Bird Sightings – April 2023
APRIL BIRD SIGHTINGS
SUNDAY 30th APRIL 2023
*SQUACCO HERON* – one on private pond at Lethytep Farm, Lanreath. Park in top field right of entrance gate and follow on site instructions. Access from 9am Monday morning.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – still at small pond along entrance to car park at Porth Joke
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w again on Ryan’s Field
TURTLE DOVE – one at Gwithian Green LNR early morning
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – one at Marazion Marsh again
CATTLE EGRET – one at Walmsley Sanctaury
SATURDAY 29th APRIL 2023
*SQUACCO HERON* – one on private pond at Lethytep, Lanreath. (access may be arranged if bird is still present tomorrow)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – adult again this morning on small pond at entrance to Porth Joke.
EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE – one at Lower Bosistow Farm, Polgigga; One at Kenidjack Valley
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w again on Ryan’s Field
ICELAND GULL – one on beach below Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
RING OUZEL – male in field with dung heap at Chapel Carn Brea
CATTLE EGRET – one at Drift Reservoir in fields opposite hide
FRIDAY 28th APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w again on Ryan’s Field early morning then flew to estuary
GULL-BILLED TERN – probable reported east past Pendennis Point at 13.34 then again north up Carrick Roads at 14.00hrs
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – adult flew over Porth Joke late evening. Also juvenile at Ponsangoth, showing well
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – one reported low over fields east of A3038 at Cross Lanes, The Lizard
WOOD WARBLER – one reported between Loscombe Lane and Grillis Farm, Four Lanes.
GREAT EGRET – one at RSPB Marazion Marsh this morning then fleww off
GARGANEY – drake again at St Gothian Sands NR, flew mid morning to main pool
RING OUZEL – 2 at Chapel Carn Brea this morning
CATTLE EGRET – one at Marazion Marsh this morning
CASPIAN GULL – 1w reported on Hayle Estuary
GLAUCOUS GULL – juv at St Clement’s Isle, Mousehole his evening
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – again at Marazion Marsh this afternoon
WHOOPER SWAN – one on Bude Canal today
COMMON SCOTER – drake again at St Gothian Sands on main pool and showing well
THURSDAY 27th APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w on Ryan’s Field again this afternoon
GARGANEY – one flew into St Gothian Sands NR this afternoon
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL – mobile bird on path at St Gothian Sands NR this afternoon
RING OUZEL – six at Chapel Car Brea this morning
COMMON SCOTER – on on pond at St Gothian Sands NR
WEDNESDAY 26th APRIL 2023
*SQUACCO HERON* – one perched in ash tree in garden at Dobwalls then flew off early morning
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w again on Ryan’s Field RSPB, then flew south
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL – male still at St Gothian Sands NR
GARGANEY – drake again at St Gothian Sands NR
RING OUZEL – one at Hendra, Nanquidno; male at Cape Cornwall golf club
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – one at Marazion Marsh still
RING-NECKED DUCK – still at Helston boating lake
COMMON SCOTER – one on pool at St Gothian Sands NR
TUESDAY 25th APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – again on Hayle Estuary from causeway then flew south
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL – one at St Gothian Sands NR
OSPREY – one at Restronguet Creek
GLAUCOUS GULL – juv still at Newlyn Harbour
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – one at Marazion Marsh with Canada Goose
RING-NECKED DUCK – fem still at Helston Boating Lake
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF – on at Marazion by beach, singing
PIED FLYCATCHER – male on west side of churchyard at Pendeen this morning
MONDAY 24th APRIL 2023
WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER – male in private garden in St Just yesterday afternoon, but no further sign by evening
GOLDEN ORIOLE – male again at Chapel Carn Brea
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – one to NW of St Buryan
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w again from B3301 causeway at Lelant Saltings this evening, earlier seen at Marazion
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – one with Canada Geese at Marazion Marsh RSPB
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE – presumed released immature bird at Colliford Lake again
SUNDAY 23rd APRIL 2023
GULL-BILLED TERN – one on river Camel then flew downriver
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – 1st summer female again on moor towards Kynance Cove
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – Adult at Boscathno Reservoir today and showing well; adult also at Marazion Marsh this evening flew from cleared areaby bridge at 2100hrs; Adult again at BK Fisheries, St Erth tonight.
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w still at Red River Mouth this morning
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – male at Treeve Moor, left of barns
HOOPOE – one still on south side of Goonhilly Downs
PURPLE HERON – one in reed bed at Gunwalloe late evening
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL – one in field at back of Sennen Quarry. Also Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and 5 Whimbrel. Also male at Walmsley Sanctuary
RING OUZEL – four on west side of Chapel Carn Brae in field with manure heap; male at Davidstow Airfield
HOODED CROW – one again in ploughed field above Hendra
CATTLE EGRET – 5+ still in field with cattle at Catchall this morning but no sign mid-afternoon. One at Millbrook.
