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Wednesday 24th June 6.15pm
Leader Gordon Mills
(01209 718144 evenings)
St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk, details as April 29th.
Map ref: SW584 422
Friday 26th 8.00am
Cornwall Council Events Diary
Corn Bunting and Farm Bird Discovery Walk the coastal
path from Porthcothan to Treyarnon Bay and back exploring the
wildlife.
Meet Porthcothan Bay car park SW858 721 Free
Cornwall Council. Booking essential on 07778573139, limited to 20.
Saturday 27th June 10.00am
Cornwall Council Events Diary
The Woods of the West Looe River An all day guided
walk through the ancient oakwoods of Kilminorth Woods Local Nature
Reserve and the Woodland Trust's Trenant Woods.
Meet at the Millpool gate to Kilminorth Woods, West Looe (pay and
display car park) SX246 537 Donation appreciated.
Friends of Kilminorth Woods. Booking not required.
Wednesday July 8th. 5.30pm for 6pm start to
8.00pm
Leaders: Chris Lowe and local
wildlife expert Dave Thomas
EVENING SEABIRD AND WILDLIFE BOAT TRIP.
£20 per adult and £15 for child up to 12 years.
Meet at Newquay Harbour. Look for Atlantic Diver. (SW 808 619)
A slow ride around Newquay headlands and then out to sea to look for
kittiwakes, fulmars, gannets, cormorants, terns, seals possibly
dolphins and basking sharks,
Bring Warm waterproof clothing, warm drink, binoculars and camera.
Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact: Chris Lowe (01637) 850 930 Mobile: 07860 927 833.
Email: enquiries@atlanticdiver.co.uk
A JOINT MEETING, CBWPS AND CORNWALL WILDLIFE
TRUST (www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk)
Wednesday 8th July
6.15pm
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Hells Mouth. An evening walk to see breeding sea birds,
guillemot, razorbill, etc.
Meet in lay-by on B3301.
Map ref: SW604 428
Sunday 12th July
9.00am
Cornwall Council (01872 323468)
Heathland Birds on Kit Hill. A local morning walk with bird
expert Dr Malcolm Wright and the Kit Hill Wardens. Booking not
essential but preferred. Free.
Meet Kit Hill entrance car park.
Map ref: SX383 713
Sunday 12th July
9.30am
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Drift Reservoir. A morning walk around the reservoir looking for
gulls, waders and ducks. Meet in the reservoir car park.
Map ref: SW436 288
Wednesday 15th July
6.15pm
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk around the area
looking for resident and migrant birds.
Meet in the first National Trust car park (fee payable for non NT
members).
Map ref: SW584 422
Saturday July 18th. 10.am for whole day to
6.15pm
Leader: Abigail Crosby, Marine
Education Officer and Dave Thomas.
Looe Island Special. Booking essential so call Dave on (01726) 861093 after 6pm
Meet at West Looe harbour. Child £4.50 - Adults £9
This is a special extended trip to our wonderful CWT Looe Island
reserve. A guided walk with Abigail Crosby and Dave Thomas. We will
have a telescope to look out for passing sea birds and hopefully
dolphins. Bring Picnic and binoculars
Map ref SX 254 535
A JOINT MEETING, CBWPS AND CORNWALL WILDLIFE
TRUST (www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk)
Saturday 25th July 9.00am
Leader Viv Stratton (01736 796487)
Hayle Estuary and Porth Kidney Sands. A look around the
area for gulls, waders and migrant birds.
Meet at Ryan's Field car park.
Map ref: SW549 362
Sunday 26th July 10.15am
Coastal Butterflies and Wildlife. A three hour circular
walk through ancient woodland and coastal SSSI in North
Cornwall. Meet Trevigue car park, near Crackington Haven, Bude,
next to farmhouse. Booking essential on 01840 230730.
Costs £2, Concessions £1.50, Family £6
Map ref: SX137 954
Wednesday 29th July 6.15pm
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk, details as
15th July.
Map ref: SW584 422
Saturday 1st August 9.00am
Leader Derek Julian (01208 816 779)
Lellizzick (Camel Estuary). A meeting to look for migrant,
plus resident birds and to count the moult gathering of
Mediterranean Gulls that assemble there in late summer. Meet
at Lellizzick, (parking just off the side of the road, do not go
down the hill to Hawker's Cove). From the B3276 above Padstow
take one of the two lanes towards Trethillick, pass through Crugmeer
and on to Lellizzick.
Map ref: SW908 774
Thursday 6th August 2.00pm
Cornwall Council (01872 323468)
St Gothian Sands History and Nature Walk. An afternoon
walk around the nature reserve covering the history, wildlife, birds
and rare plants. Meet at St Gothian Sands main entrance on the
B3301 just outside Gwithian Village.
Free but booking essential - limited places.
Map ref: Sw586 415
Tuesday 11th August 10.00am
Cornwall Council (01872 323468)
Bude Coastal Flora and Fauna. A three hour walk along the
Bude coastline learning about the flora, fauna and local history of
the area. Meet Crescent car park (fee payable).
Free, booking not essential.
Map ref: SX208 063
Wednesday 12th August 6.15pm Leader
Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
St Gothian Sands, Godrevy. An evening walk, details as
15th July.
Map ref: SW584 422
Sunday August 16th. 10.00am to 1.00pm
Leader: Dave Thomas (01726 86109}
CWT Breney Common Nature Reserve.
A Wildlife Walk
Meet at Gunwen chapel car park, Near Helman Tor.
A morning nature ramble around this wildlife rich Nature Reserve to
look for butterflies, dragonflies and birds. All welcome ideal for
beginners. Bring binoculars and nature guide book.
Map ref: SX 053 613
A JOINT MEETING, CBWPS AND CORNWALL WILDLIFE
TRUST (www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk)
Sunday 16th August 9.15am
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Loe Pool and Helston Boating Lake. A morning walk to the
National Trust hide looking for woodland birds, gulls and
wildfowl.
Meet at Helston Amenity Area car park.
Map ref: SW654 270
Wednesday 19th August 6.15pm Leader Gordon
Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Godrevy Headland. An evening walk around the headland
looking for resident and migrant birds.
Meet in the first National Trust car park (fee payable for non NT
members).
Map ref: SW584 422
Sunday 23rd August 9.00am
Leader Steve Rogers (01872 263444)
Seawatching. Enjoy a day, a half day or a few hours
seawatching at either Pendeen Watch or Porthgwarra. A decision
on which site, depending on weather and wind, will be made on the
day before. Please either phone Steve on the above number or
on his mobile - 07776 214300 or call into SW Optics. A chair,
picnic lunch, sun shade and telescope are recommended.
Map Ref: Pendeen Watch SW379 359, Porthgwarra SW371
218
Sunday 30th August 10.30am
Leader Roy Phillips (01736 351793)
Gurnard's Head/Porthmeor Cove. A short walk (c.2.5miles)
and crouse (lunch) on the cliff to see what's about in some
beautiful scenery at a dull time of year for birds. Also
flowers and butterflies, the possibility of sharks and dolphins or
passing seabirds if weather is poor. Not suitable for
dogs.
Meet at the lay-by near Gurnard's Head Pub.
Map ref: SW435 375
Wednesday 2nd September 6.15pm Leader
Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Godrevy Headland. An evening walk around the area looking
for resident and migrant birds.
Meet at the first National Trust car park (fee payable for non NT
members).
Map ref: SW584 422
Saturday 5th September 9.00am
Leader Terry Hasdell(01209 710683)
Drift Reservoir. A morning circular walk around the
reservoir looking for duck, waders and other species of
interest.
Meet in the reservoir car park.
Map ref: SW436 288
Sunday 6th September 9.00am
Leader Colin Moore (01736 788787)
Nanquidno. A morning walk around the Nanquidno area
looking for migrant and resident birds. Actual route may vary
according to latest information.
Meet in the large lay-by on the east side of the B3306
opposite Lands End Aerodrome.
Map ref: SW377 292
Saturday 12th September 9.00am
Leader Steve Rowe (01637 875788)
Porth Joke. A morning walk around the valley looking for
migrant and resident birds. Turn off the A3075 (Newquay Road)
to Crantock. Take the first left between Crantock and West
Pentire, this takes you past Treago Farm, ignore gates and meet in
the NT car park.
Map ref: SW776 599
Sunday 13th September 9.30am Leader Gordon
Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Bude Marshes and Maer Lake. An all day walk, the Marshes
in the morning and the Lake in the afternoon.
Meet in the main town car park by the canal, bring a picnic lunch.
