Camel Estuary, Cornwall

[camelbirder]

While birding today, a friend said that it would be a good idea to start a thread, on Bird Forum, about the bird sightings and birding in general around the Camel Estuary, so lets get started.

An early morning visit to, the CBWPS Reserve, Walmsley Sanctuary produced some very good birding with a male Garganey, Wood Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover all on show, a supporting cast of Wigeon, Gadwall, two Shoveler, Greenshank, Yellow Wagtail and lots of Mallards made the visit worth it.

The water level is fairly high at the moment after the large showers we have had over the last few days.

At lunchtime I visited Clapper Marshes, which by contrast, (to Walmsley), was almost devoid of life with only the Canada Geese in attendance and a family party of Mute Swans, a brood of 6.

Well thats a start, lets see if we can keep this thread going, and enlighten the birding public about this special part of Cornwall.

Good Birding,

Derek

[devon.birder]

I spent last Saturday and this Tuesday afternoons in the hide at Walmsley. After I had been in the hide a couple of hours on Saturday afternoon a Cattle Egret suddenly appeared and was actually getting its feet wet feeding by the flag stones. I didn't see it on Tuesday though.
On Tuesday there were 17 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper in front of the hide at Burniere Point.
Hope this thread is kept going as I will be down again next month. Roger

[camelbirder]

This afternoon at Walmsley Sanc. the male Garganey was still present as well as the Little Ringed Plover. A few more waders had arrived today with 31 Dunlin, 1 Ringed plover, 2 Greenshank, a Ruff, a single Common Sandpiper and a Lapwing present.
Wildfowl numbers were the same as yesterday with the exception of two new Gadwall, a pair, which had joined the first year, "resident", male.
A Spotted Flycatcher was on the wire fence near the old hide.

A total of 50 species were seen in very enjoyable couple of hours.

[Qingcol]

A visit this morning to Clapper Marshes and the adjoining bit of the river Camel produced the amazing total of eight Canada Goose broods, containing 43 goslings, a single Mallard brood plus one Mute Swan brood of six, at one point 11 Common Buzzards circled overhead possibly attracted by the goslings, or the odd wild Rabbit flock that appears to contain white,black and fawn indaviduals in addition to the wild type.The only other birds noted being a Green Woodpecker and a singing male Blackcap.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin,

Amazing total of eight Canada Goose broods, containing 43 goslings,

This total added to the Walmsley sanc. birds makes a total of 12 broods totaling a minimum of 60 goslings, no wonder they are doing so well.

I also visited Clapper Marshes this morning, the only interesting sighting was of a single Curlew.

[camelbirder]

A walk along the Camel Trail today, while doing the WeBs count, produced a few surprises, a singing Lesser Whitethroat at Dennis Hill, a flyover Yellow Wagtail at Old Town Cove, a Cuckoo at Cant Hill, (although one was reported there in the week), and the biggest shock a GREY PARTRIDGE at Tregonce.

Grey Partridge are few and far between now with only a handful of records in the whole county, although the Camel Estuary is probably the stronghold, this is my first of the year.

The rest of the count was probably of what was expected for the time of year with, 28 Little Egret, 14 Grey Heron, 35 Mute Swan, (plus a brood of eight cygnets), 52 Shelduck, (most of the estuary's birds are inland breeding), 24 Mallard, 51 Oystercatcher, 32 Dunlin, 16 Whimbrel, 30 Curlew, one Common sandpiper, eight Lesser Black-back's, 392 Herring Gull and 39 Great Black-back's.

Chiffchaff and Blackcap were numerous along the Trail, but only one Willow Warbler was heard and no Whitethroat.

[camelbirder]

A quick look at Clapper Marsh this morning produced nothing of any great interest with single Little Egret, two Grey Heron, two Moorhen, 14 Mallard, (and three broods), eight Canada Geese, (and two broods), and a single Sedge Warbler.

Up to seven Buzzard were counted circling over the marsh, are these birds really drawn here because of the goslings, (like Colin suggests), or is there another reason.

[Qingcol]

A morning walk from Pentire Farm to the Rumps produced 2 Common Buzzard, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Northern Wheatear, 6 Common Whitethroat a singing Grasshopper Warbler, Blackcap and Corn Bunting. The Corn Bunting was colour ringed, and probably a dispersing bird from Trevose Head.

[Qingcol]

I called in to Walmsley Tower hide mid morning and found not a single wader! but still Garganey, Wigeon, Gadwall and Shoveler plus one Coot chick, the first for me this year. Sand Martin, Swift, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher all showing.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin,
On your visit to The Rumps, did you see any Puffins? All reports are that they have arrived back in greatly reduced numbers.

Great photo's by the way.

Derek.

[Qingcol]

Hi Derek,

No Puffin on view! just small groups of Razorbill, Guillemot, Shag, Cormorant and Kittiwake. Up to ten Common Swift over cliffs and a Grey Heron flying out to sea, a pair of Northern Wheatear look set to breed plus Rock & Meadow Pipit. ( This shot of a male Wheatear just missed the grade)

[camelbirder]

[QUOTE=The Corn Bunting was colour ringed, and probably a dispersing bird from Trevose Head.[/QUOTE]

It would be interesting to know if this bird has indeed come from Trevose Head or if it was caught on Pentire, have you emailed Clare?

Its sad about the Puffins, I wonder what the problem is, they appeared to be ok last year. I was told last week that the breeding gull population has increased, if this is so, I wonder if this is the reason.

Good Birding,

Derek;)

[Qingcol]

The R.S.P.B has informed me that the colour ringed Corn Bunting was ringed at Porthcothan on the 14th of June, and was the heaviest chick of a brood of 4.

[camelbirder]

Unforunately I did not do any birding on or around the Camel today, (the lure of Red-footed Falcon at Boscastle used up all the available time), but Birdguides have reported the male Garganey is again at Walmsley this afternoon.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley at 18:00. A few waders showing 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin, male Wigeon still with 2 pairs of Gadwall, Spotted Flycatcher at the gate.

Derek, I think it worth a mention, that the female Red-footed Falcon was seen today right over the Source of the Camel!

[camelbirder]

Derek, I think it worth a mention, that the female Red-footed Falcon was seen today right over the Source of the Camel!

Yes its worth a mention, its a pity its not closer to the estuary and a lot easier to see,

Did not manage any birding on the patch yesterday due to work, (its a hard life), but did drive past Clappr Marsh at 5 o'clock. Here the field opposite was being ploughed and over 200 Herring Gulls were feeding behind it.

A Barn owl was just outside the area at St Jidgey, yesterday morning.

[camelbirder]

An early morning visit to Clapper Marshes yielded very little with a flyover Ringed Plover being the best bird. There are now a few horses on the marsh, so they may start churning up the mud and make it more appetising for waders.

At Dinham Flats this morning a few waders were on show with single Greenshank, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Four Dunlin, six Whimbrel, 11 Curlew and seven Oystercatcher were also present.
Six Little Egret, a Grey Heron, 28 Mute Swan, 29 Shelduck,136 Herring Gull and two Black-headed Gull made up the bulk of the rest.

A Fox was watched walk around the base of Tregenna Hill.

[camelbirder]

[QUOTE=Qingcol;1203565] male Wigeon still with 2 pairs of Gadwall, QUOTE]

Does the count of two pairs of Gadwall include the first summer male that was present at the weekend.

[Qingcol]

Yes!and I'm sure the female has been around all the time, and hopefully sitting on eggs, the fact that the 1st summer male has been displaying constantly to a female Mallard means very little (look at some human behaviour) but this time it looks like a failed attempt.The 2nd pair are new arrivals.

[camelbirder]

displaying constantly to a female Mallard means very little (look at some human behaviour)

Chance would be a good thing. But we can all dream.

This morning a Yellowhammer was singing outside my house, (this is very unusual), and 25 House Martins were overhead.

[Qingcol]

This morning at high tide, Dinham Flats.Birds included 35+ Curlew, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 summer plumage Knot and 3 Whimbrel including one very dark indavidual showing a darkish rump and under-wing + very bold head markings, sadly I could only manage one poor shot as the birds flew off down the estuary and will have a good look for it later today. It could possibly be Hudsonian Whimbrel or a bird showing some melanism. (Shot below)

[Qingcol]

Walmsley this morning; Garganey male, Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler.

[Qingcol]

While watching the high tide last night for any signs of the dark-rumped Whimbrel, Derek and I were struck by the fact that we were the only birders watching that part of the estuary at that time! if in Norfolk there would be fifty plus birders out looking on just a whisper, it's no wonder there are so few records from this large and difficult to watch estuary. There were five Whimbrel on the high tide roost, all crouched low in the scurvy grass and stubbornly refusing to show, with forty plus Curlew ( A good count at this time of year) plus two Bar-tailed Godwit. While we both enjoyed the song of a mixed singing Willow Warbler ( The song starting as a Chiff-chaff and finishing as a Willow Warbler) in the same area as one reported last year, we were treated to a fly-past and calling, Wood Sandpiper, closely followed by a 1st Summer male Wigeon and Gadwall.

[Qingcol]

Yesterday afternoon walking The Camel, near the Allen confluence i found yet another oddly singing Phylloscopus Warbler! this time a Chiffchaff, the version rendered as ' charrue-charrue-charrue-charrue-chaff-chaff-chaff-chaff'; The first section being very thrush like in it's richness, this being the second time i have heard this version, at the same time of day (mid afternoon) and at the same location, singing at this time of day it could well be an unmated male.
Not much to report from Clapper marshes just 3 Mallard broods, 5 Mute Swan cygnets and a singing Blackcap.

