There are two major contributary factors that make Wales a great place to see wild birds. The first is the that we are surrounded on three sides by ocean, and the second is that many of the best bird sites in Wales are protected as National Nature Reserves. (The Puffins seen here on Skomer Island benefit in this way.) Although we can celebrate these factors, they are by no means a justification for complacency.
Birds in Wales face many uncertainties due to ongoing threats to their habitats, particularly in upland areas where land is improved for agricultural purposes and is also subject to afforestation by fast-growing, non-native trees. The birds most threatened by these processes are Merlins, Goshawks, Peregrine Falcons, Hen Harriers and Golden Plovers.
Despite all this, we in Wales have proved that it is not only possible to protect our wild birds but also to bring them back from the brink of extinction to thriving populations. The concerted campaign to restore Red Kite populations to their former levels after years of persecution is an outstanding example of what can be achieved by dedication and sheer hard work.
Skomer National Nature Reserve Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve South Stack Nature RSPB Reserve Cors Caron National Nature Reserve Crymlyn Bog and Pant y Sais Valley Wetlands RSPB Reserve Cors Dyfi Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Ynys-hir RSPB Reserve Lake Vyrnwy RSPB Reserve Grassholm National Nature Reserve Ramsey National Nature Reserve Y Berwyn National Nature Reserve Gower Coast National Nature Reserve Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island National Nature Reserve Rhinog National Nature Reserve Spinnies Aberogwen North Wales Wildlife Trust Reserve Allt Rhyd y Groes National Nature Reserve Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre Arthog Bog RSPB Reserve Gwenffrwd Dinas RSPB Reserve