Red-legged Partridge in Newton

Peter Douglas-Jones wrote: 'This Red-legged Partridge, reportedly the survivor of two, walks from garden to garden in the Marytwill Lane/ Brynfield Road area of Newton. It has taken peanuts from my hand. It is a fussy eater (in contrast with my Wood Pigeons), preferring its peanuts halved and skinned. It knows how much it wants and then stops (again, a contrast with the pigeons, which do not know when to stop). I first saw and photographed it on 6 August and last saw it on Sunday 4 October. It flies weakly; enough to get onto a high garden wall out of reach of foxes, but perhaps not safe from cats. I took scores of shots of it dust-bathing. Voice; a low companionable grumble, such as I might have with a favourite neighbour. Barely audible further away than ten or 12 feet.'

Oxwich Marsh feeding station

A fairly busy morning with 90 birds processed, including 2 more new Cetti's Warbler, a Jay (photo above) and 28 Reed Bunting, 6 of which were retraps. This brings the total for new-ringed Reed Bunting in the marsh up to 115 for 2009. This is a much higher total than in previous years and may be a result of the management that has taken place in the last couple of years? Also of interest, a Chaffinch was controlled, having been ringed in the Nitten Field (Mewslade) only 7 days ago!

Western Conifer Seed Bug in Baglan

Another Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) has come to light (possible literally). It was found and identified by Claire Miller and Becky Sharp of the Countryside and Biodiversity Units of Neath Port Talbot CBC. It appeared on their office window, on the 1st Floor of the Quays Building, Baglan on 30th Sept 2009. The record predates the specimen found in Swansea on 7th October and replaces it as being the first reported Welsh record. For more information see http://goweros.blogspot.com/2009/10/western-conifer-seed-bug-in-swansea.html

Reedbed management at Oxwich Marsh

There has been a considerable amount of management carried out by CCW at Oxwich Marsh over the last few years, aimed at fen restoration. When complete the work will restore a significant area of open-marsh habitats that should be beneficial for a wide range of species. Access and viewing are also to be improved at the site, which should prove popular with birdwatchers, and it is hoped that some of the site's former glory can be recaptured.

Alien import!

This 16mm long pyralid moth accidentally imported from India in Cassia fistula pods has been provisionally determined by Martin Honey at the Natural History Museum as Trachylepidia fructicassiella. Unsurprisingly, it appears not to have been reported from the UK previously. At the end of July a few small wasps appeared (presumably parasitoids of the pyralid), followed by the first moth on 3rd August. Yesterday's freshly emerged adult was at least the 9th to appear from the two pods, known locally as 'Viagra Sticks'!

Late Black Tern

A very late juvenile Black Tern at Tutt head today and a winter plumage Guillemot. Adult Mediterranean Gull made up a great trio in the same binocular view.

Oxwich Marsh feeding station

A total of 37 Reed Bunting were trapped this morning at the feeding station with 6 being retraps; the oldest of these having being ringed in the marsh on 12th April 2007. Two Cetti's Warbler (photo above) were also ringed, these being only the 10th and 11th of the year so far. It appears that this species may have suffered higher mortality than usual last winter, and recovery at Oxwich Marsh at least seems slow.