Anglesey - gulls and lots more!

The day got off to a cracking start with the Glaucous Gull north of Menai Bridge one of the first birds we saw! This third winter monster gull gave great views strutting about the fields. At Traeth Lligwy the tide was high and weather grim, but a Black Guillemot was nice, so we decided to return latter when the tide had dropped. Two Red-legged Partridge were in the lane nearby.

At Cemlyn we immediatley saw not one, not two but three Mediterranean Gulls! Two were stunning adults in breeding plumage, even flying over us calling at one point. Adult Mediterranean Gulls are stunning birds and we soaked up the views. Our next plan was to check the area near the west car park at Cemlyn but our idea was thwarted by the sea! The huge tide had not only flooded the road ahead but we could see the car park was under several feet of water.

Beddmanarch Bay held 3 Slavonian Grebes and another Black Guillemot and a nice surprise when two Sandwich Terns flew in. Our first Sandwich Terns of the year and lovely to see though the cold wind was not in keeping with Spring migrants.

Holyhead next and more Black Guillemots, were they following us? At six of these handsome auks bobbed on the choppy waters. Another 2 Sandwich Tern gave great looks sat on a bouy. Shag and Ringed Plover also showed nicely here.

At South Stack RSPB reserve it was pretty wild but the local Chough are used to it and showed off just yards away feeding a grass field. No auks at the cliffs, to windy, but plenty of Fulmar riding the wind. As always the scenery was breath taking with the towering cliffs and island topped with lighthouse. Inland Sea had Brent Geese and wind-surfers, Valley Lakes gave us a wildfowl boost to our list.

We then headed back to Traeth Lligwy and within seconds were watching the gorgous adult Bonaparte's Gull pottering about at the tide edge, magic bird. This diminutive American vagrant with its bubblegum pink legs and delicate black bill showed off nicely. Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills just offshore went some way to address the empty cliffs of the stack.

Adult Bonaparte's Gull at Traeth Lligwy, photo by Steve Culley

Back on the mainland we enjoyed a Dipper dipping and at Aber Ogwen a good boost of new birds on pool and estuary including two ghostly Greenshank. We finished off with an hour at RSPB Conwy, now in the sun, and added an amzing 12 new species to our total! Sand Martin hawked over head and a Water Rail gave amazing views. A really great fun days birding! You really should join us for the best in birding. Lots of trips coming up and if you have a date you are free chances are we can take you birding.

Why not join us for a great day out?

Email info@thebiggesttwitch.com or

call Alan on 07778 677141 to reserve your place.

We run trips throughout the year just email us for details on info@thebiggesttwitch.com We look forward to enjoying brilliant birds with you!

Set departure tours and custom tours available throughout the year to suit you. Here are some ideas. If the dates do not suit just let us know and we can put together a great trip just for you!

Black Guillemot Holyhead photo by Steve Young

Morfa Bychan and Porthmadog
27 March 2011
This wonderful area has birds galore: wintering wildfowl, waders, gulls and raptors, so we will look for all these and more. The area has the happy knack of turning up scarce and rare birds so who knows what we might find!
£40 per person
Sorry, this trip is now fully booked but if you are particularly interested in this trip, we would be happy to arrange a second date to suit you.

The best of North Wales
29 March 2011 – only one space left on this date
A day out touring North Wales for the best birds around at this time of year, including searching for the elusive Hawfinch. We have an excellent track record with this charismatic but tough species!
£40 per person

Anglesey tour
3 April 2011
11 April 2011
18 April 2011
30 April 2011
Whole day exploring the very best birding sites on the island. Our route will be dependent on the latest bird news and we will visit a wide variety of habitats. Expect to see over 80 species!
£40 per person

Black Grouse lekking
13 April 2011 – only one space left on this date
20 April 2011 - sorry this tour is now fully booked
27 April 2011
A very early start to visit a wonderful upland area and witness the spectacular dawn lek of Black Grouse, a truly amazing sight. The area also holds raptors, Crossbill, Dipper and migrants. This scenic area never fails to amaze.
£55 per person, including cooked breakfast!

Warblers Galore!
3 May 2011
8 May 2011
Learn more about the 11 species of warbler found in North Wales.
£40 per person

North Wales Spring Special
15 May 2011
18 May 2011
25 May 2011
Our principal target species will be the wonderful birds found in North Wales at this time of year. We will be searching for Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Goshawk, Hen Harrier and Red Kite as well as any other species available at this wonderful time of year.
£40 per person

Northumberland’s bird islands
9 – 12 June 2011
A chance to visit the bird-rich, wild coast of Northumberland with seabird cities and some late migrants. The highlight of the trip will be a day out on the magical Farne Islands where we walk amongst Puffins and thousands of other seabirds allowing fantastic photo opportunities. We also visit the beautiful island of Lindisfarne or Holy Island, where we look for migrants and waders in picturesque surroundings. We will also call in at the RSPB Saltholme reserve which is proving a real draw for amazing birds!
£495 per person based on six participants, including boat trip and landing fees

Norfolk – the best of birding!
17 – 19 June 2011
Norfolk has an amazing list of birds and we will see as many as possible! Breeding birds will be the main focus and we hope to find Montagu’s Harrier, Stone Curlew, Golden Oriole and Wood Lark. We will also search out any rarities in the area.
£295 per person, based on six participants.

All day tours include 8 hours guided birdwatching, transport in the ‘Birdmobile’, use of optics and field guide, day checklist, attentive customer care throughout. Prices exclude food and refreshment, please bring packed lunch, snacks and drinks and any items of a personal nature. If you have any special requirements or requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our aim is to make your birdwatching day special for you.

For more details, or to book your place on any of the above set departure tours or to arrange a custom tour, available throughout the year to suit you:

Email info@thebiggesttwitch.com or call Alan on 07778 677141

We look forward to enjoying great birds with you!
Best wishes
Alan and Ruth