Gwent Sightings

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Chris Jones Wednesday 31-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Brief views were had of a Beared Tit, which was also heard calling from the reed bed a little east of the lighthouse. Andy Rowlands Wednesday 31-Dec-2003 Triley 250+ Golden Plover and 21+ Lapwing in fields alongside the A465 Abergavenny to Hereford road (Great Triley Farm). barrie roberts Tuesday 30-Dec-2003 pontypool & new inn railway st @ 10.44 am ring necked parakeet flew across southern end of platform from east to west and across A4042 Keith Jones Tuesday 30-Dec-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge Walked from Peterstone Gout, and Pill to the village at mid day (30.12.03) to catch the tide Among the birds present 2 Little Grebes in the Gout, 124 Shelduck, 98 Mallard, 134 Teal, 94 Wigeon, 21 Shoveler, 7 Oystercarcher, 26 Curlew, 52 Grey Plover, 1200 Dunlin, 134 Common Redshanks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 180 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, and 1 Coot in the Gout. Mal Jenkins Monday 29-Dec-2003 Crumlin to Hafodyrynys Road Barn Owl flew across the road in front of the car at 1830 tonight Harry Roscoe Monday 29-Dec-2003 Handfarm Road,New Inn Rose Ringed (Ring Necked ) Parakeet Darryl Spittle Sunday 28-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 1 Short-eared Owl over seaward lagoon east of shelter belt Tom Forster Sunday 28-Dec-2003 Brockweir Mandarin Duck drake on river Wye by brockweir bridge in association with two mallards- initially out of county but very much a wild bird swimming away quickly (leaving the mallards) on sighting to cross the river to the gwent bank. Andy Rowlands Sunday 28-Dec-2003 Llandewi Skirrid Whilst driving south on Firs Road (towards Llanfapley), a Woodcock was flushed from the grass verge at about a quarter to five this afternoon - showed well in the headlights! Andrew Grant Saturday 27-Dec-2003 M4 junct 28-29 Seen Xmas morning at 11:00am on hard shoulder. 2 DEAD Buzzard and 1 DEAD Barn Owl, all obviously shot elsewhere and dumped on motorway. Unable to stop due to location. tried to contact RSPB but their offices are closed until Jan 5th.I am a Gwent bird group member visiting friends in Chepstow, so I do not have any local birder phone numbers. Would you be able to pass this awful information onto the county recorder? Thank You Keith Jones Friday 26-Dec-2003 Bulmore Lakes Walked from Bulmore Lakes back to Caerleon, along the Bulmore road to blow off the Christmas cobwebs. Missed the rain, among the 46 species seen 1 Great Crested Grebe, 93 Canada Geese flew in from the south, 2 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Moorhen, 4 Coot at Bulmore Lakes. While walking back 48 Mallard, 23 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 5 male 6 female Goosander, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 106 Black Headed Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Pheasant, 1 Marsh Tit, 17 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Bullfinch, 127 Jackdaw, and 71 Carrion Crow. G T Thorne Tuesday 23-Dec-2003 Risca Mon Brec Canal Superb sight of Male Kingfisher on perch and flying along canal. Unusual for time of year. Also a lot of Collared Doves display and calling. The mild weather, is allowing a lot of insect activity, which is good news for the smaller species. Andy Rowlands Tuesday 23-Dec-2003 Monmouth A Kingfisher hunting the ditch/stream alongside Wonastow Road (where the Waxwings were some years ago),just after nine o'clock this morning; perched on the roadside kerb at one point! I hope it has some traffic sense. Verity Picken Monday 22-Dec-2003 Wentwood Atleast six Bramblings near Nine Wells on Monday afternoon Mike Tidley Monday 22-Dec-2003 parkwall to crick (A48) A large flock of lapwings (100 +) on fields next to A48 Peter Back Sunday 21-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Nice morning at Uskmouth - as already mentioned, the Dartford Warbler was showing off nicely. Other points of interest - raven soaring high over car park. 2 Goldcrests in a flock of tits on the path from the car park to the lagoons. They were just as startled as me by the sudden appearance of a merlin which then flew off to the west. 2 Goldeneye. George Noakes and Steve Butler Sunday 21-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth The Dartford Warbler was seen at close range this morning during the GOS walk at the reserve. The bird was associating with Stonechats and flying to and fro across the path between the lighthouse and the copse, often perching for brief periods. Keith Jones Sunday 21-Dec-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Visited Ynys y Fro Reservoir this afternoon (21.12.03). Birds seen include 8 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 36 Mallard, 38 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 1 female Ruddy Duck, 4 Moorhen, 40 Coot, 11 Black Headed Gull, and 2 Jay. Keith Jones Friday 19-Dec-2003 Caerleon Visited Lodge wood this morning (19.12.03). Several birds in full song even in the murk including 4 Dunnock, 2 Marsh Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Goldcrest, 9 Great Tit etc. Otherwise birds counted include 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 17 Collard Dove around Lodge Hill, 18 Robin, 17 Blackbird, 3 Mistle Thrush, 54 Blue Tit 21 Great Tit, 3 Long Tailed Tit, 27 Chaffinch, 4 Siskin, 55 House Sparrow counted while walking down Lodge Hill (West), 5 Jay, and 1 Raven. Keith Jones Thursday 18-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth (18.12.03) during mid morning. Among the birds present 20 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 176 Shelduck, 3 Mallard, 21 Wigeon, 31 Gadwall, 49 Tufted Duck, 1 male Ring Necked Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye, 5 Water Rail, 46 Coot, 18 Curlew, 8 singing Cetti's Warbler, 2 Dartford Warbler, 4 Stonechat, 56 Goldfinch, 10 Reed Bunting, and 2 Stock Dove at Nash. Mick Bailey Wednesday 17-Dec-2003 Cwmbran Spring is here! Dunnock singing on Henllys Way this morning. Also, 2 Coal Tits were calling seweet seweet (or whatever) at each other across Penylan Way where it passes through a wood. I'm never sure whether this is merely a call or is a form of song. Can somebody advise? Mick Bailey and Keith Roylance Tuesday 16-Dec-2003 Peterstone From church path to gout and back 1 hour or so either side of high tide at 11:30. At village end: 100-150 Curlew, 200 Dunlin, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, smattering of ducks and waders. At gout mouth: 63 Oystercatcher, 30 Redshank, 40 Grey Plover, 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 160 Shoveler, 80 Shelduck, 60 Teal, 30 Widgeon, 5 Pintail, uncounted (20?) Mallard, 1 Mute Swan, 1 G B-B Gull. On gout "pond": 7 Little Grebe, 1 Coot, half dozen Mallard. Overall: several large gull species in flight (no B-H). Total species: 38. Keith Jones Tuesday 16-Dec-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff at first light for the rising tide (15.12.03). Very quiet to aay the least just 6 Little Egrets, 2 Shelduck 39 Mallard, 37 Teal, 129 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 3 Lapwing, 3 Moorhen, 490 Dunlin, and 99 Curlew John Bennett Tuesday 16-Dec-2003 Wentwood Late news for the weekend:-Dartford warbler still at Uskmouth around the south-east lagoon and the greay grey shrike reported from Wentwood in the little Oak area. Ruth Brown Sunday 14-Dec-2003 Castle Meadows, Abergavenny 1 male Brambling in small field near castle, about 9.30 this morning. Keith Jones Sunday 14-Dec-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir today (14.12.03_, viewed the dam end, and walked the west inlets, west bank, and north bank to the restricted east bank. Among the birds present 10 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 143 Mallard, 89 Teal, 268 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 4 Buzzard, 190 Lapwing, 34 Coot. 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 49 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 311 Herring Gull, 147 Black Headed Gull, 5 Pheasant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Marsh Tit, 1 Tree Creeper, 9 Redpoll and 4 Raven. John Davies Saturday 13-Dec-2003 A40 Raglan to Abergavenny Barn Owl hunting along the verge of A40 carriageway Raglan to Abergavenny early Saturday evening. Peregrine also in hunting mode just north of Abergavenny on Sunday morning. Ruth Brown Monday 08-Dec-2003 Castle Meadows, Abergavenny Dipper seen swimming in the middle of the River Usk, and diving to feed in approx. 18-24 inches of water.Temp at -5C (or so the forecasters said) this morning, so was this "availability of food" governing behaviour? And more importantly, where is The Moon and Sixpence? Keith Jones Monday 08-Dec-2003 Peterstone Gout Visited Peterstone Gout, and Pill only at first light (8.12.03). Bitterly cold, tide not very high, and rather dark so didn't walk any further. But birds seen include 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 85 Shelduck, 89 Mallard, 20 Teal, 40 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 1 Peregrine, 4 Coot, 30 Lapwing, 24 Curlew, 60 Knot, 180 Common Redshanks, and 93 Black Tailed Godwits Ian Smith Monday 08-Dec-2003 Osbaston, Monmouth Redpolls feeding in garden Birch trees again this week. Blackcaps seem to have moved off but their favourite Cotoneaster berries are disapearing, so this is inconclusive! Fieldfares are regular, over-flying the area on feeding forays to everywhere but my garden. Bullfinches however cannot ignore the berries on the Hymalyan Honeysuckle bushes and have been present for months now and getting very tolerant of humans. Sparrows and Tits prioritising fat based foods and leaving seed feeders as very much second choice in this weather. Talking of food..... The 'Tintern' Birders have decided on a new years meal on Friday the 16th. Most likely at the Moon and Sixpence. Probably best to check with Nick saunders nearer the time. Helen Jenkins Sunday 07-Dec-2003 On track to Castle Meadows Nutcracker spotted opposite Castle in bushes at entrance to farm at approx 2.40pm. John Bennett Sunday 07-Dec-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir About 15 Bewick swans here along with the usual ducks and gulls.Also 1 goldeneye. There have been up to 12 goldeneye on the R.Usk south of the town recently.); insert into sightings values ( chris west Sunday 07-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Sunday 7th Dartford warbler east of lighthouse in corner ground easily visible. Ring billed duck with others. Pair of peregrine west of l/house on tall pylon. Keith Jones Sunday 07-Dec-2003 Bulmore Lakes Visited Bulmore Lakes today (7.12.03) and walked back to Caerleon along Bulmore Road. At the lakes 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Snow Goose, in company of 70 Canada Geese, 12 Mallard, 8 Teal, 34 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 5 Coot, 2 Common Snipe. While walking along road 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine flying south down Usk river, 4 Green Sandpiper in flooded field, plus another along river, 6 Goosanders, 87 Mallard, 15 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 4 Common Redshanks, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Redpoll, 6 Siskin, 2 Marsh Tit, and 2 Jay.); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Saturday 06-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth early afternoon (5.12.03). Among the birds counted 18 Mute Swa, 57 Shelduck, 77 Mallard, 5 Teal, 180 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 54 Tufted Duck, 1 male Ring Necked Duck (NE lagoon), 5 Pochard, 4 Water Rail, 18 Moorhen, 66 Coot, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 singing Cetti's Warbler, 6 Stonechat, and 6 Redpoll. Hadyn Jones Friday 05-Dec-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Late Friday afternoon juv Dartford Warbler still in S.East corner of S.East lagoon, always associating with 4 Stonechats & favouring the thistle bed, on the inside bend of the coastal path 200yds east of lighthouse. Drake Ring-necked Duck also on S.East lagoon. g t thorne Thursday 04-Dec-2003 newhouse farm est chepstow good sighting 1000+ starlings going to roost 4.30pm 4/12/03 Keith Jones Thursday 04-Dec-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff during early morning (4.12.03). Fairly quiet, but 5 Mute Swan, 18 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 38 Teal, 654 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 4 Pintail, 5 Gadwall, 2 Kestel, 1 Buzzard, 60 Dunlin, 11 Common Redshanks, 9 Curlew, and 2 Mistle Thrush. 2 Little Egrets in fields north west of Goldcliff village. On reflection of report regarding 2 Bearded Reedlings, at Uskmouth on 30.11.03. I recall, hearing a single 'ching' (Banjo note) in reed beds c. 200m west of above report at Uskmouth on 26.11.03. Didn't see anything, and heard nothing other than the one note, so didn't report it at the time. I guess what I heard could well have been a Reedling.); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Tuesday 02-Dec-2003 Wentwood Walked a loop of Wentwood today (2.12.03) Cadira Beeches - Five Paths - Nine Wells - Little Oak - Back to Cadira Beeches Usual woodland birds plus 2 Buzzard, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Marsh Tit, 11 Long Tailed Tit, 4 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 6 Crossbill, and 1 Raven. On the reservoir 6 Pochard, and 2 Coot.); insert into sightings values ( John Wilson Tuesday 02-Dec-2003 Peterstone Gout Rising tide, 12:30 - 13:30 ... Blackwit 300, Knot 100, Dunlin 1000+, Grey Plover 10, Turnstone 1, Lapwing 100, plus good nos of Redshank, Oyc & Curlew, Little Egret 2, Shoveler 80, Pintail 6, Wigeon 30+, Teal, and 1 Kingfisher in the lagoon. Hadyn Jones Sunday 30-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Late morning at south east corner of reserve male & female Bearded Tit at edge of reeds showing well for about 5 minutes. Drake Ring-necked Duck still present. Also 1 Redpoll in S. East copse. John Davies & Steve Butler Sunday 30-Nov-2003 Gambia, West Africa. Out of county report from the smiling coast of west Africa. Excellent bird watching to date. over 220 species in first week. Giant Kingfisher, Black Sholdered Kite in hotel grounds prior to making this entry. Best birds of the trip so far are: African Black Crowned Crane, Striated Heron, White backed Heron, Goliath Heron, Wooly necked Stork. Lots of different Shrikes, Bee Eaters and Rollers. Over 500 House Martins observed up river, maybe some local birds amounst them???. Lappet-faced, White-Headed and African White-backed Vultures on trip to Tendaba. Battleur, Brown Snake, and African Fish Eagle, raptor list growing by the day. Ospreys everywhere. Having great time, catch up pretty soon. Regard John & Steve George Noakes and Ruth Brown Saturday 29-Nov-2003 Bryn Arw, north of Abergavenny The Snow Bunting (male) reported to Chris Jones yesterday was present this afternoon by the cairn halfway along the ridge path on Bryn Arw SO302202. We also flushed a Woodcock on the climb up to the ridge from the Suger Loaf car park. Keith Jones Friday 28-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth today (28.11.03) at mid day in search of Dartford Warbler. I was fortunate, still present with two male and 1 female Stonechat, in the same place as the previous reports. Good views (1140hrs), walked the area until I located the Stonechats, and I sat on ground for 20 minutes or so, and was rewarded. Also present 1 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 10 Mute Swan, 32 Shelduck, 33 Mallard, 9 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 37 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goldeneye, 15 Moorhen, 47 Coot, 80 Dunlin, 7 Curlew, 2 Pheasant, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Stonechat, 2 Mistle Thrush 2 Fieldfare, 10 Reed Bunting, 2 Redpoll, and 1 Grey Wagtail. Around Nash 44 Carrion Crow, and 18 Magpie in one group. via Chris Jones Friday 28-Nov-2003 Bryn Arw, north of Abergavenny Received a call reporting a sighting of a Snow Bunting on Bryn Arw at Grid Ref SO 303203. The bird was along a track along the ridge and was approachable to within about 20 feet. John Evans Friday 28-Nov-2003 Newport The Moorings, 0737 - Short Eared Owl briefly through, receiving a mugging off a crow, then flew strongly towards the Glebelands. David Price/John Marsh Thursday 27-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Dartford Warbler still present between 10:00-11:00 this morning at same site as reported previous reports indicate. Ruth Brown Tuesday 25-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Dartford Warbler still present, at least 200 m. E of lighthouse in dead thistles,and again later towards copse, generally in company with a pair of Stonechats. Adrian Hickman Monday 24-Nov-2003 Wentwood No sign Great grey Shrike at the 9 Wells clearing between about 2.20-3.35pm or at the Little Oak site late afternoon. Keith Jones Monday 24-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth today at first light (24.11.03). Walked around the lagoons, down Uskmouth road to Nash Village. Among the 50 or so species seen: 3 Cormorant, 16 Mute Swan, 117 Mallard, 9 Teal, 145 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 44 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 1 Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine, 1 Water Rail, 38 Moorhen, 54 Coot, 14 Oystercatchers, 6 Curlew, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Singing Cetti's Warblers, 2 male 1 female Stonechat, 27 Reed Bunting, 4 Long Tailed Tit, and 30 Stock Doves in the fields near Nash village.); insert into sightings values ( Jeff Fisher Sunday 23-Nov-2003 Monmouth Trevor bird walk on Sunday was very good for a winter walk around Monmouth. Highlights included good view of lesser spotted woodpecker, tree creeper, chiffchaff, sparrowhawk, 2 kestrels, large flock (possibly 100+) siskin plus many others. Helen Jones and Phil Thompson Sunday 23-Nov-2003 Wentwood No sign of Great Grey shrike in Cadira Beeches/Nine Wells area between 9:30 and 12 today Helen Jones and Phil Thompson Sunday 23-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Immature Dartford Warbler in long grass to the east of the lighthouse. Watched between about 3 and 3:30, but very elusive, tending to stay low down in the long grass. Was initially in the company of 2 Stonechats. Last seen crossing path in to bramble. 