[Qingcol]

It's chucking it down outside this morning! time perhaps to reflect on a common bird that for some unknown reason ( to me at least ) appears to shun the estuary and surrounding area, despite suitable habitats i have only recorded one, for a single day, 'Cetti's Warbler' in five years. The pic's below were taken on the Somerset Levels.

[camelbirder]

Not been birding over the weekend, family duties and a new computer have kept me in, (as well as the weather).

I did see a small male Peregrine over the town this afternoon though.

On your reflections, Colin, I have seen Cetti's at Harlyn pools this year, and they seem to occasional at the NRA Pools as well, but why don't they visit Walmsley, is it because there is not enough bushes.

[Qingcol]

I suppose one good reason why Chetti's don't visit Walmsley, could well be the fact that where they do tend to thrive in this country (Partly due to warmer winters) they prefer to be if not in, a large reed bed, close to one, the very thing Walmsley lacks.

A few waders at a very wet Walmsley this morning.
26 Dunlin.
2 Greenshank.
1 Black-tailed Godwit.
7 Ringed Plover.
1 Little Ringed Plover. Plus a Barnacle Goose with the Canada geese.
20+ Common Swift.
1 Male Wigeon.
1 Pair Gadwall.

[Qingcol]

Barnacle Goose still this morning at Walmsley, plus 20+ Dunlin. 4+ Ringed Plover. 2 Greenshank. 1 Male Wigeon. 2 Gadwall. 20+ House Martin. 12 Swift.
Reed and Sedge Warbler

Below Reed Warbler pic's in the rain this morning.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats from the Camel Trail; good numbers of waders on the high tide this morning, with 118 Dunlin. 5 Sanderling. 3 Summer plumage Grey Plover. 7 Ringed Plover. 26 Curlew. Plus brood of 8 Shelduck ducklings.

[Qingcol]

Very quiet this morning at Walmsley, with no sign of any waders, but Wigeon and Gadwall still. Reed Warbler mimicking Water Rail near the Tower Hide!

[camelbirder]

Great pictures Colin.
Hopefully I will get out today.
Derek.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats today at high tide; a little misty but not much wind. Birds included 1 D.B Brent Goose with Canada Geese. 76 Dunlin. 3 Knot. 34 Ostercatcher. 20 Curlew. 1 Whimbrel. 4 Ringed Plover.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary, misty at first this morning with 16+ Swift, 2 Sand Martin a Hobby and a ringed Cormorant, its small size and angle of the gular pouch suggesting the continental subspecies P.c sinensis.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin, once again great photographs.

The Cormorant from the photographs looks to me to be a carbo; the general build of the bird looks to bulky, (although we have had a few conversations about photo, making things look different than in the field), the gular patch is intermediate for me, being about 75 degrees-ish and the bill looks to large with a large hook on the tip, sinensis have much slighter bill.

Could be a hybrid, mixed pairs are breeding in this country.

Best wishes, Derek;)

[Qingcol]

Are we looking at the same thing? the yellow area of skin below the lower mandible i make it around 90 degrees.

[camelbirder]

Are we looking at the same thing? .

I don't know. Measuring out from the gape line I make it about 75 degrees, (but the head is not directly side on).

[Qingcol]

Yes a difficult but interesting bird! the feathering towards the centre of the gular does not help. It's a pity i could not manage to read the ring number.

[gonvena]

Hello Gentlemen, Just trying this out to see if I can get onto the thread.

Rumps this morning to looks for Puffins. still haven't seen any this year. Razorbills nesting on Mouls, c.10 Guillemots on water. Manx Shearwaters were passing pretty far out at a rough estimate of 1800 an hour. 3 singing Corn Buntings

[camelbirder]

Hi Mike and welcome,

Its sad about the Puffins, I have heard of only a single bird on one date so far this year. Is it just the Mouls or has the population crashed in the southwest.

[Qingcol]

Welcome to the thread Gonvena! 3 singing Corn Buntings is good for the Rumps, did you see if any were colour ringed?
Very quiet on the high tide at Dinham Flats today with 9 Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 39 adult Mute Swan. Pair and 8 cygnets still at Town Bridge.

[devon.birder]

It took me over an hour to see one Puffin sat on the sea on May 10 in perfect conditions. Roger

[devon.birder]

Hi Mike and welcome,

Its sad about the Puffins, I have heard of only a single bird on one date so far this year. Is it just the Mouls or has the population crashed in the southwest.

It's not just in the South West. Puffins on the Isle of May are down from almost 70000 pairs in 2003 to about 41000 pairs this year. Birds are also arriving underweight. Roger

[gonvena]

Welcome to the thread Gonvena! 3 singing Corn Buntings is good for the Rumps, did you see if any were colour ringed?
Very quiet on the high tide at Dinham Flats today with 9 Dunlin, 45 Curlew, 39 adult Mute Swan. Pair and 8 cygnets still at Town Bridge.

No didn't see them just had them singing all around the fields above Pentire farm.:cat:

[gonvena]

Ah! Tks for the info I am sure Camelbirder will be grateful for that. We must assume that the bird must have been a late returning bird and has moved on. May be worth while having a chat with the boat people who do Puffin tours around the island, or perhaps the National Trust at Pentire, see what they have to say.
How about flagging this to Spring watch

Oh dear, this was supposed to be a reply to Roger (Devon birder), didn't seem to hit the right box

[camelbirder]

Thanks for the info Roger, any idea how many birds on Lundy.

Visited the estuary this morning at Rock were 57 Dunlin roosted at Porthilly Point, also here were single Ringed Plover and Whimbrel as well as 46 Oystercatcher. (Also of interest were 124 rabbits in the field above the point).

At Clapper Marsh today very few birds were on show with 19 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Sedge Warblers, a Moorhen and two Swifts being the highlights.

Red-legged Partridges appear to be everywhere this week, with birds noted in the centre of Wadebridge.

Best wishes, Derek.

[Qingcol]

Extremely quiet at Walmsley Sanctuary this morning as you would expect at this time of year, the small Cormorant wearing a ring still, looking much smaller than it's companion of the same age. (more pic's below)
Other birds include 4 Sand Martin, 20+ Swift,2 Blackcap, 20+ House Martin,
2 House Sparrow, 5 Grey Heron. 3 Shelduck. Brood of Long-tailed Tits.

[Qingcol]

(/QUOTE) Its sad about the Puffins, I have heard of only a single bird on one date so far this year.[/QUOTE]
It's not just the Puffins! Reed Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler are well down this year, at least in the local sites that i watch.
Below some extra residents at Walmsley today.

[gonvena]

Wadebridge School sports field has been a constant source of surprises over the years. The local Herons have discovered it in earnest and instead of just one or two sightings a year, this last week there have been up to four present most days. There are always some birds or other feeding at all times of year. Herons possibly after of young frogs. Right time of year.

[Qingcol]

[/QUOTE)The Cormorant from the photographs looks to me to be a carbo; the general build of the bird looks to bulky, (although we have had a few conversations about photo, making things look different than in the field),[/QUOTE]
I found with this bird, by taking lots of angle shots you could select a gular angle, to be anything you wished. In the end I selected a true side profile shot and I think this is the best one can do.( Alstrom 1985, 1991, Newson 2000, Cormorant with gular pouch angles 60 degrees are carbo while 75 degrees are sinensis)
(Newson 2000, This feature is about 95% reliable in the field) I don't know what angle the pic below is, but as you say it looks more like carbo but only just. (there has to be some overlap) One thing the photo's do show clearly is that there are 14 rectrices.

[Qingcol]

At Dinham Flats this morning a Hobby was hunting over the dam, waders included 18 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 4 Knot ( 2 in full summer plumage) 8 Ringed Plover, 26 Curlew, 10 Oystercatcher and a Spotted Flycatcher from the Camel Trail.

[Qingcol]

No sign of any abject poverty just yet on the Camel estuary, with plenty of expensive power boats racing up and down frightening off any remaining wildlife even at 08:00. Waders included 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 10 Curlew, and I was surprised to see the Brood of 8 Shelduck ducklings still intact, plus a Stoat (normal size) was seen running on the Camel Trail.

[Qingcol]

A quiet morning at Dinham Flats with 14 Little Egret and a summer plumage Great-crested Grebe! plus two Stoat at the tide edge. A Reed Warbler was seen singing in the small reed bed at the Wadebridge end of the Camel Trail.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary early this morning; luxuriate vegatation makes it very hard to see small waders, but they are present, 2 Dunlin and one adult Green Sandpiper! this bird is so early you wonder if it ever left these shores.
One hunting Barn Owl, 20+ Swift, 1 Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting Feeding young, with juv Skylark, Linnet, Robin, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird and Song thrush. The small ringed 1st S Cormorant still, along with at least 7 Mallard broods. Lots of Speckled Wood, with Orange-tip and Holly blue butterflies.

[Qingcol]

Walking from Tregirls to Stepper Point early this morning; singing males included, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, Goldcrest, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Swallow. Juv birds included, Common Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Dunnock, Stonechat, Linnet, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch.
One hunting Barn Owl at Stepper, and a single Sandwich Tern off the Point.

