Cheers John, the weather looks pretty bleak but I don't think Chough mind a bit of rain!
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jul 13 7:37 PM, 2011
Joe Wynn wrote:
Hi John, I was wondering whether you could tell me where are the chough in relation to ellin's (?) tower? I'm in anglesey over the weekend and was hoping to get chough. I've had them there before sitting below the tower. Cheers, Joe
go left along the coast path along the edge of the cliffs going south of the tower-towards a feild with round bales of hay just before the field the edge of the cliffs here are the best ,we had a family party 20 feet away todaythe stonechats are along here also
Joe Wynn said
Wed Jul 13 7:25 PM, 2011
Hi John, I was wondering whether you could tell me where are the chough in relation to ellin's (?) tower? I'm in anglesey over the weekend and was hoping to get chough. I've had them there before sitting below the tower. Cheers, Joe
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Jul 13 7:12 PM, 2011
second trip of the week to south stack and Cemlyn-Weather brilliant sunshine all day South stack brilliant views and some pics of the choughabout 9 seen in all at least 10 stonechat 5000+manx shearwater sitting on the sea a few miles out-warden told us about those raven puffin-8 plus all the usuals
Cemlyn 4000+ Sandwich Terns little egret-1 lots of common and arctic tern families on the beach lots of oystercatcher.
These two places are bird heaven at this time of year,in a week or 2 there will be very little,but anyone who gives up birding in the summer should visit these at this time of year-thousands of birds,and a great day out
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Thursday 14th of July 2011 07:06:46 PM
JOHN TYMON said
Mon Jul 11 7:05 PM, 2011
beltin Day out to south stack and cemlyn with Sue South stack- Chough-12+(and one which for some reason was lying on its back in the middle of the road pedling its feet like madwith other choughs bombing it,I got out of the car to see if it was injured at which point it flipped itself over and ran into the feil calling then flew off) Puffin-12 (new bird for Sue) Fulmar loads of Razorbills/Guillimot Raven-3 stonechat-6 juv+ Rock Pipit plenty linnets and some spectacular scenary for seascapes Then Lunch at the new RSPB Cafe-very reasonable at just over £10 for the 2 of us with drinks,and a good chat with the warden who drew me a little map earlier to help locating the choughs etc.beltin bloke Then onto Cemlyn More Sandwich Terns than I can remember-The warden at south stack said they ave had a brilliant year-I recon must be 500+ pairs Plenty of common terns and Arctic terns also a few ringed plover and oystercatchers Well worth the trip-we seemed to have timed it just right as the warden said the seabirds will be off in a few weeks,and the sandwich terns as well,as there were many juv already on the beach below the reserve.
Joe Wynn said
Sat Jun 25 7:39 PM, 2011
A lengthy trip to RSPB Conwy. Whilst not actually looking for birds (looking for stoats and finding them), had a quick scan over the reserve: 2 Little Ringed Plover 1 Common Sandpipers 4 Lapwing c.10 Curlew c.200 Oystercatcher c.5 Little Egrets 4 Sedge Warblers 2 Whitethroat 2 Linnets
Bit overcast, but brilliant views of the stoat kits from the estuary paths
Jon Bowen said
Mon Jun 6 9:40 PM, 2011
Late post from yesterday. Patrick Earith and I did a tour of South Stack, Holyhead Harbour, Cemlyn Bay, Cerrig Man and Aber Valley.
Highlights South Stack 2 Puffin Rock Pipit plus all the expected sea birds
Holyhead - breakwater Ringed Plover with chick 5 Manx Shearwater
Cemlyn Bay Arctic, Common, Sandwich tern 3 Red Breasted Merganser 7 Dunlin 9 Sanderling (great close up views on the shoreline) Med Gull
Cerrig Man Rose Finch
Aber Valley Stunning views of male and female cuckoo 4 Common Redstart (3m 1f) Great Spotted Woodpecker young peering out of nest hole Wheatear Dipper Buzzards a plenty.
Great day on my first visit to Anglesey
sid ashton said
Mon Jun 6 5:55 PM, 2011
Arrived Cerrig-Man, Angelsey at 07.00 and within 10 minutes picked up the male Common Rosefinch's distinctive song. Watched this brilliantly coloured bird for approximately half an hour before it disappeared for no apparent reason. However, notice that it was reported present again later on this afternoon.
Thanks for the directions Pete and also to the Doc indirectly - spot on.
Then went over to Cemlyn Bay to find Common, Sandwich and Arctic Terns, Red- breasted Merganser (pair), Mediterranean Gulls (x2), Bar-tailed Godwit (x2), several Ringed Plover, Turnstones, Dunlin and Oystercatchers as well as a (Red) Knot in almost full summer plumage
There were also eight Grey Seals in the sheltered area just off the headland immediately before high tide.
Pete Welch said
Sun Jun 5 8:47 PM, 2011
Thanks Doc, I was tempted before but your post helped me decide to go - the colouration was unexpected as well. Cheers, Peter
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jun 5 8:27 PM, 2011
Glad that you saw it, Pete. You make a really good point about the song. You don't even have to know what a Common Rosefinch sounds like at all, as soon as it 'chirps up' you know it just has to be the rosefinch. The song is very strident and unlike any of our usual bird species, it is unmistakeable :)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 5th of June 2011 08:28:22 PM
Pete Welch said
Sun Jun 5 8:24 PM, 2011
Rosefinch still showing very well this afternoon and the song is remarkable - distinct from its perch 60m away and rather loud when its visiting the roadside trees! If anyone else is going the for sale signs on either side of the road are the best way to spot the right stretch and Doc's grid refce is spot on. When I got there it had been flushed from feeding under the feeders on the North East side of the road by a passing lorry and was in a straggly conifer behind a bungalow up a slight track on the other side of the road. Eventually it flew to the feeder area, had a tousle with some Greenfinch and then flew back over the road.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jun 5 11:42 AM, 2011
p.s. still there this morning for anyone interested :)
Cheers Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 5th of June 2011 11:43:13 AM
Doc Brewster said
Sat Jun 4 9:58 PM, 2011
News of a superb NW bird had myself & a mate heading to Anglesey again today, to SE of Amlwch at Cerrig-man at SH453912. Here we soon heard the very distinctive song of a Common Rosefinch and soon afterwards were scoping a superb red summer plumaged male bird atop the hedges and conifers near a small group of houses on the S.side of the A5025. The bird was in continuous song & showed well for the next hour but then moved off & became more elusive. News broke today of this bird but it has been present for a week in this same area, so there's every chance it will linger a bit longer. Seeing a Common Rosefinch in this plumage is a fantastic opportunity for us in the NW and a lingering bird is not to be missed.
