In Llangollen today on a non birding road trip. Decided to travel back via Worlds End and we were rewarded with a nice Whinchat pair.

Nice sunny day on Anglesey, Highlights.

South Stack RSPB

Stonechat 1m
Rock Pipit 5
Chough 6
Manx Shearwater 14
Gannet 12
Puffin 6
Fulmar 8
Razorbill, Guillimot several thousand
Peregrine 2

Cemlyn NR

Sandwich Tern 2000+ (result of a reading count)
Arctic Tern 2
Red Breasted Merganser 2
Oystercatcher 20
Ringed Plover

Penmon Point

Eider 17M, 8F
Gannet 20+
Shag 20+
Puffin 2
Razorbill x lots
Guillimot x lots
Sandwich Tern 20+

Originally posted that by Dave Ousey:

Just myself and Bob K made the trip into Wales last Saturday due to poor weather forecast for Sunday etc. We left Shaw around 6am in my new (ish) Kia Rio Diesel. Decent conditions had been forecast. First stop was Holyhead Harbour and a couple of Black Guillemots were soon located, the weather was quite nice by now, so, on to South Stack. Always one of Bob and my favourite places to visit, such a variety of habitat and the view is spectacular! A small gathering of Choughs were watched feeding and as we walked towards Ellin`s Tower a few Rock Pipit`s were doing a bit of courting. After locating a few Puffins on the sea below the cliffs, a look north revealed a few passing Manx Shearwater`s with their stylish flight very much in evidence, what cracking birds they are! We passed along a new path, for us, after the RSPB visitor centre, with a sign saying, "Public Right of Way". Bob was spoken to by a lady, who said, " I own all this land, but not for much longer as I am sick of all you twitcher`s walking along this path". We were both quite mystified by her comments and left her to get on with looking after a few goats! Not very many small birds were seen as we walked a few of the many paths above South Stack, time to move on. As we passed Penrhos NR a few terns were seen, in amongst them were 2 Little Tern`s, well spotted Bob! Next stop Cemlyn Bay with a very good showing by lot`s of Sandwich, Common and Arctic Tern`s. Along with a couple of breeding plumaged Mediterranean Gull`s you might have been forgiven for thinking you were on your holidays. Bob took advantage of the warm conditions and took a nap, whilst I tried in vain to take some pictures of the passing tern`s carrying food items. Returning to the car a local cow (Moo Type this time) had gone for a walk onto the shingle and stubbornly sat down on the car park, nothing the farmer could do would move it! We just missed a Yellow Wagtail and after a good search for the bird, returned empty handed, but we did managed to enjoy the view of the Skerries though. It was now quite sunny and so, we decided to stop at RSPB Valley. We have not been here for quite a while, but on this evidence we will call in again. Lots of warblers, Willow, Chiffchaff, Reed, Sedge, Cetti`s, Whitethroat and then we heard singing, a couple of Lesser Whitethroat. Lots of water birds made up a good selection at a nice reserve. We decided to set off for home at a leisurely pace and reached Rochdale by 5-30pm. Good day out in typically nice Anglesey conditions.
Dave Ousey


-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 28th of May 2015 11:04:13 PM

12.00-15.00

Walk from Talacre to the Grosant Little Tern colony and back.

A steady Southerly movement of Sandwich Terns just offshore, I did'nt see any fly North, they must do that further out in the bay.

8 Sandwich Terns were gathered on the beach, and I watched one feed another adult, probably it's mate, a large Sand Eel.

The Little Terns too are mainly seen flying South, usually in groups of 4, they stay just offshore until near their colony, before turning inland.

The colony is again wardened, but there was'nt the drama I witnessed on a previous visit, where the warden was trying in vain to scare off a Kestrel with a klaxon.

The only visible disturbence today was of people wandering too close, although there was a large gathering of big gulls about 250yds away, including 4 Great Black Backs.

Several Carrion Crows were gathered around the site too. Despite this the colony seems to doing well, judging by the numbers of commuting adults, and at least one pair

of Ringed Plovers seem to enjoy the protection too. 60+ Dunlin and 30+ Ringed Plovers were feeding on the shore nearby, with 8 Skylarks around the adjoining dunes.

A trickle of Swallows were heading North along the shore, 4 House Martins too.

Aber Valley

Not the best conditions conducive to good birding due to the high blustery winds, However when the wind did abate some quality birds were picked up on song, Highlights.

Pied Flycatcher 1M & 1F more heard but unable to locate
Redstart 2 striking male birds, Again more heard but unable to locate
Grey Wagtail 2
Wheatear
Many Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler

Again unable to locate Wood Warbler which I'm told by local birders are in this area.

Ugly House Tea Rooms

Pied Flycatcher 1M & 1F in the gardens
Redstart singing in the canopy but unable to locate

Trip over to North Wales in warm sunny conditions, Highlights.

Nant Y Coed,

Pied Flycatcher 2, 1M & 1F
Common Redstart 2
Grey Wagtail 2
Treecreeper

Llanfairfechan promenade at high tide, Fairly quite bird wise.

Sandwich Tern 2
Guillemot 2
Gannet 7
Fulmar 2
Red Breasted Merganser
Common Scoter 200+
Oystercatcher 100+
Bar Tailed Godwit 2

Probably underestimates John to be honest, but, still easily outnumbered by the Black-headed Gulls present. According to the warden, the Arctics had all arrived that morning

Cemlyn Bay

Sandwich Tern 40+
Arctic Tern 10+
Common Tern 5
Mediterranean Gull 2
Red-breasted Merganser 1m 1f
Black-tailed Godwit 1
Turnstone 10
Dunlin 20
Ringed Plover 2
Whimbrel 1
Oystercatcher 15
Redshank 2
Meadow Pipit 6
Rock Pipit 1
Guillemot 1 off the point
Whitethroat 2
Blackcap 2
And an unexpected male Redstart fly catching from one of the hedges near the car park

Spinnies/Aberogwen

Sandwich Tern 12
Eider 5m 1f
Great-crested Grebe 22
Whimbrel 6
Curlew 1
And in the fields opposite the car park
Whinchat 1f
Greenland Wheatear 1m 1f

Aber Valley

Redstart 2m 1f
Pied Flycatcher 1m
Garden Warbler
Cuckoo (heard only)




-- Edited by Patrick Earith on Sunday 3rd of May 2015 07:28:56 PM

Originally posted today by John Williams:

Great Orme 10.00-15.00

1 Rock Pipit near old gunnery site, Meadow Pipits numerous throughout.

A steady passage of Gannets and Fulmars offshore. 10+ Razorbills amongst the rafts of Guillemots below the headland. Large numbers of Kittiwakes here too.

