North Wales 10th Feb 2016

A request from Reg and Alan to see Black Grouse gave me the opportunity to take them to the splendid beauty that are the Welsh Hills. An overcast day quickly developed into clear sunshine and we were soon enjoying  a wonderful Lek of twenty four birds.

Black Grouse

Viewing from the car at a safe distance with telescopes to keep disturbance to the minimum, hearing the faint bubbling calls of the males is one of the wonderful sounds of nature and we were not disappointed as they performed their exotic display.

We left them to carry on in peace and soon we were enjoying fabulous views of Peregrines, Buzzards and Ravens soaring in the cold bright sky. A female Black Grouse glided through the air far away in the distance then a Goshawk came into view, its massive chest standing out a mile, a real bonus.

On leaving the hills we enjoyed another Peregrine preening on a rock as we made our way down to the River Clywedog. Here we came across the normal Tit flocks, Nuthatch's and a lovely pair of Goosanders fishing. The river was high but not as high as our next venue at the meeting of the River Alyn and the Dee. Water was lapping at the top of the bund walls and bubbling out into the fields below through the bund.

Goosanders

Big flocks of Chaffinch did not reveal a Brambling but two Grey Wagtail fed on the accumulation of rubbish at the waters edge. Reg heard Tree Sparrow and we were soon onto them and a Yellowhammer stood out like a sore thumb in amongst them.

The day had quality rather than quantity in the species seen but we left for home content.



 

If you would like an introduction to Birdwatching by having a guided walk around Marbury Country Park, just give me on a call on 07731 658 125 or send me an e mail at JGILLY53@GMAIL.COM 

Start time arranged to suit you. The cost is £10 P/P.

 

If you would rather have a private day trip out around Cheshire, Wirral or North Wales,  Price for a full day for one person is £60.

Each additional guest is  £15 / person. 
Max 3 guests.

Children under 16 go free.

Why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher for a future day out.     

Contact: John Gilbody: e-mail: jgilly53@gmail.com 

Telephone  07731 658 125