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birding...
England Cornwall
Cornwall is a very long county, extending 86 miles from the north Devon border to Land`s End, this is compensated for by its breadth, for although it is 46 miles across at its widest point in the east, it narrows steadily as one travels westward - its average width is only about 20 miles. Stretching down through the county is a series of granite outcrops, part of those which reach from Dartmoor to the Isles of Scilly. These give rise to a number of moor land areas, the most extensive of which is Bodmin Moor in the east of the county. As a result of this hilly spine and the short distance from coast to coast, rivers are generally fast flowing. Tall cliffs, especially along the north coast, delineate much of the coastline. Elsewhere, drowned river-valleys or rias form the winding estuaries of the Tamar, the Fowey, Truro-Fal complex and Helford in the south and the Camel in the north. Due to its location in the far west of the country, a number of bird species which breed regularly further east fail to reach Cornwall. Seabird communities and healthy populations of e.g. Peregrine and Stonechat redress this to some extent. The winter offers some excellent birding, especially when severe weather up-country forces huge numbers of wildfowl, waders and thrushes southwest in search of milder conditions. It is however for its capacity to provide some of the most exciting birding in the UK during migration, particularly in the autumn, that the county has become renowned. With one of the largest county bird-lists in the country, Cornwall consistently rewards its devotees, especially in October. Cornish birders often rely on winds from the easterly quarter to bring scarce migrants, but in October anything can turn up in any conditions and westerlies also bring rarities. There are so many potentially good sites which are under-watched, that birders have plenty of opportunity to find their own birds in peace and solitude. There is a separate Fatbirder page for the Scilly Isles. |
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top sites |
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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.contributor |
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Andy Pay
andypay@beeb.net
county recorder |
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Isles of Scilly - Nigel Hudson
Post Office Flat, Hugh Street, St Mary's, TR21 0JE
01720 422267
nigel-hudson@tiscali.co.uk
Cornwall - Kester Wilson
1 Tol-pedn House, School Hill Road, St.Levan, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6LP.
01736 871800
kesteraw@yahoo.co.uk
numbers |
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County Bird - Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax [moreover it has recently started to breed in Cornwall again.
useful reading |
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Best Birdwatching Sites in Cornwall & The Scilly Isles
by Sara McMahon and Nigel Hudson - Buckingham Press 2007ISBN: 169196
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds in Cornwall
Annual county bird reports, published by the Cornwall Bird-watching and Preservation Society and obtainable from the County Recorder.Birds of Cornwall
Trevor Beer, Endymion Beer Paperback - 32 pages (11 March, 1999) Tor Mark PressISBN: 0850253756
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Secret Nature of Cornwall
In preparation...ISBN: 153205
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Shadows in the Sky
by Pete Cross - It tells the story of the chough’s return to Cornwall, through the eyes of the birds, against a backdrop of the county’s history, heritage and humans’ tempestuous relationship with nature.The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
by Roger Penhallurick, published by Browser BookshopsISBN: 0905920023
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Where to Watch Birds in Devon and Cornwall
by David Norman and Vic Tucker, published by Christopher Helm 2001See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 0713656905
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
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Proact
Coordinator: none (why not apply?)
see http://www.proact-campaigns.net/coordinators
Members: 4
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
clubs |
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Cornwall Wildlife Trust
http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/The Cornwall Wildlife Trust - founded in 1962 - fulfils a role occupied by no other countryside organisation. We are concerned solely with Cornwall and deal with all aspects of conserving the county`s wildlife and habitats. We have already established over 40 nature reserves, covering 3,000 acres (1,2000 ha); in which examples of each of Cornwall`s habitats give refuge to nationally rare and endangered species.
Cornwall Birds
http://www.cbwps.org.ukWelcome to the home page of the Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society dedicated to the study and conservation of birds in the county of Cornwall, in the far south-west of England. The Society, which celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2006: owns or manages six nature reserves, runs weekly field meetings, publishes a comprehensive annual report, issues four annual newsletters, Palores, supports conservation-led initiatives in Cornwall...
Operation Chough
http://www.paradisepark.org.uk/conservation/opchough.htmThe Chough has only been bred in captivity in Cornwall by Paradise Park, and cannot be seen anywhere else in the Duchy. In the late 1980s we collaborated with other organisations and individual conservationists to form Operation Chough. This has been funded mostly by Paradise Park, and this included financing a three-year research project conducted by Dr. Richard Meyer. His thesis helped to solve the mystery of the Chough`s disappearance, and we are getting closer each year to being able to reintroduce this important bird to the Cornish cliffs where it belongs...
RSPB - Cornwall Local Group
http://www.rspb.org.uk/england/southwest/localgroups/cornwall.aspCornwall Members` Group arranges guided walks, many aimed at newcomers to birdwatching, throughout Cornwall all year round and holds indoor meetings, mainly in the Truro area, between September and April...
reserves |
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Paradise Park
http://www.paradisepark.org.uk/Wildlife Sanctuary and home of The World Parrot Trust. At Paradise Park we believe it is the duty of anyone who keeps a rare species of bird or animal to do whatever they can to promote a healthy captive population. We also believe that birds in the wild are facing increasingly greater pressures. Paradise Park and the charity based here - The World Parrot Trust - do their utmost to raise awareness and funds for conservation projects around the world.
