Category: News

As we reach the half way stage in this year’s POTW, Adrian Langdon gives us a comprehensive review of the many photos submitted to our daily sightings team – many thanks Adrian.

“Another excellent week on the Cornwall Birds website featured a fine selection of seabirds, breeding birds, behavioural studies and summer visitors, with Rupert Kirkwood’s outstanding kayak photography around Mouls Island providing some of the week’s standout images.

The week began with a superb photograph of a Manx Shearwater in flight, captured offshore in Falmouth Bay by Jon Irvine. M. Waters also contributed a scarce county sighting of a Cirl Bunting perched in a hawthorn bush on the Roseland Peninsula.
Martin Webb photographed a striking Mediterranean Gull in full summer plumage at Hayle Causeway, while Tim Culmer recorded a colourful Yellowhammer on Tregonetha Downs in mid-Cornwall.

One of the week’s recurring highlights was a Spotted Redshank in full summer plumage, with Tom Wilson producing an especially impressive image at Tallack’s Creek. Dean Pollard also added an excellent photograph of a Grasshopper Warbler singing from a gorse bush at Goss Moor.

Rupert Kirkwood’s photographs from a kayak around Mouls Island, Cornwall’s only regular breeding site for Atlantic Puffins, were among the finest of the week. His collection included a puffin in flight, a detailed portrait of an adult, a superb close-up of a Guillemot carrying a fish, and two delightful images of a Razorbill attending its chick at water level, demonstrating the unique photographic opportunities offered from a kayak.
Martin Webb also photographed a Lapwing and a Great crested Grebe at Stithians Reservoir, the latter unusually captured out of the water while walking across floating vegetation. Deena Sharpe contributed a fine flight photograph of a Common Swift, one of a flock of around fifteen birds over Liskeard.

Breeding Great-crested Grebes featured again, with Jonathan Warner photographing an adult accompanied by two recently hatched chicks (“humbugs”) at Drift Reservoir near Penzance. Jonathan also captured an interesting behavioural image showing two Little Grebes squabbling.

Steve Ford added another excellent Yellowhammer, photographed on Bodmin Moor at Minions, while Aadil Khan rounded off the week with a fine portrait of a male Common Kestrel at Cot Valley.
Aadil Khan also produced a lovely image of a Spotted Flycatcher at Croft Pascoe on the Lizard. Gerry Gillard’s photograph of a pair of Shags at Land’s End deservedly earned Photo of the Day.

The week concluded with Kathy White photographing a Great-crested Grebe on the nest at Stithians Reservoir. Martin Webb visited Marazion Marsh, where he captured excellent images of both a Grey Heron and a male Stonechat.
A special mention also goes to John Chapple, whose video footage of the Spotted Redshank at Devoran was featured on the Cornwall Birds website, with a link provided to his YouTube channel.
Summary
The week was particularly notable for its excellent seabird photography, especially Rupert Kirkwood’s Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills from Mouls Island, that I’ve selected as POTW. Breeding activity continued to feature strongly, with Great-crested Grebes raising young and nesting, while a wide range of summer visitors including Common Swift, Spotted Flycatcher, Grasshopper Warbler all made appearances. The scarce Cirl Bunting on the Roseland Peninsula and the summer-plumaged Spotted Redshank were among the week’s most notable sightings.”

This week was Jasmina’s turn to review the photos submitted to our daily sightings page – many thanks Jasmina

“A very misty start to the week and there were very few photographs taken due to poor light conditions, as was the case on Tuesday and Wednesday as well. However, a few managed to get out there and take some photographs.
On Monday, the three images by Adrian Lee of a Common Redstart was a worthy picture of the day, though his Wheatears were also of a high standard.

Tuesday, I did like the Glossy Ibis in flight images by Regina Griffiths. It was good to see they are back in the county for the first time in a while.

Wednesday, with continued misty and dull skies, there was a good Little Egret by Roy Reed and a pair of juvenile Herring Gulls by Martin Webb, making their first steps out of the nest along a roof.

Thursday, there was an increase in photographs as the weather improved. There was a lovely sharp and vibrant image of a Song Thrush by Gerry Gillard plus a good image of a Linnet by Martin Webb and an excellent juvenile Gannet by Steve Rogers.
I did like the fledgling Common Redstart by Gavin Williams and it was good to see a comparison of a Storm Petrel versus a Fulmar by Steve Ford. Storm Petrel is not a bird I’ve ever been lucky enough to see close up, so it was good to see that. There was also a charming Tufted duck by Martin Webb as well as delightful juvenile Kestrels by Caroline Taylor.

