CRAIG YR ADERYN
The only inland colony of breeding Cormorants in Wales
Towering 700ft above the Dysynni Valley, and five miles from the sea near Tywyn, is the spectacular Craig yr Aderyn or Bird Rock, where Cormorants have nested since at least the 17th Century. Welsh naturalist Edward Lhuyd, when writing in 1695, referred to the ‘corvorants (cormorants) rock pigeons and hawks that breed on it’ while William Catherall in 1828 described the site as ‘a most picturesque and lofty rock’ to which towards twilight ‘large aquatic fowls may be seen majestically wending their way to this place of nocturnal rest.’ Previously, about 100 pairs of these ‘aquatic fowls’ nested, and in recent years slightly more than 50 pairs.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 The best general view of Craig yr Aderyn is from beside the bridge over the Afon Dysynni, afternoon being best; check the river itself for Dipper and Grey Wagtail while the Kingfisher is described as a very scarce resident and scarce winter visitor in the county.
2 From directly below the cliffs enjoy the spectacle, a very special one, of Cormorants passing to and fro 500 or more feet above having travelled 12 miles or more from offshore feeding grounds or resting opportunities closer at hand on Broad Water. The Cormorants are present in variable numbers throughout the year, in winter midafternoon is best as birds flight in to roost.
3 Feeling energetic? If so continue a little further along the road before taking the footpath south, the climb of some 700 feet; what a vista from the summit, south-west towards the sea. Look down on passing Cormorants or those nesting at this unique site.
4 Craig yr Aderyn is also noted for its Choughs – this is one of the few natural inland nesting sites in North Wales, as others use quarries, abandoned mines and coastal cliffs. A party of Choughs, their calls echoing about as they sweep close by, really makes the climb worthwhile. Flights of Cormorants are also special, as are tumbling Ravens.