Birdwatching South Wales
7th -10th December 2001 (London &South)
25th - 28th January 2002 (North)

A new location for our Special Interest Bird Watching Tours offering contrasting habitats, scenery and birds.

One day in central Wales amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery and another on the south coast. Having settled into your hotel on Friday evening your guides, Ralph and Brenda Todd will give an introductory talk to the weekend.

On Saturday we journey through the beautiful Elan Valley where Buzzards, Raven, finches, thrushes and possibly Grey Wagtail will give us opportunities to stop the coach before arriving in the heart of Red Kite Country at Rhayader around lunchtime. There are now many Red Kite feeding stations in Central Wales but at Gigrin Farm we can benefit from superbly located hides to watch as Red Kites come down to feed (dozens are sometimes seen) - the kites though don’t get it all there own way and are joined by most of the Corvid family: Ravens, Crows, Rooks and Magpies plus Common Buzzards. This is truly a magnificent experience and one not quickly forgotten.

Next day we have a more local day around the south coast at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve at Llanelli. Today will be a day for waders and wildfowl. The Trusts centre is an ideal location, with Visitor Centre, shop and many hides. There is a collection of wildfowl for those for whom photography might be an interest but it is the wild birds on the wide expanse of tidal estuary overlooking the Burry Inlet that will be the main attraction with large flocks of Curlew, Oystercatchers, Redshank plus Pintail, Wigeon and Teal. Also possible are Little Egret, Short-eared Owl, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine. Time permitting we shall also visit Kenfig Pools just to the east of Swansea where Goldeneye, grebes, Merlin and even a slim chance of wild Whooper or Bewick’s Swan.

Packed lunches and entrance fees are included in the cost of the tour.

Whilst every effort will be made to visit as many of the sites mentioned as possible, local and up to date information along with the weather may dictate that the leaders will want to alter the above. Other sites that could be considered are Worms Head, Oxwich and the Mumbles just south of Swansea. A detailed itinerary will be sent to those booked approximately one month before the tour departure date along with a full checklist of birds that might be seen.

Some species we should encounter: