Scarce and rare birds in Wales 2011 Cymdeithas Adaryddol Cyrmu Welsh Ornithological Society Scarce and rare birds in Wales 2011 Introduction p 3 Systematic List of Accepted Records p 5 Editor: Jon Green Front cover photo. Isabelline Shrike by R. Stonier. Published on the internet in November 2012 by The Welsh Ornithological Society ISSN 2045-6263 Charity No. 1037823 2 wos CAC Introduction This is the fourteenth annual report of the Welsh Records Panel (WRP) covering the occurrence of rare and scarce species in Wales in 2011. 0-1 2-5 6-10 11-20 21-50 51-100 100+ Total records records records records records records records 2011 0 4 8 10 30 26 72 150 2010 2 7 1 10 33 16 69 136 2009 1 4 1 19 50 8 25 108 2008 0 6 8 17 32 13 33 109 2007 2 6 7 5 10 5 3 39 2006 1 5 4 5 18 12 12 57 2011 was an excellent year for rare birds in Wales, with the highest number of submissions WRP has ever had to deal with (nearly 150 submissions). Although there were no new birds for Wales this year, it was a bumper year for Shrikes, with Isabelline, Lesser Grey, Red- backed and eight Woodchats. The year also produced Wales’ 5 th Isabelline Wheatear, 6 th Desert Wheatear, 3 rd White-billed Diver, 3 rd Black-headed Wagtail, 4 th Citrine Wagtail and two Western Bonelli’s Warblers. Added to this was seven Woodlarks (plus at least two breeding pairs), an influx of eleven Buff-breasted Sandpipers, seven Pectoral Sandpipers, three Stone Curlews, six Great Shearwaters, nine Great White Egrets, five Pallas’s Warblers, six Melodious Warblers and six Rose-coloured Starlings. This report follows the taxonomy, names and systematic sequence of the new BOU British List (2011) and includes all those records assessed by the WRP along with those accepted by BBRC (shown in italics). Descriptions of scarce species were received from the County Recorders of all Welsh Counties and occasionally directly from the observers. The report includes many digital photos and WRP welcomes the submission of any photographic evidence but this ideally should be accompanied by supporting evidence. Occasionally the Panel also receives descriptions of other species to assess from County Recorders and Editors. These are not detailed in this report. WRP would like to thank everyone who submitted records, all the photographers, the County Recorders and everyone else who has helping in the assessment process. Scarce species (assessed by WRP) are defined as those occurring on average 5 times or fewer annually in Wales. As of Jan. 1 st 2011 the full list of species which the Panel considers is as follows: Bean Goose, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Surf Scoter, White-billed Diver, Cory’s Shearwater, Great Shearwater, Wilson’s Petrel, Night Heron, Great White Egret, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, White Stork, Black Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Corncrake, Spotted Crake, Crane, Stone-Curlew, American Golden Plover, Kentish Plover, Temminck’s Stint, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Gull, White-winged Black Tern, Alpine Swift, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Bearded Tit, Short-toed Lark, Wood Lark, Shore Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Greenish Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Radde’s Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, Barred Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Rose- coloured Starling, Nightingale, Bluethroat, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-throated Pipit, Richard’s Pipit, Tawny Pipit, Serin, Common Redpoll, Arctic Redpoll, Common Rosefinch, Corn Bunting, Cirl Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Rustic Bunting and Little Bunting. 3 Scarce races are considered on the same basis (ie. all those occurring on average 5 times or fewer annually). However, it is acknowledged that the status, and in some case the identification, of some races is very uncertain. The WRP welcomes well-documented submissions of races that observers consider to be scarce in Wales. Through this process we hope to establish the occurrence of these forms but submissions will probably in most cases require detailed descriptions, photographic evidence and in some cases biometrics or a specimen. BBRC have requested submission of rare races (see Kehoe, C. 2006 Racial identification and assessment in Britain, British Birds 99: 619-645 for extra guidance) and the WRP will forward any claims that are considered sufficiently rare for BBRC to assess. Examples of races for which the