Cornwall Birding

[Conorbirda2]

Before I start this thread, does anyone know if its being done already?

[rubatroid]

Before I start this thread, does anyone know if its being done already?

I can't find anything for the whole of Cornwall so sounds like a good one to start. But it's a big area, are you sure you can cover it all?

Reuben

[Tav94]

Had the Spoonbill on the Lynhar,and Spotted Redsanks at kingsmill Lake there is still a Black necked Grebe at Torpoint allong with 8 Brents.

[Conorbirda2]

I can't find anything for the whole of Cornwall so sounds like a good one to start. But it's a big area, are you sure you can cover it all?

Reuben

With a little help! I'm sure there are plenty of Cornwall birders and visitors who wll contribute.

Two GN Divers at Carnsew Pool yesterday, plus Iceland Gull at Polgigga.

[Conorbirda2]

3 Iceland Gulls (all juvs) Sennen in fields behind school, today.
8 Med gulls, Hayle Est.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER - juv still Hayle Est.
3 GN divers - st Austell bay.
AMERICAN WIGEON - still at Wadebridge, Clapper Marshes

[rubatroid]

3 Iceland Gulls (all juvs) Sennen in fields behind school, today.
8 Med gulls, Hayle Est.
SPOTTED SANDPIPER - juv still Hayle Est.
3 GN divers - st Austell bay.
AMERICAN WIGEON - still at Wadebridge, Clapper Marshes
Looks like you are doing pretty well on your own!!!

[Conorbirda2]

5 great Northern Divers, Slav grebe - porthpean
Lesser Whitethroat (form halimodendri) still at Lelant
SPOTTED SAND - again off the Causeway at Hayle est.
Great N Diver - off Long Rock, Marazion


Weather was wet and wild down here today!

[Conorbirda2]

Poss. PACIFIC DIVER - Penzance. General views of birders that have seen it say it looks good for this species. It is an adult so not like the others so far.
Glaucous Gull - Helston Boating Lake and one at College Res.
Red-necked Grebe - Gerrans Bay, with 8 slavs,12 BT Divers and 14 GN divers.
Tundra bean Goose, Pink Foot and Barnacle Goose at Drift Res.
Y-br. Warbler at Helston Sewage Works
Spotted Sand again and Lesser Whitethroat at Lelant.


Cornwall Yearlist - 119. With Kingfisher at Hayle est.

[Conorbirda2]

PACIFIC DIVER - Off Penzance. Saw this bird today. Looks good. Definate neck strap and lack of white flanks, very small compared to GND nearby. Smooth head and petit looking bill, almost grebe like.
SURF SCOTER - showing well off Blackrock.
Purple Sand - 3 nr Jubilee Pool
1st wint. Med Gull on Beach at Penzance
Y B warbler still at Penzance.

[Tav94]

Have seen this bird a few times on the beach area at West Looe.Ringed in Oland in Sweden in sep 2003 as a first year bird.Thanks for the full info from Darrel Clegg.

[Tav94]

2 slavonian grebe off Hannafore 1 Grt crested grebe 1 Razorbill.
2 Goldcrest,3 Rock Pipits ,2 Grey Wagtails3 Pied Wagtails,30+ Turnstone 30+ oystercatcher,3 Little Egret,3 Curlew,1 Grey Plover.
St Germans 2 Little grebe,7 Meadow Pipit,5 Teal 6 Curlew,1 Nuthatch,20+ Goldfinch,10+ Greenfinch 6 Yellowhammer,5 Reed Bunting,2 Goldcrest,30+ Chaffinch,1Barn Owl hunting by lake area.
River Lynhar 1 Spoonbill,20+ GBB gull 10+ BH gull 30+ Shellduck.2 Redshank,100+ Dunlin.

[Darrell Clegg]

Mounts Bay today:

Pacific Diver - seen only briefly today in stiff breeze and choppy seas.
10 Great Northern Diver
6+ Black Throated Diver inc. 1 in breeding plumage.
6+ Red-throated Diver inc. 1 in breeding plumage.
2 Slavonian Grebe

Penzance Harbour
Surf Scoter - looking very ill!! It had earlier been attacked by gulls

Darrell

[Tav94]

Mounts Bay today:

Pacific Diver - seen only briefly today in stiff breeze and choppy seas.
10 Great Northern Diver
6+ Black Throated Diver inc. 1 in breeding plumage.
6+ Red-throated Diver inc. 1 in breeding plumage.
2 Slavonian Grebe

Penzance Harbour
Surf Scoter - looking very ill!! It had earlier been attacked by gulls

Darrell
Hi Darrell do you know if the Pacific Diver is still in the area if so can you give the directions as i am not sure where to go.

Thanks Chris.

[Darrell Clegg]

Hi Darrell do you know if the Pacific Diver is still in the area if so can you give the directions as i am not sure where to go.

Thanks Chris.

Chris,

Well it's still in the Bay, but it gets anywhere from Long Rock at Marazion to Sandy Cove in Newlyn - about 5 miles. It may be best to scan from Jubilee Pool in Penzance west towards Newlyn, that's where most sightings have been, and where most of the birders are. Beware though that there are a lot of Divers in the bay at the moment.

Darrell

[Tav94]

Chris,

Well it's still in the Bay, but it gets anywhere from Long Rock at Marazion to Sandy Cove in Newlyn - about 5 miles. It may be best to scan from Jubilee Pool in Penzance west towards Newlyn, that's where most sightings have been, and where most of the birders are. Beware though that there are a lot of Divers in the bay at the moment.

Darrell
Thanks for that might have look on Tuesday if the weather looks ok.

[Tav94]

Seen on 21 2 07 at St Germans. Yellow Wagtail 1st w eastern race.

Today Pacific Diver
Icland gull sandy cove first light this morning.

Penzance 3 Purple Sandpiper
2 BF Diver
2 Rock Pipit.

[Tav94]

Had a great day White billed Diver.Spotted Sandpiper,Grt Northen Divers,and lots of outher waders then over to see the Asian Lesser Whitethroat.Of to Penzance for the Yellow browed more Grt Northen Divers and a 7 Purple Sandpipers went home happy.

[Tav94]

Had another great day in Hayle loads of people there,good weather and lots of ace birds to see White billed Diver,Spotted Sandpiper,Med gull,Franklins gull Spotted redshank, Greenshanks and lots more.Went to Padstow to see the Gyr falcon had to wait till nearly dark to get a brief view as it came in to roost allso a Peregrine was seen in the same area.

[Conorbirda2]

Thanks for your input guys. Just had a chance to draw breath! What a great week in the county. Saturday was like October down here! Fantastic weather and superb birding. Everyone behaved superbly! Lots of positive feedback from locals and local police. Co-op did a booming trade when the WB Diver was in the Creek. There seems to be lots of talk about the health of the diver and why it isnt flying!?!? Have these people never heard of moult? And as for its health, I've never seen a diver feed so well!! Can't wait for Spring if this is winter!!

[Tav94]

Arived early no signe of the Gyr in the quarry went up to the point and viewed it over the outher side of the eastury flying up the estury.Walked along the cliiff path had a female Black-redstart on the wall by the coast gaurd and a Pergrine and two Kestrel over by the tower area,lots of Skylark and Stonechats about.Out to sea one Gn Diver and a few Fulmer on the cliff ledges.

[Conorbirda2]

Female Scaup at Drift Yesterday. Iceland Gull and two Sand Martins there today. WB Diver still showing well at Copperhouse. The Gyr seems to have moved over to Pentire point.

[Darrell Clegg]

There's a very showy Water Pipit on the beach at Downderry at the moment, just west of the Inn on the Shore. It spends most of the time on the cliff face - perhaps it's reminded of the Alps ;)

Darrell

[Tav94]

There's a very showy Water Pipit on the beach at Downderry at the moment, just west of the Inn on the Shore. It spends most of the time on the cliff face - perhaps it's reminded of the Alps ;)

Darrell
Thanks for that will go and have a look at the week end still no sign of the Yellow wagtail at St Germans have been back a few times.

[Conorbirda2]

No sign of any Choughs at the Lizard in a brief look this pm, but great views of Dartford Warblers at Kynance. Will post some photos soon.

[Conorbirda2]

As promised.......

[Tav94]

Walked the coast path from Rame to Penlee not a lot about apart from a few Gannets and one Peregrine,and two Raven also herd a Ciffchaff singing in the lower scrub on the cliff.On the top fields 2 Skylark,1 Chaffinch and lots of Pheasants and two Buzzard overhead.

[Conorbirda2]

Walked along river at St Clement today. No sign of any Avocets. V. quiet, just a few greenshank, a snipe and little egrets. 10 house martins reported on another thread at Par sands, St Austell? A bit early and in that many numbers? Anyone else seen any this week?

[Tav94]

Water Pipit at Downderry not a lot about.

