The canal provides food, shelter and nesting sites for a large variety of birds, ranging from the conspicuous Mute Swans and Mallards, to the secretive warblers that hide away in the reeds and other vegetation. Despite not being able to see all the species present along the canal, most of them can be heard very distinctly. Catch the dawn chorus during the summer months to enjoy a medley of entertaining and beautiful birdsong.

The canal is home to one of Britains most beautiful birds, the Kingfisher. These birds are actually quite common along the canal, but very hard to spot. The best time to see them is when they fly just above the water level flashing blue against the sunlight.

Some unusual species of bird have been recorded in the Country Park in recent years. The uncommon Water Rail has been sighted on occasions and the Little Grebe has been present on the waterway. In addition to the waterfowl numerous woodland species have been seen including all three species of Woodpecker. The evidence of a variety of bird species is a good indicator that the canal is a rich diverse mix of habitats. Many common species can also be found along the canal, gathering at the picnic sites to be fed and flitting in amongst the trees on the canal banks. They include Robins, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Blackbirds, Sparrows and Blue Tits.

A number of dedicated volunteers have been collecting data on the bird species found along the canal. If you are at all interested in bird watching then this information will be of interest to you. Click on the link below to view these findings.

Grand Western Canal Avifauna Records 2009 (9KB - pdf help)