1 Short-eared Owl also seen, on foreshore Keith Jones Sunday 23-Nov-2003 Caerleon Visited Caerleon River Meadows (Home Farm Area) at low water today (23.11.03). Among the 37 species seen 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 37 Mallard, 14 Teal, 49 Lapwing, 27 Common Redshanks, 2 Common Snipe, 2 Meadow Pipit, 7 species of thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 14 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Jay, and 1 Water Pipit. John Evans Sunday 23-Nov-2003 Newport Sat 22/11 between 1320 and 1335 at least, a Short Eared Owl over the reedbed at the bottom of 'The Moorings' being mobbed, variously, by up to 3 Magpies, 2 Jackdaw and a selection of Gulls. A juvenile Herring Gull seemed particularly vigorous..... Dave Owen Wednesday 19-Nov-2003 Wentwood Great Grey Shrike present in Nine Wells clearing for 5 minutes from 09 45. Then disappeared! Also 2 willow tits near car park. Keith Jones Wednesday 19-Nov-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Visited Ynys y Fro Reservoir today (19.11.03) for monthly count: 1 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 47 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 57 Tufted Duck, 1 female Ruddy Duck, 13 Pochard, 45 Coot, 1 Buzzard, and 2 Jay.); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Tuesday 18-Nov-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff late morning (18.11.03) to catch the tide. A little blustery for the passerines, and rather quiet. Counted 4 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 25 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 98 Teal, 149 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, and 1 Kestrel. On the shore, 35 Curlew, 17 Oystercatchers, and flying west, 27 Black Tailed Godwits. John Wilson Tuesday 18-Nov-2003 Peterstone Gout Impressive count [approx] of 250+ Black-tailed Godwits at Peterstone Gout in Gwent today 12:30 - 13:30, by far the most I've seen at the site. Also present:50+ Curlew, 100+ Redshnk, Dunlin, Knot and Grey Plover too distant and tightly packed to count w/o a scope; 70 Oyc, 40 Wigeon, 50 Shoveler, Teal [loads], 4 Little Grebe in the lagoon and 2 Little Egret, one of which was an imm. George Noakes and Ruth Brown Tuesday 18-Nov-2003 Wentwood Great Grey Shrike still present this morning at Wentwood, first at the Five Paths clearing then at Nine Wells, but very mobile. Keith Jones Monday 17-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth briefly during the evening of 16.11.03 viewing the easterly lagoons only. The male Ring Necked Duck still present along with 31 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Water Rail heard, 27 Moorhen, 74 Coot, 8 Cetti's Warbler singing, and 2 Stonechat. Adrian Hickman Monday 17-Nov-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Sunday 16th Nov. MERLIN and PEREGRINE seen from 'Farmers arms' car park! Lagoons very quiet but 660 WIGEON in Pill and fem/imm BLACK REDSTART flycatching from roof of farm buildings near Goldcliff pt. Dave Owen Sunday 16-Nov-2003 Wentwood Clearing between Cadira beeches and Nine Wells held 3 willow tits, 2 marsh tits, 1 flyover goshawk, 7 redpoll and 15 siskin. No sign of Great Grey Shrike between 10 50 and 15 00. A shrike did show for an hour in the clearing by the roadside near Little Oak. Sadly it had gone by the time I got there. Gill Jones, Nick Saunders. Sunday 16-Nov-2003 Newhouse to Mathern Pill 60+ Lapwing feeding on foreshore, 30ish Dunlin,Redshank,Curlew,small group of Wigeon,2 Green woodpeckers,2 Merlin,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard, flocks of Linnet,M.pipit,Fieldfare and Redwing,5 Reedbunting. Of interest Lapland buntings seen on opposite shore this weekend at Aust, Northwick and further down channel at Clevedon. Female Blackcap in garden. Ian Smith Sunday 16-Nov-2003 Osbaston, Monmouth Blackcap male arrived yesterday and two males and a female seen today in the garden. A little late arriving for the Winter than previous recent years (possibly the warm autumn ?).); insert into sightings values ( Chris Jones Saturday 15-Nov-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Single Great Crested Grebe and female Ruddy Duck amongst the usual species this pm John Bennett Saturday 15-Nov-2003 Wentwood GREAT GREY SHRIKE sat morn,seen about 9.30am in the clearing between Cadira Beeches and Nine Wells picnic site (ie; on the east side of the road) but typically mobile. Also small no.s Redpoll, 1+ Crossbill, Willow tit etc. Chris Jones Friday 14-Nov-2003 Goldcliff Point An hour sea watch this morning between 07:30 and 08:30 produced just a Diver species flying upchannel, despite the strong SW winds Chris Dale Wednesday 12-Nov-2003 Magor Marsh Reserve Several Stonechats, Gt Sptd Woodpecker (either several or the same one several times!), goldcrest and poss woodcock? flushed at distance from grassland Keith Jones Wednesday 12-Nov-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge Walked from the Pill, and Gout, down the coast to Peterstone village, at high tide this morning (12.11.03). In the gout 7 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, a few Mallard, and Teal. A very large flock of waders, couldn't get an accurate count, but estimate 1400 Common Redshanks, 800 Dunlin, 400 Knot, 130 Black Tailed Godwits, counts 0f 146 Lapwing, and 14 Grey Plover. Elsewhere, 154 Curlew, total duck count 210 Mallard, 338 Wigeon, and 111 Teal Keith Roylance & Mick Bailey Tuesday 11-Nov-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Short walk from feeding station to just past Bert Hamer Hide, before Rain & increasing mist made observations difficult. 40 Species including 17 Cormorant,60 Lapwing, 80 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 45 Herring Gull, 20 Black Headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe,13 Pochard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Heron, (NO Mallard were observed at all on this limited observation.) 6 Pheasant,2 Marsh Tit,Blue,Great,Long Tailed & Coal Tit, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Dunnock,Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare,Redwing, Meadow Pipit, 150 Starling, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, Crow, Jay, Magpie, 4 Raven, Wood Pigeon. Possible Willow Tit at entrance to Car Park. Keith Jones Tuesday 11-Nov-2003 Bulmore Lakes Visited Bulmore Lakes today (11.11.03) walking back to Caerleon along the Bulmore road. Light mist, but a good variety of birds seen including 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant (nothing on Sor Brook Power Lines), 8 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 24 Mallard, 26 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Common Snipe, 2 Green Sandpipers (on River Usk), 7 Coot, 3 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Tit, 18 Long Tiled Tit, 3 Bullfinch, 4 Jay, 4 Raven, and among the common birds 32 Blackbird counted along the walk. John Evans Monday 10-Nov-2003 Newport 1530 - Single Brambling on the apple tree in our garden, just at the bottom of the Moorings, also Grey Wagtail on the back lawn. Usual Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit and House Sparrows at the feeders also. Keith Jones Monday 10-Nov-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning (10.11.03) hour and a half after high tide. Mist was problematic at distance, but fairly clear on lagoons. Birds seen include 1 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron 7 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 95 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 11 Lapwing 1 Grey Plover, 75 Oystercatcher, 80 Curlew, 12 Common Redshanks, 8 Common Gull,125 Fieldfare, 24 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, and 2 Raven. Steve Williams Sunday 09-Nov-2003 Dunlop Semtex Pond, Brynmawr 120 Coot 1 Canada Goose 7 Pochard 14 Tufted Duck 17 Moorhen 1 Little Grebe Steve Williams Sunday 09-Nov-2003 Beaufort Ponds, Brynmawr Coot 18 Tufted Duck 3 Wigeon 6 Little Grebe 1 Gadwall 1 male George Noakes and Rob Moellere Sunday 09-Nov-2003 Abergavenny 9th November a.m. : Water Rail still present on the Gavenny stream at Castle Meadows + 3 Dippers, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Goosanders, 3 Little Grebes, Linnets, Siskins, large flocks of Redwings and Fiedfares. 1 calling Curlew. John Evans Sunday 09-Nov-2003 Newport 'Alba' type Pied Wagtail with more regular style Wagtails. Also small influx of Coal Tits to the area around the Moorings. Keith Jones Saturday 08-Nov-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir today (8.11.03). Viewed the dam end, and walked from Sluvad Road, down the lane, around the western inlets, up the west bank, covered the northern shore and completed walk at the restricted east bank. Water level still very low, but some winter birds moving in. About 52 species seen including 15 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 120 Mallard, 106 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 8 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Buzzard, 12 Coot, 158 Lapwing, 4 Great Black Backed Gull, 4 Pheasant, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Tree creeper, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrush, 33 Fieldfare, 82 Redwing, 31 Blackbird around and about, 460 Starling flying north, 7 Jay, 34 Carrion Crow, and 22 Raven. Among the usual selection at the feeding station, 3 Nutharch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 8 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, and 1 Willow Tit. Ian Morris Saturday 08-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Male Ring-necked Duck present on the lagoons. Lots of thrushes, esp. Fieldfare- approx. 400. j o sullivan Saturday 08-Nov-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Huge movement of winter thrushes this morning over Bassaleg, High Cross and Y.R. Mostly redwing but first significant nos of fieldfare, also smaller numbers of woodpidgeons, meadow pipits, chaffinch.On the res itself 3 Gadwall and Great crest Grebe. Hadyn Jones Friday 07-Nov-2003 West Pill,Undy Late afternoon,between West Pill and Old firing range,Rogiet over 1000 Fieldfare and about 200 Redwing feeding and gradually making their way east. Also small flocks of Chaffinches totalling up to 300 in 1 hr heading east sometimes landing. 5 Bramblings I.D'd among them.Female Merlin trying to take advantage of this passage and stooping on the Chaffinches.Also 18 Red -legged Partridges,@30 Skylarks. Jeff Fisher Friday 07-Nov-2003 Llanwenarth Good numbers of Redwing (100+) with some Feildfare (10+) also the resident Mistle Thrush (6 or 7) in the churchyard. Large family of long-tailed tit also present in the churchyard. The white fronted buzzard is still in the feilds as you drive down. John Wilson Friday 07-Nov-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge There are very large numbers of winter thrushes along the coast road from west of Peterstone to nearly St Brides and along the road from near St Brides to Parc Golf Club. Fieldfare are particularly numerous and seem to be exploding from every hedgerow that has Hawthorn, which is most of them. There are 100's possibly even 1000+ birds, with large flocks feeding in the roadside fields. There's one field with young Cabbage plants that they seem to be particularly attracted to. Andy Rowlands Wednesday 05-Nov-2003 The Hendre Lunchtime:- 1 Woodlark (flying South), 1 Goshawk, several very vocal Common Buzzards, 2 Raven, 4 Marsh Tits, 1 Tawny Owl (in old orchard being mobbed by Blackbirds etc., 3 Bullfinch, small flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing, few Mistle and Song Thrushes, @ 12 Yellowhammer, 2 small flocks of Long-tailed Tits, 40+ Chaffinch, 2 Nuthatch, 11 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Robins sorting out territories in the very productive orchard/garden area, plenty of Jays and a partial albino Blackbird. For anyone wanting good views of, or a chance to photograph Kingfisher; try the River Monnow at Monmouth, at Somerfields car park or thereabouts(near the bus station, @2/300 yards upstream of the bridge/cattle market site. Access on both banks. Up to 3 birds seen during three very short visits over the last ten days. steven Butler Tuesday 04-Nov-2003 Gobion 1 MERLIN 15 MUTE SWANS 5 MOORHEN 3 LITTLE GREBE GREAT AND GREEN WOODPECKER 600+REDWING 700+FIELDFARE LARGE PARTY OF GREAT BLUE AND LONG TAILED TITS G T Thorne Tuesday 04-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 11am short walk around reed beds,among usual sightings 5 cettis warbler 2seen and also short burst of calling,i will now check out nfe chepstow.also at least 80 shelduck spread out along river usk outflow. Keith Jones Tuesday 04-Nov-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Walked around the lagoons, and up Saltmarsh Lane to Nash, at first light (4.11.03). A good variety of stuff, about 50 species, including 2 Little Grebe, 14 Mute Swan, 155 Mallard, 18 Teal, 307 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 6 Water Rail heard, 59 Moorhen, 97 Coot, 3 Oystercatchers, 30 Grey Plover, 90 Curlew, 64 Common Redshanks, 300 Black Headed Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, up to 15 singing Cetti's Warbler, 3 Stonechat, 2 Mistle Thrush, 12 Redwing, 121 Fieldfare, Long Tailed Tit, and about 3000 + Starling flying west from roost.); insert into sightings values ( John Davies Monday 03-Nov-2003 Llanwenarth Fairly vocal Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in trees along river Usk. 200 plus Redwings, Little Owl in its usual position on barn roof. Also female Blackcap present in garden. Keith Jones Monday 03-Nov-2003 Caerleon Walked Lodge Wood, today (4.11.03), counting any birds seen, or heard. Among the 31 species present 1 Buzzard, 5 Wren, 13 Robin, 11 Blackbird, 26 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 1 Goldcrest, 53 Blue Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 5 Marsh Tit, 7 Great Tit, 39 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 23 Chaffinch, and 7 Jay. Keith Jones Monday 03-Nov-2003 Caerleon Walked Lodge Wood, today (4.11.03), counting any birds seen, or heard. Among the 31 species present 1 Buzzard, 5 Wren, 13 Robin, 11 Blackbird, 26 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 1 Goldcrest, 53 Blue Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 5 Marsh Tit, 7 Great Tit, 39 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 23 Chaffinch, and 7 Jay. Adrian Hickman Saturday 01-Nov-2003 Usk 1st Nov. HEN HARRIER (ringtail)flew west over Usk at c10.30am Jeff Fisher Thursday 30-Oct-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Just a short note to say that water level is now very low indeed. The pond outside the hide has now dried out completely. Very little about. Only birds of note were two jays in the woodland near the car park. Pheasant on the road down and a small flock of redwing in the village. If you are planning a trip to the reservoir, suggest waiting until the water level increases. Ian Smith Tuesday 28-Oct-2003 Osbaston, Monmouth Grey Wagtails regularly visiting new pond in garden for past week. Redpolls also visiting on and off since weekend - first non-flyovers for a few years. Very noticeable rise in bird food consumption since the frosts started. Birds probably as shocked by weather change as we are ! Keith Jones Monday 27-Oct-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff at first light (27.10.03) to catch the tide, and walked the lagoons path, and down Goldcliff Pill. Four men fishing from the sea wall between Goldcliff Pill, and the lagoons. Among the 57 species identified, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Heron, 16 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 10 Shelduck, 66 Mallard, 12 Teal, 120 Wigeon, 38 Shoveler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 18 Ringed Plover, 13 Grey Plover, 11 Lapwing, 40 Knot, 430 Dunlin, 3 Ruff, 2 Common Snipe, 153 Curlew, 103 Common Redshanks, 3 Green Sandpiper, 111 Black Headed Gull, 6 Common Gull, 1 Stonechat, 9 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush, 25 Long Tailed Tit, and 2 Raven. John Martin Sunday 26-Oct-2003 GLWR Uskmouth end - went to see the Yellow-browed Warbler late afternoon, which showed briefly and called a few times in the copse at the E end of the SE lagoon. Also the drake Ring-necked Duck, female Scaup (-type, maybe too much black at the bill tip but otherwise looks good in terms of size, head shape etc), 2 Stonechat, 2 Water Rail, 15+ Gadwall, Shoveler, several Cetti's, Chiffchaff, Redpoll. Adrian Hickman Sunday 26-Oct-2003 GLWR Uskmouth YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER showing intermittently throughout afternoon until ca4.30pm in'copse'at eastern end of the new reedbed Lagoons(approx ST338 826)ie.behind seat. Often elusive and difficult to see but drew attention to itself by its'distinct'tsueest' call. Also drake Ring-necked Duck,Water Rail(good views),Merlin,Siskin,Redpoll,Clouded Yellow butterfly and very impressive Starling roost. Hadyn Jones Friday 24-Oct-2003 West Pill,Undy A walk down Fisherman's lane to West Pill this afternoon produced 6 Brambling with about 12 Chaffinches feeding in the sycamores,@ 100 Fieldfare,2 Chiffchaffs,18 Red-Legged Partridges and 2 Stonechats to name the better birds. Mal Jenkins Thursday 23-Oct-2003 Pontypool Unusual sight of a Grey Heron landing and staying a while on a house roof along the Highway New Inn! Took no notice of any of the traffic or noise below. Keith Jones Thursday 23-Oct-2003 Bulmore Lakes Visited Bulmore Lakes (NGR: ST 365 924) today (23.10.03). Among the birds present 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 25 Mallard, 29 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 1 male 1 female Goldeneye, 1 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 2 Water Rail Heard, 2 Common Snipe, 2 Buzzard, 7 Pheasant, 9 Fieldfare, 29 Redwing, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Jay, and 1 dead Barn Owl (no sign of injury, looked emaciated). Keith Roylance & Mick Bailey Monday 20-Oct-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Walked from the Feeding Station westwards to SO 321002.Water level low and cool wind. Whilst 41 species were noted there were no significant numbers of any one. Waders were noticeable by there absence. 1 Redshank and 5 Lapwing only. Canada Goose 18, Cormorant 18, Wigeon 40, Teal 20, Coot 2. There were 8 Pheasant at the feeding station, 1 Male + 7 Female & Immature. 40 Meadow Pipits on grass/mud utside the feeding zone. Other species noted, Black Headed, Lesser Black Backed & Herring Gulls, Great Crested Grebe, Heron,Little Grebe,Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blue, Great & Coal Tit, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Goldcrest, House Sparrow, Wren, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Robin, & Treecreeper. Buzzard & Kestrel. Crow, Magpie, Jackdaw, Jay & Raven. Woodpigeon. John Bennett Sunday 19-Oct-2003 Wentwood Large numbers of birds everflying Wentwood(Cadira Beeches area)early morning.500+ Wood Pigeons,500+Redwing also some Fieldfares and some siskins feeding(~40).The Ring-necked duck was also present at Uskmouth and some water-rails showing on the next lagoon. Chris Jones Sunday 19-Oct-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir 1 male Ruddy Duck amongst the usual Tufted, Pochard, Coot and Little Grebe. Mick Bailey Sunday 19-Oct-2003 Cwmbran About 16 to 1700 hrs near ST265958 on flank of Mynydd Maen above Thornhill estate.Not many birds showing in cool breeze. Small mixed flock (c10) of Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle feeding on holly and hawthorn. One Snipe (surprisingly) flushed from bracken on dry steep hillside. One Peregrine flew E towards crematorium, but no Kestrel or Buzzard. 4 Meadow Pipits, but no Skylarks. One Green W'pecker as usual. One male Reed Bunting near small pond where one holds territory in spring. Otherwise only Robins, Wrens, Greenfinch (3), Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Crow (3) and Raven. Mal Jenkins Saturday 18-Oct-2003 Cwmtillery Pond Quick walk around the pond produced 2 Little Grebe, 2 Moorhen, 1 Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Heron, 30 Mallard and a Common Buzzard Andy Rowlands Saturday 18-Oct-2003 Pontypool Park The white Common Buzzard that has been reported in several recent autumns is back. I watched it on and off for a couple of hours early this afternoon, perched in the tops of trees and in flight around the southern end of the park. Not 100% pure white but at least 95%! Worth a look - certainly cheered me up! If anyone has a 'digiscoping' setup it's worth giving it a try. John o'Sullivan Saturday 18-Oct-2003 Bassaleg Fields above bassaleg, good nos stock dove, inc flock of 55(plus 1 woodpidgeon), 12 Buzzards on field next to motorway inc 1 almost white fronted bird, 16 Lapwing, 7 skylark, 14 meadow pipits, 35 starling. Keith Jones Saturday 18-Oct-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth today at high tide, walking from Power Station entrance, around the lagoons, the shore, and up Farmfield Lane to Nash. Birds seen included 10 Little Grebe, 9 Mute Swan, 154 Shelduck, 214 Mallard, 97 Teal, 672 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 39 Tufted Duck, drake Ring Necked Duck still present, 31 Moorhen, 107 Coot, 4 Water Rail, 32 Oystercatcher, 16 Curlew, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 13 Meadow Pipit, 7 singing Cetti's Warbler, and 1 Raven. Saturday 18-Oct-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Typical autumn migration including, overflying woodpidgeon, redwing, fieldfare, meadow pipit, 2 swallow, pied wagtail.Also three goldcrests, female bullfinch around resevoir, 1 canada goose on res. Ian Smith Friday 17-Oct-2003 Osbaston, Monmouth 2 Swallows heading NE over garden in late afternoon of Thursday Ian Smith Friday 17-Oct-2003 Osbaston, Monmouth 2 Swallows heading NE over garden in late afternoon. Jeff Fisher Wednesday 15-Oct-2003 Llangorse Lake Red Kite at Bwlch on my way to Llangorse. Two Barnacle Geese with the Canada's. Seven Goldeneye. No sign of any Widgeon! Keith Roylance & Mick Bailey Tuesday 14-Oct-2003 Afon Llwyd 300958 to 307938 13 Black Headed Gull,4 Crow,61 Mallard,2 Mute Swan with 6 Young, 12 Pied Wagtail,2 Siskin, 3 Song Thrush, 4 Treecreeper,Also 8+ Blackbird,3 Chaffinch,Collared Dove, 1 Common Gull,1 Lesser Black Backed Gull,Dunnock,Grey Wagtail,10+ Long Tailed Tit,Magpie,Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch,Robin,Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit. Karl Richards Tuesday 14-Oct-2003 Lower Beaufort Pond Single Male Ruddy Duck in general company of a small flock (25) of Wigeon Keith Jones Tuesday 14-Oct-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning at high tide. Among the birds seen were 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 24 Little Egret, 1 Mute Swan, 18 Mallard, 107 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 1 Kestrel, 2 Moorhen, 55 Grey Plover, 4 Oystercatchers, 16 Curlew, 30 Common Redshanks, 46 Knot, 75 Dunlin, 2 Little Stint, 2 Swallow, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 20 Goldfinch, 95 Starling, and 2 Raven. Steven Butler & John Davies Sunday 12-Oct-2003 Llangorse Lake Sunday 12/10/03 (1700hrs - 1930hrs) Large numbers of Redwing & Fieldfare on approach to lake. Superb views of Sparrowhawk and Merlin nearing Llangasy church. 