Nightjars in the Vale of Ffestiniog

What does a nightjar sound like? If you want to find out, first of all you need to locate a male nightjar.  According to the RSPB there are just 4,606 of them in the UK between May and August. They sing at night and like heathland - which is not necessarily the easiest surface to walk over in the dark.  But the heath at Gwaith Powdwr has smooth pathways and a guide, Rob Booth, to take you to the right spot at the right time without scaring the birds away.

Rob will be leading a nightjar walk on Saturday 30^th June and on Friday 6^th July starting, presumably from the entrance to Gwaith Powdwr, at 8:30pm.  There is a charge of £2 for members of North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) and £4 for non members. Please call Rob or the NWWT office on 01248 351541 if you would like to take part. 

If you can’t make it, turn off your lights, turn up the volume, close your eyes and listen to the film above. The birdsong and call is courtesy of BirdVoice which produces great products for people like me struggling to make sense of who is singing what.

Cob 200 – grand finale birds

Throughout the year there have been many events to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of William Madocks building The Cob. There has even been an excellentarticle in Natur Cymru, many thanks to Twm Elias.

view from the hide

This weekend, on 17^th and 18^th December, there will be a bird watching event organised by The Friends of Borth y Gest and The North Wales Wildlife Trust. The Glaslyn estuary is world famous for its winter wading bird visitors.  The Wild Life Trust will provide the experts, binoculars and telescopes.  No expertise necessary - if you would like to come along to learn about our local birds, just turn up between 11am and 3pm. Tea & Coffee available.

The hide is just by the Toll House opposite Boston Lodge with a wonderful view of birds in the water and snowy mountains beyond.