GLAMORGAN RARITIES COMMITTEE
In association with:~
GOWER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY & GLAMORGAN BIRD CLUB
In association with:~
GOWER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY & GLAMORGAN BIRD CLUB
All records of description species during 2012
Italics No description or photographs submitted
A Record Accepted by GRC unless stated (NB ‘w’ = waivered site)
P Record Pended
NP Record Not Proven
? Record considered to be of unknown origin
? Record considered to be of unknown origin
* Welsh Description Species [WRP]
** British Birds Description Species [BBRC]
[WG] West Glamorgan
[EG] East Glamorgan
[WG] West Glamorgan
[EG] East Glamorgan
(Note: re: 'waived' = "w - the need for a description for this species has been waived only in
these specific instances - e.g. due to a large influx as in the case of Waxwing
occasionally, or the regularity of the species at some sites e.g. Bittern at
Kenfig Pool or Water Pipit at various estuarine localities".)
BOU Order
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A [EG] 01-31 Jan, Feb & 01-10 Mar: 1 Cosmeston Lakes - (accepted from 2011)
A [EG] 17 Jan: 10 Llys Pen-y-wern pond (Dowlais) - M. Hogan
(c) M. Hogan
A [WG] 29 Oct: 1 Broad Pool, Gower - R. Taylor
A [EG] 28-30 Oct. 1 Kenfig Pool - D. Carrington et al
A [EG] 10 Dec: 2 Cosmeston - per JDW
 |
| (c) M. Hipkin |
A [WG] 29 Oct: 1 Broad Pool, Gower - R. Taylor
A [EG] 28-30 Oct. 1 Kenfig Pool - D. Carrington et al
A [EG] 10 Dec: 2 Cosmeston - per JDW
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)
A [WG] 01-28 Jan: 1 Fendrod Lake - (accepted from 2011)
A [EG] 17 Oct: 1st W Ogmore Est. - P. Roberts
A [EG] 28 Oct: 1st W Kenfig Pool - DGC
A [EG] 24 Nov: 1st W CBWR - A. Bevan
A [EG] 8 Dec: 1st W Cosmeston - per JDW
(The Oct-Dec bird refers to the same individual wandering around the county)
A [EG] 17 Oct: 1st W Ogmore Est. - P. Roberts
A [EG] 28 Oct: 1st W Kenfig Pool - DGC
A [EG] 24 Nov: 1st W CBWR - A. Bevan
A [EG] 8 Dec: 1st W Cosmeston - per JDW
(The Oct-Dec bird refers to the same individual wandering around the county)
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser Albifrons)
A [WG] 11 Feb: 1 Neath Saltmarsh - M. Bell (possibility of escape not ruled out)
[EG] 05 May: 2 Llanilid - A. Hughes
**Richardson's Cackling Goose
[EG] 22 Apr: 1 Llanishen Reservoir - R. Thomas, A. Bevan & P. Bristow
(Of Unknown Origin. This individual is very probably the long staying individual that was present in Somerset (Torr Works Res.) before departing on the morning of 22nd April - seen VC41 late afternoon same day. There were up to 9 Small Canada Geese in the British Isles during the winter period 2011/12, 5 in Ireland, 2 in Scotland & one each in Somerset [Glamorgan] & Gwent). Notes have been supplied to BBRC
Garganey (Anas querquedula)
A [EG] 14 Mar: 1 male Cosmeston - J. Wilson
 |
| (c) J. Wilson |
A [EG] Aug: 1 Cardiff Bay Wetlands Res. - [SS]
A [EG] 6 Sept: 1 RGW - [DRWG]
*Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
A [EG] 06 Apr: 1 fem Lisvane Reservoir - R. Thomas
**Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
A [EG] 01-04 & 27 Jan, Feb & 01-18 & 23-31 Mar, Apr 01-05: 1 male Cosmeston Lakes - (from 2011)
A [EG] 07-13 Jan & 19-22 Mar: 1 male CBWR - (from 2011) as above
A [EG] 25 Aug: 1 eclipse male Cardiff Bay Wetlands Res. - [PB, ABv & MCP]
[EG] 19 Oct: 1 male Cardiff Bay Wetlands Res. - [MCP]
(Considered to be the returning male Lesser Scaup)
 |
| (c) J. Slocombe |
Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
A [WG] 10-15 Nov: 5 Minor Point, Gower - C. Brewer & M. Hipkin
 |
| (c) M. Hipkin |
Black-throated Diver (Gavia artica)
[WG] 23 Apr: 1 (wp) Sea off Crymlyn Burrows - observer not submitting record
A [WG] 26 Dec: 1 Eglwys Nunydd - N. Dallimore
Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
w [WG] 21 Oct: 2 Whiteford Point - M. Hunter
w [WG] 23 Dec: 1 Whiteford Point - C. Brewer
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
A [EG] 06-25 Feb: 1 Cardiff Bay - [per GRC]
 |
| (c) M. Hipkin |
A [EG] 07 May: 2 Cosmeston CP - [per GRC]
A [EG] 11-12 May: 2 Glamorgan - A. Rosney & G. Thomas (same as CCP birds)
Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus)
A [WG] 04 Jan: 1 Oxwich Bay - M. Hipkin
A [EG] 02 Oct: 1 Porthcawl - G. Powell
[WG] 02 Oct: 1 Tutt Head - P. Larkin
A [WG] 21 Oct: 1 Port Eynon - B. Stewart
*Great White Egret (Ardea alba)
A [WG] 01 Jan - 15 Feb: 2 Llanrhidian-Berthlwyd (from 2011) with 1 lingering until 16 Apr
[WG] 09-16 Sep & into Oct: 1 Llanrhidian - Multi Obs.
[WG] late Oct, Nov & Dec: 2 Llanrhidian - Multi Obs.
[EG] 24 Nov: 1 over Lamby Lake, Cardiff [SPH & NA]
NP [EG] 11 Dec 1 over Sarn
.jpg) |
| B. Stewart (phone-scoped) |
[EG] Jan 16-17: 1 Sully Moors & Cosmeston - R. Francis & S.P. Hinton
 |
| (c) DRWG |
[EG] 10 Feb: 1 St. Athan - via Birdguides - Obs Unk.
[EG] 22-24 Feb: 1 Llancadle - S.P. Hinton et al [2 were reported by local farmer 21st]
 |
| (c) S.P. Hinton |
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A [EG] 19 Jan: 1 fem. KNNR - J. Curtis
A [EG] Apr: 1 fem/imm KNNR - DGC
A [EG] 28 May: 1 fem KNNR - G. Roblin (ONLY ONE ACCEPTED)
A [EG] 09 Aug: 1 fem/imm Rhymney Est. R. Mitchell
w [VC41] 23 Jul: 2, Glamorgan - M. Meehan
[VC41] 04 Aug: 1, Glamorgan - S. Lewis
[VC41] 28 Sep: 1, Glamorgan - C. Morgan
*Common Crane (Grus grus)
A [EG] 08 Apr: [2] Dowlais - G. Jenkins
NP [EG] 10 Oct: [2] Penrhiwel
*Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicmenus)
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini)
A [EG] 14 Oct: 1 juv Dunraven - P. Parsons & P. Tabor
A [WG] 21 Oct: 1 juv Common Cliff, Gower - M. Hipkin & R. Jones
A [EG] Apr: 1 fem/imm KNNR - DGC
A [EG] 28 May: 1 fem KNNR - G. Roblin (ONLY ONE ACCEPTED)
A [EG] 09 Aug: 1 fem/imm Rhymney Est. R. Mitchell
*Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
w [VC41] 20 May: 1, Glamorgan - N. Donaghyw [VC41] 23 Jul: 2, Glamorgan - M. Meehan
[VC41] 04 Aug: 1, Glamorgan - S. Lewis
[VC41] 28 Sep: 1, Glamorgan - C. Morgan
*Common Crane (Grus grus)
A [EG] 08 Apr: [2] Dowlais - G. Jenkins
NP [EG] 10 Oct: [2] Penrhiwel
*Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicmenus)
A [EG] 27 Mar: 1 Sker Point - D.C. Bolt & D.G. Carrington
Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)
A [EG] 08 Jun: 2 off Porthcawl - G. Stamp
A [WG] 01 Jul: 5 past Tutt Head - P. Murray & S. Murray
Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini)
A [EG] 14 Oct: 1 juv Dunraven - P. Parsons & P. Tabor
A [WG] 21 Oct: 1 juv Common Cliff, Gower - M. Hipkin & R. Jones
**Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)
A [EG] 22 Jan-31 Mar: 1 ad W Cardiff Heliport - G.N. Smith, P. Bristow & A. Bevan |
| (c) G.N. Smith |
A [EG] 17 Feb: 1 1st W Cardiff Heliport - David K. Campbell & I.R. Jones et al
A [EG] 25 Feb: 1 1st W Cardiff Bay - Richard Bonsar
(c) Richard Bonsar
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)A [EG] 25 Feb: 1 1st W Cardiff Bay - Richard Bonsar
 |
| (c) D. Campbell |
A [EG] 01-02 Jan: 1 ad W. Cosmeston-Heliport - A. Bevan & P. Bristow
A [WG] 07 Jan: 1 ad W Oxwich Bay - M. Hipkin
A [WG] 10-13 Jan: 1 1st W Aberavon - C. Gittins
[WG] 01 Oct: 1 Mewslade, Gower - P. Croft
[WG] 07 Oct: 1 Oxwich - P. Douglas-Jones & H.E. Grenfell
[EG] 13 Oct: 1 Lavernock Point - J. Roex & S. Howcroft
[EG] 15 Oct: 1 Lavernock Point - Observer not submitting record
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
w [EG] 10 & 17Jan: 1 Portobello, Ogmore - N.P. Roberts
A [EG] 13-15 Jan - Mar: 1 Llwyn-on Res. (accepted from 2011) - multi obs.