700 plus Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Pochard, Tufted, Teal, Mallard, and Little Grebe, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Tawny Owl, Buzzard, Kesrel. Also two imm Med Gulls present.Well worth a visit over the winter months. Andy Rowlands Sunday 12-Oct-2003 Raglan Area @ 1600hrs: Poss. 2nd winter Med. Gull in ploughed field @ 1 mile W. of Penrhos (I arrived just at the end of ploughing, bird popped up once, tractor finished, birds settled down, most of field out of sight.) Also there 500+ mixed LB-b, B-h, Common and Herring gulls, several Buzzards, Kestrel and a few Skylarks. Ange saw prob. Hobby as we pulled up, I couldn't confirm - too slow out of car! @ 1430 hrs small movement E. of at least 8 Barn Swallows - Devauden. Several parties of Redwings and Mistle Thrushes seen between there and Wernyrheolydd (60+ of each in total). Also 4+ Kestrels. Thursday and Friday evening Barn Owl present at Wernyrheolydd. M Jenkin Saturday 11-Oct-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Saturday 8.00am. Influx of grey plovers on the lagoons accompanied by numbers of knot and dunlin. Only 2 BT 'wits. Other species included 2 winchats, kingfisher and my hi-light, a tree sparrow. John Bennett Saturday 11-Oct-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Drake ring-necked on lagoon 8(I think) with tufted duck.Also 30+ Clouded Yellow around the area. John o sullivan Saturday 11-Oct-2003 Bassaleg On the ridge between the griffin and cefn mabley, 1 imm male merlin, 2 stonechat, 7 stock dove. John O sullivan Saturday 11-Oct-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Quiet this morning 0800-0900, only birds of note, 7 siskin,3 swallow and a few meadow pipit overhead. Ruth Brown Saturday 11-Oct-2003 Abergavenny Hummingbird Hawk Moth on lavender bushes in the garden. Keith Jones Friday 10-Oct-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge Visited Peterstone Wentlooge this morning, catching the tide. Walked from the Pill, and gout, down the coast to the village. A good variety of stuff including: 1 Great Crested Grebe on the sea, 3 Little Grebe on the Gout, and a further 3 on the Pill near Marshfield. 10 Cormorant, 40 Shelduck, 349 Mallard, 146 Wigeon, 60 Pintail, 24 Shoveler, 1 Kestrel, 3 Coot on the Gout, 128 Lapwing, 12 Grey Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 90 Black Tailed Godwit, 87 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 34 Dunlin, 375 Black Headed Gull, 1 House Martin, 15 Pied Wagtail, 14 Meadow Meadow Pipit, and 16 Goldfinch.); insert into sightings values ( mike tidley Wednesday 08-Oct-2003 Llanfair discoed sparrow hawk over garden, green woodpecker feeding on lawn.also a hummingbird hawk moth feeding on impatiens on monday 29/9/03 Chris Jones Wednesday 08-Oct-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Grey Phalarope flew off west at 18:30hrs John o sullivan Wednesday 08-Oct-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Not my find . A grey phalarope showing well this evening at Y.R. On the bottom pool. Keith Roylance & Mick Bailey Monday 06-Oct-2003 GLWR Around Car Park area Goldfinch, Cettis Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long Tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Magpie.Pools to the East of East Usk Lighthouse, 18 Little Grebe, 53 Coot, 4 Teal, 3 Moorhen, Gadwall, Wigeon, Female Ruddy Duck. Also sightings of Heron,Mallard, Mute Swan (7), Tufted Duck,Shelduck, Cormorant, Chaffinch, Wren, Linnet, Jay, Kestrel, House Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Buzzard, Crow, Raven (2, both flying with beaks open), Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull.Cettis warbler heard but not seen. On mudflats of Estuary, Curlew (20+),Grey Plover, At Lagoons 16 Little Egret (Monks Lagoon), 40+ Black Tailed Godwit, similar numbers of Dunlin, also Knot (Priors Lagoon). Ian Cooke Sunday 05-Oct-2003 The Blorenge Six grouse at 8.30am they were very vocal and as the morning warmed up spent time sat on the top of the heather. I should just mention that on 14th August I saw a long Eared Owl on the topmost telegraph pole on the Keepers it was 7.10 in the morning. I have mentioned this to Steve Butler. John O'Sullivan Sunday 05-Oct-2003 Bassaleg The hills above Bassaleg towards Cardiff, 1 Reed Bunting, 3 Stonechats, 2 lapwing, 7 Swallows, 50+ Skylark, 150+ Meadow Pipits, 100+ Greenfinch, 60+ House Sparrow, 10 Linnet, 5 Pied Wagtail. G T Thorne Saturday 04-Oct-2003 BrynBach Tredegar 4/10/03 BrynBach Tredegar.1pr GCGrebe with 2juv.50+coot,8 tufted duck,30+mallard,small number crossbred mallard,meadow pipits,blkhd and herring gulls.Trefil Moor very quiet now,small flocks of Crows & Jackdaws,6 Ravens also seen. Verity Picken Saturday 04-Oct-2003 Llangybi Single Redwing near Llangybi this morning Jeff Fisher Friday 03-Oct-2003 Monmouth Friday 3rd - Six goosander on the River Usk at the Monmouthshire Golf Club John O'Sullivan Thursday 02-Oct-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff, thurs a.m. Good nos knot, dunlin, fewer Black-wits, no greenshank, spot reds, only "passage wader" juv curlew sand. Saltmarsh lane, 1 Merlin, 3 Stonechats, 1 Whinchat, Greylag Goose. Keith Jones Thursday 02-Oct-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir (1.10.03 - morning). Walked from I think its the Blue Pool (from the north east restricted area), covered the north, and west banks, the west inlets, up the lane to Sluvad Road. The count didn't include the east banks, or the dam end. Very quiet, at least 16 fishing boats dotted about. Birds present included 12 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron 56 Canada Geese, 3 Mallard, 2 Buzzard, 2 Lapwing, 49 Herring Gulls, 52 Black Headed Gulls, 16 Meadow Pipits, 1 Tree Pipit, 92 Goldfinch, 5 Jay, and 6 Raven. Feeding station virtually empty, watched for 10 minutes - no birds visited. Steve Butler & John Davies Wednesday 01-Oct-2003 Gobion Gobion Up-date. Back to the 30th September, 2 Snipe, 4 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 30 plus Linnet, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Kingfishers, Loads and Loads of Grey Wagtail, 20 plus Meadow Pipits, Today 1/10/03. 4 Snipe,Marsh Tit, 10 plus Swallows, Tree Creeper, Goldcrest, 3 Goosander. Keith Jones Wednesday 01-Oct-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir (1.10.03 - morning). Walked from I think its the Blue Pool (from the north east restricted area), covered the north, and west banks, the west inlets, up the lane to Sluvad Road. The count didn't include the east banks, or the dam end. Very quiet, at least 16 fishing boats dotted about. Birds present included 12 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron 56 Canada Geese, 3 Mallard, 2 Buzzard, 2 Lapwing, 49 Herring Gulls, 52 Black Headed Gulls, 16 Meadow Pipits, 1 Tree Pipit, 92 Goldfinch, 5 Jay, and 6 Raven. Feeding station virtually empty, watched for 10 minutes - no birds visited. Steve Butler & John Davies Wednesday 01-Oct-2003 Gobion 1/9/03 12.30 GOBION 3 GREENSANDPIPERS 1 COMMONSANDPIPER 4 SNIPE 2MARSH TIT 4 LITTLE GREBE 8 SWALLOWS Ruth Brown Wednesday 01-Oct-2003 Castle Meadows, Abergavenny re "scaup". I feel I was mistaken, due to not checking for a black nail, or a pale cheek patch.Sadly misled by the white feathers round the base of the bill. Ruth Brown Wednesday 01-Oct-2003 Castle Meadows, Abergavenny Castle Meadows, Abergavenny, @ 0830 hrs, Wednesday. Juv Scaup in company with 4 Mallard. Steve Butler & John Davies Tuesday 30-Sep-2003 Gobion Gobion Up-date. Back to the 30th September, 2 Snipe, 4 Green Sandpipers, 1 Common Sandpiper, 30 plus Linnet, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Kingfishers, Loads and Loads of Grey Wagtail, 20 plus Meadow Pipits, Today 1/10/03. 4 Snipe,Marsh Tit, 10 plus Swallows, Tree Creeper, Goldcrest, 3 Goosander. Chris Hatch Tuesday 30-Sep-2003 Gwent As from 1st October 2003 , the GOS / Welsh Water Bird Information Line will cease operating . The service has been withdrawn due to a lack of support by members. John Davies & Steve Butler Monday 29-Sep-2003 Gobion Gobion 29/9/03 1300hrs Lesser Spotted Woodpecker feeding with Tit flock, Usual little Grebes on the Usk, Also Hobby (flyover) an unexpected bonus. Gill Jones Sunday 28-Sep-2003 Tintern Hummingbird Hawk Moth feeding on Salvia in garden at Tintern. Gill Jones Sunday 28-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Hummingbird Hawk Moth feeding on Salvia in garden at Tintern. John O'Sullivan Sunday 28-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff on the morning tide. 1 Little Stint, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 10 Redshanks, 8 Greenshanks, Good Numbers of Black- wit, 12 Bar-Wit, 100+ Knot, 1 Grey Plover, Kingfisher plus the usual assortment of waders. Rob Moeller Friday 26-Sep-2003 Castle Meadows, Abergavenny 26 September: A Water Rail present at Castle Meadows Abergavenny this evening. Seen from the bridge over the Gavenny stream. Mike Tidley Thursday 25-Sep-2003 Newhouse Mathern Thursday 25/9/03 visited seawall at newhouse mathern, large numbers of swallows and house martins flying south east also saw one grey wagtail, six pied wagtails, one wigeon,three hundred + redshanks,two dunlin,two grey heron, four hundred + black headed gulls, ten mallard,three curlew, eight linnet, two greenfinch, two magpie, eight cormorant. Keith Jones Thursday 25-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff At Goldcliff this morning, 5 Grey Heron, 19 Little Egret, 1 Grey Lag Goose, 1 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 44 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Moorhen, 34 Curlew, 124 Black Tailed Godwits, 34 Bar Tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks, 3 Common Redshanks, 1 Spotted Redshanks, 140 Knot, 1 Common Snipe, 6 Green Sandpipers, 240 Black Headed Gull, 65 Herring Gull, 22 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 House Martin, 3 singing Chiffchaff, and 1 Cetti's Warbler. Keith Jones Tuesday 23-Sep-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth late morning (23.9.03) Walked down Saltmarsh Lane, around lagoons,and finishing at the car park. Rather quiet perhaps due to a few people working on the lagoons. The brood of 8 young Mute Swan reported by Tom Forster on 21st are now down to 7 juveniles, and 1 adult on the reen behind the sea wall, and east of Saltmarsh Lane. Otherwise 15 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 12 adult, and two broods of young with one, and two juveniles Mute Swan (Total of 23 birds), 53 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Water Rail, 8 Moorhen, 86 Coot, 114 Black Headed Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 14 Long Tailed Tit, and 16 Magpie. Adrian Hickman Monday 22-Sep-2003 Usk 21st/22nd Sept.Two Hummingbird Hawk-moths together on valerian on 2 consecutive evenings on the Usk bridge at about 7pm. john o'sullivan Sunday 21-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff sunday 7-9am. On the lagoons, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 6 Greenshanks, 1 Common Redshank, 17 Black tailed Godwit, 20+ Knot, Greylag Goose. Overhead, passage of pied wagtail, meadow pipit, hirundines( mostly house martin),goldfinch. Also small numbers of redpoll and 2-3 great spotted woodpecker (2 seen together then 1 later) Tom Forster Saturday 20-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Lagoons 20th 12.30-13.30 Lagoons very quiet with just the usual duck, greenshank etc. Possibly birds were scarce because of a large number of fisherman (I counted at least 15) on the reserve foreshore between uskmouth and goldcliff pill- is this allowed, and if not who should it be reported to? Magor Marsh 20th 14.30-16.00 Pond held 35 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 16+ moorhen, 1 Heron. Mute swan pair with 8 young on reen bordering reserve. Adrian Hickman Saturday 20-Sep-2003 Gwent 20th Sept Usk.HUMMINGBIRD HAWK-MOTH feeding on Valerian on the river bridge at 6.35pm for 10 mins. john o'sullivan Saturday 20-Sep-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth p.m. water rail,cettis warbler ,2 whinchat and female peregrine. Ynys y fro, 30+ goldfinch (mostly spring/autumn migrants here),60+ house martin, 2 chiffchaffs. Keith Jones Friday 19-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff today (19.9.03) at high tide. Quite a variety of stuff including 11 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 68 Teal, 60 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 3 Moorhen, 1 Ringed Plover, 18 Oystercatchers, 110 Knot, 135 Black Tailed Godwits, 4 Greenshanks, 1 Ruff, 7 Common Redshanks, 1 Spotted Redshanks, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Little Stints, 5 Dunlin, 197 Black Headed Gull, 2 House Martin, 6 Swallow, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 1 singing Cetti's Warbler Also reported from Uskmouth a Ring Necked Duck. Keith Jones Thursday 18-Sep-2003 Gwent Visited Bulmore Lakes this morning (18.9.03) walking back to Caerleon along Bulmore Road. Present at the lakes 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 2 ad 4 juv Mute Swan, 50 Mallard, 14 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 5 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 1 Green Sandpiper, 6 Swallow, and 1 Chiffchaff. While walking back to Caerleon, noticed 18 Cormorants on the Sor Brook pylon, the first I've seen there for several months. On the River Usk, 14 Mallard, 2 male Goosanders, also 1 Nuthatch, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Jay, 180 Lapwing at Caerleon, and 1 Raven. Finally I think I heard an Osprey, half a mile south of Great Bulmore Farm, didn't see anything because of thick tree cover along the Usk, but listening to CD at home later sounded very much like an Osprey. Peter Back Tuesday 16-Sep-2003 GLWR Tuesday 16/9/03, Gwent Levels. Lots of bird song - sedge and reed warbler, chiffchaff, cettis (at least 5 singing) managed to see one. Two black tern, little egret, kestrel. AL & DL Tuesday 16-Sep-2003 Tredegar Country Park 16/9/03 19:20 Tredegar house. Mistle thrush moving down to Asda direction (south) 30+, Jackdaws starting to roost in hundreds but a few weeks will see them in thousands here. Swallows (thousands) circling in the grounds just before dusk along with Horseshoe bats (4) and Pipistrelle (4+). BEWARE THE GATES ARE LOCKED AT 7:30. John Wilson Tuesday 16-Sep-2003 Gwent Tues 16th Sep - St. Brides Wentloog foreshore - 1/2m E of the Lighthouse Pub. 1 Black Tern down channel at 13:25. 28 Ringed Plover, 22 Dunlin, 8 Oyc and on the water, 8 Pintail. Steve Butler Monday 15-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 15/9/03 GOBION, TIME 12.30- 2 LITTLE EGRET 2 HOBBY 2 BUZZARD 1 SPARROWHAWK ALL TOGOTHER. WILLOW TREES ON RIVER BANK FULL OF BIRDS MOVING THROUGH ON MIGRATION. WILLOW WARBLERS, CHIFFCHAFFS, WHITETHROATS, GARDEN WARBLERS, BLACKCAPS, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT, SEDGE AND REED WARBLERS. ALSO IN TREES BLUETITS, GREAT TITS, LONG TAILTITS AND MARSHTITS. ON RIVER 3 LITTLE GREBE, 6 MOORHEN, 35 PIED WAGTAILS, 6 GREY WAGTAILS, LARGE NoS OF SWALLOWS + MARTINS MOVING DOWN USK VALLEY. ALL THESE SEEN IN HALF HR BIRDING. John Davies Monday 15-Sep-2003 Gwent Hundreds of Swallow's & House Martin's migrating over Abergavenny / Usk valley from mid day onwards. Steve Butler Sunday 14-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 14/9/03 GOLDCLIFF POOLS TIME 20.00 170 BLACK TAIL GODWIT 400+ CURLEW 200+ KNOT 4 GREENSHANK 6 LITTLE EGRET 6 LITTLE GREBE 5 SHELDUCK 80 CANADA GOOSE ALL BIRDS PUT UP BY FISHERMEN ON THE SEA WALL Alan Sunday 14-Sep-2003 Gwent bit tricky this, is it Gwent or Caerphilly borough? used to be Monmouthshire so leave it to the experts. Over 100 Swallows counted above Trethomas on Thursday morning 11th Sept. highest number seen here and all gone next day. WERE THEY PASSING THROUGH. John O'Sullivan Sunday 14-Sep-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir At Ynys y fro Sunday morningn evidence of movement with 1 Whinchat(2nd record this year), 1 reed bunting (1st this year),1 Garden Warbler (1st), 2 kingfishers(1st),Great Black backed gull, 6 Grey wagtail (up by 4),5 chiffchaffs and a willow warbler. This constitutes a veritable fall for here. Hadyn Jones Saturday 13-Sep-2003 Gwent 12/9/03 late afternoon-Collister to West Pill-1 Common Redstart, 4 Whinchat,12 N. Wheatear,1 Yellow Wagtail,1 Lesser Whitethroat,8 Red-Legged Partridge,2 Reed Warblers,13 Chiffchaff,steady passage of Swallows going east plus 150 feeding over Collister saltmarsh.1 Little Egret and 39 Black-tailed Godwits on rising tide. 13/9/03 a.m. -Rogiet foreshore-up to 160 Wigeon. Collister-1 Tree Pipit,several Siskins,up to 525 Curlew,5 Black tailed Godwit,3 Bar-tailed Godwit. John O'Sullivan Saturday 13-Sep-2003 Gwent Goldcliff this morning, 2 curlew sandpiper, 3 little stints, 1 spotted redshank, 4 greenshank, 1 little ringed plover, 1 grey plover, good numbers of knot and black tailed godwits, 2 peregrine, kingfisher, redstart. At saltmarsh lane, 1 green sandpiper, greylag goose, 2 whinchats and 2 yellow wagtails. Steve Butler Friday 12-Sep-2003 Gwent 12/9/03 12.30 GOBION 2 HOBBY 1 LITTLE EGRET MIXED FLOCK OF SWALLOW SANDMARTIN AND HOUSE MARTIN 300+ 7 CORMORANT Keith Jones Thursday 11-Sep-2003 Gwent Visited Goldcliff this morning at high tide (11.9.03). Fairly quiet with 6 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 3 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 22 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Buzzard, 5 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 6 Oystercatchers, 116 Black Tailed Godwits, 13 Bar Tailed Godwits, 6 Greenshanks, 30 Common Redshanks, 1 Ruff, 60 Dunlin, 240 Knot, 140 Black Headed Gulls, 5 House Martin, 33 Swallow, and 1 Common Whitethroat. Bryn & Ros Burgess Wednesday 10-Sep-2003 Gwent Sat 6/9/03 Goldcliff Lagoons. Greenshank 4,L Egret 6, Wheater 1,L Grebe 1, Knot 92, Black Tailed Godwit 183, Ruff 2, Ringed Plover 2, Snipe 3, Common Sandpiper 1 & Commic Tern (probably Common Tern) Keith Jones Wednesday 10-Sep-2003 Gwent Visited Uskmouth early morning (10.9.03) to catch the tide. Walked from Power Station, around the lagoons, up Farmfield Lane, completing at Goldcliff road. Noted: 10 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 17 Mute Swan, 104 Mallard, 8 Teal, 33 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1 Water Rail, 22 Moorhen, 28 Coot, 3 Greenshanks, 13 Curlew, 1 Pheasant, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Raven, Cetti's Warblers, in song again with 7 singing, also 5 Chaffchaff in song, and 1 singing Reed Warbler. Also 1 Sand Martin, 12 Swallow, 8 House Martin, and 26 Goldfinch. Peter Back Tuesday 09-Sep-2003 Gwent Gwent levels, Tuesday, 9 Sept 2003 - morning. At Goldcliff end: 9 Little Egret, numerous Godwits, both types, Greenshank very close to first platform. Many mallard and teal, curlew and large flocks of goldfinch. At the powerstation end, 2 more Little Egret, loads more goldfinches, 2 kingfishers, chiffchaff, sedge warbler, buzzard, kestrel and a peregrin which perched with its prey on a pylon only to be mobbed by a gang of magpies until it got fed up and flew off towards Peterstone Hadyn Jones Sunday 07-Sep-2003 Gwent 7/9/03 a.m.-Collister to West Pill-Common Redstart(male),Whinchat(Juv),Garden Warbler,Spotted Flycatcher,2 Lesser Whitethroats,Common Whitethroat,2 Yellow Wagtails,10 Northern Wheatears,3 Reed Warblers,8 Chiffchaffs. Keith Jones Sunday 07-Sep-2003 Gwent Walked from Peterstone village to the gout yesterday (.6.9.03). two hours after high tide. Amongst the birds seen 2 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 7 Shelduck, 60 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 134 Mallard, 2 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 90 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 32 Common Redshanks, 6 Curlew, 299 Black Headed Gull, and 1 White Wagtail. Ruth Brown & George Noakes Friday 05-Sep-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliffe 5 Sept. 1 Short-eared Owl, 1 Hobby, 4 Lesser Whitethroat,3 Wheatear, 200+ Black-T Godwit,50+ Knot, 2+ Ruff, 2+ Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin. 