Lesser Scaup in Gwent (1 Viewer)

[WHIMBREL]

First county record of Lesser Scaup from Bryn Bach Country Park, Near Tredegar.

I've been up on the lake a few times and it's great to have good views of such a rare vagrant, frustratingly the birds arrival has coincided with the schools half term break and the Easter bank hols, lots of people activity and duck feeders disturbance etc!!!

Yesterday almost all of the lake was covered with ice, it was pretty hard going for all the wildfowl, small open areas were few and far between and the competition for occupancy was fierce. A pair of Great-crested Grebe shared a patch of water about the size of a baby bath :eek!: and the coots were like Bambi on ice!!!

Wonder if the Lesser Scaup will stay under such icy conditions or move on (if it has'nt already). Perhaps the Gwent Ornithilogical Society sightings page will provide updates for anyone hoping to see it.

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

No mention of it on there today Bill. I was thinking of nipping up there after work one day this week.

Rich

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

Lesser Scaup there today according to Brecknock Birds

Rich

 

[WHIMBREL]

Apologies Rich for not responding earlier...busy days!!!

Update:- Lesser Scaup was showing well today at Bryn Bach on western end of the lake, the ice has relented quite a bit now, so pretty good views to be had.

The species has also been seen at Cosmeston Lakes, near Penarth and also in Herefordshire recently, so this winter has proved a very good one for such a rare vagrant. Only time will tell if this becomes a more regular occurrence.

Hope you get to see it :t:

 

[ClarkWGriswold]

Got it on the second attempt Bill:t: Apparently was an hour late on the first visit after work on Thursday. It's showing very well today in front of the visitor centre.

Thanks for the advice.B

Rich

 

[WHIMBREL]

Excellent Rich!!! It's always great to hear from a happy birder :bounce: