Wildfowl, unsurprisingly, took to the fore across Wales during the winter months, with a stunning-looking ‘Storm Wigeon’ on Anglesey a particular highlight. The term ‘Storm Wigeon’ refers to a rare variant of drake AMERICAN WIGEON (photo by John Riley) that have white cheeks and throat instead of the typical brownish-grey. It was unearthed at Cors Ddyga RSPB, Anglesey, on 2 November before relocating to nearby Malltraeth from 8-12 December.
Bosherston Lily Ponds, Pembrokeshire, hosted two different LESSER SCAUP during the review period – a first-winter female on 1 November followed by a first-winter drake from 13 December. Another, also a young female, was at Penberry Reservoir – at times the only duck on this windswept coastal farm pond. Continuing RING-NECKED DUCKS were in Glamorgan and Meirionnydd, with a drake Green-winged Teal at Marloes Mere, Pembrokeshire, and a drake SURF SCOTER back at the regular site of Llanddulas, Denbighshire.
The fifth PALLID HARRIER for Wales – a juvenile on Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, on 23 November – was followed by a far more accommodating example along both sides of the Loughor Estuary on the Glamorgan-Carmarthen border from 30 November.
Britain has been enjoying the best ‘WAXWING winter’ in over a decade, with birds reaching some 38 sites across Wales since the start of November. The bulk were spread across the north coast counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire, with 65 at Ruthin, Denbighshire, the largest flock.
Caernarfon, meanwhile, hosted a Hoopoe at Rhoshirwaun on 11-12 November. Great Grey Shrikes at Lake Vyrnwy RSPB, Montgomeryshire, and both Pentre-llyn-cymmer and Clocaenog Forest, Denbighshire, look set to spend the winter.
As many as 10 Glossy Ibises were across Wales and three late Dotterel were at Lake Vyrnwy RSPB, Montgomeryshire, on 16 November.
Seawatch highlights comprised a SABINE’S GULL and three LEACH’S PETRELS off Pembrokeshire, as well as four Grey Phalaropes.
Waxwings at Kinmel Bay – so many great photos on Facebook
Surf Scoter 
Hoopoe
More Waxwings!
