Storm beach birding at Black Rock
An early start from Llandudno and we headed south-west down to Porthmadog in the dark. A few heavy rain showers were unwelcome but luckily it was dry by the time we arrived at Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog. But bad news was just around the corner, signs proclaimed "Road Closed". Never been great ones for signs so we drove around them and continued towards Black Rock beach. It was obvious from the flotsam that the sea had been way up the road, a long way from the beach, luckily we knew it was low tide so pushed on and reached the beach.
The beach looked very different today, much of the usual golden sands were covered by a thick layer of seaweed washed up by the raging winter storms that have battered the coast day after day this winter. With the light just coming up we decided to check the beach itself first and wait for better light before looking offshore. Gulls were scattered along the beach feeding in the storm dumped weed. We picked out two adult Little Gulls over the waters edge, their dark under-wings showing nicely in the low morning sun. A large flock of Sanderling rushed up and down the sand like mad clock-work toys, nearby dozens of Dunlin fed at a more sedate pace. Stonechats were along the tide-line, never have we seen so many here before. The chats were joined by Rock Pipits, Pied Wagtails and Linnets.
With the light now much better we turned our attention to the birds offshore. There were hundreds of Common Scoter riding the waves but it was just choppy enough to make following individual birds difficult and we scanned hard to find a rarity amongst the commons. We scanned, moved a little way, scanned, moved, scanned again and again. As we neared the east end of the beach we saw pale birds amonst the waves, not scoter these.
These are Long-tailed Ducks, winter visitors from their Arctic breeding grounds. What stunning birds they are and we soaked up the views through the Leica telescopes. We counted twelve of these scarce sea-ducks bobbing up and down in the swell. Three Little Gulls were dip feeding over the flocks of scoter. A Red Kite soared over the headland at the east end of the beach where a Kestrel hovered and a Yellowhammer but in a brief appearance.
Morfa Bychan beach is a stunning location to enjoy great birds but reluctantly we left the beach and headed for nearby Cicceth. Plenty of pipits on the tideline here with both Rock and Meadow Pipits showing well.
Can you tell your Rock Pipit from your Meadow Pipit? We always take time on our bird tours to look carefully at species that can cause confusion. Come and join us soon for great birds, great fun and a chance to pick up a few new identification tips.
On the way home we stopped off at Aber Ogwen just east of Bangor. The tide was low and there were thousands of birds out on the mud-flats and in the low water channels. Alan picked out a Slavonian Grebe drifting on the tide and Ruth found a Spotted Redshank amongst masses of Redshank, a great bit of spotting!
For details of all our birdwatching trips and tours email us at...
info@thebiggesttwitch.com
We look forward to enjoying great birds with you soon!
