House Martin at Nest.

House Martin ....Delichon urbicum

House Martins

Penrice has two breeding pairs of House Martins.

Whitethroat

Report and Photograph sent in by: Angela Tonry. 28th June 2010.

"One of a family of 7 Whitethroats seen at Treskilling Downs on Sunday."

Thanks for the report Angie.

Small Skipper

Report. R.Lane.28th June 2010

"Forgot about a 'new' butterfly for Par Dunes yesterday (Sun.27thJune). This was a SMALL SKIPPER (x 2), country cousin to the Large Skipper listed 3 weeks ago. Also saw 4 this evening.
Not much on ParBPool this evening, except an increase of B.H.Gulls to 15 on the Pool. There was also a (new?) family of Coots, 2ads and 7 Cootlets ! (More BHGulls along the Bay). Can't stand much more of this weather, maybe some much needed rain this week."

Thanks for the report Roger.

Blach Headed Gulls

Report. R. Lane. 27th June 2010

"Nothing much doing. A single Little Egret was at Par B.Pool again, otherwise the day was notable for the flock of c.10 Blk.Headed Gulls (autumn returns) on the Pool and some 25 more flew across the Bay, in just an hour. Lets hope this marks the return of Autumn Migration. Grand Prix produced a reasonable result "

Thanks for the report Roger.

Being patriotic does not always pay dividends.
I took a hit today with the Germans winning the Grand Prix and the World Cup match.

Carne Hill. (Out of Bounds)

Report sent by. John Rance 25th June 2010.

FYI, at Carne Hill last night,

At least 3 Nightjar, 2 churring and another hunting, 1 Yellowhammer, several Tree Pipits , 1 male Cuckoo, 1 male Stonechat, Buzzard, Kestrel, and an Adder.

Thanks for the report John..

Even though it is *out of bounds* I feel it is close enough and of sufficient interest to be included on the Blog.
The Tree Pipit would be a Life Tick for me ...

Bullfinches

Report. R. Lane. 25th June 2010

"Not a good day for butterflies or birds methinks ! During the brief stop at P.B.Pool I did see that a single Little Egret was there again. I do wonder if the mate is sitting on eggs nearby as last (?) year, when 2 ads and a juvenile appeared at the pond in late July. The male will soon be back and forth on feeding flights if any egg(s) hatch. The only other 'unusual' flyover was 4 x Bullfinches, calling, possibly a family party."

Thanks for the report Roger.
Things certainly are quiet.

Penrice G.S.Woodpecker.

Great Spotted Woodpecker .....Dendrocopus major

Par Still Quiet.

Report. T.R.Moore. 24th June 2010

Had a morning visit to Par 1030hrs.
Very little of interest on the Pool.
Canada Geese c 70
Goslings c 20 maybe more.
Cygnets x 2
Mallard Ducklings x 9
L.B.B.Gull x 1
Heron x 2
Moorhens
Jackdaws
Pied Wagtails.

The sea was at low tide and I was very disappointed not to find a Wader or two. In fact I saw nothing at all except Herring Gulls and two GBB Gulls.
The Wilderness area yielded a Kestrel overhead , a young Robin and Corvids.
Par still seems very quiet at the moment with very little Wader activity at the moment being reported.

Black Tailed Skimmer.

Photograph taken(22nd June 2010) by Chris Hollyoaks at Treskilling Pit.

Thanks for giving me permission to use the photograph Chris.

Ringlet at Pontsmill.

Report. R.Lane.22nd June 2010

"Didn't you do well at TresK Dwns ! Must admit I've hardly had time to look at the Blog and it was another reader Chris Hollyoak and his wife, whom I met at Tres.K Pit today, who told me of your photos and success. Unfortunately being a blazing hot afternoon they had not had the same good fortune ! I was able to show them a fair number of B.T.Skimmer dragonflies instead, little else ! Too HOT too Long.!
Forgot I have a new butterfly to report for the patch (Pontsmill,S) i.e. a RINGLET (Aphantopus hyperantus) on Mon.21stJune.2010. Nothing today (22nd)."

Thanks for the report and comments Roger.
It was one of those evenings when it all came good....do not have enough of 'em .

Yellowhammer

Yellowhammer.....Emberiza citrinella

Photographed at Treskilling Downs

Common Sandpipier

Reported by D. Julian. 20th June 2010.

Par.

5 x Sandwich Terns

1 x Common Sandpiper at PBP.

Thanks for the sightings Derek.

Treskilling Downs

Managed to get out on to the Baywatch sites after a couple of evening *Owling* which unfortunately was not productive bird wise but was an enjoyable experience.

Penrice yielded the usual assortment i.e: Jay, G.S Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Pheasants, Squirrel and the usual woodland small birds.

