With its varied mix of habitats made up of coastal cliffs, wetlands, heathlands and woodlands, there is nowhere better to go bird watching than Anglesey. 

Many of our holiday home owners at both Silver Bay and Woodlands Falls are passionate bird watching enthusiasts. We therefore thought it would be useful if we were to put together a helpful guide to bird watching on Anglesey, detailing the best locations on Anglesey for bird watching, the types of species you can expect to see and some top expert tips on how to make the best sightings. 

Top Spots for Bird Watching on Anglesey

Unquestionably one of the best spots for bird watching on Anglesey is the South Stack Cliffs RSPB Nature Reserve on Holy Island. Made up of heathland, farmland and of course some dramatic coastal cliffs, this nature reserve provides vital nesting and feeding resources for birds such as Choughs and sea birds such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

In total, it is estimated that as many as 9,000 sea birds nest here, with spring and summer being the optimal times of year to go birdwatching here. There are plenty of resources available here in the on-site visitor centre which has its own toilets, shop and cafe serving warming brews and food. This visitor centre is located in the famous Ellin’s Tower which once served as a summer house for the wealthy Stanley family but is now an excellent vantage point for twitching. 

Another highly recommended spot for bird watching on Anglesey is Penmon Point which is one of the most popular beaches on Anglesey. However, unlike the other famous beaches on the island, it is not thought of as a location for sunbathing and building sandcastles. It is instead famous for the iconic coastal views it affords looking across to Puffin Island. 

It may not surprise you to learn that Puffin Island is a popular nesting spot for puffins, in addition to cormorants and gulls. Spring and Summer tend to be the best seasons to catch a glimpse of these species, with the Trwyn Du Lighthouse providing an iconic backdrop for any photography. 

Birdwatching on Anglesey in Autumn & Winter

We’ve already covered Anglesey bird watching targets for Spring and Summer, but what about the other seasons? Well, the Winter is a good time to see wildfowl, waders and breeding warblers in the wetland reserve Malltraeth Marsh. 

Autumn and Winter are also prime seasons for seeing migratory and overwintering birds such as tufted ducks, pochards and grebes. One of the best places to see these species on Anglesey during these seasons is Llyn Llywenan near Holyhead which is Anglesey’s largest natural lake. 

Get Prepared

If you are looking to make bird watching a hobby, then there are a number of essential pieces of kit that you will have to purchase. One of the most important is of course a pair of binoculars as getting close to many of these animals is somewhat of a challenge. 

Those who are looking to go the extra mile may also want to purchase a spotting scope and a tripod. This will allow you to get a much closer look and quickly span across large open spaces whenever required. 

We’d also advise getting yourself clued up before going birdwatching on Anglesey. You could get yourself involved in the online community, with Twitter being regularly utilised by some of the most knowledgeable birdwatchers on Anglesey. They can help you learn where and when is best to see whatever species you are most interested in, and provide you with real world advice that you won’t find anywhere else.

Another great source of information can be local guides. You could for instance opt to join a RSPB-led walk at South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve or even hire a local guide for bespoke advice. 

One piece of advice that we can give to everyone who is planning to go birdwatching on Anglesey is to wrap up warm. Coastal winds and rain are common at any time of the year, so make sure you wear plenty of layers and waterproof gear whenever necessary.