CHOUGHS are not the easiest of birds to observe, and one of the only ways you are likely to come into close contact with one this spring is by hanging from a rope on a bare cliff face along the coastline of North or West Wales. The rarest member of the crow family, the chough likes to nest in the crevices and overhangs of cliffs in some of the remotest parts of Wales where they can breed relatively undisturbed. However, these dramatic geographical locations are also popular with rock climbers, with some of the most popular routes used by them going straight through the choughs' breeding sites. To make sure that chough chicks are allowed to fledge in peace RSPB Cymru is working with the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and climbers across Wales to identify the most important areas for choughs and agree seasonal access restrictions. This spring climbing restrictions will be put in place along many parts of the West Wales coast including the popular climbing areas of Pembrokeshire, Anglesey, Llyn and the Gower Peninsula. Climbers will also be advised not to scale cliff ledges in certain areas during dusk when they may disturb roosting choughs. Dave Lamacraft, RSPB Cymru chough officer, said, "Wales is home to nearly two-thirds of the UK's chough population, but with only 180 breeding pairs they are very vulnerable. It is important that RSPB Cymru, the BMC and climbers continue to work together to help safeguard one of Wales's most endangered birds." He added, "During each year's breeding survey we seek out chough nests by boat and on foot to monitor their breeding habits. We are then able to re-evaluate the restrictions and if climbing is no longer seen as a threat to birds in the area we will lift the ban." Dave Turnbull, the BMC's chief officer, said, "The BMC has always worked closely with conservation bodies to ensure that disturbance to important species of nesting birds is kept to a mini-mum." To find out where climbing restrictions apply see the website www.thebmc.co.uk. | 
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