As the golden hues of autumn sweep across North Wales, the landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation — and so does its wildlife. While the crowds of summer may thin, autumn is one of the most exciting times of year for wildlife watchers. From grey seal pups born along the coast to the arrival of thousands of migratory birds, the region becomes a living, breathing theatre of nature.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or just looking for a peaceful escape into the wild, here’s what to look out for this autumn in North Wales.
1. Grey Seals: Pup Season on the Coast
Autumn is prime time for spotting grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) along the North Wales coastline. Between September and November, female seals haul themselves onto remote beaches and rocky outcrops to give birth to their fluffy white pups.
Top Spots to See Seals:
- Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island) – Though puffins are summer residents, autumn brings seals in large numbers. Boat tours from Beaumaris often include sightings.
- The Great Orme, Llandudno – At low tide, look down from the cliffs to see seals lounging on the rocks.
- Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli) – Known for its rich biodiversity, Bardsey becomes a nursery for seals in autumn.
📸 Tip: Bring binoculars and respect viewing distances — pups are easily stressed by human presence.
2. Autumn Bird Migration: A Spectacle in the Skies
North Wales becomes a stopover and winter home for countless migratory birds. The estuaries, wetlands, and moorlands come alive with noise and movement as species arrive from the north and east to escape harsher climates.
Birds to Watch For:
- Redwings & Fieldfares – These Scandinavian thrushes arrive in flocks to feast on berries.
- Brent Geese & Whooper Swans – Look for them in coastal wetlands like the Dee Estuary.
- Hen Harriers – These elusive raptors glide low over moorland, especially around the Clwydian Range.
Top Birding Locations:
- RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve – Easily accessible with great hides for viewing waterfowl.
- Traeth Lafan – A vital site for overwintering waders and wildfowl.
- Ynys-hir Reserve – Though just beyond the North Wales border, it’s worth the trip for raptors and woodland birds.
3. Red Squirrels & Woodland Life
As the leaves turn, woodlands across Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula offer a quieter kind of wildlife watching — but no less rewarding. Autumn is a time of frantic activity for mammals preparing for winter.
Where to See Red Squirrels:
- Newborough Forest, Anglesey – A stronghold for these rare natives, best seen early morning or late afternoon.
- Pentraeth Forest – Another great location for patient observers and photographers.
Look for squirrels busily gathering and hiding nuts, along with signs of badgers and foxes who are also preparing for colder days.
4. Fungi & Mini-Beasts: The Small Wonders
Autumn is also fungi season. While not wildlife in the traditional sense, mushrooms and toadstools offer a fascinating and colorful look at the forest floor’s ecosystem.
Join a foraging walk or nature tour in:
- Gwydir Forest
- Coed y Brenin
- Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest
These areas are also great for spotting birds of prey and forest creatures, as well as the odd roe deer or pine marten (if you’re lucky!).
5. How to Make the Most of Autumn Wildlife Watching
Tips for a Great Experience:
- Pack layers – Autumn weather in North Wales is changeable.
- Bring binoculars or a zoom lens – Essential for bird and seal watching.
- Go early or late – Dawn and dusk are often the most active times for wildlife.
- Respect nature – Stick to trails, avoid disturbing animals, and follow local conservation guidelines.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re coastal seal-spotting or deep in the forests watching squirrels and fungi bloom, North Wales offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in autumn. It’s a season of change, movement, and quiet magic — and there’s no better place to witness it than among the mountains, estuaries, and shores of this wild and beautiful region.