RSPB Reserve - Hayle Estuary
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/h/hayleestuary/index.aspWading birds such as dunlins, curlews and grey plovers spend the winter here and if you are very lucky you might see a rare North American wader!
RSPB Reserve - Marazion Marsh
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/marazionmarsh/index.aspIn August and September, two special rare birds visit on migration - the spotted crake and aquatic warbler. Over-wintering bitterns are now regular visitors...
trip reports |
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Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!
local guides |
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Birding Pal
http://birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
places to stay |
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Bosavern House
http://www.bosavern.comBosavern House is ideally situated for access to the key birdwatching sites of the Lands End peninsula, which is renowned for migrants and, in particular, the number of unusual species which arrive at different times of the year.
Cape Cornwall Country club
http://www.capecornwall.com/Handy for Sennan Cove
Coach House Cottage - Marazion
http://www.marazion.org.ukA typical Cornish 200 year old stone 3-Bedroom Cottage with a modern interior, just 50 yards from the beach in Marazion. Available for Holiday letting and suitable for 4 adults and 2 children...
Hawksland Mill
http://www.hawkslandmill.co.ukSet in a quiet country lane and surrounded by farmland, the Mill lies within easy reach of many beautiful sandy beaches and has convenient road access to all parts of Cornwall. Hawksland Mill is three miles from the town of Wadebridge, which has good shopping facilities, and five miles from the ancient fishing port of Padstow.
Lindford House Holiday Cottages
http://www.lindfordhouse.com/Self catering holiday cottages, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Coverack and Helford River areas, on the Lizard Peninsula, in picturesque South Cornwall UK.
Mount Haven Hotel
http://www.mounthaven.co.ukThe Mount Haven Hotel & Restaurant is situated in its own grounds on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Marazion, overlooking the sea, and just a few minutes` walk from the beach. There are superb panoramic views over Mount`s Bay and the world-famous St. Michael`s Mount from the gardens and car park, as well as from most of the bedrooms.
Mullion Cove Hotel
http://www.mullioncove.comMullion Cove Hotel stands in a spectacular position on the cliffs above the working harbour of Mullion Cove. Built at the behest of the Cornish Railway at the turn of the century, it commands spectacular views along thirty miles of glorious coastline. From the lounge, look down to the harbour with its jetties, fish cellars and sandy beaches and along the dramatic coastline of Britain`s most southerly peninsula.
Old Primary School (The) - Ludgvan village
http://www.theoldprimaryschool.comSelf Catering Accommodation in a beautiful Cornish village - The Old Primary School was formally a Victorian School for infants dating from 1875 and was converted in 1985 for residential use. The Old School Cottage forms part of The Old Primary School and is completely self-contained, having its own entrance and parking area and comprising lounge/diner, double bedroom and bath/shower room. What is now the lounge used to be the Headmaster`s study and is fitted with a kitchenette, complete with microwave, electric cooker and fridge. The comfortably furnished lounge area also has colour TV and a bed-settee for those families with children. The lounge window offers views towards St Michael`s Mount and the surrounding countryside.
Parc an Grouse
http://www.parcangrouse.atfreeweb.comParc 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.
Pencubitt House
http://www.pencubitt.com/index.htmPencubitt is somewhere special... a beautiful Victorian Country Mansion secluded in its own mature Cornish garden just outside the traditional market town of Liskeard, close to Looe and Polperro on the picturesque South Cornish Coast.
Special Places Cottages
http://www.specialplacescornwall.co.ukSpecial Places is family run, and began eight years ago with our own two cottages. We now offer a collection of lovely holiday homes in this recognised area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Cartwheel
http://www.thecornishpasty.comThe Cartwheel offers Luxury Cornwall holiday accommodation in Millbrook Cornwall on the fabulous Rame Peninsula. The Cartwheel is a newly refurbished Luxury Cornish holiday bungalow featuring....
mailing lists |
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Cornish Wildlife
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CornishWildlifeTo post to list:CornishWildlife@yahoogroups.com
List contact:CornishWildlife-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:CornishWildlife-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Mailing List – Discussion Group Cornwall (UK) e-mail discussion group.
Kernowbirds
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KernowbirdsTo post to list:Kernowbirds@yahoogroups.com
List contact:Kernowbirds-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:Kernowbirds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Mailing List – Discussion Group - A group for the circulation of Cornish and Scillonian birding news and information, including rarity sightings and personal year lists.
other links |
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Birdlife of the River Camel
http://www.btinternet.com/%7Elawson/camelbirds/camelbirdlife.htmlI hope that the following information will be of use to the 90,000 birdwatchers who visit the area each year. (Cornwall County Council, Camel Trail Survey, supported by Port Isaac Visitors Survey]. I have been involved with the River Camel ever since I came to live in Wadebridge in 1984. Much of the information has been amassed through personal experience and any opinions that I have expressed, in the interest of peace and harmony, should be treated as personal.
