Birdwatching at Gronant and the Dee Estuary
Guided birdwatching trip to Gronant and the Dee Estuary
We visited Wales' only Little Tern colony at Gronant Dunes.
Over 120 Little Terns were still around their shingle ridge nest site.
We walked along this beautiful unspoiled beach to obtain closer views of the Little Terns where they massed at the tide's edge. Also here was a large flock of Sandwich Terns amongst which we picked out at least 5 Common Terns.
Waders on the beach included this confiding Ringed Plover along with Dunlin, breeding plumage Sanderling and dozens of Oystercatchers, while offshore a drake Common Scoter loafed just beyond the breakers and lines of Cormorants headed out to their fishing grounds.
Making our way back through the dunes there was plenty to see, with Skylarks, large flocks of Linnets and hunting Kestrels. The wildflowers here were spectacular and attracted plenty of butterflies and other insects.
Leaving Gronant, we headed east for the Dee Estuary and RSPB Inner Marsh Farm.
We arrived at the reserve to see masses of Black-tailed Godwits on the islands and the lagoons, showing all varieties of plumage.
Amongst the flocks of godwits, lurked another wader : a single Ruff. It was great to have such close views of this enigmatic wader.
The lagoons also held hundreds of Lapwing, many wildfowl and Little Egrets as gangs of Stock Doves flew low across the pools.
If you'd like to enjoy a great day out visiting these fantastic locations, why not join us on our next Dee Estuary tour on Wednesday 27th July? Email us on
info@thebiggesttwitch.com for more details or to book your place.