Trip reports

Field Trip to North Wales

Saturday, 14 March 2009

As we stepped out of the cars at Llanfairfechan the wind nearly blew us away which was a pity as this would make it very difficult to carry out any sea-watching. Looking out into and between the white horses three Red-throated Divers could be seen along with a large flock of Scoter ducks. Great-crested Grebes were also to be seen along with a single Gannet which had been blown up the straits. On the foreshore a small flock of waders included Bar-tailed Godwits, Dunlin and Turnstone.
From there the Group walked up the side of a small river looking for Dippers and as luck would have it we saw two birds busy collecting nesting material.
After lunch the Group drove to a local reserve known as The Spinnies. We were hoping to see Greenshanks, Little Egrets and Kingfishers and most of us were not disappointed. Also to be seen were Goldeneye, Wigeon, Red-breasted Mergansers and Curlew. On the feeders people got good views of Great, Blue, Long-tailed and Coal Tits along with Nuthatches and Chaffinches.
The group then made its way to Conwy where there is an RSPB reserve. Here we saw Little Grebes, Lapwings, Shelduck, Black-tailed Godwits and a variety of Gulls. The decision was then made to retire to their café for refreshments which everyone enjoyed.
Despite the blustery day 17 members saw 61 species.