 |
 |
|
World BirdingBritish BirdingMiscellany & FunBirdnewsTravelLibraryBird FamiliesOrnithologySight & SoundsEquipment/Supplies |
|
 |
birding...
Wales Glamorgan
This is both the most southerly and the most heavily populated of the Welsh Counties, representing the old industrial heartland of the country. Nevertheless, it contains a number of excellent birding locations, which are often close to the main population centres. The county extends from the capital city of Cardiff (Caerdydd) in the east to its second city, Swansea (Abertawe) and Gower (Gwyr); in the west. Topographically, it is quite uniform from east to west, but varies greatly from north to south. The coastline is primarily low lying, with a few areas of low cliffs immediately south of Cardiff (Caerdydd) in the Barry (Y Barri)and Penarth areas. Immediately behind, south of the M4 motorway and stretching between Cardiff and Bridgend (Penybont ar Ogwr) is Bro Morgannwg (Vale of Glamorgan) - a lush low-lying area of primarily farmland with scattered small towns and villages. North of the M4 the land quickly rises through a series of steeply side valleys - this is the South Wales Coalfield, a very densely populated area with strings of small industrial villages clinging to the valley sides. At the ends of these valleys, at the northern extremes of the county of Glamorgan are the start of the foothills of the sandstone Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog); and the wooded scrubby terrain has by now given way to moor land. The Gower Peninsula (Penrhyn Gwyr) extends to the west of Swansea, and is a wonderful spot, although often overrun by tourists in the summer. The northern shore is the estuary of the River Loughor (Llwchwr); and consists of very extensive mudflats and salt marsh, ending in the sand dunes of the Whiteford Burrows in the west. The southern coast consists primarily of high limestone cliffs between Mumbles and Rhossili. |
|||
top sites |
||
Blackpill
(SS620900)Leave Swansea southwards on the A4067 towards Mumbles. You will soon reach a pitch and putt golf course on the left-hand side of the road, and at the end of it you will see a pub on the right hand side. If you park considerately in the pub`s car park you may be OK but I have heard that they now threaten to clamp and charge £20 any vehicle that is not a pub customers. Cross back over the main road and walk past the paddling pool to the cycle track along the shore. This cycle track extends all the way from Swansea to Mumbles, and gives great access to the whole shoreline. This area of beach and mudflats at Blackpill is famous as the place where the UK`s first Ring-billed Gull was found, and in fact this species continued to be seen here for a good few years before it was located elsewhere. This is a gull-watchers dream in winter, with a large gull roost including all the regular species - Common, Black-headed, Herring, Lesser and Greater Black-backs. Given this, and the regular attention the site receives, rarer gulls are discovered regularly, and as well as Ring-billed Gulls other frequent visitors include Little, Glaucous, Iceland and Mediterranean Gulls. But there`s much more than gulls - it is also an excellent spot for waders, especially in winter where excellent views can be had at high tide of a number of species including Oystercatchers, Grey and Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, Sanderling, Redshank, Curlew, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Knot and Greenshank. Make sure you get the tide tables right though - here`s an awful lot of mud to scrutinise at low tide!Cardiff Bay
(ST180730)The Taf mudflats have now been permanently flooded by the Cardiff Bay barrage which has reduced its attractiveness to waders, however it has attracted Long-tailed Duck, Slav Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, American Wigeon, Red-throated Diver, Common Tern, Little Gull and Glaucous Gull since it has been flooded. The Rhymni Estuary is still good for waders. There is also a small marsh nature reserve on the east side in front of St Davids hotel, which is beginning to attract fresh water species, such as Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Teal, and also flocks of Linnet & Chaffinch, and Reed Bunting, and there were up to 6 Brambling there in the winter of 2002.Cosmeston Lake
(ST180190)An early morning visit is recommended here, so as to avoid the hoards of dog walkers, which come here. Walk swiftly away from the tame flock of Mute Swans and the motley collection of ducks on the first pond in front of the visiting centre, by following the boardwalk to the left. This crosses a small area of reeds, which has breeding Reed Buntings, Reed and Sedge Warblers. In this area it splits, but it doesn`t really matter which branch you take, as both come out onto the same bridleway, in front of the second pool. This area of bushes is worth a few minutes, for birds like Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Bullfinch. This second pool is much better for birds than the first, being reed-lined in places and less prone to disturbance. Turn right along the bridleway until you come to a bridge over a small channel which connects the two ponds - this gives a good view over both ponds, and especially over the largest expanse of reeds at the far side of the second pool. Last winter this area of reeds held a couple of Bitterns and a Pied-billed Grebe. At the top end of the second pool, a path leads off left, and circles the whole pool, rejoining the bridleway at the mock medieval village near the visitor centre. This walk is a lot quieter than most of the rest.Craig-y-llyn
