A wild spell of weather here in Wales is producing some good birds and best of all Grey Phalaropes. These diminutive waders spend the winter far out at sea where bob like corks on the high-seas. But even these hardy sea fearers are occasionally driven in-shore by prolonged gales. Grey Phalaropes are often very confiding adding an extra attractiveness; they will swim around just yards from an observer if you sit still and be quiet. Three of these waifs were feeding off the south beach at Aberystwth this morning and then this afternoon exciting news from closer to home. Local birder Elfyn Lewis was braving the winds at Cricceth Promenade, Gwynedd when found two more lovely Grey Phalaropes off the west side of the castle. Not content with that he also logged 14 Little Gulls offshore and a Black Redstart to the east of the castle! So plans are made for a trip first thing in the morning, with the gale even stronger now we hope the birds will ride it out and be waiting for us at first light. Or better still perhaps more will be blown in? For UK readers do not forget it is just one week until the RSPB’s 30th Big Garden Birdwatch event, 24th – 25th January. If you have not got your form yet pop into your local reserve and pick one up. You can also find out more and submit your results on the web, www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. It is easy and great fun to take part, and a great excuse to sit and watch the birds in your garden! All you need to do is watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour during the weekend of 24th and 25th January. Record the highest number of each species you see at any one time during the course of the hour. Simply record birds that land, no need to count birds that fly over the area. Send in your results on your Big Garden Birdwatch form or enter them via the website above. Even if you do not see not a single bird please record this, and all small counts are equally valuable for the survey, so do not be disappointed if the count is lower than you usually see it is still valuable data. Then you can feel great, because you have had fun, and you have helped the RSPB see how garden birds are doing this year, adding to the 29 years of vital information already collected. Thank you in advance! Of course if you stock up your feeders and bird table throughout this week you will have a greater chance of seeing more birds, and keep the birds very happy in this rough weather.Posted Llandudno 17th January