Arrangements were made to accompany Malc Curtin to Cornwall, as he had just returned from holiday and still needed Booted Eagle. I picked Malc up at 3.30am, and we arrived on site in Cornwall at around 8.30am. Unfortunately, the eagle had already departed its roost, flying low over fields behind a nearby farm while we were positioned in the wrong place. It was a frustrating miss, and hard to believe given how close we had been.
With no immediate second chance, we decided to make the most of the journey and continued on to Mousehole in search of a Pacific Diver. The bird was soon located, and we enjoyed cracking views as it fed offshore, instantly lifting spirits after the earlier disappointment.
Pacific Diver
After watching the diver, we headed straight back to the Booted Eagle site—and this time we were rewarded. The eagle was seen soaring above its roost, giving prolonged and increasingly impressive views. Having seen a dark-morph bird in Berkshire last year, this represented my second Booted Eagle. As we were leaving, the bird began hunting over nearby fields, allowing even closer and more satisfying views.
Booted Eagle
With daylight fading, we decided it was too late to make the full journey back to Cheshire and booked a hotel in Exeter. En route along the A30, news broke that two Ring-necked Ducks had been discovered at Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor. Timing worked perfectly, and just before sunset, we were able to locate both drakes, rounding off an already memorable day.
Malc scoping the Ring-Necked Ducks
After a comfortable night’s sleep, we drove south to the RSPB Labrador Nature Reserve, a mosaic of farmland, copses, gorse scrub, and hedgerows whose conservation importance is underlined by the presence of one of Britain’s most localised birds—the Cirl Bunting. On arrival, discreet food hoppers in the hedgerows and distinctive carpets of seed within set-aside brassica fields hinted at the ongoing supplemental feeding programme.
It did not take long to find two Cirl Buntings actively feeding, and before departing, we had seen a total of six birds, allowing excellent views of this charismatic species in its carefully managed stronghold.
Labrador Nature Reserve
On the journey north, we made one final stop at Steart WWT in Somerset, where a first-winter Least Sandpiper had been present for several weeks. A notoriously tricky bird to connect with, it was not immediately visible on arrival. However, patience paid off when it eventually dropped in with a flock of Dunlin and showed well. Having last seen the species in 2011 on Tresco, Isles of Scilly, it was particularly satisfying to catch up with one again.
Steart WWT
A fantastic few days away, packed with memorable moments and an exceptional supporting cast of birds.
Pacific Diver
Steart WWT
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