Temminck’s Stint

Chapel Amble, Cornwall 
I had the day off so me and my mate Pete caught up for a spot of birding. As the Temminck’s Stint has been around for a while now. It seemed rude not to pay it a visit. We got to the village car park and got straight on to the bird in the field directly opposite. The bird showed beautifully although I struggled to get a decent photo. There was unfortunately nothing else special on site, despite recent reports of Water Pipit, Western Cattle Egret, Ruff, Western Barn Owl and Grey Partridge. However, I have to say, that’s the easiest Temminck’s Stint to bag ever!

Temminck’s Stint 

Temminck’s Stint 

Hayle Estuary, Cornwall 
We moved on to look for the reported Ring-billed Gull. Despite there being a good number of Gull species around, a good scan couldn’t locate it. However, there were good numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull and a couple of smart Mediterranean Gull finally gave themselves up. I’m pretty sure I had a Yellow-legged Gull but this distance was immense, even for my optics! On Ryan’s field was the resident Eurasian Spoonbill, that was fast asleep.

Helston boating lake, Cornwall 
As this wasn’t far away. We thought we would give this site a go as the Ring-billed Gull has visited this site. Our luck wasn’t in but we did see the almost certain plastic Ferruginous Duck.

Aylesbeare Common, Devon 
A quick visit produced really nice views of a Male and Female Dartford Warbler. A nice way to round the day off.  

Gulls, Gulls, Gulls And Some Other Good Stuff

A day trip to Cornwall
A few days before this outing I had planned on going to Cornwall but I didn't feel up to the drive so Ham Wall looked like this place to go. I met up with my good pal Pete but on route we had both heard the news that the M5 had been shut. I later, sadly found out that it had been closed due to a fatality. So a quick decision saw us reverting to the original plan of Cornwall.

Trenance Pool, Newquay, Cornwall
Our first port of call was the boating lake in Newquay for the 1st winter Ring-billed Gull. We picked the bird up sitting on the island and it posed very nicely. Also around the lake were 3 Muscovy Duck.

Ring-billed Gull (1st winter)

Ring-billed Gull (1st winter)

St Gothian Sands, Gwithian, Cornwall
Our next leg was a quick trip down the road to see the Male Greater Scaup and juvenile Glaucous Gull. The Greater Scaup was on display but due to the blustery conditions I couldn't get a photo. There was initially no sign of the Gull but on leaving it popped on the island.

Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)

Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)

Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall
We moved on further into the depths of Cornwall, with more white winged gulls our target. On arrival at the harbour this Iceland Gull was showing so amazingly. We didn't even need our binoculars to view it. The best views I have ever had of this species!

Iceland Gull (1st Winter) 

Iceland Gull (1st Winter)

Then to top it off, the second Glaucous Gull of the day (and my third of the year) dropped in and gave equally stupendous views.

Glaucous Gull (2nd Winter)

Glaucous Gull (2nd Winter)

Marizion, Cornwall 

A lightening quick stop to look for Loons proved fruitless but a distant Sinensis Great Cormorant was a nice to see.

Drift Reservoir, Cornwall

Still in complete awe with the views of the Gulls. We moved on to Drift Reservoir in hope of the Pink-footed Goose. Distance views were obtained of the Goose in with a group of Canada Goose and Greylag Goose. Also distant views of a Black-necked Grebe.

Hayle Estuary, Cornwall
A quick stop off for the Eurasian Spoonbill proved a success as the bird was showing beautifully on Ryans field. Also of note were countless Lesser Black-backed Gull and a few Mew Gull.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Eurasian Spoonbill

Dozmary Pool

The last stop of the day, in search of the Male Lesser Scaup. I have managed to see this bird at this site for the last 4 years and today didn't disappoint. Again I couldn't manage any pictures in the blustery conditions. Also on the pool were a pair of Common Goldeneye. Around the pool were several European Golden Plover and I also managed vey brief views of a immature / Female Hen Harrier as it dived into cover.

So we headed for home very happy indeed with the species seen and the views of the Gulls will stick with me forever. Cornwall never fails to deliver.