Lying off the tip of the peninsula, Bardsey is of great importance to ornithologist and twitchers alike. It is the only accredited bird observatory in Wales.
The nationally important numbers of Manx shearwater that breed here in the summer are one of the reasons why this special place is a Special Protection Area. There is a breeding colony of 10 to 16 thousand birds on the island.
A sizeable seabird colony on the east side of the mountain supports 11 species of seabird including kittiwake, storm petrel, razorbill and guillemot. The island’s other breeding birds include oystercatcher, wheatear, little owl and long-eared owl.
Immerse yourself in beautiful scenery
Heathland and coastal dunes are home to stonechats, goldfinches and sand martins. You may spot the ever-present predators, such as kestrels and buzzards, watching over proceedings.
Away from the coastline, you can catch glimpses of greater-spotted and green woodpeckers, even jays and nuthatches. Local rivers are a great place to spot dippers.
Birds passing through the peninsula
Wildlife is almost constantly on the move. Every year millions of birds travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to the UK to breed. The Llŷn Peninsula is an important route for many migratory birds but it’s not just birds that migrate - fish, butterflies and whales do it too.
Large numbers of willow warbler, chiffchaff and goldcrest arrive in spring and autumn. Regular migrants also include pied and spotted flycatchers, ten species of warbler, three species of wagtail, six species of thrush and 11 species of finch.
Rare visitors
The list of species that have made it to Llŷn is impressive. Some of the more memorable birds include: The eyebrowed thrush, Radde’s warbler and the Isabelline wheatear from Asia. Black-browed albatross from the southern oceans and dark-eyed Junco, yellow warbler, Sora rail, American bittern, American robin and the song sparrow from America have also been seen.
Bardsey also has the only record of a summer tanager on this side of the Atlantic.
