Two Guided Walks At RSPB Conwy In Sunshine 5 February 2023
Two Guided Walks At RSPB Conwy In Sunshine 5 February 2023
Spotted Redshank, in winter plumage, one of the highlights of both walks - library photo.
Sunday 23rd February was a beautiful day and we took guided walks around RSPB Conwy, so lucky to have such a lovely day to enjoy the reserve.
We met Vinu and Alan at 9.30am and did a circular walk of the reserve and then we met Helen and John at 1.30pm and did the second walk. Both couples were relatively new to bird watching and it was great fun to share the wonderful views of the birds in the beautiful sunshine. The top of the range telescopes certainly came into their own allowing frame filling views of the birds. Ducks were a real highlight of the walks, the drakes looking immaculate in the sun and a wonderful variety of species present. Perhaps the show stopper was a stunning drake Northern Pintail, such a gorgeous bird, and a rarity here at the reserve. But there was much more, Eurasian Wigeon and Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Red-breasted Mergansers, a sleepy Goosander and even an elusive Greater Scaup at the far end that managed to spend most of its life under water.
Drake Northern Pintail - what a beautiful bird - library photo.
The wader highlight was an elegant Spotted Redshank, thankfully seen on both walks, that was roosting with Common Redshank on the second lagoon. Spotted Redshank are very scarce birds in the UK in winter and it was great to compare this pale bird with a needle for a bill with its common cousins. A large flock of Northern Lapwings rested on the islands in the lagoons and looked stunning in the winter sunshine. A lone Dunlin pottered about looking tiny next to Eurasian Curlew and Oystercatchers.
Little Grebes were popular as they look so tiny and cute, almost looking like chicks. A pair of Mute Swans, two Greylag Geese and Canada Geese added to the list of water birds, oh and Coots and Moorhens.
The bird feeders in the wildlife garden provided great looks at Greenfinch and Chaffinch and in the morning a beautiful male Bullfinch. But the Robins stole the show along the paths. Ruth brought some food along and the Robins here know they get fed! On both walks we were lucky enough to have a Robin feed from the hands of our lovely guests – a real thrill.
The town of Conwy and its medieval castle from RSPB Conwy.
The views from the reserve are stunning, especially on a beautiful sunny day, Conwy Castle, the Conwy River and the mountains of Snowdonia beyond, not many reserves can match Conwy for views!
We also enjoyed a welcome hot dink in the newly opened refurbished café where we enjoyed those stunning views.
The walks were great fun and we would love to share a walk at RSPB Conwy with you, it is a lovely introduction to birds and bird watching.
We run our Birdwatching Trips throughout the year a mix of set departure tours and custom-made trips perfect for you! To book your custom tour or any of our set departure trips please email us here….
info@birdwatchingtrips.co.ukWe can then make all the arrangements for your perfect Birdwatching Trips tour.