Apart from a quick dash over to see the Elegant Tern at Cemlyn Bay last year, it was nice to visit one of the nicest islands in Britain, Anglesey again. A team of 5 birders filled Kevin C`s vehicle and we departed at 7am on a rather dull, damp day, the forecast was not very good with lots of morning rain. First stop was Holyhead harbour/fish quay, we were greeted by a nice bout of cold and rain. We soon saw the Black Guillemot`s in the harbour dressed up in their summer finery of black and white feathers with red feet and beaks. We headed up to RSPB South Stack and donned our winter gear as its always a bit fresh here. Next to no cars on the usually bustling car park, obviously due to the weather! We headed down to the tower and followed the cliff edge footpath, lots of Guillemots, Razorbills and various gulls nesting on the spectacular cliffs but no sight our sound of the Choughs that are usually make their presence known fairly quickly here. As we reached to just below the first car park we could see Rob D and Chris looking at something. It was a Hooded Crow sat on a fence, apart from being a bit wet, its plumage was unmistakeable. As we all got together the familiar sounds of the Chough could be heard, as we looked down the cliffs they were there huddled together sheltering from the rain! Two adults with 3 fledged young, complete with rings, radio transmitter, when the rain stopped they began flying around. We called into the nice RSPB café and sampled some of their cake, what a treat. At one of my favourite places, Cemlyn Bay, it was dull and cold but the rain had gone, thankfully. The regular throng of Sandwich, Common and Arctic Tern`s were there to greet us in their noisy fashion as they came and went collecting Sand Eels from the sea to feed their young ones. Always great to watch this spectacle. A Red breasted Merganser was also seen as we headed of onto the point at Trywyn Cemlyn, views of The Skerries make this a beautiful place to enjoy. We began searching the sea for passing seabirds and saw around 30+ Manx Shearwaters dashing around showing their distinctive flight of shearing over the water Apart from the rain we had enjoyed an unhindered day out, but as we headed east along the A55 we ran into various pockets of heavy traffic, bank holiday and retuning from Ireland we think. We eventually made it to Gronant Dunes and beach were the smallest Tern species breed in Britain, the Little Tern. A nice walk through the dunes and then near to the wardened area to enjoy these small, beautiful seabirds. A few Sanderling were also seen on the beach, these birds are making their way north to breed. More heavy traffic was encountered on the way home and our driver Kevin is too be commended for his cool after a long drive. Good to have the Huddersfield lads with us and Bob K for his tireless work trying to get pictures of the day out! Dave O.