Sightings

Main sighting: Smew

The male Smew showed well in the company of ten Goldeneyes 6f+4m,Also slightly further up river two Goosanders m+f. Seen from the same spot as previous sightings.10h15-12h30

Main sighting: Bewicks & Whooper Swans

Bewick’s and Whooper Swan SIGHTINGS WANTED. The International Swan Census is taking place on 11th/12th January. So that we can ensure that all sites in Gwent are covered that weekend could you please send location details of any sightings of either species seen this winter (2019/2020) to webteam@gwentbirds.org.uk . Sites for Mute Swan flocks would also be appreciated.

Main sighting: Spotted Redshank

Spotted Redshank roosting on Prior’s Lagoon where the Glossy Ibis was feeding.

Main sighting: Smew

Drake still present near the layby on the bend.

Main sighting: Goldeneye

As well as the usual suspects, two female Goldeneye, one female Goosander and one male Pochard.

Main sighting: Wildfowl

Sor Bay to Green Pool .45 LBBGull inc.peregrine Kill ..6 Goldeneye 140 wigeon 14 goosander (3red heads ) 43 teal mostly fem. 14 mute swan 4cormorant 112 canada goose 300 plus BHGull 1 little egret 3 grey heron Raven displaying 5 moorhen 15 coot .Blackcap singing near green pool hide 4 GBBGull male sparrowhawk pair buzzard . 2 meadow pipit (I hope ) ..30 linnet and a very Ill chaffinch .

Main sighting: Goosander

Male and Female goosander head in water looking for fish ,also 2 Female goosander flying past up river ,

Main sighting: Smew

drake seen well eventually south of Usk late afternoon between Craig Olway farm and next layby from town.

Main sighting: Goldeneye and Glossy Ibis

A very quiet high tide at Goldcliff Lagoons. I would advise wearing some wellies as the reserve is very muddy underfoot. The lagoons are full to thr brim. Only wader species of note were 21 Curlews ( no rings observed) feeding on edges of Becs. A flock of Lapwing flew over Becs and headed off to the Saltmarshes. Duck species seen were Goldeneye ( priors), Tufted Duck, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Mallard and Shelduck. Glossy Ibis on Becs and flew off. 2 x Little Grebe on Priors.
Kestrel was hunting near entrance to reserve.

Main sighting: Various

48 shoveler 8 mute swan 24 mallard 34 teal 2 pochard 18 coot 2 snipe 12 shelduck Canada Goose Wigeon in low numbers LBBGull Marsh Harrier Male Raven Fem Kestrel

Main sighting: Drake Smew

I got to the previously reported site at Llanlowell at about 1:30 and had missed seeing the Smew by about 30 minutes, waited for another 30 minutes and decided to try another day. On the way back to Caerleon I thought I’d check the river by Llanbadoc Church where I’ve often seen Goosanders. As I drove down the track that runs along the river bank I must have flushed the Smew as I saw it flying past me and down the river towards the trees in the next field, having been there before i know that it’s possible to get down to the river bank there and duly made my way over but as I went down the bank it must have been under the overhanging branches behind me and took off back towards Usk.Access was easier than previously as the car park was freshly resurfaced and the track free of potholes.

Main sighting: Smew

Still there. Upriver of lay-bys towards town.