Both Shags and Cormorants below the cliffs, the latter being far more numerous. 4 Great Black Backed Gulls patrolled the headland.

An Harbour Porpoise swam amongst a large raft of Kittiwakes, and they just ignored it.

6 Ravens, including a pair resting near the clifftop cafe. These seemed quite tame, as if expecting titbits from the customers.

Also 6 Choughs performing tremendous aerial acrobatics around the cliffs.

11 Wheatears around the hilltop, mostly males. 5 of these were probably "Greenlands" being noticeably larger than the others.

The only other migrants were 4 Pied Wagtails, a single Chiffchaff, plus a few passing Swallows.

2prs of Stonchats on the heath area, and with one pair were 2 juveniles, which appeared newly fledged.

Their parents seemed very edgy, so I stayed well away, hopefully the gorse thickets will keep inquisitive dogs away too. 2 Linnets here too.

With a cool North Westerly blowing, the only butterflies seen were a couple of Small Tortoiseshells, there were lots of bumblebees braving the chill though.

-- Edited by John Williams on Thursday 30th of April 2015 08:26:48 PM

For those considering a weekend trip to Anglesey, a belated summary of last weekend is below. Obviously things will have moved along since.


I pulled into the lay-by at Llyn Cerrig Bach at about 8:45 pm, as I completed my outward journey last Friday evening. The air was still and mild and sound travelled well. I could hear what sounded like a distant possible Reed Warbler and a less distant possible Grasshopper Warbler. A Cettis Warbler was definite, rather than possible, and less than 100 yards away. I had hoped to hear the Bittern that has been booming from somewhere near Llyn Dinam for over a week, but drew a blank. I felt confident that I would pick up a wave of new common migrants over the coming weekend.

The weather changed its mind overnight. The sky was clear, but the easterly wind was strong and it brought a cold edge that was to be a feature of the weekend.

Wheatear was the most noticeable bird at Silver Bay. A ploughed field between the front row of lodges and the headland has acted as a magnet to passing birds. I counted 16 on the morning walk, alongside many Meadow Pipits, six White Wagtails and a few Linnets; the total had increased to 24 by late afternoon, some of them of the Greenland race. A Whimbrel called nearby, and four more were on rocks at the east end of the bay. Also on the beach were six Ringed Plover. The best bird was entirely unexpected: a pale phase Arctic Skua passed across the end of the bay, heading towards Rhosneigr in the company of Sandwich Terns: a patch first.

I spent the next two hours on the Range with my friend Norman, keeping up my near-perfect record of failing to find Hoopoes. A bird found the previous Monday had been re-discovered on the previous two days, but there was no further sign of it over the weekend.

Llyn Penrhyn hosted c300 Sand Martins in the afternoon, with a House Martin and two Swallows, but the strong wind kept the warblers down.

Sunday started with a text from Ken Croft: always a good sign. He had found a pair of Garganey and two Ring Ouzels on a flooded field on the South Stack Road, just outside Holyhead. A couple of hours later I was onto the Garganey in exactly the same spot that Ken had found them seven days later last year. A hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow was in the adjacent field, but not the Ring Ouzels. I carried on to the Inland Sea where three long-staying and very late Long-tailed Ducks are still present. A Common Sandpiper and two Whimbrel were new arrivals, and Sandwich Tern numbers on the rocks off Ynys Leurad have built up to 30. One Goldeneye and at least eight Red-breasted Merganser are still on the water; Redshanks were down to low single figures.

Further news of Kens next round of discoveries filtered through during the morning and drew birders to Malltraeth Marsh, just outside Llangefni. I made a pleasant circuit of this rich, but challenging, site with David Wright, one of the wardens at Cemlyn. It was David that spotted the first good bird of the day: a Red Kite, being mobbed by crows and hirundines high above. This species is now extending its range into the Conwy valley, but remains scarce on Anglesey, and was a first here for me. Next up was a female Marsh Harrier, followed by another of Kens earlier finds a Great White Egret, of which I had a frustratingly brief flight view before it dropped into impenetrable reeds on the opposite side of the Cefni. Small numbers of Reed, Sedge, Willow and Cettis Warbler sang from the reeds and sallow; Chiffchaff and Blackcap were near the car park.

I wanted a better look at the egret, so started a second circuit. The last field before the river had held 30 to 40 White Wagtails first time around. I quickly noted the intense brightness of a magnificent Yellow Wagtail; moments later I picked out a second bird, this time of the blue-headed race. Although failing to get a decent view of the egret, I had a lucky break on the return leg when I spotted the bird that had drawn most of the birders here, but which had gone missing for the afternoon. Little Ringed Plover is no longer a major find in Greater Manchester, but is very scarce on the island and was yet another Anglesey first for me, completing a very satisfying afternoon.

The wind dropped about 5pm and the sun shone. As I drove home through Rhoscolyn, two Sedge Warblers were in full song.

Tues 21st April. 05.15 - 10.30 hrs. Nice sunny day.

Worlds End.

Black Grouse. Picked up seven separate leks .......... c 33, 18, 15, 12, 11, 11 & 9. All cocks.

The three largest leks were all road side, the others out on the hill.

One of the 11's (I think) flew into join the 33 and all were seen off in a matter of minutes in a joint effort by the cocks already present.

Another major flurry of activity was when a Grey Hen flew into the centre (from across the road) of the 33 ..... the testosterone levels really shot up the scale !

Roger.

