Gwynedd
Birding Gwynedd
Gwynedd is an area in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. As a local government area, it is the second biggest in terms of geographical area and also one of the most sparsely populated. Most of the population is Welsh-speaking. (The name Gwynedd is also used for a preserved county, covering the two local government areas of Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey. Culturally and historically, the name can also be used for most of North Wales the area covered by the Gwynedd Constabulary, corresponding to the approximate territory of the Kingdom of Gwynedd at its greatest extent.) Gwynedd borders the counties of Conwy, Anglesey over the Menai Strait, Powys, and Ceredigion over the River Dyfi. The current area is 980+ square miles, (slightly smaller than Luxembourg) with a population (2011) of over 120,000. The largest settlements are Bangor, Caernarfon, Bethesda and Ffestiniog. The largest settlement in the south is Tywyn. It encompasses the former counties of Caernarfon and Meirionnydd, which are still used as bird recording areas. Gwynedd includes the scenic Llŷn Peninsula, and most of Snowdonia National Park. Gwynedd Local Nature Reserves spread across 1700 hectares of land, which protects important habitats and species. Most of Gwynedd is mountainous, with a number of peaks over 1,000 metres high, and only a narrow strip of coastal plain in the north of the county. There is lower, but still hilly, ground on the Llyn peninsula to the west. The mountain areas have good numbers of Peregrine, with smaller numbers of Chough, while in May Dotterel on passage are regular on the Carneddau range. Bardsey Island at the tip of the Llyn peninsula has a bird observatory that welcomes visitors and is a site where almost anything could turn up. Buzzard and Raven are both present in large numbers and can be seen almost anywhere.
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Bardsey Island
WebsiteSatellite ViewBuzzard, Raven, and almost anything else can turn up. -
Lafan Sands
InformationSatellite ViewWildfowl & Waders - The area has a range of exposures and a diversity of conditions, enhanced by freshwater streams that flow across the flats. The site is of importance for wintering waterbirds, especially Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus. In conditions of severe winter weather, Traeth Lafan acts as a refuge area for Oystercatchers displaced from the nearby Dee Estuary.
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Jim Dustow (Meirionnydd)
Afallon, 7 Glan y Don, Rhiwbryfdir, Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3LW
01766 830976
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Rhion Pritchard (Caernarfon)
Pant Afonig, Hafod Lane, Bangor, Gwynedd. LL57 4BU
01248 671301
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Best Birdwatching Sites in North Wales
| By Alan Davies & Owen Roberts | Buckingham Press | 2015 | Paperback | 192 Pages | ISBN: 9780955033940 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Breeding Birds of North Wales / Adar Nythu Gogledd Cymru
| Edited by Anne Brenchley, Geoff Gibbs, Rhion Pritchard & Ian M Spence | Liverpool University Press | 2013 | Hardback | 448 Pages & 200 Colour Illustrations & Photos with maps | ISBN: 9781846318580 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Bardsey Bird Observatory
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewBardsey Bird & Field Observatory is one of only two accredited bird observatories in Wales and is one of a network of 20 around the coast of the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1953, the Observatory has been monitoring the island's birds and wildlife ever since. The Observatory is based in the old farmhouse at Cristin (built by Lord Newborough in 1874). There is accommodation for up to 12 guests from Saturday to Saturday. Everyone is welcome, birder or not! The whole observatory can be booked for group visits.
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Cambrian Ornithological Society - Cymdeithas Adarydda Cambria
Facebook PageThe COS is for all birdwatchers with an interest in the north-west Wales area; the new counties of Anglesey, Gwynedd and the western part of Conwy.
