Cambrian Ornithological Society

Bird Finder

 

Here are a few hints on where to find some of the most characteristic species of the north-west Wales area. Obviously there are some sites that cannot be made public, such as the location of nesting Peregrines or Goshawk, but we hope that these notes will be of assistance.

 

Black Grouse

There is at present no reliable site in the C.O.S. area with public access. The best site nearby is the lek at World's End, near Llangollen, where birds can be viewed from the car. PLEASE DO NOT CAUSE DISTURBANCE BY LEAVING YOUR CAR.

 

Chough

Small numbers are found at many sites round the coast of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula, and also in the mountains of Snowdonia. Two sites are outstanding however, South Stack on Anglesey and Uwchmynydd at the western tip of the Llyn Peninsula. Uwchmynydd is reached from Aberdaron, following the minor road to the National Trust car park at the end.
Flocks of 20 or more Chough can normally be seen fairly easily at both these sites.

 

Crossbill

This is a rather unpredictable species, but a good site on Anglesey is Newborough Forest. Park at the signposted car park between Newborough village and Malltraeth. The birds can often be seen or heard in this area, or on the other side of the road around Llyn Parc Mawr, where there is also a car park.
On the mainland, try the track which starts by the church in Betws y Coed and leads to Llyn Elsi; birds are frequently seen in the area around the lake. Birds can also be seen around Llyn Bodgynydd - see the Nightjar section for directions.

 

Dipper

The species is found on most of the fast-flowing rivers and streams of Snowdonia - the Ogwen just east of Bangor holds good numbers for example. In winter the birds tend to concentrate at the mouths of the rivers. On Traeth Lafan look at the mouth of the Afon Ddu on the west side of the promenade at Llanfairfechan, and at the mouth of Afon Aber on the Morfa Aber reserve near Aber village. Two or three birds, sometimes more, are regular at both these sites in winter.

 

Dotterel

While this species seldom breeds in our area, it is regular on passage. The best time to look is in the last few days of April and the first ten days or so of May in the Carneddau range. 

At a lower level, they can also be found on the Great Orme and on The Range, near South Stack, Anglesey. Autumn passage is more spread out, but usually peaks in September.

 

Nightjar

The best site is around Llyn Bodgynydd in Gwydyr Forest. Take the minor road uphill from the Ugly House on the A5 between Betws y Coed and Capel Curig, then take the next left. After about a mile park by the roadside. Listen and watch from the road to avoid disturbance to the birds. There are usually at least two or three churring males in this area.

Another good site is the Gwaith Powdwr NWWT reserve  at Penrhyndeudraeth. From the centre of Penrhyndeudraeth tale the road signposted "Harlech (Toll)". Just before reaching the toll bridge turn left for the reserve.

 

Pied Flycatcher

Although there has been some decline in recent years this species remains quite common in the woods of Snowdonia. Try Coed Aber (SH666710) near Aber village or Coed Garth Gell (SH687191) alongside the Mawddach estuary. Another good site just outside our recording area is Coed Hafod, on the road between Betws y Coed and Llanrwst. All these sites have paths which should provide good views of this species and other woodland birds such as Redstart and Wood Warbler. The Pied Flycatchers are usually back from mid-April.

 

Peregrine Falcon

Hunting birds are regularly seen along the coasts in winter, but unfortunately most nest sites have to be kept confidential. However  a pair regularly breeds at South Stack and can be viewed on a web camera.

 

Red-breasted Merganser

Birds can be seen all on the coast at most times of year, and small numbers breed on many of the rivers, but the most spectacular site is the post-breeding concentration at Traeth Lafan where 300 or more birds may be present close inshore. Numbers begin to build up from early July, and peak in August and September. The largest numbers are at Morfa Aber near the river mouth, but Aber Ogwen also holds good numbers.

 

Ring Ouzel

Not as common as it used to be, but still present in reasonable numbers in Snowdonia. The pass above Nant Peris is a good area. Take any of the less used footpaths in the area between Nant Peris village and the Snowdon car park at Pen y Pass and check areas with rocky gullies. They are also found in Cwm Idwal although disturbance is a problem here. Further south, the path leading up from Cwm Bychan (reached from Harlech) into the Rhinogau range is good, as is the Cader Idris area.

 

Roseate Tern

This species no longer breeds in the area, and cannot be guaranteed. Cemlyn is the most likely site, with a few birds seen in May and June most years, but not staying for more than a day or two. Scan the terns on the islands in the lagoon, but beware the Common Tern with an all-black bill which has been around in the last few years.

 

Wood Warbler

The sites mentioned for Pied Flycatcher are good for this species too. Coed Garth Gell is a particularly good place to look for them.

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