WRP would like to receive reports are Black Brant Goose - nigricans, Iceland Gull - kumlieni, Common Guillemot - hyperborea, Razorbill - torda, Little Auk - polaris, Great Spotted Woodpecker - major, Grey-headed Wagtail - thunbergi, Siberian Chiffchaff - tristis, Treecreeper - familaris, Coal Tit - ater, Jay - glandarius, Jackdaw - monedula, Redpolls - islandica /rostrata, and Bullfinch -pyrrhula. In the systematic list the figures following each species / race name refer to the number of accepted individuals in Wales up to 1991 [included in Birds in Wales (Lovegrove et al)], since 1991 but not including 2010 and finally the number this year. Where two records probably relate to the same bird then only one is added to the total, while if two records are only possibly of the same bird, then both are added into the totals. In some cases the figures suggest changes in occurrence in the last twenty years, although it should be noted that some apparent declines may be due, to some extent, to a decline in the habit of observers submitting descriptions or some apparent increases to improved identification criteria and better optics or cameras. The names that appear after individual records are of those observers who sent in descriptions (if the finder is known then his /her name is included in italics) and are included here to show recognition of the time taken to produce a description and also the observer’s commitment to the nationally recognised system of rare bird record assessment, unless there is a specific request that their name is not shown. The Panel consists of six voting members, in 2012 they were: Reg Thorpe (Chairman) - Caernarfon, Mike Powell - Glamorgan, Steve Culley - Anglesey, Marc Hughes - Caernarfon, Richard Dobbins - Pembroke, Steve Stansfield - Bardsey and a non-voting Secretary, Jon Green - Ceredigion. The longest serving member of the Panel retires and a new member is elected annually by the Welsh County Recorders and the Council of the Welsh Ornithological Society. WRP is always on the lookout for new members, anyone who is interested should contact their County Recorder or the WRP Secretary. Descriptions, photos, videos and any other relevant evidence of WRP species should be submitted as soon as possible after the sighting (WRP description forms are available from the Secretary / County Recorders and downloadable from the WOS Website), preferably via the County Recorder or alternatively direct to the WRP Secretary: Jon Green, Crud yr Awel, Bowls Road, Blaenporth, Cardigan. Ceredigion. SA43 2AR. (01239 811561). The Panel are keen to receive any descriptions or photographs of electronic form, either on disc or by e-mail: welshrarebirds@tiscali.co.uk Details of records submitted, but not found acceptable or currently pended for information are found in appendix 1. 4 Systematic List of Accepted Records in 2011 Bean Goose (-, 10, 3) Anser fabalis Gwvdd v Llafur Breeds in the Arctic and colder boral zones. Range has contracted in Norway and Sweden in recent times. three of the race rossicus, at Llyn Coron Nov. (A. Davies per S. Culley). Photo, opposite by S. Culley. Green-winged Teal (10, 31,0) Anas carolinensis _ Breeds in North America. Males. Gwent: Peterstone Wentloog, 26 th Mar. (A. Plant, photos RM Price, C. Woodhead). Pembroke: at Sprinkle Pill, Cleddau on 16 th Jan (DJ Astins) presumed same at Marloes Mere 12 th Feb. - 2 nd May (S. Sutcliffe, S. Tusa et al), then at Penberi Res., St. David’s 6 th May (L. Lomax, B. Davies) All these records are assumed to relate to returning individuals. Blue-winged Teal (4, 3, 1) Anas discors _ Corhwvaden Asaell-las Breeds North America. Carmarthen: male, Sandy Water Park, Llanelli, 20 th Mar. - 1 st May (G. Harper et al). This remains a good find in Wales, the second county record for Carmarthen after one at Penclacwydd in March 2000. Photo below by RHA Taylor. 