In September, I went for a week's holiday in Wales. The weather was perfect, without a drop of rain from the first day for the whole time I was there.
In terms of birding, the thing which struck me most was the relative frequency of
Ravens. Living down south as I do, albeit next door to the Ashdown Forest, they are not that common.
 |
| Ravens at Dduallt |
On the first day of the holiday, travelling up by train nearly to Porthmadog, where I stayed, I spotted a
Kingfisher, on the banks of the Dyfi Estuary, from the train window, along with numerous
Redshank and gulls, most of which I think were
Black-headed Gulls. Later that evening I went for a walk around Penrhyndeudraeth, during which I am pretty certain that I heard a
Wood Warbler calling, along with plentiful
Chiffchaffs.
In the afternoon of the second day I walked with some friends up from Dolgellau to Llyn Cynwch, which had plenty of interest, not just avian but also including insects as well! There were numerous
Jays around, as well as
Siskins,
Meadow Pipits, and
Ravens, but also at least two Speckled Wood butterflies and a Peacock. On the shores of Llyn Cynwch itself there was a mixed flock of wagtails, with the majority being
Pied, but at least two were
Grey Wagtails.
 |
| A Robin which obliged for photos |
 |
| Buzzard almost straight into the sun |
 |
| One of the Speckled Wood butterflies |
 |
| Grey Wagtail on the shores of Llyn Cynwch |
 |
| Peacock butterfly |
On the third day I joined some friends to go canoeing up the Dwyryd Estuary, and the birds were not in great quantities, but for a south coast birder it was certainly a matter of quality.
Goosanders were in profusion, with large flocks taking off, as well as a
Pochard,
Red-breasted Mergansers, another
Kingfisher, as well as potentially 2
Dippers, surprisingly far down the river.
On the fourth day, the Torrent Walk was the location for part of the day at least, which, although seemingly rather devoid of birds, was quite spectacular, and I think I possibly heard another
Wood Warbler, although at this time of year there is little hope of seeing one due to the leaves.
On the fifth day, I walked from Penrhyndeudraeth to Tan-y-grisiau, roughly following the course of the Ffestiniog railway line. Jays were predominant, with Buzzards, but there was also a Grey wagtail on one of the small lakes we passed on the way there.
The final day I went on the Precipice Walk near Barmouth. Few birds, but some good views up (and down) the Mawddach Estuary.
