Waxwing lyrical

The last two weeks have seen Waxwings arrive along the North Wales coast, from Caernarfon to Connah's Quay.  Llandudno and Wrexham hosted flocks into treble figures, though they seem to have quickly moved on.  We've had several sightings at the reserve, with a flock of 40+ on 13th November, 30-40 on 15th and 23 over the reserve today (24th).

Our firecrests have been popular and a little more reliable (though they can still require patience!).  Up to three have been reported, with 1-2 most days: the scrub between the Bridge Pond and Carneddau Hide are best. 

Several chiffchaffs have been reported, with three seen today. They seem to be common chiffchaff, but pay close attention to the call if you hear it, as a Siberian chiffchaff (tristis race) has already been reported from North Wales this winter.  There was a little influx of lesser redpolls earlier in the week, and siskins are around regularly too.

On the lagoons, kingfisher has been seen regularly, hunting sticklebacks in the lagoon close to Benarth Hide, while a small number of goldeneyes, pochards and shovelers are on the Deep Lagoon.  A pintail was on the estuary yesterday, and two choughs flew over at first light this morning.  Last week's Wetland Bird Survey included dunlin, ringed plover and greenshank, and red kite and blackcap were also seen that day (18th).

Thousands of starlings have been coming into roost, but are dropping into the reedbed beyond the railway from the reserve. The best views this week have been from the former lay-by on the A470 north of Glan Conwy (above the house called Ynys Fawr on the map).

The site has fully re-opened after the car park improvements, which finished on Friday.  We hope you like the new surface and the extra parking bays for blue-badge holders.  Our thanks to Joshua Thomas & Partnersfor completing the job on time, and to the funders of the Conwy Connections programme to improve the nature reserve and its visitor facilities.  It is part of a strategic project called Communities and Nature (CAN), which is a £14.5m European Funded Project, managed by CCW. CAN aims to generate increased economic growth and sustainable jobs by capitalising on Wales’ environmental qualities, particularly its landscape and wildlife.  It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), provided through the Welsh Government.  Conwy Connections has also been funded by The Crown Estate, RSPB Conwy Support Group, Environment Wales, Conwy Town Council and Cemlyn Jones Trust.