16 August 2018

Cornwall and the Chough.

Date: 12-15 August
Location: Cornwall, Botallack + Newton St Loe
Weather: Some sunshine mostley grey
Species Highlights: 
Chough, Gannet, Sanderling.
Observation: 
Went down to Cornwall for a couple of days away camping with wife and headed for the Botallack area nr. St. Just. Did a bit of looking first and found they had some Chough in the area so every morning and afternoon i did a bit of wandering along coast line in search of what i could find.

A stunning part of the UK coastline and almost deserted, apart from wildlife.



Most of my wandering was 6:30 am till 9 am, this is The Cape of Cornwall, scilly isle in distance.


These the old Tin Mines that scatter the coastline.


Most mornings there was a constant passing of Gannets, but to far off coast to get good pictures but plenty of Whitethroat along with Stonechats, Sedge Warblers and Meadow Pipits hiding in gorse and heather.



This first morning and afternoon didn't see any Chough so headed off to Sennen Cove and walked along coastline to Lands End a lovely walk and far better than parking at Lands end.


Get there early would be my advice beat the crowds. Saw a few Grayling dotted along South West Coastal Path.


Any Black bird along coastline i had to investigate! 
Jackdaws and Ravens and Starling everywhere.


I shared a apple with this beauty.


After walking many miles we headed back to Botallack and Campsite, wife wanted a rest so headed down to coastline and within a few minutes caught up with some Chough!


A group of around 10 birds were flying around cliffs, calling, brilliant to see, while sat watching the group flew almost directly over my head too close to focus!


Watched as they disappeared along coastline, job done and ticked.

Next morning was grey and nothing new on my morning walk was seen, i walked towards Pendeen in the drizzle. After breakfast headed to St Michael's Mount at Marazion.
At 12:10 the tide was low enough to walk across, we didn't pay the £10 for castle and £5 for gardens but a nice walk across was had.


While waiting for the tide you can always check out tideline or RSPB Marazion Marshes, this morning there were Dunlin, Sanderling and Ringed Plover feeding.


Popped in to Penzance for dinner then back to Botallack to find Chough again, I found the area they prefer and watched them for a couple of hours.


Ravens seemed to like watching them too.


I found a house nearby which they kept returning too and got some great views.


Bit of tiding.


Ahh that's better.


The house had put out some food I took the next couple of shots from around 15 ft away.


The sky was dark grey and some drizzle in the air but very happy with catching up with them. Saw around 20 birds in total, even got picture with a family group of 10 birds. 


A couple of drinks to celebrate that evening, On the last morning headed down to coastline Whitethroats posing nicely. Didn't see Chough in Mornings only saw them in afternoons 3pm onwards.


A great couple of days spent in beautiful Cornwall and well worth the trip. (if you'd like a google map of locations or advice drop us a email.)

While i was away Lauren did a Webs walk to Newton Park and a window watch.

Mute Swans doing well this year.


Coal Tit on our Feeders.


Greenfinch have returned up to 3 birds seen recently.


A real surprise for Lauren and me was the cracking Willow Warbler on our urban, car park feeders!


Also a single juv House sparrow has been visiting for the last couple of days.


Plenty of these also with a new generation being fed constantly.


Thanks For Looking! 
&
  Thanks For All Your Support!

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