A Lesser Grey Shrike in Norfolk then a Black Winged Pratincole in Lincolnshire had been on our sights to visit but, as so often happens the birds fly off! So we made other plans to go to Anglesey to see a Savi`s Warbler that had taken up residence at RSPB Cors Ddyga near Pentre Berw. With Kev C and Steve B we headed along the A55 on a good looking morning. After a bit of navigation we found, what is to us, a new reserve. Lots of birds in song including the distant Savi`s Warbler could soon be heard along with Sedge, Reed & Cettiss Warblers. Eventually the main bird could be seen at distance either perched on a bush or a reed stem whilst blasting its buzzy song out. As it was a new bird for one of our crew we lingered a while and just enjoyed the moment. We had a small stop at South Stack and watched the Chough`s flying around enjoying themselves with lots of Guillemots & Razorbills flying in & out of their nests / ledges. Another brief call near RAF Valley to try to hear/see a Lesser Whitethroat that had been popular in the area a couple of years ago, no joy their then!
Always one of the highlights of the year is a trip to Cemlyn Bay to watch & admire the Sandwich, Common & Arctic Tern colony that has been established here for such a long time. This area has produced lots of rare birds in the past with Bridled & Sooty Terns to name but two. We all enjoyed our hour in nice sunshine watching the Sandwich Terns returning with their beaks full of fish to feed their nestlings. Up to 4 Black Guillemot`s were also seen in the bay. As time pressed on we decided to call at Aber Falls and see if we could catch up with any of the woodland species that the area is famous for. As we all wandered around the area I managed to hear a Redstart, but seeing it proved to be more difficult. A Ringlet & Common Blue butterflies were also seen in this beautiful valley as we headed back to the car.
Last call was going to be at a very old stamping ground of us all, Frodsham tank number 3. A long staying, tailless Long Tailed Duck was believed to be still present. This area has changed such a lot with very few places to view the tank but even so there were lots of birds present namely: - Tufted Duck, Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shelduck, Pochard, Coot, Black Tailed Godwit, Grey Heron and a very pale Buzzard but no luck with the Long Tailed Duck. Time to head for home on a day that started so well and got steadily worse but still enjoyed by us all.