Saturday saw a good Spotted Flycatcher by Jonathan Warner found at Goonhilly, and on Minions a juvenile Wheatear was found as well as a Meadow Pipit by Gavin Williams.
Finally on Sunday the Tawny Owl by Dean Pollard at Windmill Farm was an absolute delight to see and very rare to get a photograph of one on the sightings page. There was a lot of images on Sunday as the weather was much better by then, including Adil Khan’s Stonechat, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat. Dean Pollard, also added good Whitethroat and the Kestrel images and Gerry Gillard also had Whitethroat and a juvenile Starling.

So, these were some of the highlight images for me this week and as always, many thanks yet again to everybody. I really didn’t struggle with photo of the week however because as soon as I saw it, I knew that’s the one that had to be, and that was Dean Pollard’s Tawny Owl. Congratulations, Dean. Delightful to see one reasonably unhindered by branches as well. Good photograph. Thanks very much.
Jasmina Goodair, Membership Secretary

Many thanks to Nick Watmough for giving us his summary of the weeks photos.

“Last week was not exactly “flaming” June and but the unseasonal winds brought some early seabirds and submissions to the sightings page suggested some breeding success – like Martin Webb’s adorable image of a Shelduckling. Although Adrian Lea’s capture of a Reed Warbler nest building in mid-June hinted at a second attempt. Elsewhere on Monday Gerry Gillard’s smart, but very wet, male Wheatear at Land’s End summed up how many of us were feeling.

Tuesday brought a strong passage of Manx Shearwaters along the North coast and Steve Roger’s was at Pendeen to immortalise one of the 60,000 cruising over the surf. Away from the coast Kathy White and Martin Webb were photographing the resident Great White Egret at Stithians and in a sheltered spot near Crantock Andy Day obtained a nice portrait of a Sedge Warbler.

Garden birds were the order of the day on Wednesday with Jerry Bettridge photographing a couple of Tawny Owlets in Helston whilst Martin Webb focused on Greenfinches in Hayle. Andy Day braved the elements near Newquay and was rewarded with s splendid full frame male Stonechat.

A smart Sparrowhawk visited John Johnstone’s garden om Thursday whilst the unseasonal seabirds continued off Porthgwarra and Lizard Point exemplified by Nigel Roger’s image of a Sooty Shearwater.

The two Glossy Ibis found early on Thursday moved to Walmsley where Jasmina Goodair managed to photograph them along with a more obliging Grey Heron. Meanwhile Gill Fisher was photographing her garden birds and captured a very smart male Bullfinch and a touching image of a Great-spotted Woodpecker feeding its youngster. Back at Stithians Kathy White captured a mating pair of Great Crested Grebes with shall we say impeccable timing!

I am surprised we did not receive more submissions when the sun returned at the weekend – but I enjoyed some of those that we did notably Caroline Taylor’s Sedge Warbler from West Pentire, John Johnson’s Kittiwake at Trevose Head and Paul Davies leaping Glossy Ibis from in front of the Burniere hide.

It was Sunday that provided my POTW which is Martin Webb’s thoughtful composition of a Meadow Pipit with a small green caterpillar in its beak standing amidst a sea of wildflowers. The foreground provides interest and nicely frames the subject which is sharp and stands out against the soft but colourful background.

As ever a big thank to everyone who took time to submit their images – once again it was an absolute pleasure to review them.”

Congratulations Martin, a fine shot from one of our most frequent contributors.

Many thanks again to Adrian Lea for his round-up of the week’s photos.

‘The week began with an exceptionally overcast and wet Monday, with most photographers confined to houses or hides, with Martin Webb managing a Goldfinch from the comfort of his house in Hayle and Kathy White watching the Mallard and her ducklings from the Stuart Hutchings hide at Stithians.
Tuesday brought some brighter weather, with Steve Ford photographing a duo of grebe at Stithians and Martin Webb providing a great photographic record of breeding Shelduck on the Hayle Estuary, while Steve Rogers managed a magnificent Swift flight shot at Drift Reservoir.

Wednesday saw Paul Davies at the Walmsley Sanctuary, where he was clearly having a great time photographing Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Black-tailed Godwits and an excellent flight shot of a Marsh Harrier. Martin Webb was enjoying his local patch at Hayle, providing some lovely Little Egret, Shelduck and Oystercatcher images on Wednesday and returning there on Thursday to photograph a Whimbrel. The late submission Swift and House Martin photo taken by Anthony Mills at Drift Reservoir was also another excellent flight shot.

