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Description
The West side of Gerrans Bay once the area for smugglers in the 1700s, today is a busy holiday destination during the Summer months. The area has a long list of birds, but is better known by South West birders as one of the best places to see potáplice severní, sometimes in double figures. Also present are potáplice lední and the occasional potáplice malá, in late Winter especially following or during storms with Westerly winds the bay provides shelter for potentially large numbers.
For birdwatchers with limited time and just looking for the above species, park on road (called The Lugger) just above Portscatho harbour, NOTE: 1st June - 30th September 1000hrs-1800hrs 1 hour only and no return within 3 hours (Press STAR on map). For those with more time there are a number of other car parks in the area (see P's on map). Remember these car parks fill up quickly during Summer months, of course the attention is more on land birds at this time of year. Portmellion Head occasionally has sightings of chaluha pomořanská, terej bílý and other pelagic species especially during onshore winds, sometimes getting close views.
NOTE: being on the West side of Gerrans Bay it does suffer with low Winter sun earlier in the day.
Details
Access
The A3078 road between St Mawes (further to the West) and the A390 (far to the North) runs fairly close to Gerrans Bay. On A3078 from both directions turn South West (on sweeping bend) signed Gerrans/Portscatho (Press STAR on map) near Trewithian Farm B&B. Continue on this road, then turn Left on road signed Portscatho/Porthcurnick Beach/Plume of Feathers, the car park (Fee Payable) is down this road on the Left. NOTE: a section of this car park gives good views over the bay (telescope essential). For more car parks Press P's on map.