RSPB Conwy

We were up in North Wales the weekend sadly not a leisure trip, but as we were tanking along the A55 heading back to our digs and had done for the day, we decided to pop into RSPB Conwy as we had never been. It was quite late, about 5:45, so the reserve facilities and car park were closed, however there is a very small public car park at the reserve entrance overlooking the estuary.

The reserve though is still accessible by foot, so on with the rucksack.  We always have provisions and a flask or two with us and we set off on a circular walk around the reserve, which in the setting sun was very pleasant. 

All the hides were locked, but most had viewing screens on either side, having said that the pools and scrapes were pretty deserted apart from, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing (So not deserted at all really!) and a solitary Grey Heron. 

We found a nice bench for a drink, where we could watch the sun drop over the trees, but were then treated to a mini murmuration:

After coffee we carried on around the reserve and as we approached the estuary again we flushed a few Rabbit and a Raven. The we picked up a few waders as we walked along the estuary back towards the car.

Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher and a few Little Egret as well as Black Headed and Herring Gull. 

As we carried on we were surprised by the large numbers of Pied Wagtail about, they were all over the place (or it was the same 4 or 5 following us everywhere!)

So time for a final sit down watching the Curlew as we had a cuppa this time. Then back to the car and off for a well earned steak.