The arrival of a first winter male Long-tailed Duck at Gwithian Local Nature Reserve has provided an exceptional opportunity for Cornish birders to photograph and compare this bird with the adult male Long-tailed Duck still only a few miles away … Read More
This is a great time to sea watch from the cliffs of south west Cornwall as besides the birds there are Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Seals and, in the last few weeks, numbers of Ocean Sunfish sightings. These strange looking fish, … Read More
Even a common bird such as this Starling can make you look twice. This one seen at Godrevy Point, North Cornwall was in winter plumage with its dramatic speckled chest making it look quite exotic. Insight into Starling (Sturnus vulgaris): … Read More
Here in Cornwall, derelict chimneys, also known as Cornish Cathedrals, litter the countryside. To some they may appear deserted and a sad monument to a flourishing past for tin and copper mines but that doesn’t mean they are entirely deserted … Read More
These bright yellow Colt’s-foot were flowering in the eroding cliffs of Godrevy Towans at the north end of St Ives Bay in Cornwall. Insight: Colt’s-foot (Tussilago farfara) flowers from March to April, the flowers appearing long before the leaves. It’s … Read More
It was rather a surprise to see this exotic looking plant on some rough ground on Godrevy Towans in Cornwall. The distinctive yellow/green veins identify this as Italian Lords-and-Ladies (Arum italicum subspecies italicum). Insight: This subspecies has been introduced to … Read More
This first winter Stonechat was basking in the sun at Godrevy Point at the northern end of St Ives Bay in Cornwall. They’re one of the easier birds to photograph since they tend to perch out in the open on … Read More
Flocks of sea birds including Razorbill, Guillemot, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag and various Gull were feeding on shoals of fish on the sea beyond Godrevy Lighthouse. Insight: Razorbill (Alca torda), a member of the Auk family, is common around most of … Read More
Shag were busy flying to and fro along the cliffs with nest material. I don’t think it was the same Shag each time but it may well have been the same nest material! Insight: In breeding plumage, Shag develop a … Read More
Three Sanderling were doing their thing, rushing up and down the beach with the rise and fall of the water. While crouching down within a few feet of these energetic little waders I was unaware my antics had attracted the … Read More
A drake Ring-necked Duck was showing well today amongst Tufted Duck. Insight: Named after the light chestnut neck ring on the drake that is only visible in the hand, “Ring-billed Duck” would appear far more appropriate! A strong flying migrant … Read More
Even Common Gorse is a joy at this time of year when not very much else is in flower. On a bright winter’s day it can light up the scene as it does here at Godrevy Point. Insight: There are … Read More