Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - October 2001 - No 67
Barry Stewart

A rather tired and beleaguered immature White-winged Black Tern (Chelidonias leucopterus) proved to be the star rarity of Carmarthenshire's 2001birdwatching calendar. The bird was found on 16 October by Gary Harper during one of his regular visits to Sandy Water Park and he probably would have missed it had it not called, drawing his attention to a small tern sitting on one of the buoys near to the shore. He soon alerted  local birdwatchers who all enjoyed excellent views of the resting bird. Only occasionally did the bird take flight, it then appearing weak and always returning shortly to rest again on one of the buoys. The bird was watched until dark and was seen again briefly the following morning when it appeared to be far more active and alert.

The mild conditions at the time and the abundance of flies should have helped in its recovery to full fitness. It is hoped that this bird will eventually manage to rejoin the rest of the population of this East European/Asian species in its African wintering grounds.

The first county record was of one in full breeding plumage, seen by the late Geoff Tucker (ex. Llanelli Nats member), whilst he was fishing on the Afon Gwendraeth Fach nr Llandyfaelog on 8.3.1958. This was also the the earliest date for a British record. Another was seen on the Gwendraeth Estuary and near Ginst Point on 6.9.1975.