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Wales Dyfed
Dyfed comprises the three old counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire (Ceredigion). Carmarthenshire is a large county with a very varied environment. In the North East corner lies the region that was once Britain`s last bastion of the Red Kite, while in the South West you have, in winter, the UK`s largest flock of Scoters. Pembrokeshire is, in birding terms, mainly known for its coastal features, in particular islands such as Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm and Ramsay. Cardiganshire [or more correctly today, Ceredigion] is probably best known for Tregaron Bog in the South East, Wales` No. 1 Kite hotspot. In addition to those set out below, the following sites can all be worthwhile: Carmarthen Burry Port Harbour (waders, wildfowl, gulls, terns, etc.) Cefn Sidan Sands [Pembrey CP] (waders, Scoters, divers, etc.) St Ishmaels/Ferryside (waders, gulls, etc.) Laugharne (waders, wildfowl, etc.). Black Mountain [Mynydd Ddu] (raptors, Dotterel on passage, etc.) Llyn Y Fan Fach (winter wildfowl, passage migrants, etc.) Talley Lakes (wildfowl, grebes, etc.) Brechfa Forest (Nightjars, Kites, Crossbills, Redpolls, etc.) Pembroke Amroth [between Pendine and Saundersfoot] (Scoters galore). Caldey Island [from Tenby] (a few breeding auks & gulls, Choughs, etc.) Milford Haven [waterway] (waders , wildfowl, gulls, terns, etc.) St Annes Head (seawatching; a few breeding auks & gulls, etc.) Newgale/Solva (seawatching; Choughs, etc.) All the coast from St Davids to Strumble Head [Pembrokeshire Coast National Park]: (seawatching; breeding auks, gulls, choughs, etc.) Gwaun Valley [Nr Fishguard] (Western Woodland birds - Pied fly`s, etc.) Newport /Nevern Estuary (waders, wildfowl, gulls, etc.) Llys Y Fran Reservoir (wildfowl, gulls, migrant waders, etc.). Ceredigion New Quay (a few breeding auks & gulls; seawatching; dolphins/porpoises). Aberaeron (seawatching [dolphins/porpoises], etc.) Devil`s Bridge [Nr Aberystwyth] (raptors - inc Kites - etc.) Clarach [Nr Aberystwyth] (seawatching, etc.) Ynyslas [nr Borth] (W-f Geese, waders; seawatching, etc.). [and probably many more places I have temporarily forgotten!]. |
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Dinas RSPB Reserve
(SN781467)The reserve is located 4 miles North of Rhandirmwyn [which is 8 miles N W of Llandovery, on a B road] in the N E corner of Carmarthenshire [in the area that was once the last refuge of Milvus Milvus]. Breeding birds include P and Sp Flycatchers, Wood Warblers, C Redstarts, Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat [etc.], Tree Pipits, Grey Wagtails, Dippers, C Sandpipers and Red Kite. Two miles up the road, the dramatic Llyn Brianne Dam is well worth a visit [Kites and Goshawks] but is, unfortunately, somewhat acidified [though they do keep threatening to do something about it... Five miles South of Dinas [on the Pumpsaint road] is another RSPB reserve, Gwenffrwd [SN748458], which has the same mix of birds as Dinas, but to which visits must be notified in advance [telephone - email] and non-RSPB members aren`t really welcome.Dryslwyn (Castle)
(SN 50200)The banks of the River Tywi, six miles S W of Llandeilo, just off the B4300. Sadly, the wintering W-F Geese [including the occasional Lesser] seem to have disappeared in the last five years - Breeding Mute Swans, Little Ringed Plover, Sand Martins, Goosanders, Little Grebes, Kingfishers, etc. Winter: Large flocks of Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Mute swans, Goosanders, Lapwings, Curlews; a smattering of Whoopers and - usually - 1 or 2 Bewicks and [in the car park] Tree Sparrows. Nearby Gelli Aur Country Park [SN590190] has all the usual western woodland visitors, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, etc.; Marsh and Willow Tits breed, plus Tree Pipits; Red Kite are usually present and Goshawks breed in the conifers.Kidwelly Quay
(SN390073)Ten miles west of Llanelli, on the A484. A pleasant spot with free parking. A good site for waders and wildfowl [summer excepted], with semi-rarities occasionally turning up at the sewage farm [Firecrest etc.].Martin`s Haven
