With news breaking of a Lesser Kestrel on the Lizard in Cornwall on Friday, Owen Parsons needed it for his life list and was heading down to stay with me for the weekend at my Airbnb, in the hope that something good would turn up.
We kept a close eye on updates and set off for the New Forest in Dorset, reasoning that at least we would be a few hours closer should the bird be relocated. Early reports at 7:15am and 9:00am suggested no sign of the bird, and things were not looking promising.
We were already in the New Forest at first light, enjoying Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and a calling Cuckoo when news broke that the bird had been refound.
Without hesitation, we made the long drive to Cornwall, arriving at around 1:30pm.
On arrival, we virtually saw the male bird straight away, perched on a fence post just a few metres from us.
News also filtered through of several Lesser Kestrels reported on a ferry crossing from Spain to England on the 30th April.
Following prolonged views of the bird, we continued on to Marazion. On the way, we passed the area near Marazion where a Booted Eagle had been seen last year, during the period when Storm Goretti struck Cornwall in early January 2026, bringing some of the most severe winter weather the region has experienced in recent years.
In contrast, our present visit was far more settled. On arrival at Marazion, we eventually connected with a drake Garganey. It proved typically elusive and distant, but was nevertheless a welcome addition to the day’s sightings.
On the return journey, we stopped at Hayle Estuary, where a first-summer Bonaparte's Gull again showed very well, and my first Whimbrel of the year was also present, though distant.
Bonaparte's Gull This small North American gull remains a scarce but regular vagrant to the UK, although it has recently been removed from the BBRC rarity list. Read more>
It was another excellent day in the field, rounded off with a return home by 9:00pm.