A narrow estuary with easy access
The River Clwyd, having risen in the Clocaenog Forest, a vast upland rising to 1,600 feet, reaches Rhuddlan, where it forms one side of the castle moat. From here the final stage of the 30-mile journey is by way of a narrow, almost straight estuary to the sea on the edge of the holiday resort of Rhyl. Close views are what this site is all about. DAVID SAUNDERS
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Beside the A525 on the southern edge of Rhuddlan a Local Nature Reserve with a pool and reed beds was created some 10 years ago on the site of a former railway station and should not be overlooked before heading for the nearby estuary.
2 A choice of routes; that on the east bank hugs the estuary for just over a mile before turning inland towards the town, a route terminating at the Marine Lake. Green Sandpipers often winter in the dykes behind the flood bank, which are also the haunt of Kingfishers. Short-eared Owls are occasional visitors, while the pylons provide handy observation points for wintering Peregrines.
3 Alternatively, take the west bank path which hugs the estuary for just over two miles. Shelduck are immediately obvious, as are Wigeon and Teal; Goosanders and Red-breasted Mergansers less so as at times they seem to spend more time below rather than above the surface. Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Curlew,
Redshank and Dunlin are the most numerous waders.
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The Bar-tailed Godwits which occur in winter have made a journey of up to 2,500 miles from their breeding grounds in Lapland and western Taymyr. Spare a thought for those which reach
New Zealand after an autumn journey of 7,500 miles from Alaska, one recently making the flight nonstop in 11 days!
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The modest headland where the estuary reaches the sea is always worthy of your time. Divers and grebes and Common Scoter feature throughout the winter while following stormy weather, especially in autumn, passages of seabirds heading west provide a nice contrast to the estuary birds just enjoyed.
This impressive 800-acre reservoir can boast a bird list of over 260 species. This is a large site to cover and a scope is an essential here. West Midland Bird Club members can access the whole reservoir, but good views can be had from the causeway and much of the Tad Bay area now has public nature. PETE HACKETT
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Start at Watery Lane and scan for Goldeneye, Goosander and grebes and gulls during winter. Spring brings passage Yellow Wagtail and warblers along the hedgerows with Buzzard and Kestrel in surrounding fields.
2 Walk the dam for views of both sides of the reservoir. Passage in spring will often see Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and during May Sanderling and Turnstone may be chanced upon. Rock and Meadow Pipits drop down, particularly in autumn.
3 Scan towards Blithe Bay (left side of reservoir) from the car park. If the shoreline is quiet (fishing takes place) lower water levels in autumn give closer views of waders such as Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Knot and Greenshank, while Greylag Geese may be joined by Egyptian Geese. Terns pass through in good numbers, particularly when rain squalls in spring will bring Common, Arctic and Black Terns. Sandwich and Little Terns are almost annual with Roseate also recorded.
4 Tad Bay may see Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Wood Sandpiper and Green Sandpipers, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpipers. Large numbers of wildfowl congregate. Woodland trails give views of Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and finch flocks in winter. Chance of Spotted Flycatcher and maybe a Pied or two (spring/summer).