Rhiw Crossbills

I had the pleasure of leading a walk for the Cambrian Ornithological Society today. We met at the east end of Porth Neigwl where a steady passage of Swallows and a few Skylark were moving amongst other common species. With no water on the Llanengan flood plain - and lots of visiting surfers around - we headed over to the other side of the bay and walked through the conifer plantations, regenerating clearfell, fridd and mixed deciduous woodland from Ty'n y Parc around to Plas yn Rhiw.

Highlights here were several mobile groups of Crossbill. We recorded 6 flying over then a flock of 14 birds followed by 9 which were flushed by Ffynnon Saint. I suspect that these were all different birds. A good flock of 40+ Siskin and a single Lesser Redpoll were around the alders by the new ponds at Ty'n y Parc with a nice selection of other typical woodland birds including Long-tailed Tits and Bullfinch. A Green Woodpecker showed well in flight with a Sparrowhawk in hot pursuit while later Nuthatch and Jay were found by the Plas.
  
After lunch the group visited Pwllheli Harbour. Highlights were Kingfisher, two adult Mediterranean Gulls on the Cob Pool, great views of at least one Peregrine buzzing over the water and a selection of waders including  the Curlew Sandpiper again and 5 Bar-tailed Godwit.

The day's total came to about 60 species. Thanks to all the 12 members and friends for pleasant company and some good birding.