A Mixed Bag

A disappointing day that was spoilt by rain left me with only a few images. Nothing more frustrating, when you've been looking forward to getting out with the camera and then it rains. Still, there were a couple of dry spells. Just not as many as the rain filled ones.

First up, a Grey Wagtail that was very busy indeed along Clough Brook. This is a female and no doubt there will be a male about too, as they'll be ready to nest very soon.

Grey Wagtail

Herring Gull

Lesser black-backed Gull

On the beach at Pensarn, while waiting for a very elusive Iceland Gull, we were treated to a few glimpses of Meadow Pipit. We heard many others, but this one dropped down in front of me.

Meadow Pipit

Some Gull Diggery

I must start by saying that I find identifying gull species very difficult. So many plumages for the same bird that are so similar to completely different gull species.
I've spent a long time looking through many books and also online, and I think I've nailed this particular gull down to be a juvenile first winter Herring Gull. I am more than willing to be shot down though. I never feel confident with these birds, but I am growing to appreciate them a lot more and dare I say it, enjoy watching them. It's great to scan a large group and pick one out that's slightly different and then try to decide what the devil it is.
Anyway, this bird was seen at New Brighton on the Wirral a few months back. Please advise if you believe this to be something completely different. I can handle the truth.

Juvenile first winter Herring Gull

North Wales

At the weekend I went on a guided birding day in North Wales with Alan & Ruth from The Biggest Twitch. http://www.thebiggesttwitch.com I fully recommend a day or three with these guys. Great company, and I guarantee you won't miss a bird that may be nearby. We started off at Conwy RSPB reserve and made our way west right out to Anglesey and South Stack RSPB reserve.
Highlights of the day for me were some of the sea birds. Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Gannets. Plus we had Ring Ouzel, Crossbill and some great raptors. Over 80 species in the day and 6 lifetime firsts for me.

This Sparrowhawk greeted us as we met in the car park. What a start to the day.

As it flew driectly overhead we could see it was carrying some prey in it's tallons.

A male Ring Ouzel. Best views I've had of one.

Black Guillemot on the sea at Holyhead. You can just see it's ridiculous red feet.

Doing a bit of cleaning.

A Herring Gull looking for some lunch. (Our lunch)

Waders coming in. A mix of Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

Dunlin and Ringed Plover on the beach.

The cliffs at South Stack. Loaded with Guillemots in this shot.