Warm And Sunny For Our Best Of North Wales Birdwatching Trips Day Tour 8 October 2023
Warm And Sunny For Our Best Of North Wales Birdwatching Trips Day Tour 8 October 2023
We had lovely views of Stonechats on the Great Orme at Llandudno.
We met Elen and then Gary at Llandudno West Shore at 8am and the birds started right away! Two Red-billed Chough circled over the nearby Great Orme, as we watched a handsome Great Orme billy goat a Kestrel hovered above him, nice. Next, we picked up Ivan from his nearby B&B and within minutes were on the Great Orme.
Always lots to see here and the birds came fast – Turnstone on the pier, Red-throated Diver and Shags in the bay, Gannets and Common Scoter passing offshore, Stonechat right below us, two Peregrines above us, one posing beautifully, fantastic. In the cemetery there was plenty of activity too with a large flock of Greenfinches, Goldfinches, a Chaffinch, Coal, Great, and Blue Tits, and a lovely close look at two Goldcrests as Ravens flew over. Further around the headland we picked out four Black Guillemots on the calm sea, a nice surprise as they have been impossible to find recently along the coast. Meadow Pipits were passing over along with a flock of Linnets and more views of Stonechats. A cuppa went down well at the Rest and Be Thankful Café, it was so warm we were able to sit outside.
Next stop RSPB Conwy where we visited the Tal-y-Fan and Carneddau Hides, highlight here were frame filling views of a juvenile Garganey preening on the bank of the first lagoon. A single Greenshank strode along the edge of the second lagoon where a good selection of ducks and lots of Little Grebes showed off. Two Black-tailed Godwits showed very well here too. A party of Long-tailed Tits were lovely to see, and a Bullfinch showed briefly. Time for lunch as we enjoyed a great meal at nearby Snowdonia Nursery.
After lunch we headed west to Llanfairfechan where the car park was almost full and didn’t look hopeful for seeing birds with so many people. Luckily that wasn’t the case and we had a wonderful time scanning with the scope over the beach and the sea. A Sanderling, scarce here, was great to see amongst a flock of Dunlin along with a Ringed Plover and plenty of Turnstones. Lots of Oystercatchers were roosting here too along with a single Curlew. A gang of Sandwich Terns fished just offshore and were thrilled to spot an Arctic Tern amongst them! Offshore we saw Red-breasted Mergansers, a Goosander, Great Crested Grebes and Razorbills – wonderful birds in superb light.
We then headed inland through the heart of Snowdonia and marvelled at the scenery though it has to be said rather few birds, We added Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush to our impressive day list. Back in the Conwy Valley we had long looks at a male Grey Wagtail and saw four Red Kites before heading back to Llandudno. We dropped Ivan back at his B&B and the Elen and Gary back at their cars at the West Shore. A great fun day with lovely people, great food and of course fantastic birds! Come and join us.
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.