5 Ring-necked Duck (12, 25, 0) Aythya co I laris _ Hwyaden Dorchog Breeds North America, winters south to Costa Rica. Carmarthen: female, Llyn Pencarreg from 22nd Oct. 2010 into January 2011 (A. Williams), presumed same at Talleyl 7th - 22nd Jan. (I. Wagstaff, I. Hainsworth), then at Penclacwydd, 22nd Apr. (RH Taylor). Pembroke: returning female, Bosherston 8th Jan - 24th Mar (DJ Astins et al). No new individuals reported this year, just the two wintering females, one of which was rather mobile, visiting three different sites. Lesser Scaup (0,3,0) Aythya affinis _ Hwyaden Benddu Leiaf Breeds from C Alaska through Canada to Hudson Bay & S to Washington & South Dakota. Isolated populations E of Great Lakes. Winters along both coastlines of USA, in E from New Jersey to Mexico, W Indies, C America to N Colombia. E. Glamorgan: male, Cosmeston Lakes / Cardiff Bay,7 th Nov. 2010 - 2 nd Apr. 2011, returning 28 th Dec. into 2012 (per county recorder). Female, Eglwys Nunydd Res., 16 th Feb. - 6 th Mar. (M. Hipkin). Presumed returning individuals. Surf Scoter ( 22, 29, 0) Melanitta persoicillata _ Mor-hwyaden yr Ewyn Breeds northern North America, winters on the Atlantic coast, south to North Carolina. Denbigh: two males, north Wales coast, 6 th - 18 th Mar., returning 6 th Nov, until the end of the year (M. Hughes et al). There are assumed to two out of the three males that wintered in the same area last year. Cory’s Shearwater ( 34, 61,3) Calonectris diomedea _ Aderyn Drycin Cory A temperate to tropical species, nesting in colonies and rocky islands in the Canaries, Madeira and Azores and through the Mediterranean. Pembroke: Strumble Head, 17 th July (R. Stonier). Strumble Head 21 st Aug. (A. Rogers). E. Glam.: Porthcawl, 7 th Aug. (M. Hnatiuk). Great Shearwater ( 81,155, 6) Puffinus gravis _ Aderyn Drycin Mawr Late summer / autumn passage migrant that breeds in the south Atlantic. Gower: Worm’s Head, 7 th Aug. (P. Howlett). Photos, below. Pembroke: two, Strumble Head, 5 th Sept. (A. Rogers). two, Strumble Head, 6 th Sept. (SE Berry). Caernarfon: Bardsey, 7 th Sept. (SD Stansfield, S. Hinde). The winds blew well this year for this species, interestingly the Gower bird occurred on the same day as a Cory’s was seen off Porthcawl and that the Bardsey bird was on the same day as two were seen passing Strumble Head. Bosherston R.N. Duck by DJ Astins. 6 White-billed Diver ( 1, 1, 1) Gavia ad am sii _ Trochvdd Pig wen Pembroke: 1 st /2 nd summer, Strumble Head 1 st Sept. (R. Stonier). Potentially the third Welsh record, following the wintering bird in Holyhead Harbour, Anglesey February - May 1991, while the other was also seen passing Strumble on 27 th Sept. 1999. Great White Egret ( 5, 28, 9) Ardea alba_ Crevr Mawr Gwvn Breeds Netherlands in small numbers and from Hungary eastwards to Japan and south Australia, Africa south of the Sahara also southern North, Central and South America. European population winters mostly in the north Mediterranean. This species dropped off the BBRC list of rare birds, onto the WRP list as of Jan. 1 st 2006. Carmarthen: Penclacwydd, 14 th - 17 th July (P. Phillips et al) also at Llangennech on the same date (P. & S. Murray), then as below. Gower/Carm: up to three, Burry Inlet, a single from 14 th July, increasing to two from 17 th Oct. and three from 28 th Nov. Denbigh: Conwy RSPB, 14 th Oct. (D. O’Hara). Ceredigion: Ynyshir, 15 th Oct. (R. Relph). Brecon: Talybont Res., 25 th Oct. (P. Simms, R. Musker), Llangorse 18 th Dec. until 25 th Mar. 2012 (per County recorder). Pembroke: Bosherston, 13 th Nov. (C. Hurford). E. Glam.: Cardiff, 6 th Nov. (S. Strutt). Great White Egrets, left at Penclacwydd by RHA Taylor, above at Bosherston by C. Hurford, 7 Great White Egrets, above at Ynyshir by B. Ralph, right at Llangorse by K. Noble. Cattle Egret ( 5, 32, 2) Bubulcus ibis _ Crevr v Gwarthea Common and widespread in S. Spain & Portugal with small expanding populations in France and Italy. Northern populations disperse outside the breeding season, mostly into Africa. Carmarthen: Penclacwydd, 2 nd July (P. Treharne). Photo below left. Purple Heron ( 38,16, 3) Ardea purpurea Crevr Port for Dispersive migrant, from warmer temperate to tropical zones, southern Europe. Anglesey: Dwyan, 4 th Apr. (J. Carter, photo M. Hughes). E. Glam: Kenfig, 22 nd - 23 rd Apr. (S. Murray). Photo opposite. Ceredigion: Ynyshir, 7 th - 8 th May (J. Davis). Black Stork (5, 2, 2) Ciconia nigra _ Ciconia Du A vagrant. Brecon: Twyn-yr-odyn, Brecon, 8 th May (J. & L. Hole). E. Glam.: Mynydd Ty-talwyn, Maesteg, 22 nd May (J. Slocombe, P. Tabor). This remains a very rare visitor to Wales, with most records referring to fly-byes. The last twitchable one was on the Alaw Estuary on Anglesey in 2007. White Stork (-, 21,1) Ciconia ciconia Ciconai Gwvn Migrant in warmer Boreal to warm temperate zones, USSR, China and central Europe. E. Glam.: Aberdulais, 29 th - 30 th Apr. (R. Jones, W. Wadsworth-Davies). Gwent: presumed same as above, Mathern, 30 th Apr. (P. Morton). Photo opposite at Aberdulas. Glossy Ibis (11, 32, 4) Pleaadis falcinellus Crvmanbig Ddu Migrant from warm temperate and tropical zones, Greece, Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East. Malltraeth