I met Marc Hughes at dawn this morning to explore his patch, the Great Orme, near Llandudno. The sunrise over the Orme set the scene beautifully, casting a golden glow across the limestone cliffs and the sea beyond.
Sunrise on the Great Orme
Marc, walking his beloved patch
Although I had visited the Great Orme a few times to observe rare birds, I hadn’t realised just how vast the area was. Meadow Pipits dominated the morning, and we must have seen over 450 streaming northward during their migration. A lone Tree Pipit also passed overhead, adding to the migratory spectacle.
Meadow Pipit
Our main target was a male Ring Ouzel, and we were fortunate to locate a stunning individual, a highlight of a truly productive dawn. Other notable species included four Wheatears and two Choughs, both emblematic birds of this dramatic coastal habitat.
Ring Ouzel
Chough
Wheatear
As we left the Orme and approached Conwy, news came through of an Osprey departing the Conwy Valley. We were lucky to watch it soar over Conwy Castle, a fitting finale to our coastal birding before stopping to check a moth trap and enjoy a warm drink. I added two new moths to my list: Chestnut and Pine Beauty.
Chestnut
Pine Beauty
Our next target was the Emperor Moth, with a site near Penmaenmawr identified by Marc. Using three pheromone lures, we were soon rewarded: my first Emperor Moth settled on the heather long enough for photographs, followed by two more males arriving at the lures. This iconic moth, one I had long hoped to see, was a perfect conclusion to a morning of wildlife wonders.
With spirits high and memories fresh, we finally wrapped up our day, grateful for an incredible morning in the company of good friends and unforgettable wildlife.
What a morning!
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