
2
2
3
8
Roath Park Lake
15
10
5
4
2
13
Pitcot Pool
2
2
2
2
2
2
6
1
Talygarn Lake
2
1
2
2
3
Tirfounder Fields
5
7
7
4
6
2
8
10
24
are worth presenting in
S
36
2
2
9
5
5
5
2
3
12
6
8
4
7
14
3
2
12
O
19
22
1
7
1
5
9
5
1
5
6
19
1
7
7
8
2
11
5
1
12
N
17
29
3
8
3
5
5
2
8
7
11
4
8
5
5
13
4
2
8
D
15
42
1
8
2
7
1
1
13
14
3
8
6
3
14
6
1
2
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wilderness Pond
3
8
2
3
5
5
4
7
5
* an NRW winter months survey. # salmon leaps
Apart from these the only other counts worth noting were 16 at Cors Crychydd Reen on 13th Aug,
21 there on 15th Nov, and 19 on 14th Dec, 16 at Kenfig rivermouth on 2nd Sep, 16 on R. Ely –
Leckwith on 11th Oct, and 11 at Nant Du Lake – Caerphilly on 31st Dec. (Reports: 1082; Locations:
c.97)
COMMON COOT Fulica atra
Cwtiar
Locally common resident breeder and winter visitor
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Bute East Dock where there were seventeen nests – at least 9 pairs
hatched twelve clutches and 2 pairs successfully raised two broods. Breeding was also confirmed
at Caerphilly Castle Moat, Cardiff Bay, CBWR, Clydach Vale CP (3 nests), Cosmeston CP, E.
Aberthaw, Aberthaw Quarry, Ravenswood nr Bonvilston, Kenfig saltmarsh/reed bed, Llanilid,
Llanishen Res, Michaelston-le-Pit, Parc Slip NR, Parc Tredelerch, nr Gaer Wood – Bonvilston, R. Ely
at Ely Fields, Roath Park Lake, Penarth Marina vicinity, at Tranch Pyle former lime works.
Monthly max at most frequently reported sites
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
Tirfounder Fields
4
6
6
4
5
6
6
4
4
Bute East Dock
57
42
20
30
45
Caerphilly Castle
2
2
2
2
2
Cardiff Bay excl CBWR
150+ 168 50
30
40 131 244 420
CBWR
40
8
2
3
10
Clydach Vale CP
7
5
7
5
7
8
9
11
Cosmeston
35
64
10
18
8
14
22
22
38
Dare Valley CP
4
21
10
8
East Aberthaw lagoon
3
3
2
6
5
4
3
10
10
East Aberthaw quarry
3
7
8
8
8
8
8
13
13
Hensol Lake
15
11
12
12
1
Kenfig Pool
74
39
13
3
1
1
1
Lisvane Res
8
14
13
10
60
60
Llanishen Res
10
22
14
Parc Cwm Darran
1
3
4
4
8
8
6
2
3
Parc Slip NR
2
4
4
4
3
12
7
5
5
Parc Tredelerch
8
7
3
2
7
Pitcot Pond
1
2
2
2
1
3
5
3
2
Pwll-y-Waun Pond
6
3
4
3
7
2
5
5
Butetown Pond
4
5
4
4
6
2
4
Roath Park Lake
126 49
22
27
48
144 173
Talygarn Fishpond
14
15
10
8
10
8
Wilderness Pond
8
10
7
11
24
14
12
Other than these the reports concerned small numbers at widespread suitable
(Reports: 1053; Locations: 77)
COMMON CRANE Grus grus
O
N
D
5
6
6
64
64
58
2
1
530 420 521
60
7
11
11
48
57
64
12
17
10
5
3
5
7
6
7
5
7
3
9
14
53
61
54
12
9
8
4
3
3
4
2
2
7
8
8
1
3
2
4
4
3
4
183 168 190
12
17
12
12
11
8
bodies of water.
Garan
Very rare visitor
On 11th Apr, 5 flew over central Cardiff, and the observer fortunately had a camera to hand and
managed to take a conclusive photograph (PMH). These birds are assumed to be some from the
Great Crane Project in England. Other reports not formally submitted were as follows: 6 at St.
Athan/Llancadle on 10th Apr (RFr), 4 at Lisvane on 3rd May (PB), 3 over Cosmeston CP on 13th May
(LM, Abu), 1 over Flat Holm on 14th May (SG), 3 at Leckwith on 18th May (SH), 4 over Flat Holm on
12th Jun (LL), 2 at Flemingston Moor on 14th Jun (GNS) and 2 at Llantrithyd on 16th Jun (per SS). All
are assumed to be birds from the Great Crane Project.
25
AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
Cambig
Rare visitor
One was discovered by the R. Ogmore on 1st Apr (NPR).
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Pioden y Môr
Common resident and passage migrant, most numerous in winter, rare breeder
Monthly max counts at most frequently reported sites
J
F
M
A
M
J
Cardiff Bay
3
6
3
1
Ogmore Est
31
13
9
1
Porthcawl front
14
1
3
5
Rhymney Est
110
Sker Pt area
113
92
76
12
8
21
Sully beach
5
4
3
6
1
7
Sully Island &
16
11
21
Swanbridge
Apart from these, reports worth noting were as follows:
J
A
S
O
N
D
2
33
18
3
6
211
1
-
140
32
3
15
127
2
-
4
1
22
100
6
-
1
2
30
46
7
58
There were 33 at Limpert Bay – Gileston on 9th Jan, 16 at Barry Old Harbour on 4th Feb, and 17 at
Cardiff Heliport Bay on 21st and 24th Feb.
There were 33 at Kenfig rivermouth on 25th Jul and 20 there on 30th Jul, 84 at Cwm Nash on 22nd
Aug, 70 on Kenfig Sands on 7th Sep, 18 at Gileston on 18th Sep, 150 at Breaksea Pt on 24th Sep, 75 at
Cwm Mawr – Southerndown on 4th Oct, 90 at Breaksea Pt on 5th Oct, 19 at Lavernock Pt on 8th Oct,
87 at Breaksea Pt on 19th Oct and 20 there on 26th Oct, and 23 below Cwm Nash cliffs on 27th Nov.
Other than these, the overall reports concerned small numbers at widely scattered coastal
locations. (Reports: 247; Locations: c.36)
EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
Cwtiad Aur
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant, S.42
Max monthly counts at the main site
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
Sker area
150 200
4
3
4
247
The count of 990 in Nov was the highest count in this area for several years.
O
N
D
425
990
500
First winter period and spring passage
On 13th Feb 24 flew over Kenfig Pool, there were 170 on the beach at Kenfig rivermouth on 27th
Mar, 35 f/o south-east at Kenfig Pool on 3rd Apr, 80 were on Kenfig Sands on 12th Apr, and 50+
were seen over Kenfig Sands on 14th Apr.
There was 1 on Kenfig Sands on 12th Sep, 6 at Kenfig rivermouth on 23rd Sep, 26 at Mynydd
Eglwysilan on 13th Oct, 1 at Lan Farm – Marcross on 21st Oct, 45 at Mynydd Eglwysilan on 27th Oct,
750 on Kenfig Sands on 10th Nov, 75 at Mynydd Eglwysilan on 18th Nov and 309 there on 12th Dec,
100 at Maesteg (south) on 13th Dec, and 100 on Kenfig Sands on 30th Dec. (Reports: 51; Locations:
7)
GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola
Cwtiad Llwyd
There were 2 at Porthcawl front on 12th Jan, 8 at Newton Pt and 3 at Sker Pt on 22nd Jan, 3 at
Newton Pt on 25th Jan, 2 at Sully Beach on 15th Feb, 4 at Rhymney Est on 20th Feb, 6 at Newton Pt on
4th Mar, 1 at Sker Pt on 7th Mar, then max 2 at Sker Pt from 17th to 20th Apr and 2 at RGW on 13th
May.
Autumn passage and second winter period
There were 2 at RGW on 30th Oct, 1 at Sully Beach on 31st Oct and 2 there on 14th Nov, and finally 1
at Sker Pt on 9th Dec. (Reports: 17; Locations: 6)
26
NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
Cornchwiglen
Common winter visitor and passage migrant and locally common resident breeder, the breeding population
has declined over recent years, S.42
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed near Merthyr Tydfil when 8 ads and 1 juv plus 2 sitting birds were noted
on 21st May. Display was observed at KNNR in Mar and Apr and 3 chicks were reported by visitors
on 8th Jun. Breeding was also confirmed at Llanilid when 5 fledged juvs were seen on 13th Jun, and
also at Parc Slip NR.
KNNR
Parc Slip NR
RGW
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
22
-
20
-
9
13
35
9
6
-
6
4
-
3
2
-
-
8
31
20
100
4
55
41
-
9
150
In addition to those tabulated, there were 78 near St Hilary on 11th Jan, 65 by Aberogwrn Farm
(ST0470) on 19th Jan, 15 at Fochriw on 1st Mar, 15 at Colwinston on 10th Mar, 14 at Fochriw on 13th
May, 16 at Kenfig saltmarsh on 9th and 12th Sep, and 20 there on 22nd Sep, 20 at Sker Farm on 27th
Sep, 40 at SS9576 NE of Colwinston on 5th Nov, 150 f/o Sully Bay on 17th Nov, 30 at Llanilid on 28th
Nov, 28 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course on 4th Dec and 48 there on 23rd, 22 at Jepson’s Pond on 6th
Dec, and 50 at Norton Farm on 31st Dec. (Reports: 245; Locations: c.43)
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
Cwtiad Torchog Bach
Uncommon spring and autumn passage migrant, rare breeder
First dates and main arrival period
First reported on 27th Mar with 1 at Llanilid, then 30th Mar when 3 were at Kenfig Saltmarsh, then
birds reported at Parc Slip in early Apr.
Breeding season
Display was observed at Llanilid in early Apr and breeding was confirmed by at least 1 pair, which
were seen with young, and on 11th Jul 2 pairs were alarm calling and a pair were seen with 2
recently fledged young on 24th Jul. Breeding was also confirmed on the new scrapes at Parc Slip NR
were there were 7 on 6th Jun, with a pair and 3 juvs and a further pair still sitting. Away from these
sites, birds were observed as follows: 1 at Watermill flood on 15th Apr, 1 at Rhaslas Pond on 18th
Apr, 1 at a sandy scrape in Kenfig Dunes on 18th May.
Post-breeding and latest dates
Noted as present at Kenfig rivermouth on 17th and 18th Jul, a juv was on Kenfig Pool E shore on 29th
Jul, and the latest reports were from Llanilid, with 6 there on 1st Aug and 5 juvs on 4th Aug.
RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula
Locally common passage migrant and winter visitor, scarce breeder, S.42
Breeding season
Cwtiad Torchog
There were no confirmed breeding reports this year.
Monthly max counts at most frequently reported sites
Kenfig Sands
Newton Pt
Sker Pt area
Sully Beach
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
20
4
-
20
-
4
-
22
8
10
-
24
-
31
32
12
-
28
40
-
5
20
13
20
10
6
Highest counts elsewhere
There were 30 at Trecco Bay on 25th Jan, 14 inland at Fochriw Res on 1st Mar, 22 at RGW on 13th
May, 14 at Sker mussel beds on 18th May, a good count of 130 at Traeth-yr-Afon – Merthyr Mawr on
14th Aug, 33 at RGW on 20th Aug, 20 at Breaksea Pt on 12th Oct, 12 at Bendrick’s Rock on 31st Oct,
12 at Kenfig rivermouth on 11th Nov, 20 at Bendrick’s Rock on 12th Nov, and 14 at Breaksea Pt on
17th Nov. (Reports: 71; Locations: 18).
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
Coegylfinir
Common passage migrant, particularly numerous in spring
Spring passage and summer
It was a good spring passage for this species in the recording area. In Apr, there were double
figure counts comprising 30 at Sker Pt on 21st, 51 at RGW on 24th, 10 at Flat Holm on 29th, 13 at
Sker Pt on 29th, and 12 at Sker Farm fields on 30th. There were single figure counts on many other
27
dates at sites comprising Ogmore-by-Sea, Ogmore Est, E. Aberthaw, Lavernock Pt, and Kenfig Pool.
Passage continued in May with max counts comprising 24 at Ogmore Est on 1st, 13 at Sker Pt on
5th, 124 at RGW on 13th and 28 at Sker Pt on 14th. Again there were single figure counts on many
other dates at sites comprising those already mentioned and Porthcawl seafront, Barry Old
Harbour, Kenfig Dunes and Sully Beach.
Autumn passage
Autumn passage was lighter with 3 at Sker Pt on 17th Jul, 1 at Kenfig Pool on 29th Jul, max 6 at
RGW during Aug, 1 inland at Llanilid on 5th Aug, 3 at Lavernock Pt on 6th Aug, 1 at Ogmore Est on
15th and 18th Aug and 2 on 22nd Aug, and 1 at Bendrick’s Rock – Barry on 29th Aug. In Sep,
Southerndown had 1 on 16th and 17th, 1 was at Kenfig Pool and at Sker Pt on 20th, present at Kenfig
rivermouth on 22nd and 25th and there were 10 at Breaksea Pt on 12th Oct. (Reports: 60; Locations:
20)
EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata
Gylfinir
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, scarce breeder in upland areas, S.42
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports or any of display activity, but birds were observed in
the Bargoed area during the breeding season, and 2 pairs were present at Rhaslas Pond on 20th
May.
Ogmore Est
RGW
Sker Pt area
Sully Beach
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
37
30
41
17
64
91
40
1
8
100
24
1
4
10
-
1
7
-
3
1
1
-
3
31
27
-
3
29
20
-
1
15
23
3
21
3
1
1
32
-
Other reports and high counts
The only other counts worth noting comprised 10 at Gileston on 9th Jan, 16 at Dunraven on 11th
Jan, 20 at Southerndown on 25th Jan, 22 at Cardiff Heliport on 21st Feb, 21 at Kenfig rivermouth on
30th Jul, 32 in a field at Newton on 19th Aug, 25 by Rest Bay car park on 14th Nov, 21 at Dunraven
on 17th Nov, 10 at Southerndown on 18th Nov, 27 at Swanbridge on 3rd Dec, 18 at Royal Porthcawl
Golf Course on 5th Dec, and 21 at Southerndown on 26th Dec. The remaining reports comprised
single figure counts in all months at coastal locations. (Reports: 216; Locations: 41)
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa
Rhostog Gynffonddu
Locally common spring and autumn passage migrant, with small numbers occasionally recorded in winter
There was 1 reported at CBWR on 20th Feb, then 4 f/o N.W. at Kenfig Pool on 3rd Apr, and reported
as ‘present’ at Kenfig saltmarsh on 4th May.
There was 1 at Ogmore Est on 18th Jul, 6 at Rhymney Est on 13th Aug, 1 at Kenfig saltmarsh on 17th
Aug, 12 at Rhymney Est on 20th Aug, 1 at Kenfig Pool on 21st Aug, 1 at Sker Farm fields on 1st Sep,
1 at Sker Pt on 6th Sep, 1 at RGW on 12th Sep, 1 at Sker Pt on 18th Sep and 1 at Ogmore Est on 1st
Nov. (Reports: 14; Locations: 8)
BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica
Rhostog Gynffonfrith
Locally common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor, S.42
There was 1 at Kenfig Sands on 30th Jan, 7 at Sker Farm fields and 11 at Sker Pt on 16th Apr, 5 at
Sker Pt on 21st Apr, 8 at Kenfig Pool on 5th May and max 12 there on 6th May, and 2 at Sker Pt on
14th May.
There were 4 f/o Kenfig Pool on 10th Aug, then in Sep there was 1 at RGW on 12th, 1 at Black Rocks
on 23rd, 2 at Kenfig rivermouth on 25th, 1 on Sker Beach on 26th, 1 at Sker Pt on 27th and 2 there on
28th. Sker Pt then had max 2 from four dates in Oct. In Nov, there were 3 at Sker mussel beds on
1st, 1 at Sker Pt on 2nd and 1 was present at Ogmore Est from 16th to 26th and on 15th Dec. (Reports:
30; Locations: 9)
28
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Cwtiad y Traeth
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, especially to stony and rocky coastal districts
Monthly max at most frequented sites
J
F
M
A
M
Cardiff Bay *
25
16
17
Cardiff Heliport bay
37
Sker Pt area
17
53
40
15
9
* the Cardiff Bay counts will be in the main, birds along the
Other counts worthy of note were as follows:
J
J
A
S
13
10
1
37
50
20
inner Barrage shore.
O
N
D
14
83
14
16
8
6
20
23
There were 10 at Ogmore-by-Sea on 5th Jan and 21 there on 6th Jan, 15 at Porthcawl seafront on 9th
Feb, 23 at Porthcawl Harbour on 12th Feb, 24 at Newton Pt on 4th Mar, and 14 at Porthcawl seafront
on 13th May.
There were 13 at R. Ely – Penarth Marina on 14th Aug, 12 at Newton Pt on 31st Aug, 10 at Breaksea
Pt on 5th Oct, 20 at Sully Beach on 30th and 31st Oct, 10 there on 10th and 12th Nov and 20 on 14th
Nov, 20 at Newton Pt on 5th Nov, and 30 at RGW on 30th Dec. Apart from these, the counts in both
periods were in single figures from widely spread coastal locations. (Reports: 168; Locations: 26)
RED KNOT Calidris canutus
Pibydd yr Aber
There were only two reports, concerning 4 at RGW on 21st Jan and 40 at Sker mussel beds on 27th
Apr.
There was 1 at RGW on 15th Aug and 4 there on 20th Aug, 1 at Sker Pt on 27th and 31st Aug, a juv
inland at Llanilid on 1st and 3rd Sep, 7 at Sker Pt on 5th, 6th and 12th Sep, present at Kenfig
rivermouth on 16th Sep, 3 at Sker mussel beds on 22nd Sep, 4 at Sker Pt on 27th Sep then 25 there on
28th Sep, 29 on 2nd Oct, 26 on 11th Oct, 18 on 12th Oct and 20 on 30th Oct. In Nov, there were 5 at
Newton Pt – Porthcawl on 5th and 1 at Sker Pt on 30th. (Reports: 24; Locations: 6)
RUFF Calidris pugnax
Pibydd Torchog
Uncommon spring and autumn passage migrant, with occasional winter records
A juv was seen at Kenfig Pool on 17th Aug (ND), then there were 2 juvs at Kenfig rivermouth on 26th
Aug (DC), and 1 circled Kenfig Pool on 27th Aug and flew off N.E., and the following day 2 flew S.W.
after circling the pool (ND).
CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea
Pibydd Cambig
Uncommon autumn passage migrant, rare in spring
Max 4 were observed at Ogmore Est, often by Portobello House, from 13th Sep until 23rd Sep (NPR
and many other obs), with one or more being aged as juvs. There was 1 at Sker mussel beds on
21st Sep (JPC), and there were 2 at Newton Pt – Porthcawl on 23rd Sep (NPR).
SANDERLING Calidris alba
Pibydd y Tywod
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant, particularly in west of recording area
There were 58 on Kenfig Sands by the river mouth on 4th Jan, 10 at Newton Pt on 22nd Jan, 15 at
Sker Pt on 3rd Feb, 6 at Newton Pt on 4th Mar, then max 53 at Kenfig Sands in Mar, 10 on Flat Holm
on 17th Apr, 66 at Kenfig Sands on 20th Apr, max 128 at Kenfig Sands in May, 28 at Sker Pt on 17th
May, and 1 at Sully Beach on 19th May (unusual for this rocky location).
There were max 54 at Kenfig Sands in Jul, 87 at Sker Pt on 30th Jul, 100 at Kenfig Sands on 2nd Aug,
50 at Traeth-yr-Afon beach on 14th Aug, 18 at Newton Pt on 31st Aug, max 134 at Kenfig Sands in
Sep, 20 at Sker mussel beds on 21st Sep, 34 at Kenfig rivermouth on 3rd Nov, 14 at Newton Pt on 5th
Nov, 61 at Kenfig Sands on 18th Nov, 27 at Traeth-yr-Afon on 26th Nov and 27 at Kenfig Sands on 1st
Dec. (Reports: 58; Locations: 9)
29
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
Pibydd y Mawn
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, often in large numbers on estuaries in winter
Counts worth noting comprised 10 on Flat Holm on 12th and 15th Jan, 50 at RGW on 21st Jan, 10 at
Trecco Bay on 25th Jan, 140 at Rhymney Est on 20th Feb and 5 at Swanbridge on 26th Feb [unusual
for this location). There were then 10 at Newton Pt – Porthcawl on 4th Mar, 12 at Kenfig rivermouth
on 29th Apr, 11 at Porthcawl front on 7th May, 41 at RGW on 13th May, and 14 at Sker Pt on 14th May.
Other reports were of single figure counts at scattered coastal locations.
There were 11 at Sker Pt on 30th Jul, 40 at Traeth-yr-Afon – Merthyr Mawr on 14th Aug, 15 at
Rhymney Est on 15th Aug and 16 there on 20th Aug, 10 at Newton Pt – Porthcawl on 23rd Sep, 300 at
Rhymney Est on 12th Nov, 250 there on 8th Dec, 5 at Sully Beach on 24th Nov (again unusual for the
location), and 600 at RGW on 30th Dec, the highest count of the year. Again, the remaining reports
were of single figures at scattered coastal locations. (Reports: 71; Locations: 18)
PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima
Pibydd Du
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant at suitable stretches of rocky coastline
There were max 7 at the regular location of Ogmore-by-Sea in Jan, 3 at Sker Pt on 22nd Jan, and 1 at
Irongate Pt – Porthcawl on 25th Jan. During Feb, there were max 10 at Ogmore-by-Sea, and max 11
at Sker Pt. Mar produced a max of 9 at Ogmore-by-Sea, and max 14 at Sker Pt, and 3 at Porthcawl
front on 9th. Sker Pt then had max 21 during Apr (from five dates) and 2 on 14th and 17th May.
There was 1 at Sully Beach on 30th and 31st Oct, unusual for this easterly site (LM), 5 at Rest Bay on
31st Oct, max 6 at Ogmore-by-Sea in Nov, and 2 at Sker Pt on 30th Nov. Finally in Dec, there were 5
at Sker Pt on 3rd, 3 at Ogmore-by-Sea on 15th, 6 there on 21st and 8+ on 22nd, and there were 3 at
Jackson’s Bay – Barry, on 30th. (Reports: 47; Locations: 7)
LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta
Pibydd Bach
Uncommon autumn passage migrant, rare in spring
A juv was at Traeth-yr-Afon – Ogmore on 14th Aug (NPR).
GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius
Llydandroed Llwyd
Rare passage migrant
There was 1 at RGW on 11th Oct (RMi).
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
Pibydd y Dorlan
Common spring and autumn passage migrant, with small numbers recorded on upland rivers and reservoirs,
occasionally breeds
Breeding season
There were no reports concerning breeding or any evidence thereof.
First winter period
There was 1 on R. Rhymney at Newport Rd on 15th Jan, and 1 at Barry Docks on 10th Feb.
Spring passage
First migrants were noted in Apr, with 1 at Kenfig Pool on 14th and max 2 there during the month,
and reported in small numbers at various southerly sites, with max 4 at Cardiff Bay and 6 at
Cosmeston CP on 22nd Apr. There were a few reports in May, with 2 at Cosmeston and 1 at Kenfig
rivermouth on 6th, 1 at Kenfig Pool on 7th, 1 at Parc Slip on 11th and 12th, 3 at Kenfig Pool on 14th
and 1 at Hendre Lake on 29th.
Autumn passage
Autumn passage was noted from 1st Jul through to 27th Sep, with reports coming from Bendrick’s
Rock – Barry, Barry west dock, Cardiff Bay, Cosmeston CP, Flat Holm, Kenfig Pool, Lisvane Res,
Llanilid, Ogmore Est, Sker, and Trwyn-y-Witch. There were no double figure counts, but those
worthy of note comprised 7 at Ogmore Est on 1st Jul, 5 at Kenfig Pool on 10th Jul, 8 at Ogmore Est
on 1st Aug and 5 there on 15th Aug. The last report concerned 1 at Trwyn-y0Witch on 27th Sep.
There were no reports from this period.
There was 1 at R. Ely - Cardiff Bay on 4th Jan.
30
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus
Pibydd Gwyrdd
Locally common passage migrant and winter visitor
Monthly max at the most reported site
R. Ely Pendoylan/Peterston
Summary of other reports:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
4
2
3
2
-
5
-
8
6
6
5
4
First winter period
Hendre Lake had 1 on 14th Jan, then 1 on 28th Mar, and there was 1 at Lisvane Res on 31st Mar.
Spring passage
There was 1 at the Watermill flood – Ogmore on 15th Apr.
Autumn passage
Autumn passage was much more marked with a total of thirty-one reports from 26th Jul through to
12th Oct. The reports came from E. Aberthaw Quarry, Kenfig Pool, Lisvane Res, Llanilid, Monknash,
Parc Slip NR, Portobello Island – Ogmore, and Rhymney Est. Without exception these all concerned
single birds.
Hendre Lake had singles on 25th and 26th Nov, and 3rd, 8th, 9th, 11th and 17th Dec. (Reports: 55;
Locations: 11)
SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus
Pibydd Coesgoch Mannog
Scarce passage migrant, usually in autumn
Unusually, there was a spring report with 1 at Llanilid on 5th Apr (obs unknown). There was
another in autumn with 1 at RGW on 28th Aug (RMi).
GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Pibydd Coeswerdd
Locally common spring and autumn passage migrant
Spring passage
There was 1 at Ogmore Est on 16th Apr.
Autumn passage
Reported as ‘present’ at Kenfig saltmarsh on 11th Jul, 1 at Parc Slip NR on 30th Jul, 1 at RGW on 15th
and 31st Aug, 1 at Llanilid on 18th Aug, 1 at Lisvane Res on 20th Aug, 6 f/o Kenfig Pool on 25th Aug,
‘present’ at Kenfig saltmarsh on 26th Aug, 2 at Ogmore Est on 27th and 30th Aug, and 1 at Bendrick’s
Rock – Barry on 29th Aug. In Sep, there were max 2 at Ogmore Est on five dates, 1 at Kenfig Pool
and 2 at Llanilid on 8th, 1 at Kenfig Pool on 10th, 2 at RGW on 12th, 1 at Newton Burrows on 13th and
finally 1 at RGW on 16th. (Reports: 23; Locations: 9)
COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus
Pibydd Coesgoch
Scarce and declining resident breeder at coastal sites, though common winter visitor and passage migrant
Monthly max at the most frequently reported sites
J
F
M
A
M
Barry old harbour
6
Cardiff Bay
1
2
5
Kenfig Pool
1
Ogmore Est
11
12
16
2
Rhymney Est
RGW
80
2
115
Reports in addition to those tabulated are as follows:
J
J
A
S
-
1
1
2
-
2
4
3
300
2
1
1
7
-
O
N
D
1
1
12
2
2
1
1
2
13
8
1000 1500 1200
200
There were 3 at R. Rhymney – Newport Rd. on 2nd Jan, 6 there on 15th Jan and 9 on 19th Feb, 5 at R.
Ely - Penarth Marina on 10th Jan, 6 at Barry Old Harbour on 4th Feb and 3 there on 18th Feb, 2 at R.
Rhymney – Lamby Way on 4th Feb and 3rd Apr, 2 at Sker Pt on 6th Feb and 1 on 7th Mar, 3 at Cardiff
Heliport Bay on 24th Feb, and 2 at Sully Beach on 26th Feb.
