Devon Birds

Dedicated to the study and conservation of wild birds in Devon since 1928

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Our Flock

Devon Birds welcomes members from all walks of life and all levels of interest in the Birds of Devon. So whether you are an academic looking for research opportunities and information, or you just want to know what bird is singing in your garden, there is something here for you

Membership Benefits

Joining Devon Birds means that you get our quarterly updates and a copy of the Devon Bird Report free.

You also get the opportunity to meet like minded people at our branch meetings, but most importantly you help us to support important projects that aid the protection of Birds in Devon and provide funding for both research and the maintenance and up keep of our reserves.

As everybody at Devon Birds is a volunteer, all of the money we receive goes towards these aims

Cirl Bunting Mike Langman

Sightings of rare breeding birds and endangered species current posting rules

Spring is nearly with us and with it all sorts of migrants will be arriving for the breeding season.

It is important to observe the guidelines with regards rare and endangered species at this time, so Please do not post news relating to birds that could be harmed by the unscrupulous

The rules regarding what sightings and photographs will be published by Devon Birds are under review. In the meantime the following rules shall apply

Rules for posting of sightings and photographs during the Summer 2023

The rules relating to what sightings and photographs will be accepted and posted on Devon Birds website and social media platforms are due to be reviewed and redrafted during he Summer of 2023.

Until this work is completed, the following rules shall apply

  1. No sightingsof Schedule 1 and other Devon vulnerable species are to be published during the nesting season, except when allowed by Devon Birds team.

Moderators will take a view on whether certain sightings are of migrants or wintering birds which may be published.

  1. No photographsof Schedule 1 species will be published during the nesting season under any circumstances. For other vulnerable species, the Devon Birds team will take a case-by-case approach.

No photos taken at nests will be published of any species.

Even outside the nesting season no photos or sightings will be published of certain species of high vulnerability – currently red grouse and lesser spotted woodpecker.

These rules are intended to be clear and unambiguous.

If anybody is unsure of the species covered by schedule 1, please use the link below and visit the RSPB website for clarification.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wildlife-and-the-law/wildlife-and-countryside-act/schedules/

This applies wherever you choose to post your sightings, whether that is on our sightings page, or on social media.

Avian Flu

Unfortunately, AVIAN FLU is still an issue across the UK and the following instructions should be followed when it is suspected

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

Call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577 if you find:

  • one or more dead bird of prey or owl
  • 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

 

Devon Birds AGM 2023

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023

Notice is hereby given that the 2023 Devon Birds Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 18th April 2023 at the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UX.

Agenda

  1. Apologies
  2. Minutes of the 2022 Annual General Meeting
  3. Matters arising from the Minutes
  4. Chairman’s Report
  5. Secretary’s Report
  6. Treasurer’s Report
  7. Election of Officers:

                                                                                            Proposed                      Seconded

            Chairman                                   G Burton         N Armstrong                 M Daniels

            Vice Chairman                           C Randall         L Harris                        G Burton

            Treasurer                                    S Churchley     G Burton                       M Daniels

            Communications Officer          T Utting           A Colston                      R Sims

            Publications Officer                  M Lock             T Utting                         N Armstrong

            Taw & Torridge Branch Rep    R Turner          K Sims                           M Daniels

  1. Election of Auditor/Independent Examiner – Thomas Westcott

The meeting will be followed by a talk by John Walters, wildlife artist and author, ecologist and speaker, titled ’30 years Wildlife Watching in Devon’.

Copies of the Annual report are available on the website via the Society Documents page, or from the secretary. Email Secretary@devonbirds.org

To highlight any amendments to this page, please contact website@devonbirds.org