Some dates for your diaries plus some additional information. I’m running a field trip this year in each January, February & March. Two local trips and an away trip to North Wales.

1# As is traditional for the January trip we will combine a trip to Whiteford before driving to Llanrhidian for the Egret & Harrier roost. This will take place on Saturday 14th January 2017. Meet at Cam Ivy car park at 08:30 with a full day around Whiteford planned before heading to Marsh Road e/o Llanrhidian by 15:00 to observe the roost before last light.

2# Away trip to North Wales. This trip will target Black Grouse, Twite, Surf Scoter and possibly Greenland White-fronted Goose depending on time. At present there are four of us confirmed and we’ll be going up together in my car. The plan will be to travel through the night to get to the Black Grouse lekking sites (near Wrexham) before first light on Friday 17th February 2017. From there we will go to the private reserve on Connah’s Quay for Twite before finishing with a check over the Scoter flock near Llandudno. Overnight stay in Premier in at Llandudno (Glan-Conwy) LL28 5LB is already booked for four of us. On Saturday 18th, depending on the success of Friday, we will either try for Black Grouse again, or perhaps return to South Wales via Greenland White-fronted Geese. I’m quite happy to lead additional car-loads of birders over both days but travel arrangements (including car-share) and accommodation will need to be arranged independantly. For further details about joining with this trip please contact me directly.

3# Looking for Great Grey Shrikes. This has been a successful trip in previous  years and this year’s target location will be Mynydd Marchywel. Meet beforehand at Aberdulais Falls visitor centre at 09:00 on Sunday 12th March 2017 to travel up together from there. It is essential to contact me before this trip so that I have an idea of numbers.

07875 431 917 or markhipkin1@gmail.com