Barry Old Harbour had 2 on 24th Aug, there were 5 at Newton Pt on 31st Aug, 5 at E. Aberthaw on
5th Sep, 4 at Sker Pt on 5th and 6th Sep, 1 at Sker Mussel Beds and 1 at Newton Pt on 21st Sep, 9 at
Newton Pt on 23rd Sep, 1 at Barry Old Harbour on 31st Oct, 3 at Newton Pt on 5th Nov, 7 at Sully
Beach on 14th Nov, 1 at Barry Old Harbour on 22nd Nov and 7 there on 16th Dec, 1 at R. Ely – Penarth
Marina on 23rd Dec, and 12 at Barry Old Harbour on 28th Dec. (Reports: 122; Locations: 16)
31
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
Gïach Fach
Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant to coastal and inland wetlands
There was 1 at Tranche Pyle former lime works (SS8581) on 12th Jan, 8 at Llanishen Res on 19th Jan,
‘present’ at Kenfig rivermouth on 25th Jan, 1 at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer on 1st Feb, 1 in N.W.
Kenfig Dunes on 4th Mar, 1 at Brynheulog – Caerau on 5th Mar, 1 at Llantrisant Common on 16th
Mar, and 1 at Kenfig rivermouth on 2nd Apr.
There was 1 at RGW on 12th Sep, then 1 at Llanishen Res on 13th Oct, and 1 at KNNR on 14th Oct. In
Nov, there were 3 at Llanishen Res on 7th and 2 there on 17th, 1 at Peterston-super-Ely moors on 9th
and 2 at Rhymney Est on 12th. In Dec, there was 1 at Hendre Lake and 1 at Kenfig Pool on 3rd, 2 at
RGW on 7th, 6 at RGW on 8th, 1 at Parc Slip NR on 16th, 1 at Merthyr Mawr warren on 26th and 1 at
Kenfig Pool on 29th. (Reports: 23; Locations: 14)
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Cyffylog
Uncommon resident, chiefly in upland woodlands, but also at coastal sites in winter, especially during hard
weather, the number of ‘roding’ birds has declined in recent years
All reports concern single birds unless otherwise indicated.
Llety Brongu Sewage Works on 3rd Jan, nr Kenfig Hill on 8th Jan, Amelia Trust Farm on 25th Jan,
Coed Garnllwyd NR on 21st and 24th Feb, Coed-y-Bedw NR on 24th Feb, Brynheulog – Caerau on 5th
Mar, and Caerphilly Common on 25th Mar.
Parc Slip on 4th Nov, Craig-y-Llyn and Tyn-y-Wern on 16th Nov, 2 at Parc Penallta on 17th Nov, Dare
Valley CP on 25th Nov, Twyn-y-Werfa on 13th Dec and 2 at Coed-y-Bedw NR on 29th Dec. (Reports:
17; Locations: 14)
COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
Gïach Gyffredin
Common winter visitor and passage migrant, occasionally in summer at suitable breeding sites
Monthly max at most frequently reported sites (includes WeBS data)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cosmeston
6
2
2
1
1
1
East Aberthaw lagoon
25
17
17
1
12
16
Forest Farm NR
8
6
2
1
7
Hendre Lake
2
1
1
2
8
Kenfig Pool
4
7
11
1
1
1
3
3
3
20
4
Kenfig saltmarsh area
3
8+
3
5
8
17
Llanishen Res
150 197 147
79
227 127
Parc Slip NR
3
17
1
6
7
1
13
NB the counts at Llanishen Res were part of a NRW survey. Other counts worthy of note were as
follows, any others being of single figure counts at widely scattered locations:
There were max 24 at Tirfounder Fields in Jan, 10 at Burrows Well on 6th Dec, and 25 at RGW on
30th Dec. (Reports: 192; Locations: 45)
POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus
Sgiwen Frech
Rare spring and autumn passage migrant
2013 record
There was 1 off Porthcawl on 10th May (AGS).
ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus
Sgiwen y Gogledd
Uncommon spring and autumn passage migrant, with occasional reports during the summer months
Spring passage
All spring reports were in May. There was 1 off Porthcawl on 6th, 1 each off Cardiff Heliport,
Porthcawl and Lavernock Pt on 7th, 1 off Porthcawl on 10th, and 2 off Porthcawl and 1 off
Lavernock Pt on 11th.
Autumn passage
There was 1 off Sker Pt on 26th Sep and 1 off Irongate Pt – Porthcawl on 9th Oct. There was an unquantified report from Kenfig rivermouth on 3rd Nov. (Reports: 9; Locations: 6)
There was 1 off Porthcawl on 10th May (AGS).
32
GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua
Sgiwen Fawr
Scarce visitor, chiefly on spring and autumn passage, but a few have occurred in winter
Autumn passage
There was 1 off Porthcawl on 19th Oct, and a late report of one off Sully on 8th Nov.
There were 3 off Lavernock Pt on 11th May (AGS).
PUFFIN Fratercula arctica
Pal
Rare visitor
A puffin corpse was found at Gileston on 23rd Feb (per GRC), and there were 3 corpses at Sker on
27th Feb after storms (PPa), the latter reported again on 5th Mar during a beached bird survey (DGC).
RAZORBILL Alca torda
Llurs
Scarce visitor, chiefly recorded in winter
There was 1 off Cardiff Heliport on 6th Feb (RMi), 1 close inshore at Sker Pt on 19th Feb (ND), 15
were found dead after storms on 5th Mar during a beached bird survey (DGC), 1 off Porthcawl on
10th May (ND, GP), 1 off Sker Pt on 3rd Oct (DGC), and 1 off Sker Pt on 9th Dec (ND).
There was 1 off Porthcawl on 10th May, and 1 off Lavernock Pt on 11th May.
COMMON GUILLEMOT Uria aalge
Gwylog
Uncommon non-breeding visitor, chiefly recorded in winter
There was an un-quantified report from Kenfig river mouth on 9th Jan, 1 off Newton Pt – Porthcawl
on 11th Jan, then 2 at Sker on 7th Feb of which 1 was morbid and the other was exhausted and
taken back to KNNR reserve centre, 1 on Kenfig Pool on 13th Feb (ND) (apparently the first record
for this site, and this was not a bird that was released after being found elsewhere), then 21 found
dead on Kenfig Sands on 5th Mar during the beached bird survey already mentioned, 2 off
Porthcawl on 7th May and 1 there on 9th. In the second winter period there was 1 again on Kenfig
Pool on 2nd Nov, 2 off Sker Pt on 14th Nov, then a very large count of 170 all u/c at Sker Pt on 5th
Dec (NB observer notes that the majority were identified as Auk sp apart from 10 or so which
came in close and were all Guillemots (DGC)), and finally 1 off Kenfig river mouth on 9th Dec.
LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons
Morwennol Fechan
Uncommon spring and autumn passage migrant
A juvenile was found at Kenfig Pool on 12th Aug (IM) and was seen by many observers until 18th
Aug.
BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
Corswennol Ddu
Uncommon spring and autumn passage migrant to coastal and inland waters
Spring passage
There was 1 in Cardiff Bay on 2nd May (DMP, DRWG, JDW, CMJ).
Autumn passage
There were 3 at Lisvane Res on 27th Aug (MCP).
SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis
Morwennol Bigddu
Locally common non-breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, rare inland
Spring passage
Singles were off Porthcawl sea front on 8th, 10th and 11th May, there was 1 off Lock’s Common on
17th Jun, and 2 were seen from a boat offshore at Fairy Buoy on 21st Jun.
Autumn passage:
First noted on 13th Aug with 4 off Sully Island, then 3 off Sker Pt on 17th Aug and 2 there on 19th,
22nd, 26th, and 27th Sep. Last reported on 9th Oct with 1 off Irongate Pt – Porthcawl. (Reports: 13;
Locations: 6)
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Morwennol Gyffredin
Regular but uncommon, offshore passage visitor, occasionally inland, formerly bred
Spring passage
There was an unspecific and un-quantified report from Cardiff on 29th Apr, 1 at Porthcawl seafront
on 7th May, and two separate reports there on 10th May of 3, and 2 birds.
33
Autumn passage
There were 3 inland at Rhaslas Pond on 28th Aug and 1 at Sker mussel beds on the same day,
present at Kenfig rivermouth on 12th Sep, 3 at Sker Pt on 19th Sep, and finally 1 juv off Irongate Pt –
Porthcawl on 9th Oct. (Reports: 9; Locations: 6)
There was 1 in Cardiff Bay on 15th Apr.
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
Morwennol Gogledd
Regular but uncommon, offshore passage visitor, scarce inland
Spring passage
There were 11 off Irongate Pt – Porthcawl on 10th May and 20+ there on 11th May.
Autumn passage
There were 2 off Irongate Pt on 9th Oct, 1 off Sker Pt on 10th Oct and an un-quantified report from
Kenfig river mouth on 13th Oct.
There were 55 in Cardiff Bay on 15th Apr, the highest count of the year (AGS), and 1 went past
Porthcawl on 10th May.
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
Gwylan Goesddu
Common non-breeding visitor, chiefly in summer, though occasionally large numbers of storm-driven birds
are seen at other times of year, scarce inland
First winter period
A sickly looking bird was at CBWR on 6th Jan, then 1 at Kenfig Pool on 10th Jan. In Feb, there was 1
at Sker Pt on 7th, 1 at Ogmore rivermouth and 1 at Porthcawl seafront on 9th, 4 at Coney Beach and
present at Kenfig rivermouth on 10th, 1 at Portobello Island on 15th, 1 at Sker Pt on 19th, 1 at Coney
Beach on 20th and 1 at The Knap – Barry on 21st. There were 8 found dead at Kenfig Sands on 5th
Mar.
Spring/Summer records
There were many reports in May: present at Kenfig rivermouth on 4th and 7th, max 3 at Porthcawl
seafront on 7th, and also 42 reported off Lavernock Pt on 7th, 3 off Porthcawl seafront on 9th, 1
there on 10th, 2 there on 11th and 3 off Sker Pt on the same day, and 1 ½ mile offshore at Rest Bay
on 30th Jun.
Autumn/ second winter period
There were 10 off Irongate Pt – Porthcawl on 9th Oct, present at Kenfig rivermouth on 13th Oct, 5
off Porthcawl seafront on 19th Oct, and finally 1 off Sandy Bay Porthcawl on 30th Nov.
BONAPARTE’S GULL Chroicocephalus philadelphia
Gwylan Bonaparte
Very rare visitor
The regular bird, first seen in Cardiff in 2009, was first reported at Cardiff Heliport 12th Jan (ABv)
until 24th Feb (CJ). It briefly visited Cosmeston CP 25th Jan (ABu, LM), a first for the site. It then
relocated to Cardiff Bay, its favoured site, from 8th Mar to 3rd Apr (GL, GNS, LM, PMH). On 30th & 31st
Mar it was joined by another, presumed to be the 2013 Ogmore individual returning to the South
Wales area (PB, ABv, GNS, DRWG). This second bird had a more extensive hood pattern than the
regular bird. A bird fitting this description was noted in Cardiff Bay on 23rd (ND) & 25th - 26th (LM),
but unfortunately the observers only noted one individual present. It wasn't until 30th that two
birds were seen in the Bay together, thus confirming the presence of two different individuals - a
truly remarkable occurrence for the recording area. The regular bird remained until 3rd Apr (ABv).
BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Gwylan Penddu
Common non-breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant, S.42
Monthly max from most frequently reported sites
Caerphilly Castle
moat
Cardiff Bay
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
55
92
40
-
-
5
-
3
-
-
98
750
700
-
5
350
240
170
370
320
350
-
200
100+
-
-
-
-
250
1000
-
-
-
Cosmeston CP
120
135
60
36
-
12
25
18
60+
61
94
100
Hendre Lake
100
25
1
-
-
-
3
6
9
17
59
30
Cardiff Heliport
area
300+ 1000
D
34
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Kenfig Pool
79
5
7
1
3
-
4
23
96
50
82
27
Knap Lake
120
151
2
-
-
-
36
15
40
71
35
108
Lisvane Res
93
73
10
-
-
-
1
1
-
36
70
57
Llanishen Res
21
45
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
42
78
1000
160
41
-
-
19
350
460
800
215
370
330
Parc Tredelerch
98
165
27
-
-
-
-
20
-
30
75
69
Roath Park Lake
550
247
6
-
-
-
-
20
148
-
-
300
RGW
300
250
-
-
11
-
-
400
750
85
-
300
8
-
-
43
21
51
Ogmore Est
Wilderness Pond
13
23
Reports worth noting away from these sites were as follows:
There were 320 at Coney Beach on 23rd Jan, 200 at Bute Park on 31st Jan, 100 at Royal Porthcawl
Golf Course on 3rd Feb, 100 at Ogmore-by-Sea on 16th Feb, 165 at Coney Beach and 100 at R.
Rhymney – Lamby Way on 20th Feb, and 200 on R. Taff – Cardiff on 26th Mar.
There were 100 at Penarth Marina on 13th Aug, 250 at Rhymney Est on 15th Aug and 240 there on
20th Aug, 200 a Gileston on 18th Sep, 118 at Pontcanna Fields on 22nd Sep, 213 at Rivers House – St
Mellons on 15th Oct, 100 at Atlantic Wharf on 24th Oct, and 173 on Sker Farm fields on 27th Nov.
Most reports came from the coastal strip south of the M4 but there were scattered reports of
small numbers from farther north, at Abercynon, Abercwmboi, Tirfounder Fields, Bargoed,
Llwynypia, and Merthyr. (Reports: c.800; Locations: c.125)
LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus
Gwylan Fechan
Uncommon visitor, recorded throughout the year, chiefly in spring and autumn
An ad and a 1st yr were at Cardiff Heliport Bay on 4th Jan, then an ad was at Sker Pt on 7th Feb, 1 at
Ogmore Est on 8th Feb and 2 on 15th Feb, 1 at Sker Pt on 17th Feb, ‘present’ at Kenfig rivermouth on
18th Feb, and 1 ad at Sker Pt on 19th Feb. A 1st winter bird was found in Cardiff Bay on 28th Feb and
was then present until 30th Mar, then 2 reported on 31st Mar, then 1 again until 17th Apr. There was
1 off Porthcawl seafront on 7th May, 2 1st summer birds inland at Rhaslas Pond on 20th May, and
finally 1 off Lavernock Pt on 7th and 9th Oct. (Reports: 44; Locations: 9)
MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
Gwylan Môr y Canoldir
Locally common visitor, recorded throughout the year although most frequent in winter, numbers have
increased markedly in recent years
J
F
Cardiff Bay
-
-
Kenfig Pool
1(3)
-
Ogmore Est
1(4) 2(1)
M
A
2(6) 2(8)
M
J
J
A
-
-
-
1(1)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1(2)
-
S
-
O
N
1(2) 1(1)
D
-
10(4) 22(6) 3(7) 1(1)
-
1(1) 2(3)
-
Porthcawl seafront
2(1) 4(1) 3(2) - 4(1) 2(1)
3(2)
Figures in brackets indicate the number of days in each month that produced reports. Reports
from elsewhere can be summarised as follows:
There was 1 on Roath Park Lake on 6th Jan, Barry Docks area had max 3 in Jan and 1 on five dates
in Feb, 10 at Coney Beach on 23rd Jan, 2 at Sker on 3th Jan, 1 at Cosmeston CP on 25th and 27th Feb,
1 at CBWR on 31st Mar, 1 at Penarth Marina on 18th Apr, 1 at Lavernock Pt on 2nd May, present at
Kenfig rivermouth on 19th May, 1 at Haye’s Pt – Sully on 24th Jun and 1 at West Nash Buoy on 30th
Jun.
There was 1 at Cosmeston CP on 1st and 17th Sep, 1 at E. Aberthaw on 11th Jul and 2 there on 5th
Sep, 1 on Penarth Beach on 21st Jul, 1 at Sker Pt on 13th, 17th, and 27th Aug, 3 at Sker Pt on 1st Sep, 1
at Lisvane Res on 4th Sep, 1 at Pontcanna Fields on 4th and 5th Sep, 3 at Gileston on 18th Sep, 5 at
Sker Pt on 21st Sep, the highest count of the year of 33 at Rest Bay car park on 25th Sep, 1 at Sker Pt
on 28th Sep, 27 there on 11th Oct but only 3 the following day. (Reports: 133; Locations: c.22)
35
COMMON GULL Larus canus
Gwylan Gweunydd
Common winter visitor and passage migrant with small numbers lingering throughout summer
Monthly max at most frequently reported sites:
J
F
M
A
M
J
Cardiff Bay #
53*
39
22
2
Kenfig Pool
7
1
Ogmore Est
117
9
200
# the Cardiff Bay birds are reported in the main from near the
* the highest count at this site for a number of years (JDW).
Other reports worthy of note were as follows:
J
A
S
2
7
2
1
1
Barrage (south).
O
N
D
3
-
24
13
2
3
6
19
There were 39 at Kenfig rivermouth on 4th Jan and 59 there on 9th Jan, 10 at Coney Beach on 17th
Jan, and 16 there on 23rd Jan, 17 at Rest Bay on 30th Jan, 15 at Coney Beach on 20th Feb, 24 at
Ogmore-by-Sea on 15th Mar, 91 at Kenfig rivermouth on 26th Mar and 50 there on 16th May.
There were only 1’s and 2’s reported at a few coastal locations in Aug to Oct, then 32 at Kenfig
rivermouth on 3rd Nov, 42 there on 11th Nov and 49 on 9th Dec. (Reports: 191; Locations: 23)
CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans
Gwylan Caspian
Very rare visitor
A 1st winter bird was found and photographed at Cosmeston Lakes CP on 8th Dec (LM, ABu). This
comprises the first accepted record for this species in the recording area and only the second
Welsh record. Sadly the bird did not linger and was not seen again. The observers are to be
congratulated for (a) their initial suspicions that this was indeed a Caspian Gull and (b) securing a
good photographic record which is essential in clinching this species.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus
Gwylan Gefnddu Leiaf
Common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor, breeds on Flat Holm and on roof tops, mainly
in Cardiff city centre but occasionally well inland
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Clos Dewi Sant – Cardiff, Banastre Ave – Cardiff (on chimney), Canton –
Cardiff (3 pairs on factory roof), near Cardiff Central Station, Cardiff Riding School, Clive Crescent
– Penarth (on chimney stack), Flat Holm (3456 pairs on the grassland – cliff nesting birds were not
counted due to adverse weather), Gabalfa Workshops Ind Est – Cardiff (min 20 nests), Ipswich Rd.
Ind Est – Cardiff (41 nests), North Rd. – Cardiff, Sully Bay, and at Sully Moors and Ty Verlon Ind Est
near Barry (total of 40 nests).
Monthly max at most frequently reported sites (includes some WeBS data)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Barry Docks area
-
14
21
29
46
55
22
119
72
53
18
11
Caerphilly Castle
2
5
5
2
38
45
-
40
-
-
24
9
200
3
160
600
400
340
50
100
30
Cardiff Bay
50
2500 350
CBWR
-
60
-
70
-
8
-
-
10
-
-
15
Cardiff Riding School
-
-
3
2
1
-
2
7
31
-
-
-
Clydach Vale CP
1
2
1
2
-
6
7
-
-
-
-
-
Cosmeston
130
74
130
170
78
60
150
187
130
100
62
74
Kenfig Pool
1
2
3
2
2
1
-
6
-
2
1
2
Lisvane Res
93
48
110
-
-
20
-
24
-
54
107
60
Llanishen Res
11
17
45
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
24
112
3
3
5
8
-
58
33
38
85
5
3
3
50
41
77
150
-
-
-
180
213
-
-
-
2
2
20
29
46
55
22
119
72
53
15
11
Ogmore Est
Roath Park Lake
The Knap Lake
Highest counts at other sites
Other counts or reports worth noting comprise 57 at Hensol Lake on 19th Jan, 54 at Atlantic Wharf
on 12th Mar, 22 in the north at Tirfounder Fields on 24th Mar, 120 on R. Taff – Cardiff on 25th Mar,
165 at Victoria Park area – Cardiff on 4th Apr, 31 at Craig Fargoed and 50 at Pontcanna Fields on
13th Apr, 50 at Hendre Lake on 10th May, 100 during a sea watch at Lavernock Pt on 11th May, 300
36
at RGW on 13th May, 53 by Twyn-giden Farm on 31st May, 63 at Rhaslas Pond on 9th Jun, 155 at
Peterston-super-Ely Moors on 10th Aug, 50 at Rhaslas Pond on 1st Sep, 100 at Pontcanna Fields on
15th Sep, and 60 at Grangemoor Park on 30th Dec. (Reports: c.1328; Locations: c.215)
Ringed gulls
Darvic ringed 4KF white on red at Cosmeston on 12th Jul, Darvic ringed 5NF white on red, 0LF
black on white and 2UF white on blue at Cosmeston on 5th Aug, and Darvic ringed AKZ orange on
blue at Roath Park Lake on 3rd Dec.
GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus
Gwylan y Gogledd
Scarce visitor, chiefly in winter and spring
One was at Mynydd Ty-talwyn near Maesteg from 21st Feb to 17th Apr (DCC, PT, PPa et al).
ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides
Gwylan yr Arctig
Scarce visitor, chiefly in winter and spring
There was an adult winter bird at Dowlais Top on 11th Jan (TC, MTH).
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis
Gwylan Melyn-goes
Uncommon visitor to coastal localities especially in late summer and autumn, records have increased in
recent years
All reports concerned un-aged birds unless otherwise specified.
Reported as present in Cardiff Bay on 4th and 6th Jan, then singles on 12th, 13th, 18th and 19th Feb,
and 6th and 27th Mar. At Cosmeston CP, there was an adult on 6th Jan, then singles on 11th and 15th,
and three dates in Feb and Mar. Elsewhere, Lisvane Res had un-aged singles on 22nd Feb and 1st
Mar, then an adult on 22nd Mar. There was 1 at the Knap Lake on 19th Feb. Fat Holm had 1 on 4th
May.
Late summer through to second winter period
Birds were regularly reported at Cosmeston CP, with singles on three dates in Jul, two in Sep then
a second winter on 1st Oct and finally ten dates in Dec. Elsewhere, there was 1 at Lisvane Res on
30th Jul, Cardiff Bay had singles on three dates in Sep, ‘present at Kenfig rivermouth on 3rd Oct, 1 at
Lisvane Res on 17th Nov and finally an adult at Roath Park Lake on 13th and 14th Dec. (Reports: 48;
Locations: 7)
There was an adult at CBWR on 4th Jan, and a 2nd summer bird at Cardiff Bay on 14th Apr.
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
Gwylan y Penwaig
Common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds on Flat Holm, roof tops of coastal
towns and on suitable cliffs, S.42
Breeding season
There were very few confirmed breeding reports: Flat Holm had no count due to adverse weather
(all the Herring Gulls nest on the cliffs). A pair were collecting nest material in Adamstown on 4th
Apr, a pair were on a nest near Cwm Nash on 18th Apr, there were 6 nests at Ipswich Rd. Ind Est –
Cardiff on 8th Jun, and 3 chicks were noted on the industrial units at Ty Verlon Ind Est – Sully on
19th Jun.
Monthly max counts at most frequently reported sites (includes some WeBS data)
Barry Docks area
Bute Park
Caerlan Farm
Caerphilly Castle
Cardiff Bay/CBWR
Cosmeston
Kenfig Pool
Lisvane Res
Llanishen Res
Ogmore Est
Pant-yr-Awel
RGW
Rhaslas Pond
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
38
41
5
50
37
8
360
120
125
70
10
40
48
1
800
30
7
6
85
110
60
-
11
8
70+
3
230
30
35
23
12
115
30
-
2
28
1
100
20
5
60
34
-
5
15
17
20
8
100
-
5
9
7
30
4
5
4
103
9
10
3
14
150
9
1
120
24
-
27
11
3
100
10
48
130
2
-
10
26
150
20
40
170
370
23
50+
70
27
7
5
500
13
2
-
30
19
34
150
11
22
14
1
460
200
250
19
4
18
180
20
41
6
39
495
220
40
40
37
The Knap Lake
Tirfounder Fields
Sully Beach
Sully Island &
Swanbridge
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
5
2
-
1
10
10
5
4
-
1
1
42
4
5
-
5
16
3
1
10
-
10
-
5
-
6
-
18
1
40
-
11
-
36
10
-
5
15
-
-
30
-
Highest counts at other sites
There were 95 at Sker Pt on 30th Jan, 50+ at Ogmore-by-Sea on 16th Feb, 100+ at Sker on 18th Mar,
100 on R. Taff in Cardiff on 26th Mar, 200 on Flat Holm on 30th Mar, 70 at Llanilid on 5th Apr, 75 at
Parc Slip NR on 11th Apr, 60+ at Sker on 29th Apr, 200 at St. Mary’s Well Bay on 11th May, 73 at Sker
on 14th May, 100 at Kenfig rivermouth on 16th May, 100 on Flat Holm on 6th Jul, 90 at Cwm Nash on
22nd Aug, 608 at Col-huw Pt on 30th Aug, 140 at Jepson’s Pond on 3rd Sep, 107 at Parc Tredelerch on
9th Nov, and 80 at CBWR on 30th Dec. (Reports: c. 1250; Locations: c.198)
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus
Gwylan Gefnddu Fwyaf
Common resident, particularly numerous in late summer at coastal estuaries, probably breeds annually in
small numbers on Flat Holm
Breeding season
Due to adverse weather it was not possible to ascertain whether the usual pair bred on Flat Holm.
Cardiff Bay
Ogmore Est
Pant-yr-Awel
RGW
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
1
1
2
-
3
2
3
6
4
1
-
2
2
1
-
1
2
2
-
3
1
-
3
4
6
4
2
13
9
2
3
2
2
2
-
3
10
2
-
Other reports, including inland
There were 5 at Coney Beach on 17th Jan, 1 at Cosmeston CP on 23rd Jan, 1 at Parc Slip on 7th Feb, 4
at Sker Pt on 19th Feb, 5 at Rhymney Est on 20th Feb, 1 at Cosmeston on 25th Feb, 2 at Llanilid on
19th Mar, 1 at Caerphilly Castle moat on 20th Apr, 2 at Bedwas on 26th Apr, 1 at Parc Slip on 13th Jun,
2 at Llwyn-on Res on 12th Jul, 5 at Rhymney Est and 5 at Sker Pt on 13th Aug, 1 at Radyr floodplain
on 18th Aug, 1 at Llwyn-on Res on 5th Sep, 5 at Kenfig rivermouth on 3rd Nov, 1 at Cosmeston on
18th Nov, and 4 at Knap Lake on 8th Dec. The remaining reports were of 1-3 birds at widely
scattered coastal locations. (Reports: 240; Locations: 40)
ROCK DOVE / FERAL PIGEON Columba livia
Colomen Ddôf
Common resident feral breeder, chiefly in urban areas
Breeding season
Very under-recorded as regards breeding. Breeding was only confirmed at Canton and Cardiff
ST1576 [incl Victoria Park], and was thought possible at St. Fagan’s.