Afterwards a quick pop up to Cemlyn which produced expected birds such as Arctic, Common & Sandwich Terns, Med Gull and Kittiwake (on the lagoon), we also found a couple of Whimbrel calling & showing well in the bay.
Then even better news, a female Red-backed Shrike at Conwy RSPB, so back we went to call in at a now closed reserve. Walking along the estuary path we came to the far corner of the RSPB lagoons where we soon located the shrike on the brambles on the bank, feeding on the many bumble bees buzzing around the trefoil. This bird showed well and continuously but probably best to have a scope as it was always a fair distance away due to it being well off the footpaths. Again there is every chance of this being there tomorrow, so both scarcities could be planned for in the same trip :) Good Luck everybody :)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 4th of June 2011 10:00:50 PM
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 4th of June 2011 10:01:49 PM
steven burke said
Wed May 25 11:41 PM, 2011
went to llandudno/the great orme today, nice and hot on the sheltered side from the pier to the lighthouse b+b and cafe. whilst on the beach before the walk up main drive i had 8 GANNETS about 200yds out doing what they do best,so good views off them. also had 3 SANDWICH TERNS with them along the main drive.. 7 pairs off fulmars, 6 chough, 2 whitethroat, 1 pair stonechat, only had 3 meadow pipits every other pipit was a rock pipit 3 wheatear. on the cliffs below lighthouse b+b.. not thousands, but hundreds off guillemots & razorbills lots off kittiwakes, cormorants, plenty off shags, more gannets passing through not much else on the sea apart from 1 grey seal, also 2 raven other birds inc.. herring gulls, l-b-b-gulls, g-b-b-gulls, jackdaws, crows, magpies, blackbirds, wrens dunnocks, feral pigeons, wood pigeons, goldfinch, greenfinch oystercatchers, shellducks, mallards swifts, swallows and house martins got back to beach later on and only 5 gannets,but 12 sandwich terns giving really close views off about 30yds out you could hear them hitting the water. great day out
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 24 10:45 PM, 2011
A quick trip to Anglesey at the weekend produced Puffin at South Stack RSPB - numbers seem down but 1 nest burrow is clearly visible from the lighthouse steps and a sentinal parent seems to keep vigil at the entrance most of the time! Several Choughs were active across the reserve. Manxies streamed past constantly. But best of all the Corncrake was still calling from the meadows near the quarry just before the RSPB reserve when approaching from Holyhead. Although this bird has not been reported now since Sunday :(
At Cemlyn good numbers of Arctic Terns showed well along with Common and Sandwich. A Med Gull was still sitting, they have bred pure here this year, with a third bird paired up with a Black-headed Gull. A Sanderling was on the islands with Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Offshore close Manxies gave a good show along with Gannets, Razorbills and a Kittiwake. A distant petrel species was almost cetainly a Storm Petrel, an unexpected sighting but several have been seen since as a result of the recent high winds.
Cheers Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 24th of May 2011 11:00:28 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Mon May 16 6:43 PM, 2011
First stop on a twiching day today saw us at Conwy RSPB for the Citrine Wagtail.
A really stunning bird that gave reasonable views from out of the coffee shop window as it fed on the shore amongst 3 Whimbrel.
After 20 minutes or so we really needed to head off though so we could make it to Hoylake before the tide went out too far for the reported Broad-billed Sandpiper.
Henry Cook said
Sun May 15 10:07 PM, 2011
Citrine Wagtail male still present in the far corner of the reserve near the Coffee Shop at 4.30pm, with Phil Owen, Rob Adderley and many other familiar faces. What a bird! Also seen on the reserve in a quick wander were:
Slightly soggy start at South Stack, where the Corncrake was keeping mum. Good numbers of the usual species with Puffin, Chough, StoneChat & a few Manx Shearwaters, plus some interesting plants, to raise the spirits, if not the weather.
News of a Wood Sandpiper persuaded us to head back to Conwy RSPB, where we were lucky enough to arrive just as the adult male CITRINE WAGTAIL was found from the screen. The bird had flown out of view when we arrived, so we ticked the Sandpiper and headed back to the coffee shop. After a few mins 'Rocky' Rigby relocated the bird just as the original finder arived back with news of its' location. The bird showed well several times as it worked around the waters' edge and islands. A cracking bird and a lifer for most of us.
Returned via Frodsham where we added Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Whimbrel to our tally (along with a couple of caterpillar species)
Wildlife sighting on the other forum.
Doc Brewster said
Wed May 4 10:12 PM, 2011
The Wood Sand was still showing this afternoon from the first, 'paired' hides at Conwy RSPB, on the back shore of the right hand lagoon, a couple of LRPs on the same pool.
A late pop up onto the Great Orme allowed me to catch up with the Black Redstart (present for its third day), along the wall between the limestone pavement and the 'new' car parking/picnic area before St Tudno's Church. A Pied Fly was in the same area as were at least 2 stunning male Whinchats and 6+Wheatears. Choughs and Ravens flew overhead.
Paul
Tony Darby said
Sun May 1 8:32 PM, 2011
A thrash down the M56/A55 to clear my cars' tubes prior to its MOT this coming week (with the help of some stuff poured into the fuel tank). RSPB Conwy: Wood Sandpiper Almost Summer plumage Bl-t Godwit LR Plover Common Scoter resting up on one of the islands 16 Curlew Loads of Oystercatchers Lapwings, Tufties, Greylags, Gadwall, Herons waiting for the unattended Mallard chicks to swim just close enough! 5 Sandwich Terns 2 Wheatear Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap + the usual large numbers of Sedge & Reed Warblers and cracking weather Cheers Tony
Charles Farrell said
Mon Apr 25 5:45 PM, 2011
A day out on Anglesey with the family starting with a mid-morning cuppa and toasted tea-cake in Beaumauris, then on to spend the afternoon at South Stacks.
