Iolo is the king of the twitchers

Iolo Williams has studied upland birds, especially birds of prey, for three decades

Author, television and radio presenter, Iolo Williams is the new President of the Welsh Ornithological Society (WOS).

Mr Williams was elected by members at their annual conference in Llanrwst this week.

The former RSPB employee has presented a range of radio and television programmes on BBC and S4C during the last decade.

Mr Williams was born in Builth Wells and currently lives near Newtown in mid Wales.

We are fortunate to have many high-calibre people studying birds and helping their conservation in Wales Derek Moore

Opening the national conference on Woodland Birds in Wales, Mr Williams said: "I'm delighted to accept this role, having been a member of WOS since its inception.

"I think that WOS has an important role to play in supporting bird research, monitoring and conservation, helping other groups who are working in Wales."

Iolo Williams has studied upland birds, especially birds of prey, for three decades and co-authored the landmark book Birds in Wales, which reviewed all the birds that have ever occurred in Wales.

Derek Moore, Chairman of WOS Council, welcoming Mr Williams' election, also thanked David Saunders, who retired as President.

"We are fortunate to have many high-calibre people studying birds and helping their conservation in Wales," he said.

"Both David and Iolo have contributed much to our knowledge of birds in Wales, and Council is pleased that Iolo has accepted this role."

With encouragement from the Countryside Council for Wales, the Welsh Ornithological Society is striving to lead on research into Welsh birds and co-ordinate the activities of all groups, clubs and societies throughout the Principality.