On Saturday, the Aber uni and Bangor uni
ornithological societies set out to compete in a bird race. We each were
confined to our patches and had 24 hours to see as many species as possible on
patch. I started in the early hours with some of the first birds being redwings
heard passing over my accommodation and tawny owls calling from the trees close
by. At dawn I was joined by another member of the society and we headed straight
for Penglais wood to successfully add the firecrest to our list, along with
chiffchaffs, blackcaps and many of the woodland species. We continued to the
viewpoint for some vismig which proved quite successful, adding amongst others:
2 redpolls, around 10 linnets, Canada goose and a high flying goosander. We also
had good views of a peregrine carrying a pigeon off to Constitution hill! It was
then down to castle point for a seawatch, where we met Harry and a few other
members. This added 2 sandwich terns, guillemot, gannets and Harry put us onto
our first red-throated diver and common scoter of the day. Next it was on to
Tanybwlch and Pendinas where we added wheatear, stonechat, fly-over greylag and
2 grey herons along with water pipit to the list. The water pipit now moulting
into summer plumage! We then headed up the Rheidol, adding 2 dippers and
moorhen, followed by greenfinch in the cemetery. Towards the end of the day we
went to Clarach wood and Constitution hill where we added a few extras such as
skylark, pheasant and common gull. Our final birds of the day were around 4
snipe flushed from the fields near the golf course, just before the end of the
the 24 hours!
We ended the day very happy to have seen 75 species on patch,
beating Bangor’s equally great total of 59 species. I was pleased to have
personally seen 74 of them. Looking forward to our next big day in
May…..
The firecrest was still present yesterday morning (Monday), its 16th
day.
 |
| Water Pipit |
 |
Sandwich Tern
|
 |
Firecrest
|
Ewan Turner