[Tav94]

Spent the day at St Germans lots of Chiffchaffs singing spotted five, two Blackcaps, two Treecreeper Four Nuthatch, three Grt Spotted Woodpecker,one Green Woodpecker, and six Buzzard.On the lake and flooded fields Teal,Curlew,Shellduck,Dabchick,Moorhen,Pied Wagtail,Meadow Pipit, Goldcrest.

[Conorbirda2]

LITTLE BUNTING at Marazion yesterday. Showed briefly but well. Too quick for a photo!! Wheatear there too. Bunting not seen today.

[Darrell Clegg]

Six Wheatear on the beach at Seaton was a nice start to yesterday.

Darrell

[Tav94]

Four Wheatear,Two Ciffchaff and eight Sand Martin this morning allso 100 Plus
Golden Plover in a plough field near Downderry.

[Conorbirda2]

At last, a few more migrants. Had 6 Sand Marts at Copperhouse this PM. It seems the report of WB Diver yesterday was rubbish. Someone said they saw it in Carnsew Pooll!! How did it get in there, WALK?!! Still a few GN Divers in there and Hayle Harbour. Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Sand still showing.

[Tav94]

Hannafore Point Took the outher half to Looe so i went to the point for an hour 1 Wheatear,3 Chiffchaff.1 Goldcrest,2 slavonian grebe and a Grey seal.

[Tav94]

Walked the coast path from Polawn to Penlee saw my first Swallow at Rame and three more on the way to Penlee,also ten Wheatear,two Raven,six Ciffchaff and one Willow Warbler at Polawn .Out to sea there were a few Gannets fishing one cought a fish as long as its self looked like a Gar fish allso saw three Fulmers,and two Razorbill.

[da2m]

one cought a fish as long as its self looked like a Gar fish yeah does look like a garfish. that would have kept him feed or a few days!

[Tav94]

As promised.......
Nice shot of the Dartford Warbler.

[Tav94]

Rame Head area 4 Weatear,3 Willow Warbler,lots of Chiffchaff.

[Tav94]

First thing this morning went to the sea watch spot at Rame Head and the sea was black with birds.Seen seaven large flocks of Manx Shearwaters plus Twh hundred plus Razorbill and One hundred plus Guillemots,Six Common Scooter.Ther must have been over 1000 + Manx in the area going east,when i left ther were 450 in one flock that had not moved off.On the coast paths Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler and Three Wheatear.and a Peregrine landed on a rock ledge so i could take a pic of it was seen of by two Ravens.

[Tav94]

Good count of Wheatear today 17 seen plus 23 Swallows,1 Sand Martin and 5 Wimbrel on the rocks.

[Tav94]

One Whitethroat at the church and Two Blackcap 25+ Wheatears 5 Swallows
one Subalpine Warbler this was still on site till 15.00 hrs.

[josh jones]

One Whitethroat at the church and Two Blackcap 25+ Wheatears 5 Swallows
one Subalpine Warbler this was still on site till 15.00 hrs.

Is it me or is this albistriata (i.e. eastern-race)?

[Tav94]

Brief view early this mornig of Subalpine Warbler,6 Blackcap,2 Whitethroat,1 Grasshopper Warbler,lots of Chiffchaffs and 8 Willow Warbler and 60+wheatears 4 Redwings 15 Blackbirds.

[Tav94]

Lesser whitethroat herd at the battery and one on the lower foot path at Penlee 28 Wheatear,Willow Warblers,Chiffchaffs Yellowhammers,Tawney Owl good views a Rame Barton early in morning a few Deer on the lower slopes at Rame.

[Tav94]

Had the first Spotted Flycatcher today at the Battery allso 5 Common Whitethroat,1 Lesser whitethroat singing,15 Wheatears 9 Swallows,2 Mistle Thrush and good views of the Tawny Owl sat in the sun at the Barton this morning.

[Al livsey]

Well done Tav, some nice birds there. Saw my first Swallows at Saltram yesterday, no flycatchers yet though.
Must try and get across to Rame head myself sometime.

Al.

[Tav94]

First Lesser Whitethroat today in same spot as the Subalpine Warbler,also 4 Common Whitethroats,1 Spotted Flycatcher,17 Wheatears,Chiffchaffs,Willow Warblers,Yellowhammers,4 House Martins 15 Swallows 2 Blackcaps 2 Ravens.

[devon.birder]

RBA Pager reports that 3 Glossy Ibises flew SW over Saltings Reach, Hayle at 4.10pm today. I will be down in West Cornwall for a few days next week so let's hope they land somewhere and stay around for a while. Roger

[Tav94]

Walked the foot paths this morning 2 Blackcaps,6 Chiffchaffs,4 Common Whitethroats,1Lesser Whitethroat had a Kestrel at Millbrook with a bell on its leg.

[Tav94]

First thing this morning saw the four Glossy Ibis on the flooded fields on the Cadgwith road a great sight to see them in flight over the fields, allso had a Cuckoo sat on a fence post first one this year.Went on to Lizard Point to have a look at the Choughs was lucky to see them both on a ledge close to allso a few Fulmars about.

[henerz1]

Anyone heading that way past falmouth fancy giving me a lift, it's impossible to get there on public transport...

Cheers peeps!

[Tav94]

Had walk around Rame area had a Reed Warbler in hedg on the road near to the battery car park allso 5 Common Whitethroats,and 1 Lesser Whitethroat on the lower foot Path out to sea saw 30+ Razorbill 3 Manx Shearwater,6 Gannets.

[henerz1]

Managed to blag a lift this afternoon and the 7 Glossy Ibis were showing pretty well on the 2nd turning to Cadgwith in a field on the right. Other birds seen on the lizard included 2 Chough at the lizard point, 1 whitethroat, 3 willow warbler and 1 cuckoo at Windmill farm CBWPS.

[Tav94]

Nice one glad you got to see them great birds i allso saw the Cuckoo at Windmill farm sat on the fence.

[Tav94]

Rame area 2 Hobbys first thing over the battery,10 Common Whitethroats,3Chiffchaff,2 Willow Warbler,3 Blackcap,1 Garden Warbler 12 Wheatear on the dump field,Red Kite seen to fly over Maker Church not seen by me but by outhers.

[Conorbirda2]

RBA Pager reports that 3 Glossy Ibises flew SW over Saltings Reach, Hayle at 4.10pm today. I will be down in West Cornwall for a few days next week so let's hope they land somewhere and stay around for a while. Roger

Seems funny now after all the sightings! Did you get to see any?

[Conorbirda2]

Thanks to everyone for keeping this thread going, especially TAV94!! I'm working on a new website at the moment so would appreciate your sightings, comments and photos for that soon (www.cornwall-birding.co.uk). Will put a new thread on when its up and running properly.
Not that much to report in the way of birds apart from:
Quail - singing yesterday evening at Nanjizal
few Pomskuas seen in mounts bay and roseate tern there on tuesday.
Stone curlew - sennen, flew north over Trinity cottages at 5.50pm yesterday
American herring gull in fields near sennen too, yesterday.

[Andrew]

Looking forward to the website when it gets going, Paul.

(Hope I got your name right!)

[henerz1]

Sounds like a great idea, should bring together more members of the cornwall birding community. Looking forward to the website.

[Conorbirda2]

Looking forward to the website when it gets going, Paul.

(Hope I got your name right!)

Yes, well remembered my friend!! Hopefully in the next few weeks we will be a little more user friendly! Hope your well, not seen you for ages!

[Conorbirda2]

Sounds like a great idea, should bring together more members of the cornwall birding community. Looking forward to the website.

Cheers, looking forward to your support. Hope we dont get too much flack from the CWBPS website! Thats getting like the 'North Cornwall birdwatchers society'!!
Henerz, i notice your location states Manchester? Thought you lived in Falmouth? Have we met?

[henerz1]

I'm at uni in Falmouth and reside less often these days in Manchester, hols and stuff. Not sure if we've met, I was at the gyr twitch one night and a few other places - autumn seawatching from porthgwarra, siberian stonechat+r.b.shrike last autumn too.

[devon.birder]

Seems funny now after all the sightings! Did you get to see any?

HI. Yes, I saw the two near Cadgwith but dipped on the others at Hayle Kimbro. Do you know what the access is at these pools?. I parked in the layby opposite when I saw the vehicle of a well known Cornish Birder parked there. I climbed over the style opposite on the grounds that a landowner would not put a style on a main road if there was no public footpath across his land. The other Birder saw me and waved me over to the pool although the GIs were not there. Later that afternoon there was a message on the RBA Pager advising Birders that this was private land and to keep to footpath (not marked as far as I could see). The only other Birders that came whilst I was there were three local ones who seemed familiar with the site. Roger

[Buzzard1905]

hi to you all,im coming to cornwall for a week on 23rd june staying at a place called trencreek farm,st austell.Was wondering what good places there are to go birding in the area.any locations would be very helpful.thank you

[henerz1]

St Austell sewage works is a good spot for warblers, probably nothing too rare at this time of year but you never know! Par Pool is a nice walk and some good stuff turns up there. I dont know the area particularly well so thats all I can say. Thanks
Henerz

[Conorbirda2]

I'm at uni in Falmouth and reside less often these days in Manchester, hols and stuff. Not sure if we've met, I was at the gyr twitch one night and a few other places - autumn seawatching from porthgwarra, siberian stonechat+r.b.shrike last autumn too.