Beaumauris: - Shag - 2 Swallow - Lots of herring Gull - 2 Grey Heron & 4+ Shelduck in the bay
En-route to SouthStacks along the A55: - 3 Common Buzzard - Sparrowhawk
South Stacks: - 2 Stonechat - lovely bright plumage and perched on thistles justa few feet away from us on the edge of the car park - 10+ Linnet - singing from telephone wires and in the surrounding fields - 2 Rock Pipit - c6 Swallow - 5 Northern Wheater - 3 Great Black Backed Gulls - 200+ Herring Gull - 200+ Lesser Black Backed Gulls - 3 Raven - 2 seen harrassing a Razorbill - 100+ Razorbill - 100+ Guillemot - 1 Puffin + another seen on the Remote TV link - c7 Chough in fields around the cliffs (The RSPB also has a TV link to a nest site) - c3 Goldfinch over - Oystercatcher (heard only)
Grey Seal and several Porpoise in the seas off the cliffs (viewable from the lighthouse).
Slightly surprised to not see any Terns at all, but nevertheless a rewarding trip, with a few year-ticks in there. :)
-- Edited by Charles Farrell on Monday 25th of April 2011 05:54:13 PM
Pete Welch said
Sun Apr 24 10:13 PM, 2011
Trip this morning looking for Ring Ouzel and Dotterel on Moel y Parc with no success but plenty of Linnet, Mipits, two Redstarts, Raven and one Black Grouse heard but not seen. I went on to travel south to find Two Wood Warbler on territory in Clocaenog area [deliberately non specific] plus Redstart, Siskin and Crossbills in lovely summer conditions with birdsong everywhere!
Pete Welch said
Sun Apr 17 8:47 PM, 2011
In a close match to Nick's posting - was on the Orme for 7am this morning and saw:
Rock Pipits Wheatear Stonechat Kestrel Peregrine [over] Chough Fulmar Raven Mipits and Linnets everywhere and a Magpie - which is a first for me up there!
Then stopped off at Morfa Madryn NR for good views of the Garganey chasing a female Teal around until it disappeared into the reeds at the far end of the pool. Nice little reserve well worth a look and very close to the A55, also there Lapwings, Shelduck, Redshank, Widgeon and Blackcap. Never observed before that Lapwing drum the ground for worms like gulls do.
Lastly spent a while looking for the Hoopoe which had been seen last night but wasn't found today whilst I was there but an abundance of farmland birds in the area plus a very dark next to a very pale Buzzard.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 12 8:11 PM, 2011
A multi venue visit to North Wales and Anglesey today with John Barber for company saw us up on the great Orme at 7.15am this morning in an absolute howler!! Common sense dictated to us that most of the birds would be on the sheltered side so off we trudged with our hopes held high of a scarcity or even a mega. Unfortunately, after nearly two hours of mooching all we had to show was 3 Chough, 3 Raven, several Swallow and numerable Mipits and Linnets. Even the Dotterel seemed to have disappeared!!
Next stop saw us over at Morfa Madryn NR for the reported drake Garganey. This bird didn't disappoint though and it gave us good views across the pool as it chased the Teal around. A new tick for John and myself!!
After this, we decided to ride our luck and try for the Purple Heron over on Anglesey, even though it hadn't been reported the previous day. We arrived on site and immediately bumped into Henry Cook and Phil Owen who'd already been there for a while without any luck. After a quick chat for a few minutes, they then decided to 'cover all bases' by scoping from the field on the opposite side just to make sure it wasn't skulking out of view. Unfortunately though it seems as though the bird as now moved on as none of us saw it.
After some lunch we decided to finish the day off over at Cemlyn. The island on the lagoon is now slowly getting busier with Sandwich Tern and BH gulls and we estimated there to be around 30 or so Sandwich tern present. Also present were about 120 Golden Plover in the stubble field by the car park. A quick mooch over Hen Borth after this only produced good numbers of Sand Martin and a few Swallows.
A good day out in nice weather if not a bit on the fresh side!!
Doc Brewster said
Sat Apr 9 9:32 AM, 2011
Excellent, Sid, so glad that you got it. I'm pleased that the bad behaviour hasn't spooked the bird to leave the site, it's so easily viewed without disturbance. Hopefully it will be present all weekend and that will give plenty more folk the chance to catch up with this stunner.
Remember Black Guillemots are still in Holyhead Harbour, Puffins are back at South Stack (if the auks aren't out at sea - like when I was there ), Choughs showing well at South Stack as well as a Hooded Crow (that some locals believe to have hybrid genes in it), Sandwich Terns are back at Cemlyn and hot off the presses this morning is a Dotterel on the limestone pavement, Great Orme (on the way to Anglesey for most of us!) at 7.15am at least
Pleased that my directions worked, I still have them copied if anyone else wants them, just PM me
Cheers Paul
sid ashton said
Fri Apr 8 10:14 PM, 2011
Anglesey - A late decision to visit Anglesey today paid off with some smashing birding starting at 08.00 at Dwyran east of Newbrough where our first Wheatears of the year were seen and then after about 90 minutes the Purple Heron flew onto the pond - giving excellent views eventually.
At Maltraeth we had a well earned cuppa and really close up views of a male Goosander.
Upon arriving at South Stack only the top of the lighthouse was visible - quite bizarrely, with the rest of the island bathed in warm sunshine South Stack was surrounded by sea mist and the only birds to be seen were those on dry land including a big fall of Wheatears - also 20 Swallows, 3 Chough, 2 Raven and a female Merlin that shot up the road in front of the car.
