Golden Oriole images from Gulval, Penzance. How many other UK winter records are there? Very few I would guess? (There is one old report from the Lizard in Feb 1969 but was “unsubstantiated”. )
This first winter bird was first found on the 2nd Jan in a Cornwall garden feeding…
Just wow!! Take a look at this stunning video, filmed by Pete Walsh (using Sony kit).
This second cal male Golden Oriole is performing brilliantly for many visitors at Gulval, nr Penzance.
Pete Clement & myself found this Trindade Petrel pale/intermediate form on Sat 10:05 off Pendeen. Luckily I took a video & stills. Thanks to
@Scillypelagics
Bob Flood & John Ryan for confirming ID & M Elliott comments as well. Pics are small but crucial features are all there.
Pendeen Fea’s Petrel footage from moment it was found. I was sitting next to Mike McKee (videographer) so comms were instant. (Fri 25th Aug). Volume up!
It’s my first record from Pendeen.
White-crowned Sparrow eventually showed at Rosudgeon today. It’s the first for Cornwall so really pleased to connect.
Pic by James Drage-Hubert.
@drage_james
The Northern Harrier at the Lizard has been reported again today in the Croft Pascoe area. It is just the second record for Cornwall following a male seen by two toggers in 2013.
The stunning photos below by Sam Viles
@knotsbirder
confirm its a male (pale iris).
I went back for seconds this morning for the Ad White-crowned Sparrow. Solid black lores, pinkish bill indicate the nominate leucophrys ssp from eastern Canada. American sparrows are v rare in Cornwall (no major ports). It’s a county first and 17th for Uk and tops a superb year.
Cornwall’s 9th Upland Sandpiper finally gave itself up today at Sennen, following its original first sighting on the 9th October. It was probably heard calling at night earlier as well. This is the first since 2005 (Polgigga).
(Pic courtesy N. Rogers).
The annual early Spring Puffin movement has started properly this morning with 315 counted at Porthgwarra. (Follows 1, 12, 25 in prev three days). Presume favourable southerly’s from Biscay and Portugal have helped.
Next two weeks are optimum for Puffins in Cornwall as they…
Manx Shearwater have arrived from their South Atlantic wintering grounds this week.
226 counted this morning from Porthgwarra. Puffin movement continues as well with a decent 124 (and another 61 yesterday). Sadly, the fog and rain ended better counts.
Video shows a few…
I couldn’t resist taking a second look at the first winter Bonaparte’s Gull at Marazion beach today. This bird likes the river outlet beside the road bridge and is super obliging.
This is my 9th and all seen in Cornwall in the first winter period. My first was at Drift Res. way…
Some massive seas today off Porthgwarra. Two Great Skuas and Manx Shearwater topping around 1000 p/hr. were the only highlights.
Here’s some video action of the Runnelstone Bouy, which is c. 25’ high.
Two of today’s 145 Sooty Shearwaters seen off Porthgwarra, U.K. this morning.
It’s been an exceptional year for this species and these high numbers have not previously been recorded so late in the year.
eg in Nov 2021, just nine were recorded all month.
Pendeen just keeps giving. Another impressive movement through the day. Cumulative totals below, from 07:45-15:45.
331 Great Shear
96 Sooty
35 Manx
Great Skua
2 Arctic Skua
Pomarine Skua juv inside
2 Grey Phalarope
2 Euro Stormy
normal ‘000’s kits auks
(P. Combridge et al).
Drift this am. Male Goldeneye in far NW arm of res. Only my second this year (rare in w Cornwall). Also found a calling and fairly showy Dusky Warbler, 100m west of hide in willows.
A nice trip down memory Lane. The UK's second Grey Catbird at Treeve Moor, Sennen gave some stunning views. Can you believe this was back in 2018! Pete Walsh's brilliant footage captures the species namesake call as well. Sound up.
Some previously unseen footage of the popular male Golden Oriole at Gulval, Cornwall 2-16th Jan 2024.
Some damage to its tail feathers may have prevented its migration to Africa, leading to this bird being the first U.K. wintering record.
Footage kind courtesy Pete Walsh.
Nice close Sooty Shearwater this morning at Pendeen. One of five today. Also another Little Auk and 41 Manx Shearwater. Manx Shearwater are always seen on winter seawatches in recent years.
Approx 120,000 Manx Shearwater moved past St Ives island on 9th April. Wind direction was WNW gale force with gust maxing at 62mph overnight.
The pair of extraordinary 9 sec videos below, 👇 taken by local seawatcher Pete Nason show the intense movement taking place.
