Bird Blog 4 September 2026 Recent Sightings And Tours
We have been enjoying some great, guided tours here in North Wales including some lovely American visitors.
Andy and Emma, from Ohio, met Alan at Llanfairfechan at 7.30am for their custom day Birdwatching Trips Tour. A quick look from the promenade produced Sandwich Terns, Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Oystercatchers, Little Egret and a selection of gulls but Alan was keen to get to the Great Orme. Arriving on the headland they quickly drove to the far end and the limestone pavement. A short walk and there was the star bird – a juvenile Dotterel and what a gorgeous bird. The Dotterel had been found the previous evening by local birder Pete Alderson, and we had shot up to see it straight away. We had hoped the bird would stay and luckily it did. The views of this confiding bird were just wonderful what a fantastic start to the day. As we had sped around the headland to reach the Dotterel we then went around again at slow pace. A Peregrine Falcon showed off on the cliff edge gazing down on us and we enjoyed the frame filling views in the scope. Red-billed Chough showed off and we enjoyed watching European Stonechats, Rock Pipits and many of our regular birds that were of course new for our American guests.
Next stop was at RSPB Conwy where a good selection of waders were on show the stars being two juvenile Little Stints all the way from Siberia. We also enjoyed two Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwits, and Common Sandpipers.
After a lovely lunch we headed south down the Conwy Valley where it was raining hard. Luckily the rain eased off enough for us to venture out in search of White-breasted Dipper – a much-wanted species for Andy and Emma. We had planned to take a footpath that followed a stream steeply uphill but within minutes Alan spotted a Dipper flying downstream and past them. Luckily this wonderful bird was quickly relocated and allowed superb views as it fed in the fast-flowing waters. A late Common Swift cruised overhead as the rain stopped. Nearby a walk along the Conwy River produced a nice selection of birds including five Mandarin Ducks. Sadly the rain returned with a vengeance so it was decided to head for Aber Ogwen but the rain was even heavier and very few birds were visible in the downpour. A great fun day and the Dotterel was just wonderful.
Our next guided tour was for Morgan and Gary another custom day just for the two of them. Morgan is from North Carolina, USA, but lives in the UK. It was a little later start as the couple wanted to enjoy their full breakfast at their B&B here in Llandudno. Alan was worried the late start might result in them missing the star bird, he was even more worried when they arrived on the Great Orme to be greeted by thick fog. It had been clear in the town but climbing up on the headland brought them into the fog, not good. With visibility very poor it did not look good, but the trio gave it a go. They met local birder Pete but he had not been able to find the bird despite wandering around for a long time. They carried on searching and spotted another birder in the gloom this one had his camera up, could he have found the Dotterel. Yes, he could! Amazingly the bird was just visible amongst some rocks only a few meters away! This was wonderful but it got better, the fog lifted and we all enjoyed wonderful views of this beautiful wader.
We then headed down to RSPB Conwy and enjoyed a good selection of birds including Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpipers, Northern Lapwings and Little Egrets. Morgan and Gary were very new to birdwatching so nearly all the birds were new for them. Taking time to appreciate each new bird was great fun and there was a lot of laughter! An early lunch next as the rain had started. After their full breakfast Morgan and Gary went for a cake lunch! Alan asked was there one bird the couple would really like to see – yes, an Osprey. So that was the plan, operation Osprey! Fifty minutes later the three were enjoying frame filling telescope views of not one but three Ospreys! Two fully grown juvenile Ospreys were feeding on a fish watched over by the adult female a wonderful sight. Top of the range telescopes really come into their own here with 90x magnification it was possible to see every feather detail. Morgan and Gary were thrilled!
We made two more stops before heading back to Llandudno after a really great fun day out. We hope that Morgan and Gary are now hooked on birdwatching and will be joining us again for more adventures.
Morgan and Gary sent a lovely review of their day…
What a fantastic day out with Alan! I got my husband this private tour as a gift and I have to say, Alan’s enthusiasm for birding has now turned me into a birder too! Even in drizzly weather (which can’t be helped of course) we were able to see lots of different birds – and Alan went out of his way to show us a rare Dotterel that landed on the Great Orme, very cool experience! Alan took us to several birdwatching spots throughout the day, with 2 cafe stops so we could refuel with coffee and cake. We spent the whole day together, lots of laughs, Alan’s a great guide and host, and we were very comfortable! He also provided some excellent equipment for us to use. We will definitely be booking one of Alan and Ruth’s experiences again. Thanks so much!!
NEW Birdwatching Trips Tour Best of North Wales Tuesday 25th May – Saturday 29th May 2027
The perfect time to visit North Wales with the breeding season in full swing – seabirds back at the cliffs, terns at their colonies, raptors on breeding grounds, woodlands alive with bird song and summer migrants, long days to enjoy it all. Four nights at a lovely country hotel, delicious food, and lots of birds and wildlife. Email us for details here – [email protected] we know you will love this tour.
Exciting news! We have added two more of our very popular “Iolo Williams Best of North Wales” tours and would love you to join us.
Monday 18th of January – Friday 22nd of January 2027 – just one place book now!
Monday 6th of December – Friday 10th December 2027 – just one places book now!
These wonderful trips will look for the very best wildlife in the local area, based in Trefriw in the Conwy Valley. We look for red squirrels, Atlantic grey seals, Peregrine Falcons, Red-billed Chough, Dippers, and so much more. With Iolo along their will be lots of laughter and of course cake.
To book your place or for more information please email us here – [email protected]
We look forward to sharing the wonderful wildlife of North Wales with you