birding...

Dinas RSPB Reserve

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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)

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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

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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.].

Pendine

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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!].

WWT Llanelli (Penclacwydd)

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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].

Number of bird species: 295
County Bird - Red Kite Milvus milvus

Carmarthenshire Bird Club

Website

The Carmarthenshire Bird Club exists to promote the observation, study and recording of the wild birds and wild-bird populations of Carmarthenshire. The club also organises meetings for its members which include field trips and talks on wildlife topics...

The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales

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The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK. We are the fourth largest in area, covering from Cardiff and Caerphilly in the east to Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in the west, and include 3 of the West Wales islands amongst our 90 or so nature reserves - Nature Centre, Parc Slip, Fountain Road, Tondu, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF32 0EH...

Forestry Commission - Black Covert

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The Ystwyth Valley woodlands are a mixture of broadleaf and conifer mixes which gives good habitat for Red Kite...

Forestry Commission - Brechfa Forest

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Red Kite, Sparrowhawks, Peregrine, Goshawk, Buzzards, Merlins, Kestrels, Ravens, Curlews, WoodCock, Nightjar, Cuckoos, Barn owls, Little Owls, Woodpeckers (all 3), Goldcrest, Warblers, Crossbills...

RSPB Reserve - Dinas-Gwenffrwd

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A boardwalk takes you through oakwood and then the trail continues to the fast-flowing river...

WWT National Wetlands Centre Wales

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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!

Blaenfforest

Accommodation

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...

Llety Mieri Self-Catering Cottage

Cottage

Three single storey self-catering cottages in the Towy valley 2 miles from Llandeilo. The stone cottages, which are overlooked by Dinefwr Castle and Castle Woods, are next to a large orchard and wild flower meadow which is surrounded by ancient oaks and is home to a wide variety of birds...

Plasnewydd-Hideaway - Brecon Beacons National Park

Accommodation

Holiday 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!

Artist - David Cowdry

Gallery

Beautiful paintings - atmospheric and delightful...

Artist - David Miller

Gallery

Very fine bird paintings...