An evening visit to Treskilling Downs was very rewarding....we spotted.
Cx 3 Yellowhammers.
Cx 20 Linnets
Cx 2 Jays
Cx 6 Song Thrushes.
2 x Greenfinches
3 x Willow Warblers
Chiffchaff
Kestrel
2 x Buzzard
2 x Bullfinches (M & F)
Meadow Pipit
Wood Pigeons
Robin
Magpie
Corvids and Herring Gulls.

The Downs were alive with the young birds learning their flying technique. Yellow hammers were easily seen perching on the Gorse Bushes. Song Thrushes seemed to be everywhere along with the Jays and it proved to be a lovely way to spend a sunny summer evening

Holmbush Raptor

Report. R.Lane. 16th-17th June 2010.

"Sorry been out butterflying most of this week and all 'out of bounds'! Wish I had a rest up have been overdoing it again. So hot could not get indoors until 8pm last two nights, like an oven !
Last night (16th) was sat outside at 8pm watching brood of 4 young swallows being fed, swifts in the sky above, when swallows scattered and swifts moved away. Just caught glimpse of a fast powerful raptor heading toward Pinelodge Gardens, but no 'bins available. However, glimpse was enough to show we had a Peregrine or a Hobby, hunting over Holmbush !
Only a Grn.W'Pecker at Carloggas Dwns today, no new butterflies, nor at TresK Dwns."

Thanks for the report Roger.
Would like to catch up with the Green Woodpecker at Carloggas Downs.....only ever seen one in flight .

Today's Jay

Jay.....Garrulus glandarius

Mixed Bag

What with the Grand Prix, Royal Ascot, World Cup and Dogwatch (ends tomorrow) things have been very quiet on the birding front.
I managed a short rewarding thirty minutes at Penrice and had ...Blue Tit, Coal Tit,Chaffinch, Robin, Nuthatch x3, G.S Woodpecker, Jay, Pheasant and Squirrels. Most of them photographed to an exceptable level. The Jay is now getting a little more adventurous and I have managed a close up or two on my last two visits.

Sparrowhawk in the Garden.

Nothing new to report today from Penrice and Treskilling Downs.
A few Butterflies were on the wing but nothing new. Penrice was a lot better with a close up shot of the Jay, G.S Woodpecker and the male and female Pheasants. The smaller birds were scarce today with only Great Tits and Robin seen at the feeder.
On the home garden front we had a new visitor...a female Sparrowhawk which I view as a potential hazard to our garden bird population. Today she did not appear to catch anything and sat in the tree just above the fence for 30 seconds so I am told.

Two New Browns for the List.

Report. R. Lane. 13th June 2010.

" Glad to hear you're still guarding that dog, shouldn't it be the other way around ? Wish I'd rested my legs, walked my socks off before lunch. Visits to Pontsmill (cloudy), so drove to Polkerris, S. to give me time for lunch and weekly shopping before the Grand Prix. You were right another British one--two !
While at Polkerris,S (SW0951), I found TWO new butterflies for the St.Austell Baywatch list, namely: 4 x MEADOW BROWNS and 1 x WALL BROWN."

Thanks for the report Roger.

Hopefully I will manage to get out to one of the sites tomorrow.

Black -Tailed Skimmer

Report. R.Lane. 12th June 2010

Good butterfly day (at Readymoney) but little for Par ! On my late afternoon visit I did see 2 x Black-tailed Skimmers, the scarcest large Dragonfly which breeds in Par Pool, probably 'new' since they've only been out 2 weeks.

Thanks for the report Roger.
Still on Dogwatch.
Hope you enjoyed the Grand Prix....a good British victory. A great pity our soccer boys could not manage it.

Nothing New

Sent in by : R.Lane. 11th June 2010


"Nothing of interest today, except a load of the same old butterflies, from Polkeris this time, but nothing new. Hope someone's seen something ! Yesterday I met in the wilderness one David Fenwick photographing mini-beasts in close up. "Sixth biggest website on the net", he reckons. Am just going to look it up at www.a-p-h-o-t-o.com ."

Thanks Roger.

A very interesting web site he has. I will put a link up on the Baywatch Site.

Peregrine Falcon

Report. R.Lane. 10th June 2010

"Not a lot again today, too much wind and cloud. At Pontsmill a single Bullfinch and a flock of c.20 latish House Martins. A little better at Par with 2 x Large Skippers now, and sundry other butterflies. PBPool held 5 x Grey Herons (3 appeared to be juveniles, from a nest? Par Marsh?).
But best of all was a PEREGRINE FALCON flying v.high over the wilderness area."

Thanks for the report Roger.
I am stilll on Dogwatch.
The Peregrine is one for the latest sighting list...Well spotted.

Pheasant Study.

