Welsh Meanderings

Sunday the 13th was a day we had planned to meander along the North Wales coast with the final port of call planned to be the RSPB reserve at Conwy for a celebrity cuppa.

First stop off was Kinmel Bay, here the main attraction were the Snow Bunting after first finding out about this site the pull has always been quite strong, with us often popping in when we are in the area. Often a high tide brings in close to the prom waders and today was no exception with Sandling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin all being close in giving great views on the walk down to the area where the Snow Bunting were to be found. As we couldn't stay too long I didn't manage to get any shots this time, but that only gives me further reasons to visit again.
Back by the car park a small flock of Sky Lark were feeding along the strand line, allowing for a few shots to be grabbed before moving on to the next location.

Sky Lark Kinmel Bay

The next stop off while the tide was nice and high was good old Rhos on Sea another new favourite of mine to pop in while bashing along the Welsh coast. The weather was still full on grey with the odd snow flake falling thus adding to the wintery feel to the day as a whole.
The first area by the fishing tackle and kayak shop held no waders again, they seem to have lost interest in hanging around this area. But just beyond the small church thingy I struck gold (well purple) and to be honest I asked a chap who had done the hard work for me and was watching a group of waders he had indeed seen a Purple Sandpiper and it was just at present out of view but it soon popped its head up. Grabbing Lesley to allow her to grab a few year ticks of Turnstone and the Purple Sandpiper we soon were watching the small group of birds with the Turnstone always changing places with each other as they do.

Purple Sandpiper Rhos on Sea

The final port of call was a bit of cross everything job as here our targets were the Firecrest and Bittern that have been seen on and off recently.
This was not to be but the weather was dire now so I can't blame the birds for staying under cover and not coming out to play.
We did though manage to see Goldeneye, Merganser, Wigeon, Shoveler, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Redpoll, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tit. Also seen were a couple of Voles.

Lesser Redpoll RSPB Conwy