During the first semester on my 3rd year here at Bangor University I participated in a field trip to the RSPB reserve in Cors Ddyga on Anglesey as part of my ornithology module.
The objective was to gather information about the reserve and its current management plan on the conservation of its bird species (particularly 7 focal species that our module focused on), as well as take a brief count of the individual birds of each species we spotted.
With the gathered information we would have later had to write a presentation on our focal species (mine was the northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus), and develop a new management plan that we thought could help the reserve and its inhabitants in thriving.
Although very interesting, I found particularly hard keeping track of all the information we were given and that were needed for our following assignments as there was a lot to take in and write down in a relatively short period of time and uncomfortable position (having to write notes while walking or standing through the reserve).
Fortunately with some team work we were able to gather and remember enough information to help us with our work and to sufficiently inform us of the challenges these kind of reserves (and natural reserves in general) have to go through to maintain the diversity and richness of the wildlife.
During the visit we had the chance to see the different habitats that occur within the reserve and what species of wading birds and aquatic birds they host, such as the wet grasslands perfectly maintained to host one of the largest populations of northern lapwing in Wales.
As we kept walking we used telescopes and binoculars to help us with the counts and we walked on the track around the various habitats while we were informed about the different requirements and adjustments each area requires.
It was also challenging to take accurate counts of the individual birds as they were constantly moving and not easy to spot and identify, especially when in higher vegetation.
However the visit overall was extremely useful and informative and the good weather conditions helped making it an enjoyable and instructive experience.
On the final part of our walk we passed by the reed beds where our lecturer informed us about one of the most important projects going on in the reserve, which focuses on the protection and restoration of the population of Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris).
Final Opinions
Although challenging, the field trip was very instructive and interesting. However I believe this part of conservation and management of a natural reserve is not intriguing enough for me to actively choose it as a career path.
I would prefer a career that allowed me to study the habitat requirements and behavior of the wildlife rather than work for the management of a natural reserve.
Nonetheless this remains a valid alternative and I would put 100% of effort in such job as I understand the importance of a proper management of protected areas like Cors Ddyga.
Wild Nature 