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