LOL... see you changed your location names!! I was at the Gyr but early morning. Been abroad for two weeks so missed most of the spring stuff. Not that there was a lot anyway! Looking forward to Waders and Seawatching now! Hope to bump into you one day.

[Conorbirda2]

HI. Yes, I saw the two near Cadgwith but dipped on the others at Hayle Kimbro. Do you know what the access is at these pools?. I parked in the layby opposite when I saw the vehicle of a well known Cornish Birder parked there. I climbed over the style opposite on the grounds that a landowner would not put a style on a main road if there was no public footpath across his land. The other Birder saw me and waved me over to the pool although the GIs were not there. Later that afternoon there was a message on the RBA Pager advising Birders that this was private land and to keep to footpath (not marked as far as I could see). The only other Birders that came whilst I was there were three local ones who seemed familiar with the site. Roger

Sorry, Hayle Kimbro is somewhere i havent been! I saw all seven 'glassy eye pieces' at Cadgwith. I'm sure someone on here will know. I'll try and find out soon.

[Conorbirda2]

hi to you all,im coming to cornwall for a week on 23rd june staying at a place called trencreek farm,st austell.Was wondering what good places there are to go birding in the area.any locations would be very helpful.thank you

I'd try heading further west for a seawatch! The quote in 'Where to watch birds in Devon and Cornwall' for the St Austell Bay area is: June-july: Tourist season, busy, no special interest. !!!! You might get something at Par Beach pool. Davidstow Airfield is always a possibility for a good wader turning up although June is a bit early. The wods and moors around there are good for species found in that habitat (Dipper, Marsh tit, willow tit, siskin, redpoll etc. And Lesser pecker if your very lucky!) Are you on a birding trip or with family?

[Conorbirda2]

Had half an hour on Hayle Estuary tonight. Loads of dunlin and ringed plovers. One Blk T Godwit, 2 whimbrel and a few Little Egrets were only other birds of note.

[henerz1]

Wader passage has been very slow this spring in cornwall for some reason??? Couple of Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel near Falmouth have been the highlights around here.

[Conorbirda2]

Wader passage has been very slow this spring in cornwall for some reason??? Couple of Greenshank and 2 Whimbrel near Falmouth have been the highlights around here.

Yeah, not much to yell about. Its never that great anyway, its the return journey when we get the goodies down here.

[henerz1]

Cool, i'm already looking foward!

[FIDDLER]

Still something of interest at spit beach (Par) 28,common scoter,1,great N diver in breeding plumage,8,sandwich terns,3,whimbrel.All yesterday afternoon (02-06-07) Thats if you can see through this mist!!Also yesterday 4,willow tits at Treskillian downs,always a good site for this species.
fiddler.

[Conorbirda2]

Still something of interest at spit beach (Par) 28,common scoter,1,great N diver in breeding plumage,8,sandwich terns,3,whimbrel.All yesterday afternoon (02-06-07) Thats if you can see through this mist!!Also yesterday 4,willow tits at Treskillian downs,always a good site for this species.
fiddler.

Fiddler, welcome to the thread. Where is Treskillian Downs? I still need willow for my Cornwall list! Paul

[PaulK]

I was down for a nice relaxing holiday last week with the family. Unfortunately only managed one good days birding which was down at the Lizard on 31st. It turned out to be an excellent morning. My main aim was to see the Choughs and was rewarded with excellent views of the 4 juveniles as well as the adults later on. I then turned to the sea where the first bird I saw was a Storm Petrel. In the next hour and a half I logged the following passing from the chough watchpoint: Manx Shearwater (120+), Storm Petrel (8), Razorbill (5), Guillemot (1), Kittiwake (6). There were also plenty of Gannets and Fulmar about as well as 2 Whimbrel at the base of the cliff.

Other highlights of the week were Dipper at Respryn, Peregrine and Rock Pipit out on Newlands and Raven at Rough Tor.

In all a very enjoyable week with lots of birds about. Got to see much of the warblers/summer migrants that I often miss when I go in August.

[henerz1]

Glad to hear you caught up with some of the Cornish Specialities there PaulK. Not bad luck bumping into a Stormy at the start of your seawatch. Not every seawatch begins in such a good way!
Cheers
Henerz

[FIDDLER]

Hi Paul,
Thanks. Treskillen downs, or moors is 1, mile from the eden project between St Blazy and Penwithick.Look for hallaze road.I have seen them on and off at this site for the last 14,years,but, don,t see or hear them more than a 4, or 5, times a year.This last sighting was a family group.
fiddler.

[Conorbirda2]

Hi Paul,
Thanks. Treskillen downs, or moors is 1, mile from the eden project between St Blazy and Penwithick.Look for hallaze road.I have seen them on and off at this site for the last 14,years,but, don,t see or hear them more than a 4, or 5, times a year.This last sighting was a family group.
fiddler.


Cheers, I dont get that far north very often! Must make the effort.

[FIDDLER]

Today,11 puffins on The Moules,Pentire point ,60+ manx shearwater flew past,up to 8, basking shark out at sea,12+ wheatear in the area.Corn buntings at pentire farm.
fiddler.

[Conorbirda2]

Bee eater at Porthgwarra and Red Backed Shrike at Lands End today. I missed the Bee eater!

[FIDDLER]

Would dearly like to spend more time in the far west,but, my car is a heavy drinker!! Shame about the bee-eater,but, always nice to see any of the shrikes. A pal of mine has just come back from a weeks birding in Hungary,red back shrikes in every bush.
fiddler.

[henerz1]

Is Pentire near Polzeath, across from Padstow Fiddler? The likes of Puffin and Corn Bunting might see me going for a trip if it is! Thanks

[FIDDLER]

It is indeed.Well worth it.
fiddler.

[Tav94]

This is a complex of lakes for angling not far from Treruefoot took my son there fishing and i spent a few hours wallking around the lakes.Lots of bird life there and loads of dragonflies about.Had good views of two pairs of Sedge Warblers plus two Reed Warblers allso herd but not seen a Grasshopper Warbler, on the main lake ther are 15 Tufted Duck plus Mallards Coots Moorhen and a Pair of Little Grebe and Canada Geese House Martin Swallows and Swifts flying low over the lakes.

[henerz1]

Looks good for the odd Hobby in that case Tav94!

[Tav94]

Yes i was talking to the owner and he has seen them there in the past as well as an Osprey fly over will have to start watching this area as it is not to far from home.

[Conorbirda2]

The website is slowly taking shape! (www.cornwall-birding.co.uk) WILL SORT THE HOME PAGE OUT SOON, THEN NEED SOME TIME TO PUT ARCHIVE STUFF ON.

[henerz1]

Liking the new site Conorbirda2, it has great potential. I was wondering if there has been any news on the Colliford black duck near Bodmin?? Has it definately gone or just not been looked for??? Thanks.

P.s. saw the corn buntings yesterday Fiddler, 7 of them on roadside wires on between Padstow and Newquay on the coast near Bedruthan Steps.

[FIDDLER]

Great.Anything else about? A good place to see redstarts is basstreet on east bodmin moor.A couple of years ago there was a pair of breeding cirl buntings at basstreet.
fiddler.

[Conorbirda2]

Liking the new site Conorbirda2, it has great potential. I was wondering if there has been any news on the Colliford black duck near Bodmin?? Has it definately gone or just not been looked for??? Thanks.

P.s. saw the corn buntings yesterday Fiddler, 7 of them on roadside wires on between Padstow and Newquay on the coast near Bedruthan Steps.

Thanks mate, its taking some time getting off the ground but will get there in the end! Not heard anything about the Black Duck since its first report, which is quite suprising. Out of interest, Corn Bunts are really easy at Pentire point. I had a flock of about 30 there last year aswell as few Yellowhammers. Regards, Paul.

[Conorbirda2]

Great.Anything else about? A good place to see redstarts is basstreet on east bodmin moor.A couple of years ago there was a pair of breeding cirl buntings at basstreet.
fiddler.

Fiddler, do you fancy doing an article on Basstreet for the website? I dont know the area at all and im sure it would be useful to other birders?

[Conorbirda2]

Yes i was talking to the owner and he has seen them there in the past as well as an Osprey fly over will have to start watching this area as it is not to far from home.

Chris, same for you. Do you fancy doing a bit about those lakes for the website? Still waiting for some pictures from you buddy! regards, Paul

[Tav94]

Paul will send you a few pics from the trip i have put a few on my gallery on here,have not been out much as i have not been to good.Had a look on your web site looks good can i post pics on it yet.The lakes that i went to the outher day the owner said thatt there was a Snow Goose there a few weeks back have there been any around the county.

