Helford is a lively place in spring with an abundance of bird and fish species to see.
Rumor has it that basking sharks are on their way to Falmouth Bay, so we might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one from the estuary. The river is very quiet at this time of year, with dolphins and seals visiting the river, while the creek is an active place for nesting birds.
Here’s what you might see on the Helford River and creeks this spring:
heron
Heron – with a wingspan of up to 195 cm! ! ! Although their plumage is gray, their beaks (yellow, black and red) and legs (yellow, pink and brown legs) are brightly colored. Being able to eat small mammals and fish Helford and its farmland and waterways provide the perfect environment for gray herons. One to keep an eye out for is the heron on Helford on Polwheveral Creek, next to where the oyster beds once stood, but be sure to keep your distance, especially where the engines are noisy case so as not to disturb nesting birds.
Herons and little egrets on Frenchman Creek
little egret
Little Egrets – with their bright white plumage – first arrived in Britain in large numbers in 1989. For lovers of farmland and marine areas, Helford is the perfect habitat, and while some egrets migrate, others stay here year-round. There are several species of egrets on Helford, with their gorgeous white plumage, who congregate on the ancient oak trees that line the Helford River and creeks.
kingfisher
Kingfishers – We rarely see them in the spring. Are they about, but more common in the fall? Perhaps they were too busy nesting on the riverbank to fly up and down the creek, showing off their bright blue and tawny wings.
cormorant
Cormorant – Is it a cormorant or a cormorant? Both black birds love to swoop down and swim underwater to catch fish. Both have long necks, but smaller shags and steeper foreheads. They can be found hanging out on buoys at Helford, spreading their wings and drying off before their next dive. They can dive to 45 meters!
Curlew Curlew – You’ll hear their haunting call before you see them, as their brown-spotted feathers allow them to be well camouflaged. They also have stunningly long, curved beaks.
Ordinary seal
And then there are the seals – although they don’t live in Helford, these cheeky, curious gray seals often follow fish or fishing boats, or even us, so keep your eyes peeled!
We offer tours 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, and also offer private charters!
Come and see what this spring has to offer—— Available cruise times here.
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