Fluffy chick time

The strong winds this week brought an abrupt halt to migration, but it was waning anyway (and, dare we mention, that it'll only be a few weeks before autumn migration begins?).  So, this week we've been looking out for young birds.  We've got at least two broods of lapwings and a brood of oystercatchers, with more birds sitting.  Our little ringed plovers are still sitting too, but sadly the waves were too much for the great crested grebes, which have abandoned their floating nest.

The strong winds brought a couple of fulmars over the estuary on Tuesday morning (24th); we don't usually see them from the reserve unless you stand on tiptoe and 'scope the mouth of the estuary during a northwesterly autumn gale!  Mind you, it's felt like autumn this week, so we've not got much to report on the butterfly or dragonfly front either.  A yellow wagtail and grasshopper warbler were reported on Monday (23rd), while there was still a snipe here today (28th). 

Our smart male goldeneye is still present, and a male pochard has arrived this week.  Evening walks have seen spectacular numbers of swifts, swallows and house martins swooping low over the lagoons in search of insects.  This morning, a hobby was chasing the swifts over the lagoons - it's a scarce bird here, but a great sight to see.

Don't forget that you can keep up to date with our sightings as they happen by following us on http://twitter.com/rspbconwy

Finally, the Conwy Support Group is looking for 100 Walkers to take part in our Sponsored Reserve Walk later this year to celebrate RSPB Cymru's Centenary.  If you'd like to take part as an individual, a family or perhaps a team of friends or work colleagues, please pick up an information pack from the Visitor Centre or email conwysg2011@gmail.com.  The money raised will go towards the exciting new outdoor visitor area, Y Maes @ RSPB Conwy that we're planning, enabling you and others to enjoy the reserve even more for years to come.