Lots of birds!

First light on the Great Orme, Llandudno, North Wales and the calls of finches were in the air, migration was under way even as the first signs of dawn crept west across the sky. Chaffinches were moving west in waves over the headland their “pinking” calls filling the chilled air. This was birding principally by ear as the migrants moved over the limestone lump of the Orme. Regular harsh nasal calls came amongst the “pinking” to announce the presence of Brambling amongst the flocks. Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll all added their calls as the flow of birds continued. As the light got better some birds dropped down to take a break in the hawthorns and wonderful scope views were enjoyed. Orange breasted Brambling glowed in the autumn sun. Redwings and Fieldfares joined the finches and many Blackbirds and Song Thrushes fed on the abundant berries. A male Stonechat sat and surveyed the scene perhaps wondering where on earth had all these birds come from? A Lapland Bunting flew high over the headland and off towards the limestone pavement where two more of these buntings were found and a male Ring Ouzel was in the adjacent fields. As the Chaffinch numbers slowed Crossbills appeared and three flocks flew west totalling twenty birds. A brilliant morning witnessing bird migration in action.



We then headed west along the North Wales coast and to Bangor overlooking the Menai Straits. A flock of Waxwing had been seen here but reports told of how elusive they were with many birders failing to find them. We arrived at the site but not a Waxwing to be seen. Scanning around we saw a flock of birds in the distance hawking insects and quickly realised it was the Waxwings! Some of the birds landed in the top of a distant tree and in the scope we had reasonable views. Then the birds were flying again, and towards us, on they came until they were overhead! They swirled around and landed in a conifer very close, wow! Fantastic views of these most gorgeous birds, we feasted on their silky good looks. As we soaked up the views they dropped down even nearer and fed in a rowan tree, but would not settle here and repeatedly flew back to the conifer. At least 32 Waxwings were here and giving their wonderful trilling calls. Just brilliant birds and we were able to show Ruth’s mum through the scope just how stunning they are. A lifer for Mrs Miller!



Next we headed for Dinas Dinlle west of Caernarfon where torrential rain temporarily stopped birding. We took shelter in the 'Apron Café' at Caernarfon Airport and enjoyed a hot drink as the rain hammered down. As the downpour slowed we ventured out again and were rewarded with a good view of a fine juvenile Peregrine sweeping across the airfield. A flock of Golden Plover circled above us no doubt keeping out of the falcon’s way.

At nearby Foryd Bay the tide was high flooding the saltmarsh and the whole area was covered in a mass of wildfowl. Thousands of Wigeon were floating up on the tide, a marvellous sight. The air was full of their delightful whistling calls. One hundred and forty Pale-bellied Brent Geese were amongst the Wigeon and a scattering of Pintail added to the scene. Lapwings tumbled down on to the marsh and six ghostly Greenshank flew in and circled in front of us. Little Egrets were feeding on the back of the marsh where Redshank and Curlew crowded on the last island of dry land, another wonderful bird spectacle to finish a great bird-filled day!

If you would like to join us for the best in birding just drop us an email info@thebiggesttwitch.com for details; we have birdwatching day trips running every week. Up-coming trips include Martin Mere WWT to see thousands of geese and wild swans;;Dee Estuary to see raptors, waders and wildfowl, Anglesey for waders, wildfowl, seabirds and more. We know you will have a great day with us!