Oyster Catchers

We venture further afield today to Llanfairfechan and Mor Elias - that beautiful bird-rich stretch of salt marsh that runs westwards from the little coastal town. It’s high tide and the huge colony of oyster catchers are packed along the shingle banks like black pebbles. I’ve been here before when they have flown up in spectacular murmurating flocks, but today something strange is happening. 

They’re clearly agitated, spooked by something, as they keep flying out and back repeatedly. And then we notice a couple have crossed the fence securing this stretch of delicate avian sanctuary, ignoring both the padlocked gate and the notice warning people off walking along the shingle banks. They’ve reached the oyster catchers and, worse still, they have two dogs running free amongst the birds. We look on, speechless at their stupidity. 

We carry on our walk through the marshes, and I’m disappointed that the thoughtless couple and their dogs walk back along the bank rather than continuing so our two paths would meet and I’d be able to challenge their behaviour. G, on the other hand, is mightily relieved, eager to avoid a confrontation. 

But for this, it’s a glorious walk through winter sunshine, though the the wind is strong enough to blow you off course. I do manage a photograph of Solveig as the three of them sit waiting for me - lagging behind as usual taking photographs. 

It’s been a wonderful weekend together, much of the time spent talking with Daniel and Solveig about the excitement of the coming weeks, that surreal transition from being just a couple to being parents - a very special time. 

Today’s main captures the flock of oyster catchers soaring over the sea, the misty form of Penrhyn Castle in the background, and as an extra there’s G with the prospective parents.