PS. Just had a quick reckon up ...... 109 cocks to one hen ........ 108/1 for conjugal rights ...... it's little wonder they're always squaring up to each other.

abergele & pensarn, a quick stop before jumping back on the train to Llandudno.

only 3 common scoter close in, 2 male 1 female, all the rest were way out to the windmills.
7 red throated diver
1 great northern diver giving excellent scope views
8 red breasted merganser
12 great crested grebe
1 swallow

Llandudno, great orme.

not thousands but hundreds of guillemot & razorbill on the cliffs as were..
kittiwake
fulmar
shag
cormorant
out at sea was 8 gannet
several sandwich terns passing
picked up a flock of scoter going from my left to right, heading in the direction of colwyn bay, 2 stood out like a sore thumb & as they became closer it soon became clear that they in fact 2 drake surf scoter with 14 common scoter
7 chough
2 peregrine falcon
4 kestrel
1 buzzard
3 ring ouzel, 2 at the mine, 1 along the limestone path
2 common redstart, a black redstart was reported also but no signs for me.
8 wheatear
4 stonechat
4 rock pipit
3 chiffchaff
1 blackcap
a great day out with 51 species seen

Hey thanks for the response Sid

You must have had the weather on Friday for sure, we felt sorry for the small birds up there this morning. We were trying to work out if it was a place that Tree Pipit might be just passing or if it would attract them for the summer, I think you've largely answered that one.

Simon the Tree Pipit was atop the young conifers on the hill just behind the plantation - it was singing on and off in the calm Friday morning sunshine.



-- Edited by sid ashton on Sunday 12th of April 2015 10:52:47 PM

Just wanted to add a few thoughts to Rob's post. Thanks as usual mate for the driving.

The Black Grouse were superb, it was the first time I'd seen any, we timed it perfectly really and to see 50+ birds was outstanding. They were featured on Countryfile this evening, which was a nice coincidence. We did a bit better than Ellie the presenter too. The noise those birds make is something else, the burbling bubbling call mixed in with the hissing was awesome to listen to. A thrilling experience all in all.

Then while we were still watching the big group of Grouse, 2 of the Ravens flew over low showing really well, and then the Goshawk. This was a big bird so most likely a female as Rob says, it had strong markings on the underside on a buff coloured base plumage, and the upper body and wings were a slightly sandy grey-brown. This indicates a juvenile to the best of my knowledge. The 'heavy hip' was very evident. We were lucky to see it at pretty close range showing nicely as it powered over.

This was also the point where the mystery bird was visible on the ridge up to our left. I was less thinking Cuckoo than Great Grey Shrike personally, I had a view of something that perched and then flew off that was much more the latter than the former. All speculation though ultimately...

If any readers were wondering at which point a Cormorant appeared, this was seen over the M56 on the way back, and a lot of these sightings were either in the area coming up out of Minera or in the river valley through and beyond the moors heading on towards Llangollen. But the finches were in 'The Plantation', we ended up with great views of the Brambling and Redpolls courtesy of 'Eagle Eye Burke'. No Crossbills, which was irritating but you shouldn't be greedy.

Lastly, we were really intrigued by Sid Ashton's Tree Pipit sighting. It's not a species I know that well, but in the howling wind today we weren't expecting singing male birds on tree tops, they'd have been blown to Chester. Sid, can you elaborate on your sighting at all? Clearly if it was a sighting that implied breeding behaviour then maybe a message? Now I've seen the place, and what a place it is, it has made me rather curious!

A cracking half day birding at World's End (before a cracking United result!) in the usual quality company of Steve Burke and Simon Gough.

39 species seen for me on the day and some very interesting sightings during that time!

Nice to bump into Brian and Helen, and so sorry about your glasses Brian.

At least 40 Rook seen feeding on the A483 roadside edge
Black Grouse - nearing 70 birds in total, excellent to watch and their eerie call constantly heard "choo-eesh"
-In Leks of 11 Blackcock and 1 watching Gray Hen
-then a Lek of 6 males
-then another Lek of 6 males
-a massive Lek of 28 males
-another 4 showing heads only above the Heather
-and plenty of flyover individuals too!

1 Red Grouse
2 Red-legged Partridge
Numerous Pheasant
2 Wheatear
Lots of Skylark (singing high up and on ground)
Lots of Meadow Pipit
(Some appeared slightly larger so checked for Tree Pipits but as far as we reckon all Mipit's)
2 Curlew over
Lots of Blackbird
(Lots of them, constantly checked for possible Ring Ouzel)
5 Common Buzzard in total
1 Goshawk - slowly gliding over the moor before the parking spots, showed well and we think female as she was quite large
1 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
4 Grey Wagtail
(These were downright violent with 2 of them trying to kill each other in the road, one had the other pinned on the floor and was laying into it)
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Nuthatch
Plenty of Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff heard with maybe 2 of each seen (song identified)

Fairly large Finch flock consisting of...
~20 Goldfinch
~10 Chaffinch
2 Lesser Redpoll
1 m Brambling
1 m Reed Bunting

1 Mistle Thrush
Lots of Raven showing well
Carrion Crows
Jackdaws
2 separate Jays
2 Collared Dove
Only a few Black-headed Gulls
and Lesser Black-backed Gulls
1 Cormorant over
Plus all the usual Blue Tits, Great Tits, 1 Robin, Woodpigeons, Feral Pigeon, Magpies.

OF NOTE...
Steve and Simon had a Dipper but my excuse is I was driving and Dipped on it when I walked back to get it.
1 bird that showed briefly above the Heather lined hill but soon went to ground was thought to be a possible Cuckoo judging by size although it is only a 'think it was'.

Also plenty of Grey Squirrels and 2 unfortunate large Badgers in the A483 roadside.


-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 12th of April 2015 09:11:46 PM

Made my second visit in as many weeks to the World's End area this time with John Barber for company. We arrived just after 07.00 and immediately picked up a Black Grouse lek. We had time to count the 12 birds present before we had to move on as there were 6 other cars there and no places to stop safely. As we crossed the moors we found another two leks comprising 44 males total and a single female. As the sun was not yet fully up and not raptor time went down to the river to find the resident Dippers. Then back up to the plantation where we found Stonechat, Tree Pipit and Redpoll. From the plantation area we watched Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Red Kite, Kestrel, Goshawk and Buzzards as well as Raven over the ridge.

An excellent morning spoilt only by the roadworks on the A483 which gave us 45minutes early afternoon to do the last 3 miles to the turn off to the A55. If anyone is thinking of going over in the near future it would be worthwhile checking the progress of the roadworks and considering an alternative route.

