Please think very carefully before posting any information on scarce or rare breeding species both here and elsewhere online.
A list of ‘at risk’ species in the county can be found here. Many of these receive full legal protection under Schedule 1 and/or are rare in the county and may be vulnerable to persecution/disturbance. It is an offence to intentionally disturb any of the Schedule 1 species during the breeding season without a valid licence. This also applies to anyone taking photographs of these species at or near the nest or whilst feeding dependant young.
Some species may be found breeding at numerous locations however please keep information on these species limited to well-known sites (e.g. Labrador Bay for Cirl Bunting, Aylesbeare Common for Dartford Warbler). Others may be found as obvious migrants and as such can also be posted eg coastal Ring Ouzel and passage waders, or raptors eg Little Ringed Plover, Red Kite or Marsh Harrier.
If you have any doubts and think there is a chance there may be breeding, either because of the habitat or behaviour of the bird(s) then do not post, but please submit your records to the County Recorder and the RSPB.
Please be aware that egg collecting and other forms of persecution remain very real hazards for some of Devon’s birds.
Posted April 10th at 4:50 pm by Mike Langman in General Birding
If you follow our Blog but are not currently a member of Devon Birds please consider joining Devon Birds to help us with the upkeep of running the website and this service as well as our valuable conservation work .
Posted October 10th, 2016 at 9:14 am by George & Julia Harris in General Birding
Acting on comments to Devon Birds some changes have been made to this page. To the right of this header post you'll see there are now several subjects for you to choose to read and post on. Just click your chosen subject and use as previously.
Please be careful not to post under the wrong subject. If you do, you can still easily go back to edit and change the subject yourself so it appears on the right page.
Please try and keep posts short, particularly in the Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts page. Photographs are still very welcome.
For help with ID email photos to id@devonbirds.org.
Posted June 30th, 2016 at 9:24 pm by George & Julia Harris in General Birding
Sunday 22nd April 2018
At high tide there were 35 Whimbrel roosting, plus single Avocet, Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits. There was a Garden Warbler in the willows below the canal, plus 3 Cetti's Warblers. More generally, 3 Reed and 4 Sedge Warblers, 2 Snow Geese (separate), 2 Barnacle Geese, c150 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A Hobby was reported over the lagoon.
Cetti's Warbler
Posted yesterday at 7:40 pm by Dave Smallshire in General Birding
4 Whimbrels flew in off the sea and landed on the north sideland. 5 pairs of Wheatears Inc a pair with pink/faded red leg rings. 200 Auks, mostly Razorbills and a dozen Kittiwakes were spread out along the tide race. Surprised not to see a single Manx Shearwater as on Thursdays return crossing from Lundy there were Manx Shearwaters nearly all the way to the Fairway buoy.
Posted yesterday at 7:38 pm by Martin Thorne in General Birding
Four Whimbrels this morning & also: Willow Warbler, Shag, 2 Stock Doves, 4 Curlews & 2 Oystercatchers.
This afternoon the Yellow-browed Warbler again showing very well in Mount Gould Hospital grounds viewed from Beaumont Road.
Posted yesterday at 7:05 pm by Pete Aley in General Birding
Watched from 11:45 till 14:15
from the hide 4 whimbrel, 5 knot, 3 ruff still showing well, 12+ tufted duck, 16+ bar tailed godwits among 160+ black tailed godwits.
from the viewing platform 36+ whimbrel but best birds of the day were 1 Red kite heading south over lympstone about 13:15 followed by another about 20 minuets later.
from the goatwalk 18+ whimbrel and about 200+ shelduck.
Posted yesterday at 6:38 pm by Keith Birchall in General Birding
Red Kite over Cowley this morning and two Swift this afternoon over St Thomas.
Posted yesterday at 4:37 pm by Steve Cox in General Birding
Still 9 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks alongside Torquay Harbour at 11.00 today.
Posted yesterday at 4:08 pm by Cliff Parrott in General Birding
Wife has just got home very excited has just seen a Red Kite at Bittaford, just above the roof tops drifting towards Ivybridge (seen at 15.15hrs)
Posted yesterday at 3:42 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Walking around Bolt head, (South Hams, near Salcombe) this lunchtime
saw a junvenile red kite over Starehole Valley, being mobbed by two crows, while a buzzard enjoyed the fracas, but kept its distance. Also three singing whitethroats and two yellowhammers, plus sky larks, meadow pipits, chiffchaffs, linnets and goldfinches
Posted yesterday at 3:21 pm by Chris Klee in General Birding
Dart Bridge, Buckfastleigh, Grey Wagtail and a pair of Roe Deer.