Friday was indeed the calm before the storm and I particularly liked the Meadow Pipit photographed at Mullion by Jonathan Warner, the Reed Warbler submitted by Gavin Williams and the Skylarks at Bassett Cove by Regina Griffiths.

Saturday was a washout, high winds and heavy rain resulted in the cancellation of the last day of the Royal Cornwall Show – well done to Steve Ashby and Jasmina Goodair for braving the elements to remove the Cornwall Birds stand, although Martin Webb returned to Hayle as the sun emerged in the afternoon and was able to provide some lovely Black-tailed Godwit and Shelduck images. Sunday afternoon witnessed the fledging of the last of 6 Barn Swallows at Gulval, beautifully captured in the photograph by J Hawkey and K Dalziel, what a great image of a Cornish summer.

My favourite photographs this week are all flights shots – the Swift and House Martin at Drift Reservoir by Anthony Mills, the Swift at Drift by Steve Rogers and the male Marsh Harrier at Walmsley Sanctuary by Paul Davies. I acknowledge the technical challenge in taking each of these images but I particularly liked the Marsh Harrier and I’ve therefore selected this as my choice this week.

Many thanks once again to everyone who has taken the time to submit sighting reports, photographs and videos to our sightings team, it really is greatly appreciated by so many people’

Nice to see a House Martin included in Adrians selection – please remember our House Martin survey and log any nest sites on our website https://surveys.cbwps.org.uk/house-martin/

Congratulations Paul on another excellent picture.

Martin Elliot has recently produced these stunning prints of the recent Killdeer at Chaple Amble.

This rare American wader was enjoyed by birders across Cornwall and rather poignantly, it was the last time that many of us saw Royston Wilkins out birding.

In memory of Royston, Martin has kindly given the original painting to the Wilkins family and is offering cropped horizontal A4 and full size A3 prints for sale.

Prices are £25 for cropped horizontal A4 and £45 for full size A3. P&P will be £6.

All profits will go to Cornwall Birds.
To order please email Martin at: martinelliott.sennen@googlemail.com or mobile: 07875295457.

Cornwall Birds’ bird-news page is enhanced with some brilliant photos, contributions from photographers around the county. This week Adrian Langdon comments and pick’s his favourite images…

‘The heatwave that settled across Cornwall and much of England during the week appeared to have an impact on both birds and birders alike, with fewer photographs being submitted than usual. Nevertheless, there were still some excellent images uploaded, and one of the week’s highlights was a notable influx of Red Kites into the county, the second such arrival of the year. Several photographers managed to take advantage of the spectacle, producing some very good images of this increasingly familiar raptor.

Monday proved to be the busiest day of the week. Stephen Wood submitted a particularly good Red Kite photograph taken at Gwenter, while Adrian Lea and Aadil Khan both produced fine images of Whitethroats. Dougie Wright enjoyed a lucky encounter at Windmill Farm when a Honey Buzzard passed overhead. Although the photograph suffered slightly from a lack of sharpness around the head, this was almost certainly the result of the heat haze that challenged many photographers during the exceptionally warm conditions.

Gill Fisher added another excellent Red Kite image from Truro, while Martin Webb produced a fine photograph of a Linnet at Marazion Marsh. Ian Sowerby appeared to be exploring the coastline between Gerrans and Falmouth and came back with some attractive images of Oystercatchers at Castle Point. Aadil Khan continued his productive week with a superb Tree Pipit photographed at Croft Pascoe on the Lizard.

Martin Webb was also responsible for another standout image, capturing a Little Egret at Hayle Estuary with a small prey item being tossed in its bill, an excellent behavioural shot that caught the eye.

Thursday was one of those rare days when no bird photographs appeared on the sightings page. Instead, two impressive dragonfly images were submitted by Tony Mills, featuring a Red-veined Darter and a Black-tailed Skimmer from Drift Reservoir and Bosathnoe Reservoir respectively, providing a welcome reminder of the other wildlife thriving during the warm weather.

Friday produced only two photographs, both from Martin Webb at Marazion Marsh. A cracking male Linnet was the pick of the pair, accompanied by another pleasing image of a Little Egret.

On Saturday, Gavin Webb submitted a lovely photograph of a Whitethroat carrying food in its bill along the coast path between Park Head and Bedruthan. The image clearly suggested a bird making a feeding visit to nearby young and provided another excellent behavioural record.

