Category: East Devon
Trip Report, East Devon Walk at Aylesbeare (th April 2026
After several balmy days, the rather abrupt change to colder weather did
nothing to diminish the number of birds or the number of birders for our trip
to Aylesbeare Common. Twenty four members enjoyed seeing thirty five
species.
Our first bird was a rather incongruous Mallard which flew over the car park as
we set off. Once we’d negotiated our crossing of the A3052 there were brief
views of Dartford Warbler, several Linnet, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and a
singing Tree Pipit. There were also good views of a vocal Yellowhammer before
we descended to the series of ponds at the west of the reserve, which we saw
have been extensively dammed by beavers. We were impressed by the
number of tree trunks gnawed in to their characteristic sharpened-pencil
shapes. A Mallard and her 15 young were making good use of the beaver-
enhanced ponds.
A few Swallows drifted over us as we headed to the woodland at the north of
the common where we saw Redpoll foraging in the oak buds, Siskin and Great-
spotted and Green woodpeckers. On our return to the start we were closely
watched by several of the area’s ubiquitous Stonechats, clinging to the gorse
tops in the breeze, before a small group of House Martins flew over as we
arrived back at the car park.
Robin Pearson
East Devon Branch Walk at Mamhead 23rd March 2026
Nine people enjoyed a sunny morning, with no rain, and little wind in the sheltered and wooded area. A pair of Treecreepers in the car park plus a Siskin gave us a good start, further highlights later on being a pair of raptors soaring overhead which turned out to be a Buzzard alongside a Red Kite – a first in Devon this year for most of us. A persistently singing Mistle Thrush didn’t show itself, but we saw most of the common Tit species, several Finches and, best of all, heard and saw a number of Crossbills. The latter were only glimpsed by a couple of us, but later on we all had good views of at least 2 males, as well as others heard or seen briefly. The only summer migrants were a couple of Chiffchaffs. Add in a quick flyover by a Sparrowhawk plus a few other common species, and the total seen became respectable. A good and pleasant day, if not spectacular.
Colin Randall
East Devon walk at Exminster Marshes on Thursday 12th march has been cancelled.
The forecast for Thursday is for rain all morning and windy conditions. As a result we have decided to cancel the walk.
Devon Birds AGM 2026
Devon Birds AGM 2026
The 2026 Devon Birds Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 14th March 2026, in the Devon Suite at the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7UX. Starting at 14.30pm
After the formalities of the AGM, there will be a talk by Gus Robin entitled Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Devon and the South West – their ecology, monitoring and can we halt their decline?
We are looking for members (or non-members) who are willing and able to offer their time and energy to the work of Devon Birds, contributing to the conservation and protection of the county’s wildlife.
The membership covers a very broad spectrum of enthusiasts, from simply feeding birds in the garden to more organised record keeping of sightings and identification of rare birds. Our Council similarly represents this range of interest and we do not all need to be expert birders to contribute.
We have a number of vacancies, including Chair, vice chair, Communications Officer, WebSite manager and Member Trustee roles.
If you might be interested in any of these roles please contact Secretary@devonbirds.org for more information
Lundy Day Trip sailing from Bideford on Sunday 3 May 2026
As holiday companies typically launch their advertising campaigns at the beginning of January with promises of island adventures and the opportunity to get away for it all, why not take advantage of what is on your doorstep by joining the Devon Birds annual trip to Lundy on Sunday 3 May 2026?
The early start, boarding M V Oldenburgh at Bideford from 7.30am ready to sail at 8.00am, will mean that you have over 6 hours to enjoy this beautiful, peaceful island with only the local fauna and flora for company. One of the highlights is that, weather permitting, the boat will tour round the island before you disembark allowing spectacular views of rafts of Guillemot, Razorbill and everybody’s favourite, Puffin.
Whether you to choose to take a picnic or buy some supplies on the island, you will have time to explore the cliffs and scan the coves below. This island offers so much more than the 35 species of bird that breed there. It is a hot spot for rarities and the thrill of a visit is that you never know what you may see. Added to this is the chance to see seal, dolphin, basking shark and Sika Deer.