There were 70 at Ely – Cardiff and 110 at Victoria Park – Cardiff on 24th Jan, 40 at Pontypridd on
8th Mar, 55 at Cardiff Bay on 14th Mar, and 129 at Cardiff ST1576 on 4th Apr. In autumn onwards
counts worth noting were 100 at Roath Park Lake on 16th Aug, 115 at Victoria Park – Cardiff on
28th Aug and 100 there on 13th Sep, 50 at Pontypridd on 14th Oct, 80 at Lavernock Pt on 20th Oct, 40
at Aberdare town centre on 6th Dec, and 120 at Victoria Park on 10th Dec. Other than these, the
reports were widespread and as would be expected, mainly from urban areas. (Reports: 316;
Locations: c.96)
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
Colomen Wyllt
Locally common resident breeder
Breeding season
There were no reports of confirmed successful breeding, but a pair was seen nest building at
Craig-y-Parcau – Bridgend on 27th Apr, and display was observed at East Aberthaw Quarry on 20th
Apr. The max seen together during this period was 4 at Kenfig river mouth on 25th Jul.
In the first winter period there was a good count of 72 at Lampha 1km square on 29th Mar, and
there were 17 at Mynydd Ty-talwyn on 21st Apr. There were 40 at Dunraven on 15th Sep, 24 at
Hendre Lake on 6th and 91 there on 13th Oct, and 17 flew N.E. at Kenfig Pool on 10th Nov. All
reports were from the area stretching from just north of the M4 to the coast. (Reports: 94;
Locations: 46)
38
WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus
Ysguthan
Common resident breeder, large flocks frequently noted on passage at coastal sites in late autumn
Breeding season
The only confirmed breeding reports came from Bargoed and Bargoed Park, Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, Craig-y-Parcau and Parc Coetir – Bargoed. It was reported at probable or possible at a
further ten locations, and ads with juvs were frequently reported.
There were max 26 at Caerlan Farm in Jan, 21 at Bargoed Park on 5th Jan, 23 at Pant-yr-Awel on 25th
Jan, 24 at Bargoed on 1st Feb, and 21 at Candleston on 18th Feb. There were max 70+ at Caerlan
Farm in Sep and 1000 were noted at Pontprennau on 18th Sep. Caerlan Farm had max 200+ in Oct
and there were 77 at KNNR and 40 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct. Some autumnal passage was noted,
with 125 f/o S.E. at Roath Park Lake on 17th Oct, and 4800 f/o W. at Atlantic Wharf on 22nd Oct. At
Cogan Wood - Cosmeston 500 went to roost on 22nd Oct. Passage continued with 1380 N.W. at
KNNR on 24th Oct, max 3957 at KNNR from 27th to 29th Oct, and 500 S.S.W. at Canton – Cardiff on
31st Oct. There were even higher counts in Nov, with 3000 S.S.W. at Canton on 1st, 3000 at Leckwith
Common on 2nd, 116,600 S.W. at Cardiff Bay from 07:15 to 10:30 (PMH – by far the highest ever
count for the recording area), 500 each at Court Colman and Dunraven on 5th, 20,000 S.S.W. at
Canton on 5th Nov (SFY – the second highest count), and 500 S. at KNNR on 10th. The tail end of
passage saw 150 N.E. at Lisvane Res on 16th Nov, 150 S.E. at Bargoed on 23rd, and 150 N.E. there on
28th Nov and finally 275 N.E. there on 29th Nov. In Dec, 85 flew N.E. at Bargoed on 26th. (Reports:
910; Locations: c.242)
COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
Turtur Dorchog
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Creigiau (adults feeding young on 8th Nov),
and Treforest (university grounds). Birds were seen nest building at Bridgend (Homebase) and at
Broadlands – Bridgend. Breeding was reported at possible at Belle View Park – Penygraig, and at St.
Fagan’s Museum. ‘Singing” males were reported at nine locations and birds were in suitable
habitat at many other widespread locations.
In the first winter period there were max 12 at The Ridings – Tonteg in Jan, Feb and Mar, 7 at
Bargoed Park on 11th Jan, 6 at Bedwas on 20th Jan, and max 6 at Caerlan Farm in Feb. Autumn and
the second winter period produced a few counts worthy of note, with 11 at Kenfig Dunes on 20th
Sep, 6 at Aberthaw on 24th Sep, 16 at Kenfig Dunes on 1st Oct, 13 at Lansbury Park – Caerphilly on
5th Oct and 10 there on 13th, 19 at KNNR on 18th Oct, 6 at Bargoed on 1st Nov, 15 at KNNR on 23rd
Nov, and 7 in Kenfig village on 30th Dec. Other than these the reports concerned smaller numbers,
widespread across the whole recording area. (Reports: 550; Locations: c.131)
TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur
Turtur
Scarce visitor in spring or autumn
There was 1 at Cosmeston Lakes CP on 2nd Oct (CMJ).
COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
Cog
Locally common breeding summer visitor, S.42
First date and main arrival period
The first report came on 7th Apr when 1 flew S.E. over the observer’s garden at Pant-yr-Awel. The
next report was not until 20th Apr when 1 was on Rudry Common. Thereafter, the reports were all
of single birds until the end of the month, all coming from twelve locations in the southern half of
the recording area.
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports but fourteen males were reported calling. Two pairs
were reported in suitable habitat at Taff Bargoed on 31st May, three males were chasing a fem at
Llanilid on 29th May, and breeding was reported as possible at Llantrisant Common. The highest
counts concerned 5 at Mynydd Eglwysilan on 18th May (including a hepatic morph), 4 at Llanilid on
29th May, 4 at Taff Bargoed on 31st May, 3 at Mynydd Gelliwion on 3rd Jun, and 4 at Craig Fargoed
on 15th Jun.
Autumn passage and final dates
The only autumn reports comprised max 2 at Caerlan Farm in Jul, 1 juv at Llanilid on 4th Aug and
1 juv at Cardiff foreshore on 9th Sep. (Reports: 135; Locations: 66)
39
BARN OWL Tyto alba
Tylluan Wen
Uncommon resident breeder
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Bargoed where adults were seen with 3 juvs, and breeding also
probably occurred at Brithdir where juvs were reported, and also at Castle-upon-Alun where fresh
pellets were observed below a nest box in a barn.
Other reports
Of just sixty-eight reports received, forty-two came from one observer in the Bargoed area (LJT). A
singe bird was seen at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in every month. Other than these the reports
were as follows: 1 at Ewenny Moor on 8th Jan, 1 road casualty at Coychurch on 4th May, 1 at Home
Farm – Sully Rd on 20th Jun, 1 at Waterton – Bridgend on 24th Jun, 1 near Dowlais Top on 22nd Jul, 1
a Llanwonno on 30th Jul, 2 at Cefn Gelligaer on 23rd Aug, 1 at Pant-yr-Awel on 22nd Sep, 1 at Cwm
Malon (ST0995) on 1st Oct, 1 at Penygraig on 4th Oct, 1 at Wentloog Level on 20th Oct, and 1 at
Penygraig on 15th Dec. (Reports: 68; Locations: 15)
LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
Tylluan Fach
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports although birds were seen in suitable habitat during the
breeding season at Deri – Bargoed, Sker Farm and Ogmore.
Other reports
Other than these were was 1 at RGW on 7th and 14th Mar, 1 at Gelligaer Common on 21st Jun, 1 at
Aberthaw on 14th Jul, 1 at Gelligaer Common on 3rd, 6th, and 23rd Aug, and 4th Sep, 1 at Church
Village on 26th Sep, 1 at Bargoed on 29th Sep, and 10th & 24th Oct, 1 at Wentloog Level on 20th Oct, 1
at Southerndown Farm on 16th Nov, and 1 at Pant-yr-Awel on 22nd Dec. (Reports: 40; Locations: 11)
TAWNY OWL Strix aluco
Tylluan Frech
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Bargoed, with 2 imms seen on 21st and 29th May, at Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, Parc Penallta, and at Tyle Haidd Quarry (SO0610).
Other reports
Two sites produced almost half the total reports, these being Bargoed (thirty-two reports from Mar
to Dec) and Pant-yr-Awel (45 reports from Jan to Dec, mostly of birds calling at night). Other than
these the reports came from fifty-two further widespread locations and again concerned in the
main, birds calling at night. A report of 1 on Flat Holm on 11th Oct was unusual. (Reports: 161;
Locations: 58)
LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus
Tylluan Gorniog
Very rare visitor, usually at winter roosts
Two different birds were seen at two different locations during the breeding season, but there was
no subsequent proof of breeding. The locations are withheld for obvious reasons. On 30th Sep,
feathers from a dead bird were found at KNNR, comprising bitten off primary and secondary flight
feathers and also tail feathers (DGC).
SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus
Tylluan Glustiog
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, has bred
RGW produced reports of max 4 on 2nd Jan and 2 on 5th Jan (via Birdguides and BirdTrack), then 5
on 16th Feb, and 1 on 4th Jul. Also in this period there was 1 at Rhaslas Pond on 18th and 19th Feb,
and 1 was reported at KNNR on 2nd Feb (Birdguides).
There was just one report, concerning 2 at RGW on 29th Oct. (Reports: 8; Locations: 3)
EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus
Troellwr
Uncommon breeding summer visitor, confined to replanted clear-fell areas in conifer plantations, S.42
First reported at Llanwonno on 15th May with 1 bird present, then 2 there on 16th and 3 on 20th.
Birds continued to be reported at this traditional site through May and Jun with max 5 on 11th Jun.
At other sites, reported as present at Draethen on 29th May, 3 at Cefnpennar – Aberdare on 2nd Jun,
3 at Blaencanaid Forest on 3rd Jun, 1 at Bryn Du, 1 at Ogmore Forest and 2 at Onllwyn
Forestry/Nant Cadlan on 5th Jun, and 1 at Coed Craig Ruperra on 9th Jun. The last reports were all
40
in Jul, with 2 near Maesteg on 6th, 5 at Llanwonno on 23rd, 1 at Llyn Fach NR – Rhigos on 24th, and 3
at Llanwonno on 30th and 31st. (Reports: 21; Locations: 10)
COMMON SWIFT Apus apus
Gwennol Ddu
Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
Singles were reported on 19th Apr at Kenfig Pool, Parc Slip NR and Pontcanna. The first reasonable
count comprised 50 at Cardiff Bay on 2nd May, then 47 at Cardiff Riding School on 4th May, 100 at
Cardiff Bay on 7th May, 350 there on 8th May and 400 on 11th May. Elsewhere numbers were lower
with 60+ at Kenfig Pool on 10th being the highest.
Breeding season
Breeding was proven at Gilfach – Bargoed, Roath, Bargoed, Danescourt (Llandaff) (estimated 8-12
nests), and at Caerau – Maesteg (8 pairs and 22 juvs). Breeding was deemed possible at Penygraig,
Tonypandy Railway Station, and Llwyncelyn, and birds were observed in suitable urban areas
during the season.
There were no counts to match those during the arrival period, the only ones worth noting
comprised 26 at Kenfig Pool on 6th Aug, and 30 at Cardiff Bay on 11th Aug. There were seventy-four
single figure counts throughout Aug from approximately thirty widespread sites. The last reports
comprised 1 at Radyr floodplain and 3 at Rhaslas Pond on 31st Aug, 1 at Caerlan Farm and 2 at
Llanilid on 1st Sep, although there was a report on Birdguides of 1 at Porthcawl on 16th Nov.
(Reports: 414; Locations: c.136)
COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
Glas y Dorlan
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports and indeed no reports where breeding was recorded as
being probable or even possible. Birds were reported in suitable habitat at many suitable locations
during the breeding season however.
Reports outside the breeding season
Overall, reports were numerous and widespread and the majority were of single birds with
occasional reports of two. The highest count comprised 4 during a WeBS count at Cardiff Bay on
11th Sep. (Reports: 370; Locations: c.83)
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
Cnocell Werdd
Breeding season
There were surprisingly few confirmed breeding reports for this normally very evident species.
Breeding took place at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Candleston, Parc Penallta, and Parc Slip NR, and
juvs were recorded at Maesteg and R. Ely valley. Breeding was deemed possible at Pontcanna and
Taf Fechan NR.
As is usual, outside the breeding season the reports mainly concerned single birds and
occasionally 2 or 3. The highest counts comprised 6 at Llanilid on 7th Aug and 7 there on 12th Sep.
Overall the reports came from right across the recording area, but with a southerly bias. The most
northerly records came from Tirfounder Fields and Abercwmboi. There was also a regular visitor
to a coastal garden at Sully beach. (Reports: 467; Locations: 137)
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major
Cnocell Fraith Fwyaf
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at ST0281 N. of Brynsadler, Greenfield Terrace – Bridgend, Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, Cardiff Riding School, Coed Bychan – St. Fagan’s, Coed Cefn-fforest, Groesfaen – Deri,
Nantgarw, Creigiau, Parc Slip NR, Rudry Common Trust Reserve, and Tirfounder Fields. Juvs were
seen at gardens feeders in Bridgend and Pant-yr-Awel, and in Kenfig Dunes, and breeding was
deemed possible at Taf Fechan NR and at Treforest University woodland trail.
As with Green Woodpecker the reports outside the breeding season mainly concerned single birds
and the occasional pair together. With the exception of a single record from Aberdare park and a
handful of reports from Tirfounder Fields, the reports were spread over the southern half of the
recording area. (Reports: 562; Locations: c.158)
41
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor
Cnocell Fraith Leiaf
Uncommon resident, chiefly in lowland woodland, breeding seldom recorded, S.42
All records follow: 1 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan, 1 at Pant-yr-Awel on 24th Jan and 5th Mar, 1 at
Fforestganol on 20th Mar, 1 at Cwm Nant Gwyn – Maesteg on 18th Apr, 1 at Lisvane Res on 16th Aug,
1 at Garwnant on 31st Oct, 1 at Llanharry on 14th Nov, 1 at Pant-yr-Awel on 15th Nov and 2 at Forest
Farm on 21st Dec.
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor
Cigydd Mawr
Rare winter visitor
First winter period
The bird from late 2013 remained at Garwnant and was reported on 4th Feb (MTH).
Autumn/second winter period
One from 31st Oct to 1st Nov at Garwnant (AJD), was assumed to be the same bird returning to the
area. Another, or the same bird, was reported at nearby Coed Taf Fawr, on 26th Dec (CMJ).
Late accepted 2013 record
There was 1 near Llanbradach on 21st Nov (GW, AWi).
WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator
Cigydd Cefngoch
Very rare visitor
A very smart male was found at Gileston on 28th Apr and was seen again on 29th (RFr).
RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Brân Goesgoch
Rare visitor and occasionally breeding resident pair present on the Heritage Coast in recent years, S.42
Breeding season
The pair on the Heritage Coast were seen on several occasions with two juvs, including feeding
them on two occasions (NPR, GPR).
Other reports
The resident birds were reported at various sites along the Heritage Coast in all months (RJN, LEN
et al). The highest counts comprised 9 on 20th Jun (NPR), 8 on 25th Jun (GPR), 6 on 11th Jul (SER), 6
on 2nd Oct (NPR), 8 on 4th Oct (GP) and 8 on 26th Dec (ND). (Reports: 48; Locations: 9)
MAGPIE Pica pica
Pioden
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at ten locations, which were all in the southern half of the recording area.
The probability or possibility of breeding was reported at a further seventeen widespread
locations, including Flat Holm. Birds were reported in suitable habitat at many other locations
during the breeding season.
In the first winter period the biggest flocks comprised 50 at Island Farm (SS9078) on 2nd Jan, max
42 at Hendre Lake during Jan, max 41 at Hendre Lake in Feb, 30 at Cosmeston CP on 7th Feb, 22 at
Cosmeston on 25th Feb, max 32 at Cardiff Bay in Mar, and 27 at Hendre Lake on 10th Mar. Post
breeding and in to winter there were 22 at KNNR on 9th Aug, 25 at Radyr floodplain on 18th Aug,
max 22 at Caerlan Farm in Oct, 21 at Cardiff Bay on 12th Oct, 28 at Hendre Lake on 3rd and 8th Dec,
22 at Cardiff Bay on 19th Dec, and 22 at Hendre Lake on 26th Dec. Overall the reports were
widespread across the whole recording area. Birds were reported on Flat Holm in Jan, Mar, Apr,
Jul, Sep and Oct, with 6 present on 5th Sep. (Reports: 1795; Locations: c.362)
EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius
Ysgrech y Coed
Common resident breeder and occasional passage migrant
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm, and ads with juvs were in an observer’s garden in Rudry
on 3rd Jul. Other than this, birds were seen in suitable habitat at many locations during the
breeding season.
The only time counts of this species reach double figures is during autumnal movements. Hence
in Sep, there were 14 over KNNR and 17 over Lavernock Pt on 20th, 20 f/o Forest Farm on 21st, and
12 were at Dunraven on 27th. There were 10 at Lavernock Pt on 8th Oct. All remaining reports
concerned single figure counts, those worth noting comprising 7 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan,
8 at Briwnant/Wenallt on 30th Jan, and in the second winter period, 6 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th
42
Nov. Overall the reports were widespread across the whole recording area. (Reports: 777;
Locations: c.224)
WESTERN JACKDAW Corvus monedula
Jac-y-Do
Common resident breeder, especially in the upland valleys
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at surprisingly few locations: Caerlan Farm, Fairwater – Cardiff, Bargoed,
Evanstown 1km square, and Sully. Nest building was observed at Bargoed Park, Rivers House – St.
Mellons, Creigiau ST0881, Llanharan Marsh/Brynna Woods, Parc Tredelerch, and Victoria Park –
Cardiff. Breeding was reported as probable or possible at three further locations and birds were in
suitable habitat at many more. There were c.650 at Pontcanna during this period.
Overall there were many counts of 200 or more birds and reports were widespread. Notable
counts during Jan to Mar comprised max 250 in Jan and Feb at Caerlan Farm, 300+ at Newcastle
Hill – Bridgend on 3rd Jan, 600 f/o Bridgend on 6th and 8th Jan, 1200 f/o Pant-yr-Awel on 25th Jan,
500 f/o Pant-yr-Awel on 6th Feb, 270 at Bargoed on 9th Feb, a total during the day of 895 f/o Pantyr-Awel on 12th Feb, max 340 at Bargoed in Feb, 2000+ at Rhaslas Pond on 16th Feb, max 300 at
Caerlan Farm in Mar, 600+ at Newcastle Hill – Bridgend on 4th Mar, max 350 at Bargoed in Mar, 250
at Dinas Rhondda on 19th Mar, 250 at Belle View Park on 22nd Mar. In Oct to Dec, counts worthy of
note comprised max 500 at Caerlan Farm in Oct and Nov, 350 f/o KNNR on 17th Oct, 526 at
Ogmore Est on 26th Oct, 429 at KNNR on 27th Oct, 300 f/o Bridgend on 31st Oct, 400 at Cosmeston
CP on 6th Nov, 1002 f/o Pant-yr-Awel on 7th Nov (the 2 being stand out partially leucistic birds),
max 400 at Bargoed in Nov, max 600 at Caerlan Farm in Dec, max 370 at Bargoed in Dec, 250 at
Pen-y-Fai on 1st Dec, 500+ at Newcastle Hill – Bridgend on 2nd Dec, 1600 f/o Pant-yr-Awel on 8th Dec,
and 250 at Cosmeston CP on 25th Dec. (Reports: 1458; Locations: c.280)
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
Ydfran
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed nr J33 M4, Belle View Park – Penygraig, Dimlands 1km square SS9568
(25+ nests), Colwinston (43+ nests), 1km square SS9273 – Clemenstone (7+ nests), 1 km square
SS9274 – N. Clemenstone (8 nests), Creigiau (4 nests), 1 km square ST0176 – Prisk (10 nests at
Maendy), Nash Pt (32 birds, occupied nests not counted), Llansannor (33+ nests), Bridgend
Evangelical College, and Sully (small colony noted). Breeding was reported as probable at Bute
Park.
Highest counts outside the breeding season and other records
There were 70 north of Barry on 8th Jan, 100+ at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm on 16th Jan, 50+ at Colwinston
Meadows on 20th Mar, 50 at Lavernock Pt on 27th Aug, and 100+ at Southerndown on 26th Dec. The
most northerly reports concerned 2 at Aberdare park on 25th Jan and 3 at Rhaslas on 31st Aug.
Other than that, all reports came from a line roughly from Gwaelod-y-Garth to Maesteg, south to
the coast. (Reports: 130; Locations: c.81)
CARRION CROW Corvus corone
Brân Dyddyn
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at twenty-five widespread locations, with a southerly bias, and was
probable or possible in at least a further six.
High counts were not particularly frequent. Those worth noting comprised max 40 at Caerlan
Farm in Jan, 60 at Breaksea Pt on 4th Jan, 200 at Ogmore-by-Sea on 13th Jan, 55+ at Cwm Cothi on
27th Jan, max 40 at Caerlan Farm in Feb, 34 at Cwm Cothi on 10th Feb, 45 at Pant-yr-Awel on 12th
Feb, 35 at Bute Park on 14th Feb, 100+ at Rhaslas Pond on 16th Feb, max 63 at Cardiff Bay in Mar.
From autumn onwards there were 50 at Lavernock Pt on 18th Sep, 40 at Beddau – Efail Isaf on 26th
Sep, 99 at Pontcanna fields on 28th Sep, max 40 at Caerlan Farm in Oct, 38 at Kenfig Dunes on 4th
Oct, 45 at Hendre Lake on 8th Oct, 50 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct, max 5 at Caerlan Farm in Nov
and Dec, and 35 at Gabalfa – Cardiff on 28th Dec. Reports were widely distributed from Aberdare
in the north, to the coast, although most came from the southern half of the recording area. Flat
Holm had birds present in Mar (max 3), Apr (no count), Jul (no count) and Oct (2). (Reports: 1837;
Locations: c.365)
43
HOODED CROW Corvus cornix
Brân Llwyd
Very rare visitor
One was found in the fields at Sker on 29th Apr and was photographed (GR), and was seen again on
30th Apr (DCB) but sadly did not stay. Interestingly 1 was reported in a tree at Pant-yr-Awel in the
early morning on 29th Apr, but flew west (IRa).
COMMON RAVEN Corvus corax
Cigfran
Locally common resident breeder, especially in the uplands
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Pentrebach Common, Caerlan Farm, Cwm Nash, and nr Llanishen and
Lisvane Res. Nest building was observed at Court Colman and Monknash, and breeding was
reported as probable at Llantrisant – Y Graig and possible on Flat Holm. Display was observed at
Llanwonno and also Cosmeston CP.
The highest counts throughout the year are comprised in the main by those recorded by Mark
Evans at the Blaencanaid roost and these are given below.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Blaencanaid
113
88
167 149 238 426 378 293 196 130 202
74
The only other high count comprised 69 at Abernant on 14th Sep. Although not producing
particularly high counts, regular monthly max observations from some sites are worth tabulating:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Bargoed area
-
1
1
4
4
4
-
3
2
-
1
2
Caerlan Farm
4
7
4
4
5
7
6
6
10
11
5
5
Cardiff Bay
-
2
2
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
Coed Cefn-fforest
-
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
-
-
3
-
Cosmeston CP
-
1
3
2
-
-
-
2
1
2
-
4
Cwm Nash
2
2
1
-
-
6
2
1
1
-
2
-
Flat Holm
P
-
1
P
-
-
3
-
3
2
-
-
Hendre Lake
1
1
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
Kenfig Pool area
2
4
1
1
-
-
-
6
5
4
-
2
Kenfig river mouth
P
-
P
P
2
-
P
P
P
P
P
P
Ogmore Est
2
-
1
2
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
-
7 (5)
2 (1)
-
19
(10)
23
(18)
Pant-yr-Awel *
9 (23) 7 (11)
29 10 (8) 15
(11)
(11)
4 (2) 23 (5)
Parc Slip NR
3
9
3
1
1
1
1
1
P
2
* there were a total of 105 reports from this site and the observer is to be congratulated for his
diligence (IRa) – the figures in brackets are the total reports for the given month.
‘p’ indicates bird[s] reported as present but with no count.
Overall the species is well reported from sites right across the recording area. (Reports: 568;
Locations: 175)
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
Dryw Eurben
Common resident breeder and passage migrant, though numbers can be depleted due to harsh winters
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Llanharan Marsh & Brynna Woods, Bridgend, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer
and Cosmeston. Breeding was considered probable at Coed Cefn-Fforest, Garwnant, Bryngarw
Country Park, Tram Road Side and Pencoed. Breeding was considered possible at a further fiftyfour sites. Notable counts during the breeding season included 10 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 4th May,
11 at Parc Slip NR on 16th May and 7 at Llanharan Marsh & Brynna Woods on 30thJun.
Highest counts outside breeding season
Notable counts outside the breeding season included 10 at Dyffryn Gardens on 26th Jul, 8 on Flat
Holm on 7th Sep, 10 at Forest Farm/Glamorgan Canal on 12th Oct, 7 at KNNR on 14th Oct, around
20 at Fairwater Park on 9th Nov (highest count of the year), 10 at Kenfig Golf Course on 29th Nov,
max 10 in Dec at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer and 7 at Grangemoor Park on 30th Dec. (Reports: 552;
Locations: 183)
44
FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla
Dryw Penfflamgoch
Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor
First winter period
All reports were of single birds: Parc Slip NR on 2nd Jan, Bridgend on 19th Feb, Ewenny Priory on 7th
Mar and Pant-yr-Awel on 17th Mar.
Again, all reports were of single birds: Lavernock Pt on 14th Sep, Miskin on 5th Oct, Lavernock Pt on
10th Oct, KNNR on 27th Nov and Parc Slip NR on 30th Dec. (Reports: 16; Locations: 7)
BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus
Titw Tomas Las
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at thirty-six widespread locations, and was probable or possible at many
more. At Coed-y-Bedw there were eleven nests, producing forty-three young of which 14 ultimately
fully fledged.
In the first winter period, counts worth noting comprised 33 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan, 19 at
Forest Farm on 23rd Jan, 22 at Pant-yr-Awel on 27th Jan, 19 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 10th Feb, 20 at
Dare Valley CP on 22nd Feb, 20 at Bryngarw CP on 24th Feb, 25 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 2nd Mar, and
19 at R. Ogwr – Wildmill on 8th Mar. There were no counts of similar magnitude from Oct to Dec,
the max being 20 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Nov. (Reports: 1797; Locations: c.334)
GREAT TIT Parus major
Titw Mawr
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at twenty-six widespread locations. At Coed-y-Bedw NR there were
seventeen nests which produced seventy-six young of which sixty-one fully fledged. At Mwyndy
Pond four nests produced twenty young of which eighteen fully fledged. There were also sixteen
reports of probable or possible breeding and many more reports of singing males and pairs in
suitable habitat.
In the first winter period there were 21 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan, 30 there on 2nd Mar, and
21 on 30th Mar. Tonteg had max 18 in an observer’s garden during Mar. In the second winter
period there were max 18 in the same Tonteg garden in Oct, Nov and Dec, and 34 at Coed Cefnfforest on 30th Nov. There was 1 on Flat Holm on 30th Mar. Overall the reports were widespread
across the whole recording area. (Reports: 1631; Locations: c.106)
COAL TIT Periparus ater
Titw Penddu
Breeding season
Breeding was proven at fourteen locations mainly in the south of the recording area, the most
northerly location being Coed Cefn-fforest. Breeding was possible at a further nine locations
mainly due to singing males in suitable habitat.
There were max 12 at Caerlan Farm in Jan, 20 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan, 12 at GlenboiFernhill on 18th Jan, max 14 at Caerlan Farm in Mar. In the second winter period the only double
figure count comprised 19 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Nov. (Reports: 740; Locations: 158)
WILLOW TIT Poecile montanus
Titw’r Helyg
Now uncommon and thinly distributed resident breeder, S.42
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports but singing males were reported from Forest Farm on
6th Apr and Tirfounder Fields on 17th and 31st Mar. Nearly all the reports during the breeding
season came from Tirfounder Fields, a traditional site for this species, and the species was
reported as present at Trecastell Woods on 3rd May.
