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Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory facts for kids

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Cristin house, from the farmyard - geograph.org.uk - 904190
This is Cristin House, where the Bardsey Bird & Field Observatory is located.

The Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory is a special place on Bardsey Island, which is an island off the coast of Wales. It's like a research station where scientists and volunteers study birds and the natural world.

What is a Bird Observatory?

A bird observatory is a place where experts watch and study birds, especially during their migrations. They count birds, record their movements, and learn about their lives. This helps us understand how bird populations are doing and how to protect them.

How the Observatory Started

The Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory was started in 1953. A group of bird experts, called ornithologists, from the West Midland Bird Club and the West Wales Field Society, along with local people, decided to create it. They saw a great chance to study birds and the unique nature of Bardsey Island.

What They Do at the Observatory

The main goal of the observatory is to keep an eye on the birds that live on or visit Bardsey Island. They especially watch the birds that breed there and those that stop by during their long journeys (migrations).

  • Daily Bird Count: Staff at the observatory do a bird count every single day. In the evening, they write down all the birds they saw.
  • Counting Breeding Birds: Spring and summer are very busy times. This is when they count all the landbirds and seabirds that are nesting and raising their young on the island.

Why Bardsey Island is Important

Bardsey Island, also known as Ynys Enlli, is a very important place for nature. Because of its special wildlife and habitats, it has many important conservation titles:

The observatory is one of only two fully approved bird observatories in Wales. It's also one of 20 such observatories around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

Who Works at the Observatory?

Steven Stansfield is the current Warden and Director of Operations at the observatory. He has lived on the island since January 1998, making him the longest-serving staff member there.

The Bardsey Bird Observatory and Field Centre is a registered charity. This means it's a non-profit organization that relies on support to do its important work.

See also

  • Eifion Jones
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