West Cornwall has to be one of the best places in Britain for bird spotting. I’ll be honest from the outset: I’m not an expert ornithologist! However, I am fascinated by unusual birds (working at Paradise Park wildlife sanctuary definitely helped), and like many locals, I love a stroll around Marazion Marshes.
I was so excited when our new RSPB bird-themed collection arrived at Newlyn Maids gift shop earlier this month, and can’t wait to get out on the coast paths with my shiny new flask.
New to bird spotting? Here’s our beginners’ guide to bird spotting in West Cornwall.
Why is West Cornwall so good for bird spotting?
You know that feeling when there isn’t going to be another motorway service station for a good few miles, so you’d better stop now? That’s how Cornwall and Scilly are for birds. Jutting out into the Atlantic, we’re the last land mass for many migratory birds: basically, Cornwall is a pit stop.
We also see some accidental rarities here, when migratory birds get blown off course or overshoot their actual destination (look out for temporary visitors like hoopoes and alpine shrikes in Cornwall). This usually happens during the migratory periods in the spring or autumn, and causes great excitement among the birdwatching community.
However, most feathered visitors do actually intend to come here, and West Cornwall and Scilly are popular destinations for birds as well as humans. Our mild climate makes us the perfect spot for many species like curlews and widgeons, and the fact that we don’t really get proper frosts makes places like Hayle Estuary especially welcoming for overwintering.
And of course, there are our beautiful native species like the Cornish chough and common buzzards, plus other seabirds such as gannets and cormorants. Stride out on the coast paths, take a boat trip along the coast, or even catch the Scillonian to Scilly: you’ll definitely encounter something of interest.
Which rare birds are spotted in Cornwall?
There was great excitement this spring when a golden oriole was spotted in Chapel Carn Brae (west of St Ives). Despite their vibrant plumage and loud whistle-like cry, these are shy birds, so this was a significant spot. Golden Orioles spend the summers in Europe and their winters in Africa, but are occasionally spotted in Southern England.
Last summer, another brightly coloured bird, a European roller, was spotted in Cornwall for the first time in almost 30 years. With its beautiful vibrant plumage, this Southern European bird really does look like it comes straight from Paradise Park. Naturally, this gorgeous visitor touched down at a luxury holiday resort, Clowance, and after an obliging photo call, vanished into a quieter part of the estate.
A few months ago, birdwatchers from as far as the Shetlands came to Scilly when a super-rare blackburnian warbler was spotted on the little island of Bryher. Despite its British-sounding name, this little chap is actually American, blown off-course and seeking a safe place to rest.
You may be lucky and spot one of these exotic visitors; however, even if you don’t, there are enough fascinating native species and regular migratory species in Cornwall to keep any bird enthusiast happy.
