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Carnsew Pool

Cornwall  >  United Kingdom

Carnsew Pool is part of the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve. It is tidal and attracts waterbirds and waders.

Added* by Paul Freestone
Most recent update 13 januar 2024

Description

Carnsew Pool should be included as part of your visit to the Hayle Estuary. It is a tidal pool that attracts Wildfowl, Divers and Waders depending on the tide (see link to the tides table below).

In winter, especially after storms, the pool can hold Divers. All six species of diver have been seen here. The most common is Islom, then Rødstrubet Lom, Sortstrubet Lom and the rarer Stillehavs-lom and Hvidnæbbet Lom on a couple of occasions. Lille Lappedykker are also here with sometimes up to ten birds present. You will also find both Skarv and Topskarv using the pool. Pibeand and Krikand often stray from the main estuary onto Carnsew and sea ducks like Ederfugl, Havlit and Sortand can occasionally be found. Stor Skallesluger and Toppet Skallesluger are both winter visitors here. Sorthovedet Måge often congregate on the exposed mud at low tide and the pool can be good for Splitterne, Fjordterne and Havterne during migration. Occasionally a Dværgterne or Sortterne will pass through.

In early Autumn Waders can be found around the edges of the pool. The tide pushes waders up into the western end and close views can often be obtained if they are not disturbed. The pool has always been famous for attracting American waders and Tyknæbbet Dværgryle, Stribet Ryle, Amerikansk Dværgryle and Hvidrygget Ryle have all been seen here. Other waders seen regularly are Storspove, Småspove, Almindelig Ryle, Hvidklire, Stor Præstekrave, Krumnæbbet Ryle, Mudderklire, Strandhjejle and Strandskade.

Fiskehejre and Silkehejre can be seen around the shoreline and Isfugl is a regular sight here from late Autumn through the winter. The surrounding trees and bushes hold smaller birds like Grønirisk, Tornirisk, Stillits and occasionally Fuglekonge. The path towards the beach sometimes has Stenpikker on migration.

Details

Access

Carnsew Pool is located at the eastern end of the Hayle Estuary. You can either park at Asda superstore (for 2 hours, please see the signs for time allowed to park) or at Ryans Field RSPB. Click on the P in the map for directions to the Asda carpark. There is a circular route around the pool (1,5 mile, 2,5 km). The path also gives good views of the bottom half of the Hayle Estuary and out to the estuary mouth. The footpath is used by dog walkers, watch where you are treading! Not all are responsible!

Terrain and Habitat

Mud flats , Sea , Lake

Conditions

Dry , High water possible , Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Winter , Autumn , Spring

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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