First trip of 2012
We met Derek, Jayne and Sue at RSPB Conwy, 7.30am, and headed east for Kinmel Bay. We were soon over looking some rough fields as the light came up. Our day list was quickly under way as a Kestrel hovered almost over head, a Sparrowhawk whizzed low alongside a hedge and two Buzzards show some great flying. The hoped for Short ered Owls were not playing however, even though we had enjoyed amazing views only two days before.
At Rhyl marine lake we immediately saw the adult Great northern Diver and enjoyed wonderful views as it fished the water. This wonderful bird dived regularly looking for crabs which it brought to the surface, despatched and dived to swallow under water.
Adult Great northern Diver Rhyl marine lake - photo by Marc Hughes.
We also enjoyed a huge flock of Lapwings here, Red-breasted Merganser, Goldeneye and Grey Heron.
On Kinmel Bay beach we were soon watching a flock of delightful Snow Buntings, feeding along the tideline, in sunshine!
Snow Buntings on Kinmel Beach
We soaked up views of these hardy visitors from the Arctic as they fed on seed put down for them.
A stunning male Snow Bunting comes in for a feed
The beach was alive with birds including Sanderling dashing along the tide line, flocks of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and hundreds of gulls.
The River Clwyd provided more waders with close views of a lovely Grey Plover, two Bar-tailed Godwits fed on the river bank. Both Goosanders and Red-breasted Mergansers showed off, always nice to see both species at once.
We then headed for the woods and the change of habitat produced a whole load of new birds! A feeding flock was working along the path in front of us, many birds feeding on the ground and we enjoyed amazing views. Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Treecreeper, Bullfinch, Jay and Great spotted Woodpecker all added to our list. A Marsh Tit proved more elusive despite calling repeatedly. Luckily as we headed back we hit the flock again and the Marsh Tit surrenderd! A lovely Woodcock flew low right past us, bonus!
RSPB Conwy was the next stop and we quickly added more birds. Siskin gave great views in the wildlife garden. On the lagoons we enjoyed views of Little Egret, Gadwall and Pochard. But the Firecrest refused to show in the strong winds.
In Deganwy we were very lucky and immediatley found the Ring-necked Parakeet, which has proved very elusive around the gardens here. A great bird for Wales and 2012 year lists.
Ring-necked Parakeet Deganwy, a splash of colour, photo by Marc Hughes
The Great Orme at Llandudno provided great views and we picked up Red throated Diver, Shag and Raven.
At Rhos Point we quickly added Common Scoter, with two drakes sat just offshore, on the sea defences we quickly found roosting Purple Sandpipers just above the high water mark. The views were brilliant as we looked down on these lovely waders. We also added Rock Pipit.
Purple Sandpiper roosting at Rhos Point
Just time to return to RSPB Conwy for a few more birds including Tufted Duck and Snipe but the Firecrest still eluded us! Next time.
Many thanks to Derek, Jayne and Sue for their great company, we had a lovely day and saw over 80 species giving the 2012 year list a great boost!
We have lots more trips coming up, why not join us for great fun and wonderful birds?