A Weekend in Wales, Part 1

Welcome to part 1 of our North Wales adventure! Join me as I embark on an exciting journey in my beloved motorhome, Dinky Doo, to the stunning South Stack in Anglesey. In this episode, I set out with my Z9 camera to capture the beauty of the rare and elusive Chough, a bird species known for its striking red beak and legs.
I start my journey by navigating the scenic routes of North Wales, stopping off on The Great Orme, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and picturesque coastal views.
Upon reaching South Stack, I delve into the beauty and significance of this iconic nature reserve, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and rich birdlife.
My primary mission is to photograph the Chough, a charismatic member of the crow family. I share my tips and techniques for spotting these birds, from understanding their unique calls to identifying their acrobatic flight patterns. With 'Patience' and 'Perseverance', I venture to the best viewpoints and nesting sites, capturing stunning images of the Chough against the backdrop of the rugged coastline and azure sea.
Throughout the video, I discuss the challenges and rewards of bird photography, emphasising the importance of respecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats. I also highlight the gear and settings I use to get the perfect shot, offering insights for both amateur and experienced photographers.
Stay tuned for part 2, where I'll continue my North Wales expedition, discovering the hidden gem of Cemlyn Bay and unforgettable wildlife encounters on the largest Tern colony in the UK.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join me on all my future adventures with Dinky Doo!
*Tags:*
North Wales, South Stack, Anglesey, Chough, Bird Photography, Motorhome Travel, Dinky Doo, Nature Reserve, Wildlife Photography, Travel Vlog, Adventure, Scenic Routes, Birdwatching
#NorthWales #SouthStack #Anglesey #Chough #BirdPhotography #MotorhomeTravel #DinkyDoo #WildlifePhotography #TravelVlog

[@markprice470]

Wonderful images as always - what a great trip out!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mark, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@RachaelMiddlehurst-gd5is]

Thanks for sharing your video Dan ,we have walked on the coastal path from Trearddur to Southstack and was lucky to see Orca just off the lighthouse🐬....love watching all the seabirds on the cliffs too.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Rachel, that would be my absolute dream to see Orca in the wild. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 😊

[@bri7530]

class again Dan ..images are spot on 👌

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Evening Dan, just watched th latest vlog, South Stack is a magical area, so much to see, loved the Stonechat. We visited early 80s missed out on the Chough for the first couple of years but picked them up further down the coast at Clangrannog. We saw Peregrines on eggs that first visit which was in March although none of us had cameras, subsequent visits were late April so we could pick up spring migrants. We visited many locations on Anglesey and others on mainland Wales , like Innis yir and Dinas Hill, we always stayed in a Tregaron B&B they were a wonderful ten consecutive years. Looking forward to you next camper van exploits, another lush video Dan, cheers Derek

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, I really enjoyed reading about your own experiences of the island and I will definitely be checking out some of the locations you referred to. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Dan, Yes the sound of the A66. :),,, Super images. Thanks for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

That beautiful sound 😂😂😂😂 Cheers John, appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@paulm.d3003]

The way you capture your subjects always amazes me, Dan. Your channel has now become my go-to channel when I am out and about. To be honest, I don't do as much photography as I should, but thanks to you, I am enjoying my photography again.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Paul, it’s reading comments like yours that genuinely make it all worthwhile. All the very best 👍🏻

[@richardgreenwood7918]

Great video again Dan. Last time I was at South Stack I spent hours scouring the cliffs for Choughs with zero results, then 2 turned up under the bird table next to the centre while I was having a brew!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard, I’ve had a fair few experiences like this. I guess that’s half the fun 😂 All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Ok Dan thanks for replying. 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Any time Ian 👍🏻

[@paulliversage4479]

Hi Dan..great video...there's a place just off the a55 that's really good for kingfisher..even I got some good shots...been to Conway a few times ..while not blown away by birds there it's a lovely reserve to walk round

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Paul, if you wouldn’t mind sharing the location of the kingfisher to my email ([e-mail]) I’d really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great video, Dan! I simply love lighthouses and I always have. I'm loving the new van, but I hope that it doesn't take away from your wonderful time with Pops. Thanks for continuing to allow me to tag along. Tell you gracious camera lady that I said hello...

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon, I can assure you that I still get plenty of time out with Pops and he will definitely be featuring in videos moving forward 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

@@danwillis_photography I'm not trying to change your plans for your channel. It was only my intention to warn you to continue to foster that wonderful relationship that you guys have. So many of us wish that we had that with our Dad. Cheers!!

