I set out early this morning with my son Dylan for a day's birding in North Wales. We soon made are way down the A55 and I had to stop to take a few photos of the Conwy Estuary as the sun came up, the views of Snowdonia were stunning.
Conwy Estuary and Snowdonia
Conwy Castle
We soon arrived at Llanbedr-y-cennin and soon connected with five Hawfinches around the churchyard. After a good hour, a good number of birders had turned up to see these scarce birds when a Sparrowhawk flew through the churchyard and up to 11 Hawfinches appeared out of the conifers and flew west. I have never seen this number of Hawfinches at this site, so they must be doing well in the area.
Hawfinch
Plenty of birders were around this morning
After great views of the Hawfinches, we moved on to Penrhyn Bay, where we caught up with a Twite that had joined up with a flock of Linnets on the beach.
Twite
Moving along the beach, we walked up to the quarry at Little Orme, where a Black Redstart showed really well, along with a couple of Stonechats.
Stonechat
Black Redstart
Looking down from the quarry to Angel Bay, the Grey seals, which breed here every year, were basking in the winter sun.
Grey Seals
Other birds of note offshore were good numbers of Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver. The Fulmars were showing really well in the quarry.
Fulmar
A quick call in at Pensarn beach on the way home, but there was no sign of any Snow Buntings. Another cracking morning birding with my son on the North Wales coast.
My son Dylan stood on the top of the Little Orme