Well, with the children visiting in-laws in Essex I decided to "rough" it and go camping. The early finish from work didn't materialise as per usual but I still managed to pick up my father's van with plenty of time.
The plan was to head to Cors Caron and take an evening walk around the reserve hoping for an Owl or two. The Owls did not occur but it was still a great walk. I even did my bit for charity by donating a couple of pint of blood to the local midgeso
There were several Red Kites around along with a few Buzzards. A particularly dark phase CB momentarily sparked my curiosity but it remained a CB. A couple of Sparrowhawks and the usual passerines and hirundines were around but not a lot else. I decided to call it a night, set the alarm for 4 and fall asleep to the sound of the local Tawny Owls.
I awoke to the theme to The Odd Couple (my alarm on my mobile), looked out the window and reset for 5. Dawn was nowhere near.
On leaving Cors Caron my destination was Borth. Heaps of CB's were on the telegraph poles enroute. At Borth itself a quick scan gave a few Manxies out at sea. This is a lifer for me as dead ones don't count. Their disappearing act was great to watch. Easy to pick out when you see their underside and harder when you could not. From here as I was in the area I headed to Ynyslas reserve passing a Curlew on the golf course on the way. Being early the visitor centre was closed so I headed along the walkway. This led up to a terrific vantage point and more Manxies and a handful of Gannets were seen. The dunes were teeming with Rabbits and a few flocks of Linnets and the odd Common Whitehroat.
On returning to the van the rain set in which was to be with me for the rest of the day.
157. Manx Shearwater Lifer # 12oooB
A quick look at the map revealed Ynys Hir (RSPB Reserve) to be a couple of miles up the coast so that was the next destination. Again, the place was not open as I was too early but access to the reserve can still be gained. (I later paid my entry fee when I returned and it was fully open).
I decided to head straight for the hide overlooking the ponds just to get out of the rain more than anything. Several Herons were there along with some Mallards. Looking out to the estuary there were huge numbers of Canada Geese. A Ginsters Peppered Steak slice sated my hunger and the rain had eased enough to head down to the lower hide. A couple of LBJ's were flitting around but hard to pin down. I think at least one was a Reed Warbler.
On walking down to the next hide alongside where the children do the pond dipping I was amazed to see a Stoat bold as brass bouncing up the track toward me. I love seeing these mammals but rarely do so. My attention was so distracted that I practically stood on a Sandpiper which flew off giving a distinct alarm call. It also had a bright white rump - probable Green Sandpiper?? A little further down the track showed the remains of what looked like a Canada Goose so perhaps this gave a clue as to why the Stoat was there. The only disappointment was that as it was still drizzling I did not have my camera out:C
As the track rounded the corner there was a family of Reed Bunting and Mippits. A quick look over to the estuary gave a solitary Snow Goose in amongst the Canadas. The waders were too distant for my 8x's. Having been chuffed with the Stoat seeing another mammal with 100 metres was extremely unexpected (and possibly unwanted give the animal in question!). But there, right in front of me, again, extremely bold was a Mink:eek!: A distinctive individual with a white flash down it's chest.
From here it was onto the next hide. Several Herons again along with some Teal. A wader however caught my eye some distance away. After watching it for some time another appeared at the same spot. Knowing the depth of knowledge on this forum I took the best shots I could and hoped for the best. There were definitely Sandpipers and to my eyes did not look like Commons. At this point a family from North Wales arrived and I was able to point out what I thought maybe a Green Sandpiper to them. The girls were thoroughly enjoying watching the Herons flying around. A very obliging Willow Warbler hopefully gave the dad some good photos. From here it was back to the van stopping on the way to watch a Spotted Flycatcher that had landed on a branch right above my head.
Back in the van I set the Sat Nav for home and set off. Several times I cursed my younger brother for fiddling with the settings (wrongly as it transpired - sorry Neil) as I was directed down some very narrow lanes. This did produce an odd moment however as a Heron flew in front of the van for maybe 100 metres or so, unable to get out of the way due the encroaching trees. I've had this happen with Sparrowhawks and Buzzards before but not a Heron.
Back home and thanks to Val, Sam and Phil species #158 was confirmed.
158. Green Sandpiper Lifer # 13B B B
Overall I was really pleased with the number of species seen and the great views afforded. The mammals were really a bonus. The whole area is also amazingly beautiful.
Rich