Marsh RSPB, 15 th - 19 th Nov. (per County Recorder). Kidwelly, 29 th Sept. - 2 nd Oct. (G. Harper et al). Anglesey: Carmarthen: E. Glamorgan: Gwent: Yet more records of this once rare heron - it’s only a matter of time before they drop off the BBRC list onto the WRP one. Ogmore, 30 th Sept. - 5 th Oct. (DC Bolt, NP Roberts, et al). juv., Newport Wetlands, 9 th Oct. (photo M. Chown et al) 9 Black Kite (6, 7,1) Milvus migrans _ Barcud du E. Glam: Parc Slip, 28 th Sept. (M. Hnatiuk). This species has occurred almost annually of late - climate change or are observers more likely to notice an odd kite these days ? Montagu’s Harrier (-,12,1) Circus pygargus Bod Montagu Rare visitor and massage migrant which formerly bred in small numbers. Anglesey: male, Holyhead, 2 nd - 4 th May (KG Croft, per S. Culley). Photo, opposite by S. Culley. Observers are reminded to include in their descriptions of this species why Pallid Harrier was ruled out. Corn Crake (-, 42, 2) Crex crex _ Rheaen vr Yd Very rare breeding bird in Britain, mainly in north & western Scotland and Ireland. Last bred in Wales in 1994. Caernarfon: female, Bardsey, 19 th July - 1 st Aug. (P. Roberts et al). Immature, 27 th - 28 th Sept. (S. Hinde). The female bird was trapped & ringed and was heard calling. 10 Common Crane (19, 20, 3) Grus arus Garan A rare visitor to Wales from Central Europe where it breeds, wintering in southern Europe around the Mediterranean and Africa. Anglesey: two, Llanfairynghornwy, 21 st Apr. (A. Melville, per County Recorder). Stone Curlew ( 27,10, 3) Burhinus oedicnemus _ Rhedwr v Moelvdd Scarce breeding bird in SE England. Commoner on mainland Europe. Ceredigion: Llanrhystud, 21 st Apr. (M. Hughes). Ynyslas, 15 th May (D. Knight). Brecon: Crai Valley, 17 th Aug. (M. Jones per G. Rees). First for the County. American Golden Plover ( 2, 8,1) Pluvialis dominica Corgwtiad Aur Breeds on coastal tundra from extreme NE Siberia, E across N Alaska and Canada to Baffin Island. Migrates over W Atlantic to wintering grounds in S South America. This species dropped off the BBRC list of rare birds, onto the WRP list, as of Jan. 1 st 2006. Gwent: adult, St. Bride’s, 23 rd - 25 th Sept. (DM Spittle). Photo by N. Casburn. First Welsh record for a couple of years, since those on Anglesey in 2009. Temminck’s Stint ( 26, 26,1) Calidris temmincki Pibvdd Temminck Breeds northern Scandinavia eastwards across northern Siberia. Winters west and central Africa and south Asia. Caern. / Denbigh: Conwy RSPB, 3 rd May (A. Humphreys- Jones). Photo opposite. li White-rumped Sandpiper ( 7, 6, 3) Calidris fuscicollis _ Breeds N Alaska and arctic Canada. Migrates through USA to winter in Central and Southern America. Gower: Llanrhidian Marsh, 20 th - 24 th Sept. (C. Brewer, M. Hipkin, B. Stewart), then at Weobley 25 th & 30 th Sept. (B. Stewart, E. Hunter). Photo opposite by B. Stewart Meirionnydd: two, Broadwater, 5 th Nov. (Rl Thorpe). First for the county. Pibvdd Tinwen Pectoral Sandpiper ( 65, 46, 7) Calidris melanotos _ Pibvdd Cain Breeds northeast Siberia and northern North America. Winters in southern South America. Pembroke: two adults, Skokholm, 13 th - 14 th May, with one remaining on 15 th (J. Gillham). Gwent: adult, Goldcliff, 30 th July (C. Jones et al). juv., St. Brides, 21 st -22 nd Sept. (R. Mitchell et al). Ceredigion: adult, Cors Fochno, 23 rd July (M. Bailey et al). Gower: juv. Llanrhidian Marsh, 19 th Sept. - 3 rd Oct., with two there on 22 nd - 23 rd Sept, (photo B. Stewart). Pectoral Sandpiper at St. Brides by R. Mitchell. 12 Buff-breasted Sandpiper ( 31,17,11) Calidris subruficollis _ Pibvdd Bronllwyd Breeds in Alaska and North-west Canada, winters in northern Argentina and Uruguay. Anglesey: two, South Stack, 14 th - 18 th Sept (KG Croft). Gower: Weobley Castle, 21 st - 25 th & 29 th Sept (N. Edwards, photo B. Stewart). Pembroke: two, Stackpole 21 st Sept. (D. & J. Killick). three, Dale Air Field 23 rd - 24 th Sept. (K. Meatyard). two, Kete, 28 th - 30 th Sept. (B. Southern). Denbigh: Conwy RSPB, 16 th - 18 th Sept. (P. Barrett, J. Hughes). The largest influx Wales has ever seen. Long-billed Dowitcher ( 5, 8, 1) Limnodromus scolooaceus _ Giach Gvlfin-hir Breeds primarily in Arctic Siberia where range is expanding W to Lena River delta. North American range restricted to coastal tundra of W and N Alaska, and E to Mackenzie River. Migrates through USA to winter from coastal S USA to N Central America. Carmarthen: 1 st winter, Kidwelly 29 th Sept, until 23 rd Apr. 2012 (D. Davidson et al). Ceredigion: Cors Fochno. 