w [WG] 28 Jan: 2 Neath Abbey - M. Hipkin
w [EG] 25 Feb: 13 Aberthaw - M. Hipkin & I. Blackmore (Highest count VC41)
w [EG] 13 Mar: 2 RGW - DRWG
w [EG] 18 Oct: 1 RGW - DRWG
w [WG] 21 Oct: 1 Berges Island - M. Hunter
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
A [EG] 04 Oct: 1 Cwm Nash - CG, MH, PP
A [WG] 06 Oct: 1 Mewslade Valley, Gower - C. Gittins & P. Parsons
A [WG] 06 Oct: 1 Foxhole Slade, Gower - C. Gittins & P. Parsons
A [EG] 11 Oct: 1 Cosmeston CP - J. Curtis & J.D. Wilson
A [EG] 13 Oct: 2 Norton Wood, Ogmore - D.C. Bolt
A [WG] 13 Oct: 1 Crymlyn Burrows - R. Jones & G. Randell
[EG] 15 Oct: 1 St. Mellons - A. Plant
[WG] 21 Oct: 1 Mewslade Valley, Gower - R. Jones
* Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus)
A [VC41] Apr-Jul & Oct & Dec - undisclosed site
(c) J. Vafadis
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
A [EG] 01 Jan to 18 Feb: 1 Garwnant - (Accepted from 2011)
[WG] 13 Jan: 1 Gyfylchi - (N. Murfin)
A [WG & EG] 14 & 16 Jan: 1 Mynydd Margam - (Accepted from 2011)
[WG] 4 Nov: Carn Brynllydan (NPT) - N. Edwards
Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)
NP [EG] 26 Oct: 2 Flat Holm
**Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melancophela)
[WG] 17 Jun: 1 Godre'r Graig - Barbara Wood
(1st Glamorgan record)
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)
A [WG] 01-08 Jan: 1 1st W Oxwich Bay - (from 2011)
A [WG] 01-06 Jan: 1 2nd W (advanced) Oxwich Bay - multi-obs (from 2011)
[WG] 07-09 Jan: 1 3rd W Oxwich Bay - E.A. Hunter
A [WG] 10-13 Jan: 1 1st W Aberavon - C. Gittins
 |
| (c) C. Gittins |
A [EG] 17 Jan: 1 3rd W Pontsticill Res. - M. Hogan
A [WG] 19-23 & 28 Jan to 14 Feb: 1 2nd W Pen-y-bryn, nr. Pyle - C. Gittins
A [EG] 24 Jan: 1 2nd W Kenfig Pool - C. Gittins (presumed to be the Pen-y-bryn bird]
A [EG] 21, 26, 27 Jan: 1 2nd W Dowlais Top area & Pontsticill Res - M. Hogan et al
A [EG] ?-26 & 27 & into Feb: 1 1st W Dowlais Top area -M. Hogan et al
A [EG] Feb 12: 1 ad W Portobello, Ogmore - Dave Rich
A [EG] 17 Feb: 1 1st S-2nd W Llanbethery - S.P. Hinton
A [EG] 16 Mar: 1 3rd W. Bonvilston - R. & L. Nottage
[EG] 05 Apr: 1 imm Rhaslas Pond - Mike Hogan
© M. Hogan
[Pontsticill birds = First dates to be worked out by GRC & local observers]
*Kumlien's Gull (Larus glaucoides kumlieni)
A [EG] 23 Nov [1 ad W] Cosmeston CP - D. Rich
**Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)
A [WG] 24-28 Jun: 1 Loughor Bridge area - B. Stewart et al
(2nd Glamorgan record)
