Another Citrine Wagtail!
A days guiding on Tuesday, 17th May, began at RSPB Conwy and we looked in vain for the male Citrine Wagtail that we had enjoyed the previous two days, but sadly no sign. Plenty of birds to enjoy of course including Little ringed Plovers and really close up views of Reed Warblers singing loudly.
We headed off to Cemlyn, Anglesey and stopped on the bridge on the west side of the lagoon. Setting up the scopes we were enjoying wonderful views of Sandwich, Common and Arctic Terns, Mediterranean Gull and waders. It was very instructive to be able to compare the tern species side by side, the scopes giving frame filling views. A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers popped up really close and showed off nicely.
At 9.40am we heard a loud buzzing wagtail call and I thought "**** Citrine!!" then remembered I was at Cemlyn not Conwy! The calls continued and we picked the bird up flying straight towards us low over the brick walled house. The bird dropped lower as it passed very close by and we could clearly see a male Citrine Wagtail!! The bird touched down in the short grass field by the turning down to Tyn Llan Farm. No sooner had it landed it was off again, calling loudly again. The bird flew low over the pig field and was lost to view.
In the brief views obtained the bird looked very similar to the Conwy bird, a very smart adult male! The yellow head and underparts were shockingly bright, black collar, grey-blue back, bright white wing bars, black tail with white outer tail feathers, a very smart bird!
We alerted other birds and set off to try and relocate the bird but no sign.
A Chough showed well in the fields, great views of Whimbrel on the beach allowed us to really get to know this wader. Offshore amazing views of Gannets, and it was nice to see Cormorant and Shag sat side by side on a rocky island. Grey Seals were in the sheltered bay, noses pointing skywards as the bobbed about.
Holyhead Harbour next and close views of Black Guillemots with four of these handsome auks seen.
South Stack RSPB reserve was at its very best with masses of birds! Chough, Puffin, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot, Stonechat all showing off. But it was two Peregrine that stole the show, one of which showed off right over head, including a spectacular stoop right past us! Brilliant!
Valley Lakes was our last port of call where we boosted our day list nicely with plenty of wildfowl. Pochard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall were all enjoyed as a pair of Great crested Grebes sailed across the water. Masses of Swallows, House and Sand Martins fed low over the water surface and a few Swifts swept through.
A very memorable day indeed!
Why not join us for great birding? Plenty of trips coming up with dates to suit you!
Some more, rather poor, pictures of the RSPB Conwy Citrine Wagtail