Birding/Seawatching S Cumbria (1 Viewer)

Hi, heading up to the Lake District next week (travellling tonight/tomorrow), think we're staying in Grange-over-Sands (girlfriends parents are renting a chalet or something, might have a look at some lakes and hills but will defo get out and bird too).

Any advice on where might be worth heading for to catch any seabird passage? Looking on google maps - Walney, Haverigg, or a bit further north, St Bees? Given the winds, presumably worth a go???

Haven't done any internet research unfortunately, but any general advice/links on birding around Grange-over-Sands would also be appreciated ...

Cheers!

Dan

If you are near Grange Walney may be the easiest to get to, or daft as it may sound Heysham in Lancashire. I don't think Haverigg is the best sea watching place, but sites like Selker are used. St Bees is clearly a good sea watching venue but I don't think you can park that near the end of the headland, people often use Workington harbour wall instead.

There is an Osprey viewpoint near Grange too. There are Hawfinches in the area. The Kent Estuary and nearby sites can be good for waders.

Stephen

Not the best area for sea watching.
Walney is your best bet but it is hard work. The views of sea birds are distant.
You will need a good scope and get there early.
It faces west so the light is poor once the sun is in the west.
There are suitable sea watching sites in the north west of the county but they are a long way from Grange.

pratincol said:

Not the best area for sea watching.
Walney is your best bet but it is hard work. The views of sea birds are distant.
You will need a good scope and get there early.
It faces west so the light is poor once the sun is in the west.
There are suitable sea watching sites in the north west of the county but they are a long way from Grange.

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My experience of seawatching at Walney is that in suitable conditions birds are actually fairly close. Yes a scope is desirable, but that applies to all seawatching locations. In favourable conditions you don't need to get there early, as birds can be passing all day and light is only an issue late on.

However it has to be said that this year seawatching in Lancashire and Cumbria is not vintage as Augusts go.

Stephen