About us
Officially formed in 2025, most of us have been birding in and around St Ives for several years ... and some of us, to our eternal regret, much longer than that. We're a disparate group of misfits and renegades (like most birders!) who decided that we should move on from nodding at each other to actually talking to each other, which led to the formation of a Whatsapp group and sharing sightings, which then further led to our first Annual St Ives Birders Christmas Dinner! Please help us get to our second dinner by supporting our JustGiving appeal - link below. Ah, we're just kidding - although if you WOULD like to donate binoculars, telescopes, money (all major currencies, credit cards, crypto accepted) then let us know!
Who we are
We're just a bunch of friendly, knowledgeable people who are happy to share what's around and where to go in the St Ives area. If you'd like a personalised "show and tell" - we can do that too! If you cross our palms with silver, we'll tell you what's around and where it is. If you just turn up at The Island and ask, we'll tell you anyway. We're the ones with binoculars and telescopes.
What we do
Despite the frivolous nature of this blog - we are serious about birding. We keep detailed sightings logs, share information, and strive to improve our knowledge and skills. We want to put St Ives on the map as a destination for seawatching, cetaceans and other wildlife. St Ives has always been known as a place to go but only when the wind is in the right direction. It actually is a lot more than that.
Who we really are
Alan - possibly not the oldest of the group, but, very probably, the most unwise
Billy - AKA Peter, AKA fantastically rare seabird finder and seal botherer. Rumours that his girlfriend can balance a ball on her nose are completely untrue
Liam - the official "recorder" for St Ives. If you tell him that you saw something but he doesn't believe that you saw what you say you saw, forget it - you didnt see it
Gareth - the "Professor". The Wise one. One of 2 photographers in the group. Dont ask him to hold your 'scope, though.
James - rare bird finder extraordinaire. When he can be bothered. If you've lost a Swift (any sp) ask for James
Adam - our "Inshore Wingman" and other photographer. Finder of Pomarine Skuas and swimming tortoises - as long as they are no more than 50 yards out
Richard - has to show his passport when crossing the Cornwall/Devon border. Resident gull expert and douser of "flames" when the unwise get too enthusiastic
"I never realised there was so much birdlife around St Ives until I joined this group! A friendly and knowledgeable bunch."
A completely invented person and review