We’ve had several enquiries about trips this winter so I’m updating the current situation. Having run several Birdwatching Cruises each winter for the past nine years, Chris and I have decided to take a break and have a winter off. We have thoroughly enjoyed showing so many people the fantastic wildlife of the Tamar Valley and there have been many memorable sightings with the Avocets and Spoonbills always taking centre stage. We’d like to thank all those who have supported […]

First trip of the 2014/15 season and another fine afternoon with plenty to see. Sailing on a slightly higher tide than usual we were able to get further up both the Tamar and Lynher. Only a  few Avocets were seen, c40 on the mudbank at Holes Hole but given the mild weather perhaps that s not surprising. I would expect the numbers to increase in the next few weeks and especially after Christmas. Highlight was a first winter Glaucous Gull […]

The bird watching cruises for this winter have now been finalised and details are on the Birdwatching Cruises Page 

Drakes Island is again under threat from the hotel development. In spite of serious concerns by Natural England, English Heritage, RSPB, Cornwall and Devon Wildlife Trusts and Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, the developers are still pressing for planning permission from Plymouth City Council. Drakes Island is the only nesting site of Little Egret in the Tamar Valley. It also supports a winter and high tide roost of almost all the egrets that use the Tamar Valley ie 70-80 […]

   The first trip of 2014 did not disappoint. Firstly we had a 3 hour window when the sun shone, the wind was virtually nil at times with the river flat calm like a millpond. Ok it was a bit cold but the birds made up for it. Highlights were over 300 Avocet, those on the Lynher were very close and brilliantly lit by the low sun and 2 Kingfisher, both of which sat in the open for all to see […]

  Well it had to happen one day – the weather was somewhat grey and damp to say the least. Still 50 or so people braved the elements and while waiting at Saltash several of the party watched a Peregrine on the bridge. We began our usual  route up the River Tamar. As we were on neap tides the birds were rather distant in the lower reaches of the river and the large mussel banks normally exposed at low tide remained […]

Observations on the feeding mechanisms of Eurasian Spoonbill. Bruce Taggart   (reproduced from CBWPS ‘Palores’ Spring 2013) The Eurasian Spoonbill is a rare passage migrant and winter visitor to Cornwall, but the estuaries of the River Tamar complex including the River Lynher are regular haunts, with up to seven individuals wintering in recent years. Birds usually arrive in November and remain until February / March. Sightings of ringed birds indicate that most, if not all originate from the breeding population in […]

A rather chilly and overcast day dawned but it was dry and calm, so ideal for a day out on a boat.  Most of the group boarded at Saltash, including a 70 strong party from the Tavistock branch of the Devon Wildlife Trust. The tide was very low and as we carefully manoevered upstream the first birds were logged – Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Curlew and Oystercatcher all in reasonably close view, but more distant were Wigeon, Teal and […]

The dates and Saltash departure times for this winters cruises are 17th November 2013 11.00am 15th December 2013 10.30am 29th January 2014 10.00am 15th February 2014 12.00 mid-day For details and how to book click on the Birdwatching Cruise page in the banner above.

After a quiet summer we’re now finalising the winter 2013/14 birdwatching cruises. The first will be on Sunday 17th November, leaving Saltash at 11am. Phone 01752 829163 to reserve your places. There are more trips planned for December, January and February. Details to follow shortly.