Big Manx…
Delighted to re-find Graham’s
@lawlor157
Citrine Wagtail on Marazion beach this morning. My 7th for Cornwall and all seen at Marazion.
Also found a Wryneck nr Pendeen but missed the Hoopoe and Melodious. Another day.
#211
Cornwall.
Pic courtesy R H Ahearne.
I was surprised to stumble across this Short-eared Owl on the Roseland area last week. It was resting up on a farm gate by the road! I’ve never seen one in this area before so a bit out of context.
Those ear tufts created some debate and the eye colour isn’t the normal bright…
Short video of one of three Bonxie’s past Pendeen this morning. The only other notable count was 27 Manx Shearwater.
Royston saw two Little Auk and a Sooty in the afternoon but generally pretty disappointing today considering the wind strength.
It pays to be near Nanjizal. Mark Wallace and me birding Bosisto when this trio is released.
First Aquatic since 2012, only second Cornish Nightingale and Kester’s 5th Melodious this Autumn!
Thanks to Kester & John Ryan
@MwallacepgP
@BobBosisto
@Kernowringer
@KesterWilsonNan
Two Bonaparte’s Gulls at Long Rock and Marazion beach this morning. Both also visit Hayle and the beach together. Both also different; one with extensive juv coverts and one with a broken black tail band. First multiple arrival I’ve seen in Cornwall.
Dusky Warbler still showing and calling this am at Drift Res. Not the best of pics I’m afraid. Apparently it’s the first for the year in Cornwall.
#243
.
Ad White-crowned Sparrow at Rosudgeon, nr Penzance, December 2023. Some stunning footage by Pete Walsh not seen before.
This was the 1st for Cornwall and attracted quite a few visitors. It was my fifth and final Cornish tick for the year.
A full write-up on the occurrence is…
Woodchat Shrike this morning at Gwynver, Sennen. My second this Spring. At least four have been seen in Cornwall already. More regular than Pied Fly and Redstart combined now. (Found by Paul St. Pierre).
Also saw my first Swifts, 10 Whitethroat, fresh fall of Wheatear and c.…
Porthgwarra, Cornwall this morning. Mountainous seas again, perhaps too strong for obvious movement. (SSW, 51 knots. max)
Highlights included:
124 Puffin
2 Bonxie
2500 Manx Shearwater
12k auks
Also the first Woodchat of the year near the 60’ cover. Looks like a first summer…
Adult Kumlien’s Gull at St Clements isle, Mousehole, taken 12th Feb., present since January.
There is also a first cycle bird at Hayle plus two Iceland Gulls in the area.
Glaucous has been decidedly rare this winter with one on the north coast and another single sighting here…
The first cycle Azorean Gull at Mousehole today. Martin Elliott and me found it on Sunday and again this afternoon. Well worth seeing if you’re in the area.
Also today, adult Kumlien’s and an adult Iceland Gull and several Yellow-leggers. Glaucous in the area plus Ring-billed…
Black Guillemot in breeding plumage off Madeira Walk, Falmouth this morning. This is presumably the wintering and regular returning bird though I wasn’t aware it was still present.
Black Guillemot is a rare winter visitor in Cornwall w <5 annually. Falmouth bay is the most…
A bit unexpected, but this White-fronted Goose flew in off the sea and settled briefly on Marazion Marsh this evening. This looks like the albifrons European race (orange legs, pink bill).
It’s the first Cornwall white-front for the year for me. (All grey geese are rare in…
It’s been a busy day in Cornwall. Managed to see the Kentish Plover at Hayle, Buff-breasted Sand at Mz but the Booted Warbler at Porth Joke will have to wait…as will the W Bonelli’s at Pg and third Buff B Sand at Nanquidno. Here’s a video of 2 Little Stints at Hayle today.
The Lizard Northern Harrier, 1yr female below, is the second Cornwall record following an adult male at Men an Tol, Nov 2013. The male was post-identified from photos. Pic attached.
(The Bartinney bird in Oct 2011-12 was never conclusive and not submitted), see ALT.
Juv Pectoral Sandpiper showed well at Golden Lion, Stithians this morning. This is my 40th Pec seen in Cornwall.
The very popular Dotterel at St. Agnes also showed well this morning.
Another Woodchat Shrike was found on the 21st April at Kenidjack, Cornwall at Wheal Owles. This is the old mine above the allotments.
This is my third Woodchat of the Spring and a rewarding find for Sam Williams. No less than five Woodchats have now been found this Spring! (see…
Just while we’re all waiting for Spring mig to start properly, below is some stunning footage of the popular adult male Golden Oriole from late April 2023, at Chapel Carn Brea, Sennen. It was found and video’d by Pete Walsh.