Great Day on Anglesey today as a Birthday treat

South Stack 9am-12pm-My Favourite place on Anglesey
total lack of seabirds apparently there were 1500 Guillemots at the weekend which all left early in the week ,just a few out at sea.
Wheatear-3
Swallow-4
Sand Martin-1
Raven-3
Chough-3 pair
Stonechat -1
Rock Pipit -4
Skylark- 1 Singing
Fulmar-3

Penmon Point-1pm-3pm My Second Favourite Place on Anglesey
Much Better that south stack
Sandwich Tern- approx. 50 flying just out to sea in no particular direction
Common Eider- 2 Males and 1 Female -The first time I have seen them here after many visits
Raven-1
Guillemot- 50+ dotted on the sea
Razorbill-20+
Shangs-20+
Red Throated Diver -1 in Summer Plumage
lots of chiffchaff
Rock Pipit-3
Gannet- 3 Adults close inshore flying west

and a Common Porpoise

Just outside Penmon heading back to Beaumaris the small pool on the right
Redshank-54
Shelduck-21
Little Egret-1

A beltin' Day in cracking weather on Anglesey
:)

Great Orme this morning, 6am till 8am , highlights: Flock of 10 Ring Ouzels,6 male,4female feeding quite happily in field immediately below the Summit Complex,until a passing Kestrel put them up,and they disappeared over towards the West Shore. 60+ pristine Wheatear between limestone pavement and Summit Complex. My first two Willow Warblers of the year around the hawthorns,also 4 Goldcrest in same area. Uncounted Meadow Pipits ,est. 300+. Plenty of Stonechat,Linnets and Great Or me usuals around. Cheers Chris

Was allowed a quick look at Pensarn today after a family outing to Bodnant Gardens. Drove down the beach car park and my nine year old spotted the Iceland Gull before I did [we'd discussed how pale it would look with no black in the wings as we drove in...] Showed superbly down to about 20 feet and had the occasional fly round the beach and then back to its spot on the shingle. I really enjoyed it as the whole family joined in playing "spot the Iceland again" as it flew round :)

Worked overtime today delivering in North Wales in a tacho-less vehicle, so it allowed me a few opportunities here and there for a bit of birding. Very foggy all along the coast, limited visibility.

OLD COLWYN
Bit of sea watching produced...
6 Red-breasted Merganser (4 drakes)
3 Cormorant
1 Great Crested Grebe
3 Oystercatcer
1 Turnstone
~10 Common Scoter
2 Great Black-backed Gullsd
Plenty of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and...
Herring Gulls
(Could've been a lot more, visibility was reduced)

PWLLHELLI
On the marshy lake on way out to Abersoch
1 Little Egret
Few Tufted Duck
Charm of Round 20 or so Goldfinch

LLANAELHAEARN
(On the main A499 between Pwllhelli and Caernarfon)
1 Red Kite - cracking views as it was hunting over the fields and hilly moors, twisting and turning with ease and within minutes it drifted further away up towards the hills.

CAERNARFON
on the approach road A499
1 Ring Ouzel - flew infront of the van and the pale neck area was plain to see. It flew over the road and towards the sloping moor that led down towards the coast. I thought I was seeing things and thought it was maybe a couple of weeks early for them, but after checking with Ian it seems now's the time.
Pure chance encounter!

LLANBERIS
Fantastic mountainous scenery with farmland / fenland.
Few Raven over
2 or 3 Common Buzzard

A55 Coast Road near LLANFAIRFECHAN
1 Common Buzzard going for 2 Carrion Crows
(Usually other way round)
1 Peregrine - flying inland from the coast and over the bypass towards the hills
Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls over

OLD COLWYN
Another stop after last delivery.
Common Scoter - approx 600-700
No sign of any Surf Scoters
But a couple of large distant Scoters possibly Velvet's but I couldn't be sure enough to call it!

PENSARN
Dipped on the Iceland Gull.
Lots of Dog walkers on the beach so probably kept it away. Lots of usual Gulls around though.

My first visit to Anglesey for three weeks, and I hoped for a few early spring migrants, but was soon reminded by the weather that there is a little way to go. The odd Chiffchaff obliged there were three in the plantation at Silver Bay on Saturday morning and I managed one male Wheatear at Breakwater CP on Sunday afternoon.

The winter visitors are hanging on in declining numbers. There were 35 Brent Geese in the mouth of the Cymyran on Saturday, along with six Teal and seven Wigeon. Penrhos CP hosted 50+ Brents on Sunday afternoon, while three Grey Plover and a Black-tailed Godwit were on the shore on Saturday morning, with Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Dunlin. There were also two Black Guillemot on the sea; fairly unusual here. The Inland Sea turned up 52 Dunlin and 23 Turnstones on the shore, a female Scaup and three Long-tailed Ducks were the highlights on the water.

Sunday morning started with torrential rain and I didnt venture outside until 10:30, as a flock of 34 Meadow Pipits descended to feed just above the boatyard at Silver Bay. Things picked up pretty quickly as I covered my patch. Two Little Egrets in the mouth of the Cymyran were a welcome surprise, and a count of six Shelduck was an increase on last visit. The highlight was a record flock of 12 Chough heading noisily eastwards; a further two were feeding on the headland. A Rock Pipit was on the seaweed line on the beach, a Shag fed in the turbulent water at the east end, and three Stonechats and a Snipe were on the headland.

Late on Sunday afternoon, thoughts of birding having passed, I was doing some repair work on the decking outside the lodge when a Merlin passed through, a new patch bird; no great surprise perhaps after the feast of Meadow Pipits in the morning. It is always good to be rewarded for unwelcome chores.

