In past years we normally have an Autumn week in North Cornwall but this year, due to a number of circumstances, it was agreed to have a 10 day holiday in June.
This proved to be a beach holiday in Porthcothan, a small bay west of Padstow . The weather was amazing with almost unbroken sunshine; very different to the type of weather we usually experience in October!
Birding was not in the plan so it was a matter of enjoying the sand,sea and sunshine and a good dose of Cornish Pasties and Cream teas!
A walk to Park Head which is on the coast path to Bedruthan Steps produced a few species and I did 'happen' to have my camera with me!
First up was this Rock Pipit on a grassy cliff top.
On one evening we headed to Constantine Bay a little further east from Porthcothan and to my surprise there was a flock of about 80 waders feeding along the rocky tideline viewed from a well used high level pathway. Of course, no camera not even binoculars! I could make out Dunlin but there were other species with them.
Next evening armed with suitable equipment we returned and fortunately the birds were there too.
Unfortunately a dog was there also but with patience I was able to make my way to the rocks and the dog eventually disappeared and I was able to get a few shots of this very confiding flock consisting mainly of Dunlin and Sanderlings. both species in varying summer/winter plumage.