[Darrell Clegg]

Not heard anything about the Black Duck since its first report, which is quite suprising.

Hi Paul,

The Black Duck has been at Colliford since about 2000 but is only seen very very rarely. I'm certain he's breeding with local Mallards on the moor but not necessarily at Colliford as there are one or two hybrids around. A Black Duck X Mallard spent last winter at Wacker Quay and had the old heart pounding when I first saw it.

Darrell

[nick patel]

I'm coming down to Cornwall this Summer (August). Could anyone help me with any key sites for Birds and wildlife near Holsworthy and the surrounding areas.

Any help appreciated, Thanks.

[Conorbirda2]

Hi Paul,

The Black Duck has been at Colliford since about 2000 but is only seen very very rarely. I'm certain he's breeding with local Mallards on the moor but not necessarily at Colliford as there are one or two hybrids around. A Black Duck X Mallard spent last winter at Wacker Quay and had the old heart pounding when I first saw it.

Darrell

Thanks Darrell. I still need Black Duck for Britain. Dipped a few! Hope this answers HENERZ question.

[Conorbirda2]

Paul will send you a few pics from the trip i have put a few on my gallery on here,have not been out much as i have not been to good.Had a look on your web site looks good can i post pics on it yet.The lakes that i went to the outher day the owner said thatt there was a Snow Goose there a few weeks back have there been any around the county.

Hello mate. Hope youre feeling better. Nothing serious i hope? There has been a couple of snow geese (of unknown origin) in the area. Been seen at Copperhouse Creek and Walmsley sanctuary.Theres photos of the latter on cbwps website. Cant post pics yet.You can e mail them to me and i will put them on. Should be able to post the soon aswell as sightings. Take care.

[Conorbirda2]

I'm coming down to Cornwall this Summer (August). Could anyone help me with any key sites for Birds and wildlife near Holsworthy and the surrounding areas.

Any help appreciated, Thanks.

Nick, you might want to try maer lake which is owned by cornwall birdwatching society. There is a link to their site on mine (click on link below). There is a section all about the area on their site. Otherwise try getting hold of a copy of "where to watch birds in Devon and Cornwall". Sorry i cant be of more help. Hoping to get more birding sites on the website soon. Regards, Paul.

[nick patel]

Thanks for this, will try get this book.

[henerz1]

Thanks Darrell for the info. I'm off for a look tomorrow but will bear in mind about possible hybs! Cheers. Henerz

[henerz1]

Had no luck yesterday with black ducks. Plenty of wheatears up near Brown Willy Tor in awful weather! 15 Stormies still lingering off Swanpool this morning.

[Conorbirda2]

Had no luck yesterday with black ducks. Plenty of wheatears up near Brown Willy Tor in awful weather! 15 Stormies still lingering off Swanpool this morning.

Henerz, will you e-mail me your sightings please. I dont always look on here and missed these ones so didnt get on the website. Any sign of that report about Argal and college res? Cheers,

[henerz1]

All sorted Paul. Thanks

[Conorbirda2]

All sorted Paul. Thanks

The article is now on site. Looks pretty good i think. Good content too. I noticed a bit where you put Marsh and Willow tit. I wasnt aware that willow tit have been recorded at either site. They dont get seen very often anyfurther west than Goss Moor, and there arent that many there either. I will check through the old bird reports to see if they have ever occured there. Thanks for the sightings too. Regards,

[henerz1]

I saw a Willow Tit twice this winter in the woodlands at College Res. but only 1 bird and not since feb sadly. Defo willows though!

[Tav94]

Had a walk around the lakes this morning not a lot about did see 3 Sedge warbler and a few willow warblers most of the Tufted duck have gone only saw one female with two young lots of Swallows and House Martins and a few goldfinches.

[sf01457]

Hi all
I will be holidaying in StIves from next Saturday for a couple of weeks.
Where are the best spots to visit local to StIves. I do not like to drive too far while on holiday as it is what I do for a living!
I have seen Hayle estury mentioned a few times - I will pass there most days on my way to do some body boarding - so where do I stop to get best views.
All help much appreciated.
Cheers
Steve

[mrlimbo]

Thanks to everyone for keeping this thread going, especially TAV94!! I'm working on a new website at the moment so would appreciate your sightings, comments and photos for that soon (www.cornwall-birding.co.uk). Will put a new thread on when its up and running properly.
.

WoW great looking site with tons of info , im moving down soon (STC) so hope i might be able to contribute a little to it , even though im not a real birder :)

Great work.

[Tav94]

Four Greenshanks from hide two and a Kingfisher, herd a Sedge Warbler,a few Greenfinch and Goldfinch about very quiet at the moment.Kingsmill Lake is part of the river Tamar and there are two hides there can be a good spot in the winter months the hides are all in good condition.

[Conorbirda2]

Hi all
I will be holidaying in StIves from next Saturday for a couple of weeks.
Where are the best spots to visit local to StIves. I do not like to drive too far while on holiday as it is what I do for a living!
I have seen Hayle estury mentioned a few times - I will pass there most days on my way to do some body boarding - so where do I stop to get best views.
All help much appreciated.
Cheers
Steve

Steve, I've sent you a PM. As an afterthought, you can catch the train from St Ives to Lelant Saltings on the Hayle Estuary, save you driving! Regards,

[devon.birder]

I spent an hour early afternoon in the hide overlooking Chaple Amble Marsh. Apart from a Green Sandpiper the only other bird of note was a Hobby hunting over the marsh which perched briefly in the dead tree in front of the hide. Roger

[Conorbirda2]

The ROSE-COLOURED STARLING was still showing well at Lands End this morning. Also a singing Nightingale. See Cornwall Birding (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk)website for photos.

[Tav94]

Nice morning so went to have a look on the Tamar at Kingsmill Lake Not a lot seen from the hide so walked up the beach and found a nice group of waders on the far bend.20+ Dunlin,17 Greenshanks,50+ Redshank,30+ Curlew,3 Grey Herons,4 Shellduck with young,1 Little Grebe 20+ BH gulls and 5 Little Egrets.

[Tav94]

2 Sandwitch Terns, 1 Common Tern,2 Whimbrel,1 Greenshank 6 Redshanks and 60+ Black-headed gulls.

[Tav94]

A Group of 24+Commen Scoter,10 Gannets,2 LBBgulls 1GBB gull.

[Tav94]

A single Egyptian Goose has turned up on the lake seems to be quite tame.Allso seen 20+ Redshank,1 Greenshank,15 Black-headed gulls and 9 Cormorants.

Had a look around Rame Head a few Gannets 3 Ravens,4 Buzzard,1 kestrel,6 Whitethroats,2 Sedge Warblers,2 Chiffchaffs,12 Goldfinches,25 Greenfinches.

[Joe Ray]

Hi guys.
I'm going to be staying in Falmouth for the next two days, I wonder if anyone can advise me on good sites in the area/recent sightings?

Thanks,

Jyothi

[henerz1]

Hi Jyothi, hope you got my e-mails on the subject. Swanpool has had Whimbrel, Little Egret and Med Gulls in the last few days.

I haven't been there for a while myself but I can recommend the walk from Penryn town along the river penryn towards Flushing. Along this shortish walk (c2km) there are a couple of tidal creeks which towards high tide at this time of year could have some decent waders. Take your scope and scan from the footpath to avoid scaring the birds. Birds seen there in the last few years include Laughin Gull, Wood Sand, Green Sand, Spot'Shank, Greenshank, Curlew Sand.
Stithians reservoir is a short bus ride from Falmouth (on the 2a, get off at rame cross and walk to the res, c 2km again). You probably know the reputation of this place and it is due a rarity!
Back near Swanpool, S.W of Falmouth the headland of Pennance Point or beyond Maenporth, the headland of Rosemullion are good for a spot of seawatching with possible Balearic Shearwater at the mo and perhaps a Storm Petrel or two.

Hope this helps. Tell us how you get on. Thanks.
Henerz

[Joe Ray]

Cheers Henerz, apologies for not replying to the emails, my email has been down for some time.
Many thanks for the information, I'll let you know how i get on.
Jyothi

[Conorbirda2]

Cheers Henerz, apologies for not replying to the emails, my email has been down for some time.
Many thanks for the information, I'll let you know how i get on.
Jyothi

Hello Jyothi, is your e-mail working now? I thought you were going to get in touch when you were coming down? Regards, Paul

[Joe Ray]

Well an unexpected surprise came just as we were about to leave. Dad decided he would drive me to any local birding sites that I wanted to visit.
On Friday, shortly after arriving, we headed to Swanpool. This was dissapointing however, and produced very little of interest.
The rest of the day was spent along various stretches of the Fal Estuary, but we were again out of luck, and saw nothing exciting.
The next day we set off towards the Hayle Estuary. This was enjoyable and worthwhile. Scanning from the car park of Quay House Inn, I picked out a Med Gull, single Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin, and a few Whimbrel with the 300 or so Curlews.

