Davidstow Airfield

[thommy_s]

I was wondering if anyone had any information about this site and the best times to visit? I will be visiting family in the area over the next couple of months and wondered if it was worth setting aside a morning to go? Any help would be great, thanks....

[Jon Turner]

September is the month to visit - preferably early morning, and just drive slowly around the runways. Anything can turn up - there's usually Wheatears, and Dunlin/Ringed Plover, but over the years I've seen Buff-breasted, Baird's, Pectoral, & Curlew Sandpipers, and even Stone Curlew.

Jon

ps, it's in Cornwall, not Devon!

[Matt Prince]

Watch out for the microlights if they are flying..

..and the lazy idiots who take their dog for a run alongside the car.

The peeps often roost on the runways, but buff breasts, dotterel etc are often on the grass.

As Jon says, an excellent site, good luck during your visit.

One last thing... you can get closer and cause less disturbance if you stay in the car.

[bobthebirder]

It's had a few Rose-coloured Starlings in its time too and I once saw a Black-winged Pratincole there. Hasn't it had Sociable Plover too?

Don't forget to check out Crowdy Reservoir while you're in the area.

[Jon Turner]

Yes, sorry, the reason for being there early is to avoid the flying club! And yes - stay in your car! I saw the BWP close by but not actually on the airfield.

Jon

[Darrell Clegg]

Another tip - keep looking!

Birds don't always give themselves up easily here, and it is a large site so keep driving around checking everywhere, because you will find stuff where you swore there was nothing a moment before.

Darrell