Cornwall info

[digi-birder]

We're off to Cornwall soon and wondered if there were any good places we should visit. It's years since we've been down to that area and we haven't done much birding there.

It's not primarily a birding trip, but it would be nice to fit some birding in, if there is a chance to do so.

[Nina P]

Hi there Diane,
I went to Tamar Lakes a few weeks ago and thought I saw a young serin, but as yet no one has said they are nesting there this year, but then I love the lower lake as I can just about access this one from the carpark! I have seen treecreepers there in the past and the swallows and house martins are very active there at the moment. There is a bird hide further up the side of the lake but for me it is near impossible!
Sure you will get more ideas from the others! particularly from the Devonians!

[devon.birder]

Hi Diane. It would be easier to give advice if we knew where you were staying in Cornwall and how far you would be prepared to travel bearing in mind you said it was not primarily a birding holiday. Roger

[Geoff Pain]

If it's anything like Helens non birding trip to Norfolk you should be coming back with quite a good list. ;)

[digi-birder]

Sorry, should have given more info - I realised afterwards then got side-tracked.

We're staying on a campsite at a place called Veryan. We don't want to travel too far, but might be prepared to drive if there was a likely chance of anything interesting to see.

Yes, Geoff, I suspect we may do more birding than we thought.

[devon.birder]

That is a great part of Cornwall for a camping holiday Diane but not so good in July for other than the usual breeding species. That part of the Cornish coast is the main wintering ground for Black-throated Divers. However I expect you will be paying a visit to Truro at sometime during your holiday and as you drive down the hill in to the city (mind the speed camera) you come to a roundabout. If you take the first turning on the left sp St Clement and drive down past the church there is room for about six or seven cars to park by the water. You can then walk along the river to Tresillian, I am not sure what birds are there in July though, should be some waders there.
I am going down to West Cornwall on Thursday for a few days and if there is a reasonable wind I will be going to either Porthgwarra or Pendeen in the far west of the county depending on the wind's direction. There have been four species of Shearwater seen over the past few days plus Storm Petrels as well.
If you go to the Lizard then the Choughs are normally between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove.
I hope the weather is good during your stay. Roger

[Darrell Clegg]

Hi Diane,

Veryan is right in the middle of Cornwall on the South Coast so you have plenty of choice as to where to go birding. Veryan bay itself may be worth a scan. It is particularly noted in winter for its flock of Black-throated Divers. These should all have gone, but I have been very lucky in the past and seen Divers, especially Great Northern in all months. If you go east you could try the beach pool at Par. This is a good place to hear Cetti's Warbler, though seeing them is another matter. There should be a few gulls around as well, though nowhere near as many as in winter. You should look out for Mediterranean Gull as this is a good time to see them. There may be a few terns in Par Bay. If you go west you have to visit the Hayle estuary, and Marazion Marsh. Marazion is another good place for Cetti's and you may even see them here. Anything can, and does turn up at both these places. The estuary is good for waders, gulls and terns. Be sure to visit when the tide is rising or falling. It can be quite daunting to be faced with a huge expanse of sand at low tide with birds scattered everywhere. At Marazion be sure to check the beach as well as the marsh. The Station pub gives you lovely views, as well as great beer. Another place to try is the Lizard for the Choughs. Go to Lizard village and head for Southerly Point. The birds can often be seen from the cafe, and there may be RSPB volunteers on hand to show them to you. If you can't find them here just take a walk along the coast path towards Kynance and you'll soon bump into them. You should see lots of other birds around here too such as Stonechat and Raven, perhaps Peregrine and seabirds such as Gannet, Sandwich Tern and possibly Manx Shearwater. If you are very lucky you may even see Dartford Warbler. Seals are often found anywhere around the coast. Southerly point itself being a favourite spot.

Have fun

Darrell

[Darrell Clegg]

Diane,
I forgot. If you go to Truro be sure to check out South West Optics in River Street next to the Museum. Tell the owner Steve that I sent you and ask him what's about. He is very helpful. Also look out for Peregrines around the cathedral.

[digi-birder]

Thanks for the great advice. I will print this off and take it along with us.

I know July isn't such a good time for birding, which is why it's not really a birding holiday, but I just wondered if there might be something still around, which is obviously the case. We had thought about the Choughs and I've seen all the recent reports about the sea-passage birds, so we'll probably head for Porthgwarra.