Trip reports
Welsh Wagtails and Water Pipits
Sunday, 24 February 2008
The already exciting prospect of a trip to Conwy RSPB and Llanfairfechan in North Wales was enlivened by a challenge from the North Staffordshire RSPB group (who were visiting the same sites on the same day) for a species count over the course of the day. We began at Conwy with the rain, but thankfully this cleared up quickly and we were rewarded with some lovely views of various water birds. Red-breasted Mergansers in particular showed well, as did other species of duck such as Shelduck, Shoveler and Goldeneye.
Some members of the group were treated to a fine Grey Wagtail, while a very accommodating pair of Stonechats sat on bushes by the path. As for waders, well, they were at least predictable. Redshanks. An almost endless procession of Redshanks! There was brief excitement with a small flock of Dunlin, but the mudflats did seem to be holding only Redshanks, and a remarkable number of them as well.
A very flighty Water Pipit was perhaps the most exciting bird on site, but only a few had satisfactory views of the bird. The same was true of Water Rails, which again only ever dashed from one reedbed to another. A few bonuses for our race with the North Staffs group were a Sparrowhawk and a juvenile Siskin.
Next to Llanfairfechan, an area where the right conditions and a bit of good luck can yield exceptional sea watching results. First though, we searched the local stream for Dipper - which was eventually found and gave superb views hopping from rock to rock. On the sea were plenty of Red-throated Divers, Eider and Razorbills, but major rarities were lacking. A few members saw a Great Northern Diver, while Common Scoter and Kittiwake also showed.
Further into the reserve and Rock and Meadow Pipits were far more obliging than the more jumpy Water Pipit at Conwy! We finally crossed paths with the North Staffs group while picking out Ringed Plovers on the beach. They made perhaps a fatal error in the species race by telling us where to find some Pintail. With the time of departure approaching and the sun setting, there was a quick dash to another lake and both Pintail and Knot were spotted. We returned to the coach and a phone call to North Staffs seemed to reveal the narrowest defeats by 85 species to 84! However, on closer inspection it was revealed that North Staffs had counted both White and Pied Wagtail and so an honourable draw was agreed.