Cemlyn Bay: A Haven for Tern Photography in North Wales
Cemlyn Bay, located on the north coast of Anglesey, North Wales, is a remarkable nature reserve managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Characterised by its distinctive elliptical shingle ridge and tranquil lagoon, the site offers a unique experience for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike.
A visit to Cemlyn is filled with possibility – you never know what might turn up!
The prime time to visit is between May and July, when the lagoon’s islands come alive with the nesting activity of three tern species: Sandwich, Common, and Arctic Terns. Cemlyn hosts the only Sandwich Tern breeding colony in Wales, making it a truly exceptional destination for witnessing one of nature’s great spectacles.
During spring and summer, the air fills with the energy, movement, and sound of thousands of terns—a sight and soundscape that is nothing short of mesmerizing. Though the reserve covers just one square kilometre, it’s rich in biodiversity and photographic opportunities. The longer you stay, the more you’ll discover, and no two visits are ever the same. This is a location that continues to inspire, no matter how many times you return.
During the breeding season, the sky above the bay is often filled with these birds, making it a spectacular sight.
In 2025, the Sandwich Tern colony reached an impressive 2,167 breeding pairs. Alongside them, smaller numbers of Arctic Terns (170 pairs) and Common Terns (120 pairs) also nest, contributing to the dynamic character of this vital breeding site.
The success of the Sandwich tern colony is remarkable, as it currently stands at about 25% of the UK population and 3% of the world population. However, this has also resulted in competition for nesting space with other tern species and disturbance for the later breeding species, especially by near fledged chicks.
An Arctic Tern returning to its nest with a fish is a common sight during the nesting season.
During my visit to Cemlyn Bay, I spent several hours focused on capturing the terns in flight as they returned to the colony with fish in their beaks. I wandered along the shingle ridge, searching for the best vantage point while hundreds of birds zipped back and forth overhead in a flurry of movement and noise. When you’re surrounded by such intense avian activity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall into the trap of firing off countless frames without much intention—something that often leads to a hard drive full of average images. In moments like these, I always recommend slowing down, watching the birds, and learning their behavior before even lifting the camera.
On this occasion, I decided to position myself just below the crest of the shingle bank, facing the colony. This allowed me to photograph the terns at eye level as they flew in toward their nests and eventually passed just overhead. It proved to be an ideal position for capturing clean flight shots with a dynamic angle. Lighting conditions throughout the day were quite harsh, limiting the creative flexibility I had hoped for. My original plan included experimenting with panning techniques and attempting some high-key portraits, but the strong midday sun made those ideas difficult to execute. Nonetheless, the experience of being immersed in the rhythm and energy of the colony made the session deeply rewarding.
Photographing terns in flight is never easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you capture that perfect moment - the flash of silver from a fish, the direct gaze of a bird mid-flight, or the symmetry of wings spread wide. Cemlyn Bay offers endless opportunities for these moments - if you’re patient and prepared!
Cemlyn Bay is an important site for terns, with nesting colonies of Sandwich, Common, and Arctic terns, and sometimes even the rarer Roseate tern.
Tips for Capturing Birds in Flight
Use a fast shutter speed - Aim for at least 1/2000 sec to freeze rapid wingbeats and mid-air interactions. You’ll need a higher ISO to match, especially on overcast days.
Track with continuous autofocus - Birds in flight are unpredictable. Use continuous AF with tracking and a wide dynamic focus area to maintain lock.
Anticipate movement - Once you’ve observed their behaviour, position yourself where birds naturally funnel into view—like flight paths toward nests, or feeding routes.
Shoot in bursts—but deliberately - Use burst mode to capture sequences, but don’t spray and pray. Look for moments of peak action: wings fully extended, fish visible, or a clean background.
Pay attention to the background - A cluttered background can ruin an otherwise sharp image. Try to position yourself so the sky, sea, or lagoon water becomes your backdrop.
Watch your exposure - In harsh light, highlight clipping on white birds like terns is a real risk. Slight underexposure can help preserve detail in the whites.
Getting there by road:
A5025 from Valley, follow sign to Cemlyn National Nature Reserve in Tregele (opposite Douglas Inn). On approach to Cemlyn NNR take second turning to the right then turn right again, after farm buildings, past Bryn Aber walled garden to the car park.
Parking: at Bryn Aber car park, Cemlyn. Please note that this car park is affected by the tides. Please check tide times prior to your visit.
Sat Nav: LL67 0DY
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