The final port of call was Penmon Point to catch up with the sea birds. Upon arrival there were 3 stunning white Wagtails in the car park - on and around Puffin Island were Puffin, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot, Shag, Oystercatchers, Gannet and 16 male Eiders in summer plumage with only a single female noted. On the track back to the exit a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler singing away. A good day
PS - I have sent you a PM Paul, excellent directions to the Purple Heron - spot on ta
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 8th of April 2011 11:02:34 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Apr 6 8:03 PM, 2011
Fully support your stance, Ian, I too have heard what went on at Worlds End at the weekend/late last week. Attrocious behaviour is not just restricted to breeding birds either. This morning I headed to Anglesey pretty early and got good scoped views of the adult Purple Heron that was found yesterday at a small pond near the village of Dwyran (SH448664 for those needing exact location ). I stayed distant on the footpath on the hill as directed by pagers and on the N.Wales Birding Forum, and the bird happily fed on frogs and toads and showed well. Then suddenly it flew & taking my bins down I could see 2 dipsticks standing in the sheep field right next to the pond. They had trespassed over farmers stock fields and approached the bird incredibly closely They then turned and left climbing over walls etc to leave the field. Then at least 6 folk appeared where I was only to be disappointed as the bird had flown away down the valley. I hear it didn''t return until mid afternoon and the birders I left probably missed it after travelling fair distances to see it.
This time I cannot blame photographers as the guys had bins & that was all, I hesitate to call them birders, as they showed that they have NO fieldcraft. I accidentally ( ) digiscoped them & their car with number plate & I've promised to send the pix to my Welsh Birding mates!! Think they could be in for an ear-bashing at least!
If anyne needs exact directions PM me
Cheers Paul
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 5 12:25 PM, 2011
'tis that time of year again folks when the object of our chosen hobby begin their breeding cycle. As such, and given the amount of attention the site of World's End has received of late, in conjunction with all the major bird information services I am asking for a total news black-out from this particular site over the breeding season on this forum. Significant disturbance has already occurred at this site (proven) and whether intentional or not, the welfare of the birds must always come first.
I appreciate that some might not agree with this stance but those that have been on this forum long enough know fully well the hard line I occasionally take in these instances and in my view at least , importantly I can justify everyone of them. It is the birds themselves which are important and not our eagernes to publically report them (for which of course I'm usually always very grateful!).
Many thanks as always.
Pete Welch said
Sat Apr 2 9:40 PM, 2011
On the way back from mid Wales today my kids suggested a picnic tea - ever the opportunist I headed for Worlds End via the Co-op [!] and we had a great hour listening to the Black Grouse burbling in the distance and watching the Stonechat. A quick walk up the track saw covey of black grouse and plenty of other birds.
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 2nd of April 2011 10:18:11 PM
sid ashton said
Fri Apr 1 5:53 PM, 2011
Smashing views of both Black Grouse and the Dartford Warbler at World's End this morning from 06.45, in something of a howling gale to start with.
There were three separate groups of Black Grouse on the ground (3, 8 and c.20) and a couple of fly-bys. The Dartford Warbler took some time to get going but eventually gave close up views to within about 2m - this was the third time I have seen the bird and without a doubt these were the closest and best views to date - a really nosey little bird with lots of character. Additionally there was Raven, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat. Also found our first Swallow of the year just after leaving the moors.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 2nd of April 2011 08:22:16 AM
Joe Wynn said
Sun Mar 27 8:42 PM, 2011
Had a good day up on snowdon today. Went up Crib Goch and down the PYG path. It didn't actually clear of cloud, but it did become a bit brighter at points. This produced:
c.10 wheatear (loads of cracking males) c.10 Meadow Pipits c.10 Raven 1 Ring Ouzel Those Herring Gulls that hang about the top
Also, on the way back, got red kite over the road! It was a cracking view, it was flying around eating something on the wing!
-- Edited by Joe Wynn on Monday 28th of March 2011 04:41:01 PM
sid ashton said
Sat Mar 26 7:03 PM, 2011
Worlds End - Dartford Warbler seen from the track high on the moor above the car park. Unfortunately the visibility was not of the best, even mid morning there was still low cloud and a chill in the air. Apart from a Stonechat and a couple of Meadow Pipits there was little else to be seen.
Mike Chorley said
Mon Mar 21 9:37 PM, 2011
Hi John
Would have been one of the three of us - the Long (Mr. Rayner), the short (myself) or the Tall (the rapidly-reducing Riggers) Glad you got good views of it.
John O'Neill said
Mon Mar 21 12:29 AM, 2011
Mike...think it must've been you that put me onto the Warbler today at World's End. & Also pointed out where the Shrike had been perching up .Many Thanks . Decent views of the Dartford Warbler eventually and the Shrike briefly flew up on top of the pine tree you indicated. Very distant.
Also fine m.Black Grouse and 2 m. Crossbills showing well.
Mandarin Duck and Goosander at Llangollen Town; Also Chiff Chaff.
Mike Chorley said
Sun Mar 20 10:06 PM, 2011
Despite our comparatively late 6 a.m. start Messers Rayner, Rigby & I still had our best showing for Black Grouse at World's End today. Two fly-bys on the way in, and a total of 32 males over 3 leks, including one of 10 birds within 30 metres of the road.
We arrived at the carpark just as the drizzle turned to rain showers, so the Dartford Warbler was a little elusive at first. Eventually a few fleeting calls and glimpses turned into a good view as it flew past us along the track. Distant view of Great Grey Shrike and much closer views of Tony Mossman & Holly Page. Nice to meet you both. Hope the rest of your day was good.
No sign of any Hawfinch at our rendezvous with the rest of the group at Llanbedr y cennin, so we headed for Anglesey. The Bonaparte's Gull arrived at Traeth Lligwy on the falling tide. Remained on the tide line for a while before heading a little further west around the bay. Red-throated Diver, 5 Black Guillemots, Rock Pipit highlights of the supporting cast. The Glaucous Gull north of Menai Bridge was sticking fairly close to the field wall, but wandered far enough into the field to give good views. Interestingly, when all the other gulls left, it stayed.
Finished the day with Slavonian Grebe at Llanfairfechen. Good day out, despite the patchy weather, with a total of 52 species.