[Qingcol]

Just looking at the colour difference between the two Barn Owls seen in the last two days on the Camel Estuary. The colour must be independent of age or sex but there is a huge difference in the rufous and grey colour saturation to the upperparts of these two individuals. Below the two pic's on the left are of the Stepper Owl and the one on the right from Walmsley.

[Qingcol]

Better news this morning on the Rumps Puffin, with 5 adults sitting on the sea.
Other birds in the Rumps area this morning, 4 Raven, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Northern Wheatear, (Rock Pipit feeding full grown young) Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Shag, Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, and 6+ Corn Bunting.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning; Mute swan pair with 2 cygnets, 3 Dunlin, 3 Lapwing including one full grown young, 60+ Swift, 1 Stock Dove, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Coot with brood of 6, at least 7 Mallard broods, 2 Shelduck, small Cormorant with ring still.

[gonvena]

Camel Trail, Wadebridge to Padstow, Wednesday 11th of June.
Observation from last month....Poor showing of Early Purple Orchids this year. More found on Land side of Trail whereas for as long as I can remember they River side has always produced the best showing. On Wednesday, I looked for S. Marsh Orchids at Tregonce. Very few spikes with 9 on River side and 7 on Land side. Previous years the count has been in about 125. All spikes very poor and pathetic. Vegetation is very dense, more so than previous years. Looks like the orchids are being crowded out. Seems to be we have had a pretty good growing season this year, perhaps that has had some effect. Shame if we lose them as they always put on a good show. Any other observations?
Birdwise, rising tide produced:- Mutes 41, Heron 2, Egrets 8 Oystercatcher 41, Shelduck 19+15dklings, Cormorants 6, Herring 16, BHG 1, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 41, GBBG 2, Mallard 7 at Denis Cove. 1 Fox at Pinkson and a Rat at Tregunna

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning; I was surprised to see Common Swifts flying low in early morning mist, up to 40+. Waders included 6 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, also present Grey Wagtail, Jay, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron. Wood Pigeon. Plus one Hedgehog.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary; 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 Lapwing and 40+ Swift this morning, plus Stock Dove, Sand Martin, Shelduck, Cormorant and Little Egret.

[camelbirder]

Hi all,

Sorry I have not made any contibutions to the thread for a while but I have not seen anything to report.

Almost daily visits to Clapper Marshes in the last week have produced a max of 22 Mallard and 5 broods of 16 young, two Little Egrets and a single Heron.

This morning I made a very quick visit to Dinham Flats where a total of 24 Shelducklings were present in 4, (or 6), broods.
This is a good number after last years disaster of only seven young.

Hopefully I will see more in the coming weeks.

[Qingcol]

Very nearly a frost early this morning at Walmsley Sanctuary; yet more signs of the invasive water plant Azolla caroliniana! known for its nitrogen-fixing ability by means of symbiotic cyanobacteria, it definitely looks alien, but may not be a serious problem.
Birds included 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 1 male Teal, Swift, Sand Martin, Cormorant, Little Egret, Shelduck, Sedge Warbler and two Coot Broods.

[camelbirder]

A family cycle ride along the Camel Trail to padstow this evening was rewarding with a singing a Quail at Pinkson Creek. Black-headed Gull are starting to arrive in good numbers with 54 noted. 16 Oystercatchers roosted at the Quarry this evening.
Little Egret numbers were high with 42 counted.

Last evening a male Peregrine flew low over my garden chasing a finch which it did not catch.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats this morning; One late 1stW Mediterranean Gull with around 40+ Black-headed Gulls, two Shelduck broods (4 & 8) one Whimbrel, 14 Curlew, 8 Dunlin, one Barn Owl and one Tawny Owl.

[camelbirder]

An early morning visit to the Amble Marshes produced 3 Green Sabndpipers, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Lapwing, a male Teal, one Shelduck, minimum of 26 Mallard and probably the same number of young, 18 Canada Geese, (and a brood of 6), 8 Moorhen, 9 Coot, (and a broood of 6 young), 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, and 2 Cormorant, (including the small bird with a ring, the last two digits are '72').
Hirundine numbers were low with just 4 Sand Martin, 6 House Martin and 3 Swallow. There were however 35 Swift.
Passerines included 2 Reed Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Bunting, 15 Linnet, 1 Pied Wagtail.

Quite a good morning. ;)

[gonvena]

It was a really nice morning on Rumps point most enjoyable. 0905 till 1100 hrs. Shame the wind didn't get up to what I had hoped for, still it was enough to push the Manx Shearwaters in.
A couple of Atlantic Grey seals and 9 Bottlenose swimming west.

A raft of 21 Guillies, loadsa Razorbills all over the place with nests in with the Cormorants. I counted 41 Cormorants on the island with seemingly 20 young.
I counted 714 Manx with not one Balearic or Sooty (bit early for Sooty). 107 Gannets and loadsa Kittiwakes, not counted. (I have always assumed they come from the colony at Ranie Point Port Issac). Individual flocks of Manx Shearwater were 52, 208, 103, 109, 52

Hooray, 7 Puffins. That was the maximum single count, although I did see birds on the left hand side of the island, they may have been the same ones that came together in the flock of 7.

[Qingcol]

Yes Mike it was nice on the Rumps this morning, and I was sorry that we missed having a chat. Most people tend to think of Rumps Point as always quiet and calm, and ideal for breeding birds, but it can be a very noisy and frightening place for a bird (see pic's below).
It was good to get 7 Adult Puffin, all in the photo below if you can find them,
also nice to see that Razorbill at least, are still finding Sandeels!
On the walk back I managed to find 5 Corn Bunting, plus 4 Corn Bunting researchers.

[gonvena]

I was on the way back when I saw the helicopter fly in between the Mouls and the Rumps. Looking at your photograph he was flying under 200 ft and could be reported to the Civil Aviation Authority in Edinburgh. I would if it were me. What a thoughtless inconsiderate plonker.
I like the one of the Puffins.... I have one like that. They are Puffins aren't they?

[Qingcol]

Yes Mike they are Puffins! I have seen helicopter do this before and the birds hate it, this one was less than 100ft, lower than the Gannet.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Walmsley Sanctuary; 6 nervous Black-tailed Godwit still with 2 Greenshank, and one ringed Cormorant, lots of juv Sedge Warbler out, with one being fed a Blue-tailed Damselfly. Plus a Different Barn Owl! with a Short-tailed Vole.

[Qingcol]

A Hobby was watched flying around the tree tops at Coronation Park Wadebridge at Mid-day, plus 6 Common Swift.

[Qingcol]

Rumps Point at mid-day; not much sea action, with small numbers of Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Kittiwake, Fulmar. Razorbill, Guillemot, Shag and Cormorant passing, just one Puffin sitting on the sea ( a Razorbill was watched catching a Garfish, and then fly off with it) Plus two Ocean Sunfish.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning; 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 60+ Linnet, 2 Barn Owl, Reed and Sedge Warbler plus male Teal starting to eclipse.

[gonvena]

Best time to watch the Rumps is 9 till 11. This seems to be the optimum time, after that it drops right off.
Come July the good stuff will start to appear up until the end of October.
Cracking pictures Col.

[gonvena]

WEB count in Little Petherick produced 12 Egrets, 6 Mallard, a Curlew, a Heron, 2 BHG and 12 Herring G.
Bushes alive with small stuff.

[Qingcol]

A closely shoaling school of Grey Mullet, in Pinkson Creek today.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats at High tide this morning; 126 Curlew (many in moult) trying to roost, see photo below, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 60+ Black-headed Gulls and 4 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adult and 2 1st S )
Yesterday afternoon 6 Sandwich Tern off Padstow.

[Qingcol]

Rumps Point this morning; Manx Shearwater 1,000 an hour feeding passes, for at least two hours, small numbers of Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Razorbill and Guillemot, 5+ Puffin and one Grey Seal.

[Chris Oates]

A closely shoaling school of Grey Mullet, in Pinkson Creek today.
Nice pics.
Funniest shoal of Mullet I've seen are the ones that follow the King Harry Ferry to and fro all day.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats this morning; 3 Mediterranean Gull ( 1 1st S. 1 SS and 1 ad )
100+ Curlew and 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 brood of Shelduck.

[Qingcol]

Not much sea-watch action this afternoon at Rumps Point, in one hour 67 Gannet, 25 Fulmar, 6 Kittiwake, 38 Manx Shearwater and 2 Puffin passed SW.

[Qingcol]

Very quiet at Dinham Flats today with 115 Curlew, 39 Ostercatcher and 2 Mediterranean Gulls ( adult and 1st S)

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning; 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 female Garganey, 1 Barn Owl with Short-tailed Vole, Reed Sedge and Willow Warbler, 30+ Swift, 2 Sand Martin.

[Qingcol]

At Town Bridge Wadebridge this morning; 200+ shoaling Grey Mullet and House Martins picking nesting mud, plus 32 Herring Gull, 2 Black-headed Gull and 2 Little Egret.

[camelbirder]

Hobby over Clapper Marshes at lunchtime today. Great pictures of the House Martins, Colin. The Town Quay Cliffs colony is getting bigger and bigger.
Watched some Swifts today trying to enter their nest holes, counted a minimum of four pairs in the building behind Molesworth Arms, does anyone know of any others.

[Qingcol]

A good early morning at Walmsley Sanctuary with Female Garganey, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin. 1 Hobby chasing Swifts, Reed and Sedge Warbler.