There 4 at Nelson Bog on 15th Feb and 3 at Tirfounder Fields on 26th Mar, and finally 3, probably 4
reported at Garwnant on 25th Dec. Other locations providing reports were Craig-yr-Aber, Dare
Valley CP, Llantrisant Forest, Parc Slip NR, and Rhigos Road marshy grassland (SN945053).
45
MARSH TIT Poecile palustris
Titw’r Wern
Now uncommon and thinly distributed resident breeder, S.42
Breeding season
There were no breeding reports, nor any suggesting breeding. Those received during the breeding
season concerned single birds at Bedlinog and Cosmeston (Cogan Wood), in Apr.
A single bird feeding in Cogan Wood – Cosmeston CP was reported on nine occasions in Jan to
Mar, and on 8th Oct. The only other reports comprised 1 at Parc Cwm Darran on 17th Feb and 1 at
Garwnant on 30th Nov. (Reports: 16; Locations: 4)
BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus
Titw Barfog
Rare visitor
There were 2, possibly 3 present at CBWR on 6th and 8th Jan (PMH, ND). A ringed male (from Dec
2013) was seen there on 4th, 18th and 27th Feb (AGS, RJT), and a second bird joined it on 1st Mar (SS).
A pair were at an undisclosed site on 31st Mar (JPH). Finally there were 2 at CBWR on 3rd Oct (JV).
WOOD LARK Lullula arborea
Ehedydd y Coed
Rare visitor, chiefly in winter
There was 1 at Lavernock Pt on 12th Oct (GNS, PB), and 2 there on 15th Oct (PB, MM).
SKY LARK Alauda arvensis
Ehedydd
Common resident breeder, winter visitor and passage migrant, S.42
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm and Craig-yr-Efail. Reports of singing birds during the
breeding season came from twenty-nine widespread locations in the southern half of the
recording area.
In the period Jan to Mar, there were 14 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Course on 7th Feb, 12 at Mynydd-yCapel on 10th Feb, 25 at Hendre Lake on 13th Mar, and 10 at Colwinston Meadows on 18th Mar.
Autumn counts worth noting comprised max 19 at Caerlan Farm in Aug, 14 at Rhaslas Pond on
31st Aug, 40+ at Gileston on 18th Sep, 20 at Lavernock Pt on 20th Sep, then a very high count of 370
in fields at Norton Farm on 28th Sep. October movements produced good numbers of birds: 150 at
Cwm Nash on 1st, 72 f/o E. at KNNR on 14th with the same number on 15th, 62 at Hendre Lake on
16th, 25 at Lavernock Pt on 17th, 40 at Lan Farm on 21st, 29 at KNNR on 24th, and 100 at Lavernock
Pt on 30th. There were no notable counts in Nov and Dec. (Reports: 467; Locations: c.120)
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
Gwennol y Glennydd
Common summer visitor and passage migrant, breeds in small numbers along suitable stretches of rivers
First reported at Cosmeston CP, Cardiff Bay and Kenfig Pool, with singles on 11th, 14th and 17th Mar
respectively. Notable counts during the arrival period comprised 330 at Cardiff Bay on 27th and
28th Mar, 100 there on 31st Mar and 6th Apr, and 200 on 7th Apr.
Breeding season
It was another poor year for this species. Breeding was only confirmed at Cardiff Bay in the walls
of the old dock by the Dr. Who Experience, R. Ely at Peterston/Pendoylan (ten nests), R. Ogmore –
Bridgend, and Parc Taf Bargoed. Birds were reported as nest building near the Park & Ride car park
at Bargoed. Breeding was reported at possible in the Porth (west) 1km square ST0291.
Post-breeding dispersal and autumn passage
Post-breeding and autumnal counts worth noting comprised 80+ at Kenfig Pool on 6th Aug, 50 at
Lavernock Pt on 30th Aug and 100 there on 31st Aug, 66 at R. Taff - Blackweir on 1st Sep, 50 at
Cardiff Bay on 11th Sep, 50 at Kenfig Pool on 12th Sep, and 100 at Cardiff Bay on 17th Sep. The last
reports concerned 20 at Radyr floodplain on 20th Sep and 12 there on 21st Sep. (Reports: 265;
Locations: 53)
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Gwennol
First reported on 21st Mar with 3 at Kenfig Pool, then 1 at Parc Slip on 23rd Mar and 2 at Kenfig Pool
on 30th Mar. Reports continued through Apr in small numbers, building in the second half with
c.100 over Cardiff Bay on 20th, 90 there on 25th, and 100 on 2nd May. Flat Holm produced ten
reports throughout Apr, max 20 on 30th.
46
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding reports came from Amelia Trust Farm – Barry, Caerlan Farm, Cardiff Riding
Stables, Cardiff ST1475 – Caerau, Rivers House – St. Mellons, and Siggingstone. Ads with juvs were
reported at a few sites and breeding was reported as possible at Tranche Pyle former lime works.
This period produced the most reports with many high counts – there were thirty-seven counts of
100 or more from the end of Apr onwards. Many of these will concern counts of birds passing
through, such as at Lavernock Pt, although some will relate to total flocks such as at Cardiff Bay.
Those worth noting comprise 400 at Lavernock Pt on 30th Aug and 1000 there on 31st, max 7000 at
Ogmore Est on 4th Sep, 500 at Llanishen Res on 5th Sep, 800 at Cardiff Bay on 11th Sep and 500
there and also at RGW on 12th Sep, 500 at RGW on 16th Sep, 6000 at Cardiff Bay and 1000 at
Lavernock Pt on 17th Sep, 1500 f/o E. at Lavernock Pt on 18th Sep, 400 over fields nr Gabalfa on 19th
Sep, 1000 at Cosmeston CP 28th Sep. There were a few good counts on Flat Holm in Sep with max
279 on 7th. Numbers then tapered off through Oct, and the last reports were of singles at
Porthkerry and Rhoose Pt on 24th Nov, and Sker on 26th Nov. (Reports: 820; Locations: c.217)
HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum
Gwennol y Bondo
Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, a small cliff-nesting colony exists between
Southerndown and Llantwit Major
First reported on 1st Mar with singles at Cardiff Bay then no more reports until ‘present’ at Kenfig
rivermouth on 31st Mar. Small numbers were reported from many sites throughout Apr with 70 at
Kenfig Pool on 28th being the highest count.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed in the Bargoed area with nest(s) at seven different locations. Breeding was
also confirmed at Cardiff Bay with at least four and eleven nests at two different locations, and at
Cascade – Penpedairheol, Dyffryn Gardens, Fairwater Green, and Penarth Marina (estimated
seventy-eight nests). Nest building was observed at Keeper’s Lodge Farm – S. of Talygarn, and
breeding was reported as probable at Parc Prison.
Sep produced some high counts during autumn passage: max 350 at Caerlan Farm in the month,
100 at Parc Slip NR on 1st, 156 over Flat Holm on 6th, 1500 at Cardiff Bay on 6th, 500 at Kenfig Pool
on 14th, 115 at Cardiff Riding School on 15th, 800 at Cardiff Bay on 17th, 485 at Cardiff Riding
School on 17th, 100 at Lavernock Pt on 17th, 430 at Cardiff Riding School on 18th, 300 f/o E. at
Lavernock Pt on 18th and 200 there on 24th. The final reports came in Oct with 10 at Lavernock Pt
on 11th, 2 at Cardiff Bay on 15th and finally 3 at Lavernock Pt on 23rd. (Reports: 454; Locations:
c.119)
CETTI'S WARBLER Cettia cetti
Telor Cetti
Uncommon and local resident breeder
Breeding season
No confirmed breeding reports were received though 3 birds ringed at KNNR on 7th Jul included 2
recently fledged juveniles which could have come from a pair on the reserve. There were no
reports of probable breeding but breeding was considered possible at six locations.
Kenfig Pool
Kenfig saltmarsh reeds
CBWR
Hendre Lake
Parc Slip NR
P=present – no count given
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
1
P
2
1
4
P
2
1
12
6
6
1
-
10+
8
5
2
1
10+
P
2
1
2
P
4
1
-
3
P
1
-
2
P
2
-
7
P
5
-
4
P
4
4
-
1
P
4
2
1
1
4+
1
1
Elsewhere the highest count was 4 at Parc Tredelerch on 12st Apr.
This species is increasingly well established with fifteen locations in 2014 (nine in 2013). The
number of reports increased to 290 in 2014 from just 65 in 2013. Almost all sites are coastal reed
bed, from RGW in the east to Kenfig River reed bed and saltmarsh in the west. Parc Slip NR
remains the only inland site. (Reports: 290; Locations: 15)
47
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
Titw Gynffon-hir
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed in Bargoed Park, Broadlands – Bridgend, Caerlan Farm, Craig-y-Parcau –
Bridgend, Forest Farm, Grangemoor Park – Cardiff, KNNR, Llantrisant Hospital, Nantgarw, ST0378
1km square, Tredomen Park – Ystrad Mynach, and Treforest (University). Breeding was reported as
probable or possible at Cosmeston CP, Glyncornel LNR, Llantrisant Common, and Tonypandy
station.
There were many double figure counts during the first winter period and those worthy of note
comprised 18 at Glyncornel on 4th Jan, 18 at Pant-yr-Awel on 25th Jan, 21 at Parc Cwm Darran on
30th Jan, and 16 at Pant-yr-Awel on 12th Feb. Post-breeding and in to winter there were also many
double figure counts and those worth noting comprise 22 at KNNR on 15th Aug, 20 at Rudry
Common on 3rd Sep and 40 there on 14th Sep, 23 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct, 20 at Museum Ave –
Cardiff on 27th Oct, 25 at Brynna Woods on 3rd Nov and 24 at KNNR on 24th Nov. (Reports: 725;
Locations: c.183)
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
Telor Aefelen
Scarce visitor
In a productive autumn for this species, there was 1 at Dunraven on 17th Oct (NPR), 1 at Waterton
Ind. Est. on 19th Oct (DGC), 1 at Pant Norton from 23rd to 26th Oct (DCB), 1 at Maesteg on 24th Oct
(PT) and 1 at KNNR on 27th Oct (ND, DGC).
WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Telor y Coed
Locally common breeding summer visitor, small numbers recorded on passage, S.42
Reports have dropped sharply to just ten in 2014 (thirty-six in 2013) and locations are down to
seven (twenty-one in 2013). All records follow.
The first returning bird was noted at Forest Fawr on 7th May, and the species was also recorded
there on 27th , 1 was at Taf Fechan NR near Merthyr on 13th May, 3 were at Craig yr Aber on 16th
May, and noted as present at Cwm Cynffig on 21st May.
Breeding season
There were no reports of confirmed or probable breeding. Singing males were noted at Penllegaer
Fforest on 24th May, Llantrisant Forest (max 4) on 26th May and 1 at Evanstown on 5th Jun, and the
species was noted as present at Craig yr Aber on 29th Jun.
A single at Radyr Floodplain on 7th Aug was the only post-breeding record, and is the first record
for this location (DJJ, GJJ). (Reports: 10; Locations: 7)
COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
Siff-Saff
Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, locally common winter visitor
First winter period
There were thirty-five records from fifteen locations right across the recording area, between the
start of the year and 6th Mar. Twelve of these records relate to locations north of the M4, and the
highest count in this period was 4 at Llwynypia on 17th Jan. The records include reports from Pantyr-Awel in Jan of a single bird in song on at least four dates (earliest 17th Jan). A single bird in song
was also noted at Cilfynydd Sewage Works, on 24th Feb, and 2 were in song at KNNR on 26th Feb.
Reports increased rapidly from 7th Mar and the next record of a bird in song was on that date at
RGW. Notable counts in the main arrival period included 10 at Forest Farm/Glamorgan canal on
30th Mar, 12 at Llanharan Marsh and Brynna Woods on 31st Mar, 16 at KNNR on 2nd Apr, 25 at
Llanilid on 4th Apr, 12 at Cosmeston on 6th Apr and 14 at Hendre Lake on 12th Apr.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Llantrisant Common, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer and in the River Ely
valley north of Peterston. In addition, a recently fledged juvenile was ringed at KNNR on 20th Jun.
Breeding was considered probable at Evanstown, Tram Road Side, Mill Street woods, Glyncornel
LNR, Coed Cefn-fforest, Treforest (University woodland trail), Broadlands (Bridgend), Llanharan
Marsh & Brynna Woods and Bargoed Park. Breeding was considered possible at a further ninetytwo sites. Notable counts in this period included 15 at Pant-yr-Awel on 15th May, 14 at Parc Slip NR
on 26th May and 10 at Mynydd Meio on 9th Jun.
48
Notable counts in this period included 10 at Parc Slip NR on 19th Aug, 30 at Radyr Floodplain on
20th Aug, 13 on Flat Holm on 6th Sep, 12 at Grangemoor Park, 10 at Lavernock Point and 10 at Pant
Norton on 8th Sep, 31 at Pontcanna Fields on 12th Sep, 14 at KNNR and 50 at Rudry Common on
14th Sep (highest count of the year), 31 at Cardiff Riding School and 11 at Dunraven on 15th Sep, 10
at RGW on 16th Sep, 20 at Atlantic Wharf on 18th Sep, 10 at Hamadryad Park on 20th Sep, 27 in
Cardiff Bay on 24th Sep and 13 at Cosmeston on 1st Oct. The last double figure count was of 10 at
Lavernock Point on 11th Oct.
There were forty-one records from seventeen locations in the period 1st Nov to 31st Dec.
Contrastingly with the first winter period, only three of the records relate to locations north of the
M4.
Birds showing features of the eastern race P.c. tristis were reported at Burrows Well on 22nd Jan
(NPR), at KNNR from 13th Feb to 21st Mar (ND, AS) and again at KNNR (2 birds) on 18th Nov (ND).
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
Telor y Helyg
The earliest report was at Aberdare on 21st Mar, followed by another single bird at Cosmeston on
25th Mar. A rapid increase followed, with notable counts including 15 at Llanilid on 4th Apr, 10 at
Parc Slip NR on 8th Apr, 8 at Cardiff Bay on 10th Apr, 11 at Kenfig Saltmarsh and reed bed on 14th
Apr, 70 at KNNR on 17th Apr (highest count of the year), 13 at Parc Taf Bargoed and 8 at Rudry
Common on 20th Apr, and max 8 in Apr at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Llantrisant Common, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer and Taff Bargoed. At
KNNR on 16th May birds ringed included 3 recently-fledged juvs. Breeding was considered probable
at Groesfaen (Deri), Bargoed Park, Deri, Tram Road Side and Evanstown and breeding was
considered possible at a further fifty-two sites. Notable counts from late Apr to end Jun included
10 at Coed Cefn-fforest and 12 at Old Castle Down on 4th May, 13 at Bargoed on the Northern
Rhymney Valley cycle track on 11th May, 35+ at KNNR and 16 at Parc Slip NR on 16th May, 10 at
Llanwonno on 20th May, 13 at Mynydd Meio on 9th Jun, 26 at Mountain Ash on 23rd Jun, and max 10
in Jun at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer.
Notable counts from July onwards included max 10 in Jul at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, 24 at
KNNR on 29th Jul, 20 at CBWR and 20 at Parc Slip NR on 19th Aug and 20 on Flat Holm on 5th Sep.
From late Jul until mid-Sep there were frequent small counts from sites in the southern part of the
recording area. The last report concerned 1 heard singing early morning on 1st Oct at Pant-yr-Awel.
BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
Telor Penddu
Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, locally common winter visitor, especially to
suburban parks and gardens
First winter period
From 1st Jan until 22nd Mar there were twenty-one reports in total, typically 1 or 2 birds (max 4)
and almost all in the southern half of the recording area.
The first report of a singing bird was on 6th Mar at Cardiff Bay, followed by 1 at Llanilid on 21st
Mar. From 23rd to 29th Mar there was a minimum of 2 reports per day, then on 30th Mar a sharp
increase to fifteen reports from Flat Holm to Llangynwyd. Notable counts to the end of Apr
included 16 at Cosmeston on 6th Apr, 12 at Hendre Lake on 12th Apr, 10 at Coed Cefn-Fforest, 10 at
Radyr Floodplain on 13th Apr, 14 at KNNR on 15th Apr, 12 at Cardiff Bay, 13 at Tir Founder
Floodplain and 7 at Tram Road Side on 16th Apr, and 17 at Parc Slip NR on 24th Apr.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Nantgarw, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Duffryn Bach Lake, Coed Parc-yFan (Caerphilly), Treforest (University Woodland Trail), Creigiau, Mill Street Woods, Bryngarn
Common and Coed Cefn-Fforest. In addition, a recently-fledged juvenile was ringed at KNNR on
12th Jun. Breeding was considered probable at Llantrisant Common, Broadway/Glyntaff,
Broadlands (Bridgend), Gilfach (Bargoed), Tram Road Side, Norton Wood, Groesfaen/Deri (Northern
Rhymney Valley Cycle Route), Evanstown and CBWR. Breeding was considered possible at a further
sixty-nine sites.
49
Notable counts in the period 1st Aug to 31st Oct included 10 at Parc Slip NR on 31st Aug, 10 at Tyisaf Farm, Bedwas on 4th Sep, 21 on Flat Holm and 30 on Radyr Floodplain (highest count of the
year for the recording area) on 6th Sep, 10 at Pant Norton on 8th Sep, and 23 at KNNR on 12th Sep.
There were twenty-two reports in Nov and Dec, almost all in the south of the recording area.
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin
Telor yr Ardd
Locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
The first report was of a single bird at Parc Slip NR on 15th Apr. Notable counts in this period
included 5 at Tirfounder fields on 3rd and 4th May (highest counts of the year) and 4 at Llanharan
Marsh and Brynna Woods on 15th May.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, and was considered probable at Blackmill,
Parc Coetir Bargoed, Deri (along Northern Rhymney Valley cycle track), Coed Cefn-Fforest and
Tram Road Side and was possible at a further eight locations.
Notable counts included 3 at Bryngarn Common on 25th Jul and 2 at Parc Slip NR on 31st Aug. The
last report for the year was of a single bird at KNNR on 12th Oct. (Reports: 95; Locations: 51)
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
Llwydfron Fach
Locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, though virtually absent in river valleys and
upland areas
All seventy-eight reports for the year were of 1 or 2 birds, and almost all were from the south of
the recording area, ranging from Wentloog Levels in the east to Kenfig river marsh in the west.
The first spring arrival was at KNNR on 12th Apr, with reports then daily over the following weeks.
Reports of single birds at Parc Slip NR on 18th Apr and 26th May were there year’s only records
away from the coastal strip.
Breeding season
There were no reports of confirmed or probable breeding, but there were sixteen reports of
singing males suggesting possible breeding.
There were twenty-four reports from 30th Jul onwards, the last being of 1 at CBWR on 21st Sep.
A report was received in Jan, of a bird coming to a feeder in a private garden (PO). On
investigation it was indeed found to be a Lesser Whitethroat and was videoed but was not seen or
filmed well enough to determine whether it might have been an eastern race bird (JDW, GRC) – on
the basis that the last record of this species in winter was believed to be of such a race.
COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
Llwydfron
The first report comprised 1 on 11th Apr at Radyr Floodplain, with sightings daily from then on.
Notable counts in this period included 19 at Hendre Lake on 29th Apr, 7 at Gileston, 7 at Old Castle
Down and 6 at Penallta on 4th May, and 87 at KNNR on 16th May was highest count of the year.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Parc Slip NR, St Mellons, KNNR and New
Barn (SS9970). Breeding was considered probable at CBWR, Pant-yr-Awel, Llantrisant Common,
Mynydd Meio and Evanstown, and possible at a further fifty-one locations. There were max 10 in
Jun at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, 7 at Tirfounder fields on 5th Jun, 6 at Mynydd Meio on 9th Jun
and 7 at Cardiff Bay on 17th Jun.
Notable counts in this period included 13 at Cardiff Bay on 7th Aug, 9 at Lavernock on 8th Aug, 27
at KNNR on 9th Aug, 10 on Radyr Floodplain on 20th Aug and 30 at Pant Norton on 23rd Aug. The
last report was of 2 at Parc Slip NR on 25thOct. (Reports: 396; Locations: 132)
DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata
Telor Dartford
Rare resident breeder and passage migrant
There was a single report of 2 birds seen on 11th Nov in the south of the recording area (DCB).
50
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia
Troellwr Bach
Locally common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, though scarce in upland areas, S.42
The first report was of a single bird at Merthyr Mawr Warren on 9th Apr. All other reports in this
period were of 1 or 2 birds at KNNR, Kenfig saltmarsh, Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer and three
locations in the Maesteg area.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer (AMe). Reeling males indicating possible
breeding were present at 3 other locations. Highest count of the year was during this period, with
3 at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in Jun.
A single bird was noted at KNNR on 23rd Aug and the last three reports for the year were of single
birds at Radyr Floodplain on 6th, 13th and 21st Sep. (Reports: 25; Locations: 9)
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Telor yr Hesg
The first reports for the year were of 2 birds at CBWR and a single bird at KNNR on 13th Apr.
Reports were almost daily thereafter, and notable counts in this period included 5 at Tirfounder
fields on 30th Apr, 14 at Kenfig Pool on 4th May, 4 at CBWR on 15th May and 4 at Kenfig rivermouth
on 16th May.
Breeding season
There were no reports of confirmed breeding, although a recently-fledged juvenile was ringed at
KNNR on 16th May. There were no reports of probable breeding, and breeding was considered
possible at ten southerly locations.
Notable counts in this period included 12 at Kenfig Pool on 4th Aug, 4 at Llanilid on 7th Aug and 11
at Kenfig rivermouth on 12th Sep. The last report for the year was of a single bird at CBWR on 23rd
Sep. (Reports: 114; Locations: 28)
REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Telor y Cyrs
The first report was of a single bird at Cosmeston on 8th Apr, followed by 2 in Cardiff Bay on 14th
Apr. Reports increased rapidly from then on and notable counts in this period included 20 in
Cardiff Bay on 25th Apr, 6 at Cosmeston on 30th Apr, 4 at Tirfounder Floodplain on 4th May, 5 at
Hendre Lake on 7th May, 6 at Lamby Lake on 13th May, 14 at KNNR, 6 at Kenfig Rivermouth and 6 at
Rhoose Point on 16th May and 6 at East Aberthaw on 19th Jun.
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at CBWR and Cors Crychydd Reen. In addition two recently fledged
juveniles were ringed at KNNR on 16th May. Breeding was considered probable at Parc Taf Bargoed
and Glamorgan Canal (Whitchurch), and was considered possible at a further eleven locations.
Notable counts in this period included 15 at KNNR on 29th Jul, 30 at Cardiff Bay on 7th Aug and 3
at Llantrisant Common on 22nd Sep. The final report for the year was of a single bird at KNNR on
28th Sep. (Reports: 199; Locations: 31)
EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europea
Delor y Cnau
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at two locations in Bargoed, Caerlan Farm, Coed Cefn-fforest, Coed-yBedw (five nests, twenty young from which fourteen fully fledged), Dyffryn Gardens, Mill Street
woods, Nantgarw (from nest box, but juv killed by cat), Creigiau, and Pontypridd. Breeding was
reported as possible at Treforest (University), and singing males were heard at many suitable
locations during the breeding season.
Other reports
Overall the reports were widespread across the whole recording area including as far north as
Aberdare. Coed Cefn-fforest produced the highest counts, with 17 on 13th Jan, 14 on 30th Mar, 13
on 13th Apr, 14 on 4th May, 18 on 20th Jul, 16 on 30th Nov, and 12 on 24th Dec. (Reports: 729;
Locations: 164)
51
EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
Dringwr Bach
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding was reported at Bargoed Park, Caerlan Farm, Cascade House ST1497 (just S.
of Bargoed), Court Colman, Groesfaen – Deri, KNNR, and Llantrisant Forest. Breeding was reported
as possible at Blackmill and Glyncornel LNR, and singing males or pairs in suitable habitat were
reported at Evanstown, Craig-y-Parcau, Pencoed, Garth Mountain, Newbridge Fields, Norton Wood,
Pant-yr-Awel, and Porthkerry CP.
Other reports
Reports were widespread in suitable habitat and were limited to the southern half of the recording
area. One was trapped for ringing on Flat Holm on 6th Sep. (Reports: 280; Locations: 96)
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
Dryw
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports and indeed the only reports indicative of any
suggestion of breeding were just four reports of singing males. This is partly due to fact that there
were less than half the number of reports than last year.
The highest count in either winter period was 7 at Bute Park on 28th Dec. There were not many
counts at all, most recorders merely indicating the species’ presence. The highest counts overall
were at Mountain Ash, with 26 on 28th Apr and 24 on 23rd Jun and there were 9 at Abernant on 14th
Sep. Birds were reported on Flat Holm in Jan, Mar and Apr with max 11 on 21st Apr. Overall the
reports were widespread but thinly distributed, with the most northerly being from Hirwaun, and
Abernant, but the majority being in the southern half of the recording area. (Reports: 210;
Locations: 136)
COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Drudwen
Common but declining breeding resident and winter visitor
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Llantrisant Forest south, Bridgend, Bargoed (obs garden), Bargoed Golf
Course, Bargoed Park, Bute East Dock, Cardiff Riding School, Victoria Park – Cardiff, Cardiff Bay Adventurer’s Quay, Flat Holm, Heath – Cardiff, Kenfig Reserve Centre, Michaelston-le-Pit, Creigiau,
Pontypridd, Bonvilston, and Taff’s Well. Nest building was observed at Llanharan and Llanharry,
and ads with fully fledged juvs were seen at many locations.
There were 1000 at CBWR on 11th Jan, a murmuration of 6000 at CBWR on 13th and 18th Feb, 1600+
at Rhaslas Pond on 16th Feb, and 4000 at CBWR on 19th Feb. Notable counts in late autumn to
winter comprised 1000 at CBWR on 31st Oct, 2000 at the Norwegian Church – Cardiff Bay on 5th
Nov, 4500 at Haillard Court – Atlantic Wharf on 9th Nov, 4000 at Llanmaes on 12th Nov, 10,000+
leaving roost at KNNR on 24th Nov, and a murmuration of 10,000 at CBWR on 24th Dec, these last
two being the highest counts of the year (ND, SS/AS), and 2500 at CBWR on 28th Dec. (Reports: 863;
Locations: c.173)
Late record 2013
There were 8000 at the CBWR roost on 4th Jan, the highest count for the year (AGS).
DIPPER Cinclus cinclus
Bronwen y Dŵr
Locally common resident breeder on suitable fast-flowing stretches of upland rivers and streams
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding reports were received from Bridgend town centre, Bryngarw CP, Brynllywarchfawr, R. Ely at Llantrisant Hospital, Parc Taf Bargoed, R. Taff at Forest Farm, and R. Ely at
Peterston/Pendoylan. Breeding was also reported as possible at Clydach Vale CP, Craig-y-Parcau,
Groesfaen – Deri, and Taf Fechan NR, and many other birds were reported in suitable riparian
habitat during the breeding season.
