Category: Mid Devon

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

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.

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

A walk in the East Devon Pebblebed Heathlands is good at any time of year, but a sunny, dry day in late April makes it even better. Seven of us had this opportunity on the 21st. We kept mostly to the dry heathland areas of the Hawkerland Valley and Aylesbeare Common, but went close to the damper parts, as well as the areas of mixed woodland. We located 28 species, including several groups of crossbills, some nicely-displaying tree pipits and plenty of linnets, which were almost ubiquitous. In addition there were possible calling goldcrests and song thrush (not included in the list below). A breeze got up later in the walk and probably limited sightings and soundings then; and it may have been partly responsible for a couple of surprising omissions, namely dunnocks and nuthatches.

Species seen or heard included: Mallard, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap, Dartford Warbler, Wren, Starling, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Crossbill, Siskin

Report by Richard Hudson, photos by Tom Misselbrook

The traditional early spring visit to Yarner Wood by the mid-Devon branch, to try and pick out woodpeckers, finches, tits and other woodland birds before the trees come into leaf. Sixteen met in the middle car park, including several new members, and immediately we were hearing Siskins in the tops of the Alder trees around the car park, together with Blue and Great Tits and a Song Thrush in full voice. Unfortunately, our visit coincided with some woodland maintenance work, apparently the removal of much of the Holly understory, so we had a constant backdrop of buzzing chainsaws! Undeterred, we crossed the road into the wood and made our way slowly along the pathway to the left, scanning the trees as we went. The birds seemed subdued, perhaps because of the overcast conditions (or maybe the chainsaws!), but occasionally we would come across a small mixed flock including Long-Tailed Tits and Goldcrest, while more Siskins were hanging upside down in the tree tops. A quick look over the reservoir revealed just a pair of Mallard, who quacked indignantly while moving to the other side of the water. Venturing out onto the neighbouring bit of heathland we found the distant Mistle Thrush which had been singing noisily for some time. A Green Woodpecker yaffled from the lower valley and a Raven flew overhead. A splendid male Stonechat was showing off, perched high in a gorse bush.

Back into the woods and retracing our steps up the hill, we heard drumming and finally managed to locate a Great Spotted Woodpecker who was doing his best to remain hidden. After a few more mixed flocks, and then a Buzzard leaving the wood ahead of us, we crossed out of the woodland onto the moor with a view across Trendlebere Down, Houndtor Wood and Lustleigh Cleave. Several more Stonechat were appearing and disappearing in the gorse, and we heard, then saw a few Redpoll. Up to six Buzzard were lazily circling above the distant ridge. Over lunch back at the car park we picked up Bullfinch and Greenfinch and kept being disturbed from our sandwiches by more distant raptors appearing over the ridge. After lunch some of the group made their way back into the wood down to the stream and the bird feeders, where we did add Marsh Tit to our list.

A total of 31 species seen or heard, including: Mallard, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Crow, Raven, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Redpoll, Siskin.

Report and photos by Tom Misselbrook

Having cancelled walks twice this year due to the relentless rain, we were determined to get out for this one! The forecast the evening before did not look promising, but undaunted, nine fully waterproofed birders gathered in the car park at 9:30am. Cloud was sitting firmly on the common, with a light drizzle and visibility severely restricted; seeing any birds in this was going to be a challenge! We set off along Ridge Road, which would normally give good visibility across the common to both sides, but this morning we could see about 50 yards. A couple of Carrion Crows appeared, looking more like Ravens in the mist. A pair of Stonechat flitted from perch to perch along the roadside. Two Reed Buntings in a roadside bush were a pleasant surprise. And then suddenly, the mist began to clear and we could see right across the valley, picking out Rooks and Pheasants in the grass fields some distance away. Skylarks began to sing, giving us hope of better times to come! And better things were to come as two raptors slowly drifted their way across the panorama, giving us some beautiful views of Red Kite.

We headed back towards the cars and moved to Whitepost car park at the other end of the common, for a coffee and then a walk down to Dane’s Brook, with a small flypast of Golden Plover being seen on the route. The promised rain had begun to fall by now, but the walk down to the brook was rewarded with a view of a Dipper, looking very dapper as it perched on a rock in the fast flowing water. The rain worsened, and it was looking doubtful that we would find much more so we headed back for an early lunch. Not a very big species list, but some very much appreciated birds.

Species seen included: Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Dipper, Meadow Pipit, Pheasant, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Robin, Rook, Skylark, Stonechat, Woodpigeon.

Report and photos by Tom Misselbrook

Devon Birds AGM 2026

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

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.

Having postponed the walk from the previous week due to bad weather, there were a nervous couple of days waiting to see whether it was actually going to be any better this week. Thankfully, rain ceased and the wind abated at least for the morning of our visit. However, the birds didn’t seem to have got the message and mostly seemed to have stayed away, or at least were maintaining a low profile! But sometimes that is what birdwatching is like, and you have to work hard to get your birds. And so it was that we were quite excited when we did catch the occasional glimpse of Great and Coal Tits, and a passing Sparrowhawk and couple of Jays were very much appreciated. A few Chaffinches were enjoying the Beech mast, but no sign of any Brambling which we have found here before. Similarly, the heavily laden hawthorn and other berry bushes seemed mostly empty, excepting a few Blackbirds, although we did eventually turn up a single Redwing and a couple of Fieldfare (a Ring Ouzel was seen here a couple of days before!!). And Crossbill is normally guaranteed at Fernworthy, but apart from a possibly flyover there were none showing today.

There was very little on the water either; a couple of Cormorant and Tufted Duck, a few gulls going over early on, but no sign of the usual Little Grebe and the previously seen Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail (we had to make do with a friendly Pied). Despite the apparent lack of birds, the autumn colours were glorious and there were still a few magnificent fungi around to keep us interested, and of course the exercise and the good company are always worthwhile.

A total of 25 species were seen/heard: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Cormorant, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Tit, Herring Gull, Jay, Magpie, Nuthatch, Raven, Redwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Sparrowhawk, Stonechat, Treecreeper, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Wren.

Report and photos by Tom Misselbrook