Apparently all the birds are on the french side of the channel ...
... and on the north side of Cornwall of course.
Only allowed myself 2 or 3 hours sleep, and then straight into a rather full days birding.
First for some strange reason headed up to Pendeen, along with Samuel. Not quite there for daybreak, but 7:30 was early enough (ok we'd missed a few shearwaters and such, but hey). A few squally showers were unpleasant enough, but the winds supplied in terms of some quality seawatching, although it was of course difficult to get on all birds in the conditions. Highlights whilst we were there (up to about 12:30) included - 5+ Sooties, c. 20 Balearics with a constant background of Manxies, 3 Grey Phalaropes, 20 or more Bonxies, half a dozen Arctics and a Pom (which we didn't get onto unfortunately) and 2 Common Scoter. 2 Common Dolphins and a Basking Shark. A Merlin out at sea (then chasing a Peregrine). And then of course the main highlight - over a dozen Leach's Petrels ... (although it was hard to get onto anyone else's birds so most present saw only half this number or so each. Some cracking birds although at varying distances. Unfortunate highlight was one being predated from behind by a (the same?) Peregrine - an unsuccessful attempt was then witnessed by most present with the bird then being simply plucked up by the Peregrine as it innocently flew along on its way half a mile out or so.
2 Kittiwakes, 3+ Fulmars, lots of Gannets (no 1st year birds though that I can recall), 2 commic terns and a few auks (most Razorbill I think) and shags etc.
We then succeeded in not seeing very much at Marazion or on the Lizard (although the 'escaped' Whooper Swan was still on Helston Boating Lake. Cetti's still near Loe Bar.)
Stithians had exposed mud/grass, but no waders - c.80 Swallows, a couple of Wigeon and a Shoveler.
Penryn River, Gorrangorras at dusk had a high tide roost of c. 50 Redshank, 40+ Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher with c.40 Mallard and Wigeon still.
Lidl's had Milk, Bread and Bacon.
The chip shop had chips.
We had 2 Whimbrel and a Curlew on the beach along with an adult Med Gull at Pendennis and the 3rd or ad win. that flew past us whilst at Swanpool Point.
