Last night we had just gone to bed and it was one of those moments when we really did not want Alan’s mobile to ring, but it did. We tried to ignore it but it rang again. Oh well, better answer, might be important. Well it was! Our friend Simon had just heard news of a Spotted Sandpiper on Anglesey! With only a handful of records ever in Wales and one previously in North Wales this would be a great bird to see. It being well after dark we have to wait for morning, we moaned the fact that the news had taken so long to reach us and other birders. The next half an hour was spent on the phone ensuring other birders knew of the discovery and making plans for an early start.
Ruth had a long tough day ahead, working over in Chester, wrong way for Anglesey, so could not risk being late. Alan set off at 4.30am and met Mike Duckham at Conwy RSPB, they then picked up Rob Sandham in Conwy and headed west for Anglesey.
A beautiful morning, clear, calm and sunny. The three were soon at the Cefni Estuary, Malltraeth and after a little confusion found the narrow lane on the north side. There was just enough room to park at the end and they walked down onto the shore of the estuary. The tide was rising and all looked good, now where is the Spotted Sandpiper. They scanned and scanned but no sign. Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Redshank all showed, but nothing with spots came into view. After over an hour a change of tactics was called for. Driving back to the village they tried scanning from the road bridge, no sign. With time running out for Rob who was due in work back in Conwy, they checked the Cob Pool. Three Black-tailed Godwits showed well in the sunshine but again nothing with spots. Enough was enough and they headed for home.
With Rob dropped off Alan and Mike returned to RSPB Conwy for Mike’s car. A scan of the lagoons produced four Black-tailed Godwits and a nice surprise of a fine breeding plumaged Ruff. What a great looking bird with its black full ruff around his neck.
Later back in Llandudno Alan was sitting at the computer when he heard the sound of many Herring Gulls alarm calling. Grabbing the bins he dashed to the window and after a frantic scan found an Osprey slowly flying north over the roof-tops sending the resident gulls up in alarm.
A lovely view of this majestic raptor, and not a bad bird for the flat list!Would you like to come birding with The Biggest Twitch? Well now you can!
We are putting together a package of birding tours here in the UK, Europe and further a field using our huge experience to share our enthusiasm for birds, wildlife and wild places with you. We offer custom tours throughout the year in North Wales, day trips or longer to see all the special birds, dates to suit you. Who better to guide you than the author of “The Best Birdwatching Sites in North Wales”?
Highlights could include Red-billed Chough, Black and Red Grouse, Dipper, Red Kite, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Atlantic Puffin, Ring Ouzel, Hawfinch. Expect to see a lot of birds!
info@thebiggesttwitch.com or call Alan on 07778 677141