Autumn time, as the leaves begin to turn, the night draw in, yet it’s one of the busiest times of year for birdlife on the Helford as many gather to migrate to Africa.
Osprey
Our first Osprey sighting on the Helford yesterday during our Helford Koru Kayak Adventure! These massive birds live off fish and with more than 80 species of fish in the Helford River there’s plenty for them to choose from.
Often spotted at this time of year, migrating to Africa for a warmer winters.
Osprey spotted on the Helford River, Cornwall
Little Egrets
Osprey are not the only birds to escape winters here in the UK, the Little Egrets are gathering on the Helford in high numbers perching like white lanterns on the branches of the ancient oak trees. These stunning white birds are related to herons. With bright yellow webbed feet, that are perfect for wading across the muddy creeks on the low tide whilst the little egrets search for cockles and crabs to eat. The Little Egrets also migrate to Africa for the warmer winter climate, leaving our shores the winter draws in.
Herons and Little Egrets perched in the branches of the ancient oak trees, Polwheveral Creek, Cornwall
Grey Heron
Meanwhile the grey heron will stay in the UK all year round. Tall, prehistoric looking birds that look more like feathered birds from the dinosaur era. With a massive wing span of 1.8 metres and a loud squark you can’t miss them. They have a lovely multi featured colouring of white, grey and black feathers.
Grey Heron takes flight from one of the low lying branches on Frenchman’s Creek, Helford River, Cornwall
Grey Heron, perched ready to catch it’s next fish, Helford River, Cornwall
Kingfisher
If you want to see a Kingfisher this is time to do it! In Autumn we get most of our sightings. The little cobalt blue featured birds with bright russet orange chests dart about the creeks echoing the cobalt blue autumnal skies and russet leaves on the ancient oak trees. You might hear it’s beautiful high pitched chirp or perhaps the flash of blue flying just above the water level and if you are lucky, see it perched on one of the low lying branches on Frenchman’s Creek or Port Navas Creek either eating a fish or looking out for it’s next catch.
Kingfisher perched on a dead tree, bottom of Frenchman’s Creek, Cornwall
Eurasian Whimbrel
Eurasian Whmbrel. banks of the Helford River, Cornwall
The Eurasian Whimbrel is a relative of the Curlew. Both have a lovely melodic haunting call that can be heard echoing along Frenchman’s Creek or Polwheveral Creek. Their curved down beaks and long legs perfectly fine turned for this environment of rocky shorelines lines with mussels, cockles, limpits, scallops and oysters for it to eat.
Swans
At the moment the swans are gathering in their numbers and can be seen floating around often at the bottom of Frenchman’s Creek. If you are lucky they will even do a fly by over the kayaks! It’s quite a spectacle with the sound of their wide strong white wings flapping and their long necks stretched out. You can see where we got the inspiration for out jumbo jets!
They find their mates at 7 years old and stay with them for life which is around 25 -30 years old for a swan!
Swans gathered on Frenchman’s Creek, Cornwall
Come and join us on one of Autumnal Koru Kayak Adventures on the Helford, we have paddleboard adventures available too! With the water at it’s warmest at this time of year we might entice you to enjoy a dip in the river or creeks too!
Book your Koru Kayak Adventure Book your Koru Paddleboard Adventure
Got a bigger or mixed group then our Helford River Cruises, Private Koru Kayak or Private Koru Paddleboard Adventures are available too daily from Budock Vean Hotel and Spa. There’s some great offers on stays at the hotel too if you wanted to stay a little longer to explore more, a stone’s through from the South West Coast Path, a stunning sub tropical garden to explore, tennis, golf, swimming, spa, kayaking, paddleboarding and wild swims from the private foreshore it’s a wonderful way to switch off and immerse yourself in nature. Check out Stay and Explore breaks at Budock Vean Hotel and Spa.
