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

Devon Bird Sightings

30 Sep
12:01 pm

Tarka Trail , North Devon…

Spoonbill,3 roosting On Isley Marsh, 2adults +1 immature. 15 Greenshank roosting nearby at high tide, 2 Mediterranean Gulls at Bideford East, Elsewher…Read More
posted by Malcolm Shakespeare
30 Sep
8:57 am

Exminster Marshes 29th Sept

Mid morning visit.  The marsh was alive with dragon flies – mainly common darters with flocks of BH gulls feasting on the high flying insects. …Read More
posted by Patrick Case
29 Sep
8:50 pm
Berry Head

Berry Head

Just when we thought thousands of Great Shearwaters with a few Cory’s and Sooty’s passing Berry Head in the last week (and being seen at s…Read More
posted by Mike Langman
29 Sep
2:28 pm

Powderham Marsh RSPB

A morning visit. Best bird being a Whinchat, feeding with two Stonechat in final field before viewing platform. 4 Stonechat in total, 4 Chiffchaff, 14…Read More
posted by Steve Cox
29 Sep
1:35 pm

Soar Mill Valley area

Best today was a Wryneck lurking in scrub just above Soar Mill Cove – a favoured area! Also: migrant Great Spotted Woodpecker, Reed Warbler, Whi…Read More
posted by Rob Macklin
29 Sep
12:25 pm
Seaton Wetlands +1 Photo

Seaton Wetlands

Yesterday afternoon, Mallard, Shelduck, Redshank, Curlew, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Moorhen,, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Ringed …Read More
posted by Bob Barrow & John Lloyd
29 Sep
12:18 pm
Trowlesworthy and Crownhill Down, Dartmoor

Trowlesworthy and Crownhill Down, Dartmoor

Trowlesworthy: Grasshopper Warbler skulking in bracken is my first autumn record here. 5 Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Green Woodpecker etc. Crownhill Dow…Read More
posted by Chris E

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

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

 

Planning Applications

Devon Birds is regularly asked to become involved in planning applications across the county. These are assessed by the Executive Committee as they arise.

Planning law is complex and challenging with the government rules undoubtedly favouring development.

We will, however, take a robust attitude to planning matters where we can provide evidence that a development would significantly impact protected species, wintering or breeding habitats, or roosting sites and we will respond as appropriate. We will work closely with other agencies, such as the Devon Wildlife Trust.

To maintain credibility, DB will only challenge plans which have a clear and substantialimpact on the county’s bird populations. We will not be able to challenge every application which takes away another green field site – unfortunate though that may be for local birds and wildlife. We need to base our approach on our ability to sustain and support an objection through to an enquiry.

If you are aware of an application which you think may have a serious negative impact on Devon’s bird population, please get in touch with our Secretary.

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Planning thresholds for Devon Birds engagement:

1. SPA/SACs for birds (Exe, Tamar, Dartmoor)
2. SSSIs with key RDB species (Taw/Torridge)
3. 2% rule – would if affect more than 2% of the Devon RDB breeding, wintering or roosting population.

An example of the last might be willow tit – Devon popn calculated from last atlas, and Tyler, could be 100-150 prs so the threshold would be 2-3 pairs to trigger our intervention.

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