Category: Branch News

Author of the book, ‘Bats and Ladders’, George has spent 36 years looking for our British bats and their roosts.  She will talk about the species, their roosts and what is actually involved in bat survey work, and what we’ve learnt (or think we’ve learnt) about the greater horseshoe bats of Berry Head.

The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA

Suggested donation for entry £3 Members £4 Non-Members, to include refreshments

Devon Birds Council and other volunteer opportunities

After endless hot, dry days, the forecast was for rain on the day of our walk! However, after a little light drizzle the rain stopped and all we had to contend with was a fairly strong westerly breeze. A group of 12 met in the car park at Hartland Point, having negotiated the maze of lanes to get here, and began with a bit of sea watching. In the words of the great Bill Oddie and his Little Black Bird Book, sea watching is 90% just that – i.e. watching the sea and not much else! But we were lucky enough to see a few birds and a group of 10 or so seals ‘bottling’ just below us. A lot of Herring Gulls, including juveniles in a variety of plumages, a few Gannets passing by with occasional Manx Shearwater, Fulmar and Kittiwake. A Sparrowhawk flew along the cliff below us, close to the ground hoping undoubtedly to disturb some small birds. Predominantly brown above, rounded wings, strongly barred tail, we put this down as a juvenile bird. We walked west along the coast path, passing the scrub and bramble bushes that often host a variety of small birds including warblers and chats, but today just a few Stonechat. Stopping for a coffee with a view over the lighthouse and out towards Lundy, we put in a bit more sea watching as a single House Martin and a few Swallows hawked above our heads. Most birds were distant, giving some challenge to identification, including a group of seemingly all white gulls passing east to west just above the waves, which we decided must have been Kittiwake. A raft of about 150 Manx Shearwater were also spotted resting on the water, but again too distant to fully appreciate.

Heading back to the cars we drove a little way along the coast to Titchberry, where the National Trust warden, Paul Collom, very kindly gave us a guided walk around the site. Before beginning our walk and while eating our lunch we were entertained by trying to identify a raptor on a telegraph pole, just out of comfortable binocular range. We had all left our scopes in the cars at this point! With a lot of white on the head, and some white underneath we discussed harriers, or possibly even Osprey. Then the bird took off and was very obviously a Buzzard! Apparently there are one or two very pale individuals around here. A Kestrel also hovered nearby, giving us much less of an identification challenge. Paul led us along hedgerows and around the arable and grassland fields with wide margins full of wild flowers (mostly past their prime at this time of year). Plenty of butterflies were around, including some immaculate Painted Ladies and Clouded Yellow (which seem to be having a good year). A male Cirl Bunting sat on the hedge top at one point, but too briefly for all of the group to see. Goldfinches and Linnets were enjoying the plethora of ‘weeds’. Ravens croaked overhead, and then we were back to the cars once more surrounded again by plenty of hawking Swallows. This is a great site at what is generally a quite time of year for birds and we are very grateful for Paul for showing us around and sharing his extensive knowledge.

Sadly not with us this time was Tim Hubbard, who passed away a few weeks ago and will be sorely missed by the mid-Devon birders and all those who knew him. Tim was a bit of a specialist in the group on raptors, and so we dedicate the wonderful sightings we had today of Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and the oddly pale Buzzard in his memory.

We saw a total of 27 species: Woodpigeon, Kittiwake, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Crow, Raven, Swallow, House Martin, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin, Cirl Bunting

Report and photos by Tom Misselbrook

South Devon Branch Walk in the Atlantic Temperate Rainforest of Cabilla Manor, Cornwall 29^th June 2026

See PDF Report here South Devon Branch Walk In The Temperate Atlantic Rainforest Of Cabilla Manor

The group of 12 members, arrived for their guided tour in the heart of the Cornish countryside and were immediately serenaded by a Song Thrush perched in the boughs of an Oak tree whilst Swallows and House Martins swooped down to their nests under the eaves of the Manor House.