On the way back to falmouth we stopped briefly at Marazion Marsh. This, unfortunately, was fruitless, so after a short time we drove on to Stithians where we ended the day. The resevoir and surrounding marshland were very quiet, and held little apart from a family of Little Grebes and a handful of Tufted Ducks.

In all, a good 2 day trip, thanks to all who provided me with information about the county and it's best sites.

Cheers
Jyothi

[Conorbirda2]

Well an unexpected surprise came just as we were about to leave. Dad decided he would drive me to any local birding sites that I wanted to visit.
On Friday, shortly after arriving, we headed to Swanpool. This was dissapointing however, and produced very little of interest.
The rest of the day was spent along various stretches of the Fal Estuary, but we were again out of luck, and saw nothing exciting.
The next day we set off towards the Hayle Estuary. This was enjoyable and worthwhile. Scanning from the car park of Quay House Inn, I picked out a Med Gull, single Sanderling and Curlew Sandpiper among the Dunlin, and a few Whimbrel with the 300 or so Curlews.

On the way back to falmouth we stopped briefly at Marazion Marsh. This, unfortunately, was fruitless, so after a short time we drove on to Stithians where we ended the day. The resevoir and surrounding marshland were very quiet, and held little apart from a family of Little Grebes and a handful of Tufted Ducks.

In all, a good 2 day trip, thanks to all who provided me with information about the county and it's best sites.

Cheers
Jyothi

Hello Jyothi, glad you had a good few days. Had the nightjars on Friday night but no Groppers you'll be pleased to know! What time was the Curlew sand on the Estuary? Any Photos? It was very quiet on the estuary that day. Check out the website (cornwall Birding) (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk)for bird reports. Let me know if you are down here again. Regards Paul

[Tav94]

18 Greenshanks,60Curlews,50+ Redshanks,1 Grey Heron,2 Little Egrets,3 Oystercatchers,1Black-taield Godwit,2 shellducks with young.Lots of Buzzards about this morning and 1 smart Sparrowhawk with its prey flew right overhead.

Rame area 2 Weatears in the church yard,1 on the dump field 7 Willow Warblers allong the military road Peregrine flew across the the dump field.

Tamar Bridge Peregrine sat on bridge.

[Darrell Clegg]

Tav
That Phylosc is a great photo - well done, it's much better than anything I could get.
I think it may be a Chiffchaff though. The yellow plumage tones and orangey legs look good for Willow Warbler, but there are variations, and in such strong sunlight colours will appear much brighter. The reason I think it's a Chiffchaff is because you can clearly see the primary projection and it is far too short for Willow Warbler.
Anyone else care to comment?

Darrell

[Tav94]

Hi Darrell i was with Ray and there were 7 of them in the same set of bushes i did say to Ray that they may me Chiffchaff as they were making a hewit hewit as they went down through the bushes.

[Tav94]

This is the same bird and i see what you meen about the primary projection, had a look in the collins and it quiet a difference still lots to learn good old camera.

[Darrell Clegg]

Hi Darrell i was with Ray and there were 7 of them in the same set of bushes i did say to Ray that they may me Chiffchaff as they were making a hewit hewit as they went down through the bushes.

Ah - but he's as deaf as a post, which he tells me quite often! ;)

Darrell

[Joe Ray]

Hello Jyothi, glad you had a good few days. Had the nightjars on Friday night but no Groppers you'll be pleased to know! What time was the Curlew sand on the Estuary? Any Photos? It was very quiet on the estuary that day. Check out the website (cornwall Birding) (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk)for bird reports. Let me know if you are down here again. Regards Paul
Sorry, no photos. Saw the Curlew Sand at about mid-day, not sure of the exact time but around 12.
Cheers
Jyothi

[Tav94]

First thing at Rame Head had 30+ common Scoter going west and 4 Gannets fishing and 12 LBB gulls.On to Rame Barton 2 Tawny Owls sat out in the sun having a nap,lots of birds around the farm,100+ Barn Swallows,30+ House Martins,20+ Swifts.Allong the Military road had 9 Whitethroats,400+ Greenfinches on the Rape in the top field,meet the farmer who had been in the top fields earlier and said he had not seen so meny for years.Called in at Torpoint on the way home had15 Ternstones,3 Ringed Plover,1 Whimbrel,3 Sandwich Terns,1 Common Tern, 5 Med gulls.

[Tav94]

Flushed a Geensanpiper from a wet area near the lake, lots of Dragonflies about but not meny birds to be seen.Walked through a wooded area had 2 Treecreepers up high, still hearing Chiffchaffs got a sighting of two allso a few young Bullfinches about in the woods no sign of the peckers.

[Tav94]

Numbers of Greenshank saw 17, 40+ Redshank,40+ Curlew,7 Dunlin,7Black-taield Godwit,2 Shellduck with 5 young,12 Mallard,3 Little Egret,1 Grey Heron,2 Oystercatcher,1 Ringed Plover,1 Wimbrel and a single Buzzard sat in an old dead tree..

[Tav94]

50+ Gannets
3 Raven
1Peregrine
2 Whitethroat
5 Buzzard
5 LBB
2 GBB
50+ Herring gulls
1Kestrel

[Tav94]

25 Greenshank,40+ Redshank.1 Ringed Plover,5 Knot,30+ Curlew,4 Oystercatcher,1 Commmon Sandpiper,2 Shellduck with young 50+ BH gull
1 Grey Heron ,2 Little Egret and 2 Greenwoodpecker on the golf course.

[nick patel]

This last week, i've been on holiday in Devon & Cornwall. Had a great time, and whilst i was there i saw:

Bude: Young Mediterranean gull (see picture) on the river Neet with c30 Black headed gulls, and c10 Herring gulls.

Also off Bude, i saw: 1 Balearic shearwater, 5+ Sooty shearwater, 100's of Manx shearwater, too many and too fast to count.

Also saw plenty of Banded & Beautiful demoiselles near where i was staying.

[Tav94]

Glad you had a good time in Cornwall nice to here from someone on here.

[Conorbirda2]

This last week, i've been on holiday in Devon & Cornwall. Had a great time, and whilst i was there i saw:

Bude: Young Mediterranean gull (see picture) on the river Neet with c30 Black headed gulls, and c10 Herring gulls.

Also off Bude, i saw: 1 Balearic shearwater, 5+ Sooty shearwater, 100's of Manx shearwater, too many and too fast to count.

Also saw plenty of Banded & Beautiful demoiselles near where i was staying.

Glad you had a good time Nick. Hope the info i sent you was of some use. What date was youir seawatch from Bude and where from exactly? Regards, Paul.

[Peewit]

This last week, i've been on holiday in Devon & Cornwall. Had a great time, and whilst i was there i saw:

Also saw plenty of Banded & Beautiful demoiselles near where i was staying.


Nick

You sound although you enjoyed your holidays very much.

by the way, I love your pictures of your 'Banded & Beautiful demoiselles'. They are beautiful :t:

[nick patel]

Nick

You sound although you enjoyed your holidays very much.

by the way, I love your pictures of your 'Banded & Beautiful demoiselles'. They are beautiful :t:

Thanks for the Demoiselle comments Peewit.

Paul, when i saw the Shearwaters that i mentioned, it was on the 17th August, and i viewed them, from standing on top of a cliff hill just north of Bude haven beach (the place with the most people surfing), and it was just west of Flexbury. Hope this helps.

[Conorbirda2]

Thanks for the Demoiselle comments Peewit.

Paul, when i saw the Shearwaters that i mentioned, it was on the 17th August, and i viewed them, from standing on top of a cliff hill just north of Bude haven beach (the place with the most people surfing), and it was just west of Flexbury. Hope this helps.

Thanks, will add them to that days bird reports on the website. Cheers, Paul

[Tav94]

Gannets 60+
Curlew 12 heading towards the coast
GBB gull14
LBB gull7
Fulmar 8
Kittywake 4
Herring gull50+
Storm Petrel 50+
Manx Shearwater 1
Balearic Shearwater 3

[henerz1]

Top pics Tav94, must have been great views from the boat. Can't wait to get back down to Cornwall now.
Thanks.
Henerz.

[Tav94]

Glad you liked the shots this is the first time that i have taken pics from the boat of the bird life out here some days there are loads of birds,i see a lot of migrants in the spring get the odd bird land on the boat, the best was a Scops Owl found it under the deck winch stayed on board for a day them left.

[Conorbirda2]

Glad you liked the shots this is the first time that i have taken pics from the boat of the bird life out here some days there are loads of birds,i see a lot of migrants in the spring get the odd bird land on the boat, the best was a Scops Owl found it under the deck winch stayed on board for a day them left.

Jeez! When was that! Bet you wished you'd had your camera!
Possible SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER at Hayle this evening. Flushed by Peregrine before ID could be clinched! Hopefully it will be back tomorrow.

