I’ve seen them in winter on the remote sand dunes of Islay. I’ve seen them picking at scraps ‘round picnic tables on Anglesey. I’ve seen them drifting lazily across the Grands Causses in southern France. But nothing beats seeing chough in the wild in Cornwall. So closely are chough linked to the Duchy, historically, mythogically, culturally, that I really do think that the towering cliffs of the far west are their home nation.
And the splendour of the Cornish coast is to my mind the best place to see them. What could be better than sitting above the ocean on a lofty precipice, with huge booming waves pounding the ancient granite rocks while watching these ink black creatures drift and tumble through the spray filled air. Its quite a treat. And a treat that is getting easier to enjoy now the population is steadily growing.
The story is reasonably well known. The birds returned completely naturally in 2001 and went on to nest at Southerly Point on the Lizard. I say “naturally” because recently I’ve read in numerous publications that these birds were re-introduced. They were not – they made it on their own, no doubt either from France or Wales, without our assistance.
Once here though, they most certainly did have our assistance – a huge and highly successful project has been running since year one to make sure that Kernow’s choughs have everything they need. It’s been a great partnership between ourselves, Natural England, the National Trust and the people of Cornwall, especially those living near the birds who have given countless hours to their protection.
The original pair have consistently produced young, and those young have gone on to nest themselves. Its a slow process, but with the grazed coastal cliffs in tip top condition, and providing the habitat the choughs require, they have spread around the coast.
This year three pairs have raised nine youngsters, and we’ve had a couple of young pairs “practice” nesting as well. It may not seem like a lot, but these things take time, and with time we just know the birds will continue to go from strength to strength.
If you’d like to see the birds yourself, Southerly point on the Lizard is the best place to visit. And if you see birds around the Duchy, please do let us know. The birds are ringed, so if you see them, make a note if possible of the colours and arrangement (ie which colour ring is on which leg!) and where you saw them and mail us at chough@rspb.org.uk. I love the fact they have their own email account.