c

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park

Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan  >  United Kingdom

Two flooded quarries have become the main lakes at Cosmeston, which with its 12 ha of open water attract large flocks of waterfowl and diving birds.

Added* by Marnix Roels
Most recent update 11 April 2020

Description

The 12 hectare of open water attract large flocks of waterfowl. The east lake is a great place to see impressive numbers of Mute Swan, Mallard and Eurasian Coot and diving birds such as Great Crested Grebe. The west lake features a conservation area and is quieter than the east lake.

A small island can be found on the west lake an ideal secluded area for breeding birds. Each winter the lakes at Cosmeston attract large flocks of migrating wildfowl such as Common Teal, Tufted Duck, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard and Northern Shoveler ducks also the star bird attraction, Great Bittern.

The west lake is the best place to spot the Grey Heron and occasionally Little Egret, they usually stand completely still, near the reed beds waiting to catch any unsuspecting, passing fish. Many Great Cormorant can be spotted on both lakes, these birds are excellent at swimming and fishing and can often be seen holding their wings out to dry after a busy diving session. Resident here all year is the spectacular Common Kingfisher, often all that gives this wonderful bird away is a sharp call and a flash of electric blue as it dashes by.

Details

Access

Bus 94 will get you to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Lake , Grassland , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Summer

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Click on the little bird icon () to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!