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birding...
Wales Powys
Powys comprises the former counties of Breconshire, Mongomeryshire & Radnorshire. Powys is a very large county including a number of medium sized towns and a lot of open country with bleak mountains, bog, Coniferous Forest Plantation and many streams and lakes or man-made reservoirs. The most natural and rich habitat are hanging woodlands - wooded slopes and gorges typically consisting of oak and much favoured by the speciality birds of the area, wood warbler, pied flycatcher and redstarts as well as all three woodpeckers and typical upland stream birds such as dipper and grey wagtail. It is, too, famed as the stronghold of the remnant red kite population that survived the extinction in the rest of the British Isles. Now much expanded and, hopefully, about to cross-breed with the newly re-introduced English populations. Websites below detail the best places to see kites at a number of places where they are regularly fed. Feeding times often attract raven and buzzard in large numbers too. |
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top sites |
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Black Mountains
Bleak hilltop areas that can hold merlin, whinchat, red grouse, skylark, passage Golden plover etc. (Also rumoured sightings of hen harrier & red kite)Bullpit Meadows
(SO214183)Walk along river at Crickhowell: park in small lay-by on B4558 at SO214183. Cross over River Usk, and turn onto Bullpit meadows through the gate on the left. Footpath follows river for one and a half miles. Species which can be seen: Dipper, Kingfisher, Goosander, Grey Wagtail, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Little Owl, Buzzard, Hobby, Water Rail(easier in winter); Goshawk, Siskin, Redpoll, Treecreeper, etc.Craig y Cilau
(SO186168)Located off an unclassified road above Llangattock (I think park on the verge just after the cattle-grid) Path leads round the hillside on an old tram-road (loads of historical sites); past cave entrances (lesser horseshoe and Greater Horseshoe bat roosts); above a bog. Tawny Owls, Redstarts, Peregrines, the odd Kite in winter. Probably lots more.Llangorse Lake
(SO126263)Famed for the Pied-billed Grebe twitch of a couple of years ago. At SO133261 there is a small parking area for 10+ cars. Walk west along lake. Hide at about SO 126263. Winter: ducks, grebes, the odd harrier. Spring: passage osprey, terns. Summer: water rail, etc. Large flock of Canada geese. Reed warbler, and lots more. There is a much larger area on the other side of the lake at SO128272, with sailing club, boat hire etc., which the footpath from eventually reaches. Llangorse village with a nice pub nearby.Mynydd Ddu Forest
(SO250270)Forestry Commission land with: roding woodcock, tree pipits, redstart, long-eared owls, etc.River Wye [Glasbury to Hay]
Beautiful natural area. The usual Welsh river birds expected. Woodlands hold redstart, wood warbler and Pied flycatcher.Talybont Reservoir
(SO091179)For winter ducks, grebes, etc.contributor |
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Ruth Brown
Ruthb@jizz.demon.co.uk
county recorder |
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Pete Jennings (Radnor)
Penbont House, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys. LD6 5HS
01597 811522
petejelanvalley@hotmail.com
Brayton Holt (Montgomery)
Scops Cottage, Pentrebeirdd, Welshpool, Powys
01938 500266
Andrew King (Breconshire)
Heddfan, Pennorth, Brecon, Powys. LD3 7EX
01874 658351
numbers |
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County Bird - Red Kite Milvus milvus
useful reading |
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In Search of Birds in Mid-Wales
Brian O'Shea, John Green Paperback (1991) Artery PublicationsISBN: 0951390929
Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Red Kite
Ian Carter Arlequin Press reprinting April 2007 at ?19.95.ISBN: 1900159619
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
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Radnor Bird Group
c/o Pete Jennings (County Recorder)
clubs |
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Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/montgomeryshire/The Trust has eighteen nature reserves, is active in campaigning for better wildlife protection in Mid Wales, and works hard to make Montgomeryshire a better place for wildlife and people. Founded in 1982, we now have over 1000 members, publish our own magazine.