The group was then introduced to their leader, Ennia, who enthusiastically extolled the virtues of the habitat we were about to enter. Her knowledge of the flora and fauna inspired the group to focus and re-focus on the total environment that we were experiencing, to the extent that the birds were almost a sideshow to the splendour of the ancient oak rainforest, which had been in existence for over 3000 years. Even the cheeky young Robin, that tried to interrupt the talk, didn’t really get a look in!

As the group continued into the depths of the forest, so the birdsong decreased and the peace and tranquillity of the environment enveloped the walkers, making the occasional burst of song from the Blackcap and Wren even more poignant. With Ravens croaking overhead the views over the valley showed the full extent of the forest, with the occasional squawk from a family of Jays and later on a Buzzard, flying through the dense canopy from its hidden nest site.

Just as the walk was ending, the group was entertained by a real-life drama, when a tiny Wren flew onto a branch, then hid for a while as it was surprised to see so many onlookers. It persevered and eventually returned, struggling to carry a feather as big as itself into its mossy enclosure in the Mother Oak. This was a fitting end to our walk and symbolic of the massive task that Merlin Hanbury Tennison has chosen, when setting up the Thousand Year Trust, to try to safeguard and expand the Atlantic Temperate rainforest for the benefit of future generations.

Nick D’Agorne

Bird List

Vealand and Dunsdon are two of the Devon Wildlife Trust culm grassland reserves, featuring habitat that would once have been common across large parts of mid-Devon but now largely improved for agriculture. These two reserves are linked by part of the Bude canal, making for a pleasant circular walk. On an overcast and warm morning, the group heard several Grasshopper Warblers reeling (although didn’t manage to see any!), one of the specialist birds of this habitat and notoriously elusive. Various warblers and finches were present, and at this time of year the flowers were perhaps out-performing the birds, with the glorious scent of honeysuckle and native dog roses, and orchids including the scarce lesser butterfly orchid. 34 species of bird were seen or heard, and perhaps if the sun had appeared a few more butterflies would also have put in an appearance!

Species seen/heard: Wren, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Robin, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Swallow, Carrion Crow, Sedge Warbler, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Jay, Great Tit, Mallard, Pheasant, Dunnock, Coal Tit, Skylark, Buzzard, Magpie, Willow Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, House Martin, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Stonechat, Herring Gull, Jackdaw.

May temperature records already being broken, with today promising to be hotter still. The six birdwatchers gathering in the car park started the day by applying copious quantities of sun cream, donning sunhats and ensuring plentiful supplies of water were taken! Fears that the birds would just be hiding away because of the heat were not realised, probably because many of them were busy collecting food for growing youngsters. The group set off across the heathland behind the car park, with Swallows and House Martins overhead, good views of singing Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer, the inevitable Stonechat, and a Grey Heron in the tall trees by the waterworks. Following Holne Moor Leat into the edge of the woodland revealed Redstart and Pied Flycatcher again giving really good views and obviously busy feeding nestlings. Willow Warbler and Blackcap were also picked up before a return to the car park for an early lunch at the picnic table. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by Siskins in the pines by the car park, but sadly no sign of the Crossbills reported by the recent Plymouth group visit here.

After lunch, a circuit of the reservoir was made, making the most of the shade of the trees and the slight breeze across the water. Two Little Grebe were on the water and Pied Wagtails and two juvenile Grey Wagtails nearby. A young Buzzard was mewing incessantly above, and to the delight of the group a male Cuckoo flew by calling. A female Cuckoo was also seen. A singing Garden Warbler tested the groups bird song ID skills for a while, but generally (in my experience, and particularly early in the season) while Blackcaps are sometimes mistaken for Garden Warblers, once you do hear a Garden Warbler you realise it is quite different from Blackcap. The bird was singing from just a few feet away, but never actually showed itself! On completing the circuit, six hot but happy birdwatchers returned to their cars and set off to find cooler relief as the heat of the day really set in.