[Qingcol]

At first glance not much of interest at Clapper Marshes this morning; but look a little closer and there are some interesting things to be seen, the odd tail shape of a moulting Buzzard, the full white collar on this House Martin (caused by the white feather bases being visible) or this female Mallard, with a Garganey type face pattern.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin and All,
The photo of the Mallards just go to show that you have to look at a suite of features to identify a species not just one.
On a different note, Cornwalls first PALLID SWIFT has been accepted, as one over Wadebridge on June 12th 2007, well done Colin. Unfortunately the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper as been recorded as not proven. Information from BBRC (http://www.bbrc.org.uk/The%20Records-for%20WIP%20on%20web.xls).

[Qingcol]

This afternoon at Clapper Marshes; 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Hobby over, and at least 3 different Grey Wagtail broods! plus 2 Pied Wagtail broods.
Along the River Camel, above the church to the first bridge at least 6 dead Sea Bass, some taken by Crows and 1 Great Black-backed Gull.

[Qingcol]

Garganey and 5 Black-tailed Godwit at Walmsley still this morning.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Dinham Flats from the Camel Trail; my first juvenile Black-headed Gulls on the Camel this year, with six, plus 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 adult + 1 1st S) 4 adult Sandwich Tern, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 16 Redshank including at least 1 juvenile! 2 full grown Shelduck broods.
Yesterday juvenile Barn Swallows on the wing at Walmsley.

[Conorbirda2]

Hi Colin and All,
The photo of the Mallards just go to show that you have to look at a suite of features to identify a species not just one.
On a different note, Cornwalls first PALLID SWIFT has been accepted, as one over Wadebridge on June 12th 2007, well done Colin. Unfortunately the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper as been recorded as not proven. Information from BBRC (http://www.bbrc.org.uk/The%20Records-for%20WIP%20on%20web.xls).

Yeah, well done Colin. I notice the Desert Wheatear at Lands End also accepted.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Wadebridge Town Bridge, 12 Redshank and 2 Little Egret.
At Clapper Marshes 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Green Sandpiper.

[gonvena]

Rumps Point, sea watch: 10:00 to 11:30
Steady stream of Manx passing in low numbers, not worth counting. (Estimate 200-300 per hour). Low numbers of Gannets passing. Sooty and Balearic Shearwater looked for, none seen.
10:50 Storm Petrel and 10:55 pod of c.10 Bottlenose Dolphins
Good numbers of Razorbill, Guillemots, Shag, Cormorant. Several individual Puffins.

[Qingcol]

This afternoon the first signs of Common Teal starting to return at Walmsley Sanctuary with 9 birds present including at least 5 juvenile, also at one point up to 18 Sand Martin including some juv's and yet another Common Buzzard moulting its tail.

[camelbirder]

A single Barn Owl was watched hunting at Clapper Marsh last evening.

[Qingcol]

Rumps Point this morning, birds past SW from 09:30-10:30 included 59 Manx Shearwater, 28 Gannet, 18 Kittiwake, 12 Fulmar, 3 Puffin and 2 Whimbrel plus one Basking Shark.

[camelbirder]

A second winter Meiterranean Gull was off Rock yesteray afternoon.

[Qingcol]

On the high tide this morning at Dinham Flats; 7 adult Mediterranean Gulls ( some with primaries very worn) 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 5 Redshank, 160+ Curlew and 60 adult Mute Swan.

[Qingcol]

This afternoon at Dinham Flats one adult Summer Little Gull with Black-headed Gulls.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Walmsley Sanctuary; 3 Black-tailed Godwit. 4 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Teal, 1 male Tufted Duck, 3 Sand Martin, 20+ Swift, 1 Barn Owl, juvenile Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Skylark and Garden Warbler.
3 Little Grebe nests with eggs ( 3. 2. 2.)

[camelbirder]

I escaped for half an hour today and made a visit to Clapper Marshes, at the Sladesbridge end six Green Sandpipers were present. The rest of the area was fairly quite with only three Grey Heron and 26 Mallard present.
Hopefully I will get out again in the next few days.

[Qingcol]

This afternoon at Dinham Flats, 14 Mediterranean Gulls ( 3. 1st Summer. 5. 2nd Summer. and 6 adult including 2 colour ringed ) 5 Tufted Duck! 22 Redshank, 2 Whimbrel, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. Plus at least 4 broods of Shelduck.

[Qingcol]

12 Mediterranean Gulls this afternoon at Dinham Flats, (5 adult. 3 1stS. 4 2nd S) At this time of year some 2nd Summer birds have adult bills, and are difficult to separate from adults at a distance, as all trace of black has been abraded from the primaries, see photo below. plus 2 Whimbrel and 180 Curlew.

[Qingcol]

A sea-watch this morning at Rumps point 10:30-11:30.
Birds past SW included 10 Ostercatcher, 42 Gannet, 26 Fulmar, 12 Kittiwake, 8 Manx Shearwater and 1 Puffin.

[Qingcol]

This morning at least 6 Mediterranean Gulls in field above Burniere Quarries.
At Dinham Flats, one juvenile Little Egret (photo below) and 18+ juvenile Shelduck.
23 Ostercatcher including 2 ringed birds (B.T.O type)

[Qingcol]

This 2nd or even 3rd Summer Med Gull appearing to fly fowards with head upside down, near the town quay at Wadebridge today.

[DavidinParis]

Clearly this is the Australian Med Gull; either that or it's been at the Cornish beer.B (:B (:

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, waders included 4 Lapwing, 3 Green Sandpiper, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Snipe! Duck included 10 Common Teal, 1 Shelduck, Mallard and 1 male Tufted ( 5 more at Dinham Flats) plus lots of Sedge Warbler and a Kingfisher.

[gonvena]

This 2nd or even 3rd Summer Med Gull appearing to fly fowards with head upside down, near the town quay at Wadebridge today.

Reminds me of a young Blackbird we had in the Garden about 10 years ago. Its head was upside down. How it fed I don't know, I can only assume the parent was still feeding it.
I took it over to the RSPCA centre at St. Columb who did the necessary. :king:

[Qingcol]

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with the Med Gull Mike, I think it was doing it because it could!
Large numbers of juvenile Black-headed Gulls today around Wadebridge, with 7 at Guineaport and 20+ at Town Bridge, plus 2 Green Sandpiper and 19 Pied Wagtail on pools at Guineport.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley this morning, Garganey female still plus 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 4 Lapwing and 8+ Teal, 1 juvenile Peregrine 150+ Finch flock (mostly Linnet) 12 Swift, 3 Sand Martin and 1 Stock Pigeon.

[KnockerNorton]

For info, a mate told me that a dead Honey Buzzard had been sent in to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme from Cornwall last month. It was identified by the finder as a common buzzard, but it was a 2nd cal yr Honey. I don't know the exact site off the top of my head, but can find out if anyone's interested. The finder will get a report, but I don't know if they'll pass the details on to the county recorder.

[Qingcol]

For info, a mate told me that a dead Honey Buzzard had been sent in to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme from Cornwall last month. It was identified by the finder as a common buzzard, but it was a 2nd cal yr Honey. I don't know the exact site off the top of my head, but can find out if anyone's interested.

Yes! it would be very interesting to get that site info as it could be the Honey Buzzard seen recently in south west Cornwall. (thank's for that)

[Qingcol]

Last night at Walmsley Sanctuary, 1 Garganey female, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Barn Owl, 5 Teal and 2 Stock Pigeon.

[camelbirder]

This evening on the Upper Treraven Meadow single Common and Green Sandpiper were present. Up to 20 Pied Wagtails were dotted around the pool edges mainly juveniles, they seem to have bred well this year.

The gull roost on Lidl's roof contain 82 Black-heads this evening which included eight juveniles.

[Qingcol]

A sea-watch at Rumps Point from 10:00-11:30, birds past SW include 1,000+ Manx Shearwater, 80+ Gannet, 60+ Kittiwake, 50+ Fulmar,1 dark Arctic Skua, 1 Grey Phalarope, plus 1 juvenile Cuckoo and a Lesser Whitethroat on the Point and 3 Corn Bunting nr the farm.
2 Ocean Sunfish, one appearing to swim flat on the surface and encourage the Herring Gulls to peck at it (possibly to remove a parasite?) the Sunfish in the photo is not dead, it just looks that way.

[Qingcol]

This afternoon at Dinham Flats, 14 Mediterranean Gulls ( 3. 1st Summer. 5. 2nd Summer. and 6 adult including 2 colour ringed )

One of 2 the colour ringed birds above was first ringed in Belgium on 21-05-2005.
A Hobby was seen over Trewornan Bridge at 12:00 today.

[camelbirder]

High Colin and all,

Just looked at the Kingfisher photo from 14/7/8, this a juvenile bird, (because its not in moult, adult undergo a complete post nuptial moult), is unusual usually they stay on their natal rivers until the autumn, so is this a locally bred bird?

What does everyone else think?

[Qingcol]

High Colin and all,

Just looked at the Kingfisher photo from 14/7/8, this a juvenile bird, (because its not in moult, adult undergo a complete post nuptial moult), is unusual usually they stay on their natal rivers until the autumn, so is this a locally bred bird?

What does everyone else think?

Could be a juvenile, no sign of any moult, legs brownish grey not bright, a silent bird and it made a mess of its catch, a Stickleback, but the rump and upper-tail was a very bright blue.

[camelbirder]

Yesterdays Grey Phalarope is the second earliest ever autumn bird, in Cornwall.

The earliest was one at St German's on 12th July 1988.

