I mentioned in my post RSPB Conwy 18th April [https://community.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/f/all-creatures/279854/rspb-conwy-18th-april], I was hoping to get to The Spinnies, where I managed to get my first kingiew photo, and a heron taking out an eel for lunch, [see The Spinnies, Aber Ogwen, Bangor 01 Nov 2019 https://community.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/f/all-creatures/205969/the-spinnies-aber-ogwen-bangor-01-nov-2019 and The Spinnies, Aber Ogwen, Bangor 02 Nov 2019 https://community.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/f/all-creatures/205970/the-spinnies-aber-ogwen-bangor-02-nov-2019] where yet another first was to be attained.....
The day started with yet another brilliant sunrise.
Sunrise [no filter]
with Star6 filter
From the hide nearest the road, the pool was very quiet and feeders were empty, so no surprises the activity was quiet, apart from moorhan and mallard, so it was off to the main hide which overlooks the pool at the other end from one side, and the Aber Ogwen estuary on the other.
There were plenty of mute swans on the mudflats, especially with low tide,
A siskin I think on the feeders?
and a lollipop
There wasn't much activity on the water, not even a kingie, but there was a little egret
Mr Chaffie
A robin was trying to get to the fat block feeder
And another first, though not a brilliant photo, a tawny owl in a nest box...
After a couple of hours, it was planned to go back to the reserve at Conwy for high tide, and lunch, and first off after lunch, a speckled wood
A greedy robin, came looking, and hoping for food, even though it had a high protein lunch in its beak....
the small ponds were alive with all sorts of insects, the only ones I managed to get a photo of were these two pond skates, that seemed to want to get off the water.
A greenfinch
These guys are a must see for me, the Carneddau Ponies, though these two seemed to be very friendly, frolicking around....
A buff tailed bumblebee
.
Sweet violet
the underrated and often overlooked daisey
A peacock butterfly
and to end the days visit, a grey heron
And to end the day, a Conwy sunset with Star6 filter
no filter
The remainder are without any filters
That's the end of my fabulous Easter week in North Wales.....
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
gaynorsl said:Thanks very much for those links Mike, I agree with you that once again people talk about the environment and how we can help etc etc., but then you learn that business is taking no notice and horrifying changes are on the horizon. Around South #Stack is planned a deep water site where they will lay tanks, pumps etc for goodness know what which will disturb all wildlife, birds and mammals alike. No matter what you sign I get the feeling that it is only money that talks and it gets depressing. Look at the proposed Power station down near Minsmere, will it go ahead, I am quite glad that I am old but fear so much for the young.
I had seen the wave farm project plans for South Stack, and I'm sure we share the same thoughts. Also Gwynt Mor the sea based wind farm, very clearly visible from Llandudno - Rhyl coast;line and all the way up to Morecambe Lancashire, which can also be seen from the East side of Anglesey (and I understand the eastern side of Northern Ireland) is to expand, while Wylfa is still in limbo.
I also find it alarming, that the sites chosen, are predominantly of natural interest, SSI's, ANOB's and many more.......
Perhaps the terms should be redefined
SSI Sites Suitable for Industry
ANOB Areas of National Open Building
Or am I being too cynical.....
Lot to learn
i love robins said:It looks like you had a great time on holiday Mike the photos are great, love the ponies and the Heron in flight.
Thank you.
It was a good week away, I couldn't have asked for better weather, or company.