MWT Bird Group
Secretary: Terry Puzey, Four Seasons, Arddleen, Llanmynech, Powys, SW22 6R) 01938 590 578
reserves |
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Brecon Beacons National Park
http://www.brecon-beacons.com/Online Guide Book
Forestry Commission - Dyfnant
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesPowysDyfnantBordering the East side of the Berwyn mountains, many upland and forest birds can be seen, these include Meadow and Wood Pipits, Crossbills, Siskins, Nightjars and the colourful Black Grouse which frequently feeds within the cleared forest areas and moorland edge. The Goshawk is also dashing through the trees in pursuit of prey...
Forestry Commission - Radnor
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/wildwoods.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesPowysRadnorWhen visiting the woodland areas it is poosible to see a wide variety of birds, especially raptors...
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Reserve - Gilfach Nature Reserve
http://westwales.co.uk/gilfach.htmSituated in a beautiful setting at the mouth of the Marteg Valley in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, Gilfach is locally unique because of its wide variety of habitats: high moorland to enclosed meadow; oak woodland to rocky upland river. Because of this variety the farm supports a tremendous abundance of birds.
RSPB Reserve - Carngafallt
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/c/Carngafallt/index.aspYou can see red kites and pied flycatchers, among many other species...
RSPB Reserve - Lake Vyrnwy
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakevyrnwy/index.aspDippers and kingfishers nest by the lake and rocky streams, while ravens and buzzards can be found on the moorland...
RSPB Reserve - Lake Vyrnwy
http://www.rspb.vyrnwy.org/english.htmWelcome to Lake Vyrnwy nature reserve. This guide is intended to help you find your way around and enjoy the wildlife found here. During your visit you can explore a variety of habitats, and with luck see some of the many interesting species they sustain.
trip reports |
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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!
local guides |
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Birding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Raptor Rambles
http://www.raptor-rambles.co.uk/Organised breaks for hawk enthusiasts. These breaks are aimed at anyone with a love of hawks and spectacular scenery. Based around the Elan Valley (often dubbed Wales`s Lakeland); we introduce guests to the wonders of some of our rarest birds of prey. Mid–Wales is arguably the best place in Britain to see birds of prey. This mountain wilderness is just four hours drive from London (two from the Midlands) and is a haven for Red kites, peregrines, goshawks and merlins. There are plenty of tawny and barn owls, not to mention buzzards and migrants such as harriers and ospreys.
places to stay |
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Belle Vue Hotel - Llanwrtyd Wells
http://www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/uploads/estate/hotels/hotels12627.htmThe area is an Aladdin`s Cave of natures wonders and it`s a natural centre for Walking - Trekking - Riding -Fishing - Birdwatching and Cycling.
Braich Goch Bunkhouse & Inn
http://www.braichgoch.co.uk/We are a new bunkhouse facility in Corris, Mid Wales which you may be interested in.. We are very near Cadair Idris, Tal y Llyn lake, Bird Rock, the West Wales Coast and the Red kite area of Mid Wales. We can accommodate 26 in bunk beds (5 rooms of 4 and 1 room of 6) plus a residents bar
Brandy House B&B
http://www.brandyhouse.u-net.com/birdwatching.htmThe Radnorshire Wildlife Trust has a conservation lease on the Beacon Hill Common, and as such birdlife is abundant. It is composed of typical upland birds such as Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Whinchat, Buzzard and Wheatear. Curlew are also found in the wetter areas as occasionally are Snipe. Ring Ouzel, Peregrine, and various Owls can be seen, and we have recently seen the rare Red Kite. During the winter months Hen Harrier fly over the area.
Brynafon Country House Hotel - Rhayader
http://www.brynafon.co.uk/Brynafon is set against the dramatic backdrop of Gwastedyn Hill and the Druid's Circle and is a stone's throw from the river Wye. Sitting in very heart of the beautiful and yet still undiscovered Elan Valley, Brynafon is a must to visit any time of the year...
Bryncoed Guesthouse - Rhayader
http://www.bryncoed.co.ukBreathtaking views, Sheep everywhere, the thundering sounds of the magnificent Elan Valley Dams and the delightful sight of Red Kites in their natural environment make a visit to this area well worthwhile. Dee and Ray Izzard welcome you to their comfortable guesthouse.