There has only been one other record, (in Cornwall), in July and that was from the RMV Scillonian 111 on 31st July 1989.

Just goes to show that anything can and will turn up and at any time.

[KnockerNorton]

Could be a juvenile, no sign of any moult, legs brownish grey not bright, a silent bird and it made a mess of its catch, a Stickleback, but the rump and upper-tail was a very bright blue.

Adults have red legs, juvs have blackish/greyish.

[camelbirder]

Adults have red legs, juvs have blackish/greyish.

Unfortunately I can't make out the leg colour from the photo.

[camelbirder]

A full count of the birds using the estuary today was as folows;
Little Grebe - 1
Cormorant - 14
Little Egret - 60, including at least 15 juveniles
Grey Heron - 12
Mute Swan - 58
Shelduck - 6
Mallard - 28
Moorhen- 1
Oystercatcher - 157
Sanderling - 1
Dunlin - 1
Black-tailed Godwit - 1
Whimbrel - 1
Curlew - 483
Redshank - 11
Common Sandpiper - 11
Mediterranean Gull - 38, (22 adult, 7 second year and 9 first year, no juv's)
Black-headed Gull - 1069
Common Gull - 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1
Herring Gull - 253
Great Black-backed Gull - 72.

Not bad for a three hour walk.

[Qingcol]

Birds at Walmsley Sanctuary this morning include, 5 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Teal.

[Qingcol]

Just below Town Bridge at Wadebridge, 11:30. 36 Redshank with at least 3 juvenile and one 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull plus 2 Common Sandpiper.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats this afternoon, no Med Gulls but 350+ Black-headed! 5 Common Sandpiper and 2 Sandwich Tern.

[gonvena]

Clapper Marsh today, best I could manage was a Common Sand.
Little Petherick this afternoon, 1 Greenshank, 10 L. Egrets, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Redshank. No Meds gulls in the Black headed Gulls total of 82. Nice day for a walk.

[gonvena]

Birds at Walmsley Sanctuary this morning include, 5 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 8 Teal.

Hi Colin, I know you would be very excited to note you had a new species for Walmsley......... well for the WEB count at least. Ringed Plover. That's worth a beer B (:B (:

[camelbirder]

This evening on the estuary between Wadebridge and Tregunna the following were noted; a male Scaup, 61 Redshank, 10 Common Sandpiper, 418 Curlew, 4 Whimbrel, 4 Greenshank, 37 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 1 Ruff, 29 Shelduck, 48 Mallard, Canad Goose 54, 31 Little Egret, 3 Heron and 739 Black-headed Gull.

Always the same, much higher counts of some species after the main count.

This morning 71 Canada Geese were on the river at Egloshayle.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Walmsley Sanctuary, one juvenile Northern Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 19 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Teal, 1 Common Snipe plus Sand Martin and Swift.

[camelbirder]

Just checked the old records and surprisingly there has been at least 20 records of Scaup in Cornwall in July. I guess they must be failed or non-breeding birds leaving their nesting areas.

The "Autumn" migration seems to have started with wildfowl, waders and gulls all moving. Lets all look out for the big rarity that seems to always turn up in July somewhere, (but never on the Camel).

[Qingcol]

Adult Mediterranean Gull over my house in Wadebridge at 11:00 with Black-headed Gulls.

[camelbirder]

An afternoon out with Qingcol was very enjoyable with the highlight being a juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Upper Treraven Meadow.
Elsewhere on the estuary 22 Mediterranean Gulls were on Tregirls beach including my first juvenile of the autumn, (which was ringed 31T1). Two other Mediterranean Gull were in a field at Highlanes near Little Petherick. Six Sandwich Terns were off Padstow.

[Qingcol]

An afternoon out with Qingcol was very enjoyable with the highlight being a juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Upper Treraven Meadow.
Elsewhere on the estuary 22 Mediterranean Gulls were on Tregirls beach including my first juvenile of the autumn, (which was ringed 31T1

Photos taken this afternoon below.

[Conorbirda2]

For info, a mate told me that a dead Honey Buzzard had been sent in to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme from Cornwall last month. It was identified by the finder as a common buzzard, but it was a 2nd cal yr Honey. I don't know the exact site off the top of my head, but can find out if anyone's interested. The finder will get a report, but I don't know if they'll pass the details on to the county recorder.

The Honey Buzz was found decomposed in a garden of a holiday cottage at Carbis Bay. It was a female and died of starvation. Wonder how long it had been there in the garden before it died?

[Qingcol]

The Honey Buzz was found decomposed in a garden of a holiday cottage at Carbis Bay. It was a female and died of starvation. Wonder how long it had been there in the garden before it died?
Not the Lizard bird then? that looked like a male?

Little Ringed Plover still at Treraven Meadow this morning but continually flushed by dog walkers, at least 3 times before 08:00 including two lady's with nine dogs between them. Also 1 Common Sandpiper and Sand Martin.

[camelbirder]

This evening off of Rock up to 6 adult Mediterranean Gulls were hawking flying ants wioth up to 30 Black-headed. A minimum of 70 , (mostly juvenile), Swallows were watched moving south-west, these birds may have been migrants or they had been hunting the ants over the sand dunes and then returned inland to roost.

Upper Treraven Meadow this evening contained 2 Common Sandpiper and a Kingfisher. The Little Ringed plover was not present.

[camelbirder]

According to Birdguides, 21 Balearic Shearwaters were noted off Pentire Point this morning.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, 1 juv Little Ringed Plover, 6 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Snipe. 5 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 7 Dunlin plus 1 male (Greater) Scaup and juv Tufted Duck.

[Qingcol]

I'm sure the Walmsley Scaup is not the male from Stithians, the Walmsley bird has a clean sharply defined edge to the black of the breast (Stithians bird is the very opposite) it also looks much different to the bird at Gwithian.

[Qingcol]

2 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2nd S and 1st S) resting at Town Bridge Wadebridge this afternoon plus 47 Redshank.

[camelbirder]

This evening on Walmsley Sanc. the Little Ringed plover was still present as was the male Scaup. Other species included up to 9 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 4 Lapwing, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 6 Teal and a Tufted Duck.

[Qingcol]

Dinham Flats this afternoon, 5 Common Sandpiper, 5 Whimbrel, 47 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a Peregrine Falcon.

[camelbirder]

This evening in the Tregirls Beach area of the Camel Estuary a total of 77 Mediterranean Gulls were counted with 47 adult, 12 second summer, 12 first summer and 6 juveniles. 19 Sandwich Terns were also present.

[Qingcol]

Last evening at Clapper Mashes, 7 Green Sandpipers, 1 male Tufted Duck and a Hobby over towards Wadebridge town, plus a female Mallard x Northern Pintail hybrid with 3 ducklings! if they survive and stay in the area it should provide some ID challenge (fun) in the future, also a Fox near the pools.

[Darrell Clegg]

This evening in the Tregirls Beach area of the Camel Estuary a total of 77 Mediterranean Gulls were counted with 47 adult, 12 second summer, 12 first summer and 6 juveniles. 19 Sandwich Terns were also present.

I think that's probably a county record Derek.


Darrell

[camelbirder]

I think that's probably a county record Derek.


Darrell

I don't think so, I think there is a count of 80 birds at the same site last year.:t:

[camelbirder]

At midday today at Clapper Marshes the odd female Pintail/ Mallard hybrid was still present together with her 3 diving youngsters, (a very odd bird, I would like to get a closer look). Also present was 2 Shoveler, 1 male Tufted Duck, 1 Teal, 2 Heron, 1 Coot, 2 Moorhen and a Coot.

[Qingcol]

3 Med Gulls hawking with Black-headed over Wadebridge Town this morning ( 1 juv-1stW. 1 Adult and 1 1st Summer)

[Darrell Clegg]

I don't think so, I think there is a count of 80 birds at the same site last year.:t:


That must be one of the records I don't have yet. I have a max of 66 in 06 and 67 in 07 both on the Camel - same observer! :t:

Darrell

[camelbirder]

31 Mediterranean Gulls at Tregirls Beach this evening including 5 juveniles. Also noted were 3 Sanderling and 2 Sandwich Terns.

[camelbirder]

An interesting post on the Cornwall Thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=1252010&postcount=509)of Sabine's Gull and Storm Petrels 10 off Padstow from a Shark Fishing boat, yesterday.

[camelbirder]

Birdguides today has reports of 2 Wilson's Petrels, 2 Balearic Shearwater and 100 Storm Petrels from a Fishing Boat 18Km NNE of Padstow today.

Does anyone know anything about these trips, are they trips that non fisherman can go on, and if so how much.

[camelbirder]

Elsewhere on the estuary 22 Mediterranean Gulls were on Tregirls beach including my first juvenile of the autumn, (which was ringed 31T1).

This bird was ringed on 14/06/2008 at Noordelijk Insteekdok, Oost-Vlaanderen, BELGIUM 51,17N 4,13E, it was also seen at the same site on 03/07/08

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, Little Ringed Plover and male Scaup Still, plus 4 Green Sandpiper, 4 Snipe and 3 Lapwing.

[camelbirder]

This morning at Tregirls Beach a minimum of 27 Mediterranean Gulls were on a ploughed field behind the dunes. A further 6 Med's were off Padstow.
16 Sandwich Terns were also off Padstow.

[Qingcol]

Female Common Darter (Dragonflie) Small Skipper and Coma (Butterflies) on the wing at Walmsley Sanctuary this morning.

