Generally a fairly quiet month, compared with the mega-rarities recorded in other parts of the UK with the highlight being a warbler at Rhyl Brickworks from 11^th to 13^th, initially identified as a HUME’S LEAF WARBLER on its call, but later ‘downgraded’ to a YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. For some the jury is still out!

Whilst there were no outstanding records of waterbirds, the Dyfi flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese finally reached 19 by 29^th, accompanied by a possible TAIGA BEAN GOOSE. Three Spoonbills were reported on the River Clwyd (Flintshire) on 24^th whilst RING-NECKED DUCKS were at Llyn Caer Euni (Meirionnydd) on 18^th and a drake on Skokholm on 20^th with another immature drake at Llyn Pendam (Ceredigion) on 27-30^th. The ringed Ferruginous Duck was on Llangorse Lake on 20-29^th. A drake GREEN-WINGED TEAL was reported at the south end of Tal y Llyn lake (Meirionnydd) on 17^th, a Black-necked Grebe was at Penberry Reservoir (Pembrokeshire) from 23-30^th and a GLOSSY IBIS was at Valley (Anglesey) on 7^th.

Late summer migrants included a RED-BACKED SHRIKE at Porthcawl (Glamorgan) over 15-19^th which reappeared on 29^th, a Sandwich Tern off Newborough (Anglesey) on 18^th with possibly the same bird at Foryd (Caernarfonshire) on 24^th and a Woodlark over Lavernock Point (Glamorgan) on 25^th

Scarce late autumn migrants included SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFFS at Kenfig on 18^th and another one was ringed at Oxwich (Gower) on 19^th. In addition to the teasing Rhyl Brickworks warbler, another YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER was at Nefyn (Anglesey) on 3^rd, a Richard’s Pipit was on The Range (Anglesey) on 18^th, a DESERT WHEATEAR was photographed near Aberdaron on 6^th and the Bardsey season concluded with a handsome RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER on 2^nd.

Amongst the scarce winter visitors Great Grey Shrikes were at Moel Famau (Denbighshire) on 19^th, Llyn Brenig (Denbighshire) on 26-30^th and Bwlch y Sarnau (Powys) on 27^th. At least five SHORELARKS were reported, with two at Gronant on 2^nd, and singles at Porthcawl (Glamorgan) on 11^th, Aberdaron (Gwynedd) on 15^th and at RSPB South Stack (Anglesey) on 25^th. A trickle of Snow Buntings continued to be reported along the North Wales coast.