RING-NECKED DUCK – female still at Helston boating lake
WOOD SANDPIPER – on at Rissick Flash, Crow’s-an-wra this morning
RUFF – 6 on Ryan’s Field this evening
SATURDAY 22nd APRIL 2023
WHITE-BILLED DIVER – adult flew past Pendeen lighthouse
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – one again at BK fisheries, St Erth this evening; adult at Marazion Marsh in cut area viewed from bus shelter this evening
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w by Hogus Rocks, Marazion
GOLDEN ORIOLE – male again near old barn at Chapel Carn Brea today
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – female again over corner of field opposite road to Kynance
CATTLE EGRET – one at Par Sands; 7 in field at Catchall
WOOD SANDPIPER – one at Rissick Flash, Crows-an-Wra
FRIDAY 21st APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w by Hogus Rocks, Marazion
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – female again over corner of field opposite road to Kynance
GOLDEN ORIOLE – male again near old barn at Chapel Carn Brea today
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – male at Treeve Moor, left of barns
PURPLE HERON – one at Croft Pascoe Pool this afternoon
DOTTEREL – one in tilled field west of Old Foage Road, Zennor
HOOPOE – one still on south side of Goonhilly Downs
GARGANEY – drake at Par Beach Pool
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE – one with Canada Geese at Drift Reservoir
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE – presumed released immature bird at Colliford Lake again
THURSDAY 20th APRIL 2023
GOLDEN ORIOLE – male again near old barn at Chapel Carn Brea today
HOOPOE – singles at Golitha Fall and Goonhillly Downs
BLACK-WINGED STILT – fem still on River Fal at Ruan Lanihorne
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – female again over corner of field opposite road to Kynance
HAWFINCH – one at Little Trethewey this afternoon
CATTLE EGRET – five still in field with cattle from layby at Catchall
HOODED CROW – one still at Hendra, Nanquidno
RING OUZEL – singles at Chapel Carn Brea, Carloggas Downs and Trevose Head, two at St Agnes Head, Five on north west side of Carn Eanes, Pendeen
PIED FLYCATCHER – male reported at Foage Valley
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER – one at Kynance farm
WHINCHAT – one near visitor car park at Kynance Cove; one at Trevose Head
COMMON REDSTART – 2 females at Trevose Head
Common Swift – one over Porth Joke
HARRIER Sp. – ringail flew over Trevince Woods
WEDNESDAY 19th APRIL 2023
GOLDEN ORIOLE – male at Chapel Carn Brea on and off all day, showing well on occasion. Last seen early evening in NW corner of Chapel Carn Brea
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – female at Kynance Cove today
PURPLE HERON – one still on marsh west of Gwenter
RING OUZEL – one at Chapel Carn Brea this afternoon; one at Pendeen
OSPREY – one flew north-east over Botallack; one over Pendeen this afternoon
GREAT EGRET – one at south end of Stithians Lake
RING-NECKED DUCK – female still at Helston
COMMON SWIFT – one over Pendeen
RED KITE – numerous birds reported today including 8 in Bartinney area, 3 at Marazion, singles at Roseworthy, Connor Downs, Penryn, Belenowe, Longdowns.
TUESDAY 18th APRIL 2023
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – on road to Kynance, showing well
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – one still by big pool, Porthgwarra
HOOPOE – one on south side of Goonhilly Downs
GLAUCOUS GULL – still at Newlyn
RING OUZEL – one at Soapy Cove
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE – immature, presumed IOW released bird at Colliford Lake
DOTTEREL – one at Zennor
HOODED CROW – one by B3306 south of Trewellard
MONDAY 17th APRIL 2023
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – 1st-winter female again showing well intermittently between 11.00 and 13.00hrs at Lizard Village
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – one near big pool at Porthgwarra early afternoon
LITTLE BUNTING – one again in hedge next to track between Boscregan and Hendra
CATTLE EGRET – 7 in field at Catchall
RING OUZEL – female at Perranporth
OSPREY – one flew east offshore at Falmouth
SUNDAY 16th APRIL 2023
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – two in area at west end of Potato field at Raftra Farm, Polgigga; One at Porthgwarra in roadside hegde just past turn for Highlands; also one by big pool at Porthgwarra
BLACK-WINGED STILT – still on river Fal at Ruan Lanihorne
OSPREY – one flew north over Treeve Moor, Lands End
GREAT EGRET – one river Fal at Ruan Lanihorne
CATTLE EGRET – 7 still at Prtheras Common, Pendeen
RING-NECKED DUCK – fem still at Helston Boating Lake
SATURDAY – 15th APRIL 2023
SERIN – one at Barras Nose, Tintagel this morning
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – one in fields at Polgigga
BLACK-WINGED STILT – female still at Ruan Lanihorne from bridge west of village
PURPLE HERON – adult again in field north of bridge at Ruan Lanihorne
JACK SNIPE – one in bracken on south side of valley at Nanjizal
HOODED CROW – one at Dodman Point this morning; also one in ploughed fields at Hendra
FRIDAY 14th APRIL 2023
(??) SPANISH/ATLAS FLYCATCHER – possible reported in private garden at St Just present for 2 days but no sign today.
BLACK-WINGED STILT – two at Amble Marshes showing well on flood opposite parking area late afternoon. One still at Ruan Lanihorne from road bridge
PURPLE HERON – again in rushy field north of bridge at Ruan Lanihorne; one still in field west of Gwenter
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – female still along coastal path west of Faraway Cottage, Nanjizal
MONTAGU’S HARRIER – ringtail over fields near Lizard Village late afternoon
RING-NECKED DUCK – female still at Helston boating lake
GLAUCOUS GULL – jus still in harbour at Newlyn
ICELAND GULL – one briefly in field at Tevescan then flew towards Sennen
CATTLE EGRET – flew from Hayle Estuary late morning towards St Erth; 13 still at Walmsley Sanctaury; 7 still at Portheres Common, Pendeen
STORM PETREL – one on seen from Scillonian III crossing form Penzance to Scilly
WILLOW WARBLER – one singing at St Gothian Sands
THURSDAY 13th APRIL 2023
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON – one flushed from garden at Lamorna Cove flew upstream; one flushed from Portheras Valley, Pendeen flew towards Morvah
BLACK-WINGED STILT – two still at Amble Marshes; one still at Ruan Lanihorne; one at Maer Lake, Bude
PURPLE HERON – one at Ruan Lanihorne again
HEN HARRIER – probable ringtail flew east from Treeve Moor, Land’s End
BLACK GUILLEMOT – one offshore at Pendeen
GLAUCOUS GULL – one again at Newlyn Harbour
LITTLE TERN – one at Hayle Estuary, flew towards estuary mouth after fishing in Carnsew Pool
SOOTY SHEARWATER – 2 past Downderry early morning
ARCTIC TERN – one with Little Tern at Hayle
WEDNESDAY 12th APRIL 2023
PURPLE HERON – again at Ruan Lanihorne showing well from bridge; also one again at Gwenter
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w still on Hayle Estuary this efternoon from B3301 causeway
GARGANEY – one at Crows-an-wra
ICELAND GULL – on beach below Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn
RING-NECKED DUCK – fem still at Helston boating lake
TUESDAY 11th APRIL 2023
PURPLE HERON – again at Ruan Lanihorne showing well from bridge
BLACK-WINGED STILT – one still at Ruan Lanihorne from bridge showing well; ona at Maer Lake, Bude
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w still on Hayle Estuary this efternoon from B3301 causeway
MONDAY 10th APRIL 2023
BLACK-WINGED STILT – 5 still at Walmsley Sanctuary this afternoon; one still at Ruan Lanihorne from bridge showing well; male still at Maer Lake, Bude
PURPLE HERON – again at Ruan Lanihorne showing well from bridge; two reported in marsh by cattle grid near Ponsongath then flew towards Gwenter
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still in field on left as you leave track from Faraway cottage, Nanjizal, that or another at Arden-sawah Farm late afternoon; one inn field on road to Cot Valley; one in ‘recent days’ at Nare Head, but not seen today.