High counts are rarely recorded but at least 7 individuals were reported along the R. Ogmore at
Pant-yr-Awel on 5th Mar. Other than this the reports were widespread across the whole recording
area in suitable habitat and in all months. (Reports: 354; Locations: 87)
52
RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus
Mwyalchen y Mynydd
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant, chiefly recorded on crags and scree slopes at the heads of the
upland valleys, has bred, S.42
Spring records
There were just 4 reports: 1 in the Llynfi Valley on 5th Mar was the first report, then max 1 at
Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in Apr, 1 fem at KNNR on 19th Apr and 1 fem at Craig-y-Llyn on 27th
May.
Autumn records
The first report was of 1 at Cosmeston and another (or the same bird) at Lavernock on 21st Sep.
There was a max of 1 at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in Oct, 1 at Cwm Nash on 14th Oct, 3 at Mynydd
Bach - Maesteg on 19th Oct, 7 at Maesteg (SS8491) and 9 at Mynydd Bach summit - Maesteg SS8692
on 20th Oct. There was then a run of records at Pant Norton: 1 on 1st Nov, 2 on 4th and 5th Nov, 1 on
8th Nov, 2 on 9th Nov, and finally for this site, 1 on 11th and 12th Nov. The final report was of 4 at
Pontycymer on 18th Nov. (Reports: 24; Locations: 12)
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
Mwyalchen
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at twenty-seven widespread locations, most of which were in the southern
half of the recording area. Breeding was also considered probable at a further nineteen locations.
Highest counts for the first winter period included 32 at Briwnant/Wenallt on 4th Jan, 28 at Hendre
Lake and 20 at Sully Moors on 10th Jan, 23 at Ewenny Priory on 2nd Feb, 36 at Cardiff Riding School
on 1st Mar, 23 at Llanharan Marsh & Brynna Woods on 2nd Mar, 31 in Cardiff Bay on 9th Mar, 21 at
Tirfounder fields on 12th Mar, 22 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Mar and 22 at Pen-y-graig - Treharris
on 31st Mar. Highest counts for the autumn and second winter period included 25 at Pant Norton
on 23rd Aug, 30 on Radyr Floodplain on 31st Oct, a maximum of 24 at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in
Nov, 30 at Parc Slip NR on 4th Nov, 26 at KNNR on 16th Nov, 25 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Nov, 30
at Broadlands - Bridgend on 3rd Dec, and 26 at Hendre Lake on 15th Dec. (Reports: 2193; Locations
c. 400)
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
Socan Eira
Common winter visitor and passage migrant
First winter period
Notable counts included 50 at Waterston and 50 at Amelia Trust farm on 19th Jan, 50 at
Cosmeston on 23rd Jan, 60 at Amelia Trust farm on 2nd Feb, 120 at Pant-yr-Awel on 7th Feb, 60 at
Pant-yr-Awel on 4th Mar, max 40 at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer in Mar and 40+ at Castle-upon-Alun
on 20th Mar. The last reports were in March with 8 at Kenfig river marsh on 30th and birds also
present there on the 31st.
First reported in Oct with 25 at Pant-yr-Awel on 23rd and max 150+ in the month at Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer. Other notable counts in the second winter period included max 50+ at Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer in Nov, 50 at Cosmeston on 6th Nov, 70 at Pant Norton on 8th Nov, 137 at KNNR on 9th
Nov, 70+ at Pant Norton on 17th Nov, 40 at Pant-yr-Awel on 18th Nov, max 40+ at Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer in Dec and 106 at Sker House on 30th Dec. (Reports: 108; Locations: 47)
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
Bronfraith
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Treforest (University Woodland Trail), Llantrisant Common, Sophia
Gardens, Cathays Park, Dinas Rhondda, Llanharan Marsh & Brynna Woods, Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, Coed Cefn-fforest, Coed Merthyr Vale, Parc Slip NR and Pysgodlyn Mawr. Breeding was
considered probable at Evanstown, Ewenny Priory, Kenfig Burrows, Bryngarw CP and Blackmill.
There were 11 at Mountain Ash on 28th Apr and 15 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 1st Jun.
In the first winter period there were 16 at Parc Cwm Darran on 25th Jan and 19 at Pen-y-Graig Treharris on 27th Jan. In the autumn and second winter period, notable counts included 20 at Parc
Slip NR on 8th Sep, 25 on Radyr Floodplain on 20th Sep, 13 at KNNR on 24th Oct, 32 at Bedwas on 9th
Dec and 12 at Hendre lake on 15th Dec. (Reports: 946; Locations: 278)
53
REDWING Turdus iliacus
Coch Dan-Aden
Common winter visitor and passage migrant
Notable counts in this period included 100 at Craig-y-Parcau - Bridgend on 13th Jan, 100 at
Cosmeston and 200 at Pontcanna Fields on 23rd Jan, 200+ at Cwm Cothi on 27th Jan, 130 at Cardiff
Riding School on 9th Feb, 100+ at Cwm Cothi on 10th Feb and 203 at Cardiff Riding School on 1st
Mar. The last reports for this period were 1 at Atlantic Wharf - Cardiff on 4th Apr and 2 at Coed
Cefn-fforest on 13th Apr.
The first report was of 2 at Craig-y-Llyn on 5th Oct. Notable counts in this period included max
100+ at Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer in Oct, 1,000 at Lavernock Point on 15th Oct, 100 at Radyr
Floodplain on 18th Oct, 100 at Cosmeston on 22nd Oct, 100 at Rhoose on 28 Oct, 110 at Pant Norton
on 1st November, 100 at Cosmeston on 6 November, 200+ at Penarth Head on 16th Nov, and 125 at
Pontcanna Fields on 28th Dec. (Reports: 305; Locations: 109)
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
Brych y Coed
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Cardiff Riding School, KNNR, Pontcanna Fields, Parc Taf Bargoed,
Castle Mill Leat (Cardiff), Cosmeston, Rudry, Coed Cefn-fforest, Bargoed (3 locations), Caerlan
Farm – Penrhiwfer, Pontypridd, Craig Fargoed and Ogmore. Breeding was considered probable at
Bryngarw CP, Pant-yr-Awel, Garth Mountain and Fairwater Park. There were 20 at Pontypridd on 3rd
Jun.
Notable counts in the first winter period included 9 at Clos Dewi Sant - Cardiff on 12th Jan, 15 at
Pen-y-graig - Treharris on 27th Jan, 13 at Mynydd-y-Capel on 10th Feb, max 9 in Feb and 10 in Mar at
Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, and 9 at Rivers House - St Mellons on 28th Mar. Notable counts in the
autumn and second winter period included 20 at Bedwas on 14th Aug, 30 at Llanilid on 21st Aug,
max 9 in Sep and 12 in Oct at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, 23 at Rudry Common on 3rd Sep, 10 at
Cefn Cadlan on 7th Sep, 12 at Abernant on 14th Sep and 10 at Porthkerry Park on 14th Dec. (Reports:
523; Locations: 153)
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
Gwybedog Mannog
Formerly common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, numbers have declined markedly in recent
years, S.42
The first report concerned 1 at Rudry Common on 1st May, followed by 1 at Wig Fach on 13th May,
then 2 at Pant-yr-Awel and 1 at KNNR on 14th May.
Breeding season
Breeding was only confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer. However, observers reported 6 on
Blackmill Cycle Path on 12th Jun and 4 in Norton on 18th Jul, which probably involved family
parties, suggesting breeding nearby. A juv was reported from a Wildmill garden on 6th Sep.
Over 70% of the reports came from this period. The max count was 11 at Cardiff Riding School on
15th Sep. This location had 5 on 1st Sept and 9 on 12th Sep. There were 4 at Parc Slip on 6th Sep with
an identical count at Tondu on the same date. The last report concerned 1 at Lavernock Pt on 29th
Sep. (Reports: 96; Locations: 46)
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
Brongoch
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at eighteen sites. The earliest record of breeding was from Candleston on
27th April. There were several reports of breeding in July, presumably birds taking advantage of
the warm weather and producing second broods. Singing males were reported from many sites
during the breeding season.
The first winter period saw notable counts from nine sites: 15 on the Wenallt on 4th Jan, 14 in
Coed Cefn-fforest on 13th Jan, 11 at Parc Slip on 19th Jan, 14 at Cosmeston on 25th Jan, 14 in
Tirfounder on 7th Feb, 17 at Cosmeston on 15th Feb, 13 at Candleston on 18th Feb, 16 in Dare Valley
on 22nd Feb and lastly 10 in Cardiff Bay also on 22nd Feb. As expected the post breeding season saw
higher counts. There were 28 at Parc Slip on 31st Aug, 16 on Flat Holm on 7th Sep, 43 around
Cardiff Bay on 11th Sep, 27 at KNNR on 12th Sep, 30 on the Radyr floodplain on 20th Sep, 19 at
54
Cosmeston on 20th Sep and 30 at Lavernock Point on 17th Oct. By far the highest count of the year
was from the Cardiff Bay area, where 52 were observed on 9th Nov. (Reports: 2135; Locations: 531)
PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca
Gwybedog Brith
Formerly common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, numbers have decreased in recent years,
S.42
The first report of the year came from Nant Cwm Gwyn - Maesteg on 17th Apr.
Breeding season
Sadly, there were no confirmed breeding reports, but pairs were reported in the breeding season
from Cwm Nant Gwyn - Maesteg and Bridgend Paper Mills. Elsewhere individuals were seen at
Maes Cadlawr, Taf Fechan LNR, Coed Cefn Fforest, Foel Fach and Forest Fawr.
Juveniles were reported on passage at Pant Norton on 31st Aug and Parc Slip on 4th Sep. The Parc
Slip bird proved to be the last of the year. Other passage reports came from Treherbert on 31st Jul
and Ogmore on 31st Aug. (Reports: 17; Locations: 11)
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
Tingoch Du
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, though bred in 1981 and 1988
First winter period
There was 1 at The Leys – Gileston on 4th Jan, and the remaining fifteen reports came from Penarth
Marina or the nearby Barrage, where there were max 2 from 8th Jan, with the last report being on
7th Mar.
Figures rose significantly in the second winter period and of fifty-eight reports, fifty-three were
from Penarth Marina/Cardiff Bay Barrage, with a max of 7 in Penarth Marina on 23rd Nov and 6
there on 6th Dec. Away from here there was 1 in Ty Glas on 17th Oct, 1 at Forest Farm on 20th Nov, 1
at E. Aberthaw on 22nd Nov, and 1 at Aberthaw Power Station on 13th Dec. (Reports: 74; Locations:
6)
COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Tingoch
Common breeding summer visitor, chiefly to upland woodlands, and passage migrant
The first of the year was reported in Bargoed on 11th Apr. Another was reported singing in a
separate Bargoed location on the following day. The main influx appears to have been on 14th with
sightings from many locations.
Breeding season
Surprisingly there was only one confirmed breeding record this year, from Caerlan Farm in Jun.
Breeding was probable in Bargoed, where an adult was observed carrying food. At two other sites,
Deri (Bargoed) and the Garth Mountain, birds were observed behaving in an agitated fashion,
probably as a distraction tactic. Observers reported pairs in suitable breeding habitat from
Pontypridd west (5 pairs), Caerau (Maesteg), Blackmill and Llanwonno. Breeding was also
suspected at Gelligaer Common and Craig-yr-Efail, where fledged young were observed on 22nd and
29th Jun respectively. Singing males were reported from a further nineteen locations.
Max counts in the post breeding period were 5 at Forest Farm on 22nd Aug, with the same number
in St. Gwynno forest on 31st Aug. The last of the year was in CBWR on 22nd Sep. (Reports: 154;
Locations: 63)
WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra
Crec yr Eithin
First reported on 20th Apr, with singles at Cefn Cadlan, Cwm Cadlan and Flat Holm, with another
the following day on Pentrebach Common, and 1 at KNNR on 25th Apr.
Breeding season
There were no confirmed breeding reports, but pairs were observed in Cwm Bargoed on 4th May,
Beile Helyg on 16th May, Twyn Giden Farm on 31st May, Mynydd Bach - Maesteg on 7th Jun and Craig
Fargoed on 15th Jun. A male was singing in suitable habitat at Cefn Gelligaer on 14th May.
There were 3 at Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer on 1st Sep, and 3 on Flat Holm in the first week of that
month. The max count in this period was at Sker Pt on 18th Sep, where 5 were seen. The last
report was of 2 at Kenfig rivermouth on 25th Sep. (Reports: 57; Locations: 33)
55
EUROPEAN STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola
Clochdar y Cerrig
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at twelve sites: Bargoed, Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer, Coity Walia, Cwm
Bargoed, Cwm Nash, Dunraven, Mynydd Baeden, Ogmore (2 sites), Rudry Common, St. Brides and
Sker Point. Observers reported seeing adults carrying food/faecal sacs at a further three sites and
pairs were observed in suitable habitat at twenty-five more.
The largest counts of first winter period comprised 8 at Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer in Jan and 9 at
Lock’s Common on 9th Mar. Numbers after the breeding season were obviously higher with counts
of 30 at KNNR on 12th Oct, 20 at Sker on 8th Sep, max 9 at Caerlan Farm in Oct and 6 in Bargoed on
28th Aug being the most notable. (Reports: 365; Locations: 92)
NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
Tinwen y Garn
The first of the year was reported in Llwynypia on 10th Mar, but the bulk of arrivals seemed to be
in the third week of Mar although there were high counts of 35 at Sker on 22nd Apr and 23 on
Gelligaer Common on 24th Apr.
Breeding season
Just three confirmed breeding reports were received, from Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer, Cwm
Bargoed and Cwm Blacks. Pairs in suitable habitat were observed in Bargoed, Deri, Maesteg (8 prs),
Pontypridd and Rhaslas.
The post breeding peaks were 13 at Sker on 27th Aug, 10 at Kenfig Saltmarsh on 30th Aug, and 35
on Flat Holm on 7th Sep. 1’s and 2’s were reported throughout Oct and the final report concerned 1
on the Haul Road at KNNR on 1st Nov.
There was a report from Sker on 14th Sep, of two birds showing characteristics of the Greenland
race O. o. leucorhoa. (JPC) (Reports: 206; Locations: 78)
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis
Llwyd y Gwrych
Breeding season
Surprisingly, breeding was only reported from eleven sites: Bargoed, Cardiff Riding School,
Cathays Park, Cosmeston, Creigiau, KNNR, Mill Street Woods, Parc Slip, Pen-y-Fai, Pysgodlin Mawr
and Whitchurch. There were a further four sites where breeding was probable and four more
where it was deemed possible. There were however 90 singing males reported from right across
the recording area. There were 14 singing males amongst a total of 21 at KNNR on 7th Mar. There
were also 21 present in Tirfounder fields on 8th Mar.
There were there were 16 on Llantrisant Common on 1st Mar, 21 at Tirfounder fields on 8th Mar, 15
at Forest Farm on 12th Oct, and 15 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct. (Reports: 1286; Locations: 281)
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
Aderyn y Tô
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding reports came from twenty-four different locations, which were nearly all in
the southern half of the recording area, with the exception of Rhymney/Butetown. Breeding was
specifically reported as probable or possible, or birds were specifically reported in suitable habitat
in the breeding season, at a further eleven sites.
Highest counts in the first winter period comprised a total of 62 at Amelia Trust Farm on 19th Jan,
and 40+ at KNNR on 6th and 9th Feb. Other than these the counts were of 25 or less. In the second
half of the year the highest counts were, as might be expected, mostly in the post-breeding
autumn period. There were 65 in an observer’s garden in Fairwater on 21st Aug, 30 in a Bargoed
garden on 31st Aug, 80 at Court Rd – Whitchurch on 2nd and 19th Sep and also 6th Oct, 40 at Bryn
Ifor – Penrhiwceiber on 5th Sep, 50+ at KNNR on 27th Oct, 60+ at Court Rd on 2nd Nov, 135 at KNNR
on 10th Nov, and 85 at Ogmore-by-Sea car park on 20th Nov. Overall, reports were widespread with
a southerly bias. (Reports: 1201; Locations: c.232)
56
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Golfan y Mynydd
Scarce resident breeder, numbers have declined rapidly in recent years, S.42
There was 1 at Lan Farm - Marcross on 29th May (AHu).
YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
Siglen Felen
Locally common passage migrant and rare breeder, S.42
The first spring arrival was 1 at the Watermill on 17th Apr, closely followed by further records
comprising 4 at Sker Pt, 2 on Flat Holm and 2 at Ogmore Est on 21st. Birds were also reported in
Apr at Kenfig rivermouth/saltmarsh, Bryn Gelli, Flat Holm, and Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm.
Breeding season
There were no breeding reports submitted.
There were reports from a variety of coastal locations in late Aug and through Sep: Cwm Col-huw,
Cardiff Heliport, Cwm Mawr, Dunraven, Grangemoor Park, Pant Norton, Hendre Lake (3),
Lavernock, Portobello, KKNR and Sker Pt. The last two sites produced the highest counts with 5 at
KKNR on 31st Aug and 16 at Sker on 5th and 6th Sep. There were three reports from inland sites with
3 at Parc Slip on 9th Sep, and 1 at Llan/Lis Res on 15th Sep. The last report was of 1 at Lavernock Pt
on 18th Sep. (Reports: 41; Locations: 17)
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Siglen Lwyd
Common resident breeder and passage migrant
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at five sites: Parc Taf Bargoed, Pant-yr-Awel, Monknash, Blackmill, and
Deri - Bargoed. Breeding was reported as possible or probable, or pairs were observed in suitable
habitat, at a further thirty-five sites.
The highest count of the year was from Cardiff Bay, where 15 were reported by the same observer
in both Sep and Oct. Other notable counts were 12 at Parc Coetir - Bargoed on 16th Mar, 12 at
Cardiff Bay on 25th Jul, and 11 at Taff Weir on 31st Jul. Overall the reports were widespread on all
suitable rivers. (Reports: 632; Locations: 178)
PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba
Siglen Fraith
Common resident breeder and passage migrant, “White Wagtail” is a locally common spring and autumn
passage migrant
Breeding season
Surprisingly there were only six breeding reports. Breeding occurred at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer,
Parc Taf Bargoed, Parc Slip NR, Rivers House – St. Mellons, Tranche Pyle, and Cwm Cothi. Breeding
was suspected on Flat Holm. There were however many reports of possible or probable breeding
or of pairs in suitable habitat from right across the recording area.
By far the highest count of the first winter period was 95 near the NRW Offices in St Mellons on
14th Feb. However autumn saw the highest count of the year, with over 200 at Leckwith Common
on 18th Nov. Counts of over 50 were received from Canton on 20th Sep, Tonyrefail Baths on 4th Oct,
Lavernock Pt on 13th Oct and Sully Beach on 31st Oct.
There were thirty six reports of the nominate race, White Wagtail (M.a.alba). The first of the year
was from Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer on 14th Mar. There was a large influx on 14th Apr with 19
reported from Cardiff Bay and 11 in the dunes at Kenfig. Autumn migrants were reported from
several locations, with 5 at the Watermill - Ogmore on 15th Sep and 7 in Morganstown on 21st Sep.
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis
Corhedydd y Coed
Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant, S.42
The first report was from Craig-yr-Allt on 8th Apr (no count). Caerlan Farm had max 2 in Apr. The
bulk of the early reports began on 12th Apr, with 1’s and 2’s reported from various sites ranging
from KNNR to Cwm Cadlan during the month.
Breeding season
Breeding was only confirmed from only one site – Rudry Common on 10th May. A further eighteen
sites had singing males present: Llantrisant Common (2), Cwm Cadlan – Penderyn, Cefn Cadlan,
Llanilid, Caerlan Farm, Hensol (2), Coed Cefn-fforest, Pontypridd, Evanstown, Stalling Down,
57
Bargoed (2), Garth Mountain, Llanwonno, Groesfaen – Deri and Coed-y-Bedw. Birds were also
present at many other sites during the breeding season.
Post-breeding reports started with a report of 6 on Treherbert Mountain on 10th Jul. The most
remarkable record was that of 26 birds (all but one of which were first year birds) that were
caught and ringed at Kenfig on 14th Aug (DGC). The Radyr Floodplain had 8 on 20th Aug. The last of
the year was 1 at KNNR on 12th Oct. (Reports: 138; Locations: 63)
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
Corhedydd y Waun
Common resident breeder, winter visitor and passage migrant
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at seven locations: Caerlan Farm - Penrhiwfer, where 3 of 4 chicks
fledged, Cefn Gelligaer, where a nest with four eggs was observed, Craig-yr-Efail, Twyn-giden Farm
and on Rudry, Llantrisant and Gelligaer Commons. There were reports of possible breeding from a
further twenty-five sites.
The most noteworthy counts of the first winter period were of 30 at Bonvilston on 4th Jan, 35 at
KNNR on 9th Feb, 40 at Parc Slip on 16th Feb and 96 on Flat Holm on 29th Mar. Autumn saw much
larger gatherings with 100 at Rhaslas on 31st Aug, 60 at KNNR and 100 at Llanilid both on 12th Sep,
and 98 at Abernant on 14th Sep. Lavernock Pt saw the highest counts of the year with 200 recorded
on 16th Sep, rising to 400 on 18th (DRWG). (Reports: 567; Locations: 157)
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
Corhedydd y Dŵr
First winter period
There was 1 at Ogmore Est on 6th Jan (NPR) and 2 there on 27th Jan (ND), a good count of at least
16 at RGW on 16th Feb (CE) (this constitutes the highest count for the recording area), 1 at Sully
Beach on 24th Feb (LM, ABu), and 1 at Ogmore Est on 15th Mar (NPR).
The first report of the second winter period was from the east shore at KNNR on 25th Oct (ND).
There was 1 at Ogmore Est from 9th to 17th Nov (NPR et al) and 1 there on 20th and 27th Dec (MB,
ND) may have been the same bird. (Reports: 23; Locations: 5)
ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus
Corhedydd y Graig
Locally common resident breeder, scarce inland
Breeding season
The only confirmed breeding report came from Porthcawl Harbour, where an adult was observed
feeding a recently fledged juv on 14th Jul. Three singing males were in Cardiff Bay on 5th Mar.
Elsewhere breeding was deemed possible on Flat Holm and at Rhoose.
Gileston had 6 present on 9th Jan. There were 11 in Cardiff Bay on 5th Mar, and this proved to be
the highest count of the year. On the same date there were also 10 on Flat Holm. The second
winter period saw 9 on Flat Holm on 7th Sep, 10 at Sully Beach on 31st Oct, 7 at Dunraven on 17th
Nov, 6 at Ogmore on 18th Nov and lastly 12 at Southerndown cliffs on 20th Nov. (Reports: 158;
Locations: 26)
COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Ji-binc
Common resident breeder, winter visitor and passage migrant
Breeding season
Breeding was very poorly reported with the only confirmed reports coming from Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, Groesfaen – Deri, and Creigiau. Breeding as reported as possible or probable at
Llantrisant Common, Pontcanna, Tonypandy, and Treforest. There were many reports of singing
males during the breeding season.
Counts worthy of note during the first winter period comprised 100 at Bonvilston on 11th Jan, 100
a Newton Farm – Ogmore on 14th Jan, 70 at Glenboi – Fernhill on 18th Jan, and 50+ at Edwardsville
on 8th Feb. In autumn and the second winter period there were 80 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct, max
50 at Caerlan Farm in Nov and Dec, and 100+ at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Nov and 24th Dec.
Overall, reports were widespread across the whole recording area. Flat Holm had max 15 on 15th
Jan and 1 on 10th Oct. (Reports: 1661; Locations: c.300)
58
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
Pinc y Mynydd
First winter period
There was 1 at Edwardsville on 2nd Jan, 2 at Glenboi – Fernhill on 18th Jan and 2 at Pant-yr-Awel on
17th Feb.
There was 1 at Cwm Malfon on 22nd Nov, 3 at Coed Cefn-fforest on 30th Nov, and 1 at Parc Slip NR
on 20th Dec.
GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
Llinos Werdd
Common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding reports were received from Shwt, Wildmill – Bridgend, Cardiff Bay, Kenfig
Dunes, Llwynypia, Nantgarw, Pen-y-Fai, and Sully, locations all in the southern half of the
recording area. There were just three reports where breeding was reported as possible or
probable, but there were many reports of singing males in suitable habitat.
In the first winter period there were 35+ at Jim Driscoll Way – Cardiff on 8th Jan, 23 at Ty’n-yCaeau Farm on 16th Jan, 26 at Kenfig Dunes on 28th Jan, max 35 at Haillard Court – Atlantic Wharf
in Mar, and 25 at Kenfig Dunes on 18th Mar. Autumn produced a good count of max 26 on Flat
Holm on 7th Sep, 40 at Lavernock Pt on 17th Oct, and 70 at Sully Beach on 31st Oct. In the second
winter period there were only two counts of twenty or more: 20 at Sully Beach on 14th Nov, and 23
at Broadlands – Bridgend on 15th Nov. Overall the reports were widespread across the whole
recording area, although actual numbers reported were generally low. (Reports: 831; Locations:
172)
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
Nico
Common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor
Breeding season
Confirmed breeding reports were received from west of Pendoylan, Bargoed Park, Caerlan Farm –
Penrhiwfer, CBWR, Creigiau, Pen-y-Fai, Rhymney Est/Cors Crychydd Reen, Talbot Green,
Tonypandy, and Whitchurch.
The first winter period produced counts of 50 on Flat Holm on 1st and 18th Jan, 50+ at Llwynypia
on 2nd Jan, and 64 at Trecynon on 24th Jan. Llwynypia was the most regularly reported location,
producing thirty-four counts of 20 or more birds. In autumn the highest counts comprised 80 at
RGW on 15th Aug, max 40 at Caerlan Farm in Sep, 35+ at KNNR on 12th Sep, 100 at RGW on 12th Sep,
100 at Sker Pt on 14th Sep, 50 at Lavernock Pt on 25th Sep, max 50 at Caerlan Farm in Oct, 105 at
Cardiff Bay on 15th Oct, and 50 at Lavernock Pt on 13th and 18th Oct. Numbers were generally not
as high in winter with max 50 at Caerlan Farm in Nov being the highest. There were 40 at Court
Colman on 5th Nov, 40 at Pant-yr-Awel on 20th Nov, and 40+ at Llwynypia on 16th Dec. Overall,
reports were widespread across the whole recording area. (Reports: 1466; Locations: c.256)
SISKIN Spinus spinus
Pila Gwyrdd
Breeding season
The only confirmed breeding reports came from Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Creigiau, Rhymney
Cottages – Taff Trail, and Rudry Village. Males were reported singing at Hensol Forest and
Llanwonno and display flighting was observed at Llantrisant Forest.
In the first winter period there were a number of counts in excess of fifty at Pant-yr-Awel,
comprising max 100 on 18th Jan, and max 105 on 12th Feb. There were 70 at Rivers House – St
Mellons on 7th Feb. There were counts of 20-30 at Parc Slip, Caerlan Farm and Llwynypia. Counts
were not as high in the second winter period with the highest being max 20 at Caerlan Farm in Oct
to Dec, 22 at Garwnant on 30th Nov, and 60+ there on 25th Dec. (Reports: 537; Locations: 88)
LINNET Linaria cannabina
Llinos
Common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor, S.42
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer, Craig-yr-Efail, Llantrisant Common (4 nests,
2 successful), Ogmore Down, and Rudry Common. Other than these, pairs were specifically
reported in suitable habitat at eight further southerly locations.
