Willow warblers on Hawkerland Common
A short walk from Joney’s Cross carpark (Aylesbeare Common) onto Hawkerland soon revealed singing willow warblers, of which we ultimately saw 5 in total. Added to these we observed several pairs of linnets, 2 stonechats and a yellowhammer pair.
Nightjars at Cann Wood, Plympton
The first two Nightjars of the season at Cann Wood this evening. Neither were churring as yet. Earlier on Crownhill Down were up to four Cuckoos and five Yellowhammers still singing into the oncoming dusk.
Slapton today
A steady passage of Swift over Slapton today. Also two Egyptian Geese. Have I been dozy enough never to have seen them before and ignored any reports of them? On the fields west of the path from the village to Ireland Bay.
Red kite flying over Merton
Saw x1 Red Kite flying over Merton 29th April 2023.
Swifts Over Winkleigh
5 Swifts over Winkleigh this evening. These are the earliest I’ve seen in the past 6 years, we usually reckon on the 4th May although they have been as late as the 9th. Time to get the sponges out!
Wheatears. Briwere Road, Torquay
10 wheatears at Briwere Road this afternoon.
Standon heights
- Standdon heights this morning..good numbers of swallow. goldfinch. and lovely pair of greenfinch gathering horse hair for a nest…and at least 10 wheatear around the horse fields
Soar
First Spotted Flycatcher; many Swallows in off the sea.
Swifts Barnstaple
Just seen 5 swifts above trinity church in Barnstaple
grenefon nr tavistock
Heard a green woodpecker laughing early at 800. 2 dippers flew down the river before a Stoat ran across a field just behind the river. Also lots of grey wagtails flying about all around the river this morning.
Exeter
Saw my first swift of the year over Topsham Road last night.
Sherpa Marsh, Braunton.
Another fruitless attempt to attract Swallows this evening was livened up with a walk around Sherpa Marsh. 3 Whimbrel on the Caen, 2 Common Sandpiper around the Marsh, Lots of Swallows and Sand Martins in the area. A large bird flew up from the edge of the pond – GLOSSY IBIS! A bit further round a Marsh Harrier appeared, then another! As I got back to the reserve, all three of these birds flew over – the Ibis went south and the 2 Harriers seemed to head North east. Once again as I left the reserve I heard but didn’t see a Grasshopper Warbler.
+1 Photo
Exminster Marsh
2 Hobbies seen early afternoon north of Lion’s Rest. Also Reed Warbler near Lion’s Rest.
Goodrington beach
One sandwich tern fishing off the beach late afternoon
Fremington Pill
Mid-afternoon at Fremington Pill was fairly quiet except for 7 whimbrel, 3 greenshank and the resident shelduck
Cuckoos at Venford Reservoir
This afternoon 3 different cuckoos heard calling in the valley below Venford Reservoir.
One seen calling quite close by at top of a hawthorn tree.
Swifts x 4 over Chulmleigh, North Devon 29-04-23
4 swifts seen flying over Chulmleigh Town centre today 0830 hrs 29/4/23,
and throughout the day.
Wembury Point
This morning: 6 Skylark, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap (m), 3 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Wheatear, 5 Whimbrel and a Shag.
+1 Photo
Exminster Marshes
Morning walk from the first car park to almost Turf. 2 Sedge and 3 Reed warblers seen and heard, 4 Cetti’s warblers heard, all along Station road between the car parks. 1 Marsh harrier seen on the southern edge of the marshes, as well as 2 cattle egrets with a small herd of livestock. A pair of reed buntings easily seen from the viewing platform along the canal. Goose seen with a group of Canada geese, possible Canada x Greylag hybrid?
Braunton Great Field, Braunton Burrows & Marshes
A perfect morning for identification by song. No wind & much warmer than yesterday morning. At least 6 male Lesser Whitethroat heard over a distance of 10 miles including 1 pair heard & seen together.
6 Whimbrel on the Caen Estuary.
