We’ve had several enquiries about trips this winter so I’m updating the current situation. Having run several Birdwatching Cruises each winter for the past nine years, Chris and I have decided to take a break and have a winter off. We have thoroughly enjoyed showing so many people the fantastic wildlife of the Tamar Valley and there have been many memorable sightings with the Avocets and Spoonbills always taking centre stage. We’d like to thank all those who have supported […]

This time we’ve invited guest writer Nick Tomlin to provide an account of the day trip. Nicks piece can be read here

First trip of the 2014/15 season and another fine afternoon with plenty to see. Sailing on a slightly higher tide than usual we were able to get further up both the Tamar and Lynher. Only a  few Avocets were seen, c40 on the mudbank at Holes Hole but given the mild weather perhaps that s not surprising. I would expect the numbers to increase in the next few weeks and especially after Christmas. Highlight was a first winter Glaucous Gull […]

We have been informed by Plymouth Boat Trips that the Plymouth Sound is now unavailable in January and they don’t have any other boat that can sail upriver on the low tide. It is therefore regrettable that we have no option but to cancel the boat trip scheduled for January 18th 2015. We apologise for any inconvenience and will offer places on alternative dates to these who have already booked or a full refund if you can’t make any other […]

Scoters are sea ducks, known to most of us as winter visitors. Usually seen far off shore, we have occasionally seen them on our boat trips. Poor conditions can make it challenging to identify them and tell scoter species apart. The BTOs latest Bird ID video on scoters has some hints and tips to help.

The bird watching cruises for this winter have now been finalised and details are on the Birdwatching Cruises Page 

Drakes Island is again under threat from the hotel development. In spite of serious concerns by Natural England, English Heritage, RSPB, Cornwall and Devon Wildlife Trusts and Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, the developers are still pressing for planning permission from Plymouth City Council. Drakes Island is the only nesting site of Little Egret in the Tamar Valley. It also supports a winter and high tide roost of almost all the egrets that use the Tamar Valley ie 70-80 […]

The forecast this weekend is not bad considering what it has been like recently. Sunday is likely to be better than Saturday. The trips will go ahead unless the skipper believes there is a risk or conditions are too bad to view the birds. Birdwatchers are a hardy bunch!! A decision will be taken on Friday evening or early Saturday morning if the weather is dire and we will contact all passengers only if the trip has been cancelled. The […]

   The first trip of 2014 did not disappoint. Firstly we had a 3 hour window when the sun shone, the wind was virtually nil at times with the river flat calm like a millpond. Ok it was a bit cold but the birds made up for it. Highlights were over 300 Avocet, those on the Lynher were very close and brilliantly lit by the low sun and 2 Kingfisher, both of which sat in the open for all to see […]

Due to the overwhelming demand this year we’ve added an extra date to the Birdwatching Cruise calender. The new date is SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, leaving from Saltash at 1pm and 12.30pm from Cremyll. This trip is already booking up quickly by people who were on the waiting lists from other cruises. Reserve your place now by emailing us  – tamarwildlife@btinternet.com or phoning 01752 829163.