Cornwall (non birding ) holiday

 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.

Stonechats were common  and a couple of youngsters posed beautifully.

Sea birds were few and far between but this Oystercatcher had a nest on an inaccessible islet and appeared to have a single chick with very little between it a a 100' cliff!

The only other bird seen was this feral Rock Dove (type)

It did make a pretty picture in that setting!

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.

This was the highlight of the holiday (birdwise)!

This was a Jackdaw on Treyarnon Bay waiting for holiday maker titbits.

A walk along the Camel estuary at Padstow was very disappointing  with only this Grey Heron and a few distant Little Egrets....Oh yes, I did hear a Curlew! 

....but we did enjoy the long sunny days, the Cornish Pasties and the Cream Teas!!