Divers and Grebes

Report. R.Lane. 11th December 2010

"A late afternoon dash into the gloom revealed the following: firstly to Porthpean which appeared empty AGAIN. Still no Fulmars seen, over a month late in returning to breeding cliffs.
Then a mile east to Charlestown, where I did see c.4 x G.N.Divers and c.2 x B.T.Divers but little else except a female COMM.EIDER DUCK, very unusual in the west of St.Austell Bay.
Another mile west to Carlyon Bay upper cliff car-park where I saw at least 2 x B.T.Divers but best of all , in the distant gloom (toward Spit Beach) were the 5 x SLAVONIAN GREBES (reported by I.P. yesterday), and also a POSSIBLE R.N.Grebe.
Decided to make a quick trip to St.Andrews Pond and saw the 'long-staying' fem.Goosander with only 2 x Tufted Duck. On to Par Pool toward dusk, where I met Andrew who pointed out the was a great lack of ducks (apart from mallards!). Presumably they have left for better feeding grounds now the temp. is higher. While there, we did see a fair number of Starlings come in to roost (c.5000+). Also two flights of Curlew, totalling c.20 birds with 2 slightly smaller waders with them, possibly Bar T.Godwits which roost on the Harb.Wall with them."

Thanks for the report Roger.

I visited St Andrews at 1100hrs and saw the Goosander and Tufties on the Pool.
Around the swamp area adjacent to the *H.R.Cafe* I caught sight of a Water Rail and I did manage to get a very poor photograph of it as it dashed through the vegetation.
Also seen: Marsh Tit x5 (3 on the table together), Song Thrush x2, Wren x2, Coal Tit x3, plus the usual Chaffinch, Blue and Great Tit, Dunnock, Robin and Corvids.

At Par Beach.
Turnstones x 24, Oystercatcher x 7, Wren x 1, Stonechat x3 , a flock of Goldfinches C 12.

A LB Gull was on the PBP ice.