North Wales uplands and Anglesey
Chris and Mel came over to North Wales from Cambridge for a short break and joined The Biggest Twitch for two days of great birdwatching.
Day one had a very early start as we picked them up from The Princes Arms Hotel in Trefriw at 5.15am! The early start was needed as we set off up into the moors for a very special bird indeed.
Black Grouse displaying at dawn, a thrilling sight!
All action as the males strut and fight
We were thrilled by these magnificent birds!
By staying in the vehicle the birds remain undisturbed and great views are had.
Chris was able to take brilliant video of the Black Grouse
We watched spellbound as the grouse did their stuff
The views of these wonderful birds were just brilliant!
The rest of the day was spent exploring the uplands of North Wales where we enjoyed great views of three different Goshawks! Other highlights included Great Grey Shrike, Red Grouse, Red Kite, Dipper, Crossbill, hundreds of Lesser Redpoll and Siskin, Peregrine and more!
Day two and we picked up Chris and Mel at a much nicer time, after their hearty breakfast at the Princes Arms. Wheatears were seen on the way to Anglesey where first stop was RSPB South Stack. We were soon watching six Puffins, wonderful views through the Leica 82mm APO telescope!
Spectacular views and wonderful birds - South Stack has both!
Cliffs were packed with Guillemots!
Any ledge wide enough for a bird was occupied.
Razorbills, Fulmars, Gannets, Kittiwakes, Ravens, Chough and a pair of Peregrines were all enjoyed from the cliff top.
In a nearby field a pair of Chough really showed off.
You can see how close the Chough were feeding.
The local Choughs are being studied and most carry colour rings
One of those birds that you never see enough of!
Cemlyn Lagoon next where a stunning adult Mediterranean Gull showed off and two Whimbrel were seen on the beach.
Redshank are usually difficult to get close to - not this one!
A lovely bird when you stop and have a good look.
Beddmanarch Bay held 218 Pale bellied Brent Geese and three more Med Gulls. We enjoyed brilliant views of Black Guillemots though the light was poor for photos, didn't stop Chris shooting some great video though!
In Newbrough Forest we were very lucky indeed enjoying wonderful views of two Red Squirrels - a real thrill to see these cute animals so well.
Red Squirrel enjoys a good feed
Cameras and video worked overtime on these lovely animals
A Jay swooped down to a feeder much to the Chaffinches' disgust!
Full of food the Red Squirrel heads for a nap!
Mel cheekily uses Chris as a windbreak!
Good job we had plenty of hot chocolate to keep out the cold!
We finished off with a great meal at the Prices Arms Hotel back in Trefriw. It had been a brilliant, fun filled, two days with Chris and Mel. We look forward to more great birds when they come back in September, we can't wait!
Come and join us for great birds, great scenery and great fun!
We can put a trip together just for you, so you see the birds and places that you want to see.
info@thebiggesttwitch.com
For details of all our birdwatching trips or to arrange a custom tour just for you.