Have the Terns arrived yet? (1 Viewer)

[willowsholme]

Hello folks,

Has anyone been to South Stack and Cemlyn recently?
Just wondering if it is too early to get a good haul of visiting auks and terns yet!

Willowsholme

 

[JWN Andrewes]

We visited both sites on Sunday. Plenty of Sandwich & Common Terns at Cemlyn, as well as at least two Arctic (don't think Arctics breed here so these presumably loitering en route north, but I could be wrong). At least two Black Guillemots in Holyhead Harbour and Razorbills on the cliffs at South Stack, but not many Guillemots (and then only on the sea below the cliffs, didn't see any on nest sites). No Puffins though. Also the usual Fulmars, a few Kittiwakes, and Chough from Ellin's Tower, as well as a point blank eye-level fly by from a Peregrine and a Grey Seal down in the bay. Stonechat, Linnet & Wheatear along the cliff tops. Whimbrel at Conway RSPB on the way home. Nice day out, lots of ticks for my two boys (keen tyros that they are). Hope this helps, and best of luck if you go!

Cheers

James

 

[willowsholme]

Thanks James that's brilliant.

Although I only live in Bala still nice to know that it will be worth the visit. That's provided that this horrible weather improves.

Willowsholme

 

[Dick-E-Dipper]

Hello folks,

Has anyone been to South Stack and Cemlyn recently?
Just wondering if it is too early to get a good haul of visiting auks and terns yet!

Willowsholme

Visited Cemlyn on 19th/20th May, c3000 Sandwich Terns, c40 Arctic Terns,
C80 Common Terns. Also 3 Redbreasted Mergansers, 3 Whimbrel, Turnstone,
Sanderling, C20 Ringed Plovers, C10 Dunlin, many Oystercatchers, Little Egret,
many flyby Gannets, Wheatear and others reported on the sightings board.
Bright & sunny but very windy.
Also of note in sheltered areas 2 Wall Browns

Get down & enjoyB

PS Also No Puffins seen at South Stack (Although reported as present)

Richard

 

[bartolli]

I've not been to south stack or cemlynn yet this year. You prob know this already but the best place to spot the puffins is from the path down to the lighthouse from the top car park. You only have to go down 50 yds or so, until you can see the grassy bank opposite below the sheer rocks to the left. Scan this bank and you should pick them up. Tricky setting up a scope here so decent bins are better. Even better views from about halfway down, where you are roughly level with the bank opposite instead of looking down.