The Albatross-like bird that can sniff out fish up to 15 miles away

Bird Notes columnist Julian Hughes of RSPB Cymru reveals what birds have been spotted in the past week and lists nine upcoming wildlife events

By

Andrew Forgrave Rural Affairs Editor

00:03, 22 JAN 2019

Calm weather accompanied a pleasant walk along the Anglesey coast near Moelfre at the weekend, perfect conditions to watch Red-throated Diver and Black Guillemot on the waveless sea.

Fulmars occupied the stratified cliffs, periodically flying into Lligwy Bay on stiff-wings.

Superficially like Gulls, they are more closely related to Albatrosses and have a great sense of smell, using “tubenoses” atop the bill to sniff out fish from up to 15 miles away.

The Fulmars here are occupying the premium nest sites, but they will travel out to sea regularly before egg-laying begins.

Read on