Sunday rounded off the week with J. Johnson photographing birds at Respryn near Bodmin. His images included a Spotted Flycatcher and a Nuthatch feeding a youngster, both capturing the busy family life that is now becoming evident across the county as the breeding season progresses. Adrian Lea added two fine close-up photographs of a Willow Warbler carrying food in its bill, another excellent indication of breeding activity, while Steve Cox produced a fine image of a Great Egret to round off the week’s submissions.

After much consideration, I finally chose the amazing close-up portrait of a Red Kite taken near Truro by Gill Fisher as this week’s Photo of the Week. The image combined excellent detail, composition and timing, and really stood out among a strong selection of photographs. Congratulations, Gill!

Although the number of submissions was lower than usual, largely due to the exceptional weather conditions, there was still plenty of quality on show. The influx of Red Kites provided a particular highlight, while the various breeding behaviours captured by members added an extra dimension to the week’s photography.

Thank you to everyone who contributed this week. Please keep your photographs coming—whether migrants, breeding birds, resident species, or memorable moments from your local patch, every image helps build a rich and valuable weekly record for all to enjoy”.

Many thanks Adrian for a comprehensive round-up and congratulations Gill, a worthy winner.

Many thanks for another review from Adrian Lea, with a fine crop of photos to choose from…
“The fine weather has continued throughout the week and this, combined with some excellent visiting and breeding birds, has been reflected in the submission of some great photographs to our sightings team.

The week was certainly provided with an excellent start by Steve Rogers and his ground-skimming photograph of the Kentish Plover at Marazion Beach and I really liked the Linnet photographed by Dean Pollard at Goss Moor NNR.

On Tuesday Clive Richards provided a gorgeous hovering Kestrel photograph taken at Parc Trammel and the quality photographs continued on Wednesday with a lovely singing Reed Warbler at Calstock Wetlands by Sara Fuge (albeit taken on Monday), a singing male Blackcap at Walmsley/Burniere by Paul Davies and a great male Linnet photo taken at Marazion Marsh RSPB by Martin Webb.

Martin repeated his performance on Thursday, providing an excellent action shot of a Tufted Duck at Helston Boating Lake, while Alex McKechnie kindly provided a beautifully detailed Purple Sandpiper photograph taken at Battery Rocks.

On Friday Nigel Rogers struck gold and submitted a duo of lovely Turtle Dove photographs taken at Lands End, I wonder if this was the same bird seen at Connor Downs on Saturday and this time photographed nicely by D Cains, while Martin Webb provided a lovely Little Egret photograph taken at Marazion Marsh.

Sunday saw Aadil Khan at St Gothian Sands, where he was able to provide a great photograph of a dampened Sand Martin resting on the fencing wire and also Croft Pascoe Forest, where he was able to photograph a Spotted Flycatcher amongst the Storm Goretti blitzed woodland.

My choice for photo of the week this week would be split between the Spotted Flycatcher and Sand Martin (Aadil Khan), the Purple Sandpiper (Alex McKechnie) and the Kentish Plover (S Rogers). Each of the photographs are excellent, and well-done to all three photographers. But, I need to select a single photograph and I particularly like the low-level image of the Kentish Plover by Steve Rogers, a great photographic record of this rare vagrant visiting our shores.

Many thanks once again to everyone who has taken the time to submit sighting reports, photographs and videos to our sightings team, it really is greatly appreciated by so many people.”

Adrian Lea returns from the Greek islands to give us his overview of this weeks photos…
“The week certainly began with some excellent birding by Cole Brautigam who was able to capture an excellent record shot of a female Red-footed Falcon at Croft Pascoe, in addition to a lovely Spotted Flycatcher.
Tuesday saw Alistair Swanson at Hayle where he was able to get some great shots of Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit, while Clive Welland also submitted a great photo of a Whimbrel taken at Cape Cornwall.

The Cattle Egret photographed at Walmsley by Paul Davies on Wednesday appear to be menacingly haunched in synchrony against a prevailing wind, a real atmospheric shot.

Thursday saw Vic Booth at Par Sands where he was fortunate to see 19 Eider Duck, providing him with a great opportunity for a lovely ‘skim’ shot at low level across the shimmering waves. Steven Wood kindly provided us with a record shot of a Great Northern Diver in summer plumage at Kennack Sands on Thursday, while I greatly admire Martin Webb for his Swift flight shot, that takes some practice! Meanwhile Aadil Khan was busy at Croft Pascoe and submitted some beautifully detailed Great Spotted Woodpecker and Spotted Flycatcher images.

