Ruth hasn't had so much time to go birding lately what with office work and book writing filling most of her time. But all work and no play makes Jill just as dull as Jack, so on her days working at home, she has tried to fit in an early morning brisk walk up the Great Orme, the national park that is our back garden, before settling down to computer work. It's a good exercise routine involving a very steep hill and more often than not, a strong headwind at the top. But the views are worth it as you can look both east and west along the stunning North Wales coastline with the Little Orme and the Conwy estuary in the foreground. It's a bit hit and miss with the birds though. Some days nothing shows, but just occasionally it throws up a good bird, and this week a Lapland Bunting was Ruth's reward for the steep climb up above Happy Valley. Meadow Pipits are frequently seen up on the Orme and you can sometimes find yourself 'herding' them along the path in front of you as you walk. This time, they had a rather more exciting addition amongst them - darker brown on the back, creeping through the long grass like a mouse, then flying up at the last minute, giving a distinctive prrrrt call as it flew. Lapland Bunting on migration, and a good reward for that early morning exercise routine!