Originally posted today by Dave Ousey:

22/03/15

Another one of our, "looked forward to" trips, was last Sunday. With Bob K at the wheel nearly a full A Team left Rochdale on a cold spring like morning at 6am heading for World`s End in North Wales. Lots of frost around greeted us in the elevated area and even at the early hour quite a few birders had assembled to witness something very special. It was a Black Grouse lek! Firstly around 5 male birds showing their absolute finery and making lots of bubbling sounds as they went toe to toe with the nearest other male. Then we moved to the main lek in which we estimated around 25 males all having some input to this great spectacle in the bird world! They were later joined by a few females who sat around the edges enjoying the show. You can never tire of watching this unusual activity. Quite a few Raven were flying around and "gronking" sounds were all around at one time. In a small larch copse we saw Crossbill, Siskin & Goldcrest and as the grouse lek ended we had a search for a Great Grey Shrike that was a regular winter visitor to these parts. We stopped along the small road as a few other birders were watching something, it was a very distant Great Grey Shrike. We moved on and found another shrike ourselves about 1/2 mile away, the bird quickly made its exit and was not seen again. We moved into the Conway valley to search for the Hawfinch at Llan Bedr y Cenin, we were not lucky on this occasion but were treated to great views of a few Red Kites that have moved into this beautiful area. With the tide being in, a trip to Morfa Madryn (The Spinnies) was next, but frankly it was a little bit of a let down as nothing new was seen, apart from one of the bringer's of the spring a singing Chiff Chaff which was very nice. News of Surf & Velvet Scoters near Old Colwyn had us dashing up the coast to try to find them. None of us really knew were we where heading for but we must have found the right spot as there were some other birders present. We asked the question about the Surf Scoters and we got the negative (usual) reply! With a flat sea and the sun behind us we began to search through the ever-moving flock of thousands of Common Scoter. We must have a chance of picking one up of these resplendent American sea ducks. Luckily it was myself that finally found a cracking drake Surf Scoter, we really deserved to find one after many hours of searching in unfavourable conditions didn't we? It did not end there with up to 6 male Velvet and a further 3 more Surf Scoter being found. A few Fulmar,Brent Geese, Red Throated Divers,Guillemot & Razorbills were also seen, a really excellent haul. A very, almost tame Iceland Gull had been present on the beach at Pensarn for a while now so we called in to see it and take a few pictures, guess what? it had flown off just before we got there! A few Ringed Plovers made up our day in North Wales and the usual traffic problems haunted us on the way home, but it had all been worth it as we all got around 10+ new birds for the year lists. Cracking day out.

Dave Ousey.

With the prospect of a fine day a last minute decision prompted a visit to the moors above World's End this morning where small groups of Black Grouse, comprising 14 birds, (all males) in total were seen. Also of note - first Wheatear of the year, Raven, Redpoll, Red Grouse, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks aplenty and a distant Goshawk. Also nice to meet Wigan birders Allan, Doreen and Anne.

After World's End a visit to Old Colwyn gave species similar to Mike's Sunday report:- the Surf Scoters as well as a single Velvet Scoter amongst the vast numbers of Common Scoter. Distant Auk species were also noted as were Red-throated Divers and Great Crested Grebes.



-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 26th of March 2015 12:10:26 PM

A good day out with Karen Foulkes, John Rayner, Riggers & Mike Ausberger -apparently as part of a 'super-group' of Manky birders.

Plenty of Black Grouse at various points across the moors at World's End. Also 1 Red Grouse, Common Buzzard, possible juvenile Goshawk, plenty of Brambling in the car park conifers; Bullfinch, Siskin and Redpoll there as well.

At least 4 Red Kites and numerous Common Buzzards above the valley at Llanbedr-y-cennin, but only brief views of C3 Hawfinches. Goldcrest and Great Spotted Woodpecker from the churchyard

At the eastern end of the promenade at Old Colwyn we had very good views of 3 Surf Scoter drake & 1 duck, in the usual large flock of Common Scoter. We saw about 12 Velvet Scoter scattered through the flock, as well as many Red-throated Divers, Fulmar, Guillemot and Red-breasted Merganser.

Just missed the Iceland Gull at Pensarn, but still a good day with a total of 70 species seen

A case of mistaken identity I'm afraid Dennis but glad you saw the Lapland Bunting.

I think we met you today Mark if your the guy from Wigan ? Small world. Ps we got the Lapland bunting, lovely bird, thanks

Mini tour of North Wales, highlights.

World's End
Black Grouse in good numbers, Amazing sight Amazing sound,3 Leks containing 11 males, 13 males and 25 males and 2 female, All viewed from within the car.
Great Grey Shrike distant views over the moor before the Plantation.
Raven over cronking loudly
Red Kite 3
In the plantation large Chaffinch flock c100+ with smaller numbers of Siskin and Redpoll mixed in
Dipper in the stream

Caerhun Church Yard
Raven over
Buzzard group of 5 in the air circling
White Wagtail
No sign of any Hawfinch

Llanbedr Y Cennin Church Yard
Goldcrest 3
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Raven over
Red Kite slowly drifted over
Unfortunately No sign of any Hawfinch

I carried out my first Anglesey WeBS count yesterday morning, helping to fill a gap for the day. There are quite a few designated sites on the north western side of the island and a limited number of counters, so I may well get further locum opportunities. I had a challenging start: the Cymyran Strait from Four Mile Bridge to the estuary mouth. Easy access is limited to the eastern side and can only be achieved at a few points. I covered it by bike, which meant stopping every ten minutes or so and unpacking the scope. It was a bit of a learning experience at parts and involved carrying the bike along the marshier edges.

I got off to a good start: pretty much the first bird that I saw was a Great Northern Diver, about 80 yards from Four Mile Bridge. I had noticed it the day before and managed a couple of photos the first I have seen on the Cymyran side, it was probably blown up the strait by Saturdays 30+ mph south westerlies. There were fair numbers of Brent Geese and Shelduck, while Redshank and Oystercatcher were the most numerous wader. Winter peak numbers have fallen sharply already there were fewer than 30 Wigeon and Curlew, no plovers and no smaller waders. The headline birds were two Greenshank (one at Valley Doors, the other near Black Wall), and a Kingfisher, also at Valley Doors, my first of the year on the island. A few Skylarks flew overhead and three Stonechat were near the dunes at the southern section.

Highlights from other counts on the neighbouring Inland Sea and Beddmanarch Bay were three Slav Grebes and three Long-tailed Ducks. A Whooper Swan was on the Alaw.

We took a family walk along the east coast on Saturday, trying to avoid the very strong winds. We had to brave some drizzle and sea spray and it felt much colder than 8C, but the walk from Lligwy to Traeth yr Ora and back was a pleasant one. There is much more on the sea on this side of the island, and at least 12 GC Grebes were close to the headland on the high tide. Two Red-throated Divers also gave unusually close views, one of them later treating us to a flight view. Waders were few on the high tide: Oystercatcher, Curlew, Turnstone and Ringed Plover.

There was little of note at Silver Bay. Two Greylags and two Canada Geese on fields above Rhoscolyn reedbed were new. Little Egrets, Gadwall and Tufted Duck are still around the drainage ditches and roadside floods. A Coal Tit in the plantation was the first that I have seen here for two years.