Gary Gorner said
Sat Mar 19 1:15 PM, 2011
dartford warbler and great grey shrike still showing at worlds end
sid ashton said
Thu Mar 17 6:43 PM, 2011
John Barber and I found the Bonapartes Gull today at high tide (08.30) from Treath Lligwy, Angelsey. We first found it swimming around in the presence of three Black-headed Gulls making for a useful size comparison. After about half an hour the bird flew off and it had not reappeared by mid afternoon. There was however plenty of interest from Kittiwake(many), Razorbill(3), Shag(4), Ringed Plover(10), Redshank(2), Oystercatcher(many), Red-throated Diver(2), Curlew(8), Raven(1), Fulmar(8), Black Guillemot (1), Sanderling(2) and Red-breasted Merganser(20)
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 18th of March 2011 10:44:00 AM
john tromans said
Tue Mar 15 7:01 PM, 2011
My report regarding the Dartford Warbler should have said yesterday ie Monday Sorry folks
john tromans said
Tue Mar 15 2:43 PM, 2011
The Dartford Warbler was again seen midday in the same area at Worlds End. At one point it sang in front of half dozen birders at c20 foot range Amazing bird and not a bit shy. I was too late in the day for any Black Grouse. Several Stonechats around the hillsides.
Phil Owen said
Tue Mar 8 9:57 PM, 2011
Got to see the Dartford Warbler from 10am-10.30am (it was cold and breezy early on) but as Henry says, it was difficult to locate but showed well for a short time.
Also present:
Great Grey Shrike Green Woodpecker Crossbill Buzzard 3 Ravens 1 Black Grouse 1 Meadow Pipit amongst others
Henry Cook said
Tue Mar 8 9:42 PM, 2011
Worlds End, Denbighshire -
Great Grey Shrike still present across the valley from the road today but distant. Dartford much harder to locate today and about 600m from original site.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 8th of March 2011 09:46:09 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Mar 7 8:17 PM, 2011
Some nice views of the Dartford Warbler this morning at Worlds End. The bird is now approximately 500 metres up the little track just north of the car park.
There were about half a dozen birders in attendance whilst I was there and by keeping quiet and still the bird came to within 5 metres at times although it was a little flighty.
Managed to get some good record shots of it. A cracking little bird!!
Jonathan Platt said
Sat Mar 5 9:40 PM, 2011
Henry Cook wrote:
Please do not leave the road to view the bird. If you can be there early morning it should show well from the road. This will minimise disturbance to the bird and hopefully produce good views.
Thanks. Henry.
To be honest Henry, I don't think anyone's going to see the warbler from the road, it seems to have moved 500yds up the footpath since you saw it earlier in the week. I know there's a stormy (and sometimes quite bizarre!!) thread raging on NWB Forum at the moment, but some of the comments are quite misplaced - especially as they come from folk who haven't seen the bird and have vowed not to go there! I entirely understand and agree with your comments on the thread - unfortunately people didn't heed your advice, so now the bird seems to have permanently moved. So long as people stick to the footpath and don't go traipsing across the moor it isn't any more vunerable to disturbance than it was when it was down by the road. When I was there early this morning everyone was simply waiting quietly for the bird to show. Of course, it only takes one idiot to decide his day isn't complete until he gets a photograph of the bird's left nostril to spoil it, but that could happen - as you witnessed - if the bird was still by the roadside.
Dave - there are black grouse further up the footpath, myself and a guy from Conwy had 8-10 fly past early on, then I saw two flip over the horizon later. But, as Henry suggests, there are better places to see them from the road further north. For some time this morning there was only myself and the guy from Conwy up there and both black and red grouse were calling all around.
As Karen mentioned earlier, it was a tad misty up there this morning, so I didn't see many birds! Besides the grouse and warbler I saw a couple of stonechats, and two crossbills by the car park. A reed bunting was half-heartedly singing further up the footpath and I heard a single meadow pipit . . . and that was it!
Henry Cook said
Sat Mar 5 7:03 PM, 2011
I haven't myself from that spot although they are occasionally seen there. Try scanning the moor a mile or two further north along the road.
dave oddy said
Sat Mar 5 7:03 PM, 2011
where abouts is the grey shrike ? going to worlds end tomorrow never seen one before thanks.
dave oddy said
Sat Mar 5 6:59 PM, 2011
Thanks for the information can you see the black grouse from the same place ?
Henry Cook said
Sat Mar 5 5:43 PM, 2011
Hi Dave.
Park up in the car park or by the side of the road along the minor road between minera and Llangollen which crosses Raubon moor. The car park is in a larch plantation at Worlds End - grid ref SJ232483. The Dartford warbler was on the moor just to the north of the larch plantation.
Please do not leave the road to view the bird. If you can be there early morning it should show well from the road. This will minimise disturbance to the bird and hopefully produce good views.
Thanks. Henry.
dave oddy said
Sat Mar 5 4:02 PM, 2011
please can you give me location of where dartford warbler is,has i got lost last time i went to the rspb grouse watch.Will have a day out tommorrow.first time on this site.
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Mar 5 1:06 PM, 2011
An early start meant me and my dad were at Worlds End for 7am in heavy fog.
We didn't hold out much hope, but fortune favours the brave (and the foolish) and luck held out with a Black Grouse lek on the left hand side of the road containing about 10 birds (that we could see).
I decided to try my luck with the Dartford Warbler, luckily with about 20 minutes of my allotted hour left the bird was seen on the ridge. It then proceeded to fly towards us landing first on a gorse bush and then flying into a dead bush right in front of where I was stood, I got brief but cracking views before the bird dropped about 5 feet to the left and disappeared from view. I could also hear both Black and Red Grouse in the area.
Back at the car park and the chup chup of Crossbills. I went into the car park properly and found a stunning male at the top of a larch and a female lower down. I saw either the same birds or a couple more after.
On the way down towards Llangollen we spotted a pair of Dippers on the river and with Red Grouse also sighted on the moorland, we did as well as could reasonably be expected with the poor conditions.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Mar 3 7:20 PM, 2011
sid ashton wrote:
Nick that's a shame you and John didn't see the bird but the group lead by the bloke with the big lens went up through the area mid-morning and presumably pushed the bird further away from the road, thereby preventing others like yourselves later on in the morning seeing it from a reasonable distance as well as stopping the bird from feeding/singing in peace. Let's hope it stays around and that folk can show some consideration.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 3rd of March 2011 06:21:39 PM
Just noted on North Wales bird forum that the bird was re-located at 3.30pm up the hill about 10 minutes walk from the road.
