Wednesday 18 May 2011

Another Citrine Wagtail!

A days guiding on Tuesday, 17th May, began at RSPB Conwy and we looked in vain for the male Citrine Wagtail that we had enjoyed the previous two days, but sadly no sign.

We headed off to Cemlyn, Anglsesey and stopped on the bridge on the west side of the lagoon. Setting up the scopes we were enjoying wonderful views of Sandwich, Common and Arctic Terns, Mediterranean Gull and waders.

At 9.40am we heard a loud buzzing wagtail call and I thought "**** Citrine!!" then rememberd I was at Cemlyn not Conwy! The calls continued and we picked the bird up flying straight towards us low over the brick walled house. The bird dropped lower as it passed very close by and we could clearly see a male Citrine Wagtail!! The bird touched down in the short grass field by the turning down to Tyn Llan Farm. No sooner had it landed it was off again, calling loudly again. The bird flew low over the pig field and was lost to view.

In the brief views obtained the bird looked very similar to the Conwy bird, a very smart adult male! The yellow head and underparts were shockingly bright, black collar, grey-blue back, bright white wing bars, black tail with white outer tail feathers, a very smart bird!

We alerted other birds and set off to try and relocate the bird but no sign.

A Chough showed well in the fields, great views of Whimbrel on the beach and offshore amazing views of Gannets.

Holyhead Harbour next and close views of Black Guillemots.

South Stack was at its very best with masses of birds! Chough, Puffin, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Razorbill, Guillemot, Stonechat all showed off. But it was two Peregrine that stole the show, one of which showed off right over head, including a spectacular stoop right past us! Brilliant!

Valley Lakes was our last port of call where we boosted our day list nicely with plenty of wildfowl.

A very memorable day indeed!

Why not join us for great birding? Plenty of trips coming up with dates to suit you!

Alan and Ruth
info@thebiggesttwitch.com

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