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. We are now rather partial to a glass of Rum and Shrub which is not available in all good bookshops but is only available (to our knowledge) at the Pilchard Press in St Ives. (We are not paid to say that by the way)
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 us, we'll tell you anyway. We're the ones with binoculars, telescopes, and hang-dog expressions after missing another "possible Fea's". One of us may be klcking the railings.
What we do
Despite the frivolous nature of this blog - we are serious about birding. We keep detailed sightings logs, share information, are always willing to show others the wildlife around us and we strive to improve our knowledge and skills. West Cornwall has long been known as a great place to find good birds. Many birders only go to Hayle, Marazion and Porthgwarra. We figure that at least some of the birds that turn up there should also turn up around St Ives.
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. Don't ask him to hold your 'scope, though
James - rare bird finder extraordinaire. When he can be bothered. Appears in St Ives when the wind is in the right direction ... If you've lost a Swift (any sp) ask for James
Adam - our "Inshore Wingman" and the other photographer in the group. 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 a completely invented review