59
In the first winter period the highest counts comprised 110 at Bonvilston on 11th Jan, and 80 at
Mynydd Ty-talwyn on 24th Jan. There were a number of counts at Cardiff Bay during Feb and Mar
with max 435 on 17th Feb. In autumn and the second winter period, high counts were more
numerous. There were 100+ at KNNR on 13th Aug, 200 at Kenfig saltmarsh on 30th Aug, 100 at
Ogmore Est on 6th Sep, 200 at Lavernock Pt on 7th Sep and 100 on 8th and 10th Sep, 300 at Sker Farm
on 18th Sep, then regular counts of 200 or more at Lavernock Pt in Sep and Oct, the highest being
500 on 8th and 18th Oct and 800 on 11th and 17th Oct, and also 600 on 15th Oct. There were good
counts of 26 and 46 at Flat Holm on 10th and 11th Oct respectively. (Reports: 4210; Locations:
c.104)
LESSER REDPOLL Acanthis cabaret
Llinos Bengoch
Locally common resident breeder, passage migrant and winter visitor, S.42
Breeding season
Breeding was only confirmed at Caerlan Farm – Penrhiwfer. There were relatively few reports from
suitable areas during the breeding season.
In the first winter period there were max 25 at Parc Slip NR during Jan, and max 30 on 21st Feb.
Indeed Parc Slip provided all the highest counts. The only others worthy of note during this period
were counts in the teens from gardens in Tonteg and Caerlan Farm. The highest count in autumn
and of the year comprised 50 at Mynydd Eglwysilan on 20th Sep. Other than this there were 11 at
KNNR on 17th Oct, and going in to winter, max 12 at Caerlan Farm in Nov and Dec. (Reports: 144;
Locations: 46)
COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra
Gylfin Groes
Scarce resident breeder and passage migrant with occasional population irruptions
Breeding Season
A pair with 2 juvs at Mynydd Ty-talwyn on 17th Apr was the only report of breeding. Other birds
were reported during the breeding season at Parc Slip NR, St. Gwynno Forest, Llanwonno,
Treherbert Mountain, and Garwnant/ Llwyn-on.
There were only two double figure counts – 11 at Parc Slip NR on 24th Aug, and 12 at Caerlan Farm
– Penrhiwfer on 1st Dec. (Reports: 38; Locations: 24)
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Coch y Berllan
Breeding season
Breeding was confirmed at Tonteg, Rivers House – St Mellons, Creigiau, and Caerlan Farm. It was
deemed possible or probable at Hopkinstown, Treforest University, and Glyncornel, and juvs were
noted at Rhymney Cottages, Parc Slip NR, Nantgarw and Garwnant.
Counts of this species are never high, but the highest numbers seen in the first winter period
comprised 7 in fly-over flocks at Pant-yr-Awel on 12th and 28th Jan, 6 at Hendre Lake on 13th and
14th Jan, 11 at Hendre Lake on 22nd Jan, 8 f/o Pant-yr-Awel on 26th Jan and 7 there on 3rd and 20th
Feb, max 9 at Parc Slip on 22nd Feb, max 7 at Caerlan Farm in Mar, 11 at Parc Slip on 6th Mar. In
autumn and the second winter period there were 7 at Forest Farm on 11th Aug, max 7 at Caerlan
Farm in Sep, max 8 at a Tonteg garden in Sep, max 9 at Caerlan Farm in Oct, 8 at Hendre Lake on
16th Oct, 7 at KNNR on 17th Oct, max 9 at Caerlan Farm in Nov and max 8 there in Dec, 7 at KNNR
on 30th Dec and a good count of 18 at Grangemoor Park in Cardiff on 30th Dec. There were regular
reports of up to 3 at Tirfounder Fields in the north in most months. (Reports: 644; Locations:
c.142)
HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Gylfinbraff
Scarce resident and probably breeds in small numbers at long established sites, S.42
Good numbers were at the well known location of Fforestganol/Tongwynlais throughout Jan with
the highest count being 25 on 25th Jan, but with counts of 15 on 12th, 10 on 14th, 13 on 17th and
18th, and 17 on 19th. There were two pairs present on 17th Mar with the males singing. Also in Mar
there were 2 at the unusual location of Duffryn Gardens, possibly a new record for that site
(RJN,LEN). Birds were again at the Fforestganol location in the second winter period although not
is such regular high numbers. Birds were reported on eleven dates from 17th Nov to 13th Dec, with
max counts being 15 on 17th Nov, 10 on 29th Nov and 4th Dec. (Reports: 54; Locations: 2)
60
SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis
Bras yr Eira
Scarce and irregular passage migrant and winter visitor
There was 1 at Southerndown from 16th to 22nd Nov (NPR).
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Bras Melyn
Locally common resident breeder and winter visitor, S.42
Breeding Season
There were 3 at Dimlands SS9568 including a bird carrying food on 8th Jul. There were no other
breeding reports, but 2 were singing at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm on 29th Apr. Singing birds were also
reported at Colwinston, Moulton ST0770, nr St. Hilary, and 3 at Old Castle Down on 11th Jul.
Elsewhere during the breeding season the reports were as follows: 1 at Wrinstone – nr Wenvoe, on
20th Apr, 1 at Mynydd Bach – Maesteg on 31st May, 4 at Flemingston on 16th Jun, 1 at Aberogwr
Farm, 1 at Coed-y-Colwn and 1 at St. Nicholas on 17th Jun, and present at ST0773 – Redlands,
ST0473 and ST 0373 nr Llantrithyd in Jul.
Other reports
There was 1 at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm and 20 at Castle-upon-Alun on 16th Jan, 5 W. of Marcross on 7th
Feb, 12+ at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm on 6th Mar and 2 on 20th Mar, reported as present there on 22nd Mar.
There was 1 at SS9568 Dimlands on 25th Mar, 2 at Lampha, 4 S.W. of Colwinston and 1 W. of
Colwinston on 29th Mar, 2 at ST0669 and 2 at ST0770 Mouton on 30th Mar. In autumn and the
second winter period reported as present at ST0471 on 6th Aug, 25 at Pant Norton on 23rd Aug, 3 at
Pant Norton on 17th Sep. At Lavernock Pt in Oct there was 1 on 11th, 2 on 14th,. 2 on 17th, 1 on 18th
and 1 on 22nd. There were 2 at Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm on 21st Oct, 1 at Sker Farm on 23rd Dec and 1 at
RGW on 30th Dec. (Reports: 41; Locations: 26)
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
Bras y Cyrs
Locally common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor, S.42
Breeding Season
There were only two confirmed breeding reports, from Gelligaer Common and Llantrisant
Common, and breeding was reported as possible at Clydach Vale CP. Other than these the only
other reports during the breeding season concerned singing males. Fifteen pairs were reported at
KNNR on 30th Apr.
There were 10 at Cosmeston on 11th Jan, 10 at KNNR on 20th Jan, 11 at Cymmer – nr Porth on 27th
Jan, 12 at Kenfig Golf Course on 3rd Feb and 14 there on 6th Feb, 13 at KNNR on 6th Feb, 18 at
Kenfig Golf Course on 16th Feb and 22 there on 18th Feb. The only double figure counts during
autumn and the second winter period comprised at least 10 at CBWR on 20th Sep, 16 there on 9th
Nov and 17 on 19th Dec and finally 11 there on 30th Dec. (Reports: 546; Locations: c.82)
CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra
Very rare visitor
One was found in a small flock of Linnets at Lavernock Pt on 8th Sep (LM, ABu). This is the first in
the recording area since Jul 1997.
61
ESCAPES AND BIRDS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus
Australasian species
There was 1 at Roath Park Lake from Jan to Oct and probably the same individual was seen at
‘Cardiff – ST1777’ (Blackweir) on 5th Oct.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca
African species – some birds may be from the wild populations elsewhere in the UK
There were 2 at Aberdare Park on 18th May and 6th Dec, and then in Dare Valley CP on 26th Dec.
MUSCOVY DUCK Cairina moschata
South American species
There were max 2 at Clydach Vale CP all year. There was also 1 at Aberdare Town Park on 18th May
and 6th Dec.
MANDARIN Aix galericulata
Asian species – breeds in the wild in Glocs
A drake and two ducks were at Cwmdu - Maesteg on 3rd Jan and a drake was at Talygarn on 23rd
Oct.
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina
Self sustaining feral populations exist elsewhere
A female type hybrid was found on 8th Jul at CBWR and was last reported on 13th Sep.
TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur
A bird seen in a Bridgend garden on 2nd and 3rd Apr had a blue plastic ring on its leg and has to be
assumed to be an escapee (AM).
BUDGERIGAR Melopsittacus undulates
Australian species
One was reported at the supermarket Lidl car park in Cardiff on 26th Jun.
RECORDS DEEMED NOT PROVEN
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Unsubstantiated reports received of this now very scarce species comprised 3 at Parc Slip NR on
10th Apr, 1 E. of Brackla on 16th Apr, and 1 at Cilfynydd on 4th May.
PENDING OR DOCUMENTED RECORDS NOT SUBMITTED
ICELAND/KUMLIEN’S GULL L. glaucoides agg
One 2nd cal yr at Cardiff Bay Barrage on 2nd Mar – in circulation
KUMLIEN’S GULL Larus glaucoides kumlieni
1 Ad winter at Ogmore Est on 11th and 17th Mar – in circulation
62
PHENOLOGY – MIGRANT DATES 2014
The table below shows the earliest arrival and latest departure dates for species for which
accurate dates can be given and which are regular true migrants. The dates for the previous year
are also given, with the difference in days. Earlier arrival and later departure dates are in bold
italic text.
Summer Visitors
‘14 early
Difference in
days
(-ve=earlier)
+3
Hobby
01 May
28 Apr
17 Oct
Little Ringed Plover
27 Mar
-
27 Mar
04 Aug
-33
06 Sep
Common Cuckoo
07 Apr
-14
21 Apr
09 Sep
**
10 Jul
European Nightjar
15 May
-18
02 Jun
31 Jul
**
29 Jul
Common Swift
19 Apr
-3
22 Apr
01 Sep #
-3
04 Sep
Sand Martin
11 Mar
+1
10 Mar
21 Sep
-23
14 Oct
Barn Swallow
21 Mar
-19
09 Apr
26 Nov
+12
14 Nov
House Martin
01 Mar
-43
13 Apr
23 Oct
-10
02 Nov
Tree Pipit
08 Apr
-
08 Apr
12 Oct
+25
17 Sep
Yellow Wagtail
17 Apr
-4
21 Apr
15 Sep
-12
27 Sep
Common Redstart
11 Apr
-4
15 Apr
22 Sep
-22
14 Oct
Whinchat
20 Apr
-9
29 Mar
25 Sep
-26
21 Oct
Northern Wheatear
10 Mar
-1
11 Mar
01 Nov
-10
11 Nov
Ring Ouzel
05 Mar
-20
25 Mar
18 Nov
+7
11 Nov
Grasshopper Warbler
09 Apr
-6
15 Apr
21 Sep
+1
20 Sep
Sedge Warbler
13 Apr
-1
14 Apr
23 Sep
-28
21 Oct
Reed Warbler
08 Apr
-12
20 Apr
28 Sep
+6
22 Sep
Garden Warbler
15 Apr
-5
20 Apr
12 Oct
-16
28 Oct
Lesser Whitethroat
12 Apr
-11
23 Apr
21 Sep
+16
05 Sep
Common Whitethroat
11 Apr
+2
09 Apr
25 Oct
+32
23 Sep
Wood Warbler
07 May
+17
20 Apr
07 Aug
+23
15 Jul
Willow Warbler
21 Mar
+3
18 Mar
01 Oct
+5
26 Sep
Spotted Flycatcher
01 May
+6
25 Apr
29 Sep
-11
10 Oct
Pied Flycatcher
17 Apr
+1
16 Apr
04 Sep
+10
25 Aug
Winter visitors
’14 late
’13 late
’14 early
Fieldfare
31 Mar
25 Apr
23 Oct
Redwing
13 Apr
-12
25 Apr
05 Oct
+4
01 Oct
Brambling
17 Feb
-12
01 Mar
22 Nov
+39
14 Oct
Difference in
days
(+ve=later)
-25
’13 early ’14 late
Difference in
days
(+ve=later)
-9
Difference in
days
(-ve=earlier)
-2
’13 late
26 Oct
’13 early
25 Oct
** The late dates of these species do not accurately represent their latest departure date as they
have a strong observer bias and are not as obvious during autumn, as compared to spring arrivals,
which are immediately vocal.
Chiffchaff and Blackcap are not included due to regular over-wintering birds making it difficult to
ascertain arrival and departure dates.
# - Swift – there was an isolated record on BirdGuides of 1 at Porthcawl on 16th Nov, but the
tabulated date is more representative.
63
RINGING REPORTS
A REPORT ON BIRD RINGING IN GLAMORGAN DURING 2014
PETER HOWLETT, Cardiff
This report highlights the activities of the 15 or so ringers resident in the county. Most ringing
activity is centred around Cardiff in the east and the Gower peninsula in the west. Wader ringing
takes place on the Gower at Whiteford Point and on the levels just east of Cardiff, although there
were few outings this year.
Once again the weather during the year was relatively benign with few if any extreme events. It’s
not clear whether this or just increased activity in general is responsible but the number of birds
ringed in 2014 is, by some margin, the highest since this report started in the late 1990s. In fact
the totals for both full grown and pullus are very nearly double the totals achieved during the
early 2000s.
Striking totals include 470 Blackcap and 512 Goldfinch, the populations of both species have
increased hugely in the last few years and this is reflected in the totals. Increased, or targeted
effort is most likely the reason behind the impressive totals of 43 Tree Pipit and 231 Reed
Buntings as neither have shown any major change in population recently.
Beyond that the totals in general just show healthy increases almost across the board due to
more effort from ringers. Unusual birds ringed during the year include Yellow-browed Warbler,
Firecrest and Marsh Tit.
Birds ringed in Glamorgan in 2014 compared with 2013
(FG= fully grown, pull = pullus i.e. chick or nestling)
2014
Species
Mute Swan
FG
2013
Pull
FG
2014
Pull
Species
FG
2013
Pull
FG
Pull
20
-
15
-
Magpie
3
-
2
-
Sparrowhawk
3
-
1
-
Jay
6
-
1
-
Kestrel
1
-
-
4
Jackdaw
-
-
6
-
Peregrine
-
-
1
-
Goldcrest
129
-
26
-
Water Rail
2
-
1
-
Firecrest
3
-
1
-
Oystercatcher
165
-
113
-
Blue Tit
582
284
489
190
Golden Plover
-
-
1
-
Great Tit
221
319
175
255
Dunlin
-
-
3
-
Coal Tit
45
-
75
-
Jack Snipe
1
-
-
-
Marsh Tit
2
-
-
-
11
-
-
-
Bearded Tit
-
-
1
-
Woodcock
6
-
8
-
Sand Martin
14
-
20
-
Green Sandpiper
Lesser Black-backed
Gull
3
-
-
-
Swallow
Snipe
432
285
248
149
House Martin
34
-
11
-
Cetti's Warbler
47
-
23
-
76
-
74
-
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
113
-
151
32
103
57
Herring Gull
13
13
3
12
Woodpigeon
5
1
5
-
Collared Dove
-
-
6
-
Long-tailed Tit
Yellow-browed
Warbler
Barn Owl
-
29
-
2
Wood Warbler
Tawny Owl
-
4
-
-
Chiffchaff
297
Nightjar
16
4
20
-
Willow Warbler
193
-
86
-
Kingfisher
17
-
3
-
Blackcap
470
3
111
3
1
-
1
-
Garden Warbler
24
-
4
-
4
-
2
-
80
1
42
-
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted
Woodpecker
14
-
9
Lesser Whitethroat
-
Whitethroat
64
2014
Species
Grasshopper Wblr
FG
2013
Pull
FG
2014
Pull
2013
Species
FG
Pull
FG
151
1
92
Pull
5
45
11
39
2
Grey Wagtail
2
-
5
6
Pied/White Wagtail
1
-
20
-
43
-
1
-
176
-
14
-
7
-
3
-
Dunnock
Sedge Warbler
372
-
129
-
House Sparrow
Reed Warbler
366
56
320
166
7
58
8
15
10
7
9
5
Tree Pipit
155
-
73
6
Meadow Pipit
Starling
3
-
4
-
Rock Pipit
4
-
-
-
Dipper
5
10
19
12
Chaffinch
239
4
106
4
110
38
129
43
Greenfinch
396
-
179
2
1
-
-
-
Goldfinch
512
-
203
-
Song Thrush
37
15
33
26
Siskin
73
-
42
-
Redwing
28
-
16
-
Linnet
27
-
19
-
2
-
1
-
Lesser Redpoll
1
-
4
-
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Wren
Blackbird
Fieldfare
Mistle Thrush
Spotted Flycatcher
Robin
Pied Flycatcher
Redstart
Stonechat
1
-
2
-
Bullfinch
46
-
35
-
254
2
122
5
Yellowhammer
18
-
44
-
11
126
8
123
231
-
81
-
1
31
2
20
12
-
1
-
Reed Bunting
Totals
6443 1334
3657 1112
Ringing Recoveries
Just over 200 recoveries of ringed birds were reported during the year. Most were short-range
movements or birds being retrapped at ringing sites from year to year.
Among the more interesting recoveries were a Canada Goose ringed on Lake Windermere in 2013
and seen near Ogmore in 2013 and again in 2014 shows the value of colour-ringing birds. A
movement of over 300km is interesting for this species, although it’s well known that some birds
move north to moult. A Marsh Harrier ringed as a nestling in Norfolk was seen near Kidwelly a
mere 78 days later, this bird was wing-tagged so could also be identified in the field. Tags and
colour-ringing are a good way of boosting sightings for most large species and gulls are another
good example.
Concerted watching of roosts on land can lead to numerous sightings, as there are colour-ringing
projects in Cardiff, Flatholm and further east in Gloucestershire (for Lesser Black-backed Gull),
and the Thames valley. There are also overseas projects and there were three sightings of Polishringed birds and one from France. There were also colour-ring sightings of German and Polishringed Black-headed Gulls. Scrutiny of this species in Cardiff Bay revealed ringed (metal ring only –
not colour-ringed) birds from nine countries giving an indication as to how widespread the origins
are of our wintering gulls.
An October catch of Oystercatcher at Whiteford yielded some interesting recoveries including two
birds over 20 years old and two over 17 (the record for this species is 40 years so some way to go
yet). Two birds from catches in previous years were caught by ringers in Iceland.
Storms in February led to several dead, ringed Razorbill being found around the shores of
Swansea Bay. These included a 27 year old bird from Bardsey, a 23 year old bird from Great Saltee,
Ireland and a 17 year old bird from the Isle of Canna.
Sedge and Reed Warbler are usually good for long-distance recoveries and this year was no
exception. Two French-ringed Sedge Warbler were caught at Kenfig and a Spanish-ringed bird at
Oxwich. Two Reed Warbler ringed in Cardiff Bay were recaught on their way south through France
and one French-ringed bird was caught at Oxwich.
Two recoveries were a bit of a surprise and show that even birds we may think of as nonmigratory can and do move considerable distances. A French-ringed Robin, killed by a cat in Barry,
65
is only the 13th record of a movement between France and the UK and a Dunnock ringed in
Suffolk was recovered in Oxwich.
The BTO relies as much on the public as it does on ringers to report ringed birds. It is just as
likely (perhaps more so) that a bird will be found dead as be caught by another ringer. So, if you
find a dead bird in your garden or when you are about, please check the legs for rings!
KENFIG RINGING REPORT
As usual, the Constant Effort Scheme (CES) formed the main part of the group’s work. It provided
data on population change, bird longevity and breeding success for birds in reed bed and scrub
next to Kenfig Pool. This survey has been carried out each summer since 1997 using the same
length of netting and number of sessions. The British Trust for Ornithology, who coordinates
about 120 CES projects across Britain and Ireland, are very keen to promote this type of ringing
because the systematic recording provides relatively accurate information about our breeding bird
populations. An excellent summary of the scheme is available on the BTO’s website:
http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/ringing/surveys/ces
The table below shows the annual ‘new for year’ totals from Kenfig’s CES scheme:
Constant Effort Site Totals
Species
Sparrowhawk
GS W’pecker
Water Rail
Woodpigeon
Kingfisher
Sand Martin
Swallow
Meadow Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Redstart
Stonechat
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Cetti's Warb.
Gr’hopper W.
Sedge W.
Reed Warbler
Les. W’throat
Whitethroat
Garden Warb
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow Warb.
Spotted Fly.
Goldcrest
Long-tail. Tit
Willow Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Treecreeper
Jay
Magpie
Chaffinch
‘97
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
1
‘05
‘06
‘07
‘08
‘09
2
‘10
‘11
‘12
‘13
‘14
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
14
9
30
4
4
17
1
11
5
23
13
6
3
6
2
1
4
2
7
9
1
47 28 59 59 70
81 103 135 156 165
3
1
4
3
2
35 65 76 41 63
5
3
2
1
1
66 25 44 24 32
3
3
1
2
16
146 86 82 39 104
1
1
4
1
4
3
5
1
10
10
9
9
9
8
6
1
19
25
43
1
21
12
65
9
6
14
13
12
9
2
10
6
25
17
16
25
14
6
5
19
1
9
15
12
15
15
11
31
16
1
3
5
3
1
3
1
3
2
1
1
11
7
15
12
11
6
25
12
4
35
9
4
14
1
9
4
14
7
1
7
5
1
17
7
3
5
4
2
11
8
2
11
5
4
2
3
3
1
1
6
2
2
5
4
7
7
8
8
29
77
4
43
5
53
15
51
40
38
1
15
2
27
12
27
37
72
75
103
4
1
41
90
21
44
10
62
47
76
10
1
6
10
26
17
24
3
8
4
11
8
30
31
27
38
8
8
22
11
6
14
23
4
9
15
1
27
5
1
1
9
1
1
27
5
4
2
4
6
1
11
6
3
2
1
1
19
87
1
29
1
15
7
67
1
4
1
10
2
103
130
3
50
6
45
12
68
42
84
1
60
5
47
5
67
13
3
1
1
66
115
4
107
3
36
2
61
15
1
37
14
1
1
15
3
18
15
12
20
9
12
4
12
3
1
21
7
3
9
8
11
6
11
4
20
3
1
9
5
8
1
5
4
2
2
2
3
2
5
5
1
6
66
2
2
1
Species
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Bullfinch
R. Bunting
Total
‘97
‘98
‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14
1
1
1
1
1
4
5
2
1
4
3
1
2
5
2
1
5
6
3
2
10
9
3
1
2
1
5
1
1
4
4
1
2
5
12
6
9
12 13
4
5
1
7
8
6
4
1
272 477 456 501 458 612 300 580 381 512 387 240 206 294 349 173 155 253
2014 included 12 ringing sessions on the south-west margin of Kenfig Pool. Each session
lasted roughly six hours from about 06:30am and 360 feet of mist netting was used. The term
'new for year' means that birds caught and ringed from previous years under this scheme
which are caught again, are included. Re-traps are birds caught which bear a ring but not from
this scheme. 1997 WAS A TRIAL YEAR because there was much less scrub growth near the
nets due to recent coppicing, so comparisons with the following years should be treated with
caution.
Total number of birds ringed in 2014
This list shows all birds ringed on the reserve during the year. This includes birds trapped on nonCES ringing sessions, winter ringing and birds caught in additional nets used during the CES but
not counted in the survey totals. Of particular interest was the capture of 27 tree pipits over two
visits in late August and early September. The unusually large number caught was largely due to
the use of a tape lure. Most of the reed buntings were caught during the winter near the visitor
centre where they are attracted with millet seed.
Species
Total Ringed
Species
Total Ringed
Water Rail
1
Goldcrest
16
Kingfisher
5
Long-tailed Tit
31
Tree Pipit
27
Blue Tit
27
Wren
19
Great tit
26
Dunnock
14
Treecreeper
2
Robin
36
Jay
2
Blackbird
15
Magpie
1
Song Thrush
1
Starling
1
Cetti's Warbler
14
House Sparrow
5
Grasshopper Warbler
1
Chaffinch
8
Sedge Warbler
61
Greenfinch
1
Reed Warbler
87
Goldfinch
1
Whitethroat
33
Bullfinch
13
Blackcap
48
Chiffchaff
21
Willow Warbler
63
Reed Bunting
36
Total
616
Recovery and Retrap Records
Sedge Warbler
6800742 3
06/08/2011
FRP
R
04/05/2014
7246869 3
09/08/2013
FRP
20/08/2014
R
Saint-Vigor-D'Ymonville, Seine-Maritime: 49°26'N 0°18'E
(Seine-Maritime) , France
Kenfig National Nature Reserve: 51°31'N 3°45'W (SS7981)
(Bridgend) 368km NW 2 yrs 271days
Sandouville, Seine-Maritime: 49°30'N 0°19'E (Seine-Maritime) ,
France
(Bridgend) 364km NW 1 yr 11days
67
Reed Warbler
R423269 3
31/07/2007
R
23/05/2008
R
14/05/2013
Chiffchaff
CBA564 3
19/09/2012
R
27/09/2012
(Bridgend)
Magor Marsh: 51°34'N 2°50'W (ST4286) (Newport)
64km E
297 days
Magor Marsh: 51°34'N 2°50'W (ST4286) (Newport) 64km E 5
yrs 287days
(Bridgend)
Durlston Country Park: 50°35'N 1°57'W (SZ0377) (Dorset)
163km SE 8 days
Key: in the above records. “R” denotes bird caught and released by a ringer.
CARDIFF RINGERS
Richard Facey and James Vafidis
2014 proved to be a reasonably good year for the Cardiff Ringers. Among the notable totals for
2014 was 71 meadow pipits courtesy of Martin Thomas.
It was a reasonably quiet year for Cardiff Bay as ringing was more targeted to research being done
in conjunction to Cardiff Bay. However, we had another record year for reed warbler pulli ringed.
Table 1. Totals of Full Grown (FG) and nestlings (pulli) ringed at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve
in 2014. Species totals are for ringed birds only and do include retraps/recoveries.
Kingfisher
Tree Pipit
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Cetti's Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
Whitethroat
Garden Warbler
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Goldfinch
Reed Bunting
Total:
2014 Totals
Full grown Pulli Total
1
0
1
1
0
1
3
0
3
9
0
9
9
0
9
3
0
3
4
0
4
21
2
21
46
54
100
1
0
1
1
0
1
2
0
2
40
0
40
34
0
34
4
0
4
13
0
13
1
0
1
5
0
5
198
54
252
We continue to colour ring coot, mute swan and blackbirds and are always keen to hear of
sightings – even if from where they are ringed! And we’d like to extent our thanks to everyone who
has submitted sightings to us.
As always we are grateful to the support of the landowners and organisation that support our
activities, with special thanks to the Cardiff Harbour Authority and Cardiff Riding School.
68
FLAT HOLM RINGING GROUP AND GULL NEST COUNTS 2014
Ringing Report – non-gulls
2014 proved to be a fantastic year for ringing on Flat Holm with the third highest total ringed.
This was largely thanks to the generosity of the Flat Holm Society who, through a grant from
Environment Wales, arranged several trips for the group to the island.
2014 was notable for several island records. Chiefly among these were 59 Meadow Pipits and 4
Rock Pipits, all bar 3 of the Meadow Pipits and 1 Rock Pipit being ringed in one weekend (by
Martin Thomas). 2014 was also the highest total for House Martin, the second highest for Herring
Gull and the third for Lesser Black-backed Gull.
The FHRG would like to that the staff and volunteers on the island and the Flat Holm Project for
their continued support.
