Saturday 28th March 2026: Hayle and Godrevy

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 Sadly our last morning at our apartment, but we made the most of our day before heading northwards to visit family in Newquay. The tide was high as we passed Hayle, but we called in briefly to Ryan’s field, adding just a Sparrowhawk to our holiday tally.

We then drove on to Gothian Sands and Godrevy lighthouse. There was no sign of Sand Martins here this morning, with just a few Dunnock, Linnets and Goldfinches roaming the scrub, and a few common ducks and gulls on the pool.

Walking towards Godrevy, scanning the rocks and beach below the sandstone cliff path, a bevvy of Oystercatchers caught my eye, huddled together on a black rock, their orange bills and white feathering standing out against the dark backdrop. As we progressed towards the lighthouse, I finally spotted some small waders crouched against the wind. It was hard to hold the binoculars steady, but eventually we were able to discern four different species - Dunlin, Turnstone, Sanderling and Purple Sandpiper, all on the same small patch of rock.


Oystercatchers 
Turnstone, Sanderling & Purple Sandpiper

After lunch at the Godrevy cafe, we returned to Hayle, adding a Goosander from the causeway, and a Red Knot at Copperhouse Creek. This round tour added a pleasing number of new species to our holiday list as well as a lovely walk in a beautiful setting. A fitting way to end our time in West Cornwall.

Godrevy Lighthouse


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