A big thank you to all who attended the Taw&Torridge branch day out following the River Barle from Simonsbath to Cow Castle yesterday (14th). Particular congratulations to those who made it through the congestion that was Barnstaple, including our illustrious leader Tim. Many would have given up and enjoyed the sun elsewhere.
This little stretch never ceases to showcase the delights offered by the combs of Exmoor. Thirteen people enjoyed the sunshine to see twenty seven bird species, at least five butterfly species, c30 Red Deer hinds and a Common Lizard that delighted those watching by running over Tim’s boot.
As usual with any combe on Exmoor with a tree it was simply dripping Willow Warbler with 24 seen, but the main highlights were a really good number of Whinchat (10), indicating a continued recovery after recent declines, Tree Pipits (12) and of course Cuckoo of which we had at least three. The only noticeable absence was Dipper which are a bit of a staple on this river, although a pair feeding youngsters had been seen a few weeks before and one was seen by a single member of our party just before we finished.
