Sunday Last

Martin Bevan and myself after looking at the weather forecast (strong winds and rain) decided to do a bit of a seawatch at Porthcawl. Arriving around 7am we were delighted to find the conditions good ie. a nice strong westerly wind and good visibility also the shelter was empty. What was not good was the total lack of birds out at sea, we had some gulls flying close by and Martin had two turnstones land on the rocks but absolutely zilch flying past the buoys.

We decided to cut our losses and went around various car parks looking for gulls but drew a blank again but did see around 25 Sanderling on the beach in front of the fair.

Plan C was to Kenfig where we sat in the hide for around 30 to 40 minutes picking out one Scaup, Pochard, Goldeneye, Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe and 4 Lapwing flying over. A bit of exercise was needed so we set off for Sker Point to look for Purple Sandpipers.

Once at Sker Martin set his scope up, which I had carried down for him, and quickly located a Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Curlew, Oystercatchers and 6 Purple Sandpipers. We were really exposed to the elements here and even holding binoculars steady was an effort for us. We walked back past Sker House but considering the conditions (hailstones by now) it was no surprise that the Little Owls were not being cooperative and sitting out.

Back at the car park we decided to go back to Porthcawl for high tide which was just after 11am and try some more seawatching. This turned out not to be the best decision we have ever made as we had the same result as earlier, zero birds out to sea. There were around 30 Turnstones feeding on the grass close by but nothing to keep us there so it was back to the car park behind the lighthouse.

As the car park came into view we could see lots of white, gulls at last. Martin got his obligatory loaf of bread, I had my camera and we were good to go. Mostly Herring Gulls and Black Headed Gulls but we did find one Lesser Black Back, one Common Gull and best of all at least 5 Med. Gulls one nearly in full summer plumage.

Cormorant trying to be a Bittern

Mr Bevan braving the elements at Sker Point.

Med. Gull

Med. Gull

Med Gull with ring, No 2X7N