23 - 28 th Apr. (J. Davis, M. Hughes, M. Williams et al). Presumed same as last year’s bird. 13 Kidwelly’s Long-billed Dowitcher by B. Stewart. Lesser Yellowlegs, Alaw Estuary by S. Culley. Lesser Yellowlegs ( 9, 6, 1) Trinaa flavioes _ Melvngoes Bach Breeds northern North America. Winters USA south to southern South America. Anglesey: juv., Alaw Estuary, 22 nd Oct. - 23 rd Dec. (M. Sutton et al). Bonaparte’s Gull ( 3, 12, 1) Chroicocephalus Philadelphia Gwvlan Bonaparte Breeds widely across N North America from W and C Alaska through Canada to James Bay. Winters locally on ice-free rivers and lakes in N USA, and S along both coasts of USA to Mexico and Caribbean. Anglesey: adult, Traeth Lligwy, 12 Feb. - 27 th Mar. (M. Jones, per County Recorder), assumed same as last year’s bird at Traeth Dulas in September. E. Glam: presumed returning adult, Cardiff Bay, 13 th - 23 rd Mar. (G. Smith, per County Recorder), Meirionnydd: adult, Porthmadog, 23 rd - 31 st May (R. Pritchard, E. Lewis et al). Opposite at Traeth Lligwy by S. Culley, below left in Cardiff by S. Hinton, right in Porthmadog by DJ Astins. 14 Ring-billed Gull ( -, -, 3) Larus delawarensis _ Gwvlan Fodrwvbig Pembroke: adult, Llys y fran Res., 23 rd Jan (DJ Astins, PK Grennard) and 17 th Feb. R. Dobbins), returning there 26 th Nov. (DJ Astins). adult, Newgale Marsh 26 th Dec. (DJ Astins, PK Grennard). Cere/Pemb: 2 nd year, Cardigan, 21 st Sept - 30 th Oct. (per J. Green). Photo below. It would appear that there are fewer individuals of this species turning up in Wales these days than ten years ago. It now fits our criteria of less than five a year and it has therefore been added to the WRP list. Bee-eater ( 29, 24, 3) Meroos apiaster Gwvbedog v Gwenvn Scarce visitor from Mediterranean Europe. Pembroke: two, Pen Anglas, Fishguard, 22 nd Apr (SE Berry). Skomer, 14 th June (D. Boyle). Ceredigion: two, presumed as above, Aberporth 23 rd - 24 th Apr (per J. Green). Gower: Wernffrwd, 14 th June (N. Edwards). The Gower and Skomer bird is assumed to refer to the same wandering individual. Two Bee-eaters, Aberporth by A. Williams. 15 Golden Oriole (10+, 3) Oriolus oriolus _ Euryn Rare visitor from Mediterranean Europe. Caernarfon: female, Bardsey, 6 th - 8 th May (SD Stansfield). Photo, left by B. Porter, right by SD Stansfield. Isabel line Shrike (1,5, 1) Lanius isabellinus _ Ciavdd Gwdw Four races breed widely but discontinuously in C Asia, from Caspian Sea and W Iran through Kazakhstan to Tajikistan, Afghanistan and N Pakistan to S Mongolia and NW China, with isolated population from Zaidam depression to N Tibetan plateau. Winters in NE and E Africa, S Arabian peninsula, S Iran and NW Indian subcontinent. Pembroke: first winter (probably of the race Li. isabellinus), Porth Clais, 28 th Oct. - 7 th Nov. (M. Best et al). Apart from a bird at Nine Wells, Pembroke (Oct. 1995) all the others have come from the north, Holyhead (Oct. 1985), Bardsey (Oct. 1996), Cemlyn (July - Aug. 1998), Llanbedrog (Nov. 2003) and Great Orme 22 nd Oct. 2006. Photo below by DJ Astins. 16 Red-backed Shrike (-, 64, 2) Lanius collurio Ciavdd Cefngoch Breeds throughout most of mainland Europe. Caern. / Den.: female, Conwy RSPB, 4 th June (M. Weston). Pembroke: female, Skomer, 16 th Oct. (D. Boyle). Photo opposite by D. Boyle. Lesser Grey Shrike ( 7, 2, 1) Lanius minor _ Ciavdd Glas Pembroke: 1 st summer, St. Justinian’s, 4 th - 9 th July (M. Best et al). There have been only ten accepted Welsh records of this eastern Mediterranean species, most recently the two in the St. David’s area of Pembroke in June - July 1993, 22 nd Sept. 1998. Earlier records came from South Stack, Anglesey, May 1961, Shotton, Flint September 1961, Pen-y-groes, Caernarfon June 1967, Skomer, Pembroke September 1974, Ferryside, Carmarthen October 1975, Fan Pool, Montgomery May 1982 and Abersoch, Caernarfon October - November 1986. Photo below by R. Crossen. 17 Woodchat ( 67, 26, 8) Lanius senator _ Ciavdd Penaoch Breeds from France and northwest Africa east to Ukraine and southern Iran. Winters in Africa south of the Sahara. Gower: Male, Llangennith, 9 th - 16 th Apr. (M. Hipkin, RHA Taylor). Male, Fairwood Common, 10 th - 12 th May (W. Thomas). Ceredigion: Female, Ynyslas, 16 th - 18 th Apr. (J. Davis). Female, Teifi Marshes, 24 th Apr. (S. Ackland). Pembroke: Male, Abereiddy, 22 nd - 23 rd Apr. (H. Richards). Female, Whitesands Bay, 25 th - 26 th Apr. (M. Young-Powell). Male, Mullock, Dale, 15 tf ^ - 19 th May (D. Buckley). Caernarfon: 1 st year female, Bardsey, 20 th - 24 tfl May (S. Hinde). A bumper harvest this year. Above: 1 st year female, Bardsey by SD Stansfield, right a male at Fairwood Common by RHA Taylor. Below left a female at Ynyslas by K. Joynes and below right a male at Llangennith by RHA Taylor. 