A great day out with Jake, Bob Self and Ads Bowley. We started the day just west of Newport at Rhiwderyn to hopefully see the Common Yellowthroat. However the weather was pretty bleak and after a couple of hours of waiting around, there was no sign.
We moved on to Cosmeston Lakes near Cardiff and quickly found the drake LESSER SCAUP, and a dodgy Whooper Swan was also present.
Many hours were than spent searching for a Bonaparte's Gull around Cardiff Bay, but driving rain and lack of interest on our behalf meant no B. Gull was seen.
The weather soon started to clear and the decision was made to head back near to Rhiwderyn and look for Dippers, but whilst doing so, positive news of the Yellowthroat came through on the pager, and after a tense wait, it finally appeared and good views were had and it even hang around a bit for a photo. A huge relief!!!
About an hour was spent taking in the shear beauty of this transatlantic vagrant, until the decision was made to search for Dippers, and 3 birds were seen on the River Usk.
We stopped at Chew Valley Lakes on the return but only found a redhead Smew.
A great day with great company, photos will be updated tomorrow.
Rhiwderyn - COMMON YELLOWTHROAT 1 male
Cosmeston Lakes - LESSER SCAUP 1 drk, Whooper Swan 1
Cardiff Bay - Black-necked Grebe 1
River Usk - Dipper 3
Chew Valley Lakes - Smew 1