On the approach to Poundsgate a Cuckoo seen in flight, north side of the village another heard calling and two Willow Warbler.
Cator Green ~ five House Martins.
Challacombe ~ Pair of Redstart, two Stock Dove, more Swallow than on a visit a few days ago, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, four Redpoll, two Cuckoo calling towards Headland Warren, five Whinchat, two Raven, Meadow Pipit, five Wheatear, several Buzzards in the area including one very pale white headed bird and a Mistle Thrush.
Soussons Plantation ~ Two Skylark, Jay, Buzzard, five Chiffchaff, female Cuckoo in flight towards the Warren House Inn, heard calling before and after being seen. Green Woodpecker, four plus Siskin, Tree Pipit and Song Thrush. On leaving Soussons, a Red Deer Stag seen across the valley, my first Dartmoor Red deer.
A good day for raptor sightings (five species identified) with numerous Buzzard sightings, a brief view of a Red Kite near Cold East Cross above Ashburton and a Kestrel being mobbed by a Crow from the A38 at Ashburton
Yarner Wood very busy with visitors by early afternoon but no less than seven Pied Flycatcher seen, one male ringed with one of the transponder type rings of interest to the ringing team.
Posted yesterday at 3:17 pm by Steve Hopper in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Early morning walk around Cann Woods. Heard two male cuckoos calling. However was only able to spot one of them. Good numbers of Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. A circling Buzzard a kronking Raven and a beautiful pair of Jays. Good sightings of Speckled Wood and Small White butterflies too.
Posted yesterday at 12:53 pm by Val Grehan in General Birding
Good numbers of Willow Warbler & Blackcap in the Burrows this am. Chiffchaff & Common Whitethroat also present but fewer in number than Willow Warbler.
2 Whimbrel passing overhead & a lovely Red Kite which I think had probably roosted overnight in a tree next to a pocket of woodland. This bird took off & good views at low level until lost from view.
Posted yesterday at 12:03 pm by Rob Jutsum in General Birding
A walk along Brixham Breakwater this morning in the sunshine and surprised to see on the fuel bunkering jetty 8 Purple Sandpiper and 1 Turnstone. This is the latest I have seen them. Walking back 3 Sandwich Tern. Summer boat trips into Lyme Bay start 10th June!!
Posted yesterday at 11:53 am by Nigel Smallbones in General Birding
First Swift seen on Saturday 21 April in evening
Posted yesterday at 9:47 am by Roger Smaridge in General Birding
Late post for yesterday 21st April
Yesterday evening Garganey pair, feeding left side of marsh. Had been on the marsh all day. Also 4 Ruff, 20+ Sand Martin, 15+ Swallow, a House Martin, Kingfisher, 11 Shoveler, 18 Tufted, 51 Teal, 6 Pochard.
Posted yesterday at 9:18 am by Steve Cox in General Birding
The male and female Garganey were still on Bowling Green Marsh yesterday afternoon.
Garganey
Garganey
Posted yesterday at 8:40 am by Samuel Gray in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Three m Winchat, Cuckoo,Willow Warblers,Meadow Pipits.
Posted yesterday at 7:59 am by Chris Buckland in General Birding
Two pos Three Grasshopper Warblers one m Redstart,one Tree Pipit.
Posted yesterday at 7:56 am by Chris Buckland in General Birding
Saturday 21st April 2018
Passage raptors at one coastal location (mainly as thermals really got going around luchtime, following a spell of thick cloud mid-morning) included at least 11 Red Kites drifting E, a ring-tail Hen Harrier and a Hobby. Two further Red Kites elsewhere along the coast during the late afternoon were presumably part of the same movement. A walk through some of the oakwoods revealed encouraging numbers of singing Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher pairs on territory, but Redstarts were very thin on the ground by comparison. Hirundines were also notably scarce all day, with few breeding territories appearing to be reoccupied as yet and only sparse passage otherwise in spite of seemingly ideal conditions.
Posted April 21st at 9:59 pm by Tim Jones in General Birding
The slightly more presentable Marsh Harrier was again around the Marsh early this afternoon. There were 3 Black-tailed Godwits in the centre field of the Marsh - not seen them here before. Only saw one Reed Warbler around the Marsh. One Swallow.
Posted April 21st at 9:10 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Cuckoo heard calling this afternoon and again this evening in Combe Martin..
Posted April 21st at 8:42 pm by Margaret Phillips in General Birding
After abandoning the South Devon birds walk around Berry Head due to the heavy rain I decided to take my chances at Yarner Wood in the early afternoon, where it was a warm and sunny day, and I wasn't to be disappointed.
