Great Start To The New Year In North Wales For Birdwatching Trips
A Shore Lark was a wonderful way to start 2026.
The year started very well indeed with a Shore Lark early morning on New Years Day just minutes from home on the Great Orme, Llandudno. This Welsh rarity showed very well indeed feeding along the cliff top. Nearby it was lovely to see Red-billed Chough. Later that day a visit to Aber Ogwen, near Bangor produced a lot of birds on the falling tide highlights included Kingfisher, Greenshank, and Brent Geese.
On the second of January a visit to RSPB Cors Ddyga to look for a Bewick’s Swan but sadly no sign of it. But lots to see including thirteen Greenland White-fronted Geese, Whooper Swans, and a Merlin.
On the third of January headed east to the River Clwyd, south of Rhyl to look for a Lesser Yellowlegs but sadly no sign of the American wader. A Water Pipit, two Common Sandpipers, and Pink-footed Geese were wonderful to see.
Heavy snow on the fourth of January put pay to any birding but the fifth was bright and calm so Alan headed over to Foryd Bay, Caernarfon to look for the Bufflehead seen here in December. Leaving Llandudno was no problem at all but heading west more and more snow was laying on the roads, very glad of the 4×4. Arriving slowly but safely the tide was in, the water like a mill pond, and light perfect. All looked good, but despite careful scanning no sign of the rare American duck. A Greater Scaup was good to see but not the Bufflehead. Alan was just about to head for home when Martin Jones arrived, in his 4×4 and joined Alan. After only a few minutes Martin picked out the drake Bufflehead whew! Great scope views were enjoyed of this diving duck across the bay before Alan and Martin slowly made their home.
On the seventh of January – a bitter cold windy day tried again for the Lesser Yellowlegs. Walking towards the site on the east bank of the River Clwyd there was a group of birdwatchers stood looking at the river, looked hopeful. Sadly, on reaching the group no one had seen the bird. Almost immediately Alan saw a wader flying over the river that looked good, luckily the bird landed close and yes it was the Lesser Yellowlegs! All the others scrambled to get on to the rarity, but it only stayed a few moments before flying off west and landing out of sight. With only a narrow time window to look for the bird it was very lucky to see it.
On the eighth of January it was back to the River Clwyd to try for better views for the Lesser Yellowlegs. This time the very elegant wader was seen almost immediately and showed very well at close range. Amazing to think that this bird has crossed the Atlantic Ocean to end up in North Wales. A pair of Goosander showed well on the river.
A little further west along the coast to Old Colwyn and a drake Surf Scoter was picked out amongst hundreds of Common Scoter offshore. Luckily the sea was calm and the top of the range telescope helped pick out the white patches on the head and the orange bill. Red-throated Divers showed well here too.
A quick visit to RSPB Conwy produced a veery high count of 223 Northern Lapwings but little else of note.
On the tenth of January back to the Great Orme for more super views of the Shore Lark, wonderful that is rarity has stayed on the headland. Seven Red-billed Chough showed off along with Raven, Stonechat, and Rock Pipits.
So 2026 is off to a wonderful start with lots more birds to come, do check back for updates.
If you would like to join one of our Birdwatching Trips please drop us a line and we can make all the arrangements. Email us here…
We arrange day trips, longer tours, custom made tours, and overseas tours, please ask for details. Fantastic birds, small groups, lots of fun. Any questions please do fire away we are here to help.