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greylag Goose,2 Little Grebe, et al. Hadyn Jones Thursday 04-Sep-2003 Collister Pill 4/9/03-A walk between Collister and West Pills,Undy this evening produced 1 Common Redstart,12 Yellow Wagtails,7 Northern Wheatears,1 Redpoll,1 Reed Warbler,3 Common Whitethroats,2 Stock Doves,7+ Chiffchaffs. Keith Jones Thursday 04-Sep-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Walked around Llandegfedd Reservoir today (4.9.03, among the birds present; 60 Great Crested Grebe, 37 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 62 Canada Geese, 3 Snow Geese, 20 Mallard, 4 Buzzard, 5 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 23 Lapwing, 1 Greenshanks, 1 Ruff, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Great Black Backed Gull, 110 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 38 Herring Gull, 220 Black Headed Gull, 5 Kingfisher (including 1 young bird begging for food), 1 Pheasant, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Swallow 46 House Martin, 13 Pied Wagtail, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 singing Garden Warbler, 1 Fieldfare, 21 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 4 Jay, and 3 Raven. Steve Butler Thursday 04-Sep-2003 Gobion 4/9/03 12.30 GOOD DAY AT THE GOBION TODAY 1 WOODSANDPIPER 1GREENSANDPIPER 1 COMMONSANDPIPER 1 DUNLIN 1 GREENSHANK 1 PEREGRINE 1 HOBBY 1 SPARROWHAWK 2 BUZZARDS 6 GOOSANDERS 8 MOORHEN John Davies Thursday 04-Sep-2003 Gwent 42 Mistle Thrushes nr Abergavenny on 31st August,also similar number noted at Mamhilad industrial park 2nd September. Steve Butler Wednesday 03-Sep-2003 Gwent 3/9/03 Gobion at 13:30hrs. 3 Hobby, 150 Linnet, single Green & Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, 4 Kingfishers, 7 Cormorants, 9 Goosanders, also a large movement of Warblers, mainly ChiffChaff, 15 Grey Wagtail, 70 Pied Wagtail, also Hobby later observed over Abergavenny town. G T Thorne Tuesday 02-Sep-2003 Gwent 01/09/03 3pm Ynysyfro Resvr.5 Little Grebe.60+Coot.40+Mallard.14 Canada Geese.1 Heron.Flock of Swallows/H.Martins 6 Pochard.16 Tufted Duck.Kestrel.1 Common Sandpiper.5 BlkHd Gulls.3 MoorHens. John Davies Tuesday 02-Sep-2003 Gwent Llandegfedd Res 3 Little Egrets, single Greenshank, Ruff, Green and Common Sandpiper, Marsh Tit at the feeder station. Juv Whinchat on Monday 1st. John Wilson Tuesday 02-Sep-2003 Gwent Tues Sep 2nd - Peterstone Gout at high tide; In the lagoon: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Oyc, 1 Ruff [for about 3 mins], 3 Little Grebe, 8 Teal: on the beach: 3 Greenshank, 1 Stock Dove, 4 Pintail, 16 Shoveler, 100 Dunlin, 50 Ringed Plover, 4 Knot, 1 lone Sanderling, 1 Little Egret, more Teal, 1 Wheatear on the rocks, and a Clouded Yellow. Steve Butler Monday 01-Sep-2003 Gwent 1/9/03 13.00 GOBION 1 GREENSHANK 1 PEREGRINE FALCON 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL 6 GREY WAGTAIL 35 PIED WAGTAILS AND 5 WHITE WAGTAIL 4 KINGFISHER 22 LINNET 300 HOUSE MARTIN SAND MARTIN AND SWALLOW OVER RIVER USK. mick bailey Monday 01-Sep-2003 Gwent 31/8/03 Goldcliff Lagoons. Most stuff had flown off by time I got there about 11:30, but had 2 interesting sightings a couple of hours later (sorry to be so vague). Female or juv (very dark with cream forehead) Marsh Harrier flew along sea wall towards Uskmouth. Single Golden Plover flew round lagoons. mike bosley Monday 01-Sep-2003 Gwent LR this AM: Single Greenshank, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Wheatear. Also 4 Snow Geese - 1 blue phase. All unringed and with intact flight feathers, but presumably escapes. marc suller Sunday 31-Aug-2003 Gwent sorry, make that sanderling. Never was good at speling marc suller Sunday 31-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff 30/08 High tide : 2 hobbies, 2 ruff, 4 snipe, numerous greenshank, knot, black-tailed godwit. From sea wall : excellent view of curlew sandpiper, 2 yellow wagtails, 2 sandling. John O'Sullivan Sunday 31-Aug-2003 Gwent At Ynys y fro on Friday two small falcons.One a female type Merlin (2nd record for me here)was stooped at by a 2nd bird not specifically identified. Chris Jones Saturday 30-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons - 30th Aug-03 - 4 Ruff, 2 Avocet, 9 Little Egret, 6 Greenshank, 4+ Tree Pipit, 300+ Black-tailed Godwit, 130 Knot, 300+ Dunlin and 100+ Ringed Plover. Hadyn Jones Saturday 30-Aug-2003 Gwent 30/8/03-Collister Pill-9.30 a.m.. 10 Northern Wheatears,10 Yellow Wagtails,2 Tree Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails,1 Lesser Whitethroat,5 Little Egrets, 8 Wigeon, 37 Oystercatchers,1 Green Sandpiper,1 Snipe,up to 450 Curlew. Steve Butler Friday 29-Aug-2003 Gwent 29/8/03 1 HOBBY 2 GREENSANDPIPER 2 GREENSHANK 3 COMMONSANDPIPER 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL 8 GREY WAGTAIL 1 SPARROWHAWK 1 GREEN AND 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 2 LITTLE GREBE 11 GOOSANDER 5 MOORHEN ALL SEEN AT THE GOBION ABOUT 12.30 John Bennett Friday 29-Aug-2003 Gwent 4 Common sandpipers,4 Greenshank and a ruff on the river Usk just south of Usk around shingle islands yesterday evening. Keith Jones Thursday 28-Aug-2003 Gwent Sorry an error in the Goldcliff count, there were 154 Black Tailed Godwits! Keith Jones Thursday 28-Aug-2003 Gwent Visited Goldcliff early morning (28.8.03). Very good for waders, birds of note included: 5 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, 29 Wigeon, 62 Mallard, 18 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 22 Moorhen, 7 Coot, 12 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Avocets, 14 Black Tailed Godwits, 40 Bar Tailed Godwits, 5 Greenshanks, 14 Common Redshanks, 4 Knot, 13 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 7 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Little Stints, 224 Black Headed Gulls, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 16 Long tailed Tit, and 65 Goldfinch. Steve Butler Wednesday 27-Aug-2003 Gwent 27/8/03 GOBION 2 LITTLE EGRET 1SPARROWHAWK 1 HOBBY 12.30 john aggleton Tuesday 26-Aug-2003 Gwent 25/8/2003 Goldcliff Pools 9.00am - 3 greenshank, 2 ruff, 2 knot, 35 black tailed godwit, 2 spotted flycatchers, 7 yellow wagtails including one blue headed wagtail, 3 whinchats Steven Butler Monday 25-Aug-2003 Gwent 24/8/03 Llanwenarth River Usk 3 Green sandpiper 1 Common sandpiper 2 Lesser whitethroat 1 Spotted flycatcher Darryl Spittle Monday 25-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Pools 24/8 - 2 Peregrine, 6 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 2 Common Sands, 1 Golden Plover, 9 Yellow Wags, 5 Whinchat and 7 Wheatear. John Evans Sunday 24-Aug-2003 Gwent Sat 23/08/03 - Hobby seen briefly harrassing Swallows over the reedbed just off the Moorings, Newport at 20:30. Steve Butler Saturday 23-Aug-2003 Gwent 20/8/03 BRYN and GOBION 2 LITTLE EGRETs 5 GREENSANDPIPERs 40 LINNETs 2 LITTLE GREBE on river USK. Steve Butler Saturday 23-Aug-2003 Gwent 23 8 03 2 Swifts over Abergavenny town Keith Jones Friday 22-Aug-2003 Gwent Visited Uskmouth this afternoon (22.8.03) Rather quiet in more ways than one, the wind too loud to hear much in the way of passaerines. Logged 4 Little Grebe, 2 adult 2 juv Great Crested Grebe, 8 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Whooper Swan, 12 ad 1 juv Mute Swan, 26 Wigeon on shore 1 Gadwall, 28 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestel, 1 Water Rail heard, 11 Moorhen, 44 Coot, 13 Black Headed Gull, 1 Pheasant, 12 Swallow, 8 House Martin, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 46 Goldfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, and 1 Raven. J Bennett Friday 22-Aug-2003 Gwent Last night at Llandegfedd reservoir 1 Black-tailed godwit,1 ruff and 1 yellow-legged gull.This morning 4 Greenshank on river Usk just south of the town. John Garside Wednesday 20-Aug-2003 Gwent 20/08/03 06:10-08:00 Goldcliff Lagoons: 5 juv. Greenshank, 1 Green Sand, 3 Common Sand, 1 juv. Ruff, 3 juv. Little Ringed Plover (7 on 18th pm), 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Wheatear (latter 2 sp. on sea wall) plus usual wildfowl & waders. Ian Smith Wednesday 20-Aug-2003 Gwent Yellow Wagtail heard near Caldicot Pill this AM. S.W.Fritillary on Sunday (1st) and Hummingbird Hawk Moth on Monday; both in Garden. Bird interest limited to up to 8 Bullfinches and roaming tit flocks dominated by Long-tailed. Both these species seem to have had a very successful year in NW Monmouth. John Bennett Wednesday 20-Aug-2003 Gwent This morning 3 Greenshanks and reed warbler along with more usual common sandpiper and kingfisher on river Usk just south of the town. John Bennett Wednesday 20-Aug-2003 Gwent This morning 3 Greenshanks and reed warbler along with more usual common sandpiper and kingfisher on river Usk just south of the town. Adrian Hickman Tuesday 19-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons.19th Aug.Autumn passage well underway! Amongst the more usual were c80 TEAL,34 SHOVELER,1 juv & 1 ad HOBBY (latter chasing waders),51 RINGED PLOVER,1 juv LRP,300 DUNLIN,7+ GREENSHANK,1 GREEN & 1 COMMON SAND,3 SNIPE,84 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS(well down on the 180 seen on 17th,but tide not as high),7 KNOT,6 YELLOW WAGS & 1 WHEATEAR . John Bennett Tuesday 19-Aug-2003 Gwent Yesterday evening(18th) at Llandegfedd reservoir.1 Black-tailed godwit,2 little egrets,3 Greenshanks and 5 commic terns.Also over 170 Black-tailed godwits at Goldcliff during the weekend. John Davies Tuesday 19-Aug-2003 Gwent Late entry (Llandegfedd Res 15th Aug) 2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Little Grebe with chick,Great spot & Green Woodpecker, also loads of Warblers moving through feeding station area. Darren Hughes Monday 18-Aug-2003 Gwent HUMMING BIRD HAWK MOTH WYESHAM MONMOUTH 16TH AUGUST 03 M Jenkin Monday 18-Aug-2003 Gwent Hobby hunting along coast between Black rocks and Marthen pill on 16/08/03. Keith Jones Sunday 17-Aug-2003 Gwent Among the birds along a mile of the River Usk at Caerleon on 17.8.03 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swan, 6 Mallard, 5 Teal, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 23 Lapwing, 64 Common Redshanks, 4 Greenshanks, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 33 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 15 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 100 Black Headed Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Blackcap, 1 singing Reed Warbler, and 1 male Bullfinch. Bryn Burgess Sunday 17-Aug-2003 Gwent Collister Pill. Sat 16/8/03. Hour before morning high tide. 6 Wheater, 1 Whinchat, 1 yellow wagtail, 376 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper, Peregrine & Sparrowhawk. Also close view of weasel carrying young rabbit down track. Steve Butler Saturday 16-Aug-2003 Gwent 15/8/03 12.00 The Bryn River USK 1 Little Egret 1 Greensandpiper Dave Owen Saturday 16-Aug-2003 Gwent Barn Owl flying in front of second severn crossing tolls at 10 30pm on Weds 13th Aug. Adrian Hickman Thursday 14-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons.14th Aug.Morning.Excellent views of juv MARSH HARRIER hunting low over the Lagoons, on & off between 0930-1100hrs when it flew high South over the Severn. Also of interest;3 RUFF,3 KNOT,6 GREENSHANK,42 BLACK-WITS,100+DUNLIN,3 SNIPE,2 COMMON SAND,3 WIGEON,40 TEAL,7 SHOVELER,9 GADWALL and 1 YELLOW WAG.Good no.s of SILVER Y Moths feeding on Thistles together with quite a few PAINTED LADY Butterflies. Steven Butler Wednesday 13-Aug-2003 Gwent 12/8/03 17.00 Bryn and Gobion 7 Cormorant 12 Goosander 10 Mallard 5 Canada Goose 2 Moorhen 12 Grey Heron 2 Green Sandpiper 5 CommonSandpiper 1 L.R.P. 2 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 2Hobby 2 G S Woodpecker 6 Kingfisher 21 Pied Wagtail 8 Grey Wagtail 55 Linnet 14 Chiffchaff 9 Long tailed Tit with Blue and Great Tits .Going back to 8 July 03 at the Bryn to Gobion 2Little Egret 2 Curlew 1 Whimbrel 1 Great crested Grebe 2 Yellow Wagtail 6 Mute Swan 9 Lapwing 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 Great b b Gull Leyton Williams-Davies Tuesday 12-Aug-2003 Gwent At least 2 (possibly more) Barn Owls fledged at a site near Pontypool 9/8/03. This was despite the female being shot with an air rifle on 31/7/03 (I rescued her but unfortunately she died 2/8/03). The male continued to feed the young. Police, CCW and RSPB notified of the offence. Full details sent to GOS Recorder. Darren Hughes Tuesday 12-Aug-2003 Gwent CLOUDED YELLOW HADNOCK ROAD MONMOUTH 10TH AUGUST Keith Jones Tuesday 12-Aug-2003 Gwent Walked around Llandegfedd Reservoir today (12.8.03) with a fairly good list including 61 adult 12 juv Great Crested Grebe, 45 Cormorant, 7 Little Egret, 60 Canada Geese, 25 Mallard, 1 Buzzard, 1 Goshawk, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 8 Moorhen, 27 Coot, 14 Lapwing 1 Common Snipe, 5 Greenshanks, 4 Common Sandpipers, 4 Great Black Backed Gull, 14 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 96 Black Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 13 Pied Wagtail, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Common Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler,5 Coal Tit, 2 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Tree Creeper, 2 Jay, 16 Raven, and 2 Rabbits. John Garside Saturday 09-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons 06:00-07:15 09/08/03 Amongst the more usual waders: 6+ Greenshank (inc. 5 juvs), 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 juv Ruff & 5 Snipe. Keith Jones Saturday 09-Aug-2003 Gwent Visited Goldcliff on 9.8.03 early morning, walking to the sea wall. Generally quiet but among the 49 species present included 1 Cormorant, 22 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 25 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 114 Mallard, 12 Moorhen, 37 Coot, 36 Lapwing, 5 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew, 45 Dunlin, 9 Common Redshanks 4 Greenshanks, 17 Black Tailed Godwits, 116 Black Headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, about 180 Swallow, 1 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Long Tailed Tit, and 1 Nuthatch. I also lost an 80mm telescope padded cover somewhere along the ootpath. Would be grateful if someone found it. Darren Hughes Friday 08-Aug-2003 Gwent 3Hobby young fledged north of Monmouth 5th august. Wendall Thomas,Dave Williams,Malcolm Holding &Dave Morris Thursday 07-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliffe Thurs 7/8/03 1Green Sandpiper,8 Greenshank,2Snipe,60+Dunlin,Redshank,Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel,2Ringed Plover,2Wheatear,15 Blk T G`wit,1Canada Goose,Several L.Egret etc. Butterflies seen included, Clouded Yellow,Common Blue,Meadow Brown,Tortoiseshell,Painted Lady,Gatekeeper,Red Admiral,Lge White. Dragonflies-Emperor,Southern Hawker,Common Darter Judy Rosser Thursday 07-Aug-2003 Gwent 20+ Fieldfare feeding on newly cut hayfield Coedkernew 08/07/03 Helen Parry Jones Wednesday 06-Aug-2003 Gwent Phone call on 5th August to say that a Red Kite has been seen over the Fire Station at New Inn on a number of occasions during the last couple of weeks Helen Parry Jones Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Sorry, incomplete e-mail address in earlier message Helen Parry Jones Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent It finally came to our attention that there was a problem with this page from the 18th July to about the 30th. If you experience any problems with any part of the web site, please contact the web master as soon as possible so that it can be looked in to. If you had any sightings of interest during this "dead" period, please put them on the sightings page retrospectively and make sure to state the date in the observation box. Thanks Dipper Editor & Membership Secretary Adrian Hickman Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons.Monday morning.Of interest were 4 or 5 juv LRP,2 GREENSHANK,2 GREEN SAND,20 BLACK TAILED GODWIT (inc 6 juvs),6 LITTLE EGRET,1 SHOVELER,2 TEAL,& 2 GADWALL.Also 2 LESSER WHITETHROATS and 2+ WILLOW WARBLERS in the shrubbery! Good no.s Butterflies inc. a few PAINTED LADIES,several fresh SMALL TORTS and my 1st CLOUDED YELLOW of the summer. More Dragonflies around today inc good no.s of EMERALD DAMSELFLIES along the reen,EMPEROR,SOUTHERN HAWKER,RUDDY & COMMON DARTER. Keith Jones Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Walked from Peterstone Wentlooge. to the Gout at high tide on 2.8.03. Generally quiet but among the birds present, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 2 ad 4 juv Shelduck, 117 Mallard, 3 Buzzard, 7 Coot, 5 Oysteratchers, 3 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 61 Common Redshanks, 2 Great Black Backed Gull, 27 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 34 Herring Gull, 15 Common Gull, 330 Black Headed Gull, 36 Goldfinch, and 25 Linnet. Rather quiet since the web site has been down the only report to note was a single juvenile Hobby, calling to an adult just west of Llantrisant. This was on 17.6.03 during an Atlas visit, no obvious indication of where the nest was because the young bird could fly. Keith Jones Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir 24.7.03, walking from Sluvad Lane, the western inlets to the dam. with a fair range of stuff, 57 species including: 2 Little Grebe, 94 adult, 15 juv Great Crested Grebe, 55 Cormorant, 17 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 ad 2 juv Mute Swan, 38 Canada Geese, 52 Mallard, 37 Wigeon, 4 Buzzard, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Peregrine, 5 Moorhen, 95 adult 13 juv Coot, 44 Lapwing, including 2 with agitated behaviour (North East Bay), 16 Common Sandpipers, 39 Black Headed Gull, the single Yellow Legged Gull still present, 2 adult with 2 juv Bullfinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Tree Creeper, and 1 Nuthatch.. A single Fox in North West Inlet. Ruth Brown Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Green Sandpiper at Castle Meadows,Abergavenny at 0800 hrs, Monday. Easily disturbed. Flew downstream. Phil Thompson Monday 04-Aug-2003 Gwent Goldcliff - Saturday afternoon 2nd August 2003, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Curlew, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Kestrel, Oystercatcher. Very quiet afternoon, very few birds around. Plenty Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers and several common blues on the butterfly front. Mal Jenkins Sunday 03-Aug-2003 Gwent At 1500 today. Almost pure white Common Buzzard circling low over Ponytpool town centre. Only mark on an otherwise all white bird was a single black inner primary on one wing! Adrian Hickman Thursday 31-Jul-2003 Gwent Goldcliff Lagoons.29th July.Relatively quiet compared to recent weeks.Highlight was a BLACK TERN flying upchannel offshore. Waderwise on the Lagoons noted 1 WHIMBREL,2 LRP,3 TURNSTONE,32 BLACKWITS,4 DUNLIN,40 LAPWING,9 OYSTERCATCHERS and a GREENSHANK. Phil Thompson Wednesday 30-Jul-2003 Gwent If you have had any trouble entering your sightings please e-mail me on Phil.thompson@care4free.net Adrian Hickman Friday 18-Jul-2003 Gwent 18th July.Productive morning visit.The ADULT SPOONBILL still present.Also of note 3 eclipse GARGANEY and a good variety of waders inc 5 LRP,1 ad+4 young AVOCETS,2 SNIPE,2 TURNSTONE,2 WHIMBREL,a smart REEVE,c150 DUNLIN,4/5 COMMON SAND,and 32 BLACKWITS etc.Two YELLOW WAGS and a WHINCHAT added to the migratory feel.Also pleased to see 2 broods of 6&7 very young TUFTED DUCK.(At least I think they were different broods!) mike bosley Thursday 17-Jul-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir LR, Tuesday 15th PM. 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull amongst LBB Gulls and Black Heads on spit in front of Glascoed (Fisherman's) car park. Any gull afficianados care to confirm? Apologies for late posting - tried on Tuesday without success. mike bosley Thursday 17-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Following the strong winds overnight, at least a couple of dozen Manx Shearwaters offshore at Goldcliff this AM. Adult Spoonbill still present on lagoons. Vaughan Thomas Wednesday 16-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Whoops! This is the message that should have preceded the last one. Tue. 15/7 Goldcliff lagoons 6.30-7.45 p.m. One adult Spoonbill (orange-ringed on both legs) seen in flight and later resting on second lagoon, crest clearly visible. Definitely not one of the three birds seen a few weeks ago. Also present were 2 Greenshank, 2 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 juvenile Avocet, plus numerous Black-tailed Godwits, Redshanks, Sand Martins etc. (and of course those Little Egrets!) Vaughan Thomas Wednesday 16-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Tue. eve. - forgot to say there were also fourteen Little Egrets. At one point, twelve of these were busily preening right next to the sleeping Spoonbill. John Wilson Tuesday 15-Jul-2003 Peterstone Gout Tues 15th Gout - forgot ... 