Another visit to Wales which is fast becoming my favourite destination.
I arrived on the 24th April [Saturday] with target birds being Chough and Red-breasted Merganser both of which I'd never seen before. I stayed in a self-contained room about six miles south of Caernarvon. It was at the rear of the owners house nestled between a mountain and large hill. The mobile signal was next to useless.
On the Sunday visited Lake Cwellyn which was devoid of birds but the car park fared a little better. Drove a bit further to Beddgelert Forest, the roads are very narrow considering it's a 60 mph road! It rained the two hours I was there and other than seeing the narrow guage train pass the birds were keeping out of sight.
Next day visited the Glaslyn Osprey site and bagged the Merganiser on the River Glaslyn, would have liked a photo but it was flighty. Saw some Whooper Swans in the next field, with Common Buzzards up above. Watched the Ospreys on the cctv and also took long distance digiscope shots, the RSPB staff were very helpful. From there drove to Porthmadog and on to Aberdaron on the Lleyn Peninsular, the drive was a bit hair-raising with the very narrow roads and even fewer passing places, I had a close encounter with a bus, with the width of a fag paper between us
Had hoped to get Chough but no chance! Drove back on the north coast road with stunning scenery!
When Mount Snowdon was clear of mist there was no where to stop and and take a photo, when there was it was misty!
Tuesday stayed put and watched the Siskins on the feeders. Had a Raven over. Orange Tip butterflies were in abundance in the garden.
Wednesday went to Anglesey. First stop was at Treaddur Bay with the tide in and the sun belting down but also a strong wind blowing. This is a place I will be going back to, with all the rocks and coves and sand dunes. Amont the sightings had five Rock Pipit, nine Common Tern, one Whimbrel and a Ringed Plover. Then went to South Stack and on the way was looking for Wheatear. Stopped at a field and spotted a single Chough and filmed it. Bit further on got three more.
At South Stack the staff told me the RSPB had bought the cafe and it was closed and being done up. The birds seen included a pair of Fulmar, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, one Puffin, Raven, Chough and the gulls. The sea fret came in and I left at 16.20. On way back stopped at Treaddur Bay again and it was obviuosly toatlly different with the tide well out.
I had to leave the following day due to ill health, so lost out on two days. Stopped at RSPB Conwy on way home for a bite to eat etc, only to be told they stopped serving food after two! But I did have a pot of tea for one and a toasted teacake which I enjoyed.
Although the trip was cut short I really enjoyed this area for the first time and the mountains were stunning!
Kind regards
John aka Max
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