Auks and Divers

Report. R.Lane. 20th May 2010

"Calm sea and good light today. Decided to have one last look at the Bay before the tourists get here. Started at Porthpean, no wind, thus no fulmars. Eventually found about 10 x Fulmars up on the cliffs, sitting on eggs presumably. Offshore I could just see 2 x Gannets, but best has to be the 1 x G.N.Diver resplendent in full summer plumage. Soon be leaving now.
On to Charlestown to investigate some smaller birds I could see. Surprisingly perhaps, they turned out to be 2 x Comm. Scoter. Probably summering birds, since nesting 'up north' should be half over and the flocks of males will be returning in less than a month. And the three smaller birds turned out to be 3 x Auks, Guillemots probably (way out to sea).
Carlyon Bay cliff car-park gave sight to 2 x Fulmars; 2 x Sand.Terns and another 1 x G.N.Diver in summ.plumage.
Par Bay yielded yet another 1 x G.N.Diver in s.p.and 7 x Sand.Terns (may have included the Carlyon ones). While Par Beach showed 1 x L.Egret; 1 x Curlew (early returning bird?) and a group of 8 interesting small waders, unfortunately seen only in flight, at a distance, (toward Spit Beach!). However, from a few prominent wing-bars, some or all may have been Sanderling, it's about time !"

Thanks for the report Roger.

Looks as if you had an interesting day...more than I can say for myself.
During the week I have a small window to get out and about..1000hrs-1215hrs and the afternoon 1400hrs 1615hrs and as you can see that is not ideal with the new parking charges at Par.
I did call in this evening and would say it was excellent if I was looking for Rabbits who were here ,there and everywhere. Nothing at all to report..the sea was misty out towards Spit and although calm I could not pick out anything unusual.