Bird Watching
For the bird wathchers the RSPB has two reserves in the Mawddach Valley open to the public as well as the Penmaenpool Information Centre about 5 miles to the south or just wander the hills and discover the delights for yourself.
The best place to start is the Penmaenpool information centre or to telephone 01341 422071 The information centre is located in an old signal box near the head of the estuary and is a good place to observe Herons, Red Breasted Merganser, Redshank, Shelduck and breeding Common Sandpipers. In winter there are large flocks of Widgeon and Teal and smaller numbers of Golden Eye and Pintail ducks.
West coast estuaries such as here on the Mawddach are noted for occasional sightings of birds of passage such as the Osprey and Marsh Harrier. In the Dysynni valley on the south side of the Cader Idris range Bird Rock (Craig yr Aderyn) has Britains most inland breeding colony of Cormorants and large flocks of wintering Chough. Also in the Dysynni valley are significant numbers of Kites and Red Polls.
In the hills around the Tyn-y-Groes are Buzzards and Ravens with smaller numbers of Peregrines and in the local woods are Coal Tits, Crossbills and Jays and the summer migrants such as the Pied Fly Catcher, Red Start, Wood Warbler and Nightjar. In the valley floors around streams you can find dippers and grey wagtails.