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
A [EG] 02 & 13 Mar: 1 Wentloog Level - R. Mitchell & DRWG
Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
[WG] 28 Mar: 1 Nitten field, Mewslade - H. Oates
A [WG] 05 May: 1 Whiteford, Gower - R. Part
[EG] 12 Nov: 1 Llancadle - [SPH]
Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
A [EG] 03 Sept: 1 Bridgend - [S. Lewis Williams]
A [WG] 04 Sept: 1 Kenfig Saltmarsh (Margam) - [C. Gittins]
A [EG] 09 Sept: 1 Caerphilly - [S. Johnson]
A [EG] 11 Sept: 1 Cathays Park, Central Cardiff - [David & Mary Webb]
A [EG] 22-23 Sept: 1 Ogmore - [P. Morgan]
[EG] 12 Oct: 1 Aberthaw - [R. Brockway]
A [WG] 14 Oct: 1 Crymlyn Burrows [M. Hipkin & R. Jones]
*Wood Lark (Lullula arborea) |
| (c) M. Hogan |
 |
| (c) P. Parsons |
A [EG] 21, 26, 27 Jan: 1 2nd W Dowlais Top area & Pontsticill Res - M. Hogan et al
 |
| (c) M. Hogan |
A [EG] Feb 12: 1 ad W Portobello, Ogmore - Dave Rich
 |
| (c) D. Rich |
 |
| (c) S.P. Hinton |
[EG] 05 Apr: 1 imm Rhaslas Pond - Mike Hogan
[Pontsticill birds = First dates to be worked out by GRC & local observers]
*Kumlien's Gull (Larus glaucoides kumlieni)
A [EG] 23 Nov [1 ad W] Cosmeston CP - D. Rich
**Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)
A [WG] 24-28 Jun: 1 Loughor Bridge area - B. Stewart et al
(2nd Glamorgan record)
.jpg) |
| (c) J. Slocombe |
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
A [EG] 02 & 13 Mar: 1 Wentloog Level - R. Mitchell & DRWG
Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
[WG] 28 Mar: 1 Nitten field, Mewslade - H. Oates
A [WG] 05 May: 1 Whiteford, Gower - R. Part
[EG] 12 Nov: 1 Llancadle - [SPH]
Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
A [EG] 03 Sept: 1 Bridgend - [S. Lewis Williams]
 |
| (c) S. Lewis |
A [EG] 09 Sept: 1 Caerphilly - [S. Johnson]
A [EG] 11 Sept: 1 Cathays Park, Central Cardiff - [David & Mary Webb]
A [EG] 22-23 Sept: 1 Ogmore - [P. Morgan]
+22Sep12.jpg) |
| (c) J. Slocombe |
A [WG] 14 Oct: 1 Crymlyn Burrows [M. Hipkin & R. Jones]
+14Oct12.jpg) |
| (c) M. Hipkin |
[WG] 01 Oct: 1 Mewslade, Gower - P. Croft
[WG] 07 Oct: 1 Oxwich - P. Douglas-Jones & H.E. Grenfell
[EG] 13 Oct: 1 Lavernock Point - J. Roex & S. Howcroft
[EG] 15 Oct: 1 Lavernock Point - Observer not submitting record
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
w [EG] 10 & 17Jan: 1 Portobello, Ogmore - N.P. Roberts
A [EG] 13-15 Jan - Mar: 1 Llwyn-on Res. (accepted from 2011) - multi obs.
