Alan joined Marc Hughes, Mike Duckham and Rob Sandham, aka “that lad” for a full day birding around local sites. As dawn came over the farmland south of Betws-y-coed an early Red Kite flapped slowly across the frost dusted fields. Into the huge pine forest of Clocaenog and Common Crossbills greeted the team as they stepped from the car. A short uphill walk reached a fantastic view point, but an icy wind cut through layers of clothing and soon had them freezing cold. Despite some two hours of scanning the vast habitat no sign of the hoped for Great Grey Shrike, perhaps the bird was keeping out of that bitter wind? More Crossbills were seen and heard but little else, time to move on. At Llyn Brenig a colourful flock of Brambling and Linnets rose and fell over a small field, a lovely sight, some of the male Brambling already showing signs of their smart breeding plumage. The same field held a flock of Fieldfare.
Not far away amazing views of a Red Grouse were enjoyed, so close every detail of the plumage could be seen, including the white eye-ring, something you rarely get close enough to see so well. They left the uplands and headed down to the coast. At Gronant beach they were in luck and soon found the Shore Lark creeping along the tide line. This beautifully marked bird showed very well through the telescopes, it can be flighty so they viewed it from a safe distance to avoid disturbance. Many gulls were on the beach here and Marc picked out a fine adult Mediterranean Gull hiding amongst hundreds of Common Gulls. Flocks of Sanderling rushed about and rather slower moving Bar tailed Godwits probed the sands.Next stop was Kinmel Bay where after a wait a gorgeous Short-eared Owl took to the air and floated over the rough grassland in the winter sunshine, just magical! The owl even landed in the top of a hawthorn tree and showed off staring back with bright yellow eyes.Another visit to the seafront at Pensarn and another vigil looking at Scoter flocks. Plenty of Common Scoter and at least 20 Velvet Scoter showed well but again no Surf Scoters.Then down the Conwy valley and the guys were soon watching two wintering Common Sandpipers. With time almost up they headed for Llanbedir-y-cennin and the luck held. Great views of at least six Hawfinch were had, including a pair displaying in a tree top! Just to add to the moment a Red Kite and Peregrine were seen over the valley, a fitting end to a great days birding! If you would like to join Alan for a day's birding and share similar great moments, then do get in touch on info@thebiggesttwitch.com and book your day out.