18 Male Woodchat, Mullock Bridge (D. Buckley). Bearded Tit Pariurus biarmicus _ Titw Barfog Resident in the UK (mainly the south East). Erruptive. Bred in Wales in one’s or twos mid 1960’s - 1980. Rare since. Individuals have bred for the last four years at the Uskmouth reed-beds of the Newport Wetland Reserve. There were no records elsewhere. WRP has therefore decided to keep this species on its list for Wales excluding records from Gwent, relating to birds at NWR or dispersing from there. 19 Woodlark (-, 164, 7) Lullula arborea Ehedvdd v Coed Now widespread in Southern and Eastern England. Caern: Great Orme, 19 th Apr. (M. Hughes). Gwent: Dingestow, 19 th Aug. (S. Bosanquet). Uskmouth, 1 st Oct. (C. Mendez). Peterstone, 16 th Oct. (A. Plant). E. Glam.: Brombil, 2CT Oct. (NP Roberts). Gower: two, Paviland, 30 th Oct. (C. Brewer). Photo opposite. As regards the breeding records, a male was heard singing at a site in Gwent in 2010 but wasn’t seen or heard subsequently. The following a year a pair bred at this site, three eggs were found on 25 th Apr. and hatched by 5 th May but died shortly afterwards. The pair laid a second brood, fledging three by 5 th June. Another pair was located nearby and this was thought to have fledged at least one young. Photo opposite. This species no longer fits our criteria as a scarce or rare bird in Wales and it has therefore been removed from the WRP list as of 1 st Jan. 2012. Red-rumped Swallow ( 8, 8,1) Hirundo daurica _ Gwennol Dingoch Breeds Iberia, southern France and northwest Africa; Balkans east to Japan and south to Sri Lanka; central Africa. The Western Palearctic population winters in Africa, south of the Sahara. Caernarfon: Great Orme, 10 th Apr. (C. Bridge, Z. Hinchcliffe). 20 Western Bonelli’s Warbler ( 6, 2, 2) Phylloscoous bonelli _ Telor Bonelli Breeding range centred on SW Europe from Iberia to N France, S Germany, Italy, Austria, and locally in mountains of N Africa. Winters along S edge of Sahara, from Senegal and S Mauritania to N Cameroon. Caernarfon: 1 st year, Bardsey, 1 st Sept. (SD Stansfield et al). Pembroke: St. David’s Head, 3rd Oct. (M. Young-Powell). Recently BBRC reviewed all Bonelli’s Warbler records, splitting those that they could into Eastern ( orientalis ), Western ( bonellii) or indeterminate: Western: on Skokholm 31 Aug. 1948 and on Bardsey 18 th Aug. - 5 Sept. 1959, 10 th Sept. 1959, 1 st - 2 nd Sept. 1962, 15 th - 20 th Sept. 1962, 20 th Aug. 1984, 24 th - 25 th 2006; and below Gwastedyn Hill Radnor 17 th - 18 th May 2006. Indeterminate: Lavernock Point, Glamorgan, 30 th Aug. 1963, Llaniestyn, Caernarfon 17 th Sept. 1968 and Skokholm 31 st Aug. 1991. Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Bardsey by SD Stansfield. Pallas’ Warbler ( 9, 24, 5) Phylloscoous ororeaulus _ Telor Gwyrdd Breeds from south central Siberia, east to Sea of Okhotsk, also Himalayas. Winters Himalayan foothills, northern southeast Asia. Anglesey: Carmel Head, 16 th Oct. (Rl Thorpe). Caernarfon: Bardsey, 26 th Oct. (S. Hinde, SD Stansfield et al). Bardsey, 30 th Oct. - 1 st Nov. (B. Porter et al). Bardsey 29 th Nov. - 1 st Dec. (SD Stansfield). Pembroke: Skomer, 28 th & 30 th Oct. (D. Boyle). 21 Barred Warbler ( 40, 40, 2) Sylvia nisoria _ Telor Rhesoa Breeds from north Italy, Germany and south Sweden eastwards to Mongolia. Winters northeast Africa south to Kenya and southern Arabia. Caernarfon: Bardsey, 13 th Oct. (S. Hinde). Photo below left by SD Stansfield. et al). Photo below right. 22 Subalpine Warbler (18, 33,1) Sylvia cantillaris _ Four races widely but locally distributed throughout Mediterranean basin from NW Africa and Iberia N to S France, and E to Greece and W Turkey. Winters S of Sahel from Mauritania and Senegal to S Egypt and Sudan. This species dropped off the BBRC list of rare birds, onto the WRP list, as of Jan. 1 st 2006 (although the races albistriata and moltoni are still assessed by them). Caernarfon: 1 st year male, Bardsey, 29 th Apr. (S. Hinde). This species has become nearly annual on Bardsey, where two were seen nest building last year, but didn’t breed, perhaps another sign of global warming. Eastern race - S. c. albistriata: 2011 Caern.: male, Bardsey, 20 th Apr. (B. Porter, SD Stansfield). 