Welsh Journals

Ornithological Notes, 1973-74 H. MORREY SALMON, C.B.E., M.C., D.L. These notes, which are summarised in their present form for the convenience and interest of the members of the society, include the more unusual and interesting occurrences in Glamorgan during 1973-74 and in the three new counties: South, Mid and West Glamorgan in the remainder of 1974, Those who desire more detailed information can consult the Glamorgan Annual Bird Reports published for both these years by the Ornithological Section of the Society, in association with the Gower Ornithological Society. Also, atten- tion is drawn to A Supplement to the Birds of Glamorgan 1967, similarly published by the Ornithological Section, bringing records in that volume up to date, 31st March 1974, immediately prior to the alterations in the county boundaries consequent upon changes in Local Government which came into effect on 1 April 1974. Of Divers, both Great Northern and Red-throated were seen in each winter but the Black- throated was not reported in either year, At least two pairs of Great-crested Grebes bred successfully in each year at Eglwys Nunydd reservoir and one pair at Hensol in 1974, for the second time there since 1950. Wintering Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes were seen as usual but the Red-necked Grebe was not recorded in either year. Fulmars continued to breed in Gower in small numbers but have not established them- selves higher up the Bristol Channel. Flocks of Manx Shearwaters have been seen, mainly off Gower, and amongst them during August 1973 individual birds showing characteristics of the Balearic race of that species were seen; also a single Great Shearwater the first county record for that species. Single Storm Petrels were seen occasionally off Gower in both summers. Parties of Gannets were seen off Gower and Sker point, while individual birds came up the Channel occasionally as far as Lavernock and off Penarth. Cormorants were not rec- orded as breeding in Gower in either year but in 1974 a pair of Shags reared two young on Worms Head Grey Herons at Penrice increased to 32 breeding pairs in 1973 but dropped to 24 pairs in 1974, in which year there were again 14 nests at the Hensol heronry. In the Llwyn-on heronry, which came into Mid Glamorgan from Breconshire in 1974, there were 14 nests. Several Bitterns occured in each winter season and one was heard 'booming' again at Penrice in April 1974. A Spoonbill, one of a small party seen on succeeding days in adjacent Monmouthshire, was noted in the Rhymney estuary in early June, 1973. There was little change from previous reports in the pattern of occurrences of breeding of the various species of ducks or geese; Pochard were exceptionally numerous at Kenfig Pool and Eglwys Nunydd reservoir towards the end of 1973; Pintail, in particular, were much disturbed in the Burry estuary by the shooting at Oystercatchers; a third Ruddy Duck was recorded in the county in 1973 at Roath Park Lake, Cardiff. Whooper and Bewick's Swans wintered as usual at Kenfig Pool and elsewhere but in smaller numbers. Of raptors, Buzzards and Sparrowhawks continue to breed with some success. Several