Lothlorien Cottage makes an excellent base for a bird watching holiday.
The Black Mountain Red Kite Feeding Station, Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons is less than half an hour's drive away. This is a must on "to-do" lists for bird watchers or photographers.
The National Wetlands Centre Wales at Llanelli: 450 acres of lakes, pools and lagoons with over 600 of some of the world's most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos... take a canoe to explore from the water, walk around at leisure or explore by bicycle. The use of bikes and canoes is included in the admission price.
Country Cottage Birds
Soundtrack: The tranquil back garden has a daily high-definition sound track of birdsong, and walks from the cottage take you into a whole spectrum of terrain - each with their own avian inhabitants.
Wander along the wooded banks of babbling brooks and rushing rivers, across hills and fields, or up into the Black Mountain...
Scatterlings: Keep the bird feeders topped up and scatter bird seed on the paving stones by the barbecue or along the back pathway to enjoy views of animated feathery feasting from the panoramic kitchen window.
Llanddeusant is on the Black Mountain, on the Western edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is less than half an hour's drive from Lothlorien Cottage and can be reached from the cottage by driving up through Brynamman.
The Red Kite Feeding Station has been designed to fit in naturally with the landscape and provides an ideal opportunity for bird lovers to watch Red Kites, Buzzards, Ravens and other birds feeding. The hide makes it possible to watch from a few feet away..
Arrive early enough before feeding time to settle down in the conveniently placed hide so you can watch the spectacular avian aerobatics of the Red Kites feeding. About 50 birds gather daily before the feed, with Red Kites soaring in the air before diving for their food.
Above: Photos of Red Kites by Necip Perver (youtube)
Feeding Times: Feeding is at the same time every day - at 3.00pm during British Summer Time (BST) and 2.00pm during other months (GMT). There is a hide where you can watch the feeding without disturbing the birds. Gates close before feeding so get there early enough to get into the hide ready to watch the feeding before it starts.
The Red Kite Feeding Station is big enough to cope with most group sizes but if you are unsure or have any questions you can phone: 01550 740617 (Red Kite Feeding Station at Llanddeusant on the Black Mountain). View their website: www.RedKitesWales.com for more details.
The hides are designed to accommodate disabled access if required.
To purchase your tickets visit the Red Kite Cafe next to the Llanddeusant Red Kite Feeding Centre prior to the feeding time. 2011 Prices:
Adults - £3.00
OAP and Concession - £2.50
Children under 16 - £1.50
