Birdwatching - Mullion Island

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Mullion Island, a bird sanctuary just offshore from the picturesque Mullion Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, is famous for its breeding colonies of Kittiwakes, Cormorants and Guillemots. Also known as Toldhu, this flat slab of dark rock, which forms a fabulous contrast to the clear turquoise waters and white foam of the sea, is clearly visible from the Mullion Cliffs National Nature Reserve, one mile south of Mullion Cove.

Mullion Cove Islands
Mullion Cove Islands

The coast path runs through the site, which is grazed by ponies and sheep and features rare plant life such as Land Quillwort and Ciliate Rupturewort. Continue further south and you will reach the Predannack Downs Nature Reserve, consisting of hundreds of acres of coastal and inland heath where Swallows and Swifts are common as well as migrating birds in spring and autumn, including Canadian Buff-Breasted Sandpiper, Hobby, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Short-eared Owl.

To access the cliffs from the cove follow coast path signs from the harbour. Boast trips around the island are available by informal arrangement at Mullion Cove.