Birding Anglesey 25th March
Another day of great birding and guiding on Anglesey. The day got off to a great start with the Glaucous Gull in fields north of Menai Bridge. This brute of a gull flew in just as we arrived, great timing. The Glaucous Gull then strode around on its own really showing off.
A short drive and we reached Traeth Lligwy where Sandwich Terns dived offshore amongst dip-feeding Kittiwakes. A Red-throated Diver showed well as did a pair of displaying Great Crested Grebes.
At Traeth Dulas we saw the first of many flocks of Sand Martins hurrying north, it was great to see migration in action!
As soon as we arrived at Cemlyn Lagoon we saw a Mediterranean Gull on the islands and a large flock of beautiful Golden Plover. A single Grey Plover, three Turnstones and a Dunlin added to our growing list. Two Lapland Buntings flew over and landed in a stubble field. As we looked for these, two Swallows swept in and hawked over a pool right next to us! It's always a thrill to see the first Swallow of the spring, while many Sand Martins were also passing through.
Beddmanarch Bay was next and we were soon watching two Slavonian Grebes fishing and a large flock of Pale-bellied Brent Geese. We also enjoyed our picnic lunch here overlooking the bay.
Holyhead harbour provided great views of Black Guillemots in the handsome breeding plumage. There were also Common Guillemot here and more Brent Geese flew over.
After a short drive, we reached South Stack RSPB reserve where we had wonderful views of Chough even before we got out of the car. More Chough gave great views from the cliff top where a stunning male Stonechat showed off as a Peregrine tore past.
Then we went down to Valley Wetlands RSPB where we added plenty of wildfowl to the ever growing day list, with Little Grebe and Reed Bunting also here.
At Malltraeth a Spotted Redshank showed well on the pool where still six Pintail loafed around. We saw another Peregrine here as the bird flew across the Cefni Estuary giving us great views.
All in all, it had been another excellent day with over 90 species recorded, and a really great fun day's 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 sharing more brilliant birds with you!
Set departure tours and custom tours are available throughout the year to suit you. Here are some ideas to whet your appetite. If the dates do not suit you, just let us know and we can put together a great trip just for you!
Anglesey tour
3 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. We will certainly be hoping to see Puffins, Black Guillemots, Chough and many more. Expect to see over 80 species!
£40 per person
The best of North Wales
29 March 2011 – Sorry this tour is now fully booked
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
Black Grouse lekking
13 April 2011 – only two spaces left on this date
20 April 2011
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 place never fails to amaze.
£55 per person, including cooked breakfast!
Warblers Galore!
3 May 2011
Learn more about the 11 species of warbler found in North Wales.
£40 per person
North Wales Spring Special
8 May 2011
11 May 2011
18 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. Expect to see over 80 species!
£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.
We can also arrange weekend, mid-week, week long trips, or build a tour of any length to suit you. Simply let us know the dates you have in mind and we can put together a custom tour and quote just for you!
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, so please bring a 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 us on
info@thebiggesttwitch.com or call Alan on
07778 677141
We look forward to enjoying great birds with you!
Best wishes
Alan and Ruth