Disturbance of overwintering wildfowl by anglers at two reservoir sites in South Wales

Studies of bird distribution and behaviour at 2 reservoir sites in South Wales showed different degrees of disturbance by anglers. During October and March at Llandegfedd Reservoir, the distributions of Wigeon, Pochard and Mallard were strongly influenced by the presence of anglers. At the Llanishen/Lisvane complex, small numbers of anglers throughout the winter on Llanishen had relatively little impact on either Tufted Duck or Coot. The impact of game-fishing on birds on reservoirs in the winter seems to be determined by the distribution of anglers as well as by their total number.