Bird Watching in Pembrokeshire: The Best Places to Spot Puffins, Choughs & More

Pembrokeshire is a paradise for wildlife lovers. With over 180 miles of spectacular coastline, peaceful estuaries, ancient woodland and protected islands, it's one of the best places in the UK for bird watching.

Whether you're an experienced birder with binoculars at the ready or simply enjoy spotting wildlife while out walking, you'll find an incredible variety of birds throughout the year.

Better still, The Little Retreat is perfectly placed to explore many of Pembrokeshire's most rewarding birdwatching locations.

Skomer Island – Home of the Puffins

For many visitors, bird watching in Pembrokeshire begins with one unforgettable bird – the puffin.

From April to July, thousands of puffins return to Skomer Island to nest, creating one of the UK's most magical wildlife experiences. The island is also home to razorbills, guillemots, fulmars and one of the world's largest populations of Manx shearwaters.

Walking around Skomer is a truly unique experience, with birds nesting just a few feet from the paths.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Stretching for 186 miles, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers endless opportunities to spot wildlife.

Keep your eyes on the cliffs and skies for:

• Peregrine Falcons

• Choughs

• Buzzards

• Ravens

• Fulmars

• Cormorants

The coastline changes with every season, making every walk different.

The Cleddau Estuary

Just a short drive from The Little Retreat, the beautiful Cleddau Estuary is one of Pembrokeshire's hidden wildlife gems.

The calm waters attract a wonderful variety of birds including:

• Little Egrets

• Grey Herons

• Kingfishers

• Oystercatchers

• Curlews

• Shelducks

It's the perfect place for a peaceful morning walk, especially at high tide when birds gather along the shoreline.

Freshwater Wetlands & Nature Reserves

Pembrokeshire's wetlands provide important habitats for migrating birds throughout the year.

Depending on the season, you may spot:

• Lapwings

• Snipe

• Teal

• Wigeon

• Canada Geese

• Swans

Autumn and winter are particularly rewarding as thousands of migrating birds arrive along the coast.

Birds to Look Out For

Pembrokeshire is home to an impressive range of resident and visiting birds, including:

• Puffins

• Choughs

• Peregrine Falcons

• Red Kites

• Buzzards

• Kingfishers

• Grey Herons

• Little Egrets

• Curlews

• Oystercatchers

• Razorbills

• Guillemots

• Fulmars

• Cormorants

• Ravens

• Manx Shearwaters

When is the Best Time for Bird Watching?

Every season offers something different.

Spring brings nesting seabirds, colourful puffins and birdsong throughout the countryside.

Summer is ideal for coastal bird watching, with seabird colonies at their busiest.

Autumn sees migrating birds passing through Pembrokeshire's estuaries and wetlands.

Winter offers peaceful walks and excellent opportunities to spot waders, ducks and birds of prey.

Stay at The Little Retreat

After a day exploring Pembrokeshire's incredible wildlife, return to somewhere equally peaceful.

Enjoy a coffee or smoothie in our beautiful walled garden, unwind in the wood-fired sauna, book a relaxing massage or simply sit outside your accommodation and listen to the birds as the sun begins to set.

Whether you're planning a dedicated birdwatching holiday or simply looking to reconnect with nature, The Little Retreat offers the perfect base to discover one of Britain's finest wildlife destinations.

We look forward to welcoming you to Pembrokeshire.