[Conorbirda2]

Top pics Tav94, must have been great views from the boat. Can't wait to get back down to Cornwall now.
Thanks.
Henerz.

Henerz, long time, no hear! When you back? Looking forward to getting more Falmouth records once your back!

[Tav94]

That was a good few years ago when i was at sea all the time used to get a few Collard Doves as wall as Warblers and the odd Flycatcher.My son had a Ringed Plover last year i did put a phpto of it on here he took it with his phone cam it was sat on the sink in the wheelhouse.

[Tav94]

Here is the pic of the Ringed Plover that my son had on the trawler last year.

[Tav94]

20 + Gannets
3 Manx Shearwater
8Storm Petrel
100+ Herring Gull
15 LBB
6 GBB
1 Swift
1 Wheatear.
1Curlew.
Waather N 2/3 claer.

[Duck_Pond]

Great pics Tav - I have just got back (yesterday) from 5 days in St Ives. I have been there so many times, but never with any interest in the birding side, so it was amusing for that factor... seeing birds which have probably been passing me by unnoticed before.

I have to say that seeing gannets fishing was rather good, though they were a tad too far out for any pics. Saw some fulmars too, and probably others which I didn't recognise.

Also popped over to Wheal Cotes, as I spotted peregrines there last time. Saw them again albeit briefly yesterday, plus several kestrels, more gannets and a smattering of wheatears, pipits and stonechats.

On a different note - I have to say that the colours from the heather and wild flowers near Wheal Cotes is absolutely stunning. Worth seeing for that alone!

[Tav94]

Good to here you had a nice time at St Ives you cant beat it down er.

[Tav94]

No Petrels today just 2 Manx Shearwater, and loads of gulls and Gannets,saw 1 Barn swallow about 30 milles out from Looe.

[henerz1]

Brilliant photos once again Tav94. You're making me want to get out on one of those pelagics, now!

Paul, I'll be back in Falmouth for the last week of Sept, which is not perfect but should leave 1 good week of birding while stuff is on the move. Hopefully we'll meet up sometime (when the next mega turns up at College Res i'm hoping!). Thanks.

[Tav94]

Head.
1 Reed Warbler
2 Peregrine
3 Raven
Chiffchaffs
Willow Warblers
Greenfinches
Yellowhammers.

Penlee Battery
4 Pied Flycatcher
6 Spotted Flycatcher
Dump Field
3 Wheater
5 winchat

Old stone building near coast gaurd
1 Wryneck very elusive.

[Tav94]

Torpoint west muds
10 Dunlin
6 Ringed Plover
3 Med Gull

Rame
1000+ Linnet
300+ Greenfinch
7 Wheatear
2 Whinchat
4 Whitethroat
5 Stonchat
3 Pied Wagtail
1 White Wagtail
30+ Goldfinch
2 Raven
3 Buzzard
1 Keastrel
1 Skylark
2 Sedge Warbler.
1 Wryneck on stone building north of coast gaurd.

[Tav94]

Torpoint this morning high water.
10 Dunlin
7 Ringed Plover
2 Med Gulls
10+ BH gulls
2 Pied Wagtails
2 Mute Swan with young.

Rame Area
2 Wheatear
2 Whinchat
100+ linnet
60+ Greenfinch
30+ Goldfinch
1 Grey Heron flyover
1 Redpoll Flyover
1 Peregrine
1 Kestrel
3 Buzzard
Large green cricket 1
Clouded Yellow 1
Painted Lady 3

[Tav94]

Torpoint high water
24 Dunlin
7 Ringed Plover
2 Med gull
50+ BH gull

Rame
3 Wheatear
1Whinchat
2 Raven
1 Peregrine
1Sparrowhawk female
100+ Linnet
30+ Goldfinch and Greenfinch
9 Wood Pigeon
30+ Herring gull
6 Buzzard
10+ Chaffinch
4 Dunnock
2 Robin
2 Blue Tit
1 Great Tit
20+ House Martin
40+ Barn Swallow

[Tav94]

Torpoint
1 Kingfisher
Rame
4 Whitethroat
2 Stonechat
25 Canada Gees
3 Grey Heron
2 Raven
2Kestral
2 Buzzard
2 Dunnock
1 Blue Tit
2 Great Tit
1 Robin
1 Blk Bird

1 Cross Spider Araneus diadematus
1 Small Copper
2 Speckledwood
1 Small Heath
2 Red Admiral
1 Common Blue
1Rush Vener
Common Carpet
1 Agapeta hamana

[Conorbirda2]

Some nice photos of the Porthgwarra Dotterel (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk/latest-birding-news/dotterel-porthgwarra-wednesday-29th-august-07/)on Cornwall Birding today.

[Tav94]

Nice shots is the bird still there Paul.

[Conorbirda2]

Nice shots is the bird still there Paul.

Not been reported as far as i am aware mate.

[Tav94]

25 Greenshank,40+ Redshank,30+ Curlew,3 Kingfisher,1 Knot ,1Ruff 3 Common Sandpiper ,1 Med gull,1 GBB,30+ BH gull.

[Tav94]

100+ Curlew,32 Greenshank,20+ Dunlin,5 Ruff,3 Common Sandpiper,6 Teal,12 L Egret,7 Grey Heron,1Kingfisher,1 Peregrine and 1 med gull.

[Tav94]

7 Ruff,18 Greenshank,3 Black-taield Godwit,10 + Dunlin 20 + Curlew 20+ Herring gull.

St Germans 1 Grey Wagtail,2 Pied Wagtail,1 Green Sandpiper,1 Nuhatch 25 Canada Geese.

Bake Lakes 7 Tufted Duck,2 L Greeb,4 Coot 10 Moorhen, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Chiffchaff,25 + Swallow.

[Tav94]

1 Adult Spoonbill,2 Curlew Sandpiper,30+ Dunlin,60+ Redshank,
7 Ringed Plover.1 Whimbrel/5 Grey Heron.4 L Egret,40+ Curlew.

Torpoint
20+ Dunlin,9 Ringed Plover,7 Med Gulls,40+ BH Gulls,1 Kestral 3 Sandwich Terns.

[Tav94]

1 Spoonbill, 6 Knot,1 Curlew sandpiper,18 Greenshank.

[Tav94]

Kingsmill Lake this morning no sighting of the spoonbill,22 Greenshanks,50+ Redshanks,40+ curlew,8 Teal,1 Curlew sandpiper,4 Knot,5 L Egret 7 Gy Heron 1 Med gull,50+ BH gull 2 GBB gull and1 Peregrine hunting over the saltings with no luck.

[Tav94]

20 Ringed plover,15 dunlin,6 Med gulls,1 Guillemot 40+ redshank,2 Sandwich Tern,4 L Egret,3 Grey Heron and a kestrel.

[Tav94]

4 Curlew Sandpiper,18 Greenshank,15 Dunlin,70+ Curlew,30 + Redshank,3 Oystercatcher,5 Shelduck,5 Teal1 Lapwing.

[Tav94]

Colliford Reservoir good views of osprey,allso one Hobby and a Sparrowhawk.

[Tav94]

20+ Dunlin 20 Ringed Plover 2 Med gull 4 Sandwich Tern.
Whitsands Bay 1 Yellow Wagtail,4 Pied Wagtail,2 White Wagtail.1 Whinchat,1 Wheatear.

[Tav94]

One Green Sandpiper on flooded field with 24 Canada geese.

[rokermartin]

Shame not many Cornish birders put sightings on here,not like the other county threads plenty of birders putting there sighting on them.Cornish birders must still like to keep there sightings to themselfs.

[Tav94]

I think you my be right there.

[henerz1]

I have to agree but maybe many of the cornwall contingent aren't online!

Well i'll follow suit Chris and be posting my sightings up here when I get back down to Cornwall soon. Thanks for all your sightings and great photos Chris. Nice to hear what's around in the East of the county.

If you are wanting a one-stop-website for all your cornwall info check out www.cornwall-birding.co.uk

Thanks.
Henerz.

[rokermartin]

I think you my be right there.Well Cornish birders used to be notorious for keeping birds to themselfs, seems like old habits die hard.

[Conorbirda2]

Well Cornish birders used to be notorious for keeping birds to themselfs, seems like old habits die hard.

And comments like yours dont help the people trying to change things. The main reasons for the lack of records on here is that: A.there are very few cornwall birders that are BF members and B. records are sent to Birdline sw, RBA or Cornwall Birding (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk)Website. Try looking at the latter, i think you may find most if not all of the bird sightings for Cornwall AND the Scillies in recent months. As you stated, Conish Birders USED to be notorious. There is still an element, as there are in every county, who will keep birds to themselves. There is nothing you will ever change about them, but i can assure you there are farmore birds reported from cornwall than supressed. Hope the website goes someway to changing your opinion roker!

[Conorbirda2]

and p.s. I cant find a website letting people know whats about in Sunderland? Cornwall has three or four sites releasing news daily.

