Gavin Vella's discovery of a juvenile black tern at Llandegfedd Reservoir produced a minor twitch amongst local birders and once again focused my thoughts on the decline of a site that was once at the core of Gwent's ornithological community.
Yesterday evening the number of visiting scope carriers may have broken through the four mark. This made it one of the most significant gatherings of 'tickers' at the site since the head turning creation of the Newport Wetlands conspired with Welsh Water's access barriers to reduce birding opportunities. What is of lingering concern is that over recent years the long series of comprehensive wildfowl counts that featured so predominately for decades in the Gwent Bird Reports appears to be faltering. And as a venue that's designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its wintering wildfowl, this indifference to data collection and the maintenance of the ornithological legacy must be a worry for all those who consider regular survey to be the bedrock of modern day nature conservation ethic. This is not to decry the efforts of some that have tried to keep the flag flying but with so few birders committed to a monthly wildfowl counts it can often be hard to maintain continuity. I feel there's a role for Gwent Ornithological Society in reversing this trend. Why not return to the days when the outdoor programme was built around a framework of LR wildfowl counts? I'm sure the Bert Hamar Memorial Hide would also benefit from a regular gathering of GOS members.
That said notable birds on offer yesterday included the aforementioned black tern, a passing wheatear and two barnacle goose within a party of between 250-300 Canada goose. Waders included a ringed plover and two redshank.
It is a massive shame, but I feel the powers that be want to turn Llandegfedd into a more commercialised place with boat trips and fishing being now ahead of birding and conservation. I was a regular over there but the poor maintenance of the hides as well as the place in general has kept me from wanting to visit over the last couple of years. Your post does show that the place can still attract some good birds but i think like myself people are now put off from going there.
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