Cornwall in September (1 Viewer)

[LMO]

I've booked a week in September (18th - 24th) to stay in Cornwall, and would appreciate info on birding sites - many thanks in advance,
Lanty

 

[JWN Andrewes]

Whereabouts in Cornwall? It aint my manor but I've visited once or twice at roughly that time of year. Good spots for passerine migrants include the various valleys down in th 'toe' - Cot, Kenidjack, Nanjizl, St Levan etc (I nearly aleays get lost trying to find these so I'll not inflict directions on you, but if you get yourself a lorge scale map of the area you should be able to figure it out). Then there's Marazion which can get good waders, as can Stithians res (Pec there at the moment I think), Hayle est (including Ryan's field RSPB). If winds are from the west and strong seawatching can be good from Pendeen Lighthouse (north westerlies) or Porthgwarra (south westerlies)

If you need more detailed gen then PM me and I'll dig out some grid references for you.

James

ps - have a flippin good time!

 

[Crowfoot]

I live in Wales but I'm from Cornwall and return there as often as I can to visit my parents.

One place worth visiting, if you are in the south of Cornwall, is Marazion Marsh: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marazionmarsh/index.asp

And if you are interested in conservation projects, you might also enjoy the Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary. This is obviously not a bird-watching destination so might not be your thing, but if you are interested in bird conservation it's a fascinating place engaged in excellent conservation projects to do with parrots (The World Parrot Trust is based there), barn owls, and choughs. Website here: http://www.paradisepark.org.uk/ and click on "conservation" to find out more about the serious work funded by the Sanctuary's more touristy aspects.

Hope this helps and that you enjoy beautiful Cornwall!

 

[devon.birder]

If you are staying in West Cornwall then the sites to visit are Porthgwarra, Cot Valley, Nanquidno, Kenijack, St Leven, Pendeen, Marazion Marsh, Hayle Estuary, Ryans Field, Copperhouse Creek, Stithians Reservoir, Church Cove on the Lizard, Lands End, Sennen Cove-the list goes on.
There will be Birders around most of these sites to ask what's about and where to go so don't worry too much if you don't know the area.
For sea watching if the winds are good go to Porthgwarra and walk up the track that goes from the car park entrance and watch from Gwennap Head. At Pendeen go down the steps and sit by the lighthouse wall.
If you want to go to St Ives then get there early in the morning and park in the Island car park and watch from the area by the coastguards hut. North West wind needed.
A mate of mine will be down there the week you are there, look out for a Ford Mondeo Estate with birds and Queen stickers in the windows!!!. He has a Pager and will give you any information.
Have a great week, I may see you down there. Roger

 

[themexican]

I've booked a week in September (18th - 24th) to stay in Cornwall, and would appreciate info on birding sites - many thanks in advance,
Lanty

I will be staying at my sisters within 5mins of stithians reservoire from next friday 3rd till the 10th so will let you know whats about. :flyaway:

 

[john-henry]

I've booked a week in September (18th - 24th) to stay in Cornwall, and would appreciate info on birding sites - many thanks in advance,
Lanty

Lanty
Have a look at www. sennen-cove.com there is lots of info on birding areas etc.

Have a good holiday

john-henry

 

[themexican]

I've booked a week in September (18th - 24th) to stay in Cornwall, and would appreciate info on birding sites - many thanks in advance,
Lanty

This might help you Lanty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Camel Estuary
(SW980740)Another excellent area for wildfowl, waders and gulls.

Carrick Roads
(SW830360)Between the confluence of the Truro and Fal rivers and the open sea, good for winter sea-duck, divers and grebes, including the county`s largest concentration of Black-necked Grebe.

Crowdy Reservoir and Davidstow Airfield
(SX140830)Exposed moor land sites near Camelford which between them attract Nearctic waders every autumn.

Drift Reservoir
(SW430290)First stop for transatlantic waders in autumn and good for winter gulls and wildfowl.

Hayle Estuary
(SW540360)Good all-year round general birding site, nearly always providing something unusual.

Maer Lake
(SS200070)A small pool near Bude which produces a staggering number of rare birds amongst its spring and autumn migrants. Also good in winter. Recent rarities: Upland Sandpiper, Citrine Wagtail.

Marazion Marsh
(SW510310)Annually reliable for Spotted Crake and Aquatic Warbler in August/September. Recent rarities: Citrine Wagtail, Paddyfield Warbler.

Par Beach and Pool
(SX080530)An excellent winter gull site, regularly hosting Ring-billed. Also good for waders and terns.

Parc an Grouse
(http://www.parcangrouse.atfreeweb.com')">http://www.parcangrouse.atfreeweb.com)Parc an Grouse is a B&B situated overlooking the ocean just a short walk from St.Keverne village in Cornwall. Ideal spot for Birding on the Helford river or walking the coastal path.

Pendeen
(SW380260)Popular autumn sea-watching location in strong west/north-westerlies. Often scores higher counts than St. Ives, but views usually more distant.

Porthgwarra
(SW370210)This magical valley hosted Britain`s first Veery and American Redstart. Also the most reliable place in the country for late summer Cory`s Shearwaters. If there are no birds, just enjoy the beautiful scenery. Recent rarities: Booted Eagle, Little Swift.

Rame Peninsula
(SX410480)Just across the sound from Plymouth, this promontory is Rame Head and Penlee Point. Good for spring and autumn migrants, sea watching and winter seabirds. Hosted Britain`s one and only Wilson`s Warbler, whilst recent rarities include Red-flanked Bluetail and Gyrfalcon.

St Ives Island
(SW520410)On its day the best autumn sea-watching site in Europe. Ideal conditions are strong north-westerly following south-westerly gale.

St.Just
(SW370310)Excellent sheltered valleys for migrants (Nanquidno, Cot, Kenidjack). Britain`s only Varied Thrush and Yellow-throated Vireo were found here.

Stithians Reservoir
(SW710350)Has probably declined as a wader site due to lack of mud, but still attracts many interesting birds. Recent records: Pied-billed Grebe, Lesser Scaup, Baillon`s Crake and Caspian Tern.

The Lizard
(SW700120)There are many good valleys for migrants around this huge peninsula. Probably the best known are those at The Lizard village at the southerly tip Recent rarities: Little Bustard, Hume`s Leaf Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo.

 

[LMO]

Looks as if I may need more than a week!
Many thanks to you all for the information - Lanty

 

[themexican]

Looks as if I may need more than a week!
Many thanks to you all for the information - Lanty

I'm on my way tomorrow and can't wait B check this sight out http://www.sennen-cove.com/pgb.htm