2010 Caern.: 1 st summer male, in song, Bardsey, 23 rd - 26 th May (S. IHinde, SD Stansfield et al), photo below by SD Stansfield. 23 Icterine Warbler (65, 41,3) Hippolais icterina TelorAur Breeds from northeast France north to Norway and Sweden and east to western Siberia, also northern Iran. Winters in Africa south of the Sahara. Caernarfon: Bardsey, 21 st Aug. (B. Porter). Bardsey, 22 nd Aug. (S. Hinde). Bardsey, 23 rd - 26 th Aug. (R. Brown). Three individuals on Bardsey, making this another blank year for the mainland. Icterine Warbler, Bardsey by R. Brown. Melodious Warbler (142, 56, 6) Hippolais polvalotta _ Telor Per Breeds northeast Africa, Iberia, France, Switzerland and Italy. Winters in Africa, south of the Sahara. 2011 Caern: Bardsey, 26 th Aug. (S. Hinde). Bardsey, 11 th Aug. (B. Porter). Bardsey, 7 th Sept. (S. Hinde). 2011 Pemb: Skokholm, 31 st July - 1 st Aug. (M.Betts). Skokholm, 19 th -20 th Aug. (J. Gillham, S. Sutcliffe). Martin’s Haven, 8 th - 14 th Aug. (O. Leysham). 2010 Caern.: Bardsey 4 th Sept. (T. Chater). A bumper crop for the islands, as usual, good so see that the work on Skokholm to re¬ establish a bird observatory is starting to have an effect and that us mainlanders finally got Martin’sHaven bird. Melodious Warbler at Martin’s Haven by P. Mahiques. Melodious Warbler, trapped on Skokholm, photo by J. Gillham. Marsh Warbler (11,10, 0) Acrocephalus palustris _ Telor v Gwerni A small population breeds in south England. Main breeding grounds are in Eastern Europe. 2009 Caernarfon: Bardsey, 20 th June 2009 (SD Stansfield). 24 Rose-coloured Starling ( 26, 55, 6) Sturnus roseus _ Drudwen Wridoa Breeds from Hungary and Balkans east to Kazakhstan and southern Iran. Occasionally erupts west in summer. Winters in the Indian region. Anglesey: adult, Rhydwyn, 13 th June (M. Blackburn). juv., Holyhead, 11 th Oct. - 26 th Nov. (KG Croft). Meirionnydd: adult, Penllyn Marsh, 11 th Aug. (T. McCanna). Pembroke: juv., Skomer, 29 th Sept - 2 nd Nov. (D. Boyle). Caernarfon: juv., Nefyn, 19 th Oct. -4 th Nov. (S. Roulston, photo. S. Culley). Gower: juv., Mumbles Head, 4 th - 10 th Nov. (M. & T. Green). Desert Wheatear (1,4, 1) Oeriarithe deserti _ Tinwen Diffaethwch Vagrant. Breeds North Africa and from Caucasus across central Asia. Asian breeders winter Arabian Peninsular to NW India. Pembroke: Skomer, 15 th Nov. (D. Boyle, J. Gillham, C. Taylor). The first Welsh record came from Penclawdd, Gower 1989, followed by others at Peterstone, Gwent in 1996, Skokholm, Pembroke in 1997 & 2003 and finally at Towyn, Denbigh in 2008. Following photo by D. Boyle. 25 Isabel line Wheatear ( 0, 4,1) Oenanthe isabellina _ Tinwen Isabella Small European population restricted to E Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine and SW Russia. In Asia, breeds widely across arid grasslands from Turkey through Kazakhstan, Mongolia and N China, S to Iran and N Pakistan. Winters from N Sahel zone to E Africa, and throughout Middle East from Arabian peninsula to S Iran, Pakistan and NW India. Gower: 1 st winter male, Wernffrwd 5 th - 10 th Nov (RHA Taylor et al). The other Welsh records came from Bardsey in 1997 & 2002, Skokholm 1997 and Mynachdy, Anglesey in 2006. Photo below by RHA Taylor. 26 Red-breasted Flycatcher ( 126, 43, 3) Ficdula oarva _ Gwvbedoa Bronaoch Breeds from southern Sweden south to Austria and Bulgaria eastwards across Siberia. Winters in Pakistan, India and southeast Asia. Pembroke: 1 st winter, Skomer, 28 th Sept. (D. Boyle). 1 st winter, Skomer, 15 th Oct. (D. Boyle). Caernarfon: 1 st winter, Bardsey, 4 th - 5 th Nov. (G. Eagle, per R. Brown). Red-breasted Flycatcher, September, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bardsey by R. Brown, on Skomer by D. Boyle. Grey-headed Wagtail (10,6,1) Motacilla flava thunbergi _ Siglen Benllwvd Rare visitor. Breeds in Scandinavia, winters in Africa. Anglesey: Cemlyn, 26 th May (D. Wright et al). Black-headed Wagtail ( 1, 1, 1) Motacilla flava feldea Anglesey: male, Cemlyn, 6 th May(D. Wright). The only previously accepted records came from Skomer, Pembroke on 7 th May 1986 and at Conwy RSPB, 8 th - 9 th May 1998. Photo right by S. Culley. 