Bird Watching in Cornwall
Cornwall’s diverse habitats offer exceptional bird watching opportunities year-round. From coastal seabirds to moorland species, discover the best spots for observing wildlife near Waterloo Farm.
Premier Reserves
The RSPB manage two reserves in Cornwall - Marazion Marsh, their most southerly reserve, and Hayle Estuary, the UK’s most southerly estuary and one of the few that never freezes. These sites provide crucial habitat for wintering waders, waterfowl, and migrating birds.
In addition to these, countless local nature reserves and bird sanctuaries offer peaceful feeding and breeding grounds to rare and scarce birds, such as the uninhabited island of Annet on Scilly, home to one of Britain’s last remaining Puffin colonies.
Estuaries & Coastal Habitat
Drowned river valleys such as Helford and the Carrick Roads near Falmouth offer migrating waders a much-needed chance to rest and re-fuel. Offshore rocks and reefs such as Lye Rock near Tintagel provide important breeding grounds for many species of seabird.
Still relatively under-watched, especially in sparsely populated places such as the Rame Peninsula, Cornwall offers unrivalled scenery for birders with access via the South West Coast Path to even the most desolate spot.
The Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly, with their lack of traffic and unchanging natural environment, offer a once in a lifetime experience to anyone with even a passing interest in wildlife. The islands are renowned for rare vagrant birds and spectacular seabird colonies.
Popular Birding Routes
North Coast - St Gothian Sands & Hayle Estuary
Starting on the north coast at St Gothian Sands and the Hayle Estuary, these locations offer excellent opportunities for winter birding. Minimal walking required, making it ideal for all abilities.
Target species: Short-eared Owl, Purple Sandpiper, Great Northern Diver, Iceland and Glaucous Gull, Kingfisher, Spoonbill, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Caspian Gull, Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Eider, Common Scoter, plus various waders and wildfowl.
West Coast - Mounts Bay & Bartinney Downs
Heading west to Mounts Bay and Bartinney Downs provides superb coastal birding with opportunities to observe winter sea ducks, divers, and grebes. Morning sessions typically offer the best viewing conditions.
Target species: Great Northern, Red-throated and Black-throated Diver, Eider, Common Scoter, Purple Sandpiper, plus a variety of waders, wildfowl, and winter sea ducks.