CORNWALL RSPB

A date with nature . . .. . . at Tresco Abbey Gardens. Sun 6 - Fri 18 September 2009 10 am-4 pm. Join the RSPB on Tresco, Isles of Scilly, for this two week event, which includes regular guided walks to look for wading birds at the Great Pool and Abbey Pool. See linnets and stonechats on the heathlands, and garden birds in tranquil surroundings. With also the chance of an early rare migrant! This is a partnership project with Tresco Abbey Gardens. There is an entrance charge for the Gardens. Contact the RSPB, 01392 432691.

A guided walk at Marazion Marsh nature reserve is arranged on Wed 9 September 10 am-12 noon.

West Cornwall is well known as a place to see rare birds and unusual migrants. Meet at reserve entrance (SW
514312) opposite the small private car park. Members £1, non-members £1.50. Contact the RSPB, 01392 432691.

The RSPB, Duchy College and British Trust for Ornithology invites you for a day’s training in bird survey techniques from experts. This free event is for anyone considering becoming a surveyor, wanting to find out more or for experienced surveyors to mentor beginners. Read more »

Join an RSPB guide for a return trip (Fridays only) to look for gannets, guillemots and other seabirds from on board the Scillonian lll as it crosses to the island of St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. Read more »

Dr Phil Smith is undertaking biological mapping of the entire Hayle Estuary to provide the RSPB with baseline data for the forthcoming Hayle Harbour Development. This will involve mapping the Enteromorpha and Salicornia beds at Lelant Water and the saltmarsh at Grigg’s Quay. Read more »

Join the RSPB this summer at events throughout cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:  Read more »

After a history of illegal bird killing, the Maltese government finally has been ordered by the European Court of Justice not to allow the spring hunting of birds – a practice which is in direct contravention of European bird protection laws. Read more »

Over the past six seasons the pair of wild choughs on The Lizard has successfully raised 24 young, many of which have survived to adulthood and recolonised other stretches of Cornwall’s coast. Come to the chough watchpoint at the National Trust’s, Southerly Point. Information wardens will update you on all the latest chough news and show you the birds as they fly to and from their nesting cave. Watchpoint closed in bad weather. The Cornwall Chough Project is a partnership between RSPB, Natural England and The National Trust. It is also part of Action for Birds in England, a partnership between RSPB and Natural England.

Join the RSPB guides on a return trip (Fridays only until October 17th) on the Scillonian lll, to look for gannets, guillemots and other seabirds, as it crosses to the island of St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly. Departs Penzance 9.15 am (6.30 am Fri 2 May). Trip time 2 hours 40 min. Return sailing departs 4.30 pm (5 pm Fri 2 May). Quote RSPB membership number at time of booking to receive discount price - £25. Non discount price £35. Contact Isles of Scilly Travel, 0845 710 5555

The issue of badly behaved dogs is on the agenda in Hayle this weekend (Saturday 12 April) at an open day held by the RSPB and others involved with the Estuary.

Attacks by dogs on swans in the area appear to be on the increase, with at least six incidents during the last eight months and local RSPB staff are eager to find a way of putting a stop to the problem. Read more »

Sunrise Roost Watch

Join the RSPB and explore the wonderful Hayle Estuary nature reserve at sunrise. As the sun rises, we will listen for awakening waterfowl and waders.
Sunday 27 January, 07.40 am

Beginners welcome.

Member £1 non members £1.50

Meet in the Eric Grace Memorial Hide at Ryan’s Field.

For further information please contact
the Warden on 01736 711682

The RSPB are looking for willing volunteers to help look after Marazion Marsh. All aspects of volunteer workers are needed from administrators and events organisers to reserve habitat workers. The volunteers already working at Marazion, under the guidance of RSPB Warden Jenny Parker, have started the winter clearance work at Marazion but  worker numbers are low, with only a handful of regular, reliable volunteers. There is a need to clear 1ha of willow scrub from the northern end of the reedbed this winter, preferably completing most of the work during September and October before the water levels reach high winter levels making access difficult and hazardous. Why not come along and volunteers your services, all help very welcome! Contact Jenny on 01736 711682 (Monday only).

The RSPB have an event at the Eric Grace Memorial Hide, Ryan’s Field on Wednesday 26th September between 5pm and 7pm. This is on the spring tide and the sluice gate will be closed to prevent the creak over spilling onto the road, leaving the field as the only dry ground for waders to roost. It is hoped that the curlew sandpiper and the little stint seen recently on the main Estuary will be pushed over into the field for all to see. Beginner birdwatchers are very welcome. Members £1 non-member £1.50. Grid ref. SW552364, contact Jenny Parker 01736 711682 (Monday only).