Midway through the night I awoke and heard it, so loud that I just had to get up and investigate. Actually not that exciting, just that storm Callum was trying to get in through the bedroom window! The promised weather that had been building throughout the last two days, merely fooling us with the tranquil end to the day before, arrived during the night and was, as expected, pretty vicious. The wind was howling through the (not so sub-tropical now) valley and the rain was beating like a drum possessed against the window pane. I hid my head under a pillow and wished it would go away so that we'd be able to at least see something "birdy" in the morning. At daybreak though it was no different, if anything it was even worse, and the local news on the telly bought us tale after tale of trees down, power lines down, flooding etc, etc. We must be on holiday! Last year we had contended with ex-hurricane Ophelia and storm Brian which brought very windy weather but was largely dry. This was storm Brian on the back of ex-hurricane Michael and it was not only very windy but very very wet too.
As mentioned in my previous post I had chosen the Meudon Hotel near Falmouth because it was set in a beautiful sub-tropical garden and had access to a secluded cove and beach. Just the place to find some Firecrests and maybe a scarce warbler or two. Well it could be, but as we ate breakfast looking out over the gardens it was plainly evident that we wouldn't be finding anything out there this morning. In fact judging by the amount of branches and tree debris that was raining down, some of which periodically rattled onto the conservatory roof and windows, it would be very stupid indeed to venture outside unless wearing a crash helmet! The rain was actually getting heavier and I resigned myself to the fact that birding would be taking a back seat for most of the day.
We had intended to visit the Lizard and we decided to at least stick to that plan even though the weatherman on the telly was telling us that there were 70 mph winds down there! Our plans had involved going to Kynance Cove but I didn't think that would be a viable option now but I was still confident that we'd be able to go down into the sheltered spot of Church Cove which can hold migrant birds and was a place that we'd seen decent birds before. Firstly though I had to load the car! It was parked less than 20 feet from the hotel doors but if I got soaked yesterday morning then this time I got absolutely drenched, I may as well as jumped into the sea! Talk about rain. Still I'd dry off, eventually.
We picked our way through the mounting debris on the roads, removing one sizeable tree branch from out of our way, but managed to arrive unscathed at Church Cove. Remarkably the rain had eased and there was some degree of shelter here although it would still be tricky viewing in the gusty wind. The churchyard was our first port of call but we could only find Chiffchaffs and Robins. Other birds were audible but not visible. The rain had started again but at least it was only light so we could continue with our walk. The road at Church Cove runs steeply down to a very secluded little cove where there is a fabulous house nestled in at the bottom of the cliffs. We've had success with crests and warblers along this road in the past but for now it was largely quiet except for the resident House Sparrows and a few Goldfinches and Chaffinches.
At the Cove the wind was stronger and a few birds were passing close in, mainly Gannets and Herring Gulls but we did bag a single Manx Shearwater that flew rapidly northwards. At one stage we actually saw water from a small stream get blown uphill giving testament (if you needed any more) of the wind strength. The rain was coming down heavier again so we retreated back to the car. A lovely Grey Wagtail was feeding in the car park splashing a little bit of colour into the grey day.
After a quick trawl around the "rock" shops picking up a few crystals for our daughter we thought we'd at least have a look at Lizard Point. Horizontal rain changed our minds about leaving the car and we turned heel and fled! Fair weather birders indeed! Kynance Cove was totally exposed to the elements so no point in venturing out there either. This was all so frustrating. As a last resort we drove around the cul-de-sacs of Lizard Village looking for a reported Rose-coloured Starling but could only find Common Starlings hunkering down on the leeward side of the roofs of houses.
We drove into Mullion Cove which was again open to the prevailing gales but at least offered some sustenance at the excellent cafe. The drive over to Pendeen where we'd be based for the next week was fine and we managed to get the essential shop done on the way. The cottage appeared warm and cosy if not set in the most salubrious of surrounding but it'd do us well.
The difficulties of the day were exhibited by the total lack of photos taken! I didn't take a single shot! Not what I was hoping for but there was at least tomorrow and the rest of the week to look forward to although the weather forecast for the next day or so was for more strong winds.
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