(SM790090)Martin`s Haven is eight miles West of Milford Haven, along B roads via Sandy Haven, this is the jumping off point [boarding point] for Skokholm, Skomer and Grasholm. All three of these famous bird islands are part of the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve. Boats run daily to Skomer [Mondays excepted], from April to October, until midday [obviously, the earlier the better], weather - of course - permitting. Day trips to Skokholm are only available on Mondays but it is possible to book a week`s stay. Grasholm [about ten miles straight out to sea] is quite difficult to land on [Charter boats can be organised from Milford Haven - but they ain`t cheap!] but the same firm, Dale Sailing Co. [Tel 01646 601636; email: enquiries@dale-sailing.co.uk] run viewing trips on Monday and Friday mornings and Thursday evenings.Pendine
(SN280080)Pendine is ten miles SW of St Clears, on the A4066 [via Dylan`s Laugharne]. One of the best spots for observing [late October to mid March] the 15,000+ Common Scoters in Carmarthen Bay. A fair smattering of Velvet`s is ever present; also small flocks of Red-throated Divers, with Great Northern and Black-throated Divers`s regularly occurring [The Sands were once famous for the breaking of world land speed records!].RSPB Ramsay Island
(SM700240)The RSPB reserve at Ramsay Island is 3 miles West of St. Davids, reached by boat from St Justinian lifeboat slip. They operate a policy of limiting the numbers visiting [max 40 per day?] but it is usually possible to get across [it may be booked in advance, in St Davids]. Breeding birds include Manx Sheerwater [but see below], Guillemots, Razorbills, a few Puffins, various gulls, a few birds of prey, waders [declining sharply], finches, etc. But, as all of the above can be seen in greater numbers at other sites in the area, one of the major reasons for visiting Ramsay is the 7 or 8 breeding pairs of choughs. It also has the UK`s largest colony of breeding Atlantic Grey Seals. And, of course, every year sees 1 or 2 [or 3 or 4?] twitchable rarities turn up.Skokholm, Skomer & Grasholm
Skokholm was Britain`s first bird reserve. Breeding birds include 35,000 Manx Sheerwaters, large numbers of Storm Petrels [and if you don`t stay overnight, you`re unlikely to get good views of the former - and definitely won`t see the latter], many thousands of Auks [inc Puffins], Gulls, Kittewakes, Fulmars, etc., birds of prey, the occasional Chough and so on. Skomer`s Manx`s, at 150,000, are the biggest colony in Europe. As well as most of the above, it also has breeding SE Owls. Both islands also have a regular run of uncommon short-stay migrants and, a regular trickle of genuine rarities. Grasholm simply has the world`s second biggest colony of Northern Gannets [after St Kilda]. A few gulls, cormorants, etc., also breeding [tip: One way of visiting it is to take a pelagic on the Pembroke to Rosslare Ferry - it passes very close to Grasholm!].Stack Rocks (Elegug Stacks)
(SR930945)South of Pembroke Town, on the B4319/4320. A DANGER AREA, where the road through Castlemartin Tank Firing Range may be closed [but less often nowadays than formally]. A place for a Spring/early Summer visit. Fairly easy viewing from the cliff`s edge, of breeding Guillemots, Razorbills, Cormorants [a few shag - no puffins], Kittewakes, Fulmar, various gulls, etc. Choughs also breed and are always visible all along this stretch of coast, especially eastwards towards and beyond St Govan`s Head. Nearby Bosherton Ponds may also reward a visit, summer or winter.Strumble Head
(SM905400)Strumble Head is three miles N W of Fishguard, via Goodwick. Probably Wales` best Seawatch site: Optimum conditions - strong westerlies. Vast numbers of Manx`s, Storm Petrels, Gannets, etc. All four Skuas seen annually; Great, Cory`s, Sooty and Med. Sheerwaters regular; also, Leach`s Petrel [and, of course, one of Britain`s only 2 or 3 land-observed Wilson`s Petrels was sighted at Strumble].Tregaron Bog (Cors Caron)
