A good turnout of 40 members and friends set off from Stockport for the
journey over to the North Wales coast. The only birds of note on the
journey were a flock of Pink-footed Geese over the coach at Queensferry
and plenty of Buzzard.
At Aber Ogwen, the walk down to the reserve was relatively
quiet with hardly any small birds in the adjacent woodland. In the fields
close to the reserve we found a sizeable flock of Curlew, Redshank and a few
Oystercatcher. Mistle Thrushes were also present.
Walking on to the coastal path we were met by a very high tide, the water
close to the bank. Out on the Menai Straits we quickly identified
Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, Teal, Goldeneye, Wigeon, good numbers of
Great Crested Grebe and a single distant, winter plumage, Red-throated Diver.
At the mouth of the Afon Ogwen we had Little Grebe and a large
juvenile Great Black-backed Gull.
Looking over the Menai Straits (Holly Page)
In the adjacent Spinnies Nature Reserve we had good views of Kingfisher
and Little Egret. Small birds were represented by the tit family, including
Coal, with also Goldfinch and the occasional Nuthatch coming to feeders.
(Tony Kelso)
At the second stop of the day many members took the walk from Morfa
Madryn to Llanfairfechan. At the sewage works both Grey and Pied
Wagtail were watched and a Firecrest was seen near the level crossing by one of the group.
Goldcrest were also seen in the area. A passing steam train was a highlight
for a few!
Out on the shore we found a small flock of Ringed Plover, with a single
Turnstone. A large flock of Oystercatcher was accompanied by some
Lapwing and Shelduck. A pair of Goosander rested up and several Little
Egret fished the channels.
Out on the marsh we found a few Pintail scattered in amongst the large
Wigeon flock. Snipe were identified amongst the rushes and a flock of
twenty plus Linnet flew around the area. A couple of Meadow Pipit and
Skylark were put up when a Kestrel flew over.
Turnstone (Holly Page)
Walking on to Llanfairfechan, and scoping out to sea, we found a handful
of Common Scoter, Eider and Red-throated Diver, along with many Great-
crested Grebe. Along the shoreline a small flock of Knot gave good views
with a few Bar-tailed Godwit. Where the fresh waters of the Afon
Llanfairfechan spilled out onto the beach a sizeable mixed flock of gulls
were washing, mainly Herring and Black-headed. A small flock of
Turnstone fed nearby.
Walking up the stream we were rewarded with excellent views of Dipper
and Grey Wagtail. At least two very smart Dipper entertained us with their
non-stop feeding under water. A charm of Goldfinch, with their tinkerling
calls, also fed by the stream.
The final stop of the day was at Conwy RSPB where most people headed
off to look for the reported Firecrest. Thankfully most people connected
with at least one individual and the lucky ones had two birds together.
Out on the lagoons we found a single Scaup with Pochard, Tufted Duck and
Shoveler present. A single Black-tailed Godwit fed on the grass shoreline
and a Rock Pipit was also found.
It was late in the afternoon, and with fading light, we watched Starlings
coming to roost in the reed beds. Numbers weren’t huge and all headed
straight into the reeds. No murmurations today! Water Rail was the last
species of the day to be noted.
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