27 Citrine Wagtail ( 0, 3, 1) Motacilla citreola _ Sigllen Sitraidd Breeds in small, scattered colonies through S & E Europe from Iberia to Poland. Numerous & widespread from N Black Sea E to W Kazakhstan, with Volga/Ural River complex holding most of European population. Winters tropical W & C Africa & from Nile Delta to E Africa. Other populations in Indian subcontinent, E Asia, S Africa & Australia. Denbigh: Conwy RSPB, 15 th - 16 th May (TE Giles, S. Giles et al). Anglesey: Cemlyn, 17 th May (A. Davies, R. Miller). Both these records are assumed by BBRC to concern the same bird. The first Welsh record came from Skomer in September 2000, the other two were from 2009, when one was also at Conwy RSPB, the other near Brecon. Photos from Conwy by R. Sandham. Richard’s Pipit ( 86,168,15) Anthus novaeseelandiae _ Corhedvdd Richard Breeds from western Siberia east to Mongolia and south-east Asia, also Africa. Northern population winters in Pakistan and India, east to south-east Asia. 2011 Pemb: St. David’s Head, 2 nd Nov. (M. Young-Powell). Marloes Mere, 19 th Nov. (DJ Astins). three individuals on Skomer, 14 th & 28 th Oct. and 12 th Nov. (all D. Boyle). 2011 Caern: Great Orme, 25 th Sept - 12 th Nov (M. Hughes), two, Bardsey, 28 th Sept. (B. Porter) Bardsey, 27 th Sept. (M. Eldridge). two, Dinas Dinlle, 27 th Nov. (Rl Thorpe). 2011 Angle: Cemlyn, 28 th Sept. (J. Dyda). Soldier’s Point, 15 th Oct. (KG Croft). Cemaes, 16 th Oct. (S. Culley). Cemlyn, 28 th Oct. (Rl Thorpe). 2007 Pemb: St. David’s Head, 20 th Oct. (M. Young-Powell). This species was added to the WRP list for 2011 only, to assess if there had been any change in its occurrence in Wales. There appears to be more seen each year as observers become more familiar with the species and its ID. Descriptions for this species are not required in the future by WRP. 28 Tawny Pipit (16, 6, 0) Anthus campestris Corhedvdd Melvn A very rare visitor from southern and central Europe. 2007 Caernarfon: Uwchmynydd, Aberdaron, 10 th Oct. (S. Renouf, J. Carr). Photo opposite. Common Rosefinch (39, 86, 5) Caroodacus ervthrinus _ Llinos Goch Breeds from Germany and southern Sweden eastwards to Kamchatka and from Georgia eastwards to central China. Has bred in Britain on a few occasions. Winters in India, southeast Asia and southern China. Anglesey: male, Cerrig-man, Amlwch, 29 th May - 8 th June (photo. J. Swindells). Gwent: male, Sudbrook, Caldicot, 21 st June (E. Stevens). Pembroke: immature male, Ramsey, 13 th July (G. Morgan). 1 st / female, Skokholm, 2 nd - 11 th Sept. (B. Haycock). 1 st /female, Skomer 29 th Sept. - 1 st Oct. (D. Boyle). Male Rosefinch, Anglesey. Rosefinch on Skokholm by B. Haycock. Identification agreed - but bird likely to be escaped/falconers: Golden Eagle (-, 0, 0) Aguila chrvsaetos _ Ervr Euraid Breeds in Scotland. Cere. 4 th year, summered around the north of the county (per County Recorder). 29 APPENDIX I - List of records that were deemed NOT PROVEN Many of the records were not accepted because the Panel were not convinced, on the evidence before us, that the identification was fully established. Only in a very few cases were the Panel satisfied that a mistake had been made. Species Site County Date Great White Egret Redwick Gwent 20/11/11 Great White Egret Uskmoith Gwent 6/11/11 Great White Egret 5 Cardiff foreshore E. Glamorgan 26/10/2011 Cattle Egret Carmarthen Bay Carmarthen 26/06/2011 White Stork Pwll, Llanelli Carmarthen 18/04/2011 Night Heron Cemmaes, Machynlleth Montgomery 03/12/2011 Great Shearwater Skokholm Pembroke 06/09/2011 Rough-legged Buzzard Pen y cloddiau Flint 24/10/2010 Rough-legged Buzzard Cardiff E Glamorgan Rough-legged Buzzard Tonfanau Meirionnydd 26/02/2011 White-tailed Sea Eagle Strata Florida Ceredigion 22/01/2010 Montagu's Harrier, female Strumble Pembroke 01/05/2011 Montagu’s Harrier Gresford Flash Denbigh 28/4/10 Ring-billed Gull ad Ynyslas Ceredigion 01/09/2011 Alpine Swift Borras Denbigh 7/4/10 Nightingale Bodelwyddan Denbigh 27/04/2011 Golden Oriole male Ynyshir Ceredigion 05/06/2011 Golden Oriole, m & F Skomer Pembroke 07/05/2011 BBRC Not-proven: Collared Pratincole Criccieth Caernarfon 15/9/11 Pied Wheatear Idwal Slabs Caernarfon 11/6/11 Black Stork, 10 Llandovery Carmarthen 8/5/11 Pallid Swift Aberystwyth Ceredigion 4/11/11 APPENDIX II - List of records that have been PENDED for more information or requiring further assessment. American Wigeon female Portmadog Meirionnydd 16-17/9/10 Black Brant Goose Whiteford Gower November 2011-2012 Melodious Warbler Great Orme Caernarfon 17/5/09 Chiffchaff - tristis Conwy Caernarfon 30/11 -24/12/08 Chiffchaff - tristis Llyn Coron Anglesey 19/11 onwards Chiffchaff - tristis Sudbrook Gwent 30/1/11 Arctic Redpoll Great Orme Caernarfon 11/4/11 Common Redpoll, 2 Cilcain Denbigh 9/5/10 Common Redpoll Ebbw Vale Gwent 3/3/11 Common Redpolls 5 Great Orme Caernarfon 10/4/11 Common Redpoll Ceri Forest Montgomery 17/4/11 Common Redpoll Merthyr Tydfil E. Glamorgan 19/12/10 30