We all know that the Welsh coast is a wonderful place for a holiday at any time of year, but so apparently, do thousands upon thousands of migratory birds that come here each year to escape the bad weather of home and to wade, wallow, feast and frolic in the lush and fertile mud plains of our lovely shores.

There are lush estuaries all around the Welsh Coast that provide the perfect habitat and are just packed full of delicious food that these migratory birds need on their journeys south. At least 4,000 species of birds are migratory birds – a whopping 40% of the world’s total! Some of the most well-known winter visitors include common scouters, red-necked grebes, great northern divers and many other ducks and wading birds. Some birds stay here for the entire winter, to escape the harsh winters of their northern and eastern homelands, whereas other birds will use the UK shores as a kind of service station – a chance to rest and refuel during their long journey from north to south.

And there are lots of wonderful places for birdwatching in Snowdonia, and here are our pick of the best in and around the region:

1. Bardsey Island – the beautiful island of Bardsey, just off the end of the Llyn Peninsula is a haven for not just seabirds, but a huge variety of wildlife. But, Bardsey is an important breeding ground for several rare species of seabirds, including red-billed chough and Manx shearwater, and the seabird colony on the east side of the island’s mountain supports kittiwakes, storm petrels, razorbills and guillemots. There are also oystercatchers, wheatears, little owls and long-eared owls. You can find more information at www.bbfo.org.uk
2. Glaslyn Osprey Project – found in the heart of Snowdonia in the stunning Glaslyn valley, the Osprey Project here supports, observes and protects local breeding Osprey pairs. The Glaslyn Ospreys were one of the first ospreys to return to the area in early 2003. You can find out more at www.glaslynwildlife.co.uk
3. The Dyfi Osprey Project is a similar project, based in Machynlleth, a little further south, and the birds have been in this area since 2011. Now is a great time to see an osprey – they are usually resident between April and September, and in the nature reserve you’ll also see a huge variety of other wildlife too. See more at www.dyfiospreyproject.com
4. Gwaith Powdwr – near the small town of Penrhyndeudraeth close to the Oakeley Arms, this is a fascinating reserve because it’s on the site of an old industrial factory. Cooks Explosives produced explosives and gun-powder for 130 years from 1865 to 1995. Here you might see nightjars, barn owls, polecats, bats and lots of other bird and insect life. See more at www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/english/reserves/GwaithPowdwr.html
5. Morfa Harlech – the dunes behind Harlech beach are some of the most impressive along the Cardigan Bay coast. Not only can you enjoy the stunning views across the Llyn Peninsula and to the mountains of Southern Snowdonia, but you’ll find a whole host of active dune life – from bugs to birds.

Image from wikicommons