(SN685635)Centred on the small [but interesting] town of Tregaron. In Winter, it is not unusual to be able to see the best part of 100 Red Kite [for the Feeding Station, enquire in the town: October to March]. Breeding birds include Canada and Greylag Geese, all the commoner ducks, Hen and Marsh Harriers [most years], many warblers, finches, both pipits and of course, a number of pairs of Kite. Wigeon, etc., over-winter, with the occasional group northern swans.WWT Llanelli (Penclacwydd)
(SS530990)The WWT Llanelli (Penclacwydd)Reserve is on the A484, 2 1/2 miles West of Loughor Bridge, on the eastern edge of Llanelli. You have, of course, to pay to get in [unless you are a member]. Wales` largest flock of Little Egrets [50 - Aug 2000]. All the usual waders, including a resident non-breeding flock of Black-tailed Godwit; large winter flocks of Pintail, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, etc.; Brent [Db], the only reliable migrant geese and very few migrant swans; all the common warblers breed; SE and LE owls in winter; L Grebe, C Redshank, Lapwing, Greylag, C Sandpiper, Shelduck, etc., breed [L-r Plover?]. Rarities regular though sporadic [2000: Grt White Egret, American Wigeon, B-w Teal, etc.]. Peregrines everpresent; Hen Harriers and Merlin regular. The new, 5 square-mile Millenium Wetland [opened mid 1999] would appear to have considerable potential [tip: ask for Nigel Williams].Ynyshir RSPB Reserve
(SN670945)Just off the A487, North of Aberystwyth, six miles South of Machynlleth. An unusual RSPB reserve in that it combines a western woodland, with all the associated birds [see Dinas, above] with a wetland: Breeding R-b Mergansers, Goosanders, Shelduck, Canada and Greylag Geese [feral], a few [declining] waders, etc.. Winter: Greenland White-fronted Geese, a few Whoopers; ducks and waders galore. Uncommon migrants regular; rarities from time to time; Kites increasing. Nearby Borth Bog [SN 620 910] is also well worth a visit, especially in winter.contributor |
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Eric Wydenbach
ericwyd@hotmail.com
county recorder |
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John Green (Pembrokeshire)
Crud Yr Awel, Bowls Road, Blaenporth, Ceredigion SA43 2AR
01239 811561
jonrg@tiscali.co.uk
Tony Forster (Carmathenshire)
Ffosddu, Salem, Llandeilo, Carmathenshire SA19 7NS
01558 824337
tony-forster@supanet.com
Hywel Roderick (Ceredigion/Cardigan)
32 Prospect Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1JJ
01970 617681
hywel@adar.freeserve.co.uk
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[Carmarthenshire] County Bird - Red Kite Milvus milvus
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Dyfed WT
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=localtrustsites&trust_id=000096The second oldest Trust in the U.K. established in 1938. The largest voluntary conservation organisation caring for wildlife and habitats in the Counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire and the surrounding sea...
Pembrokeshire Bird Group
http://www.pembrokeshirebirdgroup.blogspot.comWe have recently set up a website in the form of a blog for the Pembrokeshire Bird Group. It has info about the group, birding sites in Pembrokeshire and links to bird sightings in Pembrokeshire, etc...
reserves |
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Forestry Commission - Black Covert
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesCeredigionNoForestBlackCovertThe Ystwyth Valley woodlands are a mixture of broadleaf and conifer mixes which gives good habitat for Red Kite...
Forestry Commission - Brechfa Forest
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesCarmarthenshireBrechfaForestRed Kite, Sparrowhawks, Peregrine, Goshawk, Buzzards, Merlins, Kestrels, Ravens, Curlews, WoodCock, Nightjar, Cuckoos, Barn owls, Little Owls, Woodpeckers (all 3), Goldcrest, Warblers, Crossbills...
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/Although many of us associate Pembrokeshire with the puffin, for birdwatchers it is more significant because of its population of rare birds, such as the chough. This page gives you the main facts about this Pembrokeshire speciality and suggests where you can find more information.
RSPB Reserve - Dinas and Gwenffrwd
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/d/dinas/index.aspA boardwalk takes you through oakwood and then the trail continues to the fast-flowing river...
