Birding in South West England

[Henry H]

Hi,

I will be spending the last week of April in and around Polperro in Cornwall. I know of the RSPB sites in that part of the country, but I would be grateful for any local knowledge any of you can pass on to me. I don't really have a specific species in mind, just want a varied few days with the chance of seeing something I'm not likely to find in the Blackpool area.

Thank you.

[Darrell Clegg]

Hi Henry,
any of these places should be worth a look at the end of April.
Polperro - maybe a few seabirds inc Manx Shear, Puffin & Storm Petrel (if you're lucky)

Talland Bay - a few migrants in the bushes, and around the church (plus a chance of ticking off Richard & Judy!!)

Looe - Hannafore, very good for all sorts of things, waders, gulls & terns

Par beach pool - Gulls & Terns, possibly skuas if the passage is good.

Colliford Lake & Dozmary pool - End of April - Cuckoo, Whinchat & who knows what else! (There is a semi resident Ring-necked Duck but it proves almost impossible to see ) You can take tea at Jamaica Inn though.

Golitha Falls - Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher + other woodland birds - continue up the Fowey Valley for guaranteed Hobby.

A little further afield - Rame Head/ Whitsand Bay is a must for migrants and resident Dartford Warblers. I will be leading a walk there on Sunday 25th April starting at 9.00am - you'd be very welcome to join in. The grid ref is SX423487

Darrell

[Henry H]

Darrell,

Wow, thanks, plenty to choose from. I'm logging off to go and consult my atlas!

Unfortunately I don't think I get there until the Monday, but if I can change things to the Saturday I would love to join your walk. (But I think it's looking unlikely at the moment)

Cheers,