Category: Plymouth

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.

Who doesn’t enjoy a walk in the forest? We benefit so much from our visits to forests and woods but do we appreciate the complexity of the management of these vital natural areas? This comprehensive presentation delivered by Shaun Woodward covered the many aspects that impinge upon the forest management.

Founded in 1919 the Forestry Commission managed forests primarily to provide supplies of timber and though impacted by two world wars, recovered and grew into the familiar organisation we all recall. Initially with no public access to their forests, in 1963 areas were opened for the public to explore and enjoy. Later in the mid 1990s, following UK devolution, each country was tasked with management of its forests – hence the creation of “Forest England”. The Forestry Commission becoming an organ of the government and gatekeeper of funding. Since 1963 forests have only been closed to the public twice: first during the foot and mouth epidemic and secondly during the Covid pandemic.

Factors effecting management include: husbandry and business/financial considerations and forestry science. Access, ancient monuments preservation, wildlife and special designation status also have to be considered. This complex web involving many stakeholders is a day-to-day challenge for Shaun and his team who must respond to stipulations for habitat control balanced with forestry income. Income is reinvested into the replanting of crop trees – primarily conifers but also some hardwoods. Layered on top of these factors is the need to think of the future: a ten-year cycle of drawing up individual forest plans that try to predict the potential yield of a forest. A fifty-year perspective may also have to be employed.

Responses to pests, diseases and climate change are ongoing concerns that require urgent action and can potentially derail a forest plan. We are all familiar with headline grabbing issues such as Ash die-back, Dutch Elm disease and Phytophthora ramorum (sudden larch death) – many consequential on the spread of spores and virus through globalisation of the horticultural industries or maybe even naturally spread. Around 20% of funding comes from the government but the rest is generated from felled timber sales and the growing recreational facilities offered in some of our forests such as biking trails, adventure facilities and parking & catering provision. Innovation is shown in the various schemes used to benefit the forests. These include the reintroduction of Pine Marten to help control Grey Squirrel populations which cause significant damage to trees by stripping bark from them. To lessen the impact from walkers and dogs that may stray into the forests and disturb sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, margins of forests and edging of recreational pathways are sometimes planted with Hawthorn and Bramble. Also designed to benefit wildlife and forestry alike, heathland is created and peat bogs established by water management.

The future looks bright but the work is ever challenging.

“Time spent amongst trees is never wasted time.” – Katrina Mayer

Report by John Lloyd

Many of the 21 birdwatchers joining Plymouth Branch’s visit to the Cadover Bridge area would have done well to heed the age-old proverb, ‘Ne’er cast a clout till May is out.’ With 35mph easterly winds funnelling down the river valley it was a mistake to have washed and packed away the thermals, woolly hat and gloves. Any self-respecting newly arrived summer migrants were left wondering why they had made the journey.

Every few steps the song of Willow Warbler could be heard emanating from a shrub or bush but the birds were hunkered down and not flitting between the new shoots. Even the Stonechats that normally sit atop the golden yellow gorse, as they seek out midges were seen using small tussocks less than a foot above the ground as their hunting posts.

Cuckoo, one of the day’s ‘target’ birds, were occasionally seen streaking down the valley between the plantations of young birch trees of the china clay restoration works. The distinctive upright stance of resident Mistle Thrush was matched by that of Wheatear on sentry duty spending more time on the grass than stone walls.

There was plenty of water in the river Plym much to the delight of the male Goosander that was fishing in the upper sections. Grey Heron were seen in flight rather than posing as statues hunched by the banks. An unfamiliar bird call was identified as that of Snipe, with a solitary bird seen making a short flight across a particularly marshy area.

The strong winds allowed two aerobatic species to show off and revel in the conditions. Approximately two dozen Sand Martin were seen at very close range either skimming the water or flying by at more or less our head height. As they moved into the wind they would stall their flight and hang in the air, allowing every detail of their plumage to be seen, even without binoculars.

Two Red Kite, still an uncommon sight in this location, spent most of the morning in the area, either appearing out of nowhere and flying low overhead, or moments later appearing as distant shapes over the ridge of Ringmoor Down to Legis Tor. Their unmistakeable silhouette and the flash of orange red on the tail were enjoyed by all who watched their aerial manoeuvres. They were the highlight of the day.

