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Tuesday, 17 September, 2002, 06:06 GMT 07:06 UK
Birdwatchers join Celtic crow trail
Choughs
Wales is home to the majority of the UK's choughs
Birdwatchers in west Wales will be on the look out for the UK's rarest and most unusual crow with the opening of a new trail.

The Chough Trail, which stretches from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire will bring twitchers closer to the bird which is also known as the Celtic Crow.


The Chough Trail takes people to areas with visitor facilities or where disturbance to the chough by visitors won't be an issue

Dave Lamcraft, project officer

Three quarters of the UK's chough population live in Wales and coastal areas provide the best places to view the bird in its natural habitat.

Experts say the trail, which opens on Tuesday, will provide access to the birds in a controlled manner.

Dave Lamcraft, chough project officer said: "People don't normally come into contact with choughs as they live in some of the remotest parts of Wales, so this is a great opportunity for people to find out how they can view them safely.

"Although choughs can be found elsewhere , the Chough Trail takes people to areas with visitor facilities or where disturbance to the chough by visitors won't be an issue."

The chough is a member of the crow family and measures 39-40cm long. It is slightly larger than a jackdaw.

Pembrokeshire coastline
The Welsh coastline provides the ideal habitat

The birds distinguishing features are its distinctive call, glossy black plumage, striking red bill and red legs.

As it flies its broad, deeply fingered wings and square tail are notable features which allow the chough to fly more like a bird of prey than a crow.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Wales (RSPB Cymru) has started a chough habitat restoration project to safeguard the population here.

The society wants to encourage farmers and land managers to adopt chough-friendly farming methods.


Where I Live, South West Wales
See also:

04 Sep 02 | England
01 Aug 02 | Politics
23 Jul 02 | Wales
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