1 Sedge Warbler at nest site - carrying foecal sac. John Wilson Tuesday 15-Jul-2003 Peterstone Gout Tues 15th Jul Peterstone Gout - lo tide: 4 Common Sand, 1 Little Egret, 50 Lapwing, 1 imm Cuckoo Ruth Brown Monday 14-Jul-2003 Abergavenny 13 July ( Sunday) Hummingbird Hawk moth in garden in centre of Abergavenny. John Evans Sunday 13-Jul-2003 Usk Saturday 12th July approx 1900 on the River Usk at high tide near the Moorings were at least 57 Lapwing, at least 30 Redshank, Skylark, Sparrowhawk over and a few Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings in the, um, reeds. Mal Jenkins Sunday 13-Jul-2003 Abertillery Goshawk, at 0930 this morning, soaring near Abertillery); insert into sightings values ( Darryl Spittle Friday 11-Jul-2003 Gwent Assuming the rings on the 'adult' Spoonbill mentioned below were incribed 'AC' then it's an immature bird ringed last year in south-west Holland. Of course if it is an adult and the rings say something else we have at least 4 Spoonbills knocking around. G Noakes T Griffiths Friday 11-Jul-2003 Gobion July 11th: Morning visit to Godcliff at low tide. We noted all the species seen yesterday by Adrian Hickman, in very similar numbers. In addition, an adult Spoonbill circled overhead then dropped into the first lagoon, allowing us to read the orange colour rings it was wearing. At midday we saw 2 Green Sandpipers at Gobion. chris west Friday 11-Jul-2003 Trelleck Nightjar and woodcock clearly heard and seen near Trelleck between 10.00pm and 11.00pm. 14th June 2003. Beware of biting insects! Adrian Hickman Thursday 10-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff.Morning visit,10th July.Despite low tide good selection of waders,many on the 1st Lagoon;5 AVOCETS-1 of the ads has deserted the family! but the 4 young are doing well, 80+ LAPWING,9 RINGED PLOVER,no less than 21 LRP'S !,56 REDSHANK,1 GREENSHANK,c20 DUNLIN,3 COMMON SAND & 1 GREEN SAND. Also of note was a HOBBY and c50 SAND MARTINS. John Bennett Thursday 10-Jul-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Yesterday evening at Llandegfedd reservoir(9th July).3 Common sandpipers,about 25 Lapwing and good numbers of breeding species.Butterflies observed included Marbled white and a few Purple hairstreaks. Keith Jones Wednesday 09-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff late morning, walking to sea wall, and back. Birds of note include 1 Little Grebe heard, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 5 Mute swan, 48 Shelduck, 20 ad 4 fl Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 17 adult 9 fl Coot, 17 adult 9 Juv Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Oystercatcher, 17 Common Redshanks, 1 Greenshanks, 16 Dunlin, 20 Curlew, 10 Black Tailed Godwit. as far as I could see 2 adult 3 juv Avocet, the one adult fearlessly protective giving chase to any bird coming near including Black Headed Gull, and Swallow. 164 Black Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher on reen parallel to the footpath, 18 Swallow, 8 Sand, Martin, 24 House Martin, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Nuthatch, and 19 other species.); insert into sightings values ( John Wilson Tuesday 08-Jul-2003 Peterstone Gout Tues 15th Jul - Peterstone Gout - high tide: 3 Blackwit, 90 Lapwing, 60 Redshank, 2 Little Egret, 2 Heron, pairs of Shelduck with [a] 4 downy chicks and [b] 4 medium sized juvs plus a lone gathering of 8 adult sized but not yet full winged imms. and 3 Common Sand. Keith Jones Tuesday 08-Jul-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth at high tide (7.7.03) walking from entrance of Power Station, around lagoons, up Farmfield Lane to Nash, completing walk at Straights Lane. Although recorded 47 species, rather quite in activity, and sound. Lot of evidence of some bree Dawn Higgs Monday 07-Jul-2003 Sugar Loaf 6.7.03 Sat in friends house on Llanwenarth Breast up the Sugar Loaf, drinking wine, as you do! and a buzzard flew past the window carrying a rabbit. Keith Roylance & Mick Bailey Sunday 06-Jul-2003 Goetre Wood Returning from official opening of Goetre Wood, noticed a Heron in the pond in the field opposite the wood. Whilst watching the Heron, it took two/three wingbeats,then with beak and feet entering the pond together caught an eel of significant size in fairly deep water,(body, part submerged). When Heron regained bank and upright the eel caught at the head was close to touching the ground - 18-24''? Is this the 'Diving Heron' reported earlier this year along the canal? John o sullivan Friday 04-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliffe, again no sign of white-rumped.Close views of wood sand, also green and common sandpiper. Good numbers of Little ringed plover, redshank, oystercatcher, 2 greenshank,10 black tailed godwit,small numbers of little egret.At saltmarsh lane the greylag goose still present with 3 little egret. john o sullivan Thursday 03-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff no sign of white-rumped this evening at golcliffe.Wood sand, avocet,numbers of dunlin,redshank, little egret etc. Dawn Higgs Thursday 03-Jul-2003 Gwent 2.7.03 Two herons in field at Cadvor Farm, Govilon by the A465 and a male bullfinch at the Day Hospital, Nevill Hall (which the patients alerted me to, because they didn't know what it was!) Darryl Spittle Wednesday 02-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Pools 02/07/03 pm - 1 adult White-rumped Sandpiper, 1 Wood Sandpiper, plus the usual Avocets (pair + 4 young), etc. Keith Jones Wednesday 02-Jul-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Called in at Ynys y Fro reservoirs this evening (2.7.03). Nothing on south pool, all on the north with 1 Little Grebe (heard), 1 Mute Swan, 1 Bar headed Goose in the company of 3 .Canada. Seen this bird quite a few times last year, but this is my first siting this year. 14 Mallard with another female in the company of 4 well grown young, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 female Ruddy Duck, 28 Coot, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, and 2 Jay. Darren Hughes Wednesday 02-Jul-2003 Wyesham 2nd July 2 Peregrins over Wyesham calling.Headed of towards Trelleck at a great rate off knots. John o sullivan Tuesday 01-Jul-2003 Bassaleg Above Bassaleg School,1 male yellow wagtail,a very pale 'frosted' common buzzard, and on the trout lakes 1 female tufted( 7 chicks), 1 great crested grebe, 1 little grebe, 42 canada geese, and broods of mallard and coot. Keith Jones Tuesday 01-Jul-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning (1.7.03) dodging the worse of the showers, a rather good range of stuff present. These included 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, the 3 Spoonbill still present, 5 Mute Swan, 65 Shelduck, 66 Mallard (including 3 sets of young: 10, 5, and 6), 22 Teal, 5 Pintail, 4 Tufted Duck which included 1 female with 8 recently fledged young (just off the 3rd platform), 1 Buzzard, 16 Coot, 4 Moorhen. The waders included 23 Lapwing, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 16 Common Redshanks, 5 adult 1 juv Avocet, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, and 69 Black Headed Gull. Also 1 singing Marsh Tit, and 1 Reed Warbler (Food for young). Keith Jones Sunday 29-Jun-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited the northern shore of Llandegfedd Reservoir, the early evening of 28th June, didn't walk much nursing a knee injury from Birding on Monday. Spent about 50 minutes at the feeding station My wife, and I were rewarded by the presence of 18 species Chris Jones Saturday 28-Jun-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff lagoons this morning. 3 imm Spoonbill, 6 Avocets [4 chicks flying around the lagoons], 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 1st summer imm Little Gull. Keith Roylance Thursday 26-Jun-2003 Cwmbran Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding for 15mins+ at Peanut feeder in garden at Coed Eva, Cwmbran. second sighting this week. Other garden visitors are the usual Greenfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird, - all with juveniles.Blue & Great Tit. Male & Female Bullfinch regular to a ground feeder. Three juvenile Magpies playing havoc with Hanging Baskets - pulling out and discarding the moss, also pulling off petals from surfinia flowers.. Robert M PRICE, BLACKWOOD Wednesday 25-Jun-2003 Newbridge 21/06/03 While waiting for my children to finish swimming I noticed a single cormorant drying its wings on top of one of the floodlights near the Trecelyn Viaduct Newbridge. Also I seen a single cormorant flying south along the sirhowy river north of the Rock&Fountain pub Blackwood. During last Autumn I also observed three gooseander on the same river. John O'Sullivan Wednesday 25-Jun-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Y.R sunday 24th. Bar headed goose, 3 canada geese, two great crsted grebes, otherwise quiet. john o'sullivan Monday 23-Jun-2003 GLWR Uskmouth covered from uskmouth to saltmarsh lane then goldcliff lagoons,no sign of spoonbills. Good mumbers of L.R.P.(goldcliff and saltmarsh),Little egrets(small no's at all sites) , cettis warblers seemingly every where in suitable habitat, also one briefly flying down lane in front of bike.The avocets remain at goldcliff also one black tailed godwit,one dunlin. John Bennett Monday 23-Jun-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 3 Spoonbill at Goldcliff lagoons early am on Sunday(22-06-03)which flew off after being disturbed by the farmer rounding up the sheep. Keith Jones Sunday 22-Jun-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth early afternoon of 21.6.03. Walked from Power Station entrance along lagoons, up Saltmarsh Lane, taking the footpaths to emerge just beyond Redhouse Farm. At Uskmouth no trace of the Whooper Swan which I haven't seen this month, but); insert into sightings values ( Eddie Wang Wednesday 18-Jun-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 18.6.03 - Goldcliff Pools 0900-0945 Just a quick visit before 'misty rain stopped play' 3 Spoonbill, 2 Little Egret, good numbers of waders including 4 Black-tailed Godwit, ~60 Dunlin, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Lapwing Darren Hughes Tuesday 17-Jun-2003 Gwent 7.15am just watched a Hobby soaring high over my garden feeding, prey item House Martin.It dropped its head in the garden!! Darren Hughes Tuesday 17-Jun-2003 Gwent 7.15am just watched a Hobby soaring high over my garden feeding, prey item House Martin.It droped its head in the garden!! Dawn Higgs Tuesday 17-Jun-2003 Gwent 6.6.03 Greater spotted woodpecker on bark of silver birch at Day hospital grounds Nevill Hall. The day before I actually approached a young crow and picked him up! (parent were going nuts), he was cornered in some net fence and was grateful to get out(I Keith Jones Monday 16-Jun-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning at high tide (16.6.03), a glorious day with ten different waders: 35 Lapwing, 11 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Turnstone, 11 Common Redshanks, 16 Dunlin, 1 Avocet, 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 2 adult with 4 young Oystercatchers, and a single Curlew Sandpiper. Also 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egrets, 2 Mute Swan, 36 Shelduck, 103, and 4 fl Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 5 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 40 Black Headed Gull, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 1 Common Whitethroat, 1 male Bullfinch. ); insert into sightings values ( Roger Barnes Friday 13-Jun-2003 Usk message for John Bennett ref:- Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Usk What time of day would you suggest is best to view these birds ? Also how active/mobile are they ?); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Friday 13-Jun-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir today (13.6.03), walking just over 6 kilometres recording all seen, and heard. A few mammals noted with 1 rabbit, 3 Grey Squirrel, and while strolling to Bert's Hide, a single Badger walking in front of me without a care John Bennett Friday 13-Jun-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Family group of lesser spotted woodpeckers around gardens in Usk(Mill street area).This happens almost without fail at this time of year. Also Squacco heron seen at Uskmouth on Wednesday. Keith Jones Tuesday 10-Jun-2003 Usk Just got back from Atlas work in the Llangybi tetrad (39Y), with some good sittings. Just below Twyn Farm noticed a Hobby, and Buzzard sparing in the sky together. The Hobby which was flying south must have passed close to the Buzzards nest site, hence the challenge. Eventually after a few dives at the Buzzard, the Hobby flew off. The Last time I noticed anything like this was on 31.7.68 at Creag na Doire Duible, Scotland when Phil Llewellyn and I had a single Peregrine, Golden Eagle, and Buzzard sparing in the sky together. Also 2 male Goosanders, and two very agitated Common Sandpipers on the River Usk, one of which was feigning injury. Got rather wet when it started to rain heavily. I was waiting for my bus, but couldn't use the bus shelter because a pair of Swallows were feeding young. What we do for birds. George Noakes Monday 09-Jun-2003 Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire weekend 7th/8th June. Thanks to the good weather we spent an excellent day on Skomer Island on Saturday, enjoying close range views of Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills. A Peregrine pursuing a Pigeon at the Wick provided a thrilling spect Keith Jones Monday 09-Jun-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Walked Uskmouth, up Saltmarsh Lane, completing walk at the road, early morning 9.6.03. Count: 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, the Whooper Swan heard but not seen, 6 adult, 5 fl Mute Swan 8 Shelduck, 17 adul Mal Jenkins Monday 09-Jun-2003 Cwmtillery SAT 7th June:-female Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding young at nest hole in dead tree, North of Cwmtillery. Clive Jones Monday 09-Jun-2003 Pembrokeshire Well done GOS members on your Weekend trip to Pembrokeshire. I was fortunate enough to have a similar experience, finding a Bee-eater on Skomer on May 1st. I wonder if yours was the same bird? The bird on Skomer flew up the North Valley, and never re-appeared, but I understand you got better views. Look forward to reading about it in 'Your sightings'. Keith Jones Friday 06-Jun-2003 Peterstone Walked up the coast from Peterstone village to the gout, and the Pill at high tide this morning (4th June). Fairly quite but present 1 Great Crested Grebe in gout, 1 Cormorant,1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 166 Mallard, 12 Shelduck, plus another 2 adults, with 9 fledglings just off the Pill, 11 Tufted Duck in the gout. Also 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Redshanks, 9 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, and 1 Cuckoo. George Noakes Wednesday 04-Jun-2003 Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire weekend June 7th/8th: Meet at the Martin's Haven National Trust car park at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The first crossing is at 10 a.m. but a queue system operates. I believe that the crossing costs œ7 return and there is a landing fee of œ6. If you are late, join us on the island. Adrian Hickman Tuesday 03-Jun-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Lagoons.Tues 3rd June(am).Flock of c105 Dunlin included 1 ist Summer Curlew Sandpiper & a Sanderling.Also 4 Blackwits & 2 Teal present.At least 3 Avocet chicks still around but have moved to N end of Bec Lagoon where difficult to see. Oystercatcher behaviour suggests that they have chicks now! John Evans Tuesday 03-Jun-2003 Usk 02/06/03 - 19 Lapwings on the Usk off the Moorings, St Julians at the evening high tide. Plenty of Reed Warblers around, also. John Bennett Monday 02-Jun-2003 Wentwood 29-05-03.Good views of nightjars in Wentwood between Cadira Beeches and Nine Wells,also seen towards 5 Paths.Woodcock also present. 31-05-03.Club-tailed dragonfly seen on R. Wye north of Monmouth. steve doolan Saturday 31-May-2003 Cwmbran HOBBY FLYING WEST OVER LLANYRAFON CWMBRAN APPROX 14.45PM 31.5.03 ALSO ON USK VALLEY WALK 1 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER SEEN IN GROUNDS OF BERTHOLEY HOUSE GRID REF;397 945. PS DOGS ARE FRIENDLY. Bryn Burgess Saturday 31-May-2003 Caldicot Pill Caldicot Pill 31/5/03 Early morning tide. 13 Eider including 1 male seen for about 15 mins before flying down channel. (A small flock had been reported on the Avonmouth side of the estuary recently) Two Sanderling also present amongst a small flock of Dunlin & Ringed plover. Interesting a winter plumaged Dunlin, tried to turn it something more interesting but call gave it away! Adrian Hickman Friday 30-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff GREAT NEWS.It's official.AVOCETS are breeding at Goldcliff!and this is the 1ST BREEDING RECORD for WALES!The pair arrived on 17th April settling on the western most Lagoon(Bec).Courtship/territorial behaviour was noted and incubation began on 29th.They now have 4 superb chicks! (viewable from perimeter fence by sea wall at S end of site). So this excellent site now has 6 species of breeding Wader;Lapwing,RP,LRP,Redshank,Avocet & Oystercatcher.Only the latter have yet to hatch young & this should be any day! (threat of egg collectors prevented the official release of the Avocet news until now) Adrian Hickman Friday 30-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff GREAT NEWS.It's official.AVOCETS are breeding at Goldcliff!and this is the 1ST BREEDING RECORD for WALES!The pair arrived on 17th April settling on the western most Lagoon(Bec).Courtship/territorial behaviour was noted and incubation began on 29th.They now have 4 superb chicks! (viewable from perimeter fence by sea wall at S end of site). So this excellent site now has 6 species of breeding Wader;Lapwing,RP,LRP,Redshank,Avocet & Oystercatcher.Only the latter have yet to hatch young & this should be any day! (threat of egg collectors prevented the official release of the Avocet news until now) Mick Bailey Wednesday 28-May-2003 Cwmbran Tues 27 May 2003. Dave Hutton tells me he had a Spotted Flycatcher on hedge above Thornhill, Cwmbran (ST271964). Also Redstart a few hundred yards to the NW, then tons of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits on top of Mynydd Maen. Keith Jones Wednesday 28-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this afternoon (28th May). The usual, and unusual present including 3 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Crane being mobbed by Black Headed Gulls, and Lapwing. This bird was seen, on two occasions at very close range,last seen at 1505 flying north west over Pill. Also present 7 Mute Swan, 10 Shelduck, 108 Mallard, 4 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 2 Oystercatdhers, 17 adult, and at least 3 fl Lapwing, 15 adult, about 3 fl Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 10 Common Redshanks, 6 Black Tailed Godwits, 3 Great Black Backed Gulls, and 1 Cuckoo, plus the usual passerines etc. John Wilson Wednesday 28-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Weds 28th May Goldcliff. Waders with chicks including, inter alia, Redshank [pair with 3 chicks] and LRP [pair with 1 chick]. 