In these monthly reports, species indicated in capitals are subject to acceptance by the British Birds Rarities Committee and species indicated in italic capitals are subject to acceptance by the Welsh Birds Rarities committee.

A good showing for CORY’S SHEARWATERS elsewhere in the South-West Approaches saw four noted off Welsh coastlines – off both Strumble Head and Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, on 25th, Great Orme, Conwy, on 25th, and Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, on 29th. Otherwise, two BALEARIC SHEARWATERS flew past Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, on 24th and a Long-tailed Skua blogged past Bardsey Island, Gwynedd, on 26th.

On 14th, a probable CASPIAN TERN over West Pill, Gwent, perhaps relates to wanderings from the bird lingering along the River Severn near Epney, Gloucestershire. Pleasingly, Roseate Terns at Afon Wen, Gwynedd, Rhos Point, Conwy, and Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, included a juvenile at the latter site. Black Terns included birds at Llangorse Lake, Powys (three), and The Skerries, Anglesey.

An adult male ROSY STARLING in a garden at Llangwyryfon, Ceredigion, was perhaps the nation’s most popular bird during July, although not hanging round for the masses was an ALPINE SWIFT over Elegug Stacks, Pembrokeshire, on 3rd. A sprightly adult male WOODCHAT SHRIKE was on Skomer, Pembrokeshire, on 12th, with a probable Blue-headed Wagtail there the following day. On 31st, a BLACK KITE lingered at Glaslyn, Powys. Two Turtle Doves were in Glamorgan gardens – at Penllergaer and Southgate.

Fleeting herons comprised an adult PURPLE HERON at Valley Lakes RSPB, Anglesey, on 19th and a GLOSSY IBIS at Llanilid Opencast, Glamorgan, on 21st. Elsewhere, Cattle Egrets were reported from Penclawdd, Glamorgan, Alaw Estuary, Anglesey, and Conwy Estuary, Conwy (two). A Spoonbill was at Goldcliff Pools, Gwent.

A PECTORAL SANDPIPER Sandpiper at Llangorse Lake, Powys, from 19-21st was well-watched, with a brief individual at Newport, Pembrokeshire, on 21st. Curlew Sandpipers were at Newport, Pembrokeshire, and Alaw Estuary, Anglesey, with a Little Stint at the latter site.

In Anglesey, an eclipse drake RING-NECKED DUCK was unearthed at Valley Lakes RSPB from 22nd. An unseasonal Whooper Swan hung out with the Cardiff Bay, Glamorgan, Mute Swan herd and an impressive six Garganey were at Gann Estuary, Pembrokeshire, with a singleton at Goldcliff Pools, Gwent. Connah’s Quay, Clwyd, held a Ruddy Shelduck.