Pheasant ......Phasianus colchicus

Large Skipper

Report.R.Lane. 9th June 2010


"No birds today. Butterfly list from Pontsmill and Par contains only ONE new species for 2010, the LARGE SKIPPER (which is really rather small!). But the Humming Bird Hawkmoth is worth a mention and a fine sight to see, but these immigrants don't hang around !"

Thanks for the report Roger.

Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary.

Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary ......Boloria selene.

Photographed at Treskilling Downs.

Dunlin on PBP.

Report. R.Lane. 8th June 2010

"Not much to report on these wet days. Spent half an hour at Par today between showers. Not a lot, just 2 x Gannets at sea and strangely a summer plumage Dunlin on the PBPool. This may be the one that has been around for over a week now, and it comes to wash in the fresh water, apparently. But is this a late bird going North or an early one going South? It may just be a non-breeder (with nowhere to go!). Can't believe it is a local nester!
While at the Pool I counted the Goslings in the creche, of which there were 18, plus 6 extra ones (much larger) staying with their parents, hence at least 24 young still. I also counted the Swans and found 3 pairs protecting young, 2 with 3 cygnets each (different size) and 1 pair with only 2 cygnets, the latter being the smallest thus youngest. Total 8."

Thanks for the report Roger.
Not a walking about day ....

Pheasant (Female)

Pheasant ....Phasianus colchicus

Par Bird List 2010.

List sent in by : M Whittaker


Par Beach Pool Current Species List 2010

This list is for birds in the entire Par Beach Pool Area including the Beach,Bay,Wilderness area and river. I have also included birds that have been reported via the CBWPS and Cornwall Birding

1.Mute Swan - Cygnus olor
2.Pink Footed Goose - Anser brachyrhynchus
3.Greylag Goose - Anser anser
4.Canada Goose - Branta canadensis
5.Shelduck - Tadorna tadorna
6.Wigeon - Anas penelope
7.Gadwall - Anas strepera
8.Teal - Anas crecca
9.Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos
10.Shoveler - Anas clypeata
11.Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula
12.Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra
13.Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula
14.Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus
15.Black Throated Diver - Gavia arctica
16.Great Northern Diver - Gavia Immer
17.Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
18.Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus
19.Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo
20.Shag - Phalacrocorax aristotelis
21.Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
22.Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea
23.Buzzard - Buteo buteo
24.Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus
25.Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus
26.Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
27.Coot - Fulica atra
28.Oystercatcher - Haematopus ostralegus
29.Ringed Plover - Charadrius hiaticula
30.Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus
31.Dunlin - Calidris alpina
32.Jack Snipe - Lymnocryptes minimus
33.Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago
34.Bar-Tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica
35.Black Tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa
36.Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus
37.Curlew - Numenius arquata
38.Redshank - Tringa totanus
39.Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
40.Black Headed Gull - Chroicocephalus ridibundus
41.Mediterranean Gull - Larus melanocephalus
42.Common Gull - Larus canus
43.Lesser Black Backed Gull - Larus fuscus
44.Greater Black Backed Gull - Larus marinus
45.Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis
46.Wood Pigeon - Columba palumbus
47.Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto
48.Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis
49.Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major
50.Skylark - Alauda arvensis
51.Sand Martin - Riparia riparia
52.Swallow - Hirundo rustica
53.House Martin - Delichon urbicum
54.Rock Pipit - Anthus petrosus
55.Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea
56.Pied Wagtail - Motacilla alba
57.Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes
58.Dunnock - Prunella modularis
59.Robin - Erithacus rubecula
60.Stonechat - Saxicola torquatus
61.Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe
62.Blackbird - Turdus merula
63.Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris
64.Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos
65.Redwing - Turdus iliacus
66.Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus
67.Cetti's Warbler - Cettia cetti
68.Sedge Warbler - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
69.Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus scirpaceus
70.Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla
71.Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita
72.Willow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilus
73.Goldcrest - Regulus regulus
74.Long Tailed Tit - Aegithalos caudatus
75.Blue Tit - Cyanistes caeruleus
76.Great Tit - Parus major
77.Coal Tit - Periparus ater
78.Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus
79.Jay - Garrulus glandarius
80.Magpie - Pica pica
81.Jackdaw - Corvus monedula
82.Rook - Corvus frugilegus
83.Carrion Crow - Corvus corone
84.Raven - Corvus corax
85.Starling - Sturnus vulgaris
86.House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
87.Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs
88.Greenfinch - Carduelis chloris
89.Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis
90.Bullfinch - Pyrrhula pyrrhula
91.Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola
92.Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus
....................................................................................................................................................................

Thanks for the list Mark.
I suspect there will be very little reported on this dreary rainy day.

Golden Ringed Dragonfly

Report Roger Lane 5th June 2010

"Confirm nothing to report from me today (5thJune), not even a Pontsmill butterfly ! Oh, but just a minute, I did see my 1st GOLDEN RINGED DRAGONFLY at P'mill this afternoon. New to patch I believe."