[Conorbirda2]

Birdguides today has reports of 2 Wilson's Petrels, 2 Balearic Shearwater and 100 Storm Petrels from a Fishing Boat 18Km NNE of Padstow today.

Does anyone know anything about these trips, are they trips that non fisherman can go on, and if so how much.

Spoke to JHanlon (BF) this afternoon who had the Wilsons off Padstow (and saw some photos!) The boats are shark fishing trips and are all day jobs costing £100. Theres another going out on Thursday apparently. Could be an idea to charter a boat to the same spot sometime?

[Qingcol]

7 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Coot at Clapper Marshes this morning.

[thenorthernmonkey]

1 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sand, 2 Snipe and 1 LRP on Walmsley this afternoon. Also 2 Stock Dove over

[camelbirder]

Yesterday evening on the estuary, (between Tregunna and Wadebridge), there was more evidence of wader movement with up to 10 Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshank, 1 Sanderling, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 4 Whimbrel, 119 Oystercatcher, 218 Curlew and an impressive 94 Redshank.
The ever increasing Canada Goose flock now stands at 200. Other wildfowl included 17 Shelduck, (3 adults), and 31 Mallard. A single Kingfisher was also noted.
A Hobby was noted hunting Swallows near the Sewage Works.

At The NRA Pools 34 Starlings roosted.

[Qingcol]

Yesterday evening at Treraven Meadow, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Common Snipe. 4 Green Sandpiper still present this morning.

[Qingcol]

This 2nd-winter moulting into 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull was seen hawking over Wadebridge Town on the weekend.

[Qingcol]

Yesterday evening at Dinham Flats, 9 Common Sandpiper, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 6+ Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and 50+ Redshank.
This morning at Treraven Meadow 10 Green Sandpiper, and at least 4 Swift over Wadebridge but it looks like most have departed.

[camelbirder]

Yesterday evening on Treraven Meadows a Barn Owl watched hunting, at one stage it was seen to hunt on the Egloshayle Playing Fields. Other species present included 4 Green sandpiper, 1 Little Egret, 19 Mallard, 12 Pied Wagtail and 5 Starlings.

[camelbirder]

This morning on Clapper Marshes a single Green sandpiper was present together with 2 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Coot, 5 Moorhen, a Heron, 27 Mallard and the Mute Swan family. 2 Siskin were also present.

Along the Eglolshayle By-pass between Ball Roundabout and Sladesbridge a total of 22 Magpies were counted, I wonder if there is a communal roost nearby.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Walmsley Sanctuary, 10 Greenshank, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Green Sandpiper, 8 Dunlin, 2 Stock Dove, 5 Teal and 1 Shoveler.
Treraven Meadow, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Swift and 65 House Martin including some juv's.

[camelbirder]

This morning at Tregirls Beach a total of 46, (29 adult, 5 second year, 7 first year and 5 juvenile), Mediterranean Gulls were present together with 2 Ringed Plover and 4 Sandwich Terns offshore.

At Lellizzick a flock of 140 Linnets were noted with aKestrel at nearby Crugmeer.

At Padstow a single Arctic Tern was noted flying amoungst the 20 Sandwich tern which were present. A single Mediterranean Gull was on Town Bar. Up to 10 Dunlin were counted.

[davercox]

This 2nd-winter moulting into 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull was seen hawking over Wadebridge Town on the weekend.

Excuse my ignorance (really). How can a gull be in this moult stage at the end of July ?

[thenorthernmonkey]

Excuse my ignorance (really). How can a gull be in this moult stage at the end of July ?

i thought the same but didnt want to ask in case i made a right arse of myself

[Qingcol]

Excuse my ignorance (really). How can a gull be in this moult stage at the end of July ?

There can be very large differences in age development and therefore moult timings, you could even argue a case for this gull being a retarded 3rd winter moulting into adult plumage, I am merely suggesting a moult stage, and this is just my own opinion, by submiting a photo it at least gives the Gull experts (of which there are many) a chance to make up their own.

[Qingcol]

Juvenile Med Gulls at Tregirls Padstow this afternoon.

[Qingcol]

This morning on the Camel nr Treraven Wood, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Otter.
2 Swift still over Treraven Meadow plus 3 Green Sandpipers and a Coot in flight.

[Qingcol]

A sea-watch at Rumps Point this morning 09:30-10:30, produced 32 Gannet, 28 Fulmar, 6 Kittiwake, 25 Manx Shearwater, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 10 Ostercatcher and 1 Whimbrel SW past point. One 1stW Northern Wheatear on the Rumps and 3 Singing Corn Bunting near Pentire Farm.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Dinham Flats, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Whimbrel, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 14 Greenshank, 6 Common Sandpiper, 323 Canada Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Peregrine Falcon ( ad + juv) 220+ Curlew and a Kingfisher.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, 4 Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, 2 Stock Pigeon and this interesting Mallard, it has been around for some time, not leucism or a hybrid probably a cross from a different Mallard variety, the best clue is the bill with some orange colour retained and most likely from the domesticated version of white decoy Mallard.

[Qingcol]

29 Common Swift over Wadebridge this afternoon, I'm not sure if it's vis-mig or are own birds back.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Dinham Flats, 3 Little Tern, 6 Whimbrel, 15 Common Sandpiper, 1 Knot, 54 Dunlin, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad +1 1stS) and 4 Common Swift.
No sign of the Spotted Sandpiper from the Camel Trail.

[Conorbirda2]

This morning at Dinham Flats, 3 Little Tern, 6 Whimbrel, 15 Common Sandpiper, 1 Knot, 54 Dunlin, 12 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Mediterranean Gull (2 ad +1 1stS) and 4 Common Swift.
No sign of the Spotted Sandpiper from the Camel Trail.

Do you know any other details Col? Who found it?

[Qingcol]

No Paul none, and I have not been over to see it, but i will try in the morning.

[camelbirder]

Only just turned computer on, been working all day. This is a first for the estuary, so will be down at first light.

[camelbirder]

After a sleepless night and a tense hour this morning the Spotted Sandpiper showed well from the Burniere Hide together with up to 6 Common Sandpiper.

[camelbirder]

As I mentioned last night, the Spotted Sandpiper is the first for the estuary and only the 12th for Cornwall.

Lets hope this is the start of a good autumn on the estuary.

[camelbirder]

29 Common Swift over Wadebridge this afternoon, I'm not sure if it's vis-mig or are own birds back.

I think that they are probably our own birds back to feed their young after being away feeding, probably over Europe. No juveniles seen yet.

[Qingcol]

Spotted Sandpiper from the Burniere hide up to 09:00, 14 Black-tailed Godwit,
7 Whimbrel, 134 Dunlin, 8 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Snipe, 5 Greenshank, 5 Ringed Plover and 3 Kingfisher.

[Qingcol]

One juvenile Med Gull on Wadebridge Town Bridge this afternoon and 2 Swift over, plus 8 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Shoveler at Clapper Marshes.

[camelbirder]

Last evening at Walmsley Sanc. a minimum of 13 Green Sandpipers were present continuously calling, also noted were 3 Shoveler, 5 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Little Grebe, 27 Mallard, 16 Moorhen plus a brood of 2 very young chicks, 5 Snipe, a Barn Owl and a Yellow Wagtail flew over.

Around the Trewornan Bridge up to 340 Swallow and 35 Swifts were noted hawking over the corn fields.

On the estuary from Burniere Hide the Spotted Sandpiper was present to 20.00 when I left. It was along the creeks edge feeding with 16 Common Sandpipers and 2 Green Sandpipers. 30 Ringed Plover, 74 Dunlin, 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 6 Black-tailed Godwit and a Knot were also counted.

[camelbirder]

This morning at Clapper Marshes six Green Sandpiper were present all at the Sladesbridge end, 4 Moorhen were also noted.

[camelbirder]

This morning a visit to Padstow produced a summer plumage Knot, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 27 Sandwich Terns, a Common Gull and 145 Herring Gulls. At Tregirls Beach a minimum of 17 Mediterranean Gulls were present with at least 6 being juveniles. Around Lellizzick farm the Linnet flock has grown to 240 strong and now also contain 20 Greenfinch and 3 Corn Buntings.

Went back to Burniere Point at 10.00am to look for the Spotted Sandpiper but had no luck. Appears not to have been seen today up to at least noon. Other waders were in evidence though with a Knot, (different from the Padstow bird), 10 Ringed Plover, a summer plumage Turnstone, one Curlew Sandpiper, one Sanderling, six Greenshank, 186 Dunlin and 32 Black-tailed Godwit. A single Little Tern flew about for a good 15 minuites. Only a single Common Sandpiper was noted.

At Wadebridge a minimum of 8 Common Sandpipers were present together with 74 Redshank and a single Whimbrel and 2 Dunlin.

A very good morning, lets hope that the Spotted Sandpiper turns up on this evenings incoming tide.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Pentire Farm, 1 Corn Bunting, 6 Common Whitethroat, 2 juvenile Kestrel, 2 juv Northern Wheatear + 1 adult.
The photo on the left is of a Wheatear at Rumps Point this morning, any thoughts please!
6 Spot Burnett Moth and Grey Seal.

[Qingcol]

Juv Kestrel attacking juv Rook over Pentire Farm today.

