We Bird North Wales

Monday, 6 May 2013

At last some birds! Great Orme - May 6th.

After three almost birdless mornings, today was much better. You could hear a pin drop up there as the sun rose with near calm conditions. Birds had arrived overnight and I used my 'pocket counter' to tally up the Wheatears as there were a fair few around. Five hours later and having covered most parts of the Orme, the tally had reached an impressive 156 birds, most of them Greenland types. Amongst the fall, a fine Whinchat was by the churchyard while two bright male Yellow Wagtails were in the sheep fields. Warblers were represented by a Lesser Whitethroat singing from the hawthorns and a single Sedge Warbler near the Old Cafe. Four Crossbills flew over, much lower than they usually do and shwoed that one was a male and the others female type birds. An excellent count of 13 Tree Pipits flew over head as did a fine male Yellowhammer, one of the first birds of the day as the sun appeared over the horizon. 500+ Hirundines moved through during the morning, mostly Swallows. Siskins and Redpoll were plentiful with all landing being Lessers. A Common Sandpiper calling overhead was unusual too. Days like this make the quiet ones worth while!

Thursday, 2 May 2013

Firecrest and Blackred at Cemlyn Today

At Bryn Aber (Walled House) a Black Red was seen briefly but a Firecrest showed on and off all afternoon in the bushes by the road on the South-West side of Bryn Aber's walls. It was calling periodically.

Black Redstart - Great Orme May 2nd

A quiet morning birdwise on the Great Orme, probably due to the glorious weather. A couple of hours before work produced very little until I returned to the car to find a dapper female Black Redstart feeding under the vehicle! 2 Tree Pipit and 30+ Wheatear also present up there this morning.

Hoopoe near Dolwyddelan May 1st

A hoopoe was photographed by walkers between Dolwyddelan and Cwm Penmachno yesterday at SH753505. Good chance of it still being about if anyone fancies a stroll!
Robin

Wednesday, 1 May 2013

Little Tern at Cemlyn

I heard a Little Tern calling off the Trwyn at Cemlyn tonight and had c. 30 White Wags and a few Manxies offshore.

White-headed Redpoll on Anglesey

This cracking looking partially Albino Redpoll turned up on some feeders in Rhydwyn, North Anglesey today. It's doing its best to immitate a Snow Bunting by the looks of things. It will be interesting if it is spotted elsewhere on it's travels. Cheers Mo!