Cornish Merlin

[Harold Smith]

My wife and I went to St Blazey, Cornwall, for a week at the beginning of October. The weather wasn't very good to start with but as the week went on it got better.

We explored the Tywardreath Nature Reserve which is mainly marshland with Grey Willow and Alder. At the Treesmill end, while having a short break and a cup of tea, a small bird of prey landed on a tree approximately 50m from us. It was definitely not a Kestrel. I am also sure it was not a Hobby as I have seen a number of these in the Cotswold Water Park. For the short time I had it in my binoculars I believe it to be a Merlin as the colouring and the way it flew matched the description in my bird book.

We also had good days walking around Prideaux Woods Nature Reserve and the Luxulyan Valley. Unfortunately there was not a lot of birds about. Robins were in great abundance, Buzzards were quite common, troops of Long Tailed Tits and the occasional Great Tit and Coal Tit. Apart from that not a lot!

The Luxulyan Valley is magnificent and a joy to explore. It is full of history and beauty. We are seriously thinking of going back.

[DuncanE]

I'll have to give this place a look in next time I'm down visiting family. unfortunatly it's likely to be around February next year.

But the good side is if there is no Merlin there at this time, there are other places near by to visit. which should be abundant with wildlife.