[Andy Wraithmell]

Stayed at Afonwen Farm 4 miles west of Criccieth for 4 days between April 22nd & 26th. Highlights included a 1st winter Med Gull on the beach near our cottage. There were 2 Common Scoters on the farm lake and up to 7 White Wagtails were hanging out along the railway line. There were a number of Sand Martins moving through on a daily basis. Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and a Northern Wheatear were the only other migrants we saw. A Dipper was seen on the stream just to the west of the farm.
We went birding in the mountains to look for Ring Ouzels but had no luck in atrocious weather. 2 male Redstarts were seen.
We had Chough & Puffin at the South Stack and Reed Warbler at the Valley RSPB. At the spinnies we had several Whimbrel, 3 Goosanders & a Little Egret present.
While collecting shells on Shell Island with my daughter we had singing Whitethroat, a Whimbrel & several Manxies offshore.
On the way home today we stopped at the woollen mill in Trefriw and had lunch at the Old Ship Inn. There was a nice flock of about 25 Siskins and 4 Common Redpolls hanging out in the beer garden. The food was excellent!