Craig-y-nos Castle
http://www.craigynoscastle.comCRAIG Y NOS CASTLE, Brecon Road, Penycae, Swansea Valley, SA9 1GL. For information on events, accommodation, conferences, weddings, parties, birthday parties and banquets, live music etc, Tel: Patsy or Nerys on 01639 730205 (office hours) or ask for Sue Drew 01639 731167 (day & eve) or visit www.craigynoscastle.com The Castle stands in the Brecon Beacons National Park Park in the Upper Swansea Valley in South Wales. It has been transformed into a quality hotel with accommodation and reception facilities for weddings and conferences.
Elan Valley Hotel - Nr. Rhayader
http://www.elanvalleyhotel.co.uk/The hotel is in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and the Elan Valley. Seventy thousand acres of spectacular wild countryside with large areas designated as SSSI (site of special scientific interest). The sight of the the Red Kite is comonplace, soaring on thermals above fields of wild orchids.
Glasfryn Guest House - Brechfa Forest
http://www.SmoothHound.co.uk/hotels/glasfryn.htmlThe Guest House provides an excellent base from which to explore. The Brecon Beacons National Park to the East, and North lies vast sparsely populated area of Mid Wales. At the centre is Llyn Brianne a huge man made lake. To the West are the Sea Cliffs and sandy beaches of Cardigan Bay and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. In the south, Carmarthan Bay sheltered by the Gower Peninsula.
Liverpool House - Rhayader
http://www.liverpoolhouse.co.ukAs yet there is nothing on their website but Liverpool House is a large guest house with en-suite accommodation close to Gigrin Farm Kite Feeding Station.
Lodge Cottage - Cwmygerwyn
http://www.radnorforest.co.uk/Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday in beautiful and unspoilt Welsh Border country. Charming, comfortable stone cottage up in a valley in the Radnor Forest - ideal for birdwatching, walking, riding, mountain-biking.
Maes-y-Gwernen Hotel - Brecon Beacons
http://www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/uploads/estate/hotels/hotels2983.htmThe Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys, Wales, Uk, is an area of outstanding natural beauty offering good walking, bird watching, fishing, caving, climbing and sight seeing. Formerly a guest house but now developed into a four star hotel, Maes -y-Gwernen Hotel offers B & B accommodation as well as full board and lodging.
Pencerrig Gardens Hotel - Builth Wells
http://www.gbstay.co.uk/searchview.php?hotel=6823During the 18th Century, Pencerrig was the home of the famous artist Thomas Jones. Now the home of the Cook family, you are assured of a warm Welsh welcome. Set in beautiful gardens and rolling hills, Pencerrig Hotel is the ideal starting point for your cultural, historical, or activity holiday. Alternatively, it`s also the perfect place to relax and be pampered by the warmest of Welsh hospitality. A wide variety of home-cooked Welsh and vegetarian cuisine is available in our Garden Restaurant. We also offer freshly cooked bar meals in the Lounge Bar.
Riverside Lodge Guest House - Elan Valley
http://www.riversidelodge.biz/Our friendly and welcoming guest house is set in spectacular surroundings beside the River Elan in the beautiful Elan Valley. Excellent location for bird watching, many species can be seen from the breakfast table. One and a half miles from Gigrin Farm Red Kite feeding station. As we are in the heart of Mid-Wales, we provide an excellent base for cycling, walking and exploring the surrounding area including the Elan Valley reservoirs and dams...
Tyn-y-Castell Cottage - Mid Wales
http://www.rhayader.co.uk/tynycastell/page1.htmWelcome to Tyn-y-Castell - Located in the spectacular scenery of the Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains, Tyn-y-Castell offers a truly peaceful country holiday. The area is ideal for those who like walking, cycling or who just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mid Wales and the Elan Valley Lakes.
other links |
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Gigrin Farm – Red Kite Feeding Station
http://www.gigrin.co.ukThe Gigrin is a family run upland sheep farm of approximately 200 acres, owned and farmed by Eithel, Lena, and Chris Powell. The land is 700 feet rising to 1200 above sea level giving us wonderful views of the Wye and Elan valleys. They already had a Farm & Nature Trail and a keen interest in both conservation and tourism when in 1994 the Kite Country Project, and R.S.P.B., invited them to be the Official Red Kite Feeding Station.
artists |
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Artist - Andrew Evans
http://www.andrewevansart.co.uk/Some really excellent paintings...
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