RSPB Reserve - Ramsey Island
http://stdavids.co.uk/nonprofit/ramsey/index.htmThe characteristic island birds all nest here- auks, kittiwakes, shearwaters, peregrines, choughs, ravens, lapwings, wheatears and many more. Large numbers of birds, including many unusual species, rest briefly on the island during the spring and autumn migrations.
RSPB Reserve - Ramsey Island
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/ramseyisland/index.aspChoughs and wheatears breed on the island. In the autumn, a colony of breeding grey seals can also be seen...
RSPB Reserve - Ynys-hir
http://www.westwales.co.uk/rspb.htmParts of the oakwood date from the 17th Century. About 100 pairs of pied flycatchers nest in special boxes in the woodland...
RSPB Reserve - Ynys-hir
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/y/ynys-hir/index.aspOur recent land acquisition is being managed to increase numbers of breeding lapwings, wintering wildfowl and wading birds. The estuary is at its best for birds in the autumn and winter, when large numbers of ducks and geese feed on the saltmarshes...
Skokholm Island
http://members.aol.com/skokholm/holm.htmSkokholm is a small island nature reserve off the south west coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Along with the neighbouring islands of Skomer and Grassholm, it forms one of the most important seabird breeding sites in Europe. The flat top of the island is home to 35,000 pairs of Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, large gull colonies, Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks, while the 150 ft cliffs hold Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Peregrines and Ravens. Britain`s most charismatic crow, the Chough, is usually present and occasionally breeds. Grey seals inhabit the rocky coasts, and porpoises and dolphins are regularly seen passing the island. At migration times almost anything can turn up.
Skomer Island
http://www.rosemoor.com/IPFiles/Nationalpark/skomer.htmlThe 730-or-so acres (292 hectares) of Skomer offer extremely important breeding grounds for a great variety of seabirds. This fact is recognised in Skomer having been made a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area under European Law...
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Reserve - National Wetlands Centre Wales
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli/For a day out with a difference visit award winning WWT Llanelli. With thousands of the world`s most spectacular ducks, swans and geese, acres of ponds, lakes and reedbeds, its your chance to take a walk on the wild side!
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Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!
tour operators |
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Birding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Graig Fach Workshops
http://www.infopet.co.uk/pages/9700.htmlGraig Fach, Llangennech, Llanelli, Dyfed, SA14 8PX.Tel: (01554) 759944 - We offer half-day or day workshops, and activity weekends, as well as birdwatching holidays. Families and individuals can come for tuition, or to use Craig Fach for its bird watching attractions, or just spend their time reading, walking in the woods and sitting by the river...
Mid Wales Birding
http://midwalesbirdwatching.co.ukDetails of all aspects of Mid Wales Birdwatching Holidays are contained on the various pages of our web site. We hope you enjoy exploring the site. Do give us a call if you need more information, or if you would like to receive a brochure, or if you would like to make a booking... Guest stay at Mount Hazel - where I have stayed many times and can heartily recommend it! Fatbirder
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'Windswept', Broad Haven, Near Haverfordwes
http://www.pembrokeshireholidaylet.co.uk/For a quality holiday within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park you need look no further. This well-presented, comfortable holiday home offers all the discerning holiday-maker would want in a location which would be hard to beat...
Blaenfforest - Carmarthenshire
http://www.blaenfforest.co.uk/A cottage holiday to remember is assured at our holiday cottage near Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire in south west Wales. The holiday cottage at Blaenfforest stands in a private and secluded situation, in a perfect holiday location convenient for Ceredigion and Cardigan Bay, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The original Welsh stone cottage is surrounded by ten acres of idyllic countryside, rich with wildlife. There are shops, pubs and restaurants within 2 miles...
Broadhaven Self-catering - Pembrokeshire
http://www.broadhaven-pembrokeshire.co.uk/Puffin Way, Broad Haven, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 3HP Luxury Self Catering Holiday Accommodation in West Wales
Cnwc-y-felin [Holiday Let] Rosebush - Pembrokeshire
http://www.stayinwales.co.uk/cnwcyfelinCnwc-y-felin, Rosebush, Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7QY. Tel: 01437 532425 mailto:cnwcyfelin@wales2000.net This traditional cottage has been carefully renovated to retain its character and charm set in six acres of well managed wild life garden, with views over the surrounding Preseli Mountains and nearby Rosebush reservoir. Excellant base for birdwatching, with Pembrokeshire varied habitat all around you.