Map ref: SS206 065
Saturday 19th September 9.00am
Leader Roger Hooper (01209 820610)
Marazion and Hayle. A morning walk finishing around
1.30pm. Meet in the car park by the entrance to Marazion Marsh
(fee payable) to look for migrants in the marsh and on the
beach. Move to Hayle (park at Ryan's Field) to view the
estuary as the tide falls.
Map ref: Marazion SW513 311, Hayle SW549 362
Thursday 24th September 1.00pm
Leader Pat Farmer (01209 718648)
Tresillian River, St Clements. An afternoon walk along the
river looking for waders, ducks and gulls. Path can be muddy
so strong footware recommended.
Meet at St Clements car park (can be restricted).
Map ref: SW852 439
With Eric's retirement Pat has kindly stepped in to lead the
Tresillian walks.
Saturday 26th September 9.00am
Leader Viv Stratton (01736 796487)
Zennor Foage Valley. A walk along the valley looking for
migrant and resident birds. Meet Zennor Church.
Map ref: SW454 385
Sunday 27th September 9.15am
Leader Gordon Mills (01209 718144 evenings)
Carminowe Creek, Loe Pool. A morning walk around the creek
and seaward end of the Pool.
Meet at Digibna Chapel car park.
Map ref: SW653 251
PLEASE NOTE
Walk leaders have given their telephone numbers with each walk.
However before contacting them would you please check the Cornwall
Bird Watching and Preservation Society website www.cbwps.org.uk or
the RSPB local Group website www.rspbcornwall.org.uk for the latest
information. Every effort will be made to keep the websites updated
with cancellations, changes in the venue or route or any access
problems.
-----oooo0oooo------
Join Bruce Taggart for a
series of three hour
cruises on the beautiful
Rivers Tamar and Lynher,
commencing November
and running right
through until March.
It is hoped to see
Little Egret, Shelduck,
Wigeon and other
wintering wildfowl,
Curlew, Oystercatcher,
Black-tailed Godwit and
of course the stunning
Avocets and maybe even a
Spoonbill. Click
here for full
details.
-----oooo0oooo------
A
report on the field meeting on 15th Feb.
The venue was Treraven Meadows at
Wadebridge led by Derek Julian.
The day dawned overcast and with a touch of drizzle in
the air as five people met at the Old Town Bridge at 9 o'clock. It
was high tide and Redshank, Snipe and Lapwing were showing well from
the Bridge, but no sign of the Black Redstart.
A gentle stroll through the park brought us to Treraven Meadows
where we saw large numbers of Wigeon, Snipe and the first of four
Water Pipits. A little further on and Derek Julian tried calling a
Firecrest into view but with no luck although a Robin responded.
There were Chiffchaffs and one Goldcrest in the hedgerow and Common
and Green Sandpipers on the meadows. A little further on and a Ruff
was seen to fly over and a Greenshank arrived.
Climbing up to the fields above the Clapper Pools the sun came out
and a magnificent view of the whole area was to be had. On the
pools, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveller, Herons and Canada Geese could be
seen.
Returning to the starting point we had picked up 35 species.
After lunch the party, now whittled down to two went to the Tower
Hide at the Walmsley Sanctuary. Here there was a turmoil of birds,
with perhaps 1000+ Lapwing and 2000+ Starlings in constant motion.
About 50 Golden Plover were also present.
On the water the highlight was 14 pintail (5 male), a
pair of Tufted Ducks and one drake Pochard. Two Black Tailed Godwits
stayed briefly and a single Jack Snipe was seen dashing about with a
small flock of Snipe.
Many thanks to Derek Julian for leading this meeting and a total of
47 species was seen
Nigel
Climpson
A
report on the Tamar Birdwatching Cruise 24th February 2008
The day was grey but spirits were high among the
125 people waiting for our boat to arrive at the quay at Saltash for
the latest in a series of birdwatching trips on the Tamar organised
by Bruce Taggart of Tamar Birdwatching Cruises.
Spot on time the boat appeared and we were quickly away for a short
detour towards Plymouth Dockyard for a view of a spoonbill that had
beeen spotted as the boat was making its way to Saltash.
Mission accomplished the boat reversed course, making its way back
under the two bridges and heading for the upper reaches of the
Tamar. Excellent commentary was supplied by Bruce Taggart who was
fed information from expert spotters comprising four staff from the
RSPB and Derek Julian from the CBWPS.