Vic Booth was at Carbis Moor on Saturday and I really enjoyed his Nuthatch photograph.
Sunday was clearly a busy day for our photographers with J Hawkey and A Lobb both providing important record shots of the newly arrived Kentish Plover at Marazion Beach, while some amazing flight shots of Marsh Harrier (Paul Davies), Swallow ( Dean Pollard) and Red Kite (Darren Rundle) were also submitted, together with a Redpoll at Halvana Plantation by A Tomkins.

My choice for photo of the week this week would be split between the Spotted Flycatcher (Aadil Khan), the Swallow (Dean Pollard) and the Nuthatch (Vic Booth). Each of the photographs would be worthy winners, but I’m obliged to select a single photograph and, on balance, I’ve chosen the Nuthatch by Vic, a characteristic pose by such a well-loved woodland favourite.
Many thanks once again to everyone who has taken the time to submit sighting reports, photographs and videos to our sightings team, it really is greatly appreciated by so many people.”

Many thanks Adrian for the review and Congratulations Vic on winning your first POTW this year.

I have to thank Jasmina Goodair for standing in for Adrian Lea who is off birding in warmer climes. It’s so helpful to have a committed team of POTW reviewers who can cover for each other and continue to keep the page current and on point. Thank you all.

Here’s Jasmina’s take on the week.
“Another brilliant week for our migrants and locals. The weather has allowed for some good photographic conditions too. Please be aware we cannot accept a photo for Photo of the Week unless it is accompanied by a proper sighting submission with it – ideally, we need more than a single bird at a location as that is what helps to further our knowledge of birds and how they are doing. A Robin somewhere is as important as some vagrant in a location – truly……
So, for the week, on Monday Stuart Croft gave us another beautiful portrait of the Lesser Kestrel in the Croft Pascoe area… and I really liked Aadil Khan’s Meadow Pipits there as well.

Tuesday was a great day for images, Linda Birtwhistle’s image of a Cuckoo with a Meadow Pipit was very good. Other images that caught my eye were Andy Blondon’s Mute Swan and cygnets, Adrian Davey’s Lesser Kestrel was very lovely, as was Jonathan Warner’s Black-winged Stilt.

Wednesday was another excellent day. I really liked Gill Fisher’s Purple Heron and Marsh Harrier images at Walmsley. Then Martin Webb’s shots from Marazion of Stonechat and Linnet with Little Grebe and Aadil Khan’s shots at Hayle of Whitethroat and Whimbrel…

So, Thursday was a quieter day and the bird of the day of the Raven at Porthtowan by Geoff Rogers…was an excellent choice.
Friday had some excellent images of our smaller birds, often most challenging to photograph… The stand outs were Adrian a Lea’s Garden Warbler – a beauty of a shot and Dean Pollard’s Meadow pipit at Tregonetha and his stunning Yellowhammer shot.

Saturday the Osprey shot of the day was a beauty but unfortunately it did not come with a relevant sighting and all I can say – a really good and great shot. Thank you, Tim Clements, for submitting.
So Sunday and I liked N Dave’s shot of a Cuckoo on Caradon Hill – seems Bodmin Moor is good for Cuckoos this year – also I love Dean Pollards dramatic Treraven shot of a Robin – not one to meet at night!
So what of the Photo of the Week – some excellent images and I resorted to looking at fine detail… My personal favourites were Dave Folland’s Grasshopper Warbler, Adrian Lea’s Garden Warbler and Dean Pollard’s Yellowhammer. The Yellowhammer was gorgeous – sharp and so in the frame with an attitude – Well done Dean – yours this week…
Thank you everyone, we appreciate your input.”

How and when we feed garden birds can have a big impact on their health. At last years AGM we heard about Tiffany Farrant-Clark’s graduate research into the effects of cleaning bird feeders on bacterial growth.
Now new guidance arising from RSPB led research, encourages us to feed seasonally to help reduce disease risk – notably trichomonosis. This disease, which has already caused serious declines in greenfinch and chaffinch populations, affects their ability to swallow food, and can be fatal.

From May to October, we should stop feeding seeds and peanuts to prevent crowding and disease risks and instead offer a small amount of mealworms, fat balls or suet year-round. Natural food is plentiful at this time of year, but disease risk is higher in warmer conditions.

From November to April, feed seeds and peanuts in moderation, when the benefit to birds are likely to be greatest.

The guidance also suggests weekly cleaning of feeders and moving them after a clean to clear debris underneath, as well as changing drinking water daily and cleaning baths weekly will have a big impact on bird health.

Find out more about the new guidance here