[rokermartin]

and p.s. I cant find a website letting people know whats about in Sunderland? Cornwall has three or four sites releasing news daily.Check the Durham bird forum ,all our bird sightings for County Durham are on there.Also if you want more bird sightings for County Durham check the Durham bird club website.Its one of the best bird clubs in the uk with excellent yearly bird reports packed full of info.

[Conorbirda2]

Check the Durham bird forum ,all our bird sightings for County Durham are on there.Also if you want more bird sightings for County Durham check the Durham bird club website.Its one of the best bird clubs in the uk with excellent yearly bird reports packed full of info.

Have you got a link you can stick on? My google search facility is crap! And has the Cornwall Birding website changed your opinion at all? Even a little bit? To be honest there are very few Cornish birders. There are Cornwall birders but most are not cornish (like me, Yorkshireman!)

[rokermartin]

Have you got a link you can stick on? My google search facility is crap! And has the Cornwall Birding website changed your opinion at all? Even a little bit? To be honest there are very few Cornish birders. There are Cornwall birders but most are not cornish (like me, Yorkshireman!)Hi try www. durhambirdclub.org/,i have just checked the Cornwall birding site looks good,still cannot understand why very few Cornish birders dont put there sightings on this forum,All the other county forums get well used.

[Conorbirda2]

RE:above. Don't worry I've found it. Nice site although it appears all the bird information is taken from birdguides. There is equally as much info about birds in Cornwall on Cornwall Birding and a lot supplied straight to the site by those who dont have pagers etc, so no supression there i believe.
If you need any more info about bird reports in Cornwall try these:
Cornwall Birds (http://www.cbwps.org.uk/)
Sennen Cove Birdwatching (http://www.sennen-cove.com/birds.htm)
Falmouth Birding (http://www.geocities.com/falmouthbirding/index.html)
and of course Cornwall Birding (http://www.cornwall-birding.co.uk).
If all else fails try ringing Birdline SW 09068 700241

I think that should just about cover any news you might need to know about.

[rokermartin]

Info is taken from birdguides and the Durham bird forum

[Conorbirda2]

Info is taken from birdguides and the Durham bird forum

Just had a look at the Durham Bird forum. As i said earlier, there are not many cornwall birders that use BF. You would be suprised how many birders dont even know about BF. Most use the website and Birdline sw and RBA to put news out so it doesnt get duplicated on here. I spend hours updating Cornwall Birding and just dont have the time to duplicate sightings on here i'm afraid. I'm surprised no one started a Cornwall Birding thread on BF before this one. The Durham thread has been going since may 2005. The other thing is there is also the Cornwall section on the county by county thread. Like the Durham one, that isn't used much either.

[Tav94]

2 Yellow Wagtail,4 Pied Wagtail,7 Chiffchaff,5 Blackbird,2 Raven 1 Grey Heron and 2 Buzzard.

[Tav94]

Rame Area.
30+ Meadow Pipit,20 Pied Wagtail,1 Yellow Wagtail,20+ Linnet,20+ Goldfinch,2 Kestrel,and 3 Buzzard.

[Tav94]

Kingsmill Lake
4 Curlew Sandpiper,4 Knot,2 Ringed Plover,1 Med gull.

[Tav94]

Rame Area this morning.
17 Wheatears,15 Skylark,40+ Meadow Pipit,25 Cormorant heading south.

[Tav94]

Waker Quey this morning
One Osprey seen at 9.30 heading down the river towards rats island.

[Darrell Clegg]

Finally got out to do some birding this afternoon (probably only the second time since June!!)

Penlee Point

1 Balearic Shearwater
1 Great Skua
1 Juv. Yellow-legged Gull
4 Guillemot
12 Kittiwake
72 Gannet
1 Peregrine

Between 3 - 5pm

Darrell

[Tav94]

One Hobby chasing Swallows in the morning, no sign of the Osprey but had good views of a Black Kite beying mobbed by gulls has a full crop this is the second one i have seen in this area in the last week could be the same one.

[henerz1]

Great find Tav and the Hobby to boot!
A had a Merlin at College Res. yesterday but that won't raise quite as many eyebrows!
Thanks. Henerz.

[Tav94]

Yes a nice find the phon has not stopped ringing i saw a Black Kite last week not far away might be the same one will be back there in the morning might get the Osprey back with luck.

[Tav94]

Osprey at 8.45 and 13.30hrs,one Spoonbill and 2 Arctic Terns and Goldcrest herd.

Torpoint 11 Sandwich Terns 27 Med Gulls.

Black Kite 17 30 hrs.

[kmonty1950]

Hi Tav,

I see the Kite was reported again this evening. Whereabouts is it being seen? I might consider a trip down from Exeter tomorrow afternoon if it's likely to still be in the area.

All the best

Ken

[Tav94]

Head for Waker Quey and view from there seems to be in that area late afternoon.

[davercox]

To be honest there are very few Cornish birders. There are Cornwall birders but most are not cornish (like me, Yorkshireman!)

Just noticed that according to the Atlas website, only three 10K squares in Cornwall are covered so far for tetrad visits. Can this be true ? Seems to suggest either there are indeed very few Cornwall birders, or they're only interested in rarities.

Dave (can't help being a Devonian)

[Tav94]

Osprey and Black Kite seen but a distance by outher people and not by me.
2 Sparrowhawk.2 Perry.8 Buzzard,200+ Swallows and House Martin,1 Greenshank,20 Redshank,1 Adult Spoonbill,50 Canada G,7 Grt Crested Grebe,5 Raven,2 Jay,40+ BH gull.

[henerz1]

Who's the regional representitive? I wouldnt mind getting involved but don't know who to contact. Henerz.

[Darrell Clegg]

Just noticed that according to the Atlas website, only three 10K squares in Cornwall are covered so far for tetrad visits. Can this be true ? Seems to suggest either there are indeed very few Cornwall birders, or they're only interested in rarities.

Dave (can't help being a Devonian)

Ah but we've been involved in our own 10 year atlas project covering all the breeding and wintering species which we started in 1999 and which covers every 2k square.

http://www.erccis.co.uk/birdatlas/index.htm

Darrell

[Darrell Clegg]

Who's the regional representitive? I wouldnt mind getting involved but don't know who to contact. Henerz.

Henerz,

See here
http://www.bto.org/regional/directory.htm

Darrell

[Tav94]

Osprey sat in dead tree with a Sea Trout.
One Adult Spoonbill.

[Tav94]

Wacker first thing Black Kite flew out of high stand of trees.Adult Spoonbill on main river farside and 1 Common Sandpiper.

Rame.
Female Hen Harrier flushed from stubble field along milatery road.Allso seen 2 Raven,5 Buzzard,20+ Meadow Pipit,30+ Linnet,2 Chiffchaff,1 Spoted Flycatcher,4 Skylark,30+ Wood Pigeon.

[henerz1]

Thanks for the link Darrell. I'll be getting in contact soon.

[Tav94]

Rame 29/9/07
2 Spotted Flycatcher,4 Chiffchaff,2 Raven 1 Goldcrest.

[Tav94]

Rame Today
1 Blackcap,5 Chiffchaff,1 Whitethroat,5 Stonechat,3 Raven,1 Sparrowhawk.
Firecrest in Tit flock near the church.

[Tav94]

2 Sparrowhawks,1 Merlin,5 Buzzards,200+ Linnets,50+ Wood Pigeons,1 Blackcap,1 Pied Flycatcher,10+ Swallows,1 Whitethroat,2 Wrens, 30+ Meadow Pipits,12 Skylark,1 Green Woodpecker.

[Tav94]

Rame 4/10/07
23 Chiffchaff,2 Spotted Flycatcher,1 Pied Flycatcher,2 Goldcrest,1 Firecrest,3 Blackcap,1 Garden Warbler,2 Wheatear,1 Whinchat,1 Sparrowhawk 400+ Linnets,2 Raven,100+ Goldfinch, 20 Stonechat,4 Yellowhammer.

[henerz1]

Stithians Reservoir - 05/10/2007
Activity finally on the up with 1 Wood Sandpiper juv present from the southern hide today. I was gob-smacked to read in the log book that it had been present since 30th September! Still, a lovely bird.

[Tav94]

Rame 5/10/07
1 Spotted Flycatcher,2 Goldcrest,2 Wheatear,10 Stonechat,30+ Meadow Pipit,6 Pied Wagtail,6 Blackbird,1 Sparrowhawk,5 Buzzard 2 Kestrel,3 Raven,20 Swallow,2 Chiffchaff,Tit flock60+ Wood Pigeon,1 Collard Dove,1 Redpoll fly over and 400+ Linnets.

[Tav94]

Tragantle Fort
4 Wheatear,10+ Meadow Pipit,5 Stonechat,30+ Herring gull,2 Buzzard,1 Kestrel.

[davercox]

Ah but we've been involved in our own 10 year atlas project covering all the breeding and wintering species which we started in 1999 and which covers every 2k square.

http://www.erccis.co.uk/birdatlas/index.htm

Darrell


OK Darrell, thanks and well done to everyone involved.