13 Blackwits and 3 Little Egret present. Also an imm Marsh Harrier flew through, then circled very high and headed off SE over the channel. Keith Jones Tuesday 27-May-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth on the afternoon of 26th May, walking from the entrance of the Power Station, around the lagoons, following the coast track to the edge of the ash pans, and followed it to the car park. Over 50 species seen including 2 Little Grebes, 1 G Steven Butler Andrew Baker Thursday 22-May-2003 Gwent 39 Stock Dove Llanellen 27/5/03 at 20.45 John Bennett Wednesday 21-May-2003 Wentwood Pair of nightjars in Wentwood between Cadira Beeches and Nine wells and at least one more churring nearby(Tuesday at ~9pm).Also several woodcock roding(~4). Darren Hughes Tuesday 20-May-2003 Gwent Hobby hunting over the Wye Bridge @ 4.30 yesterday 19th Point taken Ian sorry misunderstood. Keith Jones Monday 19-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning missing the showers. A fair selection of waders including 7 Lapwing, 23 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Oystercatchers, 2 Common Redshanks, 17 Dunlin, 8 Whimbrel, 6 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 Turnstone, and 4 Knot. Also present 1 Cormorant, 4 Mute Swan, 24 Shelduck, 43 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, and 1 Peregrine. In a field just south of Whitson Court a single Black Swan, and opposite 13 Mute Swan grazing in another field. But the highlight of the day was a single Hawfinch bounding over tree tops near Goldcliff Church. John Bennett Monday 19-May-2003 GLWR Goldcliff At Goldcliff point on Sunday(18th) 3 manx shearwaters,a few hirundines and a cuckoo(and lots of raindrops). John O'Sullivan Monday 19-May-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir On the subject of Hobby.One over Y.R Sunday. Andy Rowlands Sunday 18-May-2003 Gwent Darren, I think the point that Ian was trying to make is that Martins and Swallows make a different alarm call when a Hobby is in the vicinity than they do for a Sparrowhawk. It is also different to that made for a Kestrel i.e. species specific. Darren Hughes Sunday 18-May-2003 Gwent Ian alarm calls from Pass when a Hobby is in the area are not audble Martins & Swallow's really yell out alarm calls that will be the most noticable calls very few passerines will call at a Hobby.Hurindins go ballistick when one is near this comes from 17 years on the south coast. George Noakes Sunday 18-May-2003 Cotswold Water Park May 18th: The highlights of today's GOS field trip to Cotswold Water Park were: 4 Temminck's Stints, 2 Nightingales and a flock of 6 Hobbies quartering low over the side of a lake in heavy rain. Ian Smith Sunday 18-May-2003 Monmouth Sunday 2.45pm. Hobby just hedge hopped my garden fence (1.5m) at phenominal speed through garden, passing within 2metres of me. Took 1m wide gap between trees and bushes projecting above remainder of solid panel fence. Then went on to climb steeply to clear 3m high hedge by 2-300mm. Target was a mix of House Martins and Swifts. Dont' be fooled into assuming that the next BOP low through your garden has to be a Sparrowhawk. The local birds are not, as their alarm calls are always species specific and spot on. My problem now, when hearing Hobby alarm, is whether to look up or look down ! Ian Smith Friday 16-May-2003 Monmouth Wednesday 14th. Hobby hunting into gardens around 4.30pm and then sightseeing overhead nearer 7.30pm. Osbaston, Monmouth. This is turning out to be the best year yet for local sightings of this Falcon. Keith Jones Thursday 15-May-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth during the early morning (15.5.03). Walked from the Power Station end to the lagoons, followed the shore to Farmfield track, and road to Nash. 49 different birds noticed including 3 Little Grebe. 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Whooper Swa John Bennett Wednesday 14-May-2003 Wentwood Nightjar churring in Wentwood this morning(14-05-03,4-30am)and a good selection of other birds contributing to the dawn chorus. Ian Smith Tuesday 13-May-2003 Cwmbran Monday 12th May. Hobby over County Hall, Cwmbran at 2.10pm. Then a very probable Honey Buzzard, mobbed by Rooks whilst struggling west over A449/A40 intersection around 5.45pm. Passage bird linked to erratic winds and rain showers of the day ? Darren Hughes Tuesday 13-May-2003 Monmouth Hobby hunting Martins again over Monmouth School 4 Boys this afternoon are they breeding locally?? Keith Jones Friday 09-May-2003 Usk Although this is my third Atlas involvement since the BTO UK Atlas of 1968 - 1972 you always learn something new. Not only is it advisable to visit the same locality to confirm the presence of a singing bird, but a several visits can be very useful. I was visiting one of my tetrads at the Moorings today (9.5.03) to follow up singing Reed Warblers, and Skylark, but added both Reed Bunting, and Meadow Pipit to the square also. It only took five visits to locate them! Also on the River Usk in the company of 13 Mute Swan, a single Chinese Goose.); insert into sightings values ( Darren Hughes Wednesday 07-May-2003 Monmouth Buzzard,Goshawk,Sparrowhawk & Hobby all over Monmouth town center in the space off 10 minutes now thats quite impressive!! Keith Jones Wednesday 07-May-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Walked most of Llandegfedd Reservoir today (7.5.03), counting all birds seen, or heard, and netting 46 species. 59 Great Crested Grebe, including 1 young bird, and 2 on the nest (on), 3 Mute Swan (1on), 42 Canada Geese, including 4 chicks, and 2 on,. 24 + 1 on Coot, 2 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, plus 6 chicks, 3 Moorhen, 4 Cormorant, 19 Grey Heron, 19 Wood Pigeon, 3 Jay, 5 Raven, 3 Buzzard one of which was being mobbed by a single Lesser Black Backed Gull. Also the following number of birds singing: 20 Wren, 9 Dunnock, 13 Blackcap, 3 Garden Warbler, 14 Willow Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff, 2 Common Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Goldcrest, 13 Blue Tit, 8 Great Tit, 5 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Robin, 18 Chaffinch, 5 Goldfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 3 Reed Bunting. Finally 1 singing Pied Flycatcher. Eddie Wang Wednesday 07-May-2003 Peterstone Gout Peterstone Gout - 6th May, 0900-1020. Unexpectedly high tide. 12 Whimbrel, 1 Little Egret (flew east), Great Crested Grebe still present. Steve Butler & Rob Mu ller Sunday 04-May-2003 Abergavenny 4 May 2003 8.00 am - 10.30 am Castle Meadows Abergavenny 2 pr Kingfisher 1 pr dipper with chicks 1 pr Common Sandpiper 1 pr Grey Wagtail 3 Mandarin duck 1 Goosesander with 7 ducklings 1 Oyster Catcher 1 pr Buzzard with Goshawk Good variety of birds in such a small area. ); insert into sightings values ( Steve Butler Saturday 03-May-2003 St Mary's Vale Dawn Chorus St Mary's Vale. (05:30 - 10:30hrs) Extremely productive meeting for the early birds of the Gos society. 43 species observed during the walk. During the walk in Woodland, Mounting and moorland habitats the following species were recorded. 3 Redstart,4 Cuckkoo, 1 pair Pied Flycatchers, Nuthatch, Song & Mistle Thrush, Great & Green Woodpeckers, Buzzard, Kestrel, Goldcrest, Linnet, 3 Yellow Hammers, Willow & Garden Warblers, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Meadow & Tree Pipit, Wood pigeon, Jackdaw, Swift, Swallow, Bullfinch, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wood Warbler, Skylark, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Raven, Great & Blue Tit, Grey Wagtail, Blackcap, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Magpie, Ferrel Pigeon. The highlight of the walk was spectacular views of singing Grasshopper Warbler, excluding George & John (Grip Grip). Thanks to Dawn for providing breakfast. ); insert into sightings values ( Helen Parry Jones Saturday 03-May-2003 Gwent Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) visit to ST3495 (Llandegvedd Village), 06:59-08:43, 3rd May 2003. Fairly quiet, 26 species recorded but surprisingly no Buzzards, Ravens, Gulls or Swallows. However these omissions were more than compensated for by extremely close, and therefore good, views of male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming. This is the first time I have registered this bird on my BBS survey since 1994, though I have encountered it on 2 of my winter farmland bird surveys. It was also good to register 4 Lapwings this year. Three were recorded in 1995, nothing then until 6 in 2002 in a different farmer's field. This year's birds are in the same fields (maize) as last year's. The fields have been ploughed and planted, so hopefully they will be successful if they can avoid predation by crows and gulls. I trust the early visit to St Mary's Vale was productive Jeff Fisher Friday 02-May-2003 St Mary's Vale St. Mary's Vale - Missed male Bullfinch from yesterdays sightings list. G TThorne Friday 02-May-2003 GLWR Uskmouth GoldCliffe Pools 02/05 10.30am amongst other birds,6 BlacktailGodwits 1 Whimbrel also 3 Whichats.Uskmouth Reserve Large mixed flock H/Martins S/Martins Swifts feeding Top r/h pool on hatching insects,Swallows feeding over field.Weather cold and very windy. Jeff Fisher Friday 02-May-2003 Abergavenny 29th April/1st May - St. Mary's Vale (Abergavenny): Pair of Pied Flycatcher + single male, two pairs of Nuthatch, pair of Grey Wagtail, single male Redstart, three Wood Warbler, Sparrowhawk, pair Ravens displaying, pair Jay, single G.S. Woodpecker plus plenty of Blue & Great Tit, Wren & Robin. Chris Jones Thursday 01-May-2003 Peterstone Peterstone this evening 1st May. Just2 Teal and single Little Egret, Sanderling, Cetti's Warbler and Great Crested Grebe. At Sluice Farm a female Ring-necxked Duck was present just offshore for about 30 mins before eventually flying inland towards St Mellons. Dawn Higgs Wednesday 30-Apr-2003 Gwent Bit behind on my sightings! 17.2.03 wren in garden Clydach, pecking at the bottom of a plant container. 18.2.03 Song thrush on lawn in garden Clydach. 24.3.03 and 26.3.03 Again wren foraging on ground in day hospital grounds at Nevill Hall Hospital. 25.3.03 and 26.3.03 Long tailed tit hanging off silver birch again at Nevill Hall, also greenfinch on bird table. 27.3.03 Again greenfinch at Nevill Hall plus two long tailed tits together. 28.3.03 Two tree creepers one greenfinch and again two long tailed tis at Nevill Hall. 13.4.03 Goldfinch on birdtable in garden at Clydach. 17.4.03 Two swifts St.Elli Church Gilwern. 29.4.03 Male and female siskin (thanks to S.B.!) feeding furiously on the tiny amount of nuts left in nut holder in garden at Clydach. 30.4.03 Goldfinch feeding on roadside in Clydach and our beloved male blackbird with a white head who we see most days. Eddie Wang Wednesday 30-Apr-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge Wednesday 30th April - 0830-1000 Peterstone Wentlooge At high tide at the Gout: 24+ Whimbrel, 2 Dunlin 4 Little Egret on the marsh. 4 Lesser Whitethroats Last Wednesday, 23rd April - 0900-1300 (apologies for the lateness of this!) Cetti's Warbler heard singing from lines of hedges/reeds on farmer's land between the Gout and the village. No sign today (30th). Also 3 Wheatear on rocks by the Gout. Ian Smith Tuesday 29-Apr-2003 Monmouth Monday 28th, Wonastow Road, Monmouth. Hobby hunting very low over residential gardens at 2pm. John O'Sullivan Monday 28-Apr-2003 Gwent Above Basaleg School,pair stonechats,singing male yellowhammer,female peregrine and 63(no typo)stock doves. Adrian Hickman Monday 28-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 28th April.Goldcliff Lagoons.Afternoon.11 Lapwing chicks,28 Blakwits,Common Sand,m Ruff,50+ Whimbrel,c180 Dunlin,15 Ringed Plover,2 LRP,1 Sanderling,2 Avocets,several Swifts,White Wags,Whitethroat and Merlin. Chris Jones Sunday 27-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Sea watch from Goldcliff Point between 06:20 - 09:50hrs. Minimum of 51 Gannets, 28 Fulmar, 68 Kittiwakes, all down channel. Also 3 Great Skuas [flying up channel], 2 Divers [1 of which was positively ID'd as a Red-throated], 1 Manx Shearwater, 20+ Commic Terns and 2 unidentified Auks. Keith Jones Sunday 27-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff this morning (27.4.03) although wind presented a few problems quite a bit of stuff seen: 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 8 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 39 Shelduck, 25 Mallard, 6 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 7 Coot, 14 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Redshanks, the 2 Avocets still present, 42 Whimbrel, 4 Black Tailed Godwits, 6 Swift, 16 House Martins, 2 Yellow Wagtail. Also at rest on the island on Bec Lagoon a single white goose, with orange - pink bill, pink legs, plumage all white, with black primaries showing. I assume this is the same bird I've now seen a few times in the same locality. Up until now its been white-grey, but is now all white. Also reported but not seen by myself 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a White Wagtail, and a few Dunlin. John Davies Sunday 27-Apr-2003 Abergavenny Hobby flying over Abergavenny Town at 13.00 Hours 27/4/03 Chris Jones Saturday 26-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Goldcliff early am 26th Apr - 1 adult Gannet upchannel at 07:15hrs. On the Lagoons the 2 Avocets remained along with 2 Knot, 35+ Whimbrel, 7 Bar-tailed Godwits and several Black-tailed Godwits. Also a single Greylag Goose. At Uskmouth reedbeds, several Cetti's Warblers, 1 of which, at the bottom of Farmfield Lane was showing exceptionally well. Keith Jones Friday 25-Apr-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Visited Ynys y Fro Reservoir today for 15 minutes. Generally quite, although movements of about 24 Swallow, and about 18 House Martins. Also noticed on the north reservoir a single female Mallard, with just one chick, which may suggest a heavy toll of her brood. Darren Hughes Thursday 24-Apr-2003 Monmouth Monmouth 6 SWift 4 House Martin 2 Yellow Wag 1 Sedge War 1Whincat Adrian Hickman Thursday 24-Apr-2003 Usk USK 23April 3 SWIFTS & 6 on 24th Steven Butler Thursday 24-Apr-2003 Abergavenny 1 male siskin on feeder in garden Abergavenny 24/4/03 G Noakes Thursday 24-Apr-2003 Abergavenny 24 April at the Castle Meadows Abergavenny: 2 Common Swifts and 1 Garden Warbler this afternoon. G.T.Thorne Thursday 24-Apr-2003 Gwent H/Martins seen along M4/M48 evening of 23/04/03,the late arrvival has started. Darren Hughes Wednesday 23-Apr-2003 Monmouth 2 Swift over Monmouth 23rd @ 4.30pm Keith Jones Wednesday 23-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth lagoons this afternoon (23.4.03) which was particularly good for warblers, netting 8 types. These included 8 Cetti's Warblers, 5 Reed Warblers, 7 Sedge Warblers, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers, singles of Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, and Blackcap. The latter birds were in song together in the same bush area, making good comparison. Also 5 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Little Egret, the Whooper Swan, 8 Mute Swan, with 2 on the nest, 36 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 2 Shelduck, 2 Raven, 3 Pheasant, and 2 Cuckoos. Also heard Whimbrel, but no trace by the time I reached the shore. Adrian Tuesday 22-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff GOLDCLIFF LAGOONS 22Apr.First Lapwing chicks of year!2 Avocets still present,14 Blackwits,10+ Whimbrel,Greenshank,Ruff,c50 sp Dunlin,Grey Plover,8 LRP,a superb sp Black Tern,Yellow and White Wags,and a Merlin. John Evans Tuesday 22-Apr-2003 Langstone At 15:20 a single Whitethroat was singing it's head off beside the Langstone Hilton car park. Also numerous Chiffies heard. john o'sullivan and brydie o'sullivan Tuesday 22-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth At uskmouth today were 11 little egrets, the whooper swan,and 3 cuckoos were seen together. Earlier at Y.R a whinchat was only the second record for me here in 13 years. Tim Hall Monday 21-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 19/4 0945-1115. Goldcliff 4 Whimbrel, 20+ Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Avocets, 8 Black Tailed Godwits, 2+ White Wagtails. 1130-1230. Salthouse Lane. 1 Cuckoo, several Blackcaps, Whitethroats. Reed, Cetti's and Sedge Warblers heard. Leyton Williams-Davies Monday 21-Apr-2003 Pontypool Cuckoo heard at Cwm Lickey Pontypool 21/04/03. Several Swallows at Penyrheol, Pontypool, also good numbers of Stonechat, Linnet and Wheatears. Adrian Hickman Sunday 20-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth.20/04.Good views fem Marsh Harrier over the reedbed lagoons c0945.Also nice variety of migrants inc Whimbrel(1)Cuckoo,Swallows,Sand&House Martins(4),male Whinchat, Wheatear,Reed,Sedge & Willow Warblers,Chiffs,Blackcap etc.Also 63 Tufties,c10 singing Cetti`s and 11 Little Grebies! Adrian Hickman Sunday 20-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth.20/04.Good views fem Marsh Harrier over the reedbed lagoons c0945.Also nice variety of migrants inc Whimbrel(1)Cuckoo,Swallows,Sand&House Martins(4),male Whinchat, Wheatear,Reed,Sedge & Willow Warblers,Chiffs,Blackcap etc.Also 63 Tufties,c10 singing Cetti`s and 11 Little Grebies! Hadyn Jones Saturday 19-Apr-2003 Collister Pill Collister Pill to Caldicot Pill-19th April-Migrant birds of interest were Whimbrel-47,Bar-Tailed Godwit-15,Knot-10,Greenshank-1,Turnstone-2,male Whinchat-1,Sedge Warbler-1,Common Whitethroat-3, plus a small passage of Swallows. George Noakes John Davies Saturday 19-Apr-2003 Bryn 19th April: at the Bryn today 1 yellow wagtail; 2 oystercatchers on the 18th and 1 male whinchat on the 17th at the same site. G T Thorne Friday 18-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth Pools 19/04 11/45am 2hr Visit.4Swallows.Whitethroat.3Reed Warblers.5 CettisWarblers.4 ChiffChaff.3 Cormorant.4 Little Grebe.2 Nesting MuteSwan.13Pair Tufted Duck.3Little Egret.Plus a Cock Pheasant calling in distance,other common species seen. Keith Jones Friday 18-Apr-2003 Peterstone Visited Peterstone including Gout, Pill, and towards the village at high tide this morning (18.4.03). Among the birds seen include 1 Great Crested Grebe on the Gout 4 Mute Swan which included 1 bird on the nest in the Gout, 11 Shelduck, 25 Mallard, 8 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Coot, 2 Oystercatchers, 38 Common Redshanks, 13 Dunlin, 7 Whimbrel, 1 Pheasant, 1 singing Garden Warbler, 1 singing Reed Warbler. Also reported but seen by myself, 1 Golden Plover, several Curlew, and Whimbrel. Darryl Spittle Thursday 17-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Pools this evening - 2 Avocet, 1 Yellow Wag, 4+ White Wags, 1 Wheatear, 6+ Whimbrel and 1 Ruff. Chris Jones Thursday 17-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Lagoons this morning [17th] - 2 Avocet, 39 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Knot and 2 Grey Plover amongst the usual selection. John Evans Thursday 17-Apr-2003 Usk Weds 16/04 a fairly large group of Sand Martins following the course of the Usk off The Moorings, St. Julians at about 2020 yesterday evening. Probably 50+ in number. Also Thurs 17/04 Reed Warbler singing at 0615 in the reedbed at the bottom of the Moorings - first one heard here this year. Hadyn Jones Wednesday 16-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Wed evening 16/4/03-Goldcliff lagoons-main birds-30 Whimbrel,35 Black-tailed Godwits,2 LRP's, 3 Little Egrets. Mick Bailey Wednesday 16-Apr-2003 Cwmbran Wed 16/04/2003 at 10:40. A singing Wood Warbler in top (west) end of wood between Maes-y-Rhiw and Thornhill estates, Cwmbran (ST273957). During the 1980s they used to hold territory here every year, normally starting singing on 5 or 6 May, but they ceased coming several years ago. So this is a very early arrival for this site. Will it stay? This observation was made during a circular 2-hour Migration Watch which yielded 6 Blackcaps, 9 Chiffchaffs and only 1 Willow Warbler. I find this typical of the year, with CC numbers high, BC moderate (and later) and WW very low. g t thorne Wednesday 16-Apr-2003 Gwent first garden warbler monbrec canal 17.15pm 16/04 song confirmed by 2cds. Keith Jones Tuesday 15-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff With the Atlas now taking priority, not much time to do much else, but did get down to Goldcliff this morning (15.4.03) when the tide was still well up. A fine still day logging 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Mute Swan, the grey-white goose again down on Goldcliff Pill estuary, 31 Shelduck, 26 Mallard, 132 Teal, 2 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 4 Moorhen, 6 Coot, 12 Lapwing, 1 Common Snipe drumming over the fields east of Monks Lagoon (Tetrad 38R), 8 Common Redshanks, 1 Greenshanks, 1 Ruff, 13 Black Tailed Godwits, 4 Bar Tailed Godwits. Down on the spartina 8 Whimbrel with 13 Curlew. Also a male Bullfinch, 1 Blackcap, 1 Pheasant, and 3 late Fieldfares. John Wilson Tuesday 15-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 15th April - Goldcliff: 3 Ruff & 20 Blackwits, also 1 Knot showing first signs of sum. plum. - all in the far lagoon from the gate, behind the sea wall. Also 4 Pintail still, 10 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler etc etc. John Wilson Tuesday 15-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Late news for yesterday [14th] at Goldcliff: one Orangetip seen in the small parking area by the main gate. Chris Dale Monday 14-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Caldicot Country Park (lets get away from Uskmouth and Goldcliffe!). Greater Sptd Woodpecker drumming most mornings (8am). Green Woodpeckers calling. Several Nuthatches. Little Owl (evening usually - been sited for the last few years). David Price Monday 14-Apr-2003 GLWR G.L.W.R Lagoons, Black Tailed godwit (42), House Martin(6), Swallow(6), Fieldfare(1), Sparrowhawk(1 male). John Wilson Monday 14-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Mon. 14th April - Goldcliff; 6 Blackwits, 4 LRP, many Lapwing already sitting M Jenkin / M Suller Monday 14-Apr-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Sat 12th April - Goldcliff lagoons 3 ruff from 3rd hide looking onto near shore of monks pool. John O'sullivan Sunday 13-Apr-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir very tame dunlin at Y.R,also long staying great-crest Mal Jenkins Saturday 12-Apr-2003 Cwmtillery 3 Canada Geese on Cwmtillery Lake (1st time seen here), Peregrine, Sparrowhawk/Goshawk, 4 Buzzards, and a Cormorant (up high, heading North, 4 Ravens.); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Saturday 12-Apr-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Thanks Helen, and Chris for clarifying Llandegfedd Reservoir access. Over the last week or so I've been starting the atlas work, the only item to report was a singing Garden Warbler in Lodge Wood, Caerleon on 10th April. George noakes Tuesday 08-Apr-2003 Abergavenny April 8th : The Bryn, near Abergavenny - 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 LRPs, 2 Curlews, 4 Swallows, 4 Goosanders, 18 LBB Gulls and about 25 Sand Martins at midday today. David Price Tuesday 08-Apr-2003 Trefil Quarry Trefil Quarry-2:00-4:00 Skylark(5), Snipe(4), Meadow pipit(12), Raven(1 pair), Wheatear(12), Kestrel(1), Pied wag(1), Grey Heron(1)!, Ring Ouzel(1) Wayne Morris Sunday 06-Apr-2003 GLWR GWLR, 6 April, 7:45-10:15. Drake Ring-necked Duck showing well in lagoon between stone plaque and sea-wall lighthouse, accompanying Tufted Ducks. At least 12 Litlle Egret in the area. Three Cetti's Warlbler heard but not seen, Snipe flushed at eastern end of reserve. Flock of over 30 Curlews at high-tide and pair of Ravens seen carrying nest materials towards poer station. Tom Forster Saturday 05-Apr-2003 Magor Walked along the seawall south of magor 15.30-16.30 today, saw 3 light bellied Brent Geese feeding by a channel on the mudflats about 1.25km SE of magor pill. Also in the same area ~30 Oystercatcher, 60+ Shellduck, 3 Wheatear, 1 Reed Buntimg and 4 Linnet. David Price Thursday 03-Apr-2003 GLWR GLWR Lagoons- 9:00-10:30- Little ringed plover (3), dunlin(6), redshank(20), ringed plover(4), Shelduck(148), Bt godwit (25), Chiff chaff (3) Redpools- 11:00-11:30 shoveler (10), teal(6), shelduck(10), chiff chaff (4). Keith Jones Thursday 03-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth at high tide on 3.4.02. A fine sunny day, and early morning so good for bird song. Walked from the entrance of the Power Station around, the lagoons, and walking up Farm House Lane to Nash. 