Birdwatching in West Cornwall
http://sennen-cove.com/birds.htmWelcome to our Birdwatching Page. West Cornwall is renowned for rare birds, and several top birders live in the area. We are developing this site daily, and intend to provide a comprehensive Internet resource for birding in West Cornwall. We will be restricting the area covered to the District of Penwith - but will bring hot news from outside! When a rare bird is found in the area, location details and travel directions will be put on this site, together with weather and - as and when possible - images. Any bird reports from the area will be most welcome, and will be included in the round-ups.
BLOG - Camelbirders Diary
http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/camelbirder/Blog form a Cornish birder
BLOG - Paul 'Cardinal' Kilmurray - Birding & Bugging Somewhere in Cornwall
http://birderpaul.blogspot.com:80/Birding & bugging in deepest darkest Cornwall. Armed with the bird bible, bug bible, flask full of char and dressed like an AWOL Kremlin's elite soldier, this is surely Cornwall's answer to Johnny Kingdom...
Camelbirder
http://members.lycos.co.uk/camelbirder/index.htmThis website is dedicated to the Natural History of the Camel Estuary in North Cornwall – includes latest bird sightings.
Chough returns to Cornwall
http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/chough_tcm5-52775.pdfAfter an absence of 50 years, Cornwall`s national bird has returned. The chough, which was previously found around the coast of Britain, became extinct in England in 1973, leaving about 300 pairs in Wales, Scotland and Eire...
Cornish Birds of Prey Centre
http://www.cornishbirdsofprey.co.uk/The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is situated on the A39 at Winnards Perch, halfway between St. Columb Major and Wadebridge and approximately 12 miles from Newquay in Cornwall. We have here at the Centre over 50 birds of prey for you to see, many of which take part in regular flying displays and participate in hands-on experiences. We are able to cater for all ages and disabilities, as the Centre is set on open ground with a gentle slope and stunning views...
Cornwall Bird Atlas
http://www.erccis.co.uk/birdatlas/For many years there has been no way of bringing together the diverse records relating to many of the breeding and non-breeding bird species. Randomly collected records of common breeding and wintering species have been a particular cause for concern and there has been much discussion about the best way to handle such records...
Cornwall Birding
http://www.cornwall-birding.co.ukWelcome to Cornwall Birding, the website dedicated to Birds, Birders and Birding in Cornwall. We aim to provide up to date information and images of rare birds when they occur and support important ornithological projects in the county. We welcome photos and articles to do with birds and birding in Cornwall as well as your sightings and trip reports...
IntoCornwall
http://www.intocornwall.com/features/birdwatching.aspThere are many sites around Cornwall which are of great interest to birdwatchers. These include: Marazion Marsh and Hayle Estuary, both of which have RSPB Reserves; Porthgwarra and many of the valleys on the Land`s End peninsula; Stithians Reservoir; the creeks of the Truro and Fal Rivers; the Camel Estuary with the Walmsley Sanctuary near Chapel Amble; Goss Moor; and Dozmary Pool. Christmas 2002 sightings in West Penwith included: Rosy Starling; 3 Cranes; Gyr Falcon; Ring Billed Gull; 2 Black Redstarts; Brent Goose; Little Egret...
Scillonian Pelagic Trips
http://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.ukWarmed by the Gulf Stream, buffeted by the Atlantic, relying on sea and air links with the mainland, the unique Isles of Scilly are a world apart. Populated by a friendly community of just over 2000 islanders, sub-tropical Scilly has tranquillity and a quality of life long lost to less isolated places. Exotic plants and wild flowers, ancient cairns and crumbling castles, sparkling white sands by an azure sea - all just 28 miles from Land`s End in the south-west corner of the UK.
Screech Owl Sanctuary
http://www.owlsanct.freeserve.co.uk/The sanctuary provides care and rehabilitation for wild sick and injured owls within Cornwall, and where possible ensures their safe release back to the wild when they are fully recovered, and if permanently disabled a comfortable home shall be provided in a suitable environment.
West Country S.W.I.F.T. (Society for the Withholding of Information From Twitchers)
http://web.onetel.net.uk/~wcswift/SWIFT consists of a small band of active birders in the West Country. It is not anti birders who enjoy rare birds, nor is it pro suppression per se. It is against the increasingly disruptive aspects of twitching, where common sense, civility and the aesthetic enjoyment of observing a natural creature has been largely replaced by boorish, sometimes even aggressive behaviour and an often total disregard for the the welfare of the bird involved, habitat, fellow enthusiasts, the general public and property...
artists |
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Artist - Ian Griff Griffiths
http://www.artbygriff.comWildlife paintings; mainly birds of artist Griff, who lives and paints in Cornwall originally from Yorkshire. He will be featured in Birds illustrated, Wildscape and Artists and illustrated magazine…
Artist - RB Treleaven
http://www.swla.co.uk/SWLAmembers/treleavenrb/TreleavenRB.htmLandscape and Bird Painting by RB Treleaven...
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