Sunday 17 April 2011

Montagu's Harrier. Croft Pascoe, The Lizard Peninsular. 17/04/2011


Montagu's Harriers no longer breed in Cornwall, and are now rare passage migrants with only one or two sightings annually. So, when a male was reported at Croft Pascoe on Saturday, there was only one place Kate and I were going to be on Sunday. Fortunately on our arrival Steve Kolodjedski had just re-found it just south of the wood. It was flying away and almost out of sight when Royston Wilkins(who hadn't yet seen it) arrived in his van. I jumped in and we drove slowly down the road in "HOT PURSUIT". To both of our amazement it was sitting on the heath about 20 yards from the road eating prey. We both watched it for a while until it lifted off and started hunting again. We were all treated to some of the best views we've ever had of a Monty's, and for one or two lucky birders there it was a lifer. Luckily I was able to keep a steady hand for once.......It was simply Fantastic!!!......Thanks for the lift Royst!

Purple Heron. College Reservoir,Penryn.10/04/2011

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Blue-headed Wagtails 09/04/2011



The weekends south easterly winds held a lot of promise for west Cornwall. Adding to the Gull-billed Tern, Mark Wallace turned up a Short-toed Lark (which I missed) and this stunning pair of Blue-headed Wagtails............Things were HOTTING UP!

Gull-billed Tern, Trevilly Farm, Nr Sennen. 06/04/2011



Martin Elliot found this cracker! Having missed it on it's first day (Wednesday), I was relieved to see it at Trevilly Farm the following evening where it stayed until Sunday giving superb views. These Terns are rare in Cornwall so it was no surprise that it was a first for a few locals!