Couldn't resist another visit down to North Wales again early this a.m, so after picking up Bazzo (who needed Short Toed Lark) we headed to the Great Orme for a gander.
The lark showed almost immediately, shuffling around the gravel path up to the limestone pavement, but it was gloomy and rain made it hard to get a decent pic - still it showed very well, and returned to the path after it was flushed by cyclists, dogwalkers, birders who should learn fieldcraft etc etc.
It is an adult bird - the amount of wear on the feathers gives that away, but nice to see one again.
Watched the Short Toed Lark for awhile, heard its call when flushed by a dog walker (again), then strolled back down the road from the grassy area above the churchyard on the Orme to look for the juv Woodchat Shrike.
Plenty of pipits, 'crests, finches etc passing through, and the Woodchat showed very well too, perching up on fenceposts beside the old cafe, remaining aloof from a barking dog in the garden next door.
For such a cute looking bird it certainly kills a lot of bugs.
Too far from me to get a reasonable pic, but the blurry mess below is the Woodchat - honest!
Met John Dempsey (the other one), Jack Taylor, John and Matt Bannon, and Marc Hughes etc.
Earlier Marc had five Black Terns passing over the sea and a Lapland Bunting calling overhead.
Headed off for a life-giving Cornish pasty and coffee from the cafe on the summit and turned the wheels back towards home.
Predictably got stuck in A55 roadworks again. Deep joy.
If I have to visit the Principality again soon I am going to learn Welsh (remember "araf" means slow, it's written on most roads but I expect it only applies to locals) - or get one of those funny black top hats the dolls wear in the souvenir shops.
May pass on the dress and pinny though.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies....
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