It stayed in the area for over a week and gave…
Spoonbill with Green V463 ring still present today at Hayle estuary.
This bird was ringed as a chick at Høje Sande, Ringkøbing Fjord in Denmark in June 2023 and turned up at Marazion Marsh on 28th September, before unexpectedly wandering back north to Potteric Carr, South…
Typical 1000m view of a Great Shearwater passing Pendeen this morning.
(iPhone digiscoped). Only four birds seen here this morning though well over 200 seen at Porthgwarra.
The next two-day forecast is strong westerlies so more of Pendeen to come.
The juv Lesser Grey Shrike showed well at Caradon Hill this morning. (Fourth day).
This record is 4th for Cornwall.
Last was 40 years ago.
5th Sep 83 at Portscatho.
Then:
Allet, Truro 9th Jun 61
Mevagissey, 8 Sep 58.
Many thanks to
@stevesando1
the finder.
Pendeen this morning. We had a record Cornwall count of 794 Common Scoter, mostly males. Also fem Garganey, fem Shoveler, Pintail and Tufted Duck among the groups. Full eBird list here:
Scoter video below.
Flight pics of the popular adult Sociable Lapwing at Ruan Lanihorne, courtesy Adrian Lea.
Almost certainly the “probable adult” present since November and unreported at the Camel Est.
This is Cornwall’s 4th record. The previous record from St Buryan, then Maer, then Somerset…
The wintering Richard’s Pipit at Caerthillian, Lizard has been showing well in the last few days. It’s been in the area since November and seems settled.
Wintering Little Bunting and Golden Oriole also showing today in West Penwith.
Finally visited Greylake, Somerset with
@raoulhumph
and Martin Elliott.
What a wonderful site. Great views of the Baikal Teal, several Great White Egrets, Marsh Harriers and two Common Cranes as well as many Pintail and Shoveler.
We returned to Devon and saw three displaying…
Porthgwarra 7-1pm. with
@paulmarshall77
and P Flint.
Highlights were a Long-tailed Skua (description sp in Cornwall) and exceptional numbers of Sooty (my highest ever, and possibly a Cornwall record?)
Thu Fri Sat forecast perfect for Pendeen…
The Woodchat Shrike at Gwynver, Sennen is still present this morning. (8th day). It’s considered to be a first summer female and one of five that have occurred this Spring in Cornwall.
Hayle Estuary:
10 Sandwich Tern and a Common Tern resting up briefly this morning.
Also a good fall of hirundines today at Drift Res. 100+ Sand Martin, 3 Swallow and a House Martin.
Common Tern
#167
for Cornwall’24.
Porthgwarra 07:50-12:30
First SW wind for some time, all the way from Madeira, produced numbers of shears but no petrels. Brown Booby in Mounts Bay would have been the icing on the cake☹️
Highlights:
106 Great Shearwater,
145 Sooty
72 Manx
1 Balearic
It looks like Redwings were moving north yesterday (30th). I had seven at Land’s End. They look like the paler Scandinavian form.
50 were seen on Scilly and another 25 at Crowlas, west Cornwall. A rarer coburni (Iceland) was trapped at Portland as well.
I visited Walmsley, Cornwall for the second time this week for better views of the Long-billed Dowitcher. It showed well in front of the hide.
It’s Cornwall’s 32nd record and my 9th.
Also present was a juv Spoonbill, my 4th for the autumn.
(The reserve is looking stunning).
Short 12 s video of a Red-throated Diver passing Pendeen this morning. One of ten seen today.
Red-throat is the default diver here, then Great Northern.
A few wintering Manx Shearwater were also seen but generally it was quiet given the strong westerly wind.
With all the recent Brown Booby sightings, here’s a stunning original painting of Cornwall’s 2nd and U.K. ‘s 3rd record at Kynance, Lizard on 2-6th Sep 2019.
The bird was found by
@DavidCo64643941
and the painting is by
@scally_ray
The painting takes pride of place Ray!
Well pleased with being awarded Runner-up for the Band-rumped Petrel (submission) at Porthgwarra from Oct 2022. Thanks to the six other observers for their input with the submission:
@lawlor157
@paulmarshall77
M. Elliott, R. Archer, N. Rogers, J. Overfield.
It looks like Sand Martins arrived in force today. I had 71 over Marazion Marsh early this morning.
I photod the flock with the mobile and uploaded the image to this Counter app (called Count This). I eventually sorted out its MO and it’s accurate. But it’s expensive at £4+…
The female Hooded Wheatear at Paphos, Cyprus today reminded me of the female we found at Greco in April 2005. It was then the 9th for Cyprus. Its certainly a striking bird to find.