Keens Cottage at Timber Hill - Pembrokeshire
http://www.keenscottage.co.uk/Number 9 Timber Hill is one of a small development of detached cedar-wood cottages on the southern slopes of a peaceful valley, offering spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Situated within 130 acres of the national park, the grounds have achieved the David Bellamy Environmental Gold award...
Marine Hotel & Restaurant - Aberystwyth
http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk/hotels/marinehotel.htmlA spacious comfortable hotel, situated on the promenade of Aberystwyth. The hotel offers a magnificent view of Cardigan Bay, with a high percentage of it`s bedrooms overlooking the bay. Our bedrooms are bath or shower en-suite, equipped with colour T.V., Tea & Coffee making facilities, Direct Telephone, Baby listening service, Automatic Wake Up Service and Hairdryers. The hotel offers Four Poster bedrooms and also Bridal Suites. Local attractions include golfing, fishing, sailing, pony trekking, bird watching, large indoor leisure centre, silver-lead mines and the Aberystwyth Arts Centre.
Mount Hazel - Pontrhydygroes
http://cgi.www.4tourism.com/uk/hotels/mounthazel.htmlMount Hazel offers, superb cuisine, comfortable accommodation, log fires and a most warm welcome and is a must for birdwatchers... Fatbirder Recommended
Plasnewydd-Hideaway - Brecon Beacons National Park
http://www.selfcatering-directory.co.uk/uploads/estate/selfcatering/self-catering-976.htmHoliday in Wales in this former Welsh farmhouse - a private country retreat with pool and sauna, set in its own 35 acres of stunning Welsh countryside on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales. The local Welsh countryside and the cottage grounds are a haven for wildlife and a birdwatcher`s paradise. Plasnewydd is ideal as a base for walking, cycling or exploring this beautiful part of Wales by car. Or indeed, come here just to pamper yourself - relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility and see how Plasnewydd lives up to its name of Hideaway!
St Brides Bay Cottages - Pembrokeshire
http://www.stbridesbaycottages.com/All the cottages are situated within easy reach of the spectacular sweep of St. Bride`s Bay, with its beautiful sandy beaches, magnificent coast path and nearby island bird sanctuaries.
Timber Hill Holiday Cottage - Broad Haven - Pembrokeshire
http://www.timberhill.co.ukYou`ll find Timber Hill in a beautiful setting near to the popular resort of Broad Haven on West Wales` Atlantic coast. The detached cedar wood lodges are attractively placed on the southern facing slopes adjoining the farmhouse, with views over the peaceful hills and valley. Set within 130 acres of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Timber Hill has been designed by the family who own and run it to cater for those who wish to enjoy the tranquil surroundings in this, one of the most beautiful counties in Wales. It is an ideal centre for exploring the whole of Pembrokeshire.
other links |
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BLOG - Pembrokeshire Birds
http://www.pembsbirds.blogspot.com...the only site on the web specifically for recording bird sightings in Pembrokeshire... run by Richard Crossen
DaViv`s Website
http://www.daviv.com/diary_2002_3.htmBird Box Diary 2002...
Dyfed Powys Police Wildlife Unit
http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/community_safety/community_safety_wildlife_crime_prevention.aspDyfed Powys Police is committed to protecting the environment and wildlife within its area. In order to achieve our aim we work closely with other agencies who have an interest in the protection of the environment and we are a member of PAW Cymru (Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime).
artists |
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Artist - David Cowdry
http://www.wildlife-art-prints.co.uk/davidcowdry.htmBeautiful paintings - atmospheric and delightful...
Artist - David Miller
http://www.davidmillerart.co.uk/bird_art_paintings.htmVery fine bird paintings...
Photographer - James Tout – Wildlife Window
http://www.wildlifewindow.co.ukPhotos of birds and wildlife from the United Kingdom
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