TURTLE DOVE – one at Trevothen, Coverack
RING-NECKED DUCK – female again at Helston Boating lake
GLAUCOUS GULL – one at Newlyn again
CATTLE EGRET – one flew over the A30 at Catchall
WHOOPER SWAN – in fields at Jerocho Farm, St Just
WOOD SANDPIPER – one at Walmsley Sanctuary
ARCTIC TERN – offshore at Rock
SUNDAY 9th APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w still on Hayle Estuary this efternoon from B3301 causeway
BLACK-WINGED STILT – 6 still at Walmsley Sanctuary this afternoon; one still at Ruan Lanihorne from bridge showing well
PURPLE HERON – again at Ruan Lanihorne showing well from bridge
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still in field on left as you leave track from Faraway cottage, Nanjizal
HOOPOE – in private garden at Carnon Downs
SERIN – one reported singing at St Buryan
BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL – male reported at St Gothian Sands NR
SPOONBILL – on river Fal viewed from roadbridge at Ruan Lanihorne
ICELAND GULL – at Drift reservoir
GARGANEY – one at Nanjizal Valley; two reported at St Buryan
WHOOPER SWAN – in fields at Jerocho Farm, St Just
BLACK REDSTART – one in same field as Woodchat Shrike at Nanjizal
SATURDAY 8th APRIL 2023
ALPINE SWIFT – one over St Ia’s Church at 0730 and showing well (B.Dallas et al)
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w still on Hayle Estuary this morning from B3301 causway (D.Julian, I.Hayes et al)
BLACK-WINGED STILT – 6 still at Walmsley Sanctuary this afternoon; one still at Ruan Lanihorne from bridge showing well
PURPLE HERON – again at Ruan Lanihorne showing well from bridge (D.Julian)
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still along track to Carn les Boel, Nanjizal (J.Chapple)
FRIDAY 7th APRIL 2023
ALPINE SWIFT – one flew east at Nanjizal Valley (R.Veal); two birds around St Ia’s Church, St Ives, appeared to go to roost late evening
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w on estuary at Hayle today, view from B3301 Causeway. (L.Langley; G.Jones)
BLACK-WINGED STILT – male still at Maer Lake NR this afternoon; 6 at Walmsley sanctuary and 1 at Ruan Lanihorne
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still along track to Carn les Boel late afternoon
GARGANEY – drake at Windmill Farm this morning
RING-NECKED DUCK – fem still at Helston boating lake
SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF – one at Gwennap Sewerage works (M.Grantham)
THURSDAY 6th APRIL 2023
BLACK-WINGED STILT – SIX birds still at Walmsley Sanctuary this morning. Also, male still at Maer Lake this morning on west side viewed for Maer Road, tho elusive; one for 2nd day on farmland at Coverack with no general access
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still along track to Carn les Boel late afternoon
LITTLE BUNTING – still in stubble field at top end of Comfort Wood along footpath to Lower Metherell this morning
PURPLE HERON – one from bridge at Ruan Lanihorn this afternoon
CATTLE EGRET – 10 birds roosting on island at College Lake, Falmouth, then flew SW. Returned this evening to roost again. (L.Langley); also 4 at Marazion Marsh; 20 at Walmsley
WEDNESDAY 5th APRIL 2023
BONAPARTE’S GULL – 1w on estuary at Hayle today, view from B3301 Causeway, flew off at 1320hrs, then back at 1540hrs
ALPINE SWIFT – one early morning 0745hrs at St Ives
BLACK-WINGED STILT – SIX together at Walmsley Sanctuary this afternoon; male again at Maer Lake, Bude this morning
BLACK KITE – one flying SE over Wheal Alfred, Hayle at 1145hrs
PURPLE HERON – one briefly at Chapel Porth, St Agnes then flew inland (G.Lawlor); that or another flew west over Rosemullion late morning (E.Cornelius)
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still at Faraway Cottage, Nanjizal still this afternoon (B.Dallas)
HOOPOE – one in private garden at Perranporth
SERIN – male at Pendeen near lighthouse at 0900hrs
TUESDAY 4th APRIL 2023
!!!EURASIAN SCOPS OWL!!! – one on private ringing site at Nanjizal, may have flown towards seaward end of valley.
BLACK-WINGED STILT – male at The Strand on River Neet just north of Bude Canal. Later on Maer Lake. Three birds on flooded field at Church Cove below Mullion Gold Club. (photographed by groundsman)
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still along track to Carn les Boel, Nanjizal
LITTLE BUNTING – one still at Metherell
OSPREY – one flew North over Penryn Estuary
GARGANEY – three still at Par Beach Pool
ICELAND GULL – one at Land’s End, late afternoon
CATTLE EGRET – 3 at Marazion Marsh; one at Drift Reservoir; 2 in fields at Trewidden, Newlyn
HOODED CROW – one (or hybrid) flew along valley at Towednack
MONDAY 3rd APRIL 2023
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – still at Nanjizal along track to Carn les Boel this morning
HOOPOE – on in flight over road at Kuggar this morning
LITTLE BUNTING – still at Metherell today
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER – one at Letcha Farm, St Just
SEDGE WARBLER – one at St Gothian Sands
RED KITE – one over A30 nr Launceston; one over Marazion
SUNDAY 2nd APRIL 2023
ALPINE SWIFT – one showing well over drying sheds at Par Docks. Also Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin
WOODCHAT SHRIKE – one in gorse between Higher Bosistow farm and coast path at Nanjizal
GARGANEY – 2 drakes and 1 female at Par Beach Pool
CATTLE EGRET – three at Drift Reservoir still
WHOOPER SWAN – one at Drift Reservoir
BLACK-THROATED DIVER – 72+ on sea off Porthpean. Also 30 GN Divers
RUSSIAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE – adult still at Mawgan Porth
RING-NECKED DUCK – fem still at Helston Boating lake
SATURDAY 1st APRIL 2023
ALPINE SWIFT – one showing well over drying sheds at Par Docks.
ICELAND GULL – adult again on Gannel Estuary
GLAUCOUS GULL – on at Drift Reservoir
BLACK GUILLEMOT – one still on sea off Pennance Point