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 G.Thorne risca Wednesday 02-Apr-2003 Bryn Visit to brynbach park tredegar 02/04 weather cold very windy 15 L/b/b/gull 5 H/gull 12 Coot several prs Mallard.2 G/C/Grebe plus 1 sitting on nest in reeds by no 3 island.No sign of any migrants around lake area. Keith Jones Wednesday 02-Apr-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir today 2.4.03. Bird count included 35 Great Crested Grebe, 14 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 7 Mallard, 17 Tufted (Including 2 pairs), 3 Buzzard, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 1 Common Snipe, 3 Green Woodpecker, 7 Swallow, 14 Mick Bailey Wednesday 02-Apr-2003 Cwmbran 2/04/03 11:30 Canal just S of Ty Coch, Cwmbran (ST292935). Possible male RED-FOOTED FALCON. Evidence: a Cornish visitor walking the canal from Newport told Keith Roylance and myself that he had just seen what he thought was a Hobby. However, he had noticed red on the head as well as feet. Blue-grey both above and below. Had not noticed any steaks or bars. Tended to fly low over the water. Had also seen it perched. It flew off westwards. He was not a birder as such, but obviously took an informed interest eg he had just noticed a Grey Wagtail. I have rung Chris Jones who feels it is a bit early for R-F F, but thinks it worthwhile alerting birders to be on the look-out. Martin Collier and Kay Howell Tuesday 01-Apr-2003 Gwent This Thursday 03/04/03 in the Castle room at Newport Centre an opportunity to talk with prospective assembly members for Newport at an Environmental question time. The session starts at 7:00pm so come along and have your say! STEVEN BUTLER JOHN DAVIES Tuesday 01-Apr-2003 GLWR Uskmouth GWENT LEVELS WETLAND RESERVE 30/3/03 TIME 17.00 TO 20.00 GOLDCLIFF 2 RUFF 31BLACK TAILED GODWIT 54 REDSHANK 4 OYSTERCATCHER 4 RINGED PLOVER 98 SHELDUCK 10 PINTAIL AND AT USKMOUTH REEDBEDS 2 BITTERN 6WATER RAIL 10 LITTLE GREBE 10 CETTIS WARBLER 16.03.03 GREAT WHITE EGRET SEEN FLYING IN TO ROOST AT REED BEDS USKMOUTH AT 18.00HRS. OBSERVED BY MYSELF AND JOHN DAVIES.); insert into sightings values ( Keith Jones Monday 31-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth at low tide, 31.3.03. Birds present included, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 8 Little Egret, 1 Whooper Swan, 10 Mute Swan including 2 on the nest. 6 Shelduck, 13 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 69 Tufted Duck, and 3 Pochard. Also noticed a hybred Scaup-Tufted Duck female (Bill, and white distribution suggests Scaup, back end suggests Scaup, smooth head suggests Scaup, and bill length suggests Tufted Duck. Also a possible hybred male Pochard - Tufted Duck: very dark red, and smooth head, rest of body suggests a male Pochard, yet in flight distinct white wing bar noticed. This bird was very wary. Also a Peregrine, Buzzard, female Hen Harrier, 4 Moorhen, 2 Water Rail, 18 Coot, 1 Oystrecatcher, 9 Curlew, 2 Pheasant, 6 Cettis Warblers, 1 Backcap, 10 Chafficaff, 5 Reed Bunting, and 4 Raven. Mike Jenkin Monday 31-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff lagoons- 30/03/03- noon Ringtail hen harrier low in front of lagoon (from 2nd hide). Harrassed a couple of skylarks before rising and making off over sea wall. Mal jenkins Sunday 30-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Goldcliff and Uskmouth today: 12 L.Egret, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 fem Kestrel, Shelduck, 5 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, Mute and Whooper Swan, Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Little Grebe, 2 Water Rail, 5 Cetti's Warbler and every bush and tree seemed to contain a singing Chiffchaff. dave deboo Sunday 30-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Weeekend visit to mother in law! Saw 3 Avocet and a LRP on 29/03/03 at Goldcliffe. Heard and had decent views of Cetti's Warbler on 30/03/03 at Gwent levels. Lovely weather, met v.friendly birders. Will be back soon for a longer stay.); insert into sightings values ( G Noakes S Butler R Moeller A Pitcher Saturday 29-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff 29th March 2003 : this morning between 8.30 and 11 at Goldcliff lagoons, a ringtail Hen Harrier, 3 Avocets, 2 Ruffs and 2 LR Plovers. Keith Jones Friday 28-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff lagoons, and shore mid morning on 28.3.03. A very good day with 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 4 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 41 Shelduck, 51 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 37 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 17 Gadwall, including one biscuit coloured, with dark bill, tail area, and white speculums, 6 Tufted Duck. Also 15 Coot, 3 Moorhen,11 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 24 Common Redshanks, 2 Ruff the north end of Monks Lagoon, 3 Avocets, the southern part of Monks Lagoon, and a Greenshanks on the shore. A male Merlin shot passed, a Kingfisher on the reen by the hump back bridge, 2 singing Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Redwing, 5 Fieldfare, and a single Siskin in the village. MikeJenkin, Marc Suller Friday 28-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Lagoons 6.45-8.00am Three avocets on lagoon from 2nd hide. L R Plover on Island and fly-over goshawk. Well worth the early visit! Keith Jones Thursday 27-Mar-2003 Gwent Visited Lodge Wood today (27.3.03) start of Atlas work, good collection of stuff including Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Tree Creeper, Jay, Buzzard, Great , and Wood Woodpeckers. Also 1 singing Blackcap. g.thorne risca Thursday 27-Mar-2003 Crosskeys Willow warbler waunfawr bridge crosskeys gwent 26/03/03 Dylan Foster Evans Monday 24-Mar-2003 Gwent Sorry for the typo - read 'garganey'! Dylan Foster Evans Monday 24-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Also at Goldcliff Lagoons yesterday (23/3) one drake gargeny. Seen by several observers - early pm amongst the gadwalls, later with a pair of pintails. David Price Monday 24-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Lagoons-2:00-3:00 Black Tailed Godwit(14),Ruff(2),Gadwall(8) Redshank(20),Lapwing(12,pairs),Little Egret(3) Ringed Plover(1),Chiff Chaff(3). Leyton Williams-Davies Sunday 23-Mar-2003 Pontypool Red Kite over Cwmynyscoy, Pontypool 23/03/2003 at 17:00. Flying due west, soaring occaisonal leisurely wing beat. It's the first one I've seen in the area, unmistakable, a lovely sight. G Noakes S Butler A Pitcher Saturday 22-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Goldcliff Pools 22nd March: This morning, on the lagoons, 1 Ruff, 1 L.R. Plover, 5 Ringed Plovers, 34 Dunlins, 4 Barnacle Geese and 3 Little Egrets. mark molyneux Friday 21-Mar-2003 Monmouth I note that Jerry Lewis comments on page 7 of the March Dipper on the lack of Greenfinch recordings this winter. I planted last spring about two acres of wild bird cover in my farm in one large block beside a small wood. The predominant plants in the cover are kale, sunflower, millet and mustard. Through December and January we had a resident flock of about 200 greenfinch which fed on the sunflower seed and roosted in the adjacent wood. They have now gone, as have all the seeds in the sunflower heads. A few goldfinch joined the greenfinch, which were regularly chased by a sparrowhawk, Mark Molyneux Rockfield Park Rockfield Monmouth NP25 5QB 01600 715411 Keith Jones Friday 21-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff today (21.3.03) just after high tide, logging: 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 5 Mute Swan, 2 Grey Lag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 106 Shelduck, 38 Mallard, 69 Teal, 28 Wigeon, 1 male Shoveler, 12 Pintail, 10 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 male Pochard, 1 Buzzard, 2 Moorhen, 16 Coot, 18 Curlew, 8 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 35 Common Redshanks, 4 Dunlin, 1 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 3 (Singing) Chiffchaff, and 1 Raven. On the mouth of Goldcliff Pill, I saw the very light Grey Goose again. I've seen this several times now, always on the same location. On the Goldcliff levels at about ST 355 825 on 17.3.03 heard a very load single drawn out 'weoo' call at 1020hrs which I've never heard before. I've heard Tom cats, and the like, but not this. Didn't sound like a Mountain Lion, and African Lion I've heard on films. Could this be a big cat? ); insert into sightings values ( Dawn Higgs Friday 21-Mar-2003 Abergavenny Treecreeper, up and down silver birch bark, at day hospital grounds, Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny 21.3.03 Darren Hughes Thursday 20-Mar-2003 Monmouth Osprey north-east over Monmouth 11.10am 19th march Chris Jones Wednesday 19-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth At least 20 Little Egrets in the Saltmarsh Grasslands/Uskmouth Reedbeds area of the reserve from 16:30hrs. Also female Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Cetti's bursting into song from all areas and absolutly stunning views of a Bittern wandering around in the recently cut areas of the new reed beds. G.T.Thorne risca Wednesday 19-Mar-2003 Gwent 19/03/03 7am Newhouse farm estate Chepstow.Cettis Warbler small burst of song.Same area as last year,will listen further. John Evans Wednesday 19-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth At least ten Cetti's Warblers heard or seen at Uskmouth this morning, plenty of Chiffchaffs in the area, several Water Rails heard, Little Egret flew over. Also, Reed Buntings very lively there this morning. John R Bennett Wednesday 19-Mar-2003 Wentwood 19th March at Sluice Farm(early am).One jack snipe,2+ snipe,2 wheatear and 2 good candidates for water pipits.Also 10+ rock/water pipits.On saturday(15th) there was a hen harrier hunting in Wentwood in the large clearing near Cadira Beeches and an egyptian goose at Llandegfedd reservoir. david price Wednesday 19-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth uskmouth-(5) chiff chaff, (1) hen harrier Keith Jones Tuesday 18-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth, Nash, the Levels, to Boat Lane on 17.3.03 reaching the shore 2 hours after high tide. A total of 56 species. On the lagoons 2 Raven, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 81 Tufted Duck, 1 male Pochard, 5 Water Rail, 31 Coot, Chiffchaff, 17 singing Cetti's Warblers (my maxium count before was 14). On the Shore 45 Shelduck, 94 Mallard, 50 Wigeon, 10 Oystercatchers, and 12 Curlew. At Nash 22 Magpie together in a field. The levels had 3 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 5 Water Rail, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Snipe 6 Lapwing, 2 Common Redshanks, 19 Curlew, 2 Mute Swan, 16 Mallard, 15 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Redwing, and 11 Fieldfare. Between Nash - Salt Marsh Lane, and first part of Goldcliff 56 House Sparrow were counted. Hadyn Jones Sunday 16-Mar-2003 Magor This morning - 1 Blackcap singing(perhaps a summer visitor, or a winter visitor not yet left)+ 3 Chiffchaffs - Millfield Park area of Magor. Steven Butler John Davies Sunday 16-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 16/3/03 GWLR Goldcliff Lagoons AND Uskmouth 32 Redshank 72 Dunlin 1 Merlin 2 Skylark AtUskmouth reedbeds 1 Bittern 1 Short eared Owl 1 Kestrel 4 Little Egret 4 Little Grebe 2 Great Crested Grebe 14 Water Rail 11 Cetti'sWarbler 7 Sand Martin 5 Chiffchaff 1 Snipe 1Pochard and on the Foreshore 105 Pintail 130 Shelduck 22 Wigeon 160 Curlew 3 Black tailed Godwit 17 Oystercatcher 1 Female Hen Harrier. John Davies saw a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Flying over A40 AT Raglan All birds seen between the hours of 15.00 and 18.00 G.T.Thorne Risca Sunday 16-Mar-2003 Gwent 13/03/03 Chiffchaff calling Mon Brec canal Gelli Ave Risca 16/03/03 Chiffchaff singing Mon brec canal Pontymister also another bird feeding on insects nearby.Moorhen sitting on nest Mon brec canal Gelli Ave Risca. Andrew Rowlands Saturday 15-Mar-2003 Gwent @ 12 Golden Plover in flight between Llangattock Lingoed and Grosmont. Also 1 or 2 Marsh Tits, Sparrowhawk, Ravens and lots of Buzzards nearby Hadyn Jones Friday 14-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 14/3/03-Uskmouth Lagoons in afternoon-Of interest, a pair of Great Crested Grebes and 5 Little Egrets were present. Dawn Higgs Friday 14-Mar-2003 Gwent Two sightings in different places of the same species on the same day; 1. A pair of long tailed tits on bird table at Forge in Govilon 2. One long tailed tit in garden,at Bath Row Clydach. Sighted Wednesday 12th March 2003. david price Friday 14-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 1 Female Northern Wheatear Uskmouth Lagoons on sea wall 12:30 13/3 Clive Wardle Thursday 13-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 1 male Northern Wheatear at Uskmouth Lagoons 1030 hrs 13/03/03. Otherwise very quiet. Ian Smith Thursday 13-Mar-2003 Cwmbran Wednesday 12th March. Very strong passage of Lesser Black-backed Gulls heading North over Cwmbran from AM through PM. Obvious Scandinavian birds (intermedius) with some graellsii. First 'push' seen this year. Keith Jones Thursday 13-Mar-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Visited Llandegfedd Reservoir, and for some reason thought the North east shore was off limits until 30th March. So only visited the dam end, north inlets, west bank, and west inlets, up the lane to Sluvad Road. No sign of any Spring visitors, but 2 Little Grebe, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 11 Grey Heron, 33 Canada Geese, (including one bird investigating island in North East Inlet). 29 Mallard, 21 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 20 Tufted Duck, 3 Buzzard, 3 Moorhen, 35 Coot, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher in West Inlet. Jeff Fisher Wednesday 12-Mar-2003 Gwent I know its not in the county (just outside). Red Kite seen from the A40 just north of Bwlch. Keith Jones Tuesday 11-Mar-2003 Usk Visited Bulmore Lakes today 11.3.03, and walked from there down Bulmore Road to Caerleon. At the lakes 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 7 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Gadwall, and 5 Coot, quite a few of these birds pairing off. From my angle across the Usk could make out at least 9 Rook nests at Glen Usk. Along the Bulmore Road, 3 Cormorant on pylon at Sor Brook, 14 Mallard, 19 Teal, 2 pair displaying Lapwing, 2 Common Snipe feeding, and on River Usk just by the Bell, 3 male 3 female Goosander, noticed the same number of Goosanders a little down-stream of Caerleon bridge on 6.3.03. But the high of the visit was a single Hawfinch just below Little Bulmore NGR ST 353 911. Steven Butler Tuesday 11-Mar-2003 Abergavenny i CHIFFCHAFF CALLING AND SEEN FIRS ROAD ABERGAVENNY 3/IO/O3 G. Noakes J. Davies Tuesday 11-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff March 11th a.m.: Despite cold wind, some migrants have arrived - 6 Chiffchaffs around the feeding station at Llandegfedd ; a male Wheatear and a Chiffchaff at Goldcliff Pools; 2 Sand Martins at the Bryn, Gobion. Keith Jones Monday 10-Mar-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited the lagoons, and sea wall at Goldcliff for the high tide on 10.3.03 avoiding the showers. Very little on the shore just 2 Shelduck, 6 Herring Gull, and 1 Meadow Pipit. On the lagoons: 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 13 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 28 Shelduck, 30 Mallard, 8 Wigeon, 87 Teal, 9 Pintail, 5 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 5 Coot 23 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 20 Common Redshanks, and 1 Raven. A few of the usual passerines including 9 singing Skylark. No sign of Spring migrants, perhaps a little too early, and windy.); insert into sightings values ( G.T.Thorne risca Monday 10-Mar-2003 Gwent 10/03/03 Ynysfro resvr top.2cormorant,2moorhen,3prtufted,15+coot,buzzard mobbed by 2 h/gulls.bottom'1 adult Gc grebe,2 cormorant,20+coot,6 pr tufted,4 little grebe,2 gbb gulls.several prs mallard,2 moorhen John Wilson Monday 10-Mar-2003 Gwent Mon 10th March, 1 Wheatear on foreshore W of Lighthouse Inn, St. Brides Wentlooge [ST301815] and 1 Little Egret in roadside field nearby at ST301827 Ruth Brown Sunday 09-Mar-2003 Abergavenny Sat 8 March @ 9.45 a.m. Red Kite near Llangattock Lingoed, near Abergavenny. Not refound on Sunday. Hadyn Jones Saturday 08-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth Reserve on afternoon of 7/3/03. Good flight views of Bittern flying over and then dropping into South East reed bed of lagoons. 