(SN9003)This site is best accessed from the A465 between Merthyr Tydfil and Hirwaun. On reaching Hirwaun, take the A4061 south towards Treherbert and Treorci. This road climbs up into an area of high moor land and crags, overlooking a small corrie lake - Craig-y-llyn is Welsh for Lake Rock. This is probably the best area in Glamorgan for the high moor land birds more usually associated with the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) in adjacent Breconshire (Sir Frycheiniog). Peregrines are regular breeders in the area, and indeed are now found breeding throughout the Rhondda valleys, after having been exterminated in the past. Ravens are regular overheads, while other typical birds include Ring Ouzel, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Linnet and Whinchat. These birds can indeed be seen all over the Brecon Beacons - another excellent spot is Craig Cerrig Gleisiad, over the border in Breconshire. Return to the A465, cross it, and continue northwards on the A4065 towards Brecon (Aberhonddu); crossing excellent moor land en route. On reaching the A470, turn left, climbing all the time, and enjoying the stunning scenery. After a while you will see a large car park on the right and smaller one on the left, with the Storey Arms mountain activities centre on the right hand side. Continue along the road for another mile or two, until you see a pull-off on the left-hand side, where the road crosses a small stream. Park here, and walk up the footpath to the left, following the stream uphill to the natural amphitheatre formed by the sandstone cliffs above. All the above-mentioned birds can be seen here in summer. If anyone knows of a more magical place to spend a warm summer`s day, I`d like to know about it!Cwm Clydach RSPB Reserve
(SS580070)This is a really superb example of the type of broad-leaved woodland previously found throughout Wales, but now restricted to a relatively few fragments. From the car park, the patch follows the Clydach River, which is excellent for Dipper, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. After a while, the track crosses the river and enters a fabulous area of woodland, which contains all the species you`d expect from a Welsh broad-leaved woodland. Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers nest in good numbers, while other common birds include Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, Blackcap, Garden Warblers, Sparrowhawk, Jay, Bullfinch and Greenfinch. Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers breed in good numbers, and there are even a few Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, although there are a lot of trees to search! Winter can be a good time for locating tit flocks - Blue, Great, Coal, Marsh, Willow and Long-tailed - together with Nuthatches, Treecreepers and Goldcrests, all of which breed on the reserve. Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrushes breed, being joined by Redwing and Fieldfares in winter - these are easier to see in the fields surrounding the reserve, which can be accessed by continuing up the minor road past the entrance to the car park. These scrubby areas on the fringes of the main woodland are also good for birds like Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Whinchat and Tree Pipits. Further along the road, you will enter an area of high moorland, where Meadow Pipits replace the Tree Pipits, and Linnets and Wheatears are common. I`ve also recorded Curlew and Lapwing breeding in these areas.Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir
(SS790840)This site doesn`t look particularly exciting, with the huge Corus Steelworks forming the backdrop, concrete sides, and with considerable disturbance from boats. Nevertheless, it has a reputation for coming up with the goods, and is definitely worth a visit if you`re passing by, especially in winter. Many birders combine a visit here with a trip to nearby Kenfig Pool. There are always a few birds present here - usually Little Grebes, Pochard and Tufted Ducks. In winter, however, pretty much anything can turn up, with birds like Goosander, Smew, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup and Great Northern Divers being reasonably regular. A Franklin`s Gull was found here recently, and spent it`s time commuting between here and Kenfig.Gower North Shore
