Back from holiday - really Choughed!!

tich007mt · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 03:58 PM

Just got back from a holiday in Cornwall - just had to share my luck in getting pics of Chough at the Lizard. Within minutes of arriving there I spotted 2 'Crows' on a large rock about 200 metres away in the bay. Took pics quickly - just in time before they flew off. Wasn't sure what they were until I zoomed in - they were Chough!!! That was the first and only chance I got during my stay. Here's my best pic:

Just shows it pays to 'shoot' and ask questions later!!

Darley · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:01 PM

If that's 200m away it's a good capture - monster lens?! One of my fave birds, being as I am Kernow

tich007mt · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:11 PM

Thanks Darley - just looked like 2 crows seen from the harbour wall - too far to identify by eye - just guessing at distance - cropped pic using a 70-300 Canon lens on a 400D. What do you mean by 'Kernow'?

Darley · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tich007mt

What do you mean by 'Kernow'?

You been there and you don't know?!

Adam Cheeseman · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 05:17 PM

Kernow is what the Cornish call Cornwall.

Incidentally where exactly on The Lizard did you see the birds?

Cheers,

Adam

Darley · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Kernow is what the Cornish call Cornwall.

I have to take issue with you there. It is not 'what they call Cornwall' - it IS Cornish for Cornwall or in this case - Cornishman. In certain parts you would be snubbed for even implying there was a word other than Kernow to describe the area.

I'm amazed anybody could visit Cornwall and not be bombarded with flags, banners, signs, etc etc bearing the word 'Kernow'

The Cornish are almost as passionate about their language as the Welsh.

tich007mt · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 06:52 PM

I saw the birds from the right hand edge of the Lizard main visitor car park on a small island shape rock outcropping about 100 to 200 metres away (poor memory perception of distance now). There were a few other people around - some with bins - they missed them!

Sorry Darley - I'm always looking for birds not flags etc. so didn't see any reference to Kernow anywhere.

Tich

tich007mt · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 06:57 PM

Just noticed this pic shows the feathers a bit better:

Darley · #9 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tich007mt

Sorry Darley - I'm always looking for birds not flags etc. so didn't see any reference to Kernow anywhere.

Tich

You must have had your eyes shut when you crossed the border

Tracey.A · #10 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 07:06 PM

Well done Tich, I'm full of envy! Yet to see one myself. I've heard of the Lizard, it seems to be a great place to visit, but I've never been. One day I'll maybe take a trip to 'Kernow' - learn something new on this site all the time!

Tracey

Hedge Witch · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 07:23 PM

That's a nobel-looking bird, a real character. Great to see it, thanks

DuncanE · #12 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darley

I have to take issue with you there. It is not 'what they call Cornwall' - it IS Cornish for Cornwall or in this case - Cornishman. In certain parts you would be snubbed for even implying there was a word other than Kernow to describe the area.

Glad you got in there first - then I can't really speak as I'm adoptive Cornish. (Lived there most of my life from the age of 3).

I myself have never seen a chough, not in the wild anyway. When I get the chance I'll have to head down to The Lizard.

Adam Cheeseman · #13 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darley

I have to take issue with you there. It is not 'what they call Cornwall' - it IS Cornish for Cornwall

Sorry, I thought that is what I had implied.

By the way. Did you here the one about the Cornish Chough represented on the Tamar Bridge, only to be pointed out by a Devonian that it was actually an Alpine Chough.

By the way I used to live in Launceston.

Cheers,

Adam

Astra · #14 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 04:41 PM

Well done Tich on the pic.
I had a similar experience in Pembrokeshire a few years ago.
Happened to see a couple of "crows" along the cliff path, put the bins up to them out of habit and couldn't believe my luck when I saw the red beak and legs.
I was also down on the Lizard in July but unfortunately didn't see any then.

Darley · #15 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

By the way. Did you here the one about the Cornish Chough represented on the Tamar Bridge, only to be pointed out by a Devonian that it was actually an Alpine Chough.

By the way I used to live in Launceston.

Cheers,

Adam

Ah well Launceston is barely in Cornwall

I reckon it was a Devonian who put that Alpine Chough up there!