Bird Watching in Brecon Beacons: A Beginner's Guide
Bannau Brycheiniog, or The Brecon Beacons, is a stunning mountain range in Wales and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Covering around 520 square miles, this National Park’s diverse habitats – including woodland, moorlands, grasslands, wetlands and more – host an incredible variety of bird species. From the leafy depths of Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark to the slopes of South Wales’ highest mountain (Pen y Fan), it promises all manner of adventures and the most spellbinding places to see native and migratory birds.
Calling to both knowledgeable and novice birdwatchers alike, bird watching in Brecon Beacons is an unmissable experience. To get you started, here’s all you need to know about this must-visit destination. Don’t forget to bring some sturdy walking shoes with you, along with your best pair of binoculars!
Just remember, it’s always best to admire wildlife from a respectful distance to preserve fragile environments and protect species from harm.
Why the Brecon Beacons are a bird watcher’s paradise
Renowned for its uninterrupted wild spaces and pollution-free skies, the Internal Dark Sky Reserve of Brecon Beacons National Park (commonly referred to as the Bannau) is one of the best places to see birds in the UK. Renowned for its scenic walks and untamed landscapes, it provides a natural haven for all manner of birdlife, from lyrical willow warblers to the rare hen harriers.
Home to several protected SSSIs and dedicated nature reserves, the National Park’s plethora of walking routes also provide superb opportunities for bird watching throughout the year. Making bird watching in Brecon Beacons all the more
special are the year-round and seasonal highlights too, such as the swifts and swallows of spring to the starlings of autumn. For those keen to get out and about and enjoy the beauty of nature, this bird watcher’s paradise is hard to beat.
Best bird watching spots in the Brecon Beacons
As the curators of Brecon Beacons National Park say: “As long as you know where to look, who knows what you will see!”. One of the most exciting places to see a huge array of wildlife, the Brecon Beacons offers countless bird watching locations, each with its own appeal. From the atmospheric upland moors and its undulating grasslands to its rich waterways and wetlands, each habitat within the Bannau creates a unique environment in which different species can thrive. What’s more, as day turns to night, a new wave of life takes
over, with the park’s nocturnal species taking to the skies to explore the landscapes under starlight.
Depending on what you are looking for, you could spend endless hours discovering all the places for bird watching in Brecon Beacons. That said, there are particular areas which are recognised for seeing different species. For example, the west of the park is known for its red kites, while the uplands are the favourite grounds of grouse. Golden plovers and curlews can often be seen
amongst the Bannau’s verdant grasslands, contrasted with the park’s beautiful peregrine falcons who prefer the sanctuary of craggy inland cliffs. The Brecon Beacon’s lakes and reservoirs are also great to visit in winter for the chance to see migratory wildfowl.
So you can waste no time and start bird watching in Brecon Beacons, here are some of the top places to visit:
Pen y Fan: The highest peak in the park, this mountain is known for upland bird species like the golden plover and red grouse. As added incentive, it also offers breathtaking views at every turn and a worthwhile challenge for keen hikers.
Llangorse Lake: This popular spot is the largest natural lake in Wales and home to species such as the great crested grebe, tufted duck, and pochard. For a novel way to try bird watching in Brecon Beacons, you can hire kayaks and rowing boats at the lake.
Talybont Reservoir: In the heart of the central Beacons, this reservoir is ideal for spotting waders such as curlew and redshank and waterfowl like mallards, goldeneye, and maybe even a brecon buff.
Craig y Nos Country Park: This is a 40-acre Victorian garden particularly well-known for its woodland birds, including the lesser spotted woodpecker and treecreeper. Explore the park at your leisure, taking your time to wander through its woodlands, meadows and lawns.
The British Bird of Prey Centre: Located at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, this centre offers daily shows featuring raptors like golden eagles, red kites, and peregrine falcons. Visitors can even try flying a bird themselves.
Carngafallt: Known for its ancient oak woodlands and lichens, this reserve in the heart of the Elan Valley is perfect for spotting red kites and woodland birds. Don a pair of good walking shoes and enjoy bird watching in Brecon Beacons here.
Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve: A few miles south of Brecon, this wild mountain region is home to peregrine falcons, ring ouzels, and ravens. Pack plenty of snacks and supplies and go see what youcan see!
Craig-y-Cilau National Nature Reserve: A limestone escarpment and former limestone quarry, this magnificent site is renowned for its unique flora and birds, supporting species such as pipits, woodpeckers, warblers and chiffchaffs.
Cwm Clydach National Nature Reserve: This broadleaved woodland provides essential habitat for all sorts of woodland birds, like nuthatches and tawny owls. It’s also a favourite amongst grey wagtails, dippers, and spotted flycatchers.
Coed-y-Cerrig National Nature Reserve: Nestled in a valley shaped by ancient glaciers, this area of mixed deciduous woodland is rich in wildflowers, fungi, insects, and birds. On the list to look out for are great spotted woodpeckers, redstart, wood warbler, and pied flycatchers.
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: Stretching between Brecon Basin and Five Locks, this 36-mile canal is a dream for waterside walks and is an important wildlife corridor where you can see ducks, swans, kingfishers, and, atdusk, bats.
Talgarth: This historic market town is surrounded by superb woods and reserves, making it ideal for nature lovers. It’s also within a stone’s throw of nearby Llangorse Lake where all sorts of birds can be seen throughout the year.
Red Kite Feeding Station: Located in Llanddeusant, this feeding station was opened in 2002 and is partnered with various local charities. For bird watching in Brecon Beacons, it offers a unique opportunity to see red kites and buzzards showing off
spectacular aerial displays and feeding at regular intervals each week.
Common & seasonal bird species to look out for
In the Brecon Beacons, you can spot everything from the tiniest birds to magical raptors. Key species to look out for include the red kite, peregrine falcon, and osprey:
Red Kite: These striking birds of prey, with their forked tails and angled wings,are often seen soaring in the western and southern parts of the park.
Peregrine Falcon: Known as the fastest animals on earth, these powerful birds can reach speeds of up to 200 mph when diving for prey. They are often seen in the higher elevations.
Osprey: Distinguished by their dark brown and white plumage, ospreys are expert fishers and can be spotted hunting along the park’s rivers and lakes.
Here’s a list of some bird species you might spot:
Buzzard
Hen Harrier
Robin
Song thrush
Mallard
Mistle thrush
Blue tit
Swan
Wood pigeon
Raven
Nuthatch
Crow
Blackcap
Bullfinch
Jackdaw
Chiffchaff
Greenfinch
Wood warbler
Chaffinch
Pied flycatcher
Pied wagtail
Swallow
House martin
Blackbird
Beginners’ tips for a successful bird watching day
If you would like to go bird watching in Brecon Beacons but haven’t been before, there are a few things to think about before you go. Firstly, it’s always really important to familiarise yourself with the landscapes you plan to visit and plot your movements carefully – letting loved ones know your route and plans before you set off. Choosing the right location is a crucial part of glimpsing key species, but you can find beauty at every turn throughout the park so remember to keep an open mind as you go. Depending on the time of the year, you might also find that certain birds are more active during particular times, such as dawn and dusk during spring and summer.
To make sure you stay warm and safe, remember to wear all the right gear and carry warm layers with you, as well as bringing the correct equipment you might need. This can include a map, compass, torch, field guide, phone, portable charger, and of course, a good pair of binoculars. To preserve the park’s natural environments and make sure species are protected, make sure to move quietly and stay on waymarked paths so as not to go astray or damage thepark’s delicate ecosystems. What’s more, always remember to observe birds from afar and simply enjoy watching them peacefully and patiently, instead of chasing after them or spooking them. That way, you can observe nature at its best whilst also allowing it to continue flourishing in the beautiful Bannau.
Retreat and relax at Lake Country House
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, the Brecon Beacons offers an unparalleled bird watching experience. Explore its varied landscapes and enjoy the sights and sounds of its rich birdlife, and, for a perfect bird watching getaway, stay at Lake Country House. Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, our welcoming retreat offers extensive grounds teeming with wildlife, alongside a relaxing spa and award-winning restaurant. Book your stay today or get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Happy bird watching!