Seabird Colonies in Cornwall

mrkaijai · #1 (**permalink**) 30-12-2010, 06:18 PM

Hi Guys, was just wanting to know about any Seabird colonies in Cornwall for the birds like - Guillemots, Gannets, Puffins, Razorbills etc... Some Islands that i was thinking about was Lundy Island, The Iscles of Scilly.

I know Skomer has some of these but was wondering if any islands closer to Cornwall has some colonies. It doesn't matter how big or small.
If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks
Kris

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 06:44 AM

Lundy is off North Devon rather than Cornwall but does offer a good variety of seabirds. The seabird colonies in Scilly are on the unihabited islands so you will only see these via boat trips.

With Skomer you can board the island, so for me this is a better option. Gannets don't breed on Skomer but you'll see plenty as there is a large colony on Grassholm. You could stay overnight on Skokholm + witness the magic of the Manx Shearwaters.

mrkaijai · #3 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 12:34 PM

That sounds Great, has anyone here been to the Farne Islands? How close can you get to the birds there? I heard that staple island is the best for puffins, can you board the island? Has anyone had any past experiences they would like to share?

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 01:34 PM

You can board both Inner Farne + Staple Island (at different times of the day to reduce disturbance). Inner Farne is best for the terns but Staple is better for the auks. I visited for the first time last summer (there was also a WAB meet there- so can look at that in the archives). Boats leave from Seahouses.

You should get really close views of Shag, Eider, Arctic, Sandwich + Common Terns, Razorbil, Guillemot, Puffin, Kittiwake + Fulmar as well as Grey Seals en route. Though not breeding on the Farnes you should se plenty of Gannets from the Bass Rock colony during the crossing.

Provided you get a crossing it is a totally wonderful experience you'll never regret. I'm hoping to return next year, but perhaps visiting earlier in the season.

mrkaijai · #5 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 03:09 PM

What time are you planning to go then? I was thinking late May that i might be going

aeshna5 · #6 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 04:34 PM

I was tentatively thinking May, but also avoiding the school holidays. Anytime from April through to late July will provide a spectacle to behold. Last year we went early July, so would like to return earlier in the breeding cycle.

faz · #7 (**permalink**) 31-12-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Lundy is off North Devon rather than Cornwall but does offer a good variety of seabirds. The seabird colonies in Scilly are on the unihabited islands so you will only see these via boat trips.

With Skomer you can board the island, so for me this is a better option. Gannets don't breed on Skomer but you'll see plenty as there is a large colony on Grassholm. You could stay overnight on Skokholm + witness the magic of the Manx Shearwaters.

you can get the boat either from ilfracombe or bideford in north devon