In Llandudno it dawned grey and over cast. It was Kens last birding day in North Wales. It did not look good for getting one last set of seabirds in flight shots in the poor light. Still he and Alan gave it a go and after a fairly leisurely breakfast they set off west for Anglesey. Time for a quick detour to the entrance gate of Conwy RSPB and they were just in time to see five Avocets fly off high north, that was close!
They had a real shock when they reached Llanfairfechan, the grey was gone and a cobalt blue sky stretched to the horizon in the west. Should have got up earlier boys!
At South Stack RSPB Reserve it was a perfect morning, sunny and totally calm. The views were breathtaking, the mountains of Snowdonia were bathed in sun and they could see Bardsey Island at the end of the Lleyn Peninsula. Making their way down the steps towards the lighthouse it was great to see so many Auks back on the cliffs and bobbing about on the glassy sea. A single Puffin stood on a ledge by a nest burrow and as they watched this smart like seabird ducked inside. Wonderful views were had of both Razorbills and Common Guillemots. Alan left Ken perched on the cliff edge snapping away at flyby birds.
The small fields above the cliffs held a few birds, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Siskin and Redpoll. Further down the hill a flock of 18 Chough wheeled and tumbled over the fields calling wildly. What a fantastic sight! Stonechats were all over the place, sitting up and showing off in the spring sunshine. Meadow Pipits were on the move and called as they headed north.
At Ellin’s Tower the RSPB viewpoint more Puffins could be seen on the sea below the towering spectacular cliffs, what a wonderful spot on a day like this! Fulmars and Kittiwakes added to the scene and Rock Pipits displayed along the cliff tops. A pair of Raven rolled over head calling loudly and two pairs of Chough bounced past showing off their blood red bills and legs.
Ken finally had enough photos, hard to leave with the birds showing so well and the light so good.
Down to Holyhead Harbour and more pics, this time of Black Guillemots. Five of these handsome auks were feeding in the harbour and again Ken blasted off loads of shots. Shag and a Great Crested Grebe showed off.
Beddmanarch Bay was quiet as the tide was high; a pair of Pintail was the highlight along with calling Chiffchaffs.
At Beaumaris Ken got some very shots of a flock of 40 Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Offshore a gang of Common Eider loafed about enjoying the warm sunshine.
Back to Conwy RSPB and luckily the Avocets had returned and were showing off nicely. On the estuary a Grey Plover joined the roosting Curlew flock, a good bird here. With sun sinking it was time to pack up and put the camera away and head home. Ken enjoyed his time in North Wales and racked up some amazing birds, many of which he photographed, we look forward to seeing his book in due course.
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 afield 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!