Just to add a few Canada Geese over and some Mallard on the small pool near the Swans.
None of the rarer Geese present unfortunately

Sunday 1st March.

Multi site visits with Steve Burke and Simon Gough, in cold and wet conditions and what felt like near hurricane force winds!
58 bird species seen by myself but both the number and species are slightly different for all 3 of us.

OLD COLWYN
A bit of sea watching produced...
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Scoter - up in the 100's, probably near 1000
No sign of Surf Scoters (as yet)
Velvet Scoter - Simon could well have had 1 in flight as his description of the wing colouration seen on this Scoter match a Velvet.
Red-throated Diver - 2 (1 on the water, 1 flying low towards Conwy)
Great Crested Grebe - 2

CAERHUN CHURCH
No sign of any Hawfinch, couple of Chaffinch though.
Red Kite - singles, 3 together, then 4 together, then more singles
Common Buzzard - at least 5 singles, then 2 circling near the Red Kites
(and 1 unfortunate individual probably electrocuted still on the power lines post)
Kestrel - 1 female landed on a post close by
Raven - lots of them, providing excellent views doing aerial acrobatics and their cronking could be heard everywhere
Carrion Crow - plenty around
Jackdaw - plenty of those too
Rook - a few around in surrounding fields
Great Black-backed Gull on river
Canada Geese
Greylag Geese
Shelduck
Redshank

LLANBEDR-Y-CENNIN
2 - Hawfinch...heard only. We scrutinised the trees right outside the church door but couldn't locate them.
Red Kite - 1 drifted over the church
Sparrowhawk - 1 female came dashing through towards the wood just beyond the church
Raven - lots around over the fields
1 Wren
2 Blackbird
Jay heard only squawking near the churchyard

...and in one of the local gardens
Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, and I'm sure I heard Siskin in there too but couldn't see it

A quick stop back at Caerhun produced much of the same sightings as earlier.
Robin and Dunnock also seen at both sites

BANGOR PIER / HARBOUR
(Atrocious weather conditions, high winds)
Lots of Gulls around with all the common species
Goldeneye - approx 15-20 (m,f, +eclipse)
Red-breasted Merganser - 4
Shelduck
Great Crested Grebe - 4
Black Guillemot - 5 (3 summer plumage / 2 winter plum)
(Funny how these birds dive but don't seem to resurface)
Shag - 1 constantly diving also
Cormorant - 2
Curlew - 1
Oystercatcher - lots
Lapwing - lots
Redshank - few around
and 1 Rock Pipit on the rocks near the pier car park

PENSARN BEACH
(Right next to Abergele-Pensarn Station)
1 - cracking juvenile Iceland Gull (a Juvenile is a LIFER for me)
We got on this Gull within literally seconds of pulling up. It landed within 3-4 feet of us and it made for spectacular viewing. In many respects a nicer looking bird than the adult.
Black-headed Gulls
Common Scoter - lots of them
Turnstones on the shingle
Jackdaws on the beach

SHOTWICK SAILING CLUB / FIELDS
150 Swans in total (count by me)
1 Black Swan
75 Mute Swan (count by Simon)
42 Bewick's Swan (count by Steve)
32 Whooper Swan
4 Black-tailed Godwit
7 Little Egret over
Usual Gadwall, Coot, Great Crested Grebe on the lake
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Merlin dashed over the car on way out of the sailing club road
1 Grey Heron over the car nearing the A494 by-pass

Bit of a tour today starting at Worlds End where upto 20 a Black Grouse could be viewed from the road with a further 4 or 5 scattered further up the mountain. A couple of Ravens cronking overhead and a nice flock of finches including 6 Siskin and close views of Buzzard and Great Spotted Woodpecker the other highlights.

The on to Llanbedr village and having tramped up and down the Lanes and around the church yard we finally managed 3 Hawfinch in flight the wing bars clear in the light. Tracked them to the conifers on the edge of the churchyard where one bird gave great scope views from the top of the trees. Also great views of Red Kite as it slowly flapped around the valley.

Next stop Old Conwy and close in Scoter flocks from the layby NR Clifftop flats allowed us clear views of 3 male Velvet Scoters, Red Breasted Merganser and Red Throated Diver. We also had views of a female Common Scoter with a white wing feathers and back, which was constantly shadowed by gulls. Despite our best efforts no sign of Surf Scoters.

A quick stop at old Station road to check whether the Fulmars were back in the quarry, which they were, then finally onto Pensarn where the Iceland Gull was giving ridiculously close view on the Car park near the railway stations.

Great day out with some top birds and definitely a case of quality over quantity

Half term draws to a close and so too does my first prolonged visit to Anglesey of 2015: a seven day spell punctuated by a couple of days in work.

The local patch at Silver Bay has been quiet, with few waders on the beach and very little in the plantation. The headland turned up a few of its regular stars: pairs of Chough and Stonechat, plus the first singing Skylark (small numbers of these also passed overhead). Lesser Black-backed Gulls have returned to the island off Borthwen. Small numbers of Brent Geese and Wigeon have been in the mouth of the Cymyran.

The flooded fields and drainage ditches on the road past Bodior have held Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler; Little Egret has also been a regular sighting. A Nuthatch by the road to the farm shop was a first for me in this area.

Further up the coast, at South Stack, 200+ Guillemots were back on the ledges on Thursday, though these may move back to sea again before they settle. A few pairs of Fulmar are also back.

All of the usual wintering waders and waterfowl are to be found on the Inland Sea and in Beddmanach Bay, with at least three Slavonian Grebes at the latter site. However the scarcer birds that we usually find at this time of year, e.g. Great Northern Diver and Long-tailed Duck, are currently absent. Med Gulls are regular on the Inland Sea six from Four Mile Bridge was my highest count. I counted 140 Redshank from this point yesterday.

A Black-necked Grebe has been seen more than once outside the fish quay (not by me), while Black Guillemots are to be found regularly. Also at Holyhead, two Water Rail showed very well feeding in a marshy corner at Soldiers Point, and Grey Wagtails are back at the mouth of the stream.

A walk along the Alaw from Llanfachraeth to Penrhyn Bach yesterday morning was productive. Six Whooper Swans were with 15 Mute Swans in fields visible from the stone bridge at the start of the walk. The tides have been very high, and I disturbed 16 Pintail from a flooded bay half way down. As always, there are good numbers of Wigeon, Shelduck, Red-breasted Goosander and Brent Geese.

