Visiting Wales to see choughs (1 Viewer)

[jay-jay]

I am planning a trip to wales in January and would like to see chough. Please could anyone suggest an area that would be the most productive. Is january a good time of the year to see them, or should I wait for the breeding season?

many thanks

julie

 

[dbradnum]

You might get a better trip overall by waiting until the spring, and taking in the seabirds on Anglesey, for instance. However, if you want Chough in the winter, then the Aber Falls area is fairly reliable, I think, west of Llanfairfechan. You need to take the minor road that runs SE uphill from the A55 at Aber(gwyngregyn) - I've seen Chough in the fields near the end of the road.

I'm sure there's plenty of other sites as well - Anglesey and the Lleyn peninsula both spring to mind for a start.

 

[Johnny1]

South Stack on Anglesey, I've never failed to see them here.

 

[Côg]

Which part of Wales are you visiting ?
There are quite a few at Bird rock near Tywyn in west Wales.
http://www.jncc.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2081

 

[jay-jay]

Thanks for your replies.

I don't have a specific region in mind but I was thinking of staying for one or two nights, probably sunday and monday due to work commitments. I could either stay in one place for both nights or move on for the second night. I was hoping to use the travelodge special offers of £19 per night.

cheers julie

 

[MarkHows]

South Stack on Anglesey, I've never failed to see them here.

Aother vote for South Stack again 100% here

Mark

 

[Xenospiza]

After those Choughs at South Stack (saw on my one visit, a bit to the south of the reserve), you could always go to Ynys-Hir to look at the Greenland White-fronted Geese (near Machynlleth). Snowdonia is also pretty impressive in winter, but maybe best from inside a car!

 

[paulwfromtheden]

After those Choughs at South Stack (saw on my one visit, a bit to the south of the reserve), you could always go to Ynys-Hir to look at the Greenland White-fronted Geese (near Machynlleth). Snowdonia is also pretty impressive in winter, but maybe best from inside a car!

I did a week volunteering at South Stack. The Choughs were so amazingly tame, that I could sit and eat my sandwich, and they would get within 10 metres looking for a morcel.
Superb birds!!

 

[jay-jay]

South stack it is then, I will also try to visit other areas nearby.I will sort out accomodation after the xmas period

thanks for all your help, .I will let you know how I get on.

cheers julie

 

[paulwfromtheden]

South stack it is then, I will also try to visit other areas nearby.I will sort out accomodation after the xmas period

thanks for all your help, .I will let you know how I get on.

cheers julie

Julie, Try and check out Cemlyn (sp) Bay if you go to South Stack. You should see all manor of over-wintering wildfowl, but possibly worth checking with the locals first.

 

[Pete Loydall]

>>> I was hoping to use the travelodge special offers of £19 per night. <<<

Hi Julie hope you are aware that you have to book around 21 days in advance for the £19 Travel Lodge rooms, which also i believe is non returnable. Was looking for a few days away myself after Xmas, maybe not at full room price of £59.

Merry Xmas everyone and a Happy New Year to one and all.

Peter.

 

[pandachris]

South Stack ... and Penmon

Julie

The opposite corner of Anglesey has often produced Chough in the past, though I can't remember if I've ever been there in winter. Penmon Point is the place and it's rather pretty, too. I've no idea whether the local Black Guillemots hang around throughout the year but I've seldom missed them there.

For the choughs, park up and walk left up the coast as you face the lighthouse. I've seen them frequently on the limestone cliffs in the quarry area. Good luck.

 

[2520years]

I stayed at a Travelodge in Bangor when I went to South Stack. It was pretty good and I saw plenty of choughs. The Spinnies is pretty close to the hotel too, it's a pleasant place with hides on the coast.

 

[rezMole]

Thanks for your replies.

I don't have a specific region in mind but I was thinking of staying for one or two nights, probably sunday and monday due to work commitments. I could either stay in one place for both nights or move on for the second night. I was hoping to use the travelodge special offers of £19 per night.

cheers julie

The closest Travelodge to South Stack is Bangor - but they hardly ever have reduced price rooms - I've looked several times! You might be lucky on a Sunday, I haven't checked this year. Also, there aren't many travelodges in North and mid Wales.

 

[David Smith]

1. There is a brand new hotel opened in the centre of Holyhead (either Travel Inn or Lodge)
2. I go to South Stack a lot and (for me) the best way is to park in the RSPB car park and walk the coastal path* to Elins Tower. I never fail to see them.
3. We came back yesterday having spent 10 days. Weather wasn't too helpful but bird life in general was very poor-virtually nothing in the harbour.
Don't let that put you off as things can change overnight and, as I said, the weather didn't allow us to do much proper bird watching.
* The attached was while walking this path. I didn't get as close as Paul but I think his sandwiches might have been better than mine.

 

[jay-jay]

Thank you for all your help.

The hotel in holyhead is a travelodge, due to family commitments I may not be able to go until feb now. I am looking forward to my visit and will be happier when I get it booked.

David Thankyou for the photo, I will be very happy if I get views of them like this.

cheers Julie

 

[John P]

There is also a Travel Inn (now called Premier Inns i believe) at Bangor, I suspect it may be a nicer option than the Travel Lodge. I had the misfortune to stay there for my son's graduation on what was the hottest day ever recorded in Wales. It was a truly awful experience with no aircon or the ability to open the windows more than a crack. I suppose that won't be a problem in February but thought I'd mention it.

Another endorsement for the Spinnies from me,(but not for Chough) well worth a look in there and the car park and beach area at Llanfairfechan.