[camelbirder]

[QUOTE=Qingcol;1260730]
The photo on the left is of a Wheatear at Rumps Point this morning, any thoughts please!QUOTE]

This bird has a very interesting tail pattern, looks like that of Isabelline, but the terminal band may not be wide enough. Would like to see more photo's. (As I have said before identifing anything on only one feature is dangerous).

[Qingcol]

This bird has a very interesting tail pattern, looks like that of Isabelline, but the terminal band may not be wide enough. Would like to see more photo's. (As I have said before identifing anything on only one feature is dangerous).[/QUOTE]

Yes, as I see it this is a 1stW Northern Wheatear showing a Isabelline tail pattern, and as you can see from the poor shot on the left the terminal band is wide enough, and it shows broad buff fringed wing-coverts, but there is prominent white behind the eye, no contrasting black alula and a darkish under-wing.
A couple of visiters have mentioned to me that a Bottle-nosed Dolpin was very close inshore for around 2 hours at Daymer bay on 06 08 2008.

[Conorbirda2]

Agreed, the terminal band doesn look wide enough, also the centre two tail feathers are pointed/angled slightly downwards causing the black on the centre going up towards the rump to look shorter. Looks like Northern Wheatear to me.

[Qingcol]

The only reason for highlighting this individual was to show the odd tail pattern, it's true that in the first photo the tail was distorting, but I have to say while watching this bird the black centre of the tail looked consistently short, there was never any real doubt that it was a Northern but the odd tail pattern was of great interest to me.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin, you are right, its a interesting bird, and goes to show that not all birds are the same as in field guides. Individual birds are all slightly different and this should not be forgotten when confronted with an odd looking bird.
It is also well worth documenting them for future reference.

[FIDDLER]

Hi Colin, you are right, its a interesting bird, and goes to show that not all birds are the same as in field guides. Individual birds are all slightly different and this should not be forgotten when confronted with an odd looking bird.
It is also well worth documenting them for future reference.

Why not consult Cornwalls finest birder (Stan the Man) he can be found walking the fields at T Head? Though you will have to wait by the gate until he comes out!!!!
fiddler.

[camelbirder]

A quick visit to Clapper Marshes this evening found 3 Green Sandpipers at Sladesbridge end.

[Qingcol]

8+ Northern Wheatear at Rumps Point this morning and 7 Common Swift still over Wadebridge Town.

[camelbirder]

A morning look at Padstow was productive with a total of 32, (2 juv), M<editerranean Gulls, 5 Sandwich Tern, 10 Dunlin, 1 Knot, 7 Sanderling, 24 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Ringed Plover and 5 Little Egret.

On Tregirls Beach this morning 43 Mediterranean Gull, (10 Juv), were present together with 18 Sandwich Terns, a Gannet was also in the bay. A small fall of Chiffchaff was noted at Hawkers Cove with a minimum of 10 birds present.

If there was no movement in the Mediterranean Gulls between the two sites this makes a total of 75 individuals of which 12 were juvenile. Also a total of 23 Sandwich Tern.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Dinham Flats, 12+ Common Sandpiper (no sign of Spotted) 2 Greenshank, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 150+ Dunlin, 6 Whimbrel, 1 Shoveler, 1 Common Swift and a Kingfisher.

[Qingcol]

At the high tide on Dinham Flats this afternoon, birds include 33 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 90+ Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 4 Whimbrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover and a Kingfisher. A very large (prob female) juvenile Peregrine Falcon trying it's luck with Wood pigeon nr the Burniere hide, also nr the hide 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

[Qingcol]

In atrocious weather this morning 350+ Black-headed Gull (not a single Med) were sheltering on Wadebridge cricket field at least 2 were wearing BTO type rings, at Town Bridge 40+ Herring and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 60+ Black-headed Gull, 50+ Common Redshank. This weather is only fit for Frogs, one below on a Wadebridge pond.

[camelbirder]

Not been out for the last few days, (work) but did see an adult Mediterranean Gull over Wadebridge last night.

[Qingcol]

Juvenile Med Gull this morning at Town Bridge Wadebridge plus 87 Redshank. At Treraven Meadow 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Little Egret. (2 Swift over Wadebridge this evening)

[camelbirder]

At Walmsley Sanc. this evening 15 Black-tailed Godwits were present together with 3 Green Sandpipers, 10 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 5 Snipe, 4 Little Egret, 22 Moorhen and 3 Coot. 2 Swifts were also noted.

[camelbirder]

There is a report in the Walmsley Tower Hide Logbook of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at the Amble Marshes, on the 10th August. This is the second ever record of this species at this site, the first was last year and is well worth looking for.
(Before anyone questions the validity of the record the observer IS a very good birder).

[Qingcol]

The photo below is a D side of L 'Blue' phase Atlantic Fulmar, passing Rumps Point 12 07 2008.( I did seek an opinion from Cornwalls finest birder on this one, who incidentally lives in the SE of the county, a quiet unassuming man with a vast experience in birding and is always willing to share his knowledge with others).

[camelbirder]

This morning on the estuary off Padstow a minimum of 9 Mediterranean Gulls were present, (2 juveniles). Also noted were 25 Sandwich Terns and 4 Knot.

At Tregirls Beach 16 Mediterranean Gulls were noted, (1 juvenile). Other species included 8 Sandwich Terns and 12 Sanderling.

At Hawkers Cove a few migrants were noted includeing 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaff.

At Clapper Marshes a single Green Sandpiper was noted.

Still 6 Swifts over Wadebridge at lunch time.

An estuary total of 25 Mediterranean Gulls and 33 Sandwich Terns.

[Qingcol]

Not strictly Camel Estuary but not far away, one 1stW Pied Flycatcher in Hustyn Woods this afternoon and large numbers of Coal Tit, including one flock of 28 they must have had a good breeding season.

[camelbirder]

A late evening look at Dinham Flats produced a massive flock of 610 Canada Geese, (this is probably the largest flock since 700 in 2006).
Other species included 40 Little Egret, (39 Roosting on Dinham Saltmarsh), also 1 Whimbrel, 1 Common Sandpiper, 416 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover, 87 Mallard and 4 Shelduck.

[Qingcol]

This morning at Walmsley Sanctuary, 21 Common Teal, 2 Shoveler, 7 Greenshank, 10 Black-tailed Godwit, 8 Dunlin, 3 Common Snipe and my first Water Rail since the spring, (an adult) still lots of Sedge Warbler and 2 Common Whitethroat, 4 Bullfinch, 6 Chiffchaff and 2 Common Swift over the Amble.

[camelbirder]

A full estuary, (WeBs), count today produced the following species;

Great Cormorant 17
E. Shag 12
Little Egret 82
Grey Heron 15
Mute Swan 59
Canada Goose 594
Mallard 74
Mallard Hybrid 5
Moorhen 2
Oystercatcher 383
Ringed Plover 11
Red Knot 3
Dunlin 84
C. Snipe 1
Black-t Godwit 11
Bar-t Godwit 4
Whimbrel 10
E. Curlew 289
C. Redshank 119
C. Greenshank 5
Common Sand. 2
Turnstone 1
Buzzard 4
Peregrine Falcon 1
Mediterranean Gull 78
Black-h. Gull 1614
Common Gull 2
L.B.B. Gull 30
Herring Gull 1573
Yellow-leg Gull 3
G.B.B. Gull 98
Sandwich Tern 51
Common Tern 1
Kingfisher 2

[camelbirder]

I forgot to mention the large numbers of corvids in the Dinham Flats area with over 650 Jackdaw and 800 Rook feeding in the, (cut), corn fields.

[Qingcol]

I am well used to watching dive-feeding Shoveler, especially at Walmsley Sanctuary and Clapper Marshes where there must be the optimum depth of water plus suitable aquatic plants, and the diving style has always been consistently the same, very much like Surf Scoter without the tiny leap, appearing to swim into the water and making use of their wings for underwater propulsion. But the two individuals at Walmsley last weekend had a very different diving motion, like most other diving ducks appearing to use only feet for propulsion and to dive with wings closed, I noted over 50 dives and have photos of 30 consistently the same diving motion.

[camelbirder]

Hi Colin,
I like you have witnessed, many times, the diving behaviour of Shoveler especially on Clapper Marshes and on all occassions they have dived with no leap and have opened their wings. (As you say like Surf Scoter).

After a quick look at the literature, I have not found any reference to the diving you have described, above using only their feet instead of their wings.

BWP states; diving, possibly more often than other Anas, but not frequent. Dives with no forward leap using wings underwater to depths up to 80cm, and rarely for more than 5 seconds.

There is some good footage of the behaviuor on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sH33U4ZJTM&feature=related)

[Qingcol]

BWP states; diving, possibly more often than other Anas, but not frequent. Dives with no forward leap using wings underwater to depths up to 80cm, and rarely for more than 5 seconds [/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info, I did manage to time 10 dives, none were as short as 5 seconds they all fell between 7 and 13 seconds.

3 Common Swift this morning over Coronation Park Wadebridge, one showing very pale forehead and lores looked like a juv to me ( I did not see a single juv last year over Wadebridge)

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, birds include 10 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 20+ Eur Teal, 5 Northern Shoveler, 120+ Linnet and 8 Grey Heron.

[Qingcol]

Looking at Town Bridge Wadebridge this afternoon between showers, the wash and brush-up for Gulls area just above the bridge held 130+ Herring Gull, 4 Lesser Black-backed, 32 Black-headed and 1 Great Black-backed Gull. The island below the bridge and next to the quay held 4 Common Sandpiper, 90+ Common Redshank and 5 Black-tailed Godwit.

