NWWT Bird Race 2015 results

For the 3rd year in a row another successful Wildlife Trust Bird Race took place, this year on Saturday 9th May. There were six teams who between them visited 20 wildlife trust reserves across the region with 121 unique species recorded. The Bulgarian String Trio won with an amazing 99 species on the Anglesey reserves, The Tits came second with 83 seen over in the East reserves and The Anobs saw 80 on Anglesey. The records were put into the Cofnod Online Recording System (ORS) and the full results can be seen here along with a list of all the species recorded.

There were five new species recorded this year: Shoveler, Little owl, Dipper, Hen harrier and Ring ouzel. Not bad!

Some memorable moments from various teams included close encounters with a v large bull, a dysfunctional outside toilet, and 2 over-friendly cats that got into a car. Out For A Duck & The Anobs also spotted red squirrels at Coed Porthamel. Many thanks to Ben Stammers of the Wildlife Trust for organising the race and to everyone who took part.

The informal honours:

• Best team name – The Anobs
• Most unexpected species – Ever Hopefuls saw a Ring Ouzel singing from tree at Coed Crafnant
• Best bird seen off site – Peregrine seen over Anna Williams’ garden as she was being dropped off at the end of the day
• Best excuse for not taking part – jointly awarded to Rhys Jones (whose son is recovering from an operation), Jane Ainsworth (who’s got a trapped nerve in her back), and Bev (who’s got a babe in arms)
• Most stylish excuse for not taking part – John Bratton, who said he had been talking to David Wright about joining the Anob team “but the start time he suggested is incompatible with my hedonistic lifestyle."
• The Beverley Dyer Special Award For Looking Cute Whilst Sleeping On The Bird Race – Jen (The Anobs) who fell asleep in the car between Cors Goch and Cemlyn