May Bird Guiding Day 9

Tuesday 19th May, the penultimate day to my 10 day bird Tour for American birder, Steve Dexter. It’s been hard graft and we are taking things a little easier now, so a light day starting at 9.30am at Marazion followed by a short sea-watch at Pendeen and finally a trot around Gwithian, ending with a half an hour in the hide at Ryan’s Field.

Marazion was cold and occasionally wet. A Cuckoo flew in from the west and perched in a bush overlooking the marsh and Cetti’s warblers gave a few tantalising views but there was little else and certainly no sign of the Teal we were looking for. Pendeen was stunning, with big seas and dramatic cliff-tops and just enough birds to keep us occupied. Nothing out of the ordinary, apart from Arctic Skua (the only new bird today), but good views of Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Kittiwake etc for Steve. Gwithian and Hayle were both quiet too but it was nice to relax and enjoy prolonged views of Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit at Hayle and marvel at the aerobatics of the Swifts at Gwithian.

Tomorrow we’re ‘Bunting Hunting’!

TRIP LIST TALLY – 146 Species.