15th October 2022: Hayle Estuary

 We arrived in Cornwall mid-afternoon, stopping fruitlessly on Bodmin Moor in the hope of finding a Ring Ouzel, which had been reported the previous day. We arrived in drizzle, and were briefly entertained by a Buzzard being bombed by a Sparrowhawk, that clearly felt it was infringing on its territory. A couple of Stonechat posed in their usual co-operative style adding a welcome splash of colour against the gloom.

As the rain cleared we had a brief walk out to scan for birds, but the feedback from another couple searching was not positive and we failed to locate any likely candidates. As we drove away the undulating yellow rump of a Green Woodpecker flew ahead of us before disappearing into the undergrowth. 

Our next stop was Copperhouse Creek in Hayle, where we quickly had excellent close views of a variety of waders from the car park. Bar-tailed Godwits and Greenshank probed the muddy margins of the creek and Redshank and Curlew were also present. But the highlight and a new tick for our annual list were two juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs, American visitors not generally seen in the UK, although records are increasing.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Beyond the creek were a variety of gulls, including a smattering of Lesser Black-backeds and a substantial gaggle of Canada Geese. Next we drove to Carnsew Pool, but this was quiet, with just a few Cormorant, Oystercatcher and Dunlin present. Ryan’s Field was bereft of birds, but a Grey Wagtail was by the sluice gate as we crossed the causeway and there were good numbers of Wigeon, Teal and three Grey Plover on the mudflats in the fading afternoon light. A great start to our holiday!