Report by M Johnson

 34 species were seen:

Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Goosander, Grey Heron, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Snipe, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Wheatear, Stonechat, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Wren, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Pheasant

The call of the wild in the form of early spring birdsong brought the group to Challacombe Farm, for the first of two visits this year. The setting of this medieval hamlet in a Dartmoor valley provides numerous, varied habitats for wildlife.

The ethereal mist lingered most of the day, as there was not enough breeze to disperse it, however it allowed a watery sun to penetrate.

Eleven members meandered along the lanes gazing across the fields, until a pair of Reed Bunting travelling from tussock to tussock caught the group’s attention. A Sparrowhawk flew overhead and a Raven was heard but not seen due to the mistiness over Hammeldown. Mallard swam across a pond and birdsong from a distant Song Thrush mingled with that from Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren, and Robin in nearby hedgerows.

Near the stream Siskins and tits called from the top of a flowering Willow. In the mature Ash and Sycamore trees around the homestead a Nuthatch travelled around the branches. Memories lingered from last May of the sight of four Treecreepers, which had just fledged, and were clinging to the bark twenty feet up the tree trunk. Was it possible that the one Treecreeper found this time was one of this brood?

The paths to Vitifer and Golden Dagger Mine were wet but accessible. A pair of Stonechat sang from the top of the Gorse bushes whereas a Chiffchaff was seen weaving though the branches below, with Skylark and Meadow Pipit overhead. The willows offered cover for Coal Tit and a group of Long-tailed Tits.

The area of tall conifers on the periphery of Soussons was quiet. A lack of pine cones, the food source for Crossbills, may have explained their absence. Previously known to be in this woodland, the birds may have relocated to the Fernworthy area nearby.

Returning to the farm a copse of pines attracted Great Spotted Woodpecker and Starling and the call of a Stock Dove indicated its presence.
Both frogs and toads sheltered in the reeds in the large pond. Some of the frogs were paired up. Several strings of toad spawn appeared in the shallows.
Spring has officially sprung.

Report by Liz Harris

38 species seen or heard (H)

Mallard, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Skylark, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest (H), Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Siskin, Stock Dove, Reed Bunting, Dipper, Pheasant

SURPRISE SURPRISE!

There were plenty of surprises for the 23 birdwatchers who joined Plymouth Branch’s visit to Topsham and the Powderham area of the Exe Estuary on 25 February. These ranged from seeing three Spoonbill at Bowling Green, to bats flying round St Clement’s Church tower in the middle of the day, to the astonishing fact that there were more sightings of Bullfinch than Avocet!

Starting at Topsham Quay with a sail past from three Black Swans, a Kestrel was then seen hovering over Exminster marshes. The Sparrowhawk perched on one of the wrecks sadly didn’t hang around for long. Some members of the group had a good view of a Kingfisher as it flew from its perch on a mooring. From the Goat Walk a small group of Turnstone were seen on a moored raft with Curlew, Redshank and Brent Geese on the opposite shore. A diversion into the wooded area behind the Goat Walk provided us with the opportunity to enjoy a different range of bird sights and sounds, which included a pair of Bullfinch and Wren in full song.

The water levels in Bowling Green Marsh had dropped slightly over the last week exposing more of the muddy margins for waders to roost on. Relatively good numbers of Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit were seen, together with two Snipe hiding deep within the soft rush. Of the three Spoonbill, two were busy feeding and putting to use their impressive bills. Adjacent to them was a Little Egret so the feeding technique of the two species could be compared. The Little Egret was seen shuffling on the spot in the water to disturb its prey before stabbing at it with its bill, whereas the Spoonbill swung its head and bill from side to side as it moved forwards through the water. A range of diving and dabbling ducks were present which gave onlookers the opportunity to hone their identification skills and to observe the different areas of the reserve that they occupy. Those favouring the deeper water at the back of the reserve were Tufted Duck and three Pochard. It was a real treat to see the latter, as it is a duck whose numbers are declining, in part because of short stopping, and is seldom seen in Devon.

After lunch the group relocated to Powderham where Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper were seen in the church car park area. On the walk towards Turf, closer views of Brent Geese and a number of waders were enjoyed. What was missing was a line of mainly white birds with tails pointing to the sky and bills scything through the water. After a great deal of searching a lone Avocet was picked out on the distant shore. It left the group puzzled about this iconic Exe Estuary bird and questioning whether the recent heavy rainfall has had an influence on its distribution. The sight of three Red-breasted Merganser was a great way to round off the day.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was that it didn’t rain and wall to wall sunshine was enjoyed. A couple of bees and butterflies and a bank with purple and white violets gave a glimpse of spring, that is hopefully fast approaching.