(SS450970)The whole southern shore of the Burry Inlet is an extremely important wintering area for shorebirds, geese and duck. However, it is one of those frustrating areas where there are huge expanses of salt marsh and exposed mud, but very little easy access. Some views can be had along the coast road west of the famous cockle-fishing village of Penclawdd (which still supplies cockles to Swansea market - excellent after a day`s birding!). The best access point is probably in the extreme west at Whiteford Burrows (SS4597); owned by the National Trust. Park by the church in the small village of Cwm Ivy (SS4394). From here, a track leads northwards for over 2 miles through the wooded sand dunes of the Burrows, before emerging at the estuary at Berges Island, where there is a hide. The area is best in winter, with regular birds including the following - Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Lapwing, Golden, Grey and Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Knot, Sanderling, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Curlew and Oystercatchers, Shelduck, Eider, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Common and Velvet Scoter, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Brent Geese, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebes. Passerines are relatively few and far between, although there are plenty of Meadow Pipits around, winter thrushes occur at the right time of year, and a good selection of woodland birds nearer Cwm Ivy. Raptors occur, and in winter include all the species you might expect - Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin, Kestrel, Buzzard and Short-eared Owl.Kenfig Pool
(SS690820)This site has gained a big reputation in recent years as a rarity hot spot, largely due to the untiring work of its former warden, Steve Moon, and the regular band of keen local birders. Dave Carrington has now replaced Steve as warden. Kenfig hit the headlines in 1982 when a Little Whimbrel, a UK first, was found at nearby Sker Farm, but this is just one in a long list of rarities, including Pied-billed Grebe, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Purple Heron, Bonaparte`s and Franklin`s Gulls, Alpine Swift, Aquatic Warbler and Woodchat Shrike, to name just a few. The lake itself is a good spot for wildfowl, with Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck resident, and being joined in winter by Pochard, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Gadwall and Goosander, and occasional scarcer species such as Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck, grebes and divers. Both Bewick`s and Whooper Swan are seen in winter, which was also historically a great time to see Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls hunting over the reed beds and dunes at the far end of the lake.Kenfig Pool Cont...
These have been very scarce in recent years but still occur on occasions. The scrub and bushes between the reserve HQ and the pool is good for migrants including Grasshopper Warblers, with resident species including common Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers, Linnets and Stonechats. There is a hide at the pool, from which can be seen Kingfishers, and Reed, Sedge and Cetti`s Warblers. A footpath leads around the pool, but sections of it are often under a few feet of water, especially in winter. Follow the path around the right hand side of the pool as far as you can - this is particularly good in winter, for birds such as Water Rail, Common and Jack Snipe. If you fancy a longer walk, head southwest from the reserve HQ through the dunes past Sker House, reaching the sea at Sker Point. This can be a bit of a slog in winter, with relatively few birds (Wheatears like this area on passage); although Tree Sparrows might be seen around Sker House feeding on grain.Lavernock Point
(ST190680)This is undoubtedly the best sea watching spot in Glamorgan, outside the Gower. Although it can`t really compete with spots on the south and east coasts of England, or even some of the Pembrokeshire headlands, it regularly produces small numbers of seabirds, including Gannet, Manx Shearwaters and skuas. It is also an excellent spot for migrants, in both spring and autumn, with good scrubby cover along the cliff top. Rarities are often recorded among the usual summer visitors, and have included Bonelli`s Warbler, Richard`s Pipit and Firecrest.Ogmore Estuary (Aberogwr)
(SS770760)This site came to prominence in 1990 when a Semi-palmated Sandpiper was found here. Sadly, both for the bird and for birders, the bird was eventually taken by a wintering Peregrine. This is a nice little spot for wintering waders, including Little Stint, Dunlin, Redshank and Ringed Plovers. Rock Pipits are commonly seen here, along with Meadow Pipits, and Water Rail have been seen.Oxwich
