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Hayle Estuary is the most south-westerly estuary in the UK and it never freezes, making it a haven for gulls, waders and wildfowl in winter.
Winter is the best time to visit Hayle, as the number of birds in the estuary can be up to 18,000. Among the gull flocks, you can find Pescăruș cu cap negru, Pescăruș mic, Pescăruș cu picioare galbene, Pescăruș cu aripi albe, Pescăruș de ghețuri or even an American vagrant like a Pescăruș sur mare. American Rață mică and Rață fluierătoare americană can also be seen among the thousands of native teals and Rață fluierătoare. In autumn and winter, among the more common waders, including many Ploier auriu, there could be Fluierar negru, Lopătar, Fugaci roșcat, Fugaci mic, Fluierar de mlaștină, Bătăuș or an American wader like a Fugaci pătat. Several different tern species can be seen on spring passage. The estuary is best viewed from the causeway bridge or the path around Carnsew Pool, which is favoured by Ferestraș mare and Ferestraș moțat. All five of the world's diver species have also been seen there. The area is also good for Pescăraș albastru and it's worth visiting the hide at Ryan's field for a chance to see one as well as the resident Culic mare. In late summer, you may see an Uligan pescar visiting the estuary if you're very lucky.
By road - From the town of Hayle, go west on the B3301 Carnsew Road along the estuary, then turn left onto Chenalls Road (signposted St Erth) and take the first right into the car park at Ryan's Field. From there, you can visit the hide and walk to the causeway bridge and Carnsew pool.
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