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Another brilliant video beautiful south stack along with the the chuff Dan have seen a whimbrel slightly smaller than a curlew on your travels 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Did you see the Whimbrel on my video? All the best 👍🏻

[@doubles6508]

My favourite places in the UK. Spent many days there.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

[@doubles6508]

@@danwillis_photography went a few weeks ago when the razorbills, guillemots, and a few puffins were nesting. Have they all gone now?

[@danwillis_photography]

@@doubles6508 I filmed this a few weeks ago so would imagine most have gone back to sea by now 👍🏻

[@roaminginraymond]

Another lovely video and one of my favourite places in Wales. Great you got to see, film and photograph the choughs. Can I ask about the details of the aire you went to, as we normally just overnight on the lower car park towards the lighthouse.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The Aire was found on the Park4Night app, it’s at postcode LL68 9TS and is Adults only, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Five level hard standing pitches, peaceful semi rural location, great access for larger motorhomes. Close to Parys Mountain. Convenient stopover if using Holyhead Ferry Port. Fabulous sea and countryside views, amazing sunsets. Chemical toilet disposal point, grey waste disposal point, fresh water. It’s £10 a night or £5 for services. A nice little stopover 👍🏻

[@roaminginraymond]

@danwillis_photography thanks very much. Appreciate the info.

[@badgerlandcouk]

Glass-fronted sealed-up hides are a very efficient way to deter photographers. Don't know if it is part of a bigger plan to deter photographers or not, but it's still a bad idea. I'm happy to spend dosh in the cafe and the visitor centre if I'm made to feel welcome. Often the cafe can be a great place to grab a brew and a snack and meet up and compare the shots that I and others took. Glass fronted hides also means you can't hear what is going on outside either. If you are there and only getting photos of reflections and you can't even hear the bird life you've gone to see, it seriously diminishes the overall wildlife experience. Anyway, grumbling apart, you've got some cracking shots of birds in this video. Great to see the ones of the Choughs and the close-up ones of the small species too.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I completely agree with all your points about glass fronted hides and what a positive impact photographers have on the economics of reserves. We also often are the only ones to visit out of season and spend money in the shops/cafes. Thanks for your comment and all the best 👍🏻

[@andrewmilne3031]

Chuffed with this video😜. You certainly did your best with the harsh light and the wind. I'm getting pops withdrawal symptoms. Hope he features on a video soon. 😀

[@Seemples]

Nice vlog,Dan.I should get back to Anglesey, it's an amazing island. I was lucky to catch a family of Choughs when visiting my daughter on the Isle of Man last month.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I don’t visit Anglesey anywhere near enough. Quick question, what’s the Isle of Man like for wildlife? All the best 👍🏻

[@Seemples]

@@danwillis_photography I got a few firsts, though my main aim (apart from seeing my daughter) was the Choughs.I got, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Eider Duck, Meadow, Rock and Tree Pipit. Also, Seals, and if you're lucky, Wallabies which I saw from a distance, Dolphins and Whales,plus various seabirds. Keep up the good work, Dan,Pete.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@Seemples that sounds incredible, especially the Wallabies…..WOW

[@TrevorBevan-c2n]

Nice video Dan, great images even with the harsh light. Be careful with the camera logo on your motorhome! There are some criminals about. Apologies for the negative comment.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Trevor, you make a very good point about the logo and I’m definitely considering removing it from the van. All the best 👍🏻

[@David-rs5wh]

Hi Dan another amazing video, have you ever thought of making a calendar with your pictures or maybe a winter one with all different winter animals?📷

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks David, I have considered putting together a calendar. I know a few other photographers that do and they sell quite well. Watch this space! All the very best 👍🏻

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

Great video Dan. Thanks. As for the RSPB's glass fronted hides, I believe that the RSPB now has a firm anti-photographer policy. A recently retired RSPB manager told me that the higher ups were of the belief that photographers with professional looking kit were deterring families with children from using the hides and that it is the latter group that they want to encourage. And so their answer has been to make the hides photographer unfriendly. True or not, I don't know, but sadly it does seem that way.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment and information Alasdair. I have to say that I’m not surprised by this decision if it is accurate, families spend money and so financially are a more attractive clientele. It’s very short sighted however, as toggers are the bread and butter of reserves 🤦🏻‍♂️ All the best mate 👍🏻

