AVOCET AND SPOONBILL BIRDWATCHING CRUISES
Avocets on the River Tamar
WINTER SAILINGS 2014/15
All departures are from Saltash
Sat 22nd November 2014: 12:15pm
Sat 6th December 2014: 12.30pm
Sun 1st February 2015: 10:00am
Tues 17th February 2015: 11.30am
Join us for a three hour cruise on the beautiful Rivers Tamar and Lynher with a full commentary by Bruce. Improve your bird identification skills and learn about the ecology of the river. We are only running five trips this winter and there is likely to be a high demand for places, so please booking early to avoid disappointment.
To reserve your place just email tamarwildlife@btinternet.com or phone 01752 829163. We will need your contact details if you haven’t been out with us before otherwise the date of the trip and number of tickets required is sufficient. Once we have confirmed that space is available, you can pay by BACS transfer (preferrerd option) or send a cheque, payable to Tamar Wildlife to:
Tamar Wildlife Primrose Bank Radford Lane Millbrook Cornwall PL10 1AH
Please phone for BACS transfer account details.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
About the winter trips
The River Tamar has long been recognised as one of the most important rivers in south west England for wintering wildfowl and waders especially Avocets. Birdwatching cruises were first organised by naturalist and broadcaster Tony Soper more than 30 years ago and in 2006 Tamar Wildlife continued this tradition with three very successful cruises. Since then we have run cruises each winter when the numbers of birds are at their highest.
Spoonbill on the Lynher, photo by Charlie Bird
Grey Heron on the Lynher
The Cruise
Each cruise lasts between 3 and 31/2 hours and we hope to see Shelduck, Wigeon and other wildfowl, Curlew, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and of course the stunning Avocets. Departing from Saltash, start times are dependent on the state of the tide, but we usually sail at low water. We glide slowly upriver towards Cargreen and Wier Quay stopping to look at anything of interest – maybe a Little Egret, chasing small fish on the rising tide or a group of Avocets scything the water for Corophium shrimps. We then return, under the Tamar Bridge and head up the River Lynher to Wacker Quay, where on most cruises, we have been fortunate to see Spoonbills. Up to 9 of these spectacular birds regularly frequent the River Lynher, part of a small population that winters in south west England.
Avocets on the Tamar
The Commentary
Bruce gives a running commentary throughout the cruise, giving you the opportunity to improve your bird identification skills and learn about the ecology of the birds and the river. Using a remote microphone enables him to move about the boat a give individual tuition if required. The commentary describes migration patterns and the feeding habits of the birds and discusses how competition between species is minimized. He is assisted by staff and volunteers from the RSPB, Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society and Cornwall Wildlife Trust who can also offer advice and guidance.
The Boat
The boat we use is the MV Plymouth Sound, run by Plymouth Boat Trips, which can comfortably accommodate 100 passengers. It has a large open upper deck and an enclosed cabin with big picture windows enabling comfortable viewing. There are good toilet facilities, and excellent bar and light refreshments – the ‘Captains Coffee’ can be thoroughly recommended!!
Little Egret, Black tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Redshank
Cost
Adults £15.00, Children £7.00 (minimum age 8 years).
Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable unless cancellation by the operator.
Sailing from Saltash
The boat sails from Saltash Town Quay under the Tamar Bridge.
Dates and times are subject to tides, weather and circumstances permitting.
Booking
Advanced booking is essential. To obtain tickets you can email tamarwildlife@btinternet.com or phone 01752 829163 to reserve a your place. We will need your contact details if you haven’t been out with us before otherwise the date of the trip and number of tickets required is sufficient. Once we have confirmed that space is available, you can pay by BACS transfer (preferrerd option) or send a cheque, payable to Tamar Wildlife to:
Tamar Wildlife Primrose Bank Radford Lane Millbrook Cornwall PL10 1AH
Please phone for BACS transfer account details.
We will reserve your tickets until we receive your payment and then email you a boarding number. If you don’t have an email address, please enclose a stamped self addressed envelope with your cheque and we will send you a boarding pass.
On the Day
Make sure you come prepared with warm clothing and suitable footwear as it can be very chilly on the river. Binoculars are a must and a camera is a useful addition. Arrive in good time and take care when boarding the boat as the steps can be slippery. Bring a hot drink or sandwiches if you wish, although filled rolls, hot drinks and snacks are available on board.
Saltash Town Quay is at the bottom of Old Ferry Road, under the Tamar Bridge. There is a free car park 50 metres from the quay. Saltash Railway station is within 10 minutes walk. Click on the link to view a map and directions. saltash town quay.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Cormorants in breeding plumage
Spoonbills off Rat Island