Lets hope that people don't harass it too much so that it doesn't disappear altogether!!
go left along the coast path along the edge of the cliffs going south of the tower-towards a feild with round bales of hay just before the field the edge of the cliffs here are the best ,we had a family party 20 feet away todaythe stonechats are along here also
I was wondering whether you could tell me where are the chough in relation to ellin's (?) tower? I'm in anglesey over the weekend and was hoping to get chough. I've had them there before sitting below the tower.
Cheers,
Joe
South stack
brilliant views and some pics of the choughabout 9 seen in all
at least 10 stonechat
5000+manx shearwater sitting on the sea a few miles out-warden told us about those
raven
puffin-8
plus all the usuals
Cemlyn
4000+ Sandwich Terns
little egret-1
lots of common and arctic tern families on the beach
lots of oystercatcher.
These two places are bird heaven at this time of year,in a week or 2 there will be very little,but anyone who gives up birding in the summer should visit these at this time of year-thousands of birds,and a great day out
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Thursday 14th of July 2011 07:06:46 PM
South stack-
Chough-12+(and one which for some reason was lying on its back in the middle of the road pedling its feet like madwith other choughs bombing it,I got out of the car to see if it was injured at which point it flipped itself over and ran into the feil calling then flew off)
Puffin-12 (new bird for Sue)
Fulmar
loads of Razorbills/Guillimot
Raven-3
stonechat-6 juv+
Rock Pipit
plenty linnets
and some spectacular scenary for seascapes
Then Lunch at the new RSPB Cafe-very reasonable at just over £10 for the 2 of us with drinks,and a good chat with the warden who drew me a little map earlier to help locating the choughs etc.beltin bloke
Then onto Cemlyn
More Sandwich Terns than I can remember-The warden at south stack said they ave had a brilliant year-I recon must be 500+ pairs
Plenty of common terns and Arctic terns also
a few ringed plover and oystercatchers
Well worth the trip-we seemed to have timed it just right as the warden said the seabirds will be off in a few weeks,and the sandwich terns as well,as there were many juv already on the beach below the reserve.
2 Little Ringed Plover
1 Common Sandpipers
4 Lapwing
c.10 Curlew
c.200 Oystercatcher
c.5 Little Egrets
4 Sedge Warblers
2 Whitethroat
2 Linnets
Bit overcast, but brilliant views of the stoat kits from the estuary paths
Highlights
South Stack
2 Puffin
Rock Pipit
plus all the expected sea birds
Holyhead - breakwater
Ringed Plover with chick
5 Manx Shearwater
Cemlyn Bay
Arctic, Common, Sandwich tern
3 Red Breasted Merganser
7 Dunlin
9 Sanderling (great close up views on the shoreline)
Med Gull
Cerrig Man
Rose Finch
Aber Valley
Stunning views of male and female cuckoo
4 Common Redstart (3m 1f)
Great Spotted Woodpecker young peering out of nest hole
Wheatear
Dipper
Buzzards a plenty.
Great day on my first visit to Anglesey
Thanks for the directions Pete and also to the Doc indirectly - spot on.
Then went over to Cemlyn Bay to find Common, Sandwich and Arctic Terns, Red- breasted Merganser (pair), Mediterranean Gulls (x2), Bar-tailed Godwit (x2), several Ringed Plover, Turnstones, Dunlin and Oystercatchers as well as a (Red) Knot in almost full summer plumage
There were also eight Grey Seals in the sheltered area just off the headland immediately before high tide.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 5th of June 2011 08:28:22 PM
Cheers Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 5th of June 2011 11:43:13 AM
Afterwards a quick pop up to Cemlyn which produced expected birds such as Arctic, Common & Sandwich Terns, Med Gull and Kittiwake (on the lagoon), we also found a couple of Whimbrel calling & showing well in the bay.
Then even better news, a female Red-backed Shrike at Conwy RSPB, so back we went to call in at a now closed reserve. Walking along the estuary path we came to the far corner of the RSPB lagoons where we soon located the shrike on the brambles on the bank, feeding on the many bumble bees buzzing around the trefoil. This bird showed well and continuously but probably best to have a scope as it was always a fair distance away due to it being well off the footpaths. Again there is every chance of this being there tomorrow, so both scarcities could be planned for in the same trip :) Good Luck everybody :)
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 4th of June 2011 10:00:50 PM
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Saturday 4th of June 2011 10:01:49 PM
also had 3 SANDWICH TERNS with them
along the main drive..
7 pairs off fulmars, 6 chough, 2 whitethroat, 1 pair stonechat,
only had 3 meadow pipits every other pipit was a rock pipit 3 wheatear.
on the cliffs below lighthouse b+b..
not thousands, but hundreds off guillemots & razorbills
lots off kittiwakes, cormorants, plenty off shags, more gannets passing through
not much else on the sea apart from 1 grey seal, also 2 raven
other birds inc..
herring gulls, l-b-b-gulls, g-b-b-gulls, jackdaws, crows, magpies, blackbirds, wrens
dunnocks, feral pigeons, wood pigeons, goldfinch, greenfinch
oystercatchers, shellducks, mallards
swifts, swallows and house martins
got back to beach later on and only 5 gannets,but 12 sandwich terns giving really close views off about 30yds out you could hear them hitting the water.
great day out
At Cemlyn good numbers of Arctic Terns showed well along with Common and Sandwich. A Med Gull was still sitting, they have bred pure here this year, with a third bird paired up with a Black-headed Gull. A Sanderling was on the islands with Dunlin and Ringed Plover. Offshore close Manxies gave a good show along with Gannets, Razorbills and a Kittiwake. A distant petrel species was almost cetainly a Storm Petrel, an unexpected sighting but several have been seen since as a result of the recent high winds.
Cheers
Paul
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 24th of May 2011 11:00:28 PM
A really stunning bird that gave reasonable views from out of the coffee shop window as it fed on the shore amongst 3 Whimbrel.
After 20 minutes or so we really needed to head off though so we could make it to Hoylake before the tide went out too far for the reported Broad-billed Sandpiper.
