The gull is usually just to the east of the Car Park, bathing by the outflow, or a little further east feeding on a dead Porpoise. There has also been a Water Pipit here and another at Conwy RSPB recently. A pair of Dippers are often on this river at Llandulas about 50m back up the road. Llanfairfechan is another good spot for Dipper.
Up-to 2 Snow Buntings are hanging out with 5 Skylarks at Kimnel Bay. Park in the beach Car Park by Asda and walk east to the first access ramp. This is their favorite area, but get there early as they become more mobile as dog walkers arrive on the beach. The beach is also pretty good for Sanderling. On Friday there was a Firecrest and Lapland Bunting at Penmon Point. There have still been upto 2 Firecrests at Benllech recently in the scrub behind the beach car park toilets. Black Redstarts have recently been at South Stack and Holyhead Train station / docks. I had a Hawfinch up the Conwy Valley yesterday at Llanbedr-a-cennin. The first I've seen since the influx when I had 9 migrants over my house in Cemaes on the 6th Nov. There have been upto 15 in Llanbedr recently. Around the Church and just beyond are the best spots to look. Black Grouse are lecking on the moors near Wrexham at the usual spots but remember to stay in the car. The close birds usually disperse quite early when walkers and cyclists get on the moor but if you stay in your car and keep quiet they won't be bothered by you. The early bird-er catches the worm, well Grouse in this case. Goosanders are very approachable at Llyn Padarn Llanberis and along with Mandarins, they can also sometimes put on a show at Llangollen on the river.
On Anglesey at Beddmanarch bay, Penrhos by Coffee Cups Cafe there is around 308 Pale bellied Brent geese, including 1 dark Bellied bird and a Spangle breasted individual - see photo.
Also recently in the Beddmanarch Bay / Inland Sea area there have been 14 Scaup, GN Diver, Black Guillimot, 2 Slav Grebes and a Long tailed duck was seen on the 18th December. Great white Egret and Marsh Harrier were at Llyn Llewennan on the 18th. There was also Marsh and Hen Harrier and Water Pipit at Cors Ddyga on this date. Cors Ddyga is the Reserve formerly known as Malltraeth Marsh RSPB reserve. Reminds me of Prince! Anyway, I digress. Not far from there at Malltraeth Cob keep your eyes peeled for overwintering Pintail and Spotted Redshank, plus Red Squirrels at the feeders in Newborough and 3 Cattle Egrets nearby at Pont Marquis / Paradwys. Also the usual suspects are around, Choughs at South Stack and Black Guillimots around Holyhead Harbour and the fish quay.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the photos and I hope you see some good birds in North Wales over the winter period whether you are local or a visiting Birder, have fun.
All the best Stephen Culley
