Following on from RE: Cornwall Sept 2024 Pt 1 Arrival Day the next trip out, was to Penzance, Mrs PR likes the shops there, and there are some nice cafes to call in for a cuppa and bite. My preference, is Battery Rocks, which overlooks Mounts Bay, along with the passing shipping, helicopters to and from the Scilly Isles, and of course, the wildlife.
I've deliberately held back on posting this part, because there were some very young birds, on a rock in the bay, which should by now, be well on the way to fending for themselves, assuming no natural predation.
So, not quite a sunrise, though the dawn sky did look colourful.
Once the sun managed to break through the cloud, Chapel Rock looked magnificent
Now Mounts Bay, a couple of vessels at anchor, and BTW, those satellite dishes in the distance, are the famous Goonhilly Satellite Receiving Station on the Lizard Peninsula
The regular helicopter service from Penzance to St Mary's or Tresco on the Scilly Isles. If ever you get the chance, visit the Scilly Isles (I know one or two regular here have been), it's good for birding, and Tresco Abbey Gardens, are just a sub tropical paradise.
Now the wildlife, starting with ringed plovers
Looks like this one had found something to nibble...
There were still lots of youngsters, hardly surprising with being a warmer area. I think, these were juvenile ringed plovers. The other species quite common there is turnstones, but they were not to be seen this time.
and cropped
One for PimperneBloke a placid dinoauromont on the rocks...
When the tide recedes, there are plenty of barnacles on the rocks...
I didn't see any blenny's in the rock pools this time, though the one I would normally see them in, was still under water until going home time.
There were plenty of great black backed gulls around the bay
and of course, St Michael's Mount across the bay, another fascinating place for wildlife, as well as the spectacular of the property, island, and of course, Cornish Cream Teas
Herring Gulls
Another great black backed gull, taking a very short flight
Of course, the pied wagtails made an appearance, even if the wind did mess with it's tu tu....
Stay tuned for the next installment.... Cornwall Sept 2024 Pt 3 to follow soon
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
HAZY said:Very nice Mike, looks such a beautiful area with plenty of coastal and other birds to keep entertained; I'd never get Mike out of the cream tea cafes !!!
There are other alternatives to eating cream teas, and very good ones, where they don't serve cream teas, nor Cornish Pasties, but, temptation does often take control....
The wildlife opportunities are superb, just as with Norfolk, even outside of the reserves.
Mike B said:which can be, exciting
i love robins said:A very nice set of photos Mike thanks for sharing
Thank you ILR, you're very welcome
I think you've grasp that scenario.
The helicopter flights we did were the former Sikorsky SN61, a civilian version helicopter that was used extensively for the former military air/sea rescues. The current helicopter, a Westland AW139, is in active service for many civilian roles and also the Marine Coastguard Agency air/sea rescues.