(SS500850)Drive west from Swansea along the A4118 which runs along the southern part of the Gower. At Penrice Castle, a minor road drops steeply down and crosses Oxwich Marsh before reaching the village itself. This is a great spot (an NNR); on the south coast of Gower. The main attraction is the large freshwater marsh, on both sides of the minor road leading down from the village of Penrice. A footpath runs out into the eastern part of the marsh, and eventually loops back to the road through Penrice Woods which form the northern border to the marsh There is a heronry in these woods, and Grey Herons are often seen flying backwards and forwards over the marsh. The extensive reed beds hold good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers, and smaller numbers of Grasshopper and Cetti`s Warblers, with Bearded Tit and Water Rail being regularly recorded. Little Grebes and various ducks (Pochard and Teal) are common on the various open areas along the road. Bitterns have been recorded in winter, while Marsh Harriers are regular, and rarities have included Purple Heron. The beach at Oxwich itself has small numbers of waders in winter including Sanderling.Penclacwydd
Outside Glamorgan, but in the same general area is the new Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust reserve at Penclacwydd, in adjacent Carmarthenshire (Sir Gaerfyrddin). This reached by taking the A484 from Swansea towards Llanelli. Shortly after crossing the Loughor, look out for signs for the reserve, reached along minor roads to the left. This reserve has been constructed on old industrial land owned by British Steel along the north shore of the estuary, and holds many of the same birds as are found at Whiteford Point, but in much more accessible surroundings. Several rarities have been found here, including Lesser Yellowlegs and Blue-winged Teal, and Kingfisher are seen regularly in winter.Port Eynon Point
(SS470840)This is the most southerly point in Gower, and a good sea watching location, offering a little shelter among the rocks. Drive along the A4118 west of Swansea, to its end in the village of Horton, park, and walk to the right along the rocky cliff line.Worm`s Head
(SS400870)This is a steep-sided rocky peninsula extending out from the southwest of the Gower, and accessed from the small village of Rhossili, where there is a large car park. It is connected to the mainland by a rocky causeway, which can be crossed on foot at low tide. However, be careful that you don’t become one of those regularly trapped on the wrong side when the tide rises - it is only traversable for a total of about 5 hours at low tide! Peregrines nest on the peninsula, and can be seen harrying the resident Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. Choughs have recently re-colonised for the first time in many years, but are still very few in number, maintaining a precarious foothold here. Other breeding birds include small numbers of most species which can be seen in much greater numbers further west on the islands of the coast of Pembrokeshire - Fulmar, Shag, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Guillemot. There are usually a few Eider and Common Scoter out in the bay, but their numbers swell greatly in the winter, when Velvet Scoter, Great Northern and Red-throated Divers may join them. The rocky causeway to the Head is one of the best places in Glamorgan for wintering Purple Sandpipers and resident Rock Pipits, while Black Redstarts have also wintered in the area. Finally, as a westerly facing point, the area has good sea watching potential, although there is very little shelter from the desirable strong westerly wind. Nevertheless, Gannets are regularly seen offshore, and birds such as skuas, Sabine`s Gulls, Manx Shearwaters, Storm and Leach’s Petrels must be possible.contributor |
||
John Wilson
Chairman, Glamorgan Bird Club
john[underscore]wilson@glamorganbirds.org.uk
http://www.glamorganbirds.org.uk/
Eric Wydenbach
ericwyd@hotmail.com
Gruff Dodd
(Barri, Cymru / Wales)
Gruff@doddg.freeserve.co.uk
county recorder |
||
Robert H A Taylor (West – including Gower)
285 Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfrd, Swansea, SA5 9LB
01792 464780
rob[underscore]taylor@glamorganbirds.org.uk
Geri Thomas (East)
9 Julians Close, Gelligaer, CF82 8DT
01443 836949; 07984 591983
geri[underscore]thomas@glamorganbirds.org.uk
numbers |
||
County Bird - Little Whimbrel Numenius minutus
useful reading |
|
||
An Atlas of Breeding Birds in West Glamorgan
DK Thomas 160 pages, b/w illus, maps. Gower Ornithological Society 1992ISBN: 0952014610
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Glamorgan
Clive Hurford and Peter Lansdown 228 pages, 30 col & 17 b/w photos, line illus, maps. 1995ISBN: 1872808344
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
||
Glamorgan Bird Club
Secretary & County Recorder: please see current contact details on: http://www.glamorganbirds.org.uk/gbccontacts.htm
clubs |
||
Glamorgan Bird Club & Gower Ornithological Society
http://www.glamorganbirds.org.uk/The Glamorgan Birds Website, a joint venture between the Glamorgan Bird Club and Gower Ornithological Society. The main function of these bodies is to produce the annual bird reports for the East and West of the county of Glamorgan. This website features a number of online services aimed at making your birding in Glamorgan much easier. There are links to a number of pages that will be useful to anyone with an interest in birds, from the casual birdwatcher to the keenest of birders...
