Waxwings .

Myself and JW went over to Deeside Industrial Est to look for the  reported Waxwings on Zone3. After a 20min drive round we managed to find 8 of them as you enter the Zone 3 turn right on the first roundabout drive about 3/4 mile down the rd past the last factory on your left you come to some bee hives on your left they were in that area.We did call back after a visit to Burton mere Wetlands but no sign of the birds.   

Waxwings in Deeside

Very quiet in N Wales today but a few Waxwing in Deeside this morning.  I reckon quite a few will get found over the weekend so keep your eyes peeled on or around any berrying bushes!

Had 2-3 Brambling again in Conwy this morning but none in the garden since Tues.  Have a good weekend.

Rob

North Ron comes to Bangor

This week at Bangor Bird Group Jennifer Batten will be giving us a talk on North Ronaldsay. Wednesday: Doors open 7 - 7.30, Brambell building, Deiniol Road. All welcome.

North Anglesey - bits and bobs.

Ron Evans had 3 Whooper Swans near Hen Borth, Cemlyn on Thursday the 1st Nov. They were there until Saturday the 3rd but had gone when I tried on Sunday the 4th! SHR had a Firecrest at Hen Felin Hen Borth also on Saturday but no sign on Sunday. Whilst hanging around the Car Park at Wylfa head on Sunday morning with Big Toe we had 11 Crossbills blogging around the forest with a nice male Blackcap in the bushes. Tony also had 1 or 2 Chiffchaffs. Today on Monday the 5th Nov I had 2 Whooper going to work and c.7 on the way back at their traditional wintering grounds (field) between Llangefni and Llanerchymedd near Tre-ysgawen Hall.

Surfs and firecrests

Two surf scoters showed together briefly this morning off station road in Llysfaen then just one male was on view. Three velvets scoters in flight and half a dozen red throated divers there. Carried on to Conwy RSPB and after a lot of searching eventually got on the 2 firecrests there. Most of the morning they were seen between the bridge pond and the T junction to the Carneddau hide.

Brambling in the garden

Never had any in the garden before but had 2 in the last week; a female first and a cracking male today. We could be in for one of those years!  Keep a look out.  The Chaffinches also peaked at over 30 and we've only got a small town garden.  

Conwy 'winter' Birding - Snow Buntings, Purple Sandpipers and Surf Scoters

An enjoyable wintery walk around the Orme this morning was rewarded with five showy Snow Buntings (2 males and 3 females), 20+ Brambling, 6 Bullfinch, 8 Mistle Thrush and 5 Redwings. 30+ Bottle nosed Dolphins offshore were a superb sight too. No sight or sound of Pete Alderson's Tawny pipit today.

One of the five showy Snow Bunting on the Orme this morning. Can anyone assign it to race? I presume it's 'insulae' due to the ground colour of the rump, although the mantle seems frosty and the 9th primary seems to have a lot of white on it.
The Purple Sandpipers have returned to Rhos Point with at least three birds present over high tide. Great Northern Diver there yesterday too.

Four Surf Scoters, three drake and a femlae still present off Llanddulas and best viewed from Llysfaen at station Road. at least two Velvet scoters here too ( 6 reported yesterday).