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Accessible Reserves
WebpageSatellite ViewEach of the following links lead to a BFA assessment of the reserve by BFA members and others, using the BFA form. ALL types of mobility problem are assumed so there are details of path surfaces, gradients and distances as well as benches and hide details. -
BBFO Bardsey Island Bird & Field Observatory
InformationSatellite ViewBardsey Bird & Field Observatory is one of only two accredited bird observatories in Wales and is one of a network of 20 around the coast of the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1953, the Observatory has been monitoring the island's birds and wildlife ever since. -
Gwynedd Local Nature Reserves
WebpageSatellite ViewAnnotated list of reserves - Gwynedd Nature Reserves spread across 1700 hectares of land, which protects important habitats and species. All these sites are managed in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, RSPB Cymru, a number of town or community councils and other community groups. -
NNR Morfa Harlech
WebpageSatellite ViewA coastal landscape with a vast dune system of international importance. The sand flats and salt marsh in the estuary are important feeding grounds for winter wildfowl while otters and water voles use the estuary’s waterways. -
NP Snowdonia
InformationSatellite ViewSnowdonia is a mountainous region in north west Wales and a national park covering 823 square miles. The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3560 feet. The park is governed by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is made up of local government and Welsh representatives. -
NRW Coed y Brenin (King's Forest)
InformationSatellite ViewBlack Grouse may be spotted on the forest fringes where the moor meets the trees.The males are easy to recognise with their distinctive black feathers and lyre shaped tail in flight. The females, however, are less easy to distinguish from Red Grouse which also inhabit the forest edges. Large and small raptors can be spotted all over the forest. Buzzards soar high above the valleys; Goshawks (known as the phantom of the forest) are more secretive and are extremely difficult to spot as they glide through tall mature trees and into thick undergrowth to catch their prey. Red Kites are also becoming more common as they distribute themselves north of their range. They are the easiest big raptor to spot with their large forked red tail. Peregrines are also present but not common. If you are really lucky you may spot a Merlin but you have to be quick… -
NWWT Spinnies - Aberogwen
WebpageSatellite ViewSpinnies Nature Reserve is very close to Bangor, and is situated on the edge of the Menai Strait at mouth of the River Ogwen. This nature reserve, along with Traeth Lafan which is connected to it, and Morfa Madryn and Morfa Aber, all three of which are managed by Gwynedd County Council, is one of the top locations in Wales to see wildfowl and waders. -
NWWT Traeth Glaslyn
WebpageSatellite ViewA good place to see estuarine birds throughout the year with a range of habitats from open water to woodland. A large estuarine site to the east of Porthmadog, part of the Glaslyn Marshes SSSI. It is especially interesting because it provides a good example of seral succession - the habitat changes from brackish open water, through mudflats, marshes and wet grassland to damp alder carr. Excellent views of estuarine birds can be had throughout the year, particularly good for winter wildfowl. -
RSPB Mawddach Valley - Coed Garth Gell
WebpageSatellite ViewNestled in the spectacular Mawddach Valley, Coed Garth Gell is a woodland and heathland nature reserve which is internationally important for the rare mosses, liverworts and lichens which grow amongst the ancient oaks. Pied flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers and lesser horseshoe bats all call this wonderful place home.
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North Wales Birding Forum
Twitter Feed
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Birds of Snowdonia
Tour OperatorImmerse yourself in the most beautiful scenery the British Isles has to offer. Welcome to Snowdonia, land of myths and legends, with the National Park covering over 800 square miles. Where else can you find beautiful valleys, snow capped mountains, stunning lakes and rivers, not to mention the unrivalled beaches?
Click on WAND to see Fatbirder’s Trip Report Repository…
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Minffordd Hotel - Talyllyn Tywyn
AccommodationVisit the many local bird sanctuaries and see the rare Red Kite… -
The Sandpiper Guesthouse - Barmouth
AccommodationThe Sandpiper is situated on the seafront at Barmouth with sea views and free parking. -
Wern Fawr Manor Farm
AccommodationExceptional self-catering cottages and B&B offered in the heart of the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales. We have buzzards, barn owls and numerous others.
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Shell Island
WebpageBased in North Wales and boasting stunning views of the unspoilt Welsh countryside, including Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia National Park, Shell Island is one of Europe’s largest Campsites. Although there are many birds to be seen in the Summer, the Winter brings in the wintering wild fowl. Ducks, Geese, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Lapwings, Oyster Catchers, Redshanks, Plovers, Snipes, Curlews, to name but a few, can all be found here.
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Rich & Giselle - Lighthouse Journal
BlogNot updated since 2013 - Rich is the Assistant Warden at Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory. He has lived on remote Welsh Islands for the past six years. He's spot on with all things avian; a brilliant birder, fantastic ringer and a patient photographer. He's my boyfriend and I share his way of life with him…. -
Zac Hinchcliffe - Zac Hinchcliffe's Birding Blog
BLOGI love birds and all wildlife. Here are some of my trips and my attempt at pretending to know what I'm talking about.