A full day of guiding began at RSPB Conwy where a Peregrine soared high over the reserve and a few Swallows and Sand Martins flew north over the car park. Four of us headed west to Aber Ogwen North Wales Wildlife Trust Reserve. The wind was strong and heavy showers rattled through. Despite the far from perfect weather plenty of birds to see from the first hide. Chiffchaffs sang loudly and four Little Egrets roosted in a tree above the pool. These birds were in breeding plumage sporting their lovely fine plumes. A Grey Heron was at the far end of the pool. Round at the other hide we had views of both the pool and the adjacent estuary. The tide was very high and plenty of birds were roosting on the beach west of the hide. Thirty-eight Little Egrets were counted lined up along the shore line. Two Greenshank slept amongst a large flock of Redshank. In the bay a gang of Red-breasted Mergansers displayed and chased eight fine drake Common Eider floated further out and a single male Goldeneye swam past. Sandwich Terns were flying over the Menai Straits but were distant. From the car park at the road end we enjoyed closer views of two Sandwich Terns.
A little way inland we stopped by a fast flowing stream and had wonderful views of a Dipper and a pair of Grey Wagtails.
Then it was onto Anglesey and first stop Beddmanarch Bay. The wind here was really strong but the sun shone nicely. A first-winter Mediterranean Gull was sat just offshore with a flock of Black-headed Gulls.
Round to Holyhead Harbour and after a short wait we picked out five Black Guillemots on the choppy waters of Holyhead Bay.
Up to South Stack RSPB reserve where the wind was gale force! It was hard to stand up straight as we struggled down to the view point over looking the spectacular cliffs. Last week had seen the place thronged with Auks, today not one. The wind had driven them off-shore again. A few pairs of Fulmars sat on the cliffs and one braved the gale for a quick fly around. Offshore a Gannet flew south but no other seabirds could be seen passing. A pair of Ravens entertained us near the café landing close to the road and hanging in the wind against the blue sky. But we were missing one important bird, Chough. We always see Chough at South Stack but today it was looking like we might not. Then two black birds were seen feeding in a field and through the scope the red legs and bills could be seen, Chough. At the bottom of the road below the reserve a single Chough flew low over ours heads calling and really showing off, that was more like it!
Valley Wetlands RSPB Reserve next and despite the continuing very strong winds we enjoyed plenty of birds. Ruddy Ducks were showing off at close range, a pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying in the shelter of the reedbed. Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Little Grebes all showed. Both Canada and Grey lag Geese were here in good numbers. A single Swallow swept past at high speed.
Back to Conwy RSPB in time to enjoy a cuppa in the coffee shop and watch White Wagtail, Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and Teal, great end to a great but windy day.
Would you like to go birding with Alan? See below for details….We are giving a talk on The Biggest Twitch at RSPB Conwy on 16th April at 7pm, again a donation to the reserve will be made, do come along and hear all about our adventure and support this great reserve. Tickets available at the reserve, 01492 584091 for details.Would you like to come birding with The Biggest Twitch? Well now you can!
We are putting together a package of birding tours here in the UK, Europe and further a field using our huge experience to share our enthusiasm for birds, wildlife and wild places with you. We offer custom tours throughout the year in North Wales, day trips or longer to see all the special birds, dates to suit you. Highlights could include Red-billed Chough, Black and Red Grouse, Dipper, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Atlantic Puffin, Ring Ouzel.  Expect to see over 100 species on a two-day tour!We are offering the following trips as set departure tours:Galapagos Islands and Ecuador: April 2010 – there’s been a lot of interest already!
India, Tigers and the north: November 2010We offer custom tours to the following countries with dates to suit you for an individual tour, or you can join a group of like-minded people:Spain, visiting Extremadura and/or the Coto de Doñana
Eastern Turkey for wonderful birds and mountain scenery
Finland and Norway with the very best guides for all the owls and woodpeckersIf you would like more details of any of these, please email us at info@thebiggesttwitch.com.  We would love you to join us for wonderful birds and much more!