Once more to the back garden
Once more to the back garden
A rather too early start had us out on the Great Orme, Llandudno, which we know as our "back garden" as it is right behind our home. It was still dark as we took the winding Marine Drive from Llandudno pier out on to the headland. The headlights picked out Song Thrushes and Robins on the road - it looked like a good arrival of birds had taken place!
We reached the cemetery and stood watching the eastern sky turn blood red as the sun slowly inched up. We began to hear calls as migrant birds passed over in the half-light, first a Redpoll, then a Reed Bunting quickly followed by two Bullfinch, good birds here.
The dawn came slowly as migrants passed over in the half light.
Even the windfarm out in the bay looked pretty in the morning light.
The bushes at the back of the cemetery were alive with Song Thrushes each bush holding several birds. Amongst them were Mistle Thrushes, Blackbirds, Redwings and a lone Fieldfare.
One of the many Song Thrushes new in on the Great Orme.
As we were just thinking of heading off for the limestone pavement area a small bird landed on a telegragh wire, a Black Redstart! No sooner had we seen this scarce visitor it was off flying! Luckily it soon landed again and we enjoyed some great views of this dusky grey orange-tailed bird, brilliant!
Black Redstart on the Great Orme Llandudno
Out on the limestone pavement we soon found the two Snow Buntings though they were flighty and headed off out to sea.
As we turned away from the fast-disappearing buntings loud calls drew our attention to a Richard's Pipit flying low over the adjacent sheep field! Luckily the bird landed, unluckily it landed out of sight! However it was soon on the move again, flying up, calling and then dropping down into long grass. We knew where it was but it was hidden from view.
Long legs help cover the ground!
The sun shone as we continued our walk and watched a Peregrine stooping at a flock of Jackdaws, spectacular stuff!
Four late Wheatears were feeding on an area of short grass, one bird flew onto a stone wall just yards away but was away again before the camera could capture its beauty!
We are lucky indeed to have views, and birds, like these so close to home.
The rest of the day was a little less interesting, shopping in Llandudno, but still within sight of the Great Orme!
Why not join us for great birdwatching? Email us on
info@thebiggesttwitch.com for details of our up coming tours.