16 February 2009

Seven years ago Mike Langman started to feed a winter flock of Cirl Buntings at Broadsands car park in Torbay. The results were fantastic, with the flock building to 11 birds in 2002 and 31 in 2004. This winter the numbers have peaked at 24.

Mike writes: In 2006 I volunteered for the RSPB severe weather feeding scheme for Cirl Buntings, but following discussions with the RSPB’s Nigel Hewitt it was agreed to put seed down throughout the winter. A special mixture of Canary Grass and Millet proved very popular with the buntings and also kept away large numbers of pigeons and crows that were attracted to other seed mixtures. Together with the RSPB we began to organise walks and advertise the site as a good place to see Cirl Buntings. Since then the site has become a firm favourite for people wanting to get good views of the ‘Devon’ Bunting, with birding groups visiting from other parts of the UK!

Seed is put down every three days. Numbers peak on the first morning (probably as the birds appreciate fresh food!) and tail off until the next lot of seed is dropped. To guarantee seeing the Cirl Buntings in good numbers at very close range, take along a bag of budgie seed, available in any pet shop, and spread it around the regular feeding area.

The area is used by dog walkers, which some birdwatchers find annoying, but it is probably these regular disturbances that make the bird so people-tolerant, so please be patient. Thanks to Torbay Borough Council for allowing us to promote the site.

Broadsands Cirl Bunting feeding area located in the second (locked-off) car park just beyond the ‘wintering’ beach huts and skip.

Several male and female Cirl Buntings feeding in the car park.

On a bright day digiscoping is easy, with some great results like this male! 

All photos © Mike Langman