I don’t go down to Cardiff Bay much over the summer months – too many people on the ground and too many boats on the water, all disturbing much of the wildlife I might potentially see. However, as the birds seem to think we’re heading in to autumn already (and the weather does feel like that), I’ve had a couple of strolls along the River Ely embankment this past week. And I’ve been lucky.

During Monday’s walk, as well as the tens of Mute swans and Coots and a smattering of Great crested grebes and snoozing Mallards, I was treated to close views of these two Common sandpipers, presumably birds that have now completed their summer breeding in more northerly parts of the country and are moving south to settle in their favourite over-wintering areas. Last winter, two birds spent the colder months in and around Cardiff Bay, and it would certainly be nice to have some of these handsome birds around this coming winter as well. Fingers crossed!