Birdwatching in Cornwall
There are a number of local sites where rare and "not so rare" birds may be seen. The birdwatching sites vary from the open moorland to steep cliffs and marsh and lake sites.
The opportunities are many and there are usually some unusual bird sitings recorded every week. There are a number of places where recent sitings are promulgated.
Why not stay at Treworra, and use it as a base for a birdwatching holiday?
Camel Estuary
(SW980740). An 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. Hide provided.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.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
Where: (SW710350). Near Stithians, South Cornwall. Owned by Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society
How to get there: from A394 (Helston to Stithians), then signed Carnkie
What is there: Hides (keys from CBPS, but good views from causeway)
Admission: Free
Features: Parts of Lake shallow with marshy edges proving attractive to waders and duck. Best in Winter and Passage periods.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.Tamar Lakes
Where: (SW295115) – near Kilkhampton, North West Devon
How to get there: Off A 39 then B3254 at Kilkhampton
What is there: Visitor centre, hides café and toilets.
Admission: Permit required for some areas
Contact: South West Water - 01288 321262
Features: Two neighbouring reservoirs, which are best in winter and passage periods. Wildfowl, waders, raptors and Black Tern regular.