A total of 37 species were seen/heard: Mallard, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch, Swallow, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Chaffinch, House Martin, Crow, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Tree Pipit, Herring Gull, Stonechat, Dunnock, Raven, Buzzard, Cuckoo, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Wren, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Yellowhammer, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Siskin, Goldcrest, Little Grebe, Garden Warbler, Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Song Thrush, Grey Wagtail.

As the welcome and briefing was underway, for the twelve birders joining Plymouth Branch’s visit to Challacombe Farm, a male Redstart was keen to join in and introduce itself from the top branches of a Sycamore tree, which made for an excellent start. For many of the bird species seen, they had dispensed with claiming territory and were instead busy searching for food and feeding chicks in nests or minding slightly wobbly fledglings.

There was an ever-present Robin, Chaffinches galore and a regular serenade by Willow Warbler. Birds were concentrated in sheltered areas. With trees and shrubs almost in full leaf, identification of the songs and calls was key, and by scouring each twig with binoculars the group were successful in locating a wide variety of birds. Good team work ensured that everyone enjoyed views of the birds. On the heath there were Goldfinch, Linnet and Stonechat. One member of the group had two ‘lifers’, Redpoll and Whinchat which were a delight to see, even for the most seasoned birder. A Kestrel was seen actively looking for prey in the middle distance with a Buzzard using the wind to hang motionless in the sky far above the hillside.

The call of Cuckoo was heard at intervals across the day however it wasn’t until the afternoon, as the group moved up to Headland Warren Farm, that a distant bird was see in a Hawthorn tree. At this end of the valley a singing male Reed Bunting was spotted in the top branches of a clump of Willow. Good numbers of Wheatear were using the mounds of earth and stone walls as vantage points. Pied Wagtail had successfully raised a brood of young and there were more views of Whinchat.

Swallows skimmed over the fields and ponds hawking for insects wherever they could locate them. The group watched with interest as House Martin flew into the artificial nests on the farmhouse eaves. During a reconnaissance visit a week before, when a Spring Watch film crew were on site, birds were seen placing mud on batons on the wall. It was painful to see one globule of mud fall to the floor and question how many beakfuls of earth that represented. Little progress had been made in the intervening week, perhaps emphasising the value of the nest boxes.

During quiet spells there was time to enjoy a range of interesting plants, notably Bogbean and Heath Spotted Orchid but these were surpassed by the azure blue haze of Bluebells which were in their prime on both sides of the valley. They more than made up for the grey skies above!

Report by M Johnson

43 species seen or heard (H):
Mallard, Buzzard, Kestrel, Pheasant, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest (H), Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Redpoll, Reed Bunting

Twenty one members of the Plymouth Branch paid a visit to Venford Reservoir and walked the paths through the temperate rain forest which border the sides of the valley above Venford Brook to look for newly arrived spring migrants. We were pleased to introduce some new members to this special area of Dartmoor with the promise of a fine dry forecast after a cool start.

Swallows and House Martins hawked for insects over the dam wall and buildings below.
On the far side of the reservoir there were distant views of a Moorhen and a Little Grebe. Those who could stand on tip toe to look over the wall were rewarded with views of a Grey Wagtail in a channel by the South West Water buildings.

On the heathland the song of a Yellowhammer was heard advertising a ‘little bit of bread and no cheese’ and located at the top of a Hawthorn tree. The call of several Cuckoo echoed from both sides of the valley over the course of the day. A Tree Pipit chose a more sheltered tree, from which to take off to do a parachute display, singing all the while.

The tree canopy had started to emerge and a knowledge of birdsong was needed to identify calls and songs. The inevitable debate over identification occurred when Blackcap or Garden Warbler sang from the middle of a bush however, Willow Warbler song was simple enough to work out. Views of another striking migrant, Redstart, were limited but their song gave away their presence in the woodland, with them seen perched on the top most twigs.

For some the bird of the day was a Red Kite seen heading into a moderate breeze. For others it was the excellent views of a pair of Pied Flycatcher taking caterpillars from a tree.

Finally, and with much determination and searching, a pair of Crossbill displayed their acrobatics feeding off Scotts Pine and where else? ….by the car park.