Cemlyn turned up four Purple Sandpiper and nine Grey Plover on the rocks at high tide yesterday. The islands on the lagoon that will host breeding terns later in the year were entirely submerged.

Highlights were two Saturday afternoons spent with former Manchester birder, Norman Rowbotham, now resident at Valley.

On the first of these I picked up no fewer than three Anglesey lifers in the space of one afternoon: a group of 14 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Pont Marquis on the Cefni, a Spotted Redshank on the estuary at Malltraeth and an entirely unexpected Bittern, which swam between the reed beds ten metres from the shore of the fishermens car park at Llyn Coron. A Peregrine put up 600+ Golden Plover and similar numbers of Lapwing at Malltraeth. At Llyn Padrig, there were at least 250 Greylag Geese along the overlooking field, plus six Pink-footed Geese, an Anglesey rarity. At nearby Dothan, a Little Owl was on a farmhouse roof.

We covered some of the bays off the east coast of the island today, which offered shelter from the cold NW wind. Lligwy was the most successful, with at least ten Red-throated Divers and three Black Guillemots. The mixed wader flock included seven Sanderling, and we saw both Kestrel and Peregrine pass over the sea. Three Great Northern Divers were on the sea from Benllech Bay, which offered distant views of Common Scoter, and further Red-throated Divers.

Final total for the week, with Sunday morning still to come, is a creditable 99.

Before conwy, stopped briefly in Rhyl and had a quick look at the marine lake. 3 male red breasted mergansers were displaying close to the shore, ducking and diving into the water
Then, a flock of nine common scoters were spotted flying over the sea quite close to the beach

Lovely few hours birding today to celebrate 40 years of High Peak rspb local group. Highlights :
Old Colwyn: Flypast Great Northern Diver at 9.45 Velvet Scoter among 100's of Common.
Ross on Sea: 4 Red Throated Diver, 5 Red Breasted Merganser, 50 Common Scoter, Guillemot, Fulmar,4 Skylark, Sparrowhawk. Many Turnstone, Oystercatcher and Curlew. Rock Pipit.

Joel Tragen wrote:

---

I'm heading over to snowdonia for the weekend and was wondering if anyone knew where the main scoter flock is. Cheers Joel.

-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Thursday 12th of February 2015 01:17:59 AM

---

Hi Joel,
By 'main' Scoter flock I take it you mean Common Scoter? They can be anywhere from Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, round to Rhos-on-Sea and Conwy. Lots of them too but can be far out.
The others (Surfs and Velvets) you'd be best checking North Wales sightings.
Cheers
Rob

I'm heading over to snowdonia for the weekend and was wondering if anyone knew where the main scoter flock is. Cheers Joel.

-- Edited by Joel Tragen on Thursday 12th of February 2015 01:17:59 AM

Trip today starting at Aber Ogwen where fierce winds and biting cold meNt most of the birds on the water had taken refuge in the harbour, so moving around to Bangor a Pier paid dividends with:
2 Slavonian Grebes
11 Black Guillemots
4 Great Northern Divers
3 Shag
4 Red Breasted Mergansers (at least)
20 plus Great Creasted Grebes
Good numbers of;
Wigeon
Goldeneye
Curlew
Redshank
Shelduck
Single Red Throated Diver

Onto Nantfrancon where easily got onto 3 Ring Ouzel (2m 1f) plus
2 Chough
5 Raven
Mixed flock of Mistle Thrush and Fieldfare

Back to the Spinnies where the reserve had good numbers of common woodland birds and a single Greenshank out on the mud.

Next stop old Conway and despite best efforts we couldn't pick up any velvet or Surf Scoters, with the wind and the swell defeating us, though Long tailed Duck and another Red Throated Diver were seen.

Finally onto Shotwick Sailing club which I've posted under Flint

Sunday 25th January for afternoon choppy High Tide at Old Colwyn / Rainbow Bridge

Common Scoter (lots) - possibly numbering up in the 100's. Lots of groups of 10's, 20's or more.

Surf Scoter (4m 1f) - 2 Drakes for sure with the white nape, large colourful bill and upright posture, another 2 less colourful Drakes and 1 female but distant views and high waves!

Velvet Scoter - Lifer for me BUT not happy again with the distant wave obscured views. Managed to pick out 1 Drake from the eye pattern, bill shape and robust build, it was with a female but not 100% on her being a Velvet! The Surf Scoters and Velvet Scoter pair were in close proximity to each other and not far from Common Scoters too.

Between 10-20 Velvet's were reported, and more Surf's, but I'm afraid this is all I managed to pick out!

Red-breasted Merganser - 7 (3m 1f ...then 2m 1f)
Eider Duck - 1 male sat low on the waves
3 Auk-type's - I thought Guillemot but not 100%
1 Gannet - didn't expect this, it was diving out West towards Conwy
1 Great Northern Diver - judging by plumage...an adult
Cormorant - lots of them
Great Crested Grebe - 2
Turnstone - 5 on the few rocks showing near promenade car park
Oystercatcher - 2
Great Black-backed Gull - 3 out on the waves
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 patrolling the car park
Lots of Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull.

A good afternoon and I saw more than expected.
Cheers
Rob

I am spending the weekend in Wales but don't know where to go birding. Does anyone know of any sites in the north west of Wales which are good for great northern divers, scoters and grebes? I am staying in snowdonia national park (near bedgelert) and don't want to travel too far. Cheers

Ah yes. Totally confused the two. Cheers again.

Cheers Mike. Is that the same place as people used to view the Black Scoter when it was around?

Hi, no that was Llanfairfechan about 10 miles west.
Cheers.

Mike Duckham wrote:

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Hi Craig, the place I use is the site of the old 70 Degrees Hotel on the old road, east of Old Colwyn. As you drive up a hill east out of OC, there's a large layby on your left by a tall apartment building, which gives superb elevation. I had 3 Surfs and 4 Velvets here yesterday but have had up to 8 from here. You do need patience and a powerful scope. However the flock has moved slightly west in the last couple of weeks, so somewhere like the small gardens behind the prom might be worth a try.
Good luck.

---

Cheers Mike. Is that the same place as people used to view the Black Scoter when it was around?

