RSPB Conwy 29 Feb 2020

Well, my first reserve visit since early February, after the wonderful weather we've all been enjoying!

This trip was a very last minute plan, no prep, it was a case of grab everything (luckily I have a grab-bag to hand), and chuck all the stuff I'll need in to the car and go.....

The weather forecast had been changing faster than a clock ticks the seconds off, sunny, then wet, then sunny, then wet, and finally, sunny!

So, fearing the floods in Shropshire and N Wales could hamper my drive, it was a case of go for it hope hope for the best. Just as I was starting off, I recalled he A55 westbound around St Asaph was due to be closed all that weekend, so it was to be the A5. Not all that bad, I needed a trip up the A5, because a previous drive up I noticed Snowdonia looking good in the distance around a place called Glasfryn. The light was just right, Snowdon, the Glyderau and Carneddau had snow on them, making for some nice photos, as you can see below.

The Snowdon Massif on the left, and possibly Moel Siabod in the centre with Tryfan and the Glyderau to the right.

Using the Sigma 150-600 to get clearer views:

Snowdon:

Almost certainly Moel Siabod, it was certain in that direction

Tryfan (often called the dragons back)

And finally, the Carneddau:

Stopping to take those photos meant I had to detour into Snowdonia, delaying my arrival at Conwy...

Snowdon Massif from Llyn Mymbyr

Afon Idwal in full flow, with Y Garn in the background

Then, finally, I arrive at RSPB Conwy, in time for lunch. I'd realised I'd not picked up my tabs for my leg, so it was to be a quick visit to the hides and a trip back home before tea time, when my next meds were due, but it was worth the last minute dash as you will see.

There was a lot of bird life, most sheltering from storm Jorge, but the rough waters of the pools meant many were out of sight, below the waves, but still with their heads safely above the water level.

The waters were lapping over the edges:

A curlew was land feeding!

Oyster Catchers and Curlew looking for somewhere to shelter!

A goldeneye (Mrs GE was around, but out of sight due to the choppy waters) was busy feeding

Even Mr GE was dipping below the choppy waters, making it hard to get a decent piccie!

Lapwings facing the bracing wind!

More curlews, and I think dunlin. However, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Widgeon

Dipping below the waves!

And a nicely focused, once the AF finally locked on, oyster catcher flying in!

The real show stopper, was one red breasted merganser, always a graceful dive, was in close proximity, and enjoying lunch, though sadly, I never got a diving photo, due to the waves. But I did get some photos of the RBM's lunch, before swallowing!

This one is probably my favourite

GULP!    GONE!

It was a brilliant day, even though the trip had to be cut short because my grabbag didn't contain the meds I needed to stay out late, but worth it.

Incidentally, one set of items I can't pack in advance, is my meds, because I only have a 28 day supply, so usually, on a planned trip, they are packed.