Some recent images in Cornwall

Below are some images taken over the last month around the county.  There's been some gaps in the blog posts recently, mainly because of being busy at work and some family things which take up time.  Plus it's dark in the mornings and evenings so sadly my hobby has taken a back seat!  Anyway, these shots below are a round-up of what activity there has been:

Whooper Swan at Helston boating lake - Jan 2013 - calling continuously

 

 

 

Golden Plover at Colliford, part of a flock of 50 feeding in the fields by Dozmary Pool.

 

 

Firecrest at Helston Sewerage Works. A Siberian Chiffchaff was also present but I couldn't get the right shot. Try again some sometime!

 

Black-necked Grebe at Newlyn Jan 2013. One of my favourite images of this long-stayer in the harbour.

 

Chiffchaff at Swanvale - quite a pale bird but the buff flanks rule out Siberian.



Male Black Redstart at Portscatho harbour - this individual has been wintering here.

Bittern at Marazion

I spent some time today at Marazion hoping to see a Bittern. As it happens, I was lucky as I had four flight views of two birds which flew up from the west side of the reserve. A third bird had already been seen in the north east corner. Elsewhere, I also saw the first year Whooper Swan at Helston along with a Firecrest and Siberian Chiffchaff at the sewerage works.

(The photo above was taken at Marazion in Dec 2010.)

Great Northern Divers in Newlyn Harbour

Up to three Great Northern Divers have been seen in Newlyn Harbour over Christmas though I only saw these two first year birds.  Newlyn is one of the best places around to see this species up close.  High tide is better for photography as the angle is less acute.