Had a lovely walk along the Wirral yesterday, but started it from Deeside Industrial Park in North Wales.

Nice Green Sandpiper and plenty of winter thrushes in the Industrial Park itself. Green Sands have been present in the little dykes there since it was built over 20 years ago!?

Great count of 40 Bewick's Swans in the fields at Shotwick, next to the sailing lake. I've not seen that many together for a long time. No Whoopers with them either, but 27 Mutes and a Black Swan for a good measure.

Shotwick sailing lake had three spanky black-necked grebes on it, along with 20+ little grebes and 100+ Tufties, but not a great deal else except for a few Gadwall. Siskins, Linnets and Reed Bunts in the surrounding trees/fields, plus a female Merlin chasing corvids (seemed quite a bizarre observation). A female Stonechat along the cycle path near to the firing range too, plus a great view of two Great White Egrets on the saltmarsh there along the path a little (though they flew in short bursts over the border and in to England shortly afterwards).

Been a while since I walked this stretch in the winter, but still lots of good birding to be done.

Hi Craig, the place I use is the site of the old 70 Degrees Hotel on the old road, east of Old Colwyn. As you drive up a hill east out of OC, there's a large layby on your left by a tall apartment building, which gives superb elevation. I had 3 Surfs and 4 Velvets here yesterday but have had up to 8 from here. You do need patience and a powerful scope. However the flock has moved slightly west in the last couple of weeks, so somewhere like the small gardens behind the prom might be worth a try.
Good luck.

Can anyone point me in the direction of the best place to view (or at least attempt to view) the Surf Scoters supposedly frequenting Colwyn Bay at the moment?

Spent New Year's in Aberdyfi - unfortunately, had a rotten cold the whole time, so didn't get out as much as I would have liked. Highlights however

Vicinity of house
Buzzard - two hunted together regularly on the hill behind the house
Raven - at least two, I suspect more, were around the hill at the back daily. One close-range fly-by was nearest I've ever been to the species
Red Kite - one flew through on NYE, but didn't stick around
A neighbouring house had well-stocked feeders, which were frequented by good numbers of garden birds, inc 1 Nuthatch - Great Spotted Woodpecker also seen

On the beach
Pair Stonechats
Two Sanderlings
5 Oystercatcher

Around the mouth of the River Dyfi
2 Little Egret
2 Red-breasted Merganser
1 Great Crested Grebe
Curlew - a couple heard calling and I think a flock at rest, although too far away to ID positively w/binoculars only

a brief visit to colwyn bay around 9.30am before heading to Conwy. I sat & scanned from next to the old pier for 40 mins & seen...

hundreds of common scoter on the choppy sea, could not make out any surf or velvet.
4 red breasted merganser
3 great crested grebe
5 auk species
few oystercatcher passing

Anglesey is a pretty good place to start the 2015 list. If this thought has crossed your mind, read on for a summary of what has been around in the four days since I arrived back at Silver Bay.

The Inland Sea has been on top form and is a great place to pick up a wide variety of the commoner waders and wildfowl. The selection on Monday afternoon was as good as I have seen. Waders featured Dunlin (500+); Lapwing (150+); Redshank (100+); Oystercatcher (100+); Curlew (50+); Grey Plover (27); Knot (24); Turnstone (15+) and Ringed Plover (6). A Snipe flew overhead earlier in the day. Cormorant, Shag, Heron and Little Egret (9) were also present. The wintering Brent Goose herd comprises c250 birds, and moves around between here, Beddmanach Bay and the mouth of the Alaw. Other wildfowl included Wigeon (100+); Shelduck; Red-breasted Merganser (15+); Goldeneye; Great Crested Grebe; Little Grebe; Mute Swan and Mallard. There was a fine Long-tailed Duck at the eastern side at midday today, and a Great Northern Diver nearby (both a little elusive), while Pintail and Shoveler have been seen regularly. Teal, Gadwall and Tufted Duck are on the freshwater pool.
Four Mile Bridge is a great spot for wintering Med Gulls. There were six here as I passed on Sunday (4 adults and 2 second winter birds); one of the adults was fitted with a green ring on the left leg.

A long-staying Long-tailed Duck has been on the north eastern edge of Llyn Penrhyn, Valley Wetands, for a while. It is best seen from the bus stop near the officers quarters. Shoveler and Tufted Duck are fairly plentiful here too.

Monday morning was cold. Unusually for Anglesey, there was ice on the pool by Cymyran Road, on the way from Caergeiliog to Valley Wetlands. The wildfowl was packed into one small area, and along with the commoner species (Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall etc.) were two female type Scaup a good find.

A Great Northern Diver was in Holyhead Fish Harbour, at the top end of Turkey Shore Road, this afternoon. This is a most reliable location for Black Guillemot, but I have drawn a blank on the past few visits. It is also a good spot for the other auks and for Kittiwake when the wind has blown hard for a few days.

Malltraeth was quiet yesterday, with no birds on the cob pool, but Wigeon, Teal and Pintail were plentiful on the marsh, and a few Black-tailed Godwit fed with the Curlew and Redshank. The feeders at nearby Llyn Parc Mawr, Newborough, are worth checking for local specialities like Jay, Coal Tit and Nuthatch. Red Squirrels also visit.

A small flock of Twite has fed at the edge of the lagoon near Cemlyn west car park for the past two months or so. They target the dried up poppies on the gravelly edges. Numbers have been variable, but I saw a flock of five birds briefly on Tuesday and local ringers managed to catch four the day before. The point of rock that extends from the bay, known as the Trwyn, is a good spot for roosting waders on high tide. There is a good chance of finding Purple Sandpiper among the Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Curlew. An over-wintering Whimbrel has been seen regularly.

Trearddur Bay is also a good place to look for Purple Sandpiper: on the rocky island from the RNLI station at high tide.

I havent tried yet, but eastern locations like Lligwy, Moelfre, Benllech and Red Wharf Bay are usually good for a few Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver and Fulmar at this time of year.

Silver Bay has been pretty quiet. There are lots of winter thrushes, including c20 Redwing in the area. I flushed a Woodcock in the woods this morning, and a Chough has taken up residence in the pasture between the plantation and the Cymyran estuary. A Peregrine flew over yesterday.

If the weather is kind you have a fair chance of finding around 80 species in a day.

Happy New Year!