The nesting season has started!
Today we explored along the north coast of Anglesey from Bull Bay round the headland of Point Lynas and back. With a significant swell from the South West and the possibility of the wind picking up from the south later we decided this would be a good option that would provide us with an appropriate challenge. Turns out others had similar thoughts as Bull Bay was busy with both sea kayakers and Celtic longboat rowers.
First we passed the Amlwch docks often referred to as 'Copper Kingdom' which has a long history of exporting the copper mined nearby at Parys Mountain. This, coupled with the need for pilots to navigate ships into the Liverpool docks makes Amlwch a significant historical maritime landmark on the north coast.
Next up was Ynys Amlwch (East Mouse). The slight tidal flow provided a little interest but it was the Purple Sandpipers that caught my eye. These small well camouflaged birds are easily missed as they scuttle around on the rocks feeding amongst the seaweed. They are often seen with Turnstones that are a bit easier to spot!
We then headed in to the coast, where we explored the rocky cliffs up close mindful of the small swell. The Youtube video shows some of the action.
We found a south facing cliff that led to a cave. Creeping gradually closer then staying still for a while until they got used to us we watched a flock of shags preparing to nest. They looked really sleek and stylish in all their breeding plumage.
We headed round the Point Lynas headland just as the tide was beginning to turn and were welcomed with views of snow covered mountains. When we returned the ebb had properly started and we were able to play in the tide. We'd managed to surf a few waves and were thinking it was time to move on when we had a fleeting sight of a porpoise. A lovely end to our play.
We hoped on the tide for a ride back to Ynys Amlwch (East Mouse) then turned into the coast and into the wind!... Ah yes there was a southerly wind building, time for the last work out of the day paddling back in shore. Working our way back along the last section of cliffs we spotted some fulmars already settled on their nests. These long-lived birds spend most of their lives out at sea but can be found on rocks preparing to nest early in the season due to their long incubation period of nearly two months! Happy nesting fulmars, perhaps we'll be back soon to check how you are getting along.