[Tav94]

1 Woodlark and a Black Redstart in the farm yard at Rame Barton and a Odd looking Willow Warbler at Polawn.

[Tav94]

150+ Meadow Pipit,60+ Skylark,1 Wheatear,1 Black Redstart,1 Hobby,1 Perry,2 Raven,40+ Chafifinch,30+ Goldfinch,1 Redpoll,1 Siskin,5 Pied Wagtail,5 Chiffchaff,2 Great Tit,15 Long-tailed Tit,1 Redwing,5 Song Thrush,8 Black Bird,6 Buzzard,3 Kestrel,1 Blackcap and a few Dear.

[Tav94]

Rame 19/10/07
1 Garden Warbler,1 Ring Ouzel,1 Fiieldfare,2 Mistle Thrush,1 Hobby,2 Chiffchaff.

[Tav94]

1 Merlin.3 Sparrowhawk,1 Tawny Owl,1 Firecrest,2 Goldcrest,4 Siskin,2 Raven,2 Kestrel,6 Buzzard,2 Bullfinch, 7 Dunnock 2 Black Redstart.

[gareth_blockley]

I now love Cornwall!

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1033989#post1033989

Gareth

[Tav94]

5 Black Redstarts around,6 Goldcrest,1 Firecrest at the church,1 Merlin hunting along the Millatery road area.50+ Skylarks,2 Siskin,20+ Meadow Pipit,2 Kestrel,4 Buzzard,2 Sparrowhawks,3 Raven,50+ BH gulls,10 Herring Gulls,60+ Wood Pigeons,2 Willow Warbler,2 Blackcap,3 Pied Wagtail,1 Greywagtail.

[Tav94]

8 Black Redstarts around the farm and the church,2 Wheatear at the dump100+ Goldfinch,150+ Linnet,60+ Skylark,20+ Meadow Pipit,3 jay,3 Goldcrest,8 Long-tailed Tit,3 Grt Tit,70+ Wood Pigeon,40+ Rook,30+ Crow,15 Jackdaw,1 Med Gull.30 + BH Gull, 2 Raven,2 Kestrel,4 Buzzard,1 Sparrowhawk,40+ Chaffinch,3 Pied Wagtail,10 Redwind,4 Fieldfare,2 Ringed Ouzel,11 Blackbird.

[Tav94]

7 Spoonbill on farside of river showing well was report of 8 yesterday.

[henerz1]

That's interesting, 8 were reported flying over, heading South West at Gyllyngvase Beach near Falmouth a couple of days ago . Quite possibly the same group of birds!

[Tav94]

Yes could be there has been one at Waker for a few weeks so there might be 9 around.

[Tav94]

7 Spoonbill flying down the Lynher this evening,

[Tav94]

9 Spoonbill seen 15 mins later at Jupitor Point some have yellow rings on both legs.

[Tav94]

3 Black Redstarts around the farm buildings,1 at the church.Feildfare and Redwings moving through the area this morning.Allso 6 Gold crest in with the Tit flocks at the church area.

[Tav94]

2 Rock Pipits with 5 Meadow Pipits ane 2 Wheatears on the foreshore this morning.

[Tav94]

6 Spoonbill this morning also 1 Tufted duck.

[Tav94]

Had a look on the river this morning no sighn of the eight Spoonbill just the one that is here through the winter.

[Tav94]

Siskins,Redwings,Linnets,Goldfinches,chaffinches,P ied Wagtails,Meadow Pipits,Skylarks,2 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,3 Raven,6 Buzzard.
Waker Quey 4 Spoonbill, 1 Peregrine.

[henerz1]

Mullion Cove this afternoon:- 1 Black Redstart (fem) on roof tops of houses in the valley. Also 4 Ravens, 1 Kestrel, 4 Stonechats, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Goldfinches and 1 Goldcrest.
The valley reminded me of one of the West Cornwall valleys (it's not far away) and it would be first landfall for vagrants flying at in from further south. Lots of potenital!
Thanks. Henerz.

[Tav94]

Yes henerzi a nice area used to live that way at Ruan Minor near the lizard but was not into birdding then was a full time fisherman,did work out of the Islands as well for three years,used to see all the bird watchers comming over must have missed some great birds over the years never mind i have time on my hands now.
Regards Chris Buckland.

[Tav94]

3 Spoonbill.50+ Canada Geese,100+ Fieldfare, 60+ Redwing 30+ Meadow Pipit.

[Tav94]

4 Black Redstart on Fort buildinds this morning with Meadow Pipits, and Pied wagtails.

[Tav94]

Male Cirl Bunting sighted at coast Gaurd cottages allso one Black Redstart.

[henerz1]

Any more info on the American Buff-bellied Pipit at Lands End?? Still there? Was fully ready to go today but wouldn't have been able to on public transport at this late hour. grr. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks. Henry.

[Tav94]

This morning 30+ Canada G,1 Brent G,60+ Oystercatcher,30+ Dunlin,17 Grt Crested Grebe,9 Med gull,40+ BH gull 2 GBB gull 40+ Wigeon,3 Teal,20+ Turnstone,2 Rock Pipit, 5 Meadow Pipit,1 Grey Wagtail 4 Pied Wagtail.

[Tav94]

5 Spoonbill, 60+ Shellduck,15 Grt Crested Grebe,120 Canada G,30+ Wigeon,8 Teal,30+ Dunlin,6 Grey Heron 6 L Egret.

[henerz1]

Still lots on the move at the mo. College Res (near Falmouth) couldn't quite compete with Lands End today but there were 4 Firecrests, 1 Water Rail, 2 Gadwalls, 3 Tufted Duck, c40 Wigeons, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Siskins, and 2 Skylarks.

[Tav94]

From the far hide 60 Avocet,14 Greenshank,2 Spotted Redshank,50+ Redshank,56 Black-taield Godwit one with rings on,40+ Dunlin,60+ Curlew,30+ Shellduck,20+ Wigeon,8 Teal,2 L Egret,1 Grey Heron a Little Stint was there yesterday but not seen today.

[Chris Oates]

Hi Tav, I get up to Plymouth quite regularly - If I were to get off the train at Saltash could I walk to Kingsmill Lake from there or is that the wrong side for viewing ?

[Tav94]

HiChris yes you can head for the Chinafleet golf club its well signposted from saltash 10 mins walk.When at the golf club walk around the foot path to the hides the furthest hide is the best,if you PM i will send you the combination of the lock to the hides.
Regards Chris Buckland.

[Tav94]

1 Female Ring-Necked Duck, did see this yesterday but did not get a good view found tonight and got some pics for a pos ID.

[Chris Oates]

HiChris yes you can head for the Chinafleet golf club its well signposted from saltash 10 mins walk.When at the golf club walk around the foot path to the hides the furthest hide is the best,if you PM i will send you the combination of the lock to the hides.
Regards Chris Buckland.

Thanks very much Chris - I'll certainly be in touch.

[Tav94]

OK Chris if you want the grand tour just let me know.

[Tav94]

7 Spoonbill this morning 2 with yellow and red leg rings.

[Tav94]

1 late wheatear on the point,1 Brambling on the bird table with Greenfinch at the cottages.Linnets and Goldfinch flocks on the stuble fields and a Peregrine huning over the same fields.

[Tav94]

The main lake had lots of Coots and Moorhen as wel as 13 Tufted Duck and 43 Canada Geese,not much on the outher lakes as there were lot of anglers on them. Allso seen were Bullfiches,2 Chiffchaff,Fieldfare,Redwings,Blackbirds,Robins,Wr ens,2 Kingfishers,and a flyover of Golden Plover plus a Water Rail herd.

[devon.birder]

Spent nearly four hours in the hide at Walmsley Sanctuary Reserve today. Fairly quiet although the 2 Tundra Bean Geese were still present and showing well when they weren't asleep.
At just after 1pm suddenly a juvenile Arctic Skua flew across in front of the hide and landed on the water. The wind gradually blew it right across to the far right side where it remained for about 20 minutes just sitting on the water about a foot out from the bank. At 1.25 it took off and flew towards Chapel Amble and I didn't see it again. Roger

[henerz1]

Wow, that was probably unexpected Roger! Bet that's a first for the reserve?
Thanks. Henry.

[devon.birder]

Wow, that was probably unexpected Roger! Bet that's a first for the reserve?
Thanks. Henry.

Very unexpected Henry. Hope you got the bus OK on Monday. Did we miss the Pallas's Warbler or did it only arrive the following day!!!!. Roger

[henerz1]

Yeah I was wondering that. Never seen a Pallas's before, but there quite a lot of warblers knocking around in the valley that day.

[Tav94]

Avocet,Black taield Godwit,3 Spotted Redshank,1 Greenshank,Redshank,Shellduck,Teal, Wigeon,Dunlin.

Sconer 5 Spoonbill,2 Slavonian Grebe.