Aberdaron Visit

Given a favourable weather forecast I decided on a long trip from Cheshire to have a day out in the Aberdaron area, given the couple of cracking birds in that vicinity. Arriving very early at the shrike site myself and a couple of other birders drew a blank, but later once the sun had warmed everything up the Woodchat Shrike gave fantastic views coming right up to the fenceline by the B4413 about 500m in the 'Pwllheli direction' from Hendre Bach. For photography I was always looking into the sun but managed a few acceptable shots, one of which follows.

The Subalpine Warbler had been ringed early morning so a sizeable group of us birders stuck it out until the afternoon when the bird started showing well again. Everyone present had great views and no-one left early thank goodness. Again all my pictures were taken into the sun but with a bit of work there were a couple of record shots amongst them.

Another new bird for 2013 for most of us there was the lone Swift that flew over the Subalp site. The weather didn't disappoint and the company was great, especially good to meet Andy Clarke & thank him for finding the Subalp. In the end, after all the nail-biting over the long no-show of the Subalp, I now know that the near 300 mile round trip was the right decision.