Rooks, familiar across the British countryside, have an important place in our folklore, but are a fascinating bird in their own right.
Photo: Terence Thirlaway

The Ross's Gull - a pretty, small gull - is native to the High Arctic of Canada and Siberia. This vagrant was spotted early in January flying by Lizard Point.
Photo: Tony Blunden

In the spring and early summer, look out for breeding Sand Martins. They nest in burrows in sandy banks and cliffs. 
Photo: Terry Thirlaway

The south-west is supposedly not such a good place to look for Sanderlings on migration, but site photographer Terry Thirlway spotted this one on Predannack Airfield.
Photo: Terry Thirlaway

Lizard Point is a great place for spotting migrant birds as they head to their breeding grounds. These two Sandwich Terns stopped by recently.
Photo: Terry Thirlaway 

A summer visitor to Britain from Africa, Windmill Farm is a good place to spot Sedge Warblers.
Photo: Terry Thirlaway

This Shag was spotted building its nest at Lizard Point.
Photo: Richard Birchett

Short-eared Owls often hunt by day, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them, especially through the winter.
Photo: Terry Thirlaway

In spring and summer, the skies above the heaths and fields of the Lizard are full of the beautiful song of the Skylark.
Photo: © Natural England/P. N. Watts

It may be a relatively common wader, but the shy Snipe can be hard to spot. Watch out for it round well-vegetated pool edges on the Lizard, but you may need to be patient.
Photo: Terry Thirlaway