Black throated Diver

Cosmeston country Park hosted this Diver for a few weeks.
Although there were 2 birds at the Docks in Barry I think this was a different bird, being quite tame at times where as the Barry birds always kept their distance!

Bearded Tit

Back to November last year. This male Beardie gave great views at Cosmeston Country Park.
Possibly a returning bird from two years previously.

Sparrowhawks

Whilst attracting smaller birds to a feeding station inevitably attracts birds of prey.
Two individuals started coming regularly to the perches, often too close .

Black Redstart

This Black Redstart had been at Dunraven  for at least 10 days, so when the opportunity came  I made the effort.
An early finish on the Friday with good light was a must!
Feeding on flies on the walls of the Lodge allowed close approach. Of all the Black Reds I have seen this one was by far the most confiding!
I returned the next morning but the clear night didn`t help, it departed!

Long billed Dowitcher.

This juvenile Long billed Dowitcher spent a few days up at Rhaslas Pond near Merthyr.
A great find by Mike Hogan.Working your local patch pays off eventually!
 This site is in serious danger of being lost to opencast mining, A real shame, such a place with little disturbance and great potential of good birds!
This is only the second Long billed Dowitcher in Glamorgan, the first on the Rumney estuary in 1987 to which I saw also.
It was one of those birds that you just have to sit still and it will walk up to you! Brilliant!

The Pembrokeshire Isabelline Wheatear

I had to wait 4 agonizing days before I could get down to Pembs because of work commitments.
I arrived on friday evening to the caravan and Saturday I was in position. The day proved fruitless with Seal watchers and too many other Toggers and a few birders.
Sunday was better. Quieter it was, but the light was poor!
At times the Isabelline would run up to me taking insects and chasing the two Northern Wheatears away! I had stayed in my same position for abou t4 hours and had the birds complete confidence!