Festive photos

Here's some photos I've taken over the Festive Period of December, 

whilst going between Cemaes and St Helens,from North Wales and the North West-ish. 

Below there are shots I've taken of Two barred Crossbill at Broomhead Reservoir just east of the Woodhead Pass. The Buff bellied Pipit, Siberian Chiffchaffs and Northern Wheatear have been showing well at Burton Marsh near the border, along with Simon Hugheston-Roberts! The Hoopoe at Abergele/Pensarn was a good crowd-puller locally and I had this albinistic Pied Wag there to. I took a trip before Christmas to Marshide to see the Baikal Teal with two wings and no rings at a good time of year, that's good enough for me ;-) Finished off with a nice shot of the wonderfull Ruffs that routinely show well at Martin Mere in the winter months.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you who contribute and follow WBNW :-)

Boxing Day bits and bobs

The Hoopoe still at Pensarn today but elusive as often the case, many dog walkers etc in the area today. Two female Scaup offshore here close in and lots of Common Scoter further out. Buff-bellied Pipit still on Dee Estuary, Burton Marsh, also Siberian Chiffchaff reported there, anyone seen this bird? Is it a real one? Hen Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine all here and the late Wheatear still present - worth a visit. More storms tonight so could be more stuff blown into the Cricceth/Black Rock/Porthmadog area? Further away a Brunnich's Guillemot in Dorset, Portland Harbour, worth keeping an eye open for storm driven rarities. We still have space on our Finland/Norway trip in May/June 2014 only a few places left so if you fancy it please get in touch for more details soon. Hope everyone had a happy and peaceful Christmas. Good Birding Alan and Ruth contact info@thebiggesttwitch.com

Nice Saturday afternoon!

A Hoopoe and Buff Bellied Pipit makes for a great Saturday afternoon!

 Abergele's Hoopoe showing nicely between the caravans and the sea wall.

Across the river the BBP was a great record for Cheshire, more below

http://austinmorley.blogspot.co.uk/

Triple Surf

Steve Williams picked up three drake Surf Scoter off Penarn this afternoon. They were close enough to capture a bit of video footage.

Hoopoe reported until 9.40am but the went AWOL

Video of a Surfie in flight here- 

http://youtu.be/hXqNbTlySgE

Hoopoe still at Pensarn

Here's Barry Barnacal's pic of the Hoopoe from Saturday.  Showing a bit well!  Bird still reported today along Park Cove Caravan Park.

Robin

Eurasian Wigeon - head pattern variation

This Eurasian Wigeon was at Conwy RSPB this afternoon on the causeway. Nice bird showing the extreme end of variation in the green head pattern. 

Yellow-legged Gull Conwy RSPB

One in the roost on the estuary from Conwy RSPB this evening. It was on the bank just south of the castle with mostly Herring Gulls, 2 LBB's and a few GBB's. Apologies for the typical poor pics, it was starting to get dark.