w [WG] 28 Jan: 2 Neath Abbey - M. Hipkin
w [EG] 25 Feb: 13 Aberthaw - M. Hipkin & I. Blackmore (Highest count VC41)
w [EG] 13 Mar: 2 RGW - DRWG
w [EG] 18 Oct: 1 RGW - DRWG
w [WG] 21 Oct: 1 Berges Island - M. Hunter
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
{All descriptions waived}
The influx was first noted at Rumney, when 17 were seen [H. Galliford]. By early December flocks of over 100 were being noted in the Cardiff area [max: 300 [O. Yasseen] & 277 [RGS]. Outside the capital, birds were noted at Baglan, Beddau, Barry, Bridgend, Cosmeston, Killay, Llwyn-on village, Llwyn-yr-Eos, Maesteg, Margam, Mountain Ash, Neath, Neath Abbey, Penmaen, Sully, Swansea, Treforest, Ty'n-y-cerig & Ystrad Llwynypia. Records up till the end of 2012. [GRC, GBC, GOS]
 |
| (c) M. Hipkin |
Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
A [EG] 04 Oct: 1 Cwm Nash - CG, MH, PP
A [WG] 06 Oct: 1 Mewslade Valley, Gower - C. Gittins & P. Parsons
A [WG] 06 Oct: 1 Foxhole Slade, Gower - C. Gittins & P. Parsons
A [EG] 11 Oct: 1 Cosmeston CP - J. Curtis & J.D. Wilson
A [EG] 13 Oct: 2 Norton Wood, Ogmore - D.C. Bolt
A [WG] 13 Oct: 1 Crymlyn Burrows - R. Jones & G. Randell
[EG] 15 Oct: 1 St. Mellons - A. Plant
[WG] 21 Oct: 1 Mewslade Valley, Gower - R. Jones
* Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus)
A [VC41] Apr-Jul & Oct & Dec - undisclosed site
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
A [EG] 01 Jan to 18 Feb: 1 Garwnant - (Accepted from 2011)
 |
| (c) D. Jenkins-Jones |
A [WG & EG] 14 & 16 Jan: 1 Mynydd Margam - (Accepted from 2011)
[WG] 4 Nov: Carn Brynllydan (NPT) - N. Edwards
Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)
NP [EG] 26 Oct: 2 Flat Holm
**Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melancophela)
[WG] 17 Jun: 1 Godre'r Graig - Barbara Wood
(1st Glamorgan record)
 |
| (c) Barbara Wood |
[WG] 16 Sept. 1 Weobley, Gower - M. Bell
[WG] 22 Sept. 2 Weobley, Gower - E. Hunter
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
A [EG] 20-22 Oct: 1 Sker/Pink Bay - D. Carrington et al
[WG] 21 Oct: 1 Berges Island/Whiteford - M. Hunter
A [EG] 28 Oct: 1 Werfa Mast - D. Cornish
A [EG] 3 Nov: 3 Pink Bay & Sker - G. Roblin
A [EG] 5-12 Dec: 1 Pink Bay & Sker - G. Roblin
A [WG] 25-31 Dec: Aberavon Beach - Gary Lewis into 2013
Outstanding Species List with NO Notes or Photographs attached
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
A [EG] 20-22 Oct: 1 Sker/Pink Bay - D. Carrington et al
[WG] 21 Oct: 1 Berges Island/Whiteford - M. Hunter
A [EG] 28 Oct: 1 Werfa Mast - D. Cornish
A [EG] 3 Nov: 3 Pink Bay & Sker - G. Roblin
A [EG] 5-12 Dec: 1 Pink Bay & Sker - G. Roblin
A [WG] 25-31 Dec: Aberavon Beach - Gary Lewis into 2013
Outstanding Species List with NO Notes or Photographs attached
Greater White-fronted Goose (2) @ Llanilid 05/05/2012
Black-necked Grebe @ KNNR 21-22/02/2012
Black-throated Diver @ Crymlyn Burrows 23/04/2012
Balearic Shearwater @ Tutt Head 2/10/2012
Wood Sandpiper @ Llanilid 20/07/2012
Iceland Gull (2nd W) @ Oxwich Bay 6/01/2012
Iceland Gull (1st W) @ Oxwich Bay 8/01/2012
Iceland Gull (unk) @ Tycoch, Swansea 16/02/2012
Hoopoe @ Nitten Field, Gower 28/03/2012
Wryneck @ Aberthaw 12/10/2012
YBW @ St. Mellons, Cardiff 15/10/2012
YBW @ Mewslade 21/10/2012
Great Grey Shrike @ Carn Brynllydan [NPT] 4/11/2012
Lapland Bunting @ Weobley, Gower 16/10/2012
Lapland Bunting (2) @ Weobley, Gower 22/10/2012
Snow Bunting @ Werfa 8/02/2012
Snow Bunting @ Whiteford Pt. 21/10/2012
