THIS weekend people will have the chance to meet the UK's rarest crow, the chough. The RSPB is hosting a chough viewing event for people to view one of the UK's most striking birds. It is estimated that there are 180 pairs of breeding choughs in Wales, which account for twothirds of the UK's population. The area surrounding the National Trust visitor centre at Mynydd Mawr, Aberdaron, is a stronghold for the chough in Wales, where they can be seen feeding on the heathland and in acrobatic flight above the cliff tops. "If you haven't seen this glossy black bird with red legs and bill, then this is your opportunity to do so," said an RSPB Cymru spokeswoman. "The RSPB will take you on a short walk from the visitor centre so that you can get a good view of the choughs. "You are likely to see a whole host of other birds on your visit including peregrines, raven and wheatears." Dave Lamacraft, chough officer, said, "Choughs are very secretive birds, which nest on cliff faces and in caves. Unless you are a rock climber it is not very likely that you will come into close contact with a chough, so this is an unique opportunity. "The event will also be a chance for people to find out more about the Celtic crow, RSPB's concerns for the species and the work we have been doing to help this bird.' RSPB Cymru runs a Chough Habitat Restoration Project to help safeguard this important population. The three-year project and is funded by the European Union, Objective One programme. The aim is to secure and increase the chough population in Wales by initially focusing efforts on 19 key areas. In partnerships with other groups and individuals RSPB Cymru develops land management plans to encourage farmers and land managers to adopt chough-friendly farming methods. To take part in the chough watch all you need to do is visit the National Trust visitor centre in the old coastguard lookout, Mynydd Mawr, Aberdaron, between 10.30am and 4pm during the two days. Telephone 029 2035 3000 for more information. | 
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