[@richardchew1767]

Hi Dan Dinky Doo is obviously having a good outing 🙂 Lovely video of 2 sites that I know very well 🙂 I have been visiting Wales in May for many years and I have my “go to” sites but this year, following your video a while back, I visited Dingle LNR in Llangefni for the first time for the Red Squirrels. Amazing! Thank you for the recommendation 👍 RSPB Conwy …. I totally agree with your point regarding secured glass windows to hides. So frustrating for birders and photographers. Simple question …. what is the point? RSPB South Stack …. As you say, there is indeed a “spectacular vista” except for me this year it wasn’t due to the dense sea fog! I still managed to just about see a Chough in the gloom! I am looking forward to part 2 where I am guessing you visited Cemlyn Lagoon …. assuming of course that you weren’t blown away across the Irish Sea and are now in Dublin 😱 Richard P.S. Are you aware of the Black Grouse lekking site in north Wales where you can get exceptional photography opportunities (from a vehicle)? If not, I don’t want to put the specific location in the public domain but I can send you details if you give me your e-mail address.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard, I’m glad you enjoyed The Dingle recommendation it’s a fantastic place to see Reds isn’t it. You are absolutely spot on about the next video being Cemlyn Lagoon, a first for me and Wow what a place that is! I would be very interested in the Lekking site, my email is [e-mail] thanks in advance for this as it’s on my bucket list of things to see. All the very best 👍🏻

[@richardchew1767]

Hi Dan .... e-mail sent 🙂

[@Terrysolly]

Great video mate as always I just got to Brecon Beacons for a week hoping to find some good bird places

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Terry. Brecon Beacons sounds like a fantastic place for a break, hope you have a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Great stuff Dan. Can I just ask are the images you put up in the video straight out of the camera or had some post processing? Thanks Ian 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Ian. I shoot in raw and so all images require a degree of post editing. I use Adobe Lightroom for my editing 👍🏻

[@garygalt4146]

Dear Dan. Just like to give you a heads up if you don’t notify your insurance company that you have an advertising logo on your van Saying you are a photographer. Any crash or break in of the van. They will nullify your insurance. Because you haven’t told them and you are telling every robber Hey I have expensive equipment in here. I might have left some of my gear in the van today. Just a tip from a pro photographer of over 40 years. If the insurance company can avoid not paying out. They will find any clause and advertising your a photographer and not saying you have it on your van or car is a big one.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Gary, that’s very useful information and has led me to remove the sign off the van. I had considered the possibility of theft and was removing the sign when parked up but I hadn’t considered the insurance side of things, so thanks for that. All the very best 👍🏻

[@michaellegg4979]

Hi Dan , may I ask what lens you’re using please?

[@danwillis_photography]

Of course, it’s the Z400mm f2.8 with the built in TC 👍🏻

[@michaellegg4979]

@@danwillis_photography thanks for your reply, slowly getting into wildlife photography, all my lens are f mount , I’m thinking of a 500mm f4

[@danwillis_photography]

@@michaellegg4979 I had a 500mm f4 lens for about 5 years, it was an absolutely amazing piece of glass that despite being an older G lens produced razor sharp images. I would definitely recommend getting one 👍🏻

[@michaellegg4979]

@@danwillis_photography thanks for the info, keep up the videos!

[@stephenwilliams6682]

Hi Dan lovely video as usual. Be careful advertising the photography, criminals about, even if you don’t store kit in the van it’s still a beacon to some of them. Sorry for the negative thoughts but an ex Police officer I know what some people are like.

[@peterosborne9802]

Dan he's right, first thing I thought of as the video started. I'm from a security background. Sorry for the negative.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Stephen, I had not considered this and will definitely be removing it from the van. No apologies needed at all 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Peter, I agree with both you and Stephen and there’s certainly no need for any apologies. All the very best 👍🏻

[@KarlWellerPhoto]

Second that comment and took the words out my mouth - a lot of van thefts going on, if it’s yours Dan make sure you have a good alarm, security devices and a tracker 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

@@KarlWellerPhoto thanks Karl, we do have alarm and Tracker fitted to the van but appreciate your suggestions. It is a worry with how many vans are being stolen at the moment. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@alanwatkiss7993]

Great vlog Dan, I have been there a couple of times but looking at your images I need a bigger lens. Top draw mate.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Alan, I think a bigger lens would definitely be recommended as the Choughs were all at range. They might come closer during quieter times however 👍🏻