4 Little Egrets and 1 Stonechat also present. Keith Jones Thursday 06-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth on 6.3.03 for the high tide. Walked Uskmouth, across the levels via the Footpaths ending on Boat Lane. On the lagoons 14 singing Cetti's Warblers, and 5 Water Rail heard, the resident Whooper Swan, 1 male Merlin, 1 female Pochard, 1 female Goldeneye, 43 Tufted Duck, 39 Coot, 9 Canada Geese, 4 Little Egret, and 1 Little Grebe. On the shore just 1 Curlew, 53 Shelduck, 61 Mallard, 53 Teal, 163 Wigeon, 69 Pintail., and 3 Raven. Also reported on the lagoons, but not seen by myself 1 female Scaup, and 2 Peregrines. On the levels 1 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egrets, 9 Mute Swan, 100 Mallard, 206 Teal, 200 Wigeon, 36 Shoveler, 46 Lapwing 1 Common Snipe, 11 Coot, 3 Buzzard, and 28 Redwing. A very pleasant 3 hour walk seening 57 species Keith Jones Tuesday 04-Mar-2003 Ynysyfro Reservoir Completed my monthly count at Ynys y Fro Reservoir on 4.3.03 which included 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 14 Mallard, 24 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 1 female Ruddy Duck, 2 Moorhen, 30 Coot, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 2 Black Headed Gull, and 1 Green Woodpecker. Also 14 pairs of Jackdaws on or near chimney pots along 700 metres of High Cross Road between Junction 27 of M4 and Cefn Walk. Dylan Foster Evans Monday 03-Mar-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Uskmouth 1/3/03 pm. Windy with very heavy rain at times. Birds seen include 20+ lapwings, 1 green sandpiper, 4 pochard, 20 teal, at least 3 but probably around 6 little egrets giving very good views, 2 reed buntings, 8 Canada geese. Shelduck, curlew, widgeon, teal, on the foreshore, but driving rain made looking seawards an impossibility. All birds were wisely moving up channel ahead of storm. Chris Formaggia Monday 03-Mar-2003 Monmouth Jan 2003. A goshawk on the edge of woodland near Goytre Hall Monmouthshire. Keith Jones Monday 03-Mar-2003 Peterstone Visited Peterstone at high tide on 3.3.03, walked from the Gout, and the Pill to Peterstone Village. Fortunately the very thick mist lifted to give reasonably good visibility. In the Gout, 2 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Coot, 1 Mute Swan, and 103 Common Redshanks. Between the Gout and the village, 198 Shelduck, 282 Wigeon, 215 Teal, 127 Mallard, 11 Pintail, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Curlew, and flying east 350 or so Dunlin. Mal jenkins Sunday 02-Mar-2003 Gwent Unusual record of male Reed Bunting in my brothers urban garden in the middle of Abertilery yesterday just after the high winds had passed through. Got caught under a plastic sheet looking for food and had to be released; flew off but came back 20 mins later. RhysWebb Thursday 27-Feb-2003 Gwent These are sightings at my own feeding station in Llanhilleth since Christmas:-7Greenfinches(males+Females),Male+Female Siskins,Dunnock,Goldcrest,Yellowhmmer,piedWagtail,Greywagtail,Great sppotted woodpecker,Mistlethrush,Jay,Bullfinch(male+Female),Chaffinches(males+Females)Crossbill This was an extremly rare sighting,bluetits(Males+Females)GreatTits(Males+Females),Longtailedtits,Coaltits,robins and a few more as well.I have about 9 feeders nuts,seed,fat+my own special mixes.I have my own photography hide as I am a keen bird photographer.If you would like to know more or would like to ask a few more questions E-mail me at:- rhyswebb@lycos.co.uk Keith Jones Thursday 27-Feb-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visited Goldcliff Lagoons at low tide on 27.2.03 where I managed to dodge the showers. Birds seen include 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 8 Mute Swan, 4 Shelduck, 163 Wigeon,62 Teal, 63 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 5 Pintail, 5 Shoveler, 1 Buzzard, 1 Moorhen, 8 Coot, 4 Oystercatchers, 8 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 19 Curlew, 2 Common Redshanks, and 4 Raven. Via Chris Jones Wednesday 26-Feb-2003 Peterstone Avocet initially at mouth of Rumney estuary early pm. Seen later at Sluice Farm before moving along the estuary towards Peterstone mid pm. John O'Sullivan Tuesday 25-Feb-2003 Gwent YR today goldeneye,ruddy duck,2 gc grebes,2 great black backed gulls. GBgulls more common here over last year than previous 11. David Price Tuesday 25-Feb-2003 Peterstone Gout peterstone gout 25th feb teal(40),widgeon(60),redshank(30),knot(100),ringed plover(3) dunlin(2-3000) Keith Jones Monday 24-Feb-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Visited Uskmouth to catch the high tide of 24.2.03, and then walked over the levels via the foot paths to the Farmers Arms, Goldcliff. Fortunately the mist lifted quickly giving good visibility, of just over 50 different species. At Uskmouth birds included 1 female Merlin, 63 Coot, 5 Water Rail, 46 Tufted Duck, 33 Meadow Pipit, 7 (Singing) Cetti's Warbler, 2 Stonechat, 14 Reed Bunting, and on the foreshore 78 Shelduck, 62 Mallard,21 Teal, 134 Wigeon, 19 Pintail, 20 Grey Plover, 4 Oystercatchers, 100 Knot, 68 Curlew, 2900 Dunlin, and good views of a single Ruff. On the Levels 1 Little Grebe, 6 Little Egret, 14 Mallard, 1 Teal, 2 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 13 Coot, 23 Curlew, 2 (Singing) Cetti'sWarbler, 2 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, and 75 House Sparrows between the Levels, and farmers Arms. John Wilson Monday 24-Feb-2003 Peterstone Gout Mon 24th Feb - Peterstone Goutat high tide. Water Pipit by small pools just over the stile, then moved c.50 m west. Well marked bird with long pale buff malar stripe, whitish supercilium, white outer tail feathers. Also 3 Little Egret there. Dunlin - 2000 Knot - 100 Grey Plover - 100 Teal - 100 Pintail - 1 pair Wigeon - 1 pair Shelduck - 50 Redshank - 100 Tim Hall Sunday 23-Feb-2003 Peterstone Gout 23/2/03 Peterstone Gout 1530-1630: Several 100 Dunlin. 100+ Knot, Redshank. 6+ Grey Plover. Several Curlew, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Mallard. 1 Bar Tailed Godwit, 1 Golden Plover. Michael Tidley Saturday 22-Feb-2003 Gwent 2.22.03 walked from newhouse industrial site to the sea wall observed the following wood pigeon, wigeon, curlew, mallard, b.h.gull, l.b.b.gull, herring gull, shellduck, wren, robbin,blackbird, piedwagtail,carrion crow, magpie, greenfinch, lapwing, greattit, heron, Colin Lougher Friday 21-Feb-2003 Gwent 19th Feb. Visited St. Brides Wentlooge. Tide was just on the turn- going out. Saw 1 greater black back gull; 1 redshank; 8 turnstone; 1 oystercatcher; 3 ring plover and 50 dunlin. Then went on to Gwent Levels reserve. Tide was well out by then. Waders too far to identify. Did see 3 little egret; 2 raven; 8 reed bunting; 5 goldfinch and 1 bittern;( it flew from 1 reedbed to the next- Never having seen one I was a little overcome and my mind is still trying to come up with reaons why it must have been something else) Steven Butler Tuesday 18-Feb-2003 Gwent 1 Barn Owl Flying over A40 NR Raglan 16 Feb AT 22.30 Seen by John Davies Rob Moeller and S Butler G Noakes R Moeller Tuesday 18-Feb-2003 Abergavenny 18 February A male Wigeon seen by the Sand Martin bank at the Castle Meadows, Abergavenny, is an unusual bird for this site. A Kingfisher makes daily appearances, while Goosander and Mallard numbers continue to increase. Keith Jones Tuesday 18-Feb-2003 The Blorenge Walked the Blorenge from Fox Hunter's Grave, to the north escarpment, and back over the mountain to Keepers Pond. A Red Grouse put up just above Keepers Pond. Also seen 10 Meadow Pipits, 2 Carrion Crow, 3 Ravens, and a Peregrine at The Tumble. Bryn Burgess Monday 17-Feb-2003 The Nedern Neddern 17/2/03 - water level reducing with some areas frozen. 24 Bewick Swans, 27 Shoveler, 14 Mute Swan, 1 Shelduck, 10 Pintail, 1 Kestrel, 164 Wigeon, 86 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 36 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 2 Buzzard,26 Coot, 2 Pochard, 49 mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Goldcrest Bryn Burgess Monday 17-Feb-2003 The Nedern Neddern 17/2/03 - water level reducing with some areas frozen. 24 Bewick Swans, 27 Shoveler, 14 Mute Swan, 1 Shelduck, 10 Pintail, 1 Kestrel, 164 Wigeon, 86 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 36 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 2 Buzzard,26 Coot, 2 Pochard, 49 mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Goldcrest Keith Jones Monday 17-Feb-2003 Peterstone Wentlooge Walked from Peterstone Gout, and Pill to Peterstone Wentlooge, at high tide on 17.2.03,a very cold day. A single Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Buzzard, and 4 Coot in the Gout. On the sea 266 Shelduck, 154 Mallard, 144 Wigeon, 116 Teal, 28 hoveler, 68 Pintail, 2 GBB, 56 LBB, 36 Herring Gull. At roost 1 Lapwing, 210 Grey Plover, 240 Knot, 880 Dunlin, 60 Common Redshanks, and 42 Curlew. John Evans Saturday 15-Feb-2003 Usk Goosander pair flying along the course of the Usk off The Moorings , at least 11 Snipe seen flying in a five miute period, possibly enlivened by a female Sparrowhawk seen some minutes prior to that. Also noticed quite a few Siskin around the car park at the Hilton in Langstone that have not been seen before. Hadyn Jones Thursday 13-Feb-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 9/02/03-Uskmouth Reserve.Hen Harrier(ring tail) observed quartering the saltmarsh near mouth of River Usk at 4.15 p.m. Also Whooper Swan and 4 Little Egrets present on Reserve. Mal Jenkins Thursday 13-Feb-2003 Gwent Priory Wood yesterday: 2 Nuthatches, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tit, Goldcrest, Carrion Crow, Rook and Wood Pigeon, Redwing and Song Thrush. Mal Jenkins Thursday 13-Feb-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Quick visit to Llandegfedd Res. yesterday afternoon:Peregrine, pair Bullfinches, pair Pheasants, pair Goosander, 1 Great Black backed Gull, large roost of mixed Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Grey Heron, 4 Canada Geese, along with 80 Lapwing, 180 Wigeon and 50 Coot. Dawn Higgs Wednesday 12-Feb-2003 Gwent One long tailed tit on the peanut holder, Day Hospital grounds Nevill Hall Hospital also the faithful nut hatch who visits most days. Keith Jones Wednesday 12-Feb-2003 Caerleon 1 Chiffchaff in garden at Caerleon on 10th Feb jo'sullivan Tuesday 11-Feb-2003 Gwent 2 Wigeon and 2 Great crests at YR today. Adrian Hickman Monday 10-Feb-2003 Usk 9th Feb.Nice flock 27 Bewicks swans c3km S. of Usk near Llandowlais,viewable[just about!]from the main rd near a layby opp.Pencarreg Hse.Flock quite distant & partially obscured by trees but I eventually found a position where i could see the whole flock (No imms present)Also 5 herons,16 mute swans,20+ pied wags & a few `mipits` nearby. George Noakes Monday 10-Feb-2003 Bryn 10 February A brief visit to Gobion at midday : 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little Grebes and 2 pairs of Goosanders at the Bryn, 20 Mallard and 11 Grey Herons on the oxbow. Keith Jones Monday 10-Feb-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Walked from Uskmouth to Nash 10.2.03, where I Logged 9 Little Egret, the tame Whooper Swan still present. On the foreshore at high tide: 67 Shelduck, 250 Mallard, 70 Teal, 528 Wigeon, 36 Pintail, 60 Grey Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, 125 Curlew, 40 Common Redshanks, 180 Knot, and 1380 Dunlin. 67 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel, 1 Water Rail, 52 Coot, 4 Singing Cetti's Warbler, 2 male 1 female Stonechat, and 5 Reed Bunting on the lagoons. Marc Monday 10-Feb-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Sunday at 16.30 : Bittern flying over reeds to the East of the lighthouse at Uskmouth. Adrian Hickman Friday 07-Feb-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir 2/5/2003 Enjoyable afternoon at llandegfedd res.Very close views grazing Wigeon from the new hide(N.end],breeding plumage GC grebes displaying in entrance bay and superb Kingfisher just outside B.Hamar hide.Flock of 150 Lapwing in a field on NW side inc.1 leucistic bird.Flock accompanied by 30 BH Gulls which were very adept at stealing their food .In fact the Lapwings frequently gave up their meals with very little argument.Perhaps it`s easier to find another worm than to waste precious energy on being harassed by a persistent gull! Jeff Fisher Friday 07-Feb-2003 Llangorse Lake Llangorse Lake - Thursday 6th February Male smew showing well close to the reed beds to the left of the car park at Llangasty church. Ruff on the little spit of land to the right, flew of toward Llangorse village. Report from a local bird watcher that a blck necked grebe had been showing well from the car park for several days. Regret that I could not confirm this sighting. Pleanty of wild fowl including 50 plus widgeon, 20 plus goldeneye (only three males), 12 shoveller, 3 pochard and plenty of tufted duck, teal and mallard. Jeff Fisher Friday 07-Feb-2003 Llangorse Lake Llangorse Lake - Thursday 6th February Male smew showing well close to the reed beds to the left of the car park at Llangasty church. Ruff on the little spit of land to the right, flew of toward Llangorse village. Report from a local bird watcher that a blck necked grebe had been showing well from the car park for several days. Regret that I could not confirm this sighting. Pleanty of wild fowl including 50 plus widgeon, 20 plus goldeneye (only three males), 12 shoveller, 3 pochard and plenty of tufted duck, teal and mallard. Mal Jenkins Wednesday 05-Feb-2003 Gwent Barn Owl hunting along the verge of the M4 at junction 29 (A48M) at 2345 last night. Keith Jones Monday 03-Feb-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Made my monthly visit to Llandegfedd Reservoir today 3.2.03 covering, the dam end, north shore, and all of the west bank including the inlets. Tried to get an accurate count given the bright light, numbers include 20 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Cormorant, 27 Grey Heron, 12 Canada Geese, 238 Teal, 222 Wigeon, 66 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard, 1 female Goosander, 2 Moorhen, 16 Coot, 1Common Snipe, 6 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 5 Raven, Jay, Green Woodpecker. Low numbers of passerines including single Marsh Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch etc. Dawn Higgs Monday 03-Feb-2003 Abergavenny Male bullfinch, high in a tree with no coverage, appearing to peck up and down the branches. Sighted in day hospital grounds, at Nevill Hall Hospital Abergavenny. Darren Hughes Friday 31-Jan-2003 Wyesham In the last couple of weeks in monmouth just from casual observatoins wandering around town ;Little Grebe wintering @ Monnow Bridge Goshawk over Vauxall & Raven displaying over Wyesham. Are these commoner since I left fifteen years ago or is it my imagination. Mick Bailey Friday 31-Jan-2003 Gobion Spent this morning at Gobion with Keith Roylance. Sunny but ground frozen, so few birds on fields. 26 species. The only water birds were 1 Green Sandpiper, 5 Little Grebe, 28 Mute Swan, 2 male Teal, 1 pair of Goosander, 17 Black-headed Gull, 8 Common Gull, at least 6 Heron, 2 Cormorant and 2 Pied Wagtail. The only raptors were 4 Buzzard, of which 3 were being mobbed by a pair of Raven. Good to see a male Greater Spotted Woodpecker and to hear another drumming in the distance. Thrushes: one flock of about 20 Redwing,the usual scattering of Blackbirds, but no Song Thrush and only 2 each of Mistle and Fieldfare. Yet another country walk this winter where the only finches were Chaffinches. Have the rest moved in to gardens? George Noakes Wednesday 29-Jan-2003 Gwent The Tregaron trip was of course on the 26th not the 29th! George Noakes Wednesday 29-Jan-2003 Gwent GOS Field Trip to Tregaron and Aberystwyth, Sunday 29th January Cors Caron is an unpredictable site but on this occasion the group of 11 was treated to some memorable raptor sightings and, for some members, a number of new species. As the early mist cl Keith Jones Tuesday 28-Jan-2003 Usk Over the last few months I've been visiting the Great Bulmore Lakes near Caerleon. These were constructed a few years ago for the extended golf course, and form part of the 5th - 11th Tee. They are located in a loop of the River Usk NGR ST 365 920 a little north west of Great Bulmore Farm. Canada Geese, Coot, Mallard, and Great Crested Grebe breed there for certain, while Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, and Reed Bunting sing. My last visit 28th January was a good day with 2 Little Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 102 Canada Geese, 16 Mallard, 27 Tufted Duck, a female Pochard, a male and female Goldeneye,1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, and I put up a Woodcock. Walking back to Caerleon the extensive flooded fields held 9 Mallard, 8 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, and 2 male and two female Goosander on the River Usk. Alan Davies {G.B.C} Monday 27-Jan-2003 Caerleon Caerleon Rd, heading towards Caerleon in the trees to the left at the temporary traffic lights just before the St Julians Public House 6 or 7 Wood Pigeons feeding on something on twigs, all of them were hanging upside down just like blue tits, I dont know if this is normal for Wood Pigeons,but its the first time I have seen it. {Good Website} Bryn Burgess Monday 27-Jan-2003 The Nedern Sat 25/1/03 The Neddern 144 Wigeon 351 Lapwing 87 Redshank 21 Teal 6 Shoveler 6 Coot 8 Tufted Duck 54 Mallard 9 Pochard -Water level remains very high 2 Bewick Swans 3 Pintail 1 Little Grebe); insert into sightings values ( John Bennett Monday 27-Jan-2003 Wentwood A bittern(possibly two)seen in flight at dusk in the SE corner of Uskmouth lagoons(26-01-03).No sign of the GG shrike in Wentwood but plenty of crossbills and siskins.Also a good place to see willow tit. Matt Broome Sunday 26-Jan-2003 GLWR Sun 26th Jan 2003 GLWR @3pm Short Eared Owl hunting over grassland near shore.Hen Harrier (ringtail) flying low over reed beds @4.15pm. John Evans Sunday 26-Jan-2003 Usk Chiffchaff seen in the garden on 'The Moorings' Newport, also female Stonechat, Goosander pair over and plenty of Lapwings on the Usk. Dawn Higgs Thursday 23-Jan-2003 Abergavenny 21.1.03 Three redpoll, mostly on ground eating seeds, below and in a silver birch. Sighted outside Day Hospital, Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny. 22.1.03 Two redpolls returned to same sight, also tree creeper on the silver birch. peter lyons Wednesday 22-Jan-2003 Gwent EGRET spotted on moorland in whitson 20/1/03. John Bennett Monday 13-Jan-2003 Wentwood 11th January.Great grey shrike seen in Wentwood at 9-30am and again at 2-30pm in the Cadira Beeches/Nine Wells area but not on Sunday during the morning.Also 100+crossbills and some siskins.12th January 12 goldeneye at Llandegfedd reservoir . A short-eared owl and bittern reported at Uskmouth. George Noakes & Rob Moeller Sunday 12-Jan-2003 Abergavenny 12th January : Castle Meadows, Abergavenny 3 male & 3 female Goosanders, 1 Snipe, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and numerous Redwings and Fieldfares this morning. Martin Collier and Kay Howell Saturday 11-Jan-2003 GLWR Goldcliff Visted the icy Goldcliffe Lagoons. Nothing remarkable until Kay spotted a Heron grab a Starling and then we both watched as it then dispatched and then tried to consume the Starling whole! No easy feat. birds seen: Knot, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Oystercatcher,Curlew,Mallard, Widgeon, Teal, Shelduck, 'Distant' Kestrel, Redwing. There were lots of Lapwing in the fields on the right hand side of the road before Goldcliff Village. Keith Jones Wednesday 08-Jan-2003 GLWR Uskmouth Walked the Gwent Levels from Uskmouth, including Saltmarsh lane, and its western footpaths. Down Boat Lane, up the Pill, finishing at Goldcliff Lagoons, and foreshore. A very good five hours with 57 different species. These included a Tawny Owl cal George Noakes Wednesday 08-Jan-2003 Gwent January 8th : Tim Griffiths has reported a Common Crane flying over the dam end of Llandegffed Reservoir this afternoon, heading north-east. Keep your eyes peeled! Ian Cooke Monday 06-Jan-2003 Tredegar Country Park 25+ lapwing feeding on ground in fields opposite the industrial estate between Tredegar and Ebbwvale. John Bennett Monday 06-Jan-2003 Usk 05-01-2003.15 Goldeneye on river Usk just south of Usk.Also 1 goosander. Keith Jones Sunday 05-Jan-2003 Llandegfedd Reservoir Unfortunately missed the G.O.S. morning trip to Llandegfedd Reservoir but did spend 3 hours there from mid day on 5.1.03. Walked from the dam, to include the whole of the west, and north of the reservoir. A good day with a total of 45 species including 5 Little Grebe, 39 Great Crested Grebe, 32 Canada Geese, 2 Bewicks Swan, 213 Mallard, 313 Teal, 502 Wigeon, 1 male 5 female Goosander, 2 Buzzard. 32 Coot, 17 Long Tailed Tit, Coal, Blue, and Great Tits, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Redpoll, 5 Tree Sparrow c. 30m west of the Blue Pool Hide, and 12 Raven. ); insert into sightings values ( Steven B utler Saturday 04-Jan-2003 GLWR Uskmouth GLWR Uskmouth 3/JAN/03 15.45 2 Hen Harrier over reed beds. Large Starling flock, also Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & Buzzard. Water Rail and Cettis Warbler calling from reeds. Other observers George Noakes, Arthur Pitcher and Wayne Geater. Ian Cooke Thursday 02-Jan-2003 Clytha Cutting 1 Woodcock at Clytha Cutting I also saw one on 31st October at the same place. Also spent all day watching a Cormorant fishing on the swolen River Monnnow from the office window. I was quite amazed at how long the bird stopped under the water and then appeared without being washed downstream when the river is at its heighest. John Wilson & Vaughan Thomas Thursday 02-Jan-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 2nd Jan - Uskmouth 12:30 to 13:45 5 Goldeneye [4 fem 1 male] 20 each Pochard & Tufted Duck Nice flock of Reed Bunting Pr Stonechat Several Water Rail heard 2 Cettis heard Whooper Swan still present and very tame. No sign of Hen Harrier John Bennett Thursday 02-Jan-2003 GLWR Uskmouth 1st January 2003.8 Bewick swans in usk valley just south of Usk.Female hen harrier still at Uskmouth with 1000's of starlings at dusk.

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