Alan met Dave at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve and quickly added new species for their two day trip. A lovely Grey Plover, moulting into its breeding plumage fed out on the mudflats and a Common Gull bathed on the lagoon. Onto the A55 and they headed west for Anglesey. The day was overcast, calm and no rain! Though it had been torrential overnight. First stop on the island was the fields north of Menai Bridge where the Glaucous Gull was soon in the scope. A monster gull with bull-neck and powerful bill, a new bird for Dave so a great start. Valley Wetlands RSPB reserve next and good selection of wildfowl including a Ruddy Duck, hard to find these days. On again and Beddmanarch Bay for waders, a huge flock of Dunlin fed busily on the exposed mud. Amongst the Dunlin were plenty of Ringed Plover, two breeding plumaged Knot, a Bar-tailed Godwit and three Whimbrel, excellent. Over the channel both Sandwich and Arctic Terns dived for fish.
A short drive had them at Holyhead Harbour and within minutes they were watching stunning Black Guillemots at close range. The closest bird was timed under water and stayed down for 57 seconds!
South Stack RSPB reserve next and always a wonderful spectacle, stunning scenery, carpets of wild flowers and of course huge numbers of birds. Puffins bobbed on the water below the cliffs where Guillemots and Razorbills crowded the ledges. Kittiwakes and Fulmars flew below as a pair of Chough swept past so close! Four Manx Shearwaters flew low over the calm sea overtaking Gannets as they went. A pair of Peregrines showed off sat just a couple of meters apart. The resident Hooded Crow showed off as a Grasshopper reeled from a gorse patch, what a wonderful place.
Last but by no means least was Cemlyn Lagoon on the north coast of Anglesey. Here the tern colony was in full swing and great views of Sandwich, Common and Arctic Terns were enjoyed in the afternoon sunshine. A walk out onto the headland produced great views of two Purple Sandpipers roosting with Ringed Plover, Dunlin and a Whimbrel. Four Atlantic Grey Seal loafed just offshore. Back at the lagoon two Mediterranean Gulls had arrived including a stunning breeding plumaged adult what a wonderful bird to finish on! Well over 100 species recorded in the two days and not a rain coat required, magic!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