Report by M Johnson

73 species seen or heard (H):
Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Mute Swan, Black Swan, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Pheasant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker (H), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch

Thirty-eight members enjoyed a very interesting talk about the history and development of the Otter Estuary Nature reserve. After a career involving many aspects of wildlife and conservation, Rick began work as the Otter Estuary Ranger three years ago.

He began his talk with a brief history of the area showing us maps and photos of how the course of the river has been altered by man from the early nineteenth century, when Otterton was a major port.

Embankments were built to canalise the river and to reclaim the flood plain for grazing. This proved unsuccessful as the land frequently flooded and remained waterlogged for several weeks as the embankments prevented the water draining away. More recently 55 hectares has been designated as a nature reserve, the embankments have been lowered and sea water can breach into the area, allowing the development of a saltmarsh, which is being closely monitored as it stabilises.

Since the completion of the scheme, many saltmarsh plants have colonised the area and a more diverse array of bird species are taking advantage of this habitat. Shelduck, Oystercatcher and Grey Heron are some of the new breeding birds for the area. The spring migration sees good numbers of Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew and a few Yellow-legged Gull. The autumn migration has seen increases in Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail and Glossy Ibis. Several Osprey arrive each autumn and a platform has been constructed to encourage them to stay (hopefully). Several rarer birds turn up every year and recent records include Baird’s Sandpiper, Yellow-browed Warbler, Grey Phalarope, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshank and Spoonbill. Many water birds are increasing in numbers including Redshank, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Water Pipit and Brent Geese.

The reserve also has populations of mammals including Harvest Mouse, Otter and Beaver. Some small mammals also serve as the food source for Kestrel and Barn Owl.

Rick ended his talk by briefly discussing issues with human disturbance on the reserve. Visitors are discouraged from sailing along the river and dog owners are asked to keep animals on leads, though inevitably there are always some who allow their animals to roam free over the area.

Report by Kev Solman

AN ASSYLUM OF LOONS

Thirteen birdwatchers gathered for Plymouth Branch’s first foray of 2026 on Monday 26 January. Around the Broadsands car park, the bramble and shrub layer, interspersed with Alder trees, provided cover for Blackcap, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tit and a couple of Firecrest. The wheezy song of several Greenfinch was competing with a tractor cutting grass in the second car park. This, together with a dog chasing a ball and a toddler on a bike, didn’t deter the birds. Dunnock, male and female of each of House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Reed and Cirl Bunting were fortunately too intent on feeding.

Approximately 30 Cormorant flew over the second car park and this encouraged us to move on to the beach area where a lone Brent Goose and a Great Crested Grebe were close in to the shore line.

It quickly became apparent that this was going to be a rather special day. Also known as Loons, these divers were exhibiting very savvy behaviour as, with Storm Ingrid having blown through and Storm Chandra about to arrive, masses, or to be more precise, an asylum or a water dance of Great Northern Divers were taking shelter in the bay. In one area viewed from Elberry Cove, about 35 birds were counted, but with the waves obscuring some and others diving it was very challenging to make a reliable estimate. What was unmistakable was their haunting cry which many of the group had never heard before. We were able to watch the birds snorkelling, rolling, preening and crabbing. To add to the spectacle a couple of Red-throated Divers were also picked out.

Relocating to Brixham breakwater, there were further amazing encounters. A Turnstone nearly perched on our boots as we stood watching Shag, Guillemot, Razorbill, a Mediterranean Gull and a Common Gull, all only a few feet away. Six Purple Sandpiper were feeding among seaweed on the base of the concrete equipment store. A pair of Kittiwake rested on the top platform, while others wheeled overhead with Gannets accompanying them until they peeled off to plunge dive in to the sea. Every other bird on the water was a Shag or a Great Northern Diver. Even as we enjoyed a late lunch back at the car park there were five Great Northern Diver immediately in front of us in the shallows. It’s fair to say that we saw more Great Northern Divers than any of us have species on our bird list so far this year. A truly memorable day out.

Report by M Johnson

Bird species seen or heard (H) (42):
Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Fulmar, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Brent Goose, Mallard, Moorhen, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren (H), Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Blackcap, Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Cirl Bunting, Reed Bunting

Mammals: Grey Seal

Devon Birds AGM 2026

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