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull
Wood Pigeon
Swallow
House Martin
Meadow Pipit
Rock Pipit
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Blackbird
Song Thrush
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Whitethroat
Garden Warbler
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Goldcrest
Treecreeper
Chaffinch
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Total:
Full grown
0
13
1
2
33
59
4
21
32
45
15
10
2
2
1
1
22
28
17
16
1
1
3
1
480
Pulli
150
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
151
Gull Counts
Flat Holm’s annual nest count ran in to problems caused by bad weather again in 2014. The
number of nests on the top of the island was eventually counted on the weekend of 17th May, but
the count of birds nesting on the cliffs did not take place, which means that a total was not
arrived at for the island’s Herring Gulls, as this species mostly nests on the cliffs. 3,456 apparently
occupied nests were found for Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but this is an underestimate, as several
pairs of this species also nest on the cliffs.
Gull Ringing
Flat Holm’s gulls were treated to a new colour ring series in 2014, to allow more Lesser Blackbacked Gulls to be ringed, along with Herring Gull colour-ringing for the first time. From the mid1990s onwards, one hundred Lesser Black-backed Gull pulli have been ringed each summer,
shortly before they fledged (along with a small number of adults in some years), and the colour
combination for rings and codes has changed each year, although a three digit alphanumeric code
was always used, including the letter “F”. From 2014 onwards, Flat Holm’s Lesser Black-backed
Gulls and Herring Gulls will be fitted with blue rings, with a white, four-digit alphanumeric code,
beginning with the letter “F” on their left legs. On 5th July 2014, a group of ringers fitted 150
Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 13 Herring Gulls with this new ring series. With the exception of
69
one Lesser Black-backed Gull, all colour-ringed birds were large pulli. Birds were also fitted with
metal BTO rings on their right legs. This sequence ran from FH88001 onwards for Lesser Blackbacked Gulls, and from GR95301 for Herring Gulls.
Re-sightings
Lesser Black-backed Gulls ringed on Flat Holm were reported on 510 occasions in 2014. As
several individuals were seen repeatedly, these sightings equated to 166 birds. The oldest bird
found (spotted in Malaga on 22nd September 2014) was colour ringed in 1994, but its exact age
could not be known as this was the year before systematic gull colour-ringing began on Flat Holm.
The oldest birds of known age were all ringed as pulli in 1995. Two of these birds were seen
abroad - FA76622 was seen several times in Malaga throughout the year, and FA76671 was seen in
Morocco in January 2014. A further bird from 1995 - FA76677 - was observed on Flat Holm in lateMarch 2014, suggesting this individual had returned to the island to breed at the age of 19. Flat
Holm’s Lesser Black-backed Gulls were recorded in 78 locations in six countries in 2014 (UK,
Netherlands France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco). The largest proportion sightings from outside
the UK (39) came from volunteers reading rings in or close to Madrid.
Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported dead in 2014. One of these birds was an adult,
found on Flat Holm during the breeding season, having presumably returned to the island to nest.
The others were juveniles, found in France and Portugal, suggesting these birds perished during
their first attempt at migration.
Excluding the dead birds, 33 individual Lesser Black-backed Gulls ringed on Flat Holm in previous
years were resighted on the island, indicating a healthy level of recruitment and adult survival as
many of these birds were of breeding age. These sightings were made by island volunteer Luke
Leatherbee, and represent invaluable records for the island’s Retrapping Adults for Survival (RAS)
scheme.
Many thanks to everybody who contributed to gull counting, ringing and colour-ring resighting
during 2014.
Richard Facey – Flat Holm Ringing Group; Viola Ross-Smith – Gull counts
THE BTO NEST RECORD SCHEME IN GLAMORGAN
If conservationists are to have any chance of reversing population declines, they must first
understand what is causing them. In some cases, one of the causes of decline may be reduced
breeding success, and in 2014 the BTO’s Nest Record Scheme (NRS), which gathers vital
information on this subject in the UK, celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Launched in 1939, this Scheme asks its volunteers across the country to find and follow the
progress of individual nests, when and how many eggs are laid, how many chicks hatch and fledge
and so on. The fortunes of nesting birds provide valuable indicators as to the quality of the
countryside, and this monitoring provides information to help determine the impact of changes in
habitat and climate on the productivity of UK birds, as well as increasing our knowledge of birds’
basic breeding biology.
The NRS is the longest-running scheme of its kind in the world, making it home to an invaluable
long-term dataset. Over 1.6 million nest record histories from 232 species have been received by
the BTO since the Scheme began. With a welcome recent upturn in the Scheme’s popularity,
40,000+ nest records covering 160-170 species, are now submitted annually by a network of
around 660 active volunteers spread out across the length and breadth of the UK.
Nest Record Scheme data in Glamorgan
Records on the NRS database are held under individual ‘BTO counties’. Geographically, the BTO
county of ‘Glamorgan’ very closely resembles the old Watsonian vice-county of Glamorgan.
However, because the BTO counties are based on Ordnance Survey 10km squares, it contains a
small amount of overlap with neighbouring Gwent and Brecknock. Essentially, it covers both
recording areas managed by the Glamorgan Bird Club and the Gower Ornithological Society.
70
The BTO is in the process of digitising its 1.6 million nest records. The majority, but not all of
them, are now on an electronic database and all data used for the purpose of this paper are those
up to the year 2014 that come from that source.
Glamorgan and UK data
The number of records on the database submitted from Glamorgan since the Scheme began is
6,907. These record the nest histories of 100 species.
Top 10 species on the NRS database: Glamorgan and the UK > 2014
Glamorgan Nest Records
1. Blue Tit
1,237
2. Great Tit
886
3. Pied Flycatcher
393
4. Blackbird
322
5. Swallow
261
6. Song Thrush
203
7. Nuthatch
187
8. Robin
183
9. Wren
176
10. Sand Martin
171
UK Nest Records
1. Blue Tit
164,366
2. Blackbird
147,757
3. Great Tit
115,917
4. Swallow
89,190
5. Song Thrush
80,502
6. Pied Flycatcher
52,566
7. Tree Sparrow
42,633
8. Woodpigeon
35,956
9. Dunnock
34,343
10. Linnet
31,274
Although the species mix for Glamorgan and their ranking varies slightly from that of the UK in
the table above, the pattern displayed by Glamorgan is typical of the majority of other counties in
the UK. Namely, that the highest number of records are received for hole nesting species who
readily take to nestboxes, and also for our most common species who have open, relatively easily
found, nests.
1939 – 1968: The early days of the Scheme – a slow start
Although the Scheme began in 1939, it wasn’t until 1943 that the first two records were submitted
from Glamorgan. Remarkably, both were for Stock Dove. At that time, this species much like
today was widely, if thinly distributed throughout the southern part of the county and,
unsurprisingly, only a further 22 Stock Dove nest records have been submitted. We have to wait
until 1946 for the next record and one for a slightly more expected species: Robin.
Between 1947 and 1968 there are only a further 79 nest records for 29 species. The most recorded
species during this period were: Dunnock, with 13 records, and Rook, Carrion Crow, Wren and
Robin with 5 records each. However, there are also records for a number of species who are either
very local in their distribution in Glamorgan or whose nests are not easy to find and consequently
they have few records on the database to this day. These include (date of 1st nest record/total
number of records on the database): Little Owl (1953/10 records); Lesser Whitethroat (1955/3
records) and Garden Warbler (1956/7 records). The first Mute Swan nest record was in 1951. It
was a much scarcer breeding species in Glamorgan in this period and a further eighteen years
passed before the next record. Given how common it has become and the ease of finding its nest,
Mute Swan remains surprisingly under-recorded in the county with a total of only 39 records up to
2014. A Rock Pipit record submitted in 1967 remains the only nest record for this species in
Glamorgan to date.
1969 – 2006: Growing in popularity
Whereas, on average, a mere 5 or 6 records were submitted annually from Glamorgan during those
early years of the Scheme, that average annual number rose to 75+ records between 1969 and
2006 when a total of 2,939 nest records were submitted for 84 species.
Sadly, this was a time when we saw significant declines in a number of species in the UK and there
are nest records from this period from birds that have since become scarce or extinct as breeding
species in Glamorgan. The 3 records we have for Grey Partridge were submitted in 1977 and
1978. There are only 2 records each for both Willow Tit (1974 and 1981) and Marsh Tit (1983 and
1986), and 6 of the 7 records for Tree Sparrow came between 1991 and 1994. The 7th and last was
submitted in 2003. Amongst our now scarcer migrant birds, there are 5 records from this period
for Whinchat, max 4 in 1997 and 2 for Yellow Wagtail (1978 and 2003). The latter appears to be
lost now as a regular breeding species in Glamorgan.
Never widespread as a breeding group of species in Glamorgan in modern times, there are a
number of notable wader nest records from this period. There are 5 records for Oystercatcher
71
between 1984 and 1988, and 79 of the 88 Ringed Plover records are from 1969 to 2004, with an
impressive 17 records from 1984. Sadly, there have been no Ringed Plover nest records submitted
since 2008. The only 3 records for Golden Plover are from 2000 and all 97 records for Lapwing
come from this period, with no fewer than 18 being submitted in 1984 alone and as many as 10 as
late as 1998. Tellingly, the last 3 records for this species were submitted in 2006. 5 of the 7
Common Snipe records come from 1969 and there were one each in 1977 and 1984. There are 15
records for Redshank, max 4 in 1984 and the last one was in 1996. Of course, the number of nest
records submitted is dependent on observer effort, but the lack of recent wader records can
surely be accounted by their declines as breeding species in Glamorgan.
Other species’ populations fared better during this period. The first of 4 Goshawk records was
submitted in 2006. The first breeding record of Collared Dove in Glamorgan was in 1965 but the
first nest record was in 1977. Surprisingly, for such a widespread species which often nests in
conspicuous sites, there are only a total of 23 records for Collared Dove from Glamorgan
throughout the entire period of the Scheme. Compare that to the cryptic Nightjar (whose nest is
not only difficult to find but requires a Schedule 1 Licence to monitor) which has 12 records, the
first of which was submitted in 2002.
The first of 4 Chough records appears in 2000 and there are other notable Corvidae records from
this period too. This family of species may be found nesting commonly throughout Glamorgan in
obvious or exposed sites but their nests, more often than not, are not easily accessible and pose a
challenge to the nest recorder. That is why max 14 records for Magpie in both 1970 and 1983,
max 13 for Raven in 1978 and max 19 for Common Crow in 1984 are significant.
Despite this small growth in nest records from Glamorgan, during this period nest recording
schemes across Europe began to fold and the BTO’s NRS was in serious trouble. This was
undoubtedly the result of the negative perception of nest monitoring, fostered by the destructive
behaviour of egg collectors, whose activities were made illegal following the passing of the Wild
Birds Protection Act 1954. The craft of ‘nesting’ and the ability to gather all-important data was
gradually disappearing.
2007 – 2014: A nest recording renaissance
However, the profile of the NRS increased rapidly from 2007 thanks to a generous legacy by
natural history broadcaster and conservationist, Dilys Breese. The BTO invested in a series of
improvements aimed at recruiting new nest recorders and developing their skills. As a result, the
Scheme turned a corner and the number of records submitted annually reached record highs.
That upturn was reflected in Glamorgan too. Between 2007-14 a total of 3,886 records for 78
species were submitted from the county.
Annual Number of Glamorgan Nest Records 1969-2014
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
1969
1971
1973
1975
1977
1979
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
0
A great deal of this recent growth in Glamorgan is accounted for by the large increase in the
number of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Pied Flycatcher nest records (see table below). The number of
72
nest records for these three species alone account for 55% of records of all species in Glamorgan
from this period. These large totals are the result of several nest recorders running ‘nest box
schemes’ where they erect and monitor many nest boxes annually. The majority of the nest
records for Pied Flycatcher in Glamorgan are submitted by volunteers at RSPB Cwm Clydach.
Sadly, the number of nest records for this species has dropped from a high of 51 in 2011 to 22 in
2014. This appears to be the result of the species’ decline rather than a drop in recording effort.
Species
Year of first record
Total Records >2006
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Pied Flycatcher
1974
1974
1987
136
149
59
Total Records 200714
1101
737
334
Another species which regularly takes to nest boxes – although it requires a Schedule 1 licence to
monitor – is Barn Owl, and 30 of the 34 nest records for this species are from this period.
There was also a welcome upturn in the number of records submitted for our more common ‘open
nest’ species between 2007-14: species such as Swallow, Blackbird and Song Thrush. However,
this period has also seen the addition of several new species to the Glamorgan nest record
database (total number of records in brackets): Grey Heron (2); Honey Buzzard (10); Great
Crested Grebe (8); Red Kite (15); Kittiwake (91 – all from 2014) and Common Crossbill (2).
Although it doesn’t build its own nest, 2014 saw the first and only Cuckoo record, which must
have given its finder a real thrill.
The future: the next nesting generation
Ask birders over a particular age what sparked their interest in birding and they’ll often say that it
all began with ‘birdnesting’ or ‘egging’ – collecting wild birds’ eggs. However, since this practice
was quite rightly made illegal in 1954 the skills required for finding nests amongst most birders
have been lost. If people could be persuaded to re-discover these skills and submit their nest
records it would be of huge benefit to bird conservation.
The welcome recent upturn in records from Glamorgan is highly dependent on a small number of
individuals’ efforts (31 in Glamorgan, 2007-14). For the Scheme to remain successful in the
county, and for more invaluable data to be gathered, we need to recruit additional nest recorders.
Anyone can be a nest recorder and, by carefully following the NRS Code of Conduct, monitoring
does not influence a nest’s outcome. Some people watch a single nest box in their back garden
while others find and monitor nests of a whole range of species. Does the BTO really need any
more Blue Tit and Great Tit records? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’, as the better the coverage,
the more we can explore the degree to which birds’ responses to changes in the environment vary
between regions and habitats.
Many species are surprisingly under-recorded in Glamorgan (total number of records): Mallard (3);
Moorhen (34); Goldcrest (10); Skylark (25); Chiffchaff (23); Blackcap (33); Whitethroat (27); Reed
Warbler (4); Starling (40); Greenfinch (23) and Goldfinch (28). Many of these species are on the
NRS Priority List: the species which are the BTOs highest priority for data collection.
If you think you could find the nests of these and other species, and you’re looking to add a whole
new and fascinating dimension to your birding which helps inform the conservation of birds at
the same time, then why not take on the ‘nesting’ challenge?
References/Useful reading
•
•
•
•
•
•
The BTO Nest Record Scheme webpages: www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/nrs
The NRS Handbook: www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u15/downloads/takingpart/NRS_Handbook.pdf
NRS Code of Conduct: www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/nrs/coc
NRS Priority species: www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/nrs/taking-part/nrs-priorities
Ferguson-Lees, J., Castell, R., Leech D. (2011) A Field Guide to Monitoring Nests
Hurford, C., Lansdown, P. (1995) Birds of Glamorgan
Daniel Jenkins-Jones, Mid & South Glamorgan Asst. Regional Representative & NRS Mentor
eastglamwebs@gmail.com
73
BTO SURVEY REPORT
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)
BBS continues to be an important indicator of the health of our countryside, and is the main
source of population trend information about the nation’s birds.
In our region, of 69 1km squares available to survey, 40 were visited by our volunteers. Squares
are randomly generated to ensure visits are made to a diverse range of habitats. Indeed,
volunteers are not only asked to record birds they see, but also the habitat found in each of 10
transects walked through in each survey square. This allows BTO to analyse population change at
local, national and at habitat scales. Locally, we cover a diverse range of habitats from upland
forestry and moorland in the north to lowland farms in the Vale and the urban environment in
Cardiff.
In 2014, volunteers were invited to record the method by which a bird was first recorded – Visual,
Song or Call. This can help analysts work out actual numbers of birds present, as there are
differences in detectability between singing males, birds detected by call and birds seen. Many of
our volunteers noted the detection method.
Figure 1: Top ten species found in BBS squares, 2014
Blackbird came out on top, as the species found in most survey squares, with a detection rate of
94%, and also comes second in the number of individuals recorded with 860. Jackdaw, with 1052,
was the species with most individuals noted. Just single Yellow Wagtail, Willow Tit and Snipe were
noted in 2014 in our survey squares.
Greater analysis at national scales may be found
http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/bbs/latest-results.
in
the
latest
survey
report,
Waterways Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS)
WBBS supplements BBS, by monitoring breeding birds along rivers and other waterways. The
scheme covers all bird species but is especially valuable for monitoring the population trends of
specialist birds of linear waters, such as Goosander, Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and Dipper.
74
Two of our 3 allocated sites were monitored in 2014 - a stretch of the River Ely near Pontyclun and
the River Ogmore near Blackmill.
Like BBS, Blackbird is the most commonly recorded species along our waterways squares, with 63
recorded, followed by Robin with 43 and Blue Tit with 38. Numbers of waterbirds are set out in
the table below.
Numberofindividualsrecorded
14
12
10
8
6
4
Numberrecorded
2
0
Figure 2: Individual waterbirds recorded, 2014
The main publication resulting from WBBS is Bird Trendst, in which the survey's long-term trends
are put into context alongside other monitoring of population levels and measures of breeding
productivity and annual survival rates, http://www.bto.org/about-birds/birdtrends/2014.
Nest Records Scheme (NRS)
The Nest Record Scheme (NRS) gathers vital information on the breeding success of Britain's birds
by asking volunteers to find and follow the progress of individual birds' nests. The data collected
is using a strict Code of Conduct and helps measure the impacts of factors such as climate change
on bird populations.
In 2014, 20 volunteers across Glamorgan found and monitored 781 individual birds’ nests of 48
species, almost 400 more nests than monitored in 2013. (Note, it’s not possible to break results
down between east and west Glamorgan).
75
Nestsmonitored
250
200
150
100
50
0
Nestsmonitored
Figure 3: Top ten species monitored, 2014
An account of NRS in Glamorgan over the last 75 years is found elsewhere in the report.
County and national survey results may be
surveys/nrs/publications/online-nesting-reports.
found
at
http://www.bto.org/volunteer-
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS)
WeBS monitors population sizes, trends in numbers and distribution and identifies important
sites for waterbirds. Locally, most of our larger bodies of water are regularly counted but in
recent years we’ve seen a rise in coverage of our smaller water bodies too.
Thirty nine volunteers counted waterbirds at 40 different sites which vary in size from reens and
farm pools to Cardiff Bay and the Rhymney Estuary with 7 new sites added in 2014: Cyfarthfa
Castle Lake, Merthyr; Bute East Dock, Cardiff; Jepson's Pond; Pentwyn Pond; Peterston Super Ely
Moors; Pwll Waun Cynon and the River Taff: Blackweir to Butetown.
An online WeBS report is available where a breakdown of counts at all our local sites may be
found, http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs/publications/webs-annual-report.
Heronries Census
The longest running breeding season monitoring scheme in the world, the Heronries Census
collects annual nest counts of herons from as many heronry sites as possible in the United
Kingdom. Volunteers make several visits to a heronry attempting accurately assess the number of
occupied nests within the colony.
In 2014, 5 of our 7 heronries were surveyed, with the three other sites now thought to be
abandoned. Totals are noted in the species account.
The status of our herons
birds/birdtrends/2014/species.
may
be
found
in
BirdTrends,
http://www.bto.org/about-
Taking Part in BTO Surveys
There are BTO surveys to all levels of birding ability. As well as the regular surveys reported
above, many one-off surveys are undertaken too. If you’re interested in taking part, we’d be
delighted to hear from you.
Wayne Morris, BTO Regional Representative in East Glamorgan
Daniel Jenkins-Jones, WeBS Local Organiser in East Glamorgan
http://eastglambto.wordpress.com
76
EAST GLAMORGAN LEPIDOPTERA REPORT 2014
2014 produced just over 12,000 new records for East Glamorgan – a bit down on the figure for the
previous year. What is probably more remarkably however is the fact that no new macro species
were recorded from East Glamorgan in 2014. There were, however 12 new micro species and these
are listed below.
Code
Taxon
4.068 (0046)
5.004 (0121)
15.017 (0296)
32.040 (0671)
35.036 (0747)
35.143 (0774)
36.002 (0879)
42.002 (0877)
47.001 (0478)
47.004 (0484)
48.005 (0386)
63.051 (1400)
Trifurcula immundella (Zeller, 1839)
Pseudopostega crepusculella (Zeller, 1839)
Calybites phasianipennella (Hübner, 1813)
Depressaria ulitmella Stainton, 1849
Chrysoesthia sexguttella (Thunberg, 1794)
Teleiodes luculella (Hübner, 1813)
Batrachedra pinicolella (Zeller, 1839)
Stathmopoda pedella (Linnaeus, 1761)
Phaulernis fulviguttella (Zeller, 1839)
Epermenia aequidentellus (Hofmann, 1867)
Tebenna micalis (Mann, 1857)
Antigastra catalaunalis (Duponchel, 1833)
Most of these represent species that are likely to have been overlooked, although the discovery of
Epermenia aequidentellus at Rhoose is particularly noteworthy as it is one of the species that had
been removed from the county list on the publication of the Moths of Glamorgan due to the lack
of a specimen or photograph. The chances of the old Oxwich record being accurate have therefore
increased and further investigation of the dunes on Gower may well yield results.
Migrants were pretty thin on the ground in East Glamorgan in 2014, although there were a few
notable species, include the Pyralid Antigastra catalaunalis the micro Tebena micalis, and the two
big Hawk-moths.
Code
Taxon
Vernacular
Records
18.001 (464)
48.005 (0386)
58.010 (1545)
59.023 (1590)
59.024 (1591)
63.031 (1395)
63.051 (1400)
63.052 (1398)
69.004 (1972)
69.005 (1973)
69.010 (1984)
73.015 (2441)
73.087 (2385)
73.307 (2119)
73.327 (2091)
Plutella xylostella
Tebenna micalis
Colias croceus
Vanessa atalanta
Vanessa cardui
Udea ferrugalis
Antigastra catalaunalis
Nomophila noctuella
Agrius convolvuli
Acherontia atropos
Macroglossum stellatarum
Autographa gamma
Spodoptera exigua
Peridroma saucia
Agrotis ipsilon
Diamond-back Moth
41 (83)
1 (-)
28 (22)
57 (70)
10 (13)
38 (21)
1 (-)
3 (16)
1 (-)
1 (-)
13 (2)
68 (537)
1 (-)
1 (1)
15 (73)
Clouded Yellow
Red Admiral
Painted Lady
Rusty-dot Pearl
Rush Veneer
Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Death's-head Hawk-moth
Humming-bird Hawk-moth
Silver Y
Small Mottled Willow
Pearly Underwing
Dark Sword-grass
Once again, many thanks to all who submitted their records either through MapMate or via
SEWBReC (and it’s online recording website http://www.sewbrecord.org.uk/). And don’t forget that
if you want to know more about the moths found in the whole of the county, The Moths of
Glamorgan by Gilmore, Slade & Stewart is still available. Check out the moth group blog site
(http://gmrg-vc41moths.blogspot.co.uk/) for details.
Dave Slade
County Lepidoptera Recorder, VC41
77
GAZETEER OF MAIN SITES
Cf=Cardiff, Cp=Caerphilly, RCT=Rhondda Cynon Taff, VoG=Vale of Glamorgan, B=Bridgend,
M=Merthyr Tydfil
Site
Grid Ref
UA
Abercwmboi Lake
SO 0200
RCT
Aberthaw
ST 0366
VoG
Bargoed
ST 1498
Cp
Blaencanaid
SO 0204
M
Breaksea Pt
ST 0265
VoG
Bridgend
SS 9079
B
Caerphilly Castle
ST 1587
Cp
Caple Gwladys
ST 1299
Cp
Cardiff Bay
ST 1873
Cf
CBWR
ST 1873
Cf
Cardiff Foreshore
ST 2073
Cf
Cardiff Heliport (Bay)
ST 2174
Cf
Cardiff Water Treatment Works
ST 2175
Cf
Cefn Mably Woods
ST 2184
Cf/Cp
Cefn Onn
ST 1784
Cf
Cors Crychydd Reen
ST 2278
Cf
Cosmeston CP
ST 1769
VoG
Cwm Nash
SS 9070
VoG
Dare Valley CP
SN 9802
RCT
Dunraven
SS 8873
VoG
East Aberthaw
ST 0366
VoG
East Aberthaw quarry
ST 0367
VoG
Flat Holm
ST 2264
Cf
Forest Farm
ST 1380
Cf
Gileston
ST 0167
VoG
Glamorgan Canal
ST 1480
Cf
Hendre Lake
ST 2480
Cf
Hensol
ST 0479
VoG
Hensol Lake
ST 0478
VoG
Hirwaun Ponds
SS 9406
RCT
KNNR
SS 8080
B
Kenfig Pool
SS 7981
B
Kenfig river mouth
SS 7783
B
Knap, The
ST 0966
VoG
Lamby Way
ST 2178
Cf
Lavernock Point
ST 1868
VoG
Llanilid Opencast
SS 9881
RCT
Llanishen/Lisvane Res
ST 1882
Cf
Llanwonno
ST 0295
RCT
Llwyn-on Res
SO 0111
Cp/RCT
Llynfi Valley
SS 8789
B
Lock's Common
SS 8077
B
Maesteg
SN 8591
B
Merthyr Mawr Warren
SS 8677
B
Monknash
SS 9270
VoG
78
Site
Grid Ref
UA
Monkton
SS 9271
VoG
Museum of Welsh Life
ST 1177
Cf
Nantyffyllon
SS 8592
B
Nash Pt
SS 9168
VoG
Ogmore Est
SS 8576
B/VoG
Ogmore-by-Sea
SS 8675
VoG
Parc Cwm Darran
SO 1103
Cp
Parc Slip nature reserve
SS 8783
B
Parc Tredelerch (Lamby Lake)
ST 2178
Cf
Penarth
ST 1871
VoG
Pink Bay
SS 7979
B
Porthcawl
SS 8177
B
Porthkerry CP
ST 0967
VoG
Portobello House/Island
SS 8776
VoG
Pwll-y-Waun pond
SS 8277
B
Rest Bay
SS 8078
B
Rhaslas pond
SO 0907
Cp
Rhoose
ST 0666
VoG
Rhoose Pt
ST 0665
VoG
Rhymney Est
ST 2277
Cf
Roath Park
ST 1879
Cf
Rumney Great Wharf/RGW
ST 2478
Cf
Sker/Sker House
SS 7979
B
Sker Point/Rocks
SS 7879
B
Southerndown
SS 8873
VoG
St Fagans
ST 1277
Cf
St Gwynno Forest
ST 0396
RCT
Tirfounder Fields
SO 0101
RCT
Ty’n-y-Caeau Farm - Marcross
SS 9169
VoG
Watermill Flood
SS 8877
VoG
Werfa/Werfa mast
SS912948
B
Ystrad/Llwynypia
SS 9894
RCT
For reference, there is a more detailed gazetteer in downloadable PDF format on the joint
Glamorgan Bird Club/Gower Ornithological Society website (see page iv). This covers the whole of
Glamorgan, so many sites will be outside the recording area of this report.
79
THE EASTERN GLAMORGAN LIST
The status codes given are those used by the British Ornithologists Union and defined in detail on
their website: <http://www.bou.org.uk/british-list/>
Those used in the list below are as follows:
A
B
C
D
E
Species that have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1st
January 1950.
Species that were recorded in an apparently natural state at least once between 1st
January 1800 and 31st December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently.
Species that, although introduced, now derive from the resulting self-sustaining
populations.
Species that would otherwise appear in Category A except that there is reasonable doubt
that they have ever occurred in a natural state.