Thanks for the report Roger. Sorry it's late going up. We had visitors.

Quail at Black Head. SX 041 479

Report. M.Whittaker. 4th June 2010

"Snowlands Fisheries today !

8am-10am

2 x Reed Warbler and 1 x Painted Lady Butterfly. No sign of Turtle Dove.

Cornwall Birding reports a Quail at Blackhead (17:40)"

Thanks for the report Mark.

Guess that explains why Roger did not see it this evening.

Hot Days.

Report. R.Lane. 4th June 2010

"Was even to hot for butterflies at Pontsmill today. Of course I forgot butterflies take a siesta on hot days (c.12noon to 2pm), just the time I was up there ! Nothing of interest except usual Jays, Sp.Hawk, Buzzards, Blackcaps and Chiff-chaffs!
Called in at Snowlands c.7pm this evening, but no sign of T.Dove , or people !"

Thanks for the report Roger.
Sorry you missed out on the Turtle Dove this evening. I have not heard anything today so I suppose it could have left.
Back on dogwatch for two weeks so things may be a little limited.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Mrs G.S. Woodpecker

Mr G.S.Woodpecker.

The photographs kindly submitted by Michelle O'Shea.

Getting close Michelle...

Snowlands Fisheries Turtle Dove.

O....forgot to mention. The Turtle Dove ( Streptopelia turtur) was a Life Tick for both Angie and myself.

Turtle Dove

Report. T.R.Moore. 3rd June 2010

An early start (0600hrs ) saw us at the misty pool at Snowlands Fisheries. Our quarry was the Turtle Dove reported seen at the site over the last two days. It was not too long before the bird was sighted but it was very alert and mobile and we had great difficulty even getting a record shot.

Record shots click here.

Local Pheasant.

Pheasant.......Phasianus colchicus

Butterflies.

Report. R.Lane. June 1st 2010

One item I forgot in yesterday's listing (well away from
Treskilling Downs) was seen about 5pm in my rear view mirror while
parked up at Par West car-park (SX0753). Saw this butterfly alight on
the gravelled surface,'hopped' out of the car and sure enough it was
another Painted Lady singleton (1stJune), as I thought !

Today, 2nd June, after rain and indifferent weather this morning, it
was warmer and drier this afternoon, making a visit to Pontsmill
worthwhile (hopefully). Sat on the wall hoping they would come to me !
Had not counted on the vegetation growth and thus poor visibility during
the c.10days since my last visit. However, an hour produced the
following , firstly at P'mill,S (SX0755):- 1 x Sm.White; 2 x GVWhites; 4
x Comm.Blues.

On to P'mill,N (SX0756): 1 x Brimstone; 2 x Lg.Whites; 20+,
GVWhites; 2 x Orange-Tips; 1 x Red Admiral (egg-laying); 2 x COMMAS
(overwintered) and 1 x Sp.Wood. Also 2 x Sil-Y-Moths. Worthwhile were
the June Commas not many last into June month, and the summer brood will
be out in 2 to 3 weeks.

Thanks for the report Roger.
The vegation growth also surprised me when I went to the spot at PBP where Mark and myself saw the Cetti's Warbler. Could not get anywhere near to it now.

Marsh Fritillary's at Ninestones

Marsh Fritillary. ......Eurodryas aurinia.

Although I was pleased enough with the image I do realise that the somewhat cluttered backdrop draws the eyes away from the main subjects.

Marsh Fritillary (Uncluttered)

The above photograph was taken by Steve Rogers using my camera attached to his Nikon 300 f2.8 lens mounted on a tripod.

The pin sharp image has nothing in the frame to distract from the main subject.

A lesson learnt.

Marsh Fritillary's

What an interesting day yesterday was….not so much in the Birding World but the Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly genre.

We were having a short break alongside the River Fowey in the Ninestones area when John Nicholls……happened along complete with magnifying glass and a very up market looking butterfly net. We were soon being introduced into the world of Micro Moths…One of those he showed us was just a small dot on a Buttercup flower. He later found a pair of copulating Marsh Fritillary’s which are in fast decline over most of Europe. which we were very lucky to have the opportunity of photographing .

Later we met Steve and Patricia Rogers and went back to the site and watched as Steve took very carefully thought out photographs. He also took a few photograph with my camera on his setup one of which I have put on the Blog to show how a professional attitude produces better images.

Now I cannot pick up tips verbally very easily but I most certainly do watch and take on board how another photographer operates even though I sometimes appear in Dreamland.

What did I learn.

Always use a tripod whenever possible for stability.

Plan your picture carefully….I watched Steve move blades of grass until he was happy with the resulting image.

It is not the equipment used…..but the person behind it.

I have been lucky in my two years in the Natural and Birding World that I have rubbed shoulders with
Some of the Counties top men and picked up a great deal of interesting information along the way and I hope I will continue to do so.