A former opencast mine transformed into a forest park
Although it was a more varied site in the early stages of its development, 15 years or so ago, this former opencast coal mine still has plenty to recommend it. In those days, scrubbier areas and surrounding grassland brought in visitors such as Short- eared Owl and Curlew, but while wildfowl are the main attraction now, there’s still a chance of good passage migrants.
WHERE TO WATCH 1 walkers and joggers, it should have plenty of ducks, including Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Wigeon and Pochard, gulls (mainly Black-headed, but check for other species), and usually some Snipe hidden around the edges.
2
In winter, it’s easier to pick out a Kingfisher on an overhanging branch on the Sand Martin wall here. They’re also sometimes along the stream.
3 4
Stonebridge Pool gets more wildfowl, while the unfortunately overgrown raft no longer attracts terns in summer, but is used as a perch by occasional passing Oystercatchers and similar. The surrounding Alders and willows often harbour good numbers of Siskins and redpolls in winter – check the latter carefully for Mealy. 5
There’s a muddy path alongside the stream here – Reed Buntings are often around, and Kingfishers sometimes fish here. The bridle path and its hedges and fences are the place to look for Linnets and maybe Yellowhammers or even Stonechats, plus warblers such as Whitethroat, in summer.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Combine with a visit to Kelham Bridge LRWT, just across the road, and Jubilee Wood, around a mile away, for a greater variety of species, including waders.
TARGET SPECIES AUTUMN/WINTER
● Wigeon
● Pochard
● Goosander
● Snipe
● Kingfisher
● Siskin
● Lesser Redpoll
● Great Crested Grebe
● Buzzard
● Kestrel
● Fieldfare
● Redwing
● Little Grebe
● Coot
● Shoveler
● Teal
● Black-headed Gull
SPRING/SUMMER
● Linnet
● Whitethroat
● Chiffchaff
● Blackcap
● Sand Martin
● Reed Bunting
TARGET SPECIES AUTUMN/WINTER
● Wigeon
● Goldeneye
● Reed Bunting
● Stonechat
● Cetti’s Warbler
● Kingfisher
● Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
● Bittern
● Barn Owl
● Pochard
● Smew
● Tufted Duck
● Goosander
● Great White Egret
● Cattle Egret
● Smew
SPRING/SUMMER
● Cuckoo
● Reed Warbler
● Lapwing
● Grey Heron
● Sedge Warbler
● Little Ringed Plover
● Sky Lark
Bordered on the west by the River Taff on the final stages of its 40-mile journey to the Bristol Channel, the Park, together with nearby Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Castle, was presented in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute to the people of the city. Well described as a haven of peace, Bute Park is always worth a visit; head for the northern section near the Western Avenue Bridge to make the most of your time.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Take the footpath which follows the Dock Feeder Canal, the narrow waterway through Black Weir Woods along the eastern boundary. Green, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers have all been recorded, as have Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Firecrest and Goldcrest. Summer visitors include Chiffchaff and Blackcap, both of which may be encountered here during the winter. Many of the nest boxes are for bats: nine species having been recorded in Bute Park, including Soprano Pipistrelle, Serotine and Noctule.
2
Peregrines, which have nested for some years on the nearby City Hall clock tower, may well pass overhead, while the calls of a pair of passing Ravens will quickly alert you to their presence in the heart of the city. Woodpigeon flocks on autumn migration can prove spectacular.
3
The River Taff plays host to. Grey and Pied Wagtails are always present. Pay special attention to the rocks near the Western Avenue Bridge and you may well be rewarded by the sighting of a Dipper, a winter visitor, as is the Kingfisher.
4
Black Redstarts have nested in Cardiff city centre, in the past, while the Castle would seem a likely autumn and winter haunt well worth attention before you head homewards.
AUTUMN TARGET SPECIES