The journey from the mainland takes about 2 hours with the chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, share news of what you have seen and lament on the one that eluded you, all the while scanning the sea for shearwater, dolphin and one last surprise.
The day will end all to soon, returning to Bideford at approximately 6.30pm.
Tickets, priced £42 for adults and £19 for children (under 16) are available to buy from the Shop on the Devon Birds website (www.devonbirds.org.uk). click here for the shop
Please note that when you make your booking the Lundy Steamship Company require you to provide the full name and gender of all passengers.
The trip is open to everyone, not just Devon Birds members, providing the opportunity to share this very special place with friends and family and make it a day to remember. It’s a great way to start using your new 2026 diary – make your booking and save the date.
East Devon Branch. Nightjar Evening. Date change
Please note that the date for the Nightjar evening at Wheathill Plantation has been changed to be the 16th of June, with a start time of 21.30
This has been done to take advantage of more moonlight (hopefully) to spot the birds.
Details on the events page are now correct.
East Devon Walk at Exminster Marshes. 3rd March
Glorious sunshine and a hard frost greeted 12 members at Exminster Marshes. We decided to go around the walk widdershins, hoping that the very muddy section over the fields might still be frozen as we went over it. It worked a bit. Still very muddy though, but no one fell over, lost their boots or got wet socks, so we’ll call that a win.
The birds were kind to us too, with a total of about 45 species, including good numbers of widgeon, teal, shelduck and shoveller as well as some pinttail, tufted duck, mallard and gadwall. A good flight of brent geese may be the last of the season for many of us. Curlew were present in good numbers and a marsh harrier and a spoonbill were nice bonuses.
East Devon Branch. Visit to Steart Marshes 16th January. Car Sharing Information
If you are planning on joing us for our visit to WWT Steart Marshes on the 16th, either meet at the reserve for 9.30 (see Event details for info) or, if you wish to take part in or offer a car share, meet at the Honiton Road Park and Ride, 15 Moor Ln, Exeter EX2 7NL by 08.15.
The trip will finish by about 15.30, so return to the park and ride will be around 16.30 to 17.00, traffic permitting.
Don’t be late. We will be leaving the P&R at 8.15! If there is no one there, head for Steart!
Report of East Devon Branch Walk 2 January 2025 Powderham to Turf
On a gloriously sunny, albeit intitially very cold day, 11 people turned up at Powderham Church car park (thanks to the church – another recipient of Devon Birds’ Swift Boxes in Churches Project).
The tide was high to start with, but dropped during the walk to Turf, and on to Exminster Marshes, which produced over 50 species between us; a good start to the year for most.
Highlights included 2, later 5, Cattle Egrets by Powderham Bridge, over 100 Pintail on the river, 1 male Pochard and 1 male Scaup on Exminster .
Good numbers of Avocet were scattered all across the estuary, with over 100 Golden Plover in the distance, and a brief view for some of a flying Greenshank.
2 Great Northern Diver fishing in the estuary following reports in previous days, was an unusual bonus, plus the usual Kingfisher at Turf.
Goldcrest in the churchyard (and a Bullfinch at the end for one person) boosted passerine numbers
The next trip is to Steart, the WWT reserve in Bridgwater Bay, Somerset, on Thursday 16 January: watch the website for car-sharing arrangements, but we’ll probably meet at one of the M5 Park & Ride car parks.
Colin Randall
East Devon Walk Report – Escot 12th December
On the morning of Thursday 12th December, 14 birders shuffled around the fields and woodland of Escot Park, in the cold grey conditions, on the last East Devon Devon Birds Field Trip for the year.
Virtually the first bird logged, was a redhead Goosander on the lake with 2 Cormorants and a group of Mallards. Siskins were occasionally heard along the river with Goldfinches and Chaffinches and when we moved through the wood we were pleased to get good views of Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Goldcrest and Nuthatch with Redwings moving through. The few apples left in the orchard still held a few Fieldfares, with a couple of Mistle Thrushes in attendance. The marsh area held 3 Stonechats and a couple of Bullfinches were glimpsed in the hedgerows. Other highlights contributing to the 29 species count for the morning included Stock Dove, Greenfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tit.
John Reeves
