ColinD
Well-known member
I had a great day today. It all started at 5:15am, when I was booked onto a RSPB Black Grouse walk at Coed Llandegla, near Wrexham. It was still dark when we reached the hide, but soon after first light, we spotted our first male Black Grouse, and by the time we left at 7:30am, we had seen 8 leking males and 5 females.
Next I headed for Porthmadog and the Osprey watch point at Glasglyn. Here I found two birds on the nest, somewhat distant, but a great sight non-the-less. Also in this area, at least 27 Whooper Swans against the spectacular backdrop of Snowdon (see photo).
It was still barely 11am, so I decided to head for South Stack on Anglesey. The cliffs were completely deserted of sea birds, except for a few Fulmars and Gulls, but I was told that the first Puffins have returned, but are best seen in the mornings. I saw a couple of Choughs, about 30 Sand Martins, a few Swallows, a few Stonechats and a Raven, and best of all a Hooded Crow.
On the way back from South Stack, I called in at Holyhead harbour to look for Black Guilemot. This was probably the highlight of the day for me, as I saw 5 birds, including 2 displaying quite close. My best Black Guillies for many years.
Finally I headed for Conwy RSPB and saw 5 Avocets and some spectacular Red-breasted Mergansers to complete a great day.
Next I headed for Porthmadog and the Osprey watch point at Glasglyn. Here I found two birds on the nest, somewhat distant, but a great sight non-the-less. Also in this area, at least 27 Whooper Swans against the spectacular backdrop of Snowdon (see photo).
It was still barely 11am, so I decided to head for South Stack on Anglesey. The cliffs were completely deserted of sea birds, except for a few Fulmars and Gulls, but I was told that the first Puffins have returned, but are best seen in the mornings. I saw a couple of Choughs, about 30 Sand Martins, a few Swallows, a few Stonechats and a Raven, and best of all a Hooded Crow.
On the way back from South Stack, I called in at Holyhead harbour to look for Black Guilemot. This was probably the highlight of the day for me, as I saw 5 birds, including 2 displaying quite close. My best Black Guillies for many years.
Finally I headed for Conwy RSPB and saw 5 Avocets and some spectacular Red-breasted Mergansers to complete a great day.