And so to Wales . . .

Malltraeth Estuary

Saturday dawned and there was thick fog as I waited for my lift to Wales. On the dot of 7 am Phil arrived and within minutes we had the car packed with all my junk and were on our way to Anglesey.    Mist hung over most of our journey so the travelling bird list had a very slow start. Magpie, wood pigeon and carrion crow were the most numerous species seen around the M25, with two parakeets adding a little dash of colour.    Heading up the M40 patches of sunshine joined forces and made me put my sunglasses on.    Our red kite was a measly 9, but common buzzard more hopeful.

A quick stop for tea and facilities and we were on our way again with fog our companion.    As we continued, with the road meandering between England and Wales the fog thickened.    Into Wales proper and a tailback lengthened our journey-time by at least 30 minutes.    Following the southern edge of the Dee estuary and the north Wales coast the sun shone and we were onto balmy warm weather which has been promised for the rest of the week (we hope).

The Bridge over the River Malltraeth

We arrived to a lovely homemade soup with fresh bread and cheeses all taken in the garden overlooking the estuary at Malltraeth.

After this, we went for a walk along the Cobb and saw my first truly welsh birds, buzzards, teal, little egret, redshank, spotted redshank mallard, grey heron to name but a few.

A great introduction to the week. A great meal followed and then it was time for bed - listening to the birds of the estuary settling as I drifted off into slumber.