Spanish weather brings first ever Iberian Chiffchaff to North Wales

Bird Notes columnist Julian Hughes of RSPB Cymru reveals what birds have been spotted in the past week and list no fewer than 22 upcoming wildlife events

Andrew ForgraveRural Affairs Editor

11:55, 23 APR 2019

Sharp-eared birder Robin Sandham found North Wales’ first Iberian Chiffchaff while he cycled through forestry near Penmachno last week.

Although unable to see the bird, sharing a recording of its song on social media enabled speedy confirmation of the identification, and over the coming days other birdwatchers saw and photographed it.

With only subtle plumage differences from the millions of Common Chiffchaffs currently singing across Britain, it was recognised as a separate species less than 100 years ago.

Although numbers reaching Britain have increased markedly since the turn of the century, this is only the fourth recorded in Wales; remarkably, a pair raised seven young in Gower in 2015.

Continued