Hereford is a hive of activity in the spring, with plenty of birds and fish to see.
There are rumours that basking sharks are heading to Falmouth Bay so we may be lucky enough to see them from the estuary. The river is very calm at this time of year, dolphins and seals swim upstream, and the creek is bustling with nesting birds.
Here’s what you might see in the Helford River and creeks this spring:
heron
Herons – Wingspan up to 195cm!!! Although their plumage is grey, their beaks (yellow, black and red) and legs (yellow, pink and brown legs) are brightly coloured. Able to eat small mammals and fish, Helford has farmland and waterways, ideal habitat for herons. Worth a visit is the heron on Polwheveral Creek in Helford, right next to the oyster beds, but be sure to keep your distance, especially if the engine is noisy, to avoid disturbing the nesting birds.
Grey Heron and Little Egret on Frenchman Creek
Little Egret
Little Egrets – They have bright white plumage and have been migrating to the UK in large numbers for the first time since 1989. Hereford is also an ideal habitat for them, they prefer farmland and marine areas and although some migrate, others stay here all year round. There are several species of egrets in Hereford, they have bright white plumage and congregate in the ancient oak trees that line the rivers and streams in Hereford.
kingfisher
Kingfishers – We rarely see them in the spring. Are they common in the spring but more common in the fall? Perhaps they are too busy nesting on the riverbanks to fly around the creeks showing off their bright blue and russet wings.
cormorant
Cormorants – Is it a cormorant or a phalacrocorax? Both black birds love to swoop down and catch fish underwater. Both birds have long necks, but the cormorant is smaller and has a steeper forehead. On the Helford River you can see both birds drying off on buoys with their wings outstretched, ready for their next dive. They can dive to depths of up to 45 metres!
Curlews – You’ll hear their unforgettable calls before you see them, as they are well camouflaged with their brown spotted feathers. They also have stunning long, curved bills.
Ordinary seal
And seals – although these playful, curious grey seals don’t live in Hereford, we often see them following fish or fishing boats, or even us, so keep an eye out!
We offer tours 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday, and also offer private charters!
Come and see what’s new this spring—— Cruise schedule available here.
