Some recent sightings from my circuits around Cardiff Bay …

Common sandpiper, an unexpected sighting, as I was under the impression that these birds migrated to Africa to over-winter

Coot: often overlooked, frequently fractious, undeniably handsome

Carrion crow, frequently seen poking about on the stone embankments around the Bay

Goosander, likely an eclipse male, i.e. in the process of changing from summer to winter plumage

A Grey heron – presumably the same Grey heron – that I’ve seen a couple of times lately on the dolphins and pontoons near Mermaid Quay

A Mute swan reflecting

A Pied wagtail preening

The currently resident Ring-necked duck with one of its Tufted duck friends

Rock pipit, one of a healthy population of these birds that inhabit the unhealthy, rubbish-filled peripheries of Cardiff Bay.