Footprints in the snow

A week of lying snow means that we get to see the journeys made by birds and mammals on the reserve.  It's amazing to see where things get to, especially across the middle of the lagoons!  Both our waterbodies are still frozen solid, so all the waterbird action is on the estuary, with more than 100 dunlins and 40 ringed plovers unusual here in winter and presumably pushed away from wetlands that are frozen even more solidly elsewhere. 

For a couple of days this week, even the flowing waters of the Afon Ganol was frozen, but with a slight thaw yesterday came a kingfisher, a bird that must really be struggling at the moment.  Another bird having to alter its feeding pattern is the water rail, which usually feeds among the reeds, but which are now feeding on seeds tossed aside by the hungry tits and finches in the wildlife garden - there's probably never a better chance to see these shy birds, but please remember that they need to conserve every ounce of energy, so don't flush or disturb them when they're feeding.

Lapwing numbers have increased this week, with around 300 here yesterday and we've seen the occasional woodcock, both signs of a harsh winter in eastern Europe.  One or two skylarks have also been seen, usually feeding on the saltmarsh.   Just half a mile away from us on Monday was a waxwing (by the A470 above Llandudno Junction) - how did it not fly over here?!

Remember that we're open from Boxing Day throughout the Christmas and New Year break (opening times are on the events page), and the reserve looks stunning at the moment.  We've also just posted our e-newsletter to subscribers, including a sneak preview of some of our plans for 2011.  Details are below if you'd like to be added to the mailing list.

Thanks for your support for the reserve, our web community and for the RSPB's vital work during 2010, and may we wish you an enjoyable Christmas

Nadolig llawen

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