NW Wales 10/06/26

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A Western Reef Heron was found near Caernarfon last Saturday (6th), a first for Britain no less. Somewhat belatedly we travelled there yesterday, arriving in the area at 9 pm. I'd booked a hotel in Tremadog for the overnight stay.

At breakfast this morning news came in that the heron had been seen near Caernarfon castle, a 20 minute drive away. The bird was feeding on the far bank of the river and gave excellent views. It was in immaculate plumage, a very smart bird that we watched from the car park with other birders. At times it was seen together with a Little Egret allowing comparative views.

After that we drove south to Ganllwyd, a National Trust reserve of wooded hillside alongside the river Gamlan. It was getting late in the season though I was hoping to see a Wood Warbler, and fortunately found a singing male near the car park. Nearby a pair of Redstart showed quite well.

By now it was 1 pm so we decided to head back. The drive back via Snowdonia was very scenic though it took 7 hours to get home, largely on account of heavy traffic and attrocios weather on the M6.

Western Reef Heron 

Western Reef Heron and Little Egret 



Caernarfon castle 

Female Redstart 

Wood Warbler 



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