For The Birds 16/09/06
The following first appeared inthe South Wales Argus on 16thSeptember 2006
Another New Sighting for Gwent
Here's a question for you...How many different species of bird have been recorded in Gwent?
No idea? Well, you might be surprised to learn that the figure stands at 356!....A pretty awesome figure don't you think?
As you can imagine, this total includes a sizeable number of birds that are very rarely seen locally, and therefore, although quite a few unusual sightings are made every year, it is only once in a blue moon that a previously unseen bird turns up and makes it onto the list.
However, a flurry of excitement has hit local birders during the last few days, as a Semipalmated Sandpiper has been seen at Newport Wetland Reserve. If this record is confirmed then it will be the latest addition to the County list.
Semipalmated sandpipers are small wading birds that breed in North America. There have been a few recent sightings in the UK of this species, which seems to suggest that a number of them have lost their bearings whilst on their travels.
Identifying a bird such as this is not easy, the defining feature of this species is it's partly webbed feet....but they are rarely visible. There are also a number of very similar looking species to contend with, whose differences are not immediately apparent. To be quite honest with you, my knowledge of waders is poor, and I've got to take my hat off to those who were able to differentiate it from the numerous other small waders it was amongst.
If you are interested in seeing some of the wading birds that can be found locally, there is an ideal opportunity next Sunday, September 24th, when local expert Chris Jones is leading a guided walk at Goldcliff. Chris is a very knowledgeable chap and will be at the Farmer's Arms car park at 7.15 am to meet you for this easy 2-3 hour walk.
Forthcoming Events
In addition to the above there is a guided birdwatching walk being held at Newport Wetland Reserve, Uskmouth on Sunday October 1st. Meet local bird ringer Richard Clarke at the Reserve car park (ST 334834) at 8.00 am to observe the many migrating birds that stop over at this site. You will also get the chance to see Goldcliff bird ringers in action in what promises to be a fascinating morning. Non members are very welcome, bring binoculars if you have them.
Also on Sunday 1st October at Newport Wetland Reserve is an RSPB family fun day entitled "Marvellous Mini Beasts". Meet Lucy Christopher at the reserve car park at 1.30 pm for this 2 hour event in which you and your children will be introduced to, and get to hunt, some of the bugs that can be discovered in the reserve's undergrowth. (Please note that dogs are not welcome on the reserve). For more details of this event call 01633 275567.
The long awaited Winter season of illustrated talks arranged by Gwent Ornithological Society(GOS) kicks off next Saturday, September 23rd. The talk is entitled "Kazakhstan" and is being given by Vaughan Ashby, an international tour guide with 40 years birding experience. Situated on the silk route between the Caspian Sea and China, Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for birders....Not surprising when you consider it's fantastic scenery, home to birds such as hoopoe, sand grouse, vultures and snowcock plus many more.
The talk is being held at Goytre Village Hall and starts at 7.30 pm. Entry, including tea and biscuits, is £1. Non members are welcome. For details of this and other events visit www.gwentbirds.org.uk or give me a call on the number below and I'll send you details.
Unusual Sightings
The latest report of a swift received has been of a single bird over Sebastopol on 5th September. Meanwhile swallows (pictured) are gathering in readiness to migrate, 400 were noted at Llandegfedd on the 9th.
There have been a number of raptor sightings; hobby have been reported from Newport and Cwmbran, and peregrine have been seen at Ebbw Vale and Bedwas. An osprey was recorded at Nash on the 10th and a couple of marsh harriers spooked feeding waders at Goldcliff on the 9th.
A barn owl was at Llanwern on the 3rd, two arctic skuas were seen off Goldcliff Point on the same day, and
several tern have been seen; A single arctic tern at Ynysfro Reservoir on the 3rd and ten common tern at Llandegfedd on the 12th.
If you see anything interesting, why not share the experience by posting the details on the GOS sightings page?Your contributions are very welcome.
Get in Touch
Don't forget that I'm always keen to hear from readers. Please feel free to get in touch at mark.stevens@webster.uk.net or on 01633 866470.