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St John's Lake

Cornwall  >  United Kingdom

St John's Lake is part of the tidal estuary of the River Tamar. This wide estuary near Torpoint is excellent for spotting ducks, waders, divers and grebes.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 2 novembar 2020

Description

St John's Lake is part of the tidal estuary of the River Tamar. It is an outstanding wintering spot for waders and wildfowl as well as being a stopover for migrating gulls and terns. Virtually anything can turn up here, including nationally rare birds. The mudflats exposed at low tide are rich in bivalves and other invertebrates and therefore provide important feeding habitat for wintering wildfowl and waders. Check local tide times, for birding it is really good here 3 hours either side of high tide. Be aware that low winter sun can be a bit of a problem and that a telescope is needed. Birds for which the area is important are Velika carska šljuka, Grivasta guska, the wintering population of Muljača and Krivokljuni sprudnik. Also notable for good numbers of Krdža, Zviždara, Mali gnjurac and Mala carska šljuka. Other birds include Šarena utva, Crvenonogi sprudnik, Veliki morski gnjurac, Ledenjarka and Crnotrba sprutka.

Details

Access

On the northern side in the town of Torpoint there is easy access. It's possible to sit in car and watch on a road with many stopping places. This estuary is close to the English Channel so expect species sheltering from extreme weather.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Mud flats , City/village , River

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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