Species that have been recorded as introductions, human-assisted transportees or
escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be
self-sustaining.
Recent additions are in bold. At the time of printing of this report, the list stands at 310.
Species
Mute Swan
Bewick’s Swan
Whooper Swan
Bean Goose
Pink-footed Goose
White-fronted Goose
Greylag Goose
Canada Goose
Barnacle Goose
Brent Goose
Common Shelduck
Mandarin Duck
Eurasian Wigeon
American Wigeon
Gadwall
Eurasian Teal
Green-winged Teal
Mallard
Pintail
Garganey
Shoveler
Red-crested Pochard
Common Pochard
Ring-necked Duck
Ferruginous Duck
Tufted Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Common Eider
Long-tailed Duck
Common Scoter
Surf Scoter
Velvet Scoter
Common Goldeneye
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
Species
Smew
Red-breasted Merganser
Goosander
Ruddy Duck
Common Quail
Red-legged Partridge
Red Grouse
Black Grouse
Grey Partridge
Common Pheasant
Red-throated Diver
Black-throated Diver
Great Northern Diver
Fulmar
Cory’s Shearwater
Great Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater
Manx Shearwater
Balearic Shearwater
European Storm-petrel
Leach’s Storm-petrel
Northern Gannet
Great Cormorant
Shag
Eurasian Bittern
Little Bittern
Night Heron
Squacco Heron
Cattle Egret
Little Egret
Great White Egret
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Black Stork
1895
1910
1911
1933
1981
1975
1981
1870
1940
1989
1939
2008
1917
1905
1976
1927
80
Status
A
A
A
C
A
C
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
1969
1924
1838
1929
1975
1973
1963
1964
1929
1859
1956
1954
2007
1957
1995
1965
2011
Species
White Stork
Glossy Ibis
Eurasian Spoonbill
Pied-billed Grebe
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Slavonian Grebe
Black-necked Grebe
Honey-buzzard
Black Kite
Red Kite
White-tailed Eagle
Marsh Harrier
Hen Harrier
Montagu’s Harrier
Northern Goshawk
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Common Buzzard
Rough-legged Buzzard
Osprey
Common Kestrel
Red-footed Falcon
Merlin
Hobby
Peregrine Falcon
Water Rail
Spotted Crake
Sora
Baillon’s Crake
Corn Crake
Moorhen
Common Coot
Common Crane
Little Bustard
Stone-curlew
Black-winged Stilt
Avocet
Oystercatcher
European Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Northern Lapwing
Little Ringed Plover
Ringed Plover
Kentish Plover
Dotterel
Little Curlew
Whimbrel
Eurasian Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Turnstone
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
1900
1986
1931
1987
Species
Red Knot
Ruff
Curlew Sandpiper
Temminck’s Stint
Sanderling
Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper
Baird’s Sandpiper
Little Stint
White-rumped Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Grey Phalarope
Common Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Spotted Redshank
Greenshank
Wood Sandpiper
Common Redshank
Jack Snipe
Long-billed Dowitcher
Woodcock
Common Snipe
Pomarine Skua
Arctic Skua
Long-tailed Skua
Great Skua
Puffin
Razorbill
Little Auk
Common Guillemot
Little Tern
Caspian Tern
Whiskered Tern
Black Tern
White-winged Black Tern
Sandwich Tern
Royal Tern
Common Tern
Arctic Tern
Roseate Tern
Ivory Gull
Sabine’s Gull
Kittiwake
Bonaparte’s Gull
Black-headed Gull
Little Gull
Laughing Gull
1833
1921
1876
1979
1935
1962
1840
1841
1903
1891
1905
1888
1976
1988
1895
1939
2008
1804
1965
1888
1942
1982
81
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
1970
1972
1927
1957
1972
1977
1960
1990
1956
1896
1973
1876
1962
1989
1963
1883
1954
1805
1973
1974
1891
1979
1955
1998
1957
1986
1885
1988
Species
Status
Mediterranean Gull
A
Ring-billed Gull
A
Common Gull
A
Caspian Gull
A
Lesser Black-backed Gull
A
Glaucous Gull
A
Iceland Gull
A
Yellow-legged Gull
A
Herring Gull
A
Great Black-backed Gull
A
Pallas’s Sandgrouse
A
Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove
C
Stock Dove
A
Wood Pigeon
A
Collared Dove
A
Turtle Dove
A
Common Cuckoo
A
Barn Owl
A
Snowy Owl
A
Little Owl
C
Tawny Owl
A
Long-eared Owl
A
Short-eared Owl
A
European Nightjar
A
Alpine Swift
A
Common Swift
A
Common Kingfisher
A
European Bee-eater
A
Hoopoe
A
Wryneck
A
Green Woodpecker
A
Great Spotted Woodpecker
A
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
A
Golden Oriole
A
Red-backed Shrike
A
Great Grey Shrike
A
Woodchat Shrike
A
Red-billed Chough
A
Magpie
A
Eurasian Jay
A
Western Jackdaw
A
Rook
A
Carrion Crow
A
Hooded Crow
A
Common Raven
A
Goldcrest
A
Firecrest
A
Penduline Tit
A
Blue Tit
A
Great Tit
A
Coal Tit
A
Willow Tit
A
1st
record
1964
1973
Species
Marsh Tit
Bearded Tit
Short-toed Lark
Wood Lark
Sky Lark
Shore Lark
Sand Martin
Barn Swallow
House Martin
Cetti’s Warbler
Long-tailed Tit
Pallas’s Leaf Warbler
Yellow-browed Warbler
Wood Warbler
Common Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Garden Warbler
Barred Warbler
Lesser Whitethroat
Common Whitethroat
Dartford Warbler
Grasshopper Warbler
Icterine Warbler
Melodious Warbler
Aquatic Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Marsh Warbler
Reed Warbler
Waxwing
Eurasian Nuthatch
Eurasian Treecreeper
Wren
Common Starling
Rosy Starling
Dipper
Ring Ouzel
Common Blackbird
Fieldfare
Song Thrush
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Spotted Flycatcher
Robin
Common Nightingale
Bluethroat
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Pied Flycatcher
Black Redstart
Common Redstart
Whinchat
Stonechat
2014
1892
1898
1984
1888
1962
1972
1860
1973
1965
1836
1880
1878
1881
1947
1884
1905
1996
1926
82
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
1965
2008
1976
1977
1994
1981
1979
1969
1978
1993
1962
2010
1859
1836
1970
1943
1884
Species
Northern Wheatear
Dunnock
House Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Yellow Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Richard’s Pipit
Tawny Pipit
Tree Pipit
Meadow Pipit
Red-throated Pipit
Water Pipit
Rock Pipit
Common Chaffinch
Brambling
Greenfinch
European Serin
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
Species
Goldfinch
Siskin
Linnet
Twite
Lesser Redpoll
Common (Mealy) Redpoll
Common Crossbill
Bullfinch
Hawfinch
Snow Bunting
Lapland Bunting
Yellowhammer
Cirl Bunting
Ortolan Bunting
Reed Bunting
Corn Bunting
1967
1982
1992
1961
Status
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
1st
record
1897
1986
1976
1876
1962
1972
Supplementary list – the following have been recorded, but are either (i) subspecies or the
nominate species of birds already on the definitive list, (ii) are in categories D or E and thus
automatically excluded, or (iii) are in categories A, B, or C but which in the case of Eastern
Glamorgan occurrences were not considered to be wild birds or birds from self-sustaining
populations.
Gull
argentatus
African Spoonbill
D
Continental Cormorant
P. carbo sinensis
Rose-ringed Parakeet
C
Black Swan
E
Eurasian Eagle Owl
E
Greenland White- fronted A. albifrons
Scandinavian Rock Pipit
A. petrosus littoralis
Goose
flavirostris
Syke’s Wagtail
M. flava beema
Bar-headed Goose E
Ashy-headed Wagtail
M. flava
Snow Goose
A
cinerocapilla
Dark-bellied Brent Goose B. bernicla bernicla
Blue-headed Wagtail
M. flava flava
Pale-bellied Brent Goose
B. bernicla hrota
White Wagtail
M. alba alba
Egyptian Goose
C
Greenland Wheatear
O. oenanthe
Ruddy Shelduck
B
leucorhoa
Wood Duck
E
Siberian Lesser
S. curruca blythi
Muscovy Duck
E
Whitethroat
Saker Falcon
D
Scandinavian Chiffchaff
P. collybita
Golden Pheasant
C
abietinus
Helmeted Guinea-fowl
E
Siberian Chiffchaff
P. collybita tristis
Baltic Gull
L. fuscus fuscus
Northern Willow Warbler P. trochilus
British Lesser BlackL. fuscus graelsii
acredula
Backed Gull
Red-headed Bunting
D
Continental Lesser Black- L. fuscus
Backed Gull
intermedius
Scandinavian Herring
L. argentatus
83
OBITUARIES
Steve Moon 29-09-49 > 25-03-15
It was with great sadness that we learned of Steve’s passing on 25th March 2015. He was well
known and respected throughout South Wales for his work as warden of Kenfig Nature reserve
and latterly as County Ecologist for Mid Glamorgan and Bridgend.
He was born in Alton, Hampshire and moved to Bristol with his family when only a few days old.
His interest in bird watching was first nurtured by the Field Club of Bristol Grammar school,
where he was a pupil.
On leaving school in 1967 he wanted to become a pilot in the RAF, but he was accepted as a
navigator because of his poor eyesight, which had been damaged by measles. This did not satisfy
him so instead he did something completely different and joined the Westminster Bank. Later in
his career there, he refused promotion when asked to cut his long hair (an example of his
sometimes stubborn streak!) and decided instead to go to the University of East Anglia to study
ecology. Needless to say, this particular University was chosen because of its closeness to what
were then, and still are, some of the best birding sites in the UK!
He moved to Durham in 1973 to complete a Master’s degree entitled ‘ Some Aspects of the feeding
ecology of four small insectivorous birds in Hamsterley Forest County Durham’ in 1974. This is
where he met his wife Madeleine.
Steve was over two years into his PhD when he was appointed as the first warden of the newly
designated Kenfig Local Nature Reserve and the family moved to Wales in 1976.
He adored his role at Kenfig. He kept copious bird records, the location of plant species, especially
the orchids, he cleared sea buckthorn which threatened to overwhelm the site and developed a
management plan for the reserve. His efforts were not universally popular - the restrictions on
fishing and shooting in the breeding season were strongly opposed. Many a night, a planned social
event didn’t take place because Steve was chasing motorcycle scramblers from the dunes! However
due to his efforts the reserve became a National Nature Reserve and site of European importance
for nature conservation.
He loved opening up the natural world to visitors to the site including from abroad, but especially
to children. He started a Watch Club teaching children to identify plants, animals and insects. He
started moth trapping, bird ringing and fungi foraging. Life in the Moon household involved lots
of wading through reed beds looking at dragonflies, early morning starts for ringing, intensive
learning of new species and habitats but always bird watching came first.
He was the County Bird Recorder for Mid Glamorgan from 1991 to 93, then Mid & South
Glamorgan from 1993 to 1995 and then as County Recorder for East Glamaorgan from 1996 to
2004. He persuaded the Porthcawl branch of Nat West bank to fund the fledgling Glamorgan Bird
Club annual Bird Report when the GBC was first formed after splitting from the Cardiff Naturalists
Soc with no funds. Without this initial injection of cash there would have been no starting point
for the now well-established East Glamorgan Bird Report. He also served on the committee of the
Glamorgan Bird Club for many years in most roles.
Steve was a founder member of the Glamorgan Moth Recording Group (GMRG) - one of only 15. He
also persuaded BBC Radio 4 with Lionel Kellaway to do a broadcast of a GMRG meeting at Kenfig that's how keen he was to get publicity for this newly formed naturalists group. Life at KNNR was
never dull. On another occasion, the reserve centre was burgled (in October 1992) and was
ransacked and Steve was very upset. However the one bright moment that morning was when the
moth group emptied the moth trap and it held the first ever Kenfig record for the Merveille du
Jour. This beautiful moth was then chosen by Steve to be the emblem of the new GMRG as it was a
beacon for nature during adversity. It is the front cover image for the “Moths of Glamorgan” book,
published in May 2014, which has a foreword by Steve.
He wrote articles for magazines and newspapers, and appeared in TV shows like the Really Wild
Show and radio programmes such as Landmark and the John Peel show.
Steve moved on from Kenfig to become the county ecologist for mid Glamorgan and later
Bridgend CB Council, writing bio-diversity action plans and putting forward environmental
opposition to planning applications. He was asked by the EU to help develop environmental
projects in Greece, Denmark, Germany and Poland. He worked across the UK as the Treasurer,
Membership Secretary and finally the Chair of the Association of Local Government Ecologists
(ALGAE) writing environmental action plans and sharing ecological best practise.
In 2002 he was appointed as the Ecological Advisor to the WLGA. He worked as a wildlife
inspector for DEFRA and was often called to give evidence during police prosecutions. He was also
a part time wildlife inspector, and his wife Madeleine recalls one occasion when he had an injured
blackbird which went with them everywhere so that it could be fed a steady diet of woodlice and
84
worms scrounged from neighbour’s gardens. The family cat was always deeply suspicious when
injured birds of prey were housed in the spare bedroom!
His planning application work did not make him popular with some people but he would never
back away from his championship of the environment no matter what the pressure, threats and
intimidation and there was plenty of that.
In 2010 Steve was diagnosed with Pick’s disease, a form of Motor Neurone Disease, and his life
changed radically. The disease was cruel and robbed Steve of his voice, mobility, and limited his
ability to eat and swallow, and most cruelly, robbed him of his love of walking across the dunes of
Kenfig and along the coast of Porthcawl. It could not rob him of his sense of humour, his interest
in what was going on around him or the birds visiting the feeders in the garden. Steve lived his life
with strength, determination and humour. We should remember the Steve who thrived in the
natural world, was keen to share his depth of knowledge and could charm the birds from the
trees.
Compiled by John Wilson with grateful thanks to Madeleine for access to her written eulogies and
to David Gilmore for his input.
Maurice Chown 29-05-1940 > 19-05-2015
It was also with great sadness that the birding community in our part of South Wales received the
news that Maurice Chown had passed away on 19th May, 2015. He was a well-known and loved
character by all birders in our area who knew him. He was a gentleman and had a quirky sense of
humour, but would put you in your place if he thought you were out of order. His great love of
course, was birding, and he was involved with local organisations for many years – for example he
spent some time as the RSPB local representative in Cardiff and was also the secretary for their
field outings. He also got involved in conservation work such as planting Marram Grass, cutting
back Marine Pine and erecting fence posts. His genial and friendly character meant that he was a
mentor for many of today’s active birders in the county in their younger, ‘beginner’ days, and
several of his mentees have gone on to make successful careers out of ornithology. He became a
very active member of the Cardiff Naturalists Society, in particular in their Ornithological Section,
of which he was President in 1977 and their Secretary from 1979 to 1981, and for a while he was
also a member of the Gwent Ornithological Society. He lived in St Mellon’s on the east side of
Cardiff for many years, certainly during the 23 years I have been here, and was one of our main
contributors of records from that area, taking in sites such as Hendre Lake, Maerdy Farm, Sluice
Farm, Rumney Gt Wharf etc. In addition to birding he loved classical music and apparently was
wont to hum a tune on the way back from a successful day’s birding.
In the early days he was keen to go on long weekend ‘twitches’ to locations such as Norfolk and
Scotland, where camping was de riguer. Many birders in Cardiff will have fond memories of these
trips – I am told that in Norfolk he was i/c food and cooking facilities for camping on Salthouse
Heath. Another great love and a more or less annual event was the autumn trips to the Scillies,
undertaken from the late 70’s through to the early 90’s.
85
Whilst his health was good he was a truly international birder, sometimes being quite intrepid on
his own, including month long trips to Nepal, Australia and Thailand, and undertaking a total of
around 35+ international trips in all. One amusing story recounted by his good friend Haydn Jones
at Maurice’s funeral, concerned a trip in Maurice’s green Hillman Hunter company car with 3
passengers, including Haydn, when he drove all the way to communist Yugoslavia and at some
point got arrested by the secret police, who eventually escorted them to a very pleasant camp site.
How Maurice accounted for the additional mileage on the car when he returned, remains a
mystery! His international travel was curtailed a little at one point due to a bad reaction to
antimalarial tablets which meant that from then on he had to avoid malaria risk areas.
His last long distance twitch was with Haydn in 2013 for the Hermit Thrush at Porthgwarra. They
went to Norfolk together the following year in February and he was still in good health then.
However after a 2 day trip to Portland at the end of April in 2014, he complained of feeling very
tired subsequently, and after going to see Nightjars in Wentwood that June, he was so tired the
following day that he went to see his doctor, and as a result of that leukaemia was diagnosed.
Many hospital visits ensued but towards the end of 2014 he had a bit of a recovery and managed
trips with Hayden to Steart for the Pallid Harrier, and he saw the Little Bunting at Forest Farm. He
was even on Twitter at this time, with the handle “dufflaker”, a humorous reference to his local
patch of Hendre Lake. Unfortunately in March this year he developed another infection and sadly
never recovered from it.
Naturally Maurice accumulated quite a number of natural history books during his life and it was
a nice gesture of his family that these be donated to the Glamorgan Bird Club library. This was
duly done when his close friends Haydn, David Gilmore, Mike Powell and Phil Bristow officially
handed them over to Dave Carrington, the warden at Kenfig Nature Reserve, where the library
trolley is stored.
As has already been said, he was a well-respected, well known, and well loved member of the
birding scene in South Wales and will be missed by many people, and GBC offer their sincere
condolences to all his friends a family. I did not know Maurice for as long as some so I would like
to thank Haydn for allowing me to see his eulogy notes for Maurice’s funeral in order to be able to
put together a fitting obituary.
John Wilson
86
CONTRIBUTORS 2014 to whom we offer our sincere thanks
Nigel
David
P. J.
James
Julia
Jason
G. S.
Louise
Martin
Phillip
Nicholas
Alex
Andrew
Martin
Rhiannon
Robert
Dean
Dave
Ken
C. D.
Mike
L.
Phil
M.
Barbara
D. A.
J.
M. J.
Andy
Howard
James
Brian
Graham
D.
D.
A.
Dave
D. I.
P.
Jason
Colin
Don
Tom
L.
Mike
N.
P.
Darren
Jon
D. M.
R.
Emma
James
Holly
Mike
Alan
A.
Ajax Lewis
Aston
Baker
Bamkin
Banks
Barber
Batho
Bebb
Bell
Bennington
Beswick
Bevan
Bevan
Bevan
Bevan
Bolger
Bolt
Braham
Bray
Brewer
Bright
Brinkworth
Bristow
Brolly
Brown
Brown
Brown
Bruce
Burns
Burt
Burton
Butt
Butt
Calder
Cappell
Caravaggi
Carrington
Cartwright
Challinor
Chapman
Cheesman
Cheyne
Chinnick
Churchill
Clark
Clark
Collins
Coombs
Cooper
Cornish
Cowie
Cram
Cram
Cram
Cram
Cripps
Croll
NAJ
DA
PJB
JBa
JBk
JBr
GSB
LB
MB
PBe
NWB
ABv
AJB
MJB
RBv
RB
DCB
DBr
KB
CDB
MBr
LB
PB
MBr
BBr
DABr
JBr
MJBr
ABu
HB
JB
BB
GB
DCr
DCa
AC
DGC
DIC
PC
JC
CC
DCy
TC
LC
MCl
NC
PCo
DCC
JC
DMC
RCo
EJC
JOC
HBC
MSC
AC
ACr
A. C.
Jeff
B.
David
D. Paul
Neville
Rebecca
Strinda
Tony
Paul
Janet
Richard
Neil
Keith
Allan
John
Chris
Mike
Mike
P.
M.
Clive
Jonathan
L.
Mark
Ron
Richard
D.
Malcolm
Peter
N.
David
Lyn
Alastair
Trevor
Leigh
Rob
Doug
Zoe
Heather
J. D.
Ernest
N.
David
Colin
Louise
M. C.
Pete
Tim
Kate
A.
Ian S.
A. N.
J. B.
Chris
A. N.
Mark
87
Crutcher-Pugh
Curtis
Daniels
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davies
Davis
Denning
Dewes
Dodd
Donaghy
Douglas
Dowson
Duffy
Dunn
Dunn
Eady
Edwards
Eldridge
Ellis
Evans
Evans
Evans
Ewing
Facey
Farrell
Fenwick
Ferns
Ferrand
Fisher
Fishlock
Flannagan
Fletcher
Forman
Francis
Fraser
Gallamore
Galliford
Gambles
Garner
Garside
Gilmore
Gittins
Gorrigan
Greenish
Griffith
Griffiths
Gwynn
Harris
Hartrey
Hatcher
Hawke
Hawes
Haycock
Hebden
ACCP
JPC
BD
DD
DPD
NJD
RD
SID
TD
PGD
JD
RDo
ND
KD
AJD
JFD
CD
MD
MEy
PE
ME
CE
JE
LE
MEv
RE
RF
DF
MF
PF
NF
DJF
LFi
AWF
TF
LF
RFr
DF
ZG
HG
JDG
EG
NG
DRWG
CG
LG
MCG
PWG
TG
KG
AH
ISH
ANH
JBH
CH
ANH
MHe
Roseanne
Kevin
Amy
Janne
Phil
Mark
Martin
Mike
Graham
Mike
Steve
Will
L. A.
Peter
Alun
P.V.
Tim
K. S.
Judd
A.
P. J.
Chris
Gareth W
Daniel
Gethin
Aaron
B.
Ceri
Debra
J. M.
K. A.
Robert
Dave
Margaret
Della
Phil
Iain
M.
Peter
Luke
Jonathon
Natalie A.
R. J.
Marie
P. A.
J. V.
Mike
A.
A. M.
Karl
Paul
J. P.
Vaughn
Mike
H.
Sean
Ian
Matthew
N.
Adrian
Hennessy
Hewitt
Hicks
Hill
Hill
Hipkin
Hnatiuk
Hogan
Holmes
Honey
Howcroft
Howells
Howles
Howlett
Hughes
Hughes
Hughes
Humphries
Hunt
Hurman
James
Jeans
Jenkins
Jenkins-Jones
Jenkins-Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Jones
Knight
Knight
Lack
Lamb
Lambert
Lambert
Lansdown
Leatherbee
Lee
Lewis
Lewis
Lindley
Llewellyn
Lloyd
Lobb
Lowe
Lucas
Luxford
Marshman
Martin
Matthews
McCarthy
McDonald
McHugh
Mears
Meehan
Melsom
Meredith
RH
KH
AHi
JH
PH
MRH
MHn
MTH
GHo
MHo
SRH
WH
LAH
PMH
AHu
PVH
TH
KSH
JPH
AHm
PJJ
CJ
GWJ
DJJ
GJJ
AJ
BJ
CMJ
DJ
JMJ
KAJ
RJ
DK
MK
DL
PL
IL
ML
PGL
LL
JL
NAL
RJL
MLi
PAL
JVL
MGL
AL
AML
KL
PM
JPM
VM
MMc
HMc
SMc
IM
MM
NM
AMe
M.
Tony
C.
Lawrence
Rob
Gavin
S. E.
L.
Margaret
Peter
Wayne
Laura
Nigel
Adrian
Lisbeth
Eloise
S. C.
Tony
Linda
Rob
Greg
Jill
Christian
John
Penny
Alison
Laura
Paul
M.
E. S.
Rob
Paul
T.
Steve
A. R.
T.
Mike
M. V.
A.
Graham
Mike
Robert
D. M.
Elizabeth
Gareth
Myk
Ian
D. G.
Stephen
Rose
Dave
M. J.
A.
Glyn
Paul
Graham
Alan
Steve
Adam
Andrea
88
Merritt
Messinger
Michael
Middleton
Mitchell
Moore
Moran
Morgan
Morgan
Morgan
Morris
Moss
Moss
Murch
Nash
Neighbour
Nicholls
Norris
Nottage
Nottage
Nutgens
O’Brien
Owen
Owen
Owen
Palmer
Palmer
Palmer
Pamment
Parry
Parry
Parsons
Phelps
Pickering
Plant
Podmore
Pointon
Polley
Powell
Powell
Powell
Price
Pritchard
Probert
Pryce
Pudlo-Umney
Rabjohns
Rees
Resting
Revera
Rich
Ridley
Roberts
Roberts
Roberts
Roblin
Rosney
Rosser
Rowe
Rowe
MM
AJM
CM
LM
RMi
GM
SEM
LM
MMo
PJM
WM
LJM
NM
AM
LN
EN
SCN
TN
LEN
RJN
GN
JOB
CO
JO
PO
AP
LEP
PP
MP
ESP
RPa
PPa
TP
SP
ARP
TP
MP
MVP
AP
GP
MCP
RP
DMP
EP
GPr
MPU
IRa
DGR
SMR
RR
DR
MJR
ARt
GPR
NPR
GR
ASR
SER
AR
ARo
Holly
Ben
John
Margaret
W.
Paul
Rob
A. P. J.
David
Jeff
N.
D. M.
David
Graham
Leanne
Richard BC
Richard
Chrispian
Carys
Scott
Rhian
Gareth
Barry
Sandra
Wayne
Sandra
Alyson
Steve
Peter
Julian
Anthony
Dean
Paul
Craig
Lee
R. C.
A.
Geri
Martin
Rob E.
Rob J.
Teifion
M. P.
Ruthven
Salter
Samuel
Samuel
Scarborough
Seligman
Shaw
Skull
Slade
Slocombe
Small
Smith
Smith
Smith
Smith
Smith
Smith
Snell
Solman
Squires
Stafford
Stamp
Stewart
Stewart
Strong
Stroud
Strutt
Strutt
Sturgess
Swan
Swann
Tabor
Tabor
Talbot
Taswell
Taylor
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Thomas
Toms
HR
BSa
JRS
MAS
WS
PMS
RS
APJS
DJS
JS
NS
DMS
DMS
GNS
LS
RBCS
RGS
CSn
CS
SMS
RSt
AGS
BS
SSw
WMS
SSt
AS
SS
PSt
JSw
AS
DT
PT
CT
LJT
RCT
AT
GFT
MT
RET
RJT
TF
MPT
George
James
D. J.
P.
M.
K.
A.
Eddie
Graham
Craig
Matthew
Chris
Gary
Paul
Anthony
Libby
I.
Karen
Ben
Colin
Faith
Graham
Roy
Sophie-Lee
Tony
John
Richard
Cliff
Lawrence
Elaine
Steve
Tordoff
Vafidis
Viles
Wald
Waldron
Walshaw
Walton
Wang
Watkeys
Watson
Watts
Weedon
Welsby
Whippey
White
Wilcox
Wilkinson
Wilkinson
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Wilson
Wistow
Woodhead
Workman
Wright
Young
GMT
JV
DJV
PW
MWa
KW
AW
EW
GWa
CW
MW
CWe
GW
PWh
AWh
LW
IW
KWi
BW
CWi
FW
GW
RW
SLWi
AWi
JDW
RW
CWW
LLW
EW
SFY
Contributing organisations:
Flat Holm Project – FHP
Kenfig Nat’l Nature Reserve – KNNR,
Kenfig Ringing Group - KRG
Flat Holm Ringing Group,
Cardiff Ringers
BTO WeBS,
BTO BirdTrack
Parc Slip log
… and apologies to anyone we’ve missed.
89

EGBR 2014 - Glamorgan Birds

Transcription

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