Glamorgan Wildlife Trust
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=localtrustsites&trust_id=000096Glamorgan Wildlife Trust was established in 1961 to maintain and increase the biodiversity in the old county of Glamorgan, and to enhance public understanding, enjoyment and respect of Glamorgan`s environment. The Trust has approximately 1,400 members and manages 46 nature reserves, which cover nearly 1400 acres - from cliffs and sand dunes in the south to woods and moor land in the north.
RSPB West Glamorgan Members Group
http://www.westglam-rspb.org.uk/Our aim of our group is to publicise the RSPB`s conservation work in the West Glamorgan area. We help in this work by holding educational events, and raising funds for the Society`s conservation work, and by providing a programme of activities for local members.
reserves |
||
Forestry Commission - Parkmill
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesSwanseaNoForestParkwoodParkmillHome to Buzzards, Woodpeckers and Nuthatch.
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/Web1/groups/tourism/documents/marketing/001799.hcspKenfig is one of the most important sites in Britain for nature conservation. Close to the popular holiday resort of Porthcawl, the area is one of the last remnants of a huge dune system that once stretched along the coast of South Wales from the River Ogmore to the Gower peninsula...
RSPB Reserve - Cwm Clydach
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/cwmclydach/index.aspSwansea - This mixed broadleaved woodland is home to breeding pied flycatchers, redstarts and buzzards. The Lower Clydach river flows through the centre of the reserve...
trip reports |
||
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 |
|
||
Birding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Celtic Bird Tours
http://www.celticbirdtours.com/Celtic Bird Tours is an independent Tour Operator [ATOL 6839] offering birders excellent value holidays in interesting and beautiful locations worldwide. Our aim is to provide an enjoyable and interesting experience within a small group environment...
places to stay |
||
Bwthyn Y Saer Holiday Cottage
http://www.welshholidaycottages.com/bird_watching_uk.htmUK Bird Watching and Walking Holiday in Wales - Bwthyn Y Saer Holiday Cottage is an ideal countryside base for those on a birding tour or walking holiday in the UK. The hillside farm is eight miles from the coast and contains a wide variety of habitats including an area of award winning broadleaved woodland, coniferous woodland, grassland, hedgerows and upland streams. The green pastures give way to high moorlands with superb views of Swansea Bay.
Carlton Hotel
http://www.4tourism.com/uk/hotels/carlthot.htmlThis highly recommended seafront location, family run hotel is ideally situated in Mumbles close to all the facilities both the Mumbles and the beautiful Gower has to offer...
Sheepleys B&B
http://www.sheepleys.co.ukSituated on the outskirts of the village of Llandow, near Cowbridge, Sheepleys is an ideal venue for exploring the Heritage Coast and the stunning countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan...
Swinford House Guesthouse
http://www.innsite.com/inns/A002796.htmlSwinford House is a privately owned guest house set in the beautiful, peaceful countryside of Mid Glamorgan, South Wales. Our house, situated in the secluded Court Colman Estate, is conveniently located just 2½ miles from Junction 36 of the M4. As hosts of Swinford House, we assure you a friendly atmosphere and quality of service which is second-to-none.
other links |
||
Action for Nature: The Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taff
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=410Conservation plans etc...
BLOG - Birders in Boxers
http://birdersinboxers.blogspot.com/Adventures of Glamorgan birders, who sit in cars in their underwear ... well two of them do after dipping on Dotterel on a wet and misty Garreg Lwyd...
UK Bird Watching and Walking Holiday in Wales
http://www.welshholidaycottages.com/bird_watching_uk.htmThe River Clydach is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Bird watchers will quickly spot the Grey Wagtail, running easily over the water-washed rocks or sitting, tail wagging, on a branch over the stream to watch for passing flies...
artists |
||
Photographer - Adrian Hopkins
http://www.wildlife.me.ukPhotos from foreign trips...
Photographer - Chris Thomas - British Bird Photography
http://www.ceeege.com/Birds/Birds_BirdMenu.phpBritish bird photographs, British bird pictures…
back to the top of this page
PlanetWorks
and Firecast
Feedback/Contact/Advertising Info ::