Pit-stop for world traveller

Curlew Sandpiper (Joel Tragen)

A Curlew Sandpiper took on much-needed food at Gronant beach at the weekend, its plumage rich in brick-red tones moulting into grey-and-white winter dress. Assuming this individual made a breeding attempt this summer, it has travelled at least 4000km (2500 miles) in recent weeks – and probably much farther as birds rarely fly in a straight line. Curlew Sandpipers breed east of the Ural mountains and winter in southern Africa, so it has completed only one-third of its journey and still has 8000km (5000 miles) to go. Many of its brethren make a more direct overland crossing to east Africa, India or Australia, so a bird we see in North Wales connects us with almost every other part of the World. Curlew Sandpipers from other wintering grounds can mix with others when they get to the Arctic and end up in the wrong place, as reported in BirdNotes last summer when a bird ringed in India turned up in Wales. It highlights the importance of a global network of wetlands for these supreme travellers.
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The first of two young Ospreys at Llyn Brenig took its first flight last week, one of at least eight Welsh nests to raise chicks this year. Elsewhere, a pair at Cors Dyfi fledged three young and a pair at Pont Croesor are raising two chicks, but those at the original Glaslyn Valley nest failed this season, the first year since the site was occupied in 2004 that no chicks hatched. It was a season of highs and lows for the team at Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife, described in their blog, but there is still plenty to see, including regular sightings of Hobbies that are probably nesting nearby, most likely in an old Carrion Crow nest.

Other recent sightings in the region include Quails near Bettisfield and Holt, Hooded Crows at RSPB South Stack and the Alaw estuary and Arctic Skuas passed Cemlyn.

North Wales Wildlife Trust is seeking views about changing the name of one of the most popular birdwatching sites on the coast, in line with its policy of using a site’s Welsh name. Leased from Penrhyn Estate since 1985, The Spinnies Aber Ogwen draws thousands of visitors every year, not least to see Kingfishers. Now the Trust proposes to rename the reserve Llyn Celanedd and has a public consultation underway until 6 August. You can read more here.