CORNWALL Wildlife Trust Bude group led by Alan Rowland went to the Camel Estuary to see which winter migrants and other species they could spot on Monday, November 5.

The tide was very low so there was a wide expanse of sand. Starting from Halwyn car park beside the Camel Trail and heading towards Padstow, a total of 18 species were seen. These included little egret (pictured), greenshank and redshank, and in the vegetation beside the trail, gold crest, willow tits and long-tailed tits. Perhaps the most exciting view was of seven little grebes at Dennis Cove.

One non-bird specimen which was of interest was a Robin’s Pincushion — caused by a gall wasp it is most commonly found on dog rose bushes.

The trip was an interesting and informative way to spend a couple of hours on a pleasantly mild November morning.