Report by Liz Harris

45 Species seen or heard (H):
Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Pheasant (H), Moorhen, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker (H), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Garden Warbler (H), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest (H), Pied Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven (H), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll (H), Crossbill, Yellowhammer

Butterflies:
Brimstone, Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Sixteen members of the Plymouth Branch took part in an early spring visit to Yarner Wood and Trendlebere Down, aiming to observe woodland birds before the trees came fully into leaf. Despite overcast skies, strong winds, and rain forecast, the group enjoyed a rewarding day in the field.

We began at the Trendlebere Down car park, scanning the hillside for heathland species. A lively duet between a Garden Warbler and a Blackcap greeted us near the start, while a Willow Warbler flitted through the nearby bushes. The windy conditions kept many moorland birds low in the gorse, though we were pleased to catch sight of a Tree Pipit parachuting down in the distance, along with Redpolls passing overhead.

Crossing into Yarner Wood, we continued our search for key species. A Sparrowhawk was seen flying over on several occasions and appeared to quieten bird activity throughout the woodland.

A mid-morning pause at the reservoir hide provided a chance for refreshments, with Mallard and Moorhen noted around the floating islands. We then explored the heathland edge again, keeping an eye out for both birds and early butterflies, before heading down towards the Natural England office.

An early lunch stop proved particularly rewarding, with excellent views of a pair of Redstart repeatedly visiting a nest box. The return walk through the woods highlighted positive habitat management, with areas of dense holly undergrowth having been cleared, creating more open conditions beneficial to both birds and butterflies.

As the weather began to deteriorate with the chance of light rain setting in, the group made a gradual return to the car park. Although some target species eluded us, the visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and provided a valuable opportunity to experience Yarner Wood at this special time of year.

Report by John O’Connell-Davidson

39 species seen or heard (H)
Mallard, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Pheasant (H), Moorhen, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker (H), Swallow, House Martin, Tree Pipit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush (H), Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff (H), Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll, Bullfinch.

Butterflies (5)
Holly Blue, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Grey sky and a cool breeze greeted the party of six arriving in the car park at Ideford Common, not the vibrant spring day we were hoping for. Things were quiet as we set out, with just Robin and Great Tit announcing their presence. We headed up the lane and then into the scrubby and more wooded section of the site. Occasional glimpses of a ‘willow/chiff’ but few birds were singing, with the exception of one persistent Song Thrush. However, calls of Crossbill were suddenly heard and two birds, an adult male and streaky juvenile were found in the top of one of the conifers. Goldcrest was heard by those that can still hear them (i.e. not me!), Blackcap and Blackbird began singing and a Jay flew low across the scrub. On the path ahead, two Raven flew up from the ground, one of them carrying something with it. A pile of woodpigeon feathers revealed the unlucky prey, although presumably it was killed by something other than the Raven. A glimpse of a Dartford Warbler disappearing into a bush, but despite waiting for some time it was not seen again. Time for a coffee!

As we set out again towards the more open heathland section, the breeze dropped and the sun appeared; layers were shed by most of the birdwatchers. Perhaps the most surprising bird of the day, a female Mallard came hurtling across, just above our heads. With the sun, more birds began singing and showing themselves. Several Tree Pipits singing as they parachuted between tree tops, or the more lazy ones just singing from the tree top. A pair of immaculate Yellowhammers really brightened up the day as they landed in a small pine tree close to us. Linnets twittered as they flew about and Stonechats appeared on available perches, one pair with two fledglings. More Crossbill were seen flying between the pines. We sat and had lunch with a fantastic view across to Dartmoor. A Buzzard circled overhead giving hope (unfulfilled) of more raptors on the warming air. Skylark sang from above, and several pairs of Dartford Warbler were chasing each other around the small trees. Finally, back at the car park feeders we added a couple of species that we had missed so far, including Nuthatch and Goldfinch.

A total of 31 species seen or heard: Mallard, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Carrion Crow, Raven, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Dartford Warbler, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Redpoll, Crossbill, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Report and photos by Tom Misselbrook