[camelbirder]

This evening at Walmsley it was quite rewarding with 44 Black-tailed Godwit, 11 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpiper, 7 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 15 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 1 Water Rail, 43 Mallard, 12 Teal, 5 Shoveler and 6 Little Grebe all present. Passerines included 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 3 Sedge Warbler and a single Reed Warbler.

This morning over Wadebridge a minimum of 8 Swifts were noted including at least one juvenile.

[camelbirder]

This morning off Padstow, (at high tide), two juvenile Mediterranean Gulls were present as was 2 Sandwich Terns.

[Conorbirda2]

regarding posts #208 and #209!! LOL!. Are you two paranoid or What!B (:

[camelbirder]

regarding posts #208 and #209!! LOL!. Are you two paranoid or What!B (:

You would be to if you lived in North Cornwall.:storm:

[camelbirder]

Last evening on the estuary the following were noted at Dinham Flats; 34 Ringed Plover,176 Dunlin, 85 Oystercatcher, 479 Curlew, 651 Black-headed Gull, 71 Herring Gull, 46 Great Black-backed Gull, 19 Little Egret, 8 Greenshank, 109 Redshank, 9 Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and a single juvenile Mediterranean Gull.

[Qingcol]

Very nearly had a wasted trip to Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, I did not realize that people were going to be photographing from a hide next to the mud patch in the middle of the Sanctuary, my only gripe with this is why not leave a notice at the road-gate to warn other members. On my walk back a Fulmar Petrel flew from the Estuary over the Sanctuary towards Amble.

[camelbirder]

On my walk back a Fulmar Petrel flew from the Estuary over the Sanctuary towards Amble.

A first for Walmsleyo:)

[Qingcol]

That only goes to show, if it was not for the photographers presence i would have been inside the hide and probably missed the Fulmar!

Last evening, one single juv Common Swift low over Glen Road Wadebridge, I hope this is not a bad sign you would expect adults to be around.

[Conorbirda2]

You would be to if you lived in North Cornwall.:storm:

LOL,LOL,LOL!!

[Conorbirda2]

Very nearly had a wasted trip to Walmsley Sanctuary this morning, I did not realize that people were going to be photographing from a hide next to the mud patch in the middle of the Sanctuary, my only gripe with this is why not leave a notice at the road-gate to warn other members. On my walk back a Fulmar Petrel flew from the Estuary over the Sanctuary towards Amble.

What were they doing? Who was it? Dont remember that being run past the committee?

[camelbirder]

What were they doing? Who was it? Dont remember that being run past the committee?

Permission was granted a long time ago, usually there is not a problem. I just wish that a note was left by the gate or layby so that the walk is not a waste of time, (i.e. no birds in front of the hide).

[Qingcol]

2 Common Swift over Wadebridge this morning one showing clearly moulting inner primaries, plus juv Med and 3 juv Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Town Bridge.

[gonvena]

Wheatear, a garden bird??? Morning you two happy birders. Got back from holiday last night and went to check the greenhouse. Put up a Wheatear to my surprise. Black notched terminal band quite distinct. Any comments on the frequency of Wheatear sightings as a garden bird, especially away from the coast, up river.

[Qingcol]

Wheatear, a garden bird??? Any comments on the frequency of Wheatear sightings as a garden bird, especially away from the coast, up river.

No good reason not to see one in the garden at this time of year Mike, when i lived in Tintagel Wheatear and Whinchat were regular visitors to my garden in autumn.

Dinham Flats this morning (not a good time to walk the Camel Trail, a bank holiday monday) birds include 16 Greenshank, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Knot, 6 Dunlin, 66 Redshank, 10 Cormorant and one juv Peregrine Falcon.

[Qingcol]

Gulls at Town Bridge, Wadebridge this morning included one juvenile-1st Winter Mediterranean Gull (note the changing leg colour)

[Conorbirda2]

Wheatear, a garden bird??? Morning you two happy birders. Got back from holiday last night and went to check the greenhouse. Put up a Wheatear to my surprise. Black notched terminal band quite distinct. Any comments on the frequency of Wheatear sightings as a garden bird, especially away from the coast, up river.

I spoke to someone the other day who said he had two on his house roof in a village near Camborne. When i lived in Yorkshire i had Wryneck and Nightingale on my garden list! Both flew into the Patio windows one October in the late 80's, about two weeks apart. The nightingale was kept in the shed overnight and flew off unharmed the next day. The Wryneck sat on the patio, dazed for about 5 minutes then flew off north. Wish id had a camera then.

[Qingcol]

Walmsley Sanctuary this morning birds included, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Water Rail, 4 Common Snipe, 3 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Northern Shoveler, 12 Eur Teal, 1 none breeding male Gadwall pic's below, 1 adult Hobby low over towards Burneire, 500+ Canada Geese over towards Crowdy, Sedge Warbler and Blackcap.

[Qingcol]

A Weasel watched on the Camel near Wadebridge this morning swimming the river to hunt Redshank, and almost catching more than one bird, the Redshank appear to be drawn to the Weasel, a sort of fatalistic fascination.

[Qingcol]

I have seen this behaviour before with a Stoat, two years ago at Clapper Marshes on a muddy pool edge, on this occasion the wader a Common Sandpiper was killed, the Stoat stayed very still and lying prostrate in shallow water until the Sandpipers fascination became it's undoing.

[camelbirder]

the Redshank appear to be drawn to the Weasel, a sort of fatalistic fascination.

I have witnessed this behaviour on Dinham Flats when some waders including Redshank were drawn towards a Grey Squirrel, on the saltmarsh. Maybe waders like ducks try to keep would be predators in sight.

[Qingcol]

I have witnessed this behaviour on Dinham Flats when some waders including Redshank were drawn towards a Grey Squirrel, on the saltmarsh. Maybe waders like ducks try to keep would be predators in sight.

I'm pretty sure this wader behaviour is nothing to do with mobbing, they are not harassing, and are fully alert to the presence of a predator in the open, and still they seem drawn, in an inquisitive way towards the predator who appears to be controlling the prey. A vaguely similar thing happens when a Fox or a Stoat encounters a group of Rabbits they will sometimes all freeze on the spot and are taken easily by the predator.

2 Common Swift still last evening over Wadebridge with House Martin.

[camelbirder]

This morning in the outer estuary Padstow to Hawkers Cove a minimum of 25 Mediterranean Gulls were noted together with 55 Sandwich Tern, 3 Turnstone and 23 Sanderling.
Autumn is truely here with my first flock of Meadow Pipit this morning, 14 at Hawkers Cove.

Just where are all the Americans, (and don't say Ireland).

[camelbirder]

Yesterday evening on the Dinham Flats there was 47 Little Egret roosting in the Dinham Woods/ Saltmarsh area, other species noted included 1 Green sandpiper, 2 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Shelduck, 1 Snipe and 2 fly over "alba" Wagtails.

[Qingcol]

A very quiet sort of day with a late juvenile Spotted Flycatcher in Bishop's Wood and an exceptionally long-winged juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull at Town Bridge (Wadebridge).

[Qingcol]

Exceptional numbers this morning at Walmsley, birds included 46 Black-tailed Godwit, 26 Greenshank including a colour ringed, yellow over blue right leg and blue over red left leg, 105 Teal, 2 Ruff, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Green Sandpiper,
1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 12 Common Snipe, 2 Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 2 Water Rail, 2 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 3 Kingfisher and a Barn Owl, plus a poss Red-necked Stint, that flew to the estuary with Dunlin, but no close views obtained.

[camelbirder]

The Red-necked Stint was present off Tregunna at 11.30 this morning together with 130 Dunlin, 30 Ringed Plover, 12 Sanderling and a Ruff. It flew down river towards Padstow.

No sign of the bird at padstow but 3 Knot and a Turnstone noted. Up to 30 Mediterranean Gull and 45 Little Egret were also counted.

Lets hope some good views of the stint are obtained from Walmsley this evening or tomorrow.

[Conorbirda2]

Do we know who found the stint?

sorry, didnt see cols post!

[camelbirder]

[QUOTE=Qingcol;1277606] 26 Greenshank including a colour ringed, yellow over blue right leg and blue over red left leg, QUOTE]

This ringed birds has been noted on the estuary/ Walmsley on at least five occasions, 12/10/06, 16/10/06, 19/12/06, 12/11/07 and 06/04/08. I believe the bird comes from Ythan Estuary, Scotland.

[Qingcol]

A lot has been said about the recent sighting of poss Red-necked Stint at Walmsley and the Camel, pretty much all by people assessing and giving opinions on the poor quality photos, and without exception so far these have provided very usefull pointers to help with this birds ID. But the plain fact is photos can be extremely misleading especially if selected to prove one point or another. My (perhaps naive) aim has been to provide transparent open and immediate information allowing others the chance to have an opinion, not a fashionable strategy in North Cornwall:storm: where there is still a price to pay for being open and therefore accountable. I make no apology for posting non selected photos to provide as much INFO as I have. As far as I know 3 birders actually watched the poss Red-necked on the Camel including myself, in flight and feeding for 15-20 mins and I tend to discount the usual North Cornwall :storm: mantra " that it's been present for up to 4 days" even a summer plumage Little Stint should warrant a mention in one of the 2 Walmsley logs.

[gonvena]

Don't let them get to you Col, that is what they want to do. You did say a 'poss' at the outset and you did well to get a photo of the bird anyway.