Tuesday 2 January 2024

2024 - New Years Day in North Wales

After weeks and weeks of wind and rain, 2024 started off with a rare calm day. Malc, Mark and I had a casual day out which initially consisted of dipping on Waxwings in multiple locations before a look on the sea at Llandulas. The usual large numbers of Common Scoter were mostly distant, again as usual, but decent in good light. A single male Velvet Scoter flew through, as did 3 Red-throated Divers. There were several rafts of Great-crested Grebes, a handful of Red-breasted Mergansers and a single drake Eider, and a couple of Fulmars were seen too. Nothing rare, but pleasant enough.

We decided to head off towards Llyn Brenig, but shortly after setting off a flock of roadside Waxwings brought us to an abrupt stop and we enjoyed spectacular views of at least 32 birds, often at eye-level. It's a shame the day was dull, but the views were splendid. It's been a good winter for these gorgeous northern visitors, so I was very pleased to finally see these birds.

We dragged ourselves away and onwards to Llyn Brenig, but the annual Great-grey Shrike had vanished as it so often does. A few Crossbills flew over, but that aside birds were thin on the ground.










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