9 Whimbrels (flew over)
1 Wood Sandpiper
1 White Wagtail
1 Reed Warbler
1 Sedge Warbler
10+ Swifts
20+ House Martins
Slightly soggy start at South Stack, where the Corncrake was keeping mum. Good numbers of the usual species with Puffin, Chough, StoneChat & a few Manx Shearwaters, plus some interesting plants, to raise the spirits, if not the weather.
News of a Wood Sandpiper persuaded us to head back to Conwy RSPB, where we were lucky enough to arrive just as the adult male CITRINE WAGTAIL was found from the screen. The bird had flown out of view when we arrived, so we ticked the Sandpiper and headed back to the coffee shop. After a few mins 'Rocky' Rigby relocated the bird just as the original finder arived back with news of its' location. The bird showed well several times as it worked around the waters' edge and islands. A cracking bird and a lifer for most of us.
Returned via Frodsham where we added Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Whimbrel to our tally (along with a couple of caterpillar species)
Wildlife sighting on the other forum.
A late pop up onto the Great Orme allowed me to catch up with the Black Redstart (present for its third day), along the wall between the limestone pavement and the 'new' car parking/picnic area before St Tudno's Church. A Pied Fly was in the same area as were at least 2 stunning male Whinchats and 6+Wheatears. Choughs and Ravens flew overhead.
Paul
coming week (with the help of some stuff poured into the fuel tank).
RSPB Conwy:
Wood Sandpiper
Almost Summer plumage Bl-t Godwit
LR Plover
Common Scoter resting up on one of the islands
16 Curlew
Loads of Oystercatchers
Lapwings, Tufties, Greylags, Gadwall,
Herons waiting for the unattended Mallard chicks to swim just close enough!
5 Sandwich Terns
2 Wheatear
Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap
+ the usual large numbers of Sedge & Reed Warblers
and cracking weather
Cheers Tony
Beaumauris:
- Shag
- 2 Swallow
- Lots of herring Gull
- 2 Grey Heron & 4+ Shelduck in the bay
En-route to SouthStacks along the A55:
- 3 Common Buzzard
- Sparrowhawk
South Stacks:
- 2 Stonechat - lovely bright plumage and perched on thistles justa few feet away from us on the edge of the car park
- 10+ Linnet - singing from telephone wires and in the surrounding fields
- 2 Rock Pipit
- c6 Swallow
- 5 Northern Wheater
- 3 Great Black Backed Gulls
- 200+ Herring Gull
- 200+ Lesser Black Backed Gulls
- 3 Raven - 2 seen harrassing a Razorbill
- 100+ Razorbill
- 100+ Guillemot
- 1 Puffin + another seen on the Remote TV link
- c7 Chough in fields around the cliffs (The RSPB also has a TV link to a nest site)
- c3 Goldfinch over
- Oystercatcher (heard only)
Grey Seal and several Porpoise in the seas off the cliffs (viewable from the lighthouse).
Slightly surprised to not see any Terns at all, but nevertheless a rewarding trip, with a few year-ticks in there. :)
-- Edited by Charles Farrell on Monday 25th of April 2011 05:54:13 PM
Rock Pipits
Wheatear
Stonechat
Kestrel
Peregrine [over]
Chough
Fulmar
Raven
Mipits and Linnets everywhere
and a Magpie - which is a first for me up there!
Then stopped off at Morfa Madryn NR for good views of the Garganey chasing a female Teal around until it disappeared into the reeds at the far end of the pool. Nice little reserve well worth a look and very close to the A55, also there Lapwings, Shelduck, Redshank, Widgeon and Blackcap. Never observed before that Lapwing drum the ground for worms like gulls do.
Lastly spent a while looking for the Hoopoe which had been seen last night but wasn't found today whilst I was there but an abundance of farmland birds in the area plus a very dark next to a very pale Buzzard.
Next stop saw us over at Morfa Madryn NR for the reported drake Garganey. This bird didn't disappoint though and it gave us good views across the pool as it chased the Teal around. A new tick for John and myself!!
After this, we decided to ride our luck and try for the Purple Heron over on Anglesey, even though it hadn't been reported the previous day. We arrived on site and immediately bumped into Henry Cook and Phil Owen who'd already been there for a while without any luck. After a quick chat for a few minutes, they then decided to 'cover all bases' by scoping from the field on the opposite side just to make sure it wasn't skulking out of view. Unfortunately though it seems as though the bird as now moved on as none of us saw it.
After some lunch we decided to finish the day off over at Cemlyn. The island on the lagoon is now slowly getting busier with Sandwich Tern and BH gulls and we estimated there to be around 30 or so Sandwich tern present. Also present were about 120 Golden Plover in the stubble field by the car park. A quick mooch over Hen Borth after this only produced good numbers of Sand Martin and a few Swallows.
A good day out in nice weather if not a bit on the fresh side!!
Remember Black Guillemots are still in Holyhead Harbour, Puffins are back at South Stack (if the auks aren't out at sea - like when I was there ), Choughs showing well at South Stack as well as a Hooded Crow (that some locals believe to have hybrid genes in it), Sandwich Terns are back at Cemlyn and hot off the presses this morning is a Dotterel on the limestone pavement, Great Orme (on the way to Anglesey for most of us!) at 7.15am at least
Pleased that my directions worked, I still have them copied if anyone else wants them, just PM me
Cheers
Paul
At Maltraeth we had a well earned cuppa and really close up views of a male Goosander.
Upon arriving at South Stack only the top of the lighthouse was visible - quite bizarrely, with the rest of the island bathed in warm sunshine South Stack was surrounded by sea mist and the only birds to be seen were those on dry land including a big fall of Wheatears - also 20 Swallows, 3 Chough, 2 Raven and a female Merlin that shot up the road in front of the car.
The final port of call was Penmon Point to catch up with the sea birds. Upon arrival there were 3 stunning white Wagtails in the car park - on and around Puffin Island were Puffin, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot, Shag, Oystercatchers, Gannet and 16 male Eiders in summer plumage with only a single female noted. On the track back to the exit a Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler singing away. A good day
PS - I have sent you a PM Paul, excellent directions to the Purple Heron - spot on ta
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 8th of April 2011 11:02:34 PM
This time I cannot blame photographers as the guys had bins & that was all, I hesitate to call them birders, as they showed that they have NO fieldcraft. I accidentally ( ) digiscoped them & their car with number plate & I've promised to send the pix to my Welsh Birding mates!! Think they could be in for an ear-bashing at least!
