The Ferry-Hopping Seabirds of Falmouth

They have the most efficient personal transport system of all at their disposal.

But two freeloading seabirds have decided a 20-minute ferry ride is a far more agreeable way to make the short daily trip to their feeding grounds. And just like human commuters, they are creatures of strict routine.

Staff on the St Mawes Ferry, which traverses the Fal estuary between Falmouth and St Mawes in Cornwall four times an hour, have been astonished by the behaviour of the turnstones they have nicknamed Fred and Freda who, without fail, hop on board the first crossing of the day, then return in late afternoon for the last trip back.

The birds take up their positions on the gunnel of the boat at Falmouth pier at 8.15 every morning.

They stay for the short hop to St Mawes then fly off, not to be seen again until 4.30pm, when they are back on board ready to go home. .

full story: Daily Mail