Videograbs by John Chapple.
@MrJohnChapple
Pete Maker
Pendeen 7-13:45.
Bit of an Arctic feel today with two Little Auks, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, 000’s auks and Kitts. Also 7 Great Shears and 10 Sooty still moving south.
Today is the 40th Anniversary!!!
Worth a reminder as I was there! Although more rarities are found nowadays, numbers like this are pure dreams.
3rd Sept 1983:
1 Cory’s
65 Great Sh.
250+ Sooty
50,000 Manx
35 Balearic
2 Wilson’s Petrel
10,000 Stormy
15 Leach’s
20,000 Gannet
Marazion marsh continuing its run of top form. Glossy Ibis this morning along with the Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Purple Heron and Marsh Harrier (Sunday). All quite normal these days.
Just five Leach’s Petrel in two days from St Ives and Pendeen, yet 300 Euro Stormy’s were seen. You would think a F10 storm would produce more Leach’s?
Also a few divers today incl a Red-throat and six ad GN Divers.
The Cory’s appear to have departed as well.
Pendeen 8-11:30. Strong NWesterly.
A decent session with 223 Sooty Shearwaters and four Pomarine Skuas including this gorgeous adult (with no spoons). Still no petrels though.
Pendeen this morning. Short video of the 11 Sabine’s Gull passing at mid distance beyond the rocks. Now seen 23 this year already. Rolling 10 yr average in Cornwall is 28.
@BobBosisto
@Kernowringer
@CornwallBirding
Where have the years gone Martyn? This Elliott painting is on display in my front room. I’ve also seen one at St Agnes Scilly. Still a massive rarity in Cornwall.
March 16th and 17th are optimum days for Puffin migration off Porthgwarra and Lizard. Today duly delivered with 816 off Porthgwarra and 715 off Lizard Point (likely some overlap).
Puffin count summary from Porthgwarra this week:
March:
12th, 2
13th, 25
14th, 315
15th, 61…
Pendeen 8-12 this morning.
Plus vast numbers of Razorbill, min 500 per min.= c. 130,000 birds. Sabine’s we’re all juvs and the Cory’s seem to be permanently offshore feeding.
Below is a rendered & cropped video taken from the original. Whilst this bird is exceptionally pale with contrasty dark head, dark primaries and paler coverts, the flight style is more Sooty. Constructive comments welcome.
Thanks to those in prev discussion. I’d rather get it
Couple pics of the Manx with pale collar, seen off Porthgwarra 28th July and early Aug off Pendeen. A pretty distinctive bird. Worth keeping a look out for.
Pics courtesy Mike McKee.
@BobBosisto
@Kernowringer
@MJ_McKee
@ASandovalRey
Pendeen - 20sec video of the adult Pomarine Skua today. This clip has been uploaded to Vimeo so hopefully a bit better quality.
Video grabs below. Digiscoped with iPhone and Swaro BTX. Apologies for small size but these are 800-1000m distance.
The 330+ Great Shearwaters at Pendeen yesterday was the latest date in Cornwall for a high count. Nearest is 483, 7th Nov 22. Prior to 2022, the Nov reports are just one and three birds in Cornwall. Seabird numbers are definitly changing.
Vid link here
18sec short video of Cory’s Shearwaters passing Porthgwarra on Sun 30th July.
Total for the 14 hour seawatch was a minimum 6500. A Cornish record.
@BobBosisto
@Kernowringer
One of the 200 plus Cory’s Shearwater seen this morning at
#Pendeen
in severe gale F9 !
Viewing conditions weren’t easy today.
Wilson’s totalled 11 by 4pm, a Cornish record from one site.
Well done
@haydenturner17
on last night’s hat trick and man of the match award. 100th goal for
@Mousehole
AFC as well.
Mousehole AFC jump to 4th in the Southern league and one of 12 teams now vying for a playoff spot.
2023/24 Season top goal scorer👍
A Bar-tailed Godwit’s 18 second scratch. Something needed scratching!
Up to 25 Bar-tails are wintering on Hayle Estuary, one of the few places in Cornwall to see reasonable numbers.
🤛
#Pendeen
seawatch this morning. Highlights were five Wilson’s Petrel (7 total), and 221 Cory’s Shearwater. Missed the Sabs and Black Tern.
@Kernowringer
@BobBosisto
Pendeen 6:30-9:30 today. I saw 16 Sabs tho two more seen after I left. Sadly everyone on the slab missed the Sooty Tern. Deja vu the tropicbird again ffs.
@BobBosisto
@Kernowringer