If anyne needs exact directions PM me
Cheers Paul
I appreciate that some might not agree with this stance but those that have been on this forum long enough know fully well the hard line I occasionally take in these instances and in my view at least , importantly I can justify everyone of them. It is the birds themselves which are important and not our eagernes to publically report them (for which of course I'm usually always very grateful!).
Many thanks as always.
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Saturday 2nd of April 2011 10:18:11 PM
There were three separate groups of Black Grouse on the ground (3, 8 and c.20) and a couple of fly-bys. The Dartford Warbler took some time to get going but eventually gave close up views to within about 2m - this was the third time I have seen the bird and without a doubt these were the closest and best views to date - a really nosey little bird with lots of character. Additionally there was Raven, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat. Also found our first Swallow of the year just after leaving the moors.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Saturday 2nd of April 2011 08:22:16 AM
c.10 wheatear (loads of cracking males)
c.10 Meadow Pipits
c.10 Raven
1 Ring Ouzel
Those Herring Gulls that hang about the top
Also, on the way back, got red kite over the road! It was a cracking view, it was flying around eating something on the wing!
-- Edited by Joe Wynn on Monday 28th of March 2011 04:41:01 PM
Would have been one of the three of us - the Long (Mr. Rayner), the short (myself) or the Tall (the rapidly-reducing Riggers) Glad you got good views of it.
Also fine m.Black Grouse and 2 m. Crossbills showing well.
Mandarin Duck and Goosander at Llangollen Town; Also Chiff Chaff.
We arrived at the carpark just as the drizzle turned to rain showers, so the Dartford Warbler was a little elusive at first. Eventually a few fleeting calls and glimpses turned into a good view as it flew past us along the track. Distant view of Great Grey Shrike and much closer views of Tony Mossman & Holly Page. Nice to meet you both. Hope the rest of your day was good.
No sign of any Hawfinch at our rendezvous with the rest of the group at Llanbedr y cennin, so we headed for Anglesey. The Bonaparte's Gull arrived at Traeth Lligwy on the falling tide. Remained on the tide line for a while before heading a little further west around the bay. Red-throated Diver, 5 Black Guillemots, Rock Pipit highlights of the supporting cast. The Glaucous Gull north of Menai Bridge was sticking fairly close to the field wall, but wandered far enough into the field to give good views. Interestingly, when all the other gulls left, it stayed.
Finished the day with Slavonian Grebe at Llanfairfechen. Good day out, despite the patchy weather, with a total of 52 species.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Friday 18th of March 2011 10:44:00 AM
Sorry folks
Also present:
Great Grey Shrike
Green Woodpecker
Crossbill
Buzzard
3 Ravens
1 Black Grouse
1 Meadow Pipit
amongst others
Great Grey Shrike still present across the valley from the road today but distant.
Dartford much harder to locate today and about 600m from original site.
-- Edited by Henry Cook on Tuesday 8th of March 2011 09:46:09 PM
There were about half a dozen birders in attendance whilst I was there and by keeping quiet and still the bird came to within 5 metres at times although it was a little flighty.
Managed to get some good record shots of it. A cracking little bird!!
To be honest Henry, I don't think anyone's going to see the warbler from the road, it seems to have moved 500yds up the footpath since you saw it earlier in the week. I know there's a stormy (and sometimes quite bizarre!!) thread raging on NWB Forum at the moment, but some of the comments are quite misplaced - especially as they come from folk who haven't seen the bird and have vowed not to go there! I entirely understand and agree with your comments on the thread - unfortunately people didn't heed your advice, so now the bird seems to have permanently moved. So long as people stick to the footpath and don't go traipsing across the moor it isn't any more vunerable to disturbance than it was when it was down by the road. When I was there early this morning everyone was simply waiting quietly for the bird to show. Of course, it only takes one idiot to decide his day isn't complete until he gets a photograph of the bird's left nostril to spoil it, but that could happen - as you witnessed - if the bird was still by the roadside.
Dave - there are black grouse further up the footpath, myself and a guy from Conwy had 8-10 fly past early on, then I saw two flip over the horizon later. But, as Henry suggests, there are better places to see them from the road further north. For some time this morning there was only myself and the guy from Conwy up there and both black and red grouse were calling all around.
As Karen mentioned earlier, it was a tad misty up there this morning, so I didn't see many birds! Besides the grouse and warbler I saw a couple of stonechats, and two crossbills by the car park. A reed bunting was half-heartedly singing further up the footpath and I heard a single meadow pipit . . . and that was it!
Park up in the car park or by the side of the road along the minor road between minera and Llangollen which crosses Raubon moor. The car park is in a larch plantation at Worlds End - grid ref SJ232483. The Dartford warbler was on the moor just to the north of the larch plantation.
Please do not leave the road to view the bird. If you can be there early morning it should show well from the road. This will minimise disturbance to the bird and hopefully produce good views.
Thanks. Henry.
We didn't hold out much hope, but fortune favours the brave (and the foolish) and luck held out with a Black Grouse lek on the left hand side of the road containing about 10 birds (that we could see).
I decided to try my luck with the Dartford Warbler, luckily with about 20 minutes of my allotted hour left the bird was seen on the ridge. It then proceeded to fly towards us landing first on a gorse bush and then flying into a dead bush right in front of where I was stood, I got brief but cracking views before the bird dropped about 5 feet to the left and disappeared from view. I could also hear both Black and Red Grouse in the area.
Back at the car park and the chup chup of Crossbills. I went into the car park properly and found a stunning male at the top of a larch and a female lower down. I saw either the same birds or a couple more after.
On the way down towards Llangollen we spotted a pair of Dippers on the river and with Red Grouse also sighted on the moorland, we did as well as could reasonably be expected with the poor conditions.
Just noted on North Wales bird forum that the bird was re-located at 3.30pm up the hill about 10 minutes walk from the road.
Lets hope that people don't harass it too much so that it doesn't disappear altogether!!