Steaming gently upstream at low tide we quickly saw a range of water
birds. Notable were the Great Crested Grebes, Wigeon, Teal, Bar and
Black Tail Godwits, Redshanks, one Spotted Redshank, a Pintail and a
large number of Grey Herons as well as two Pheasants fighting on the
waterside. As we passed Cargreeen the river became narrower and
shallower and just past Weir Quay we saw the Tamar's winter
speciality, Avocets, feeding on the mud flats. Here, because of the
low water the boat turned around and we made our way back. This was
the time for lunch but a Common Sandpiper was spotted, and a watch
was kept for Peregrines on the electricity pylons and the Tamar
Bridges but with no luck this time.
Lunch
time as we come back down the Tamar
Now we turned into the Lynher and had the best views of two
Spoonbill and more waders as well as views of Anthony House and
Trematon Castle before returning to Saltash after a pleasant
three and a half ours.
This is a great way to see the birds and to get a different view of
the river and I would recommend it to anybody.
Many thanks to Bruce Taggart and his organisation for the trip. He
could perhaps have ordered some sun, but it is February and there
was no wind or rain and the river was like a millpond.
A list of the birds counted by Derek Julian is below and a total of
32 species were seen.
Nigel
Climpson
Little Grebe - 5, Oystercatcher - 41,Spoonbill
- 4, Greenshank - 1, Mallard - 30, Shelduck - 27,
Heron - 14, Great crested grebe - 9, Wigeon - 92,
Little Egret - 9, Cormorant - 51, Curlew - 52, Black-tailed Godwit
- 81, Teal - 33, Redshank - 64, Canada Goose - 36, Spotted
Redshank - 1,
Mute Swan - 40, Avocet - 43, Pintail - 1 male, Buzzard - 3,
Bar-tailed Godwit - 13
Report
of Field Meeting Sunday 3
May 2009 7.00am Marazion
led by Steve Rogers
An
early start with a cold northerly off-shore wind but rewarded with
first swifts, gannets, common and sandwich terns feeding close in,
white wagtail, dunlin, oystercatchers, etc.
Brian
Kennett
Report
of the Boat
Trip off Newquay 10th June 2009 by Dave Thomas
We had a fantastic evening
out around Newquay's North coast. In the harbour were 3 large seals,
giving us a great opportunity to get good close photos. Leaving the
harbour we saw 1 Harbour Porpoise swimming close by but too quick
for any of us to get a photo. With the high tide, we had a close
look at one of Cornwall's largest Kittiwake colonies just below
Newquay's Huers hut. Out at sea, Gannets came close by and were
diving for fish, further out we could see small parties of Manx
Shearwaters gliding close to the water. With a calm sea we
sailed around to Holywell's Carters Rock, where we stopped for a
while to take in its dramatic beauty. Here we saw our first Auks,
Razorbills and Guillemots all gathered together on one large upright
rock, up above them were Shags and Cormorant all sitting on nests
with some young birds standing out on the ledges. The Shags looked
beautiful in the eveing light, showing their bottle green plumage.
All in all a great evening out with a beautiful sunset to finish.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chris's next Evening Boat trip is July
8th. See below for more details.
July 8th.
Start time 17:30 To 20:00ish
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Evening Boat trip
Meet at Newquay harbour. Look for
Atlantic Diver.
A trip around Newquay headlands and
then out to sea to look for auks,
kittiwakes, fulmars, gannets, cormorants, shearwaters, seals,
possibly dolphins and basking sharks.
Park down on at the Harbour car park (fee to pay) Map
Reference SW 808 619
Bring warm waterproof clothing, warm drink, binoculars and camera
Leader(s) Chris Lowe and local wildlife expert Dave Thomas
Chris Lowe (01637) 850930 or mobile 07860 927 833
email address enquiries@atlanticdiver.co.uk
This
website would like to publish any reports from other field meetings.
So get your thinking caps on and mail them to the webmaster
We would like to
increase the range of locations of meetings that we run. Do you have a
bird-watching walk that you would like to share with others? If so, let
us know. If you are hesitant about your identification skills we can
usually arrange support. Please e-mail (click):
secretary
(Photos courtesy of
Terry Hasdell and
www.richardbedford.co.uk)
