Wireweed near Mewslade

Gareth Thomas wrote: 'SS 42385 86742 takes you right to the large pool at half-tide where I found  Japanese Wireweed (Sargassum muticum) on Wednesday last. Main features are the feathery fronds with match-head sized flotation capsules throughout. It originated from Japan - probably from imported oyster spats to oyster farms. It is very prevalent on the Irish coast, and also in Scotland. Not aware of it in Gower...' 

Japanese Wireweed (c) G. Thomas

The NBN Gateway shows that Japanese Wireweed was first recorded in our area in 2003 when the CCW Phase 1 intertidal team noted it in Port Talbot Harbour. It was subsequently found at Pwlldu in 2004 again by CCW and then Bracelet Bay in 2008 by Judith Oakley. It seems to widespread, though localised around the Welsh Coast, though not sure about the record from Ynysybwl!

Mewslade & Nitten Field

This Garden Warbler in the valley was the highlight of a relatively quiet ringing session with only small numbers of migrants noted, other than overhead passage of c.400 Swallows through the morning.

I also recieved details today of a Goldfinch ringed in the Nitten Field (SS423875) on 3rd Oct 2005 that was recaptured and released again at Crennes-sur-Fraubee, France on 23rd Feb 2008.