Observed a pair of fighting female Pied Flycatchers whilst all the while a male a male followed and kept a close eye on proceedings, closer to the car park I watched a male Redstart for about 5 minutes, in the same area there was both a Marsh Tit & a Coal Tit plus a male Blackcap. Also seen: 3 Willow Warblers, Linnet, Buzzard, Mistle Thrush, Mandarin Duck, Stonechat. Also heard a drumming Woodpecker, Tawny Owl and several Chiffchaffs.
Posted April 21st at 7:48 pm by Stephen Huggins in General Birding
Two Red Kites over the quay,3Whimbrel,1godwit,2cettis,Whitethroat sedge and willow warbler,chiffchaff,2jays,goldfinch,linnets,larks,lovely photos of all so very pleasing day.
Posted April 21st at 6:17 pm by john elvin in General Birding
Six Pied Flycatchers, male Redstart, Garden Warbler, Tree Pipit, 6 Siskins & 2 Bullfinches.
Posted April 21st at 6:04 pm by Pete Aley in General Birding
Lunch time visit to the moorland above Shipley Bridge car park and around the SWWA filtration plant.
Raven, 4+ Willow Warbler, Wren, 4 Swallow, Pied Wagtail, male Yellow Hammer, Coal Tit, my first Cuckoo of the year, initially heard calling from towards Hickley Plain it then flew over me and off towards Black Tor where it was heard calling a bit later. Near the car park a Green Woodpecker calling.
At least five Buzzards soaring over the area.
Posted April 21st at 5:24 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Red Kite over the A38 yesterday at 13:30.
Posted April 21st at 6:50 am by Will Salmon in General Birding
Friday 20th April 2018
Lovely late afternoon session in perfect conditions: 1m Cuckoo +1h, 2m and 1f Pied Flycatchers (males chasing each other), 1m Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, 3+ Redpolls, lots of Willow Warblers singing etc.
Posted April 20th at 9:41 pm by Andy Smith in General Birding
A pair of Swallows have arrived home this evening. Showing every sign that this is their patch.
Posted April 20th at 7:29 pm by Mary Irving in General Birding
Late post, Stoat, also at Challacombe
Posted April 20th at 7:15 pm by Mave Goddard in General Birding
Good bird watching day. Swallow's, Redstart (m), Marsh Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Whinchat.
Posted April 20th at 7:13 pm by Mave Goddard in General Birding
Regularly visiting cock pheasant mated with hen under our feeders this morning.
Posted April 20th at 7:02 pm by Mark West in General Birding
Ringing in the reserve today was disappointing in quantity, but some quality. First sedge Warblers (3) more Blackcaps (4) Willow Warblers (4) and a Chiffchaff. The sea fret and fog seemed to curtail much activity.
When, briefly the sun came out, a few Hirundines over included Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow, but the biggest surprise was a SWIFT.
There were Reed Warblers singing in and near the reserve.
Butterflies were good: several Speckled Wood and Peacock, a few each of Green-veined White, and Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, and a few Orange-tips along with a couple of Commas.
About a dozen Godwits visited the scrape.
Posted April 20th at 5:34 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Red Kite going w at 13.45.
Posted April 20th at 4:09 pm by Chris Buckland in General Birding
Great views of the White-fronted Goose at Exminster Marshes today, viewed from the canal car park. I would assume that it is a Greater White-fronted Goose? I would appreciate it if someone could confirm this for me! Thanks!
White-fronted Goose
White-fronted Goose
Posted April 20th at 3:43 pm by Samuel Gray in General Birding
At least two Red Kites: 1 NW at 08.00 then 1 or 2 lingering over East Soar Farm around 11.00, followed by 2 from the car park around 13.00. Also Marsh Harrier (female) north at 10,55. Otherwise - Wheatear 5, White Wagtail, Whitethroat 5, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 12+, Blackcap 6, Swallow 5 and a Weasel.
Clearly some overlap with Rob's posting earlier.
Posted April 20th at 2:43 pm by Pete Aley in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
I'm on a roll!! Red Kite N over the garden at 1345hrs.
Posted April 20th at 1:59 pm by Rob Macklin in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
A Cuckoo calling from trees behind my garden just now in Peter Tavy
Posted April 20th at 12:48 pm by Andy Brown in General Birding
Small but exciting raptor passage this morning with Red Kite E at 0945hrs, female Marsh Harrier E at 1003hrs and Buzzard high NW later.
Also: 2 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 3 Wheatear, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap & 13 Chiffchaff.
Butterflies: Small White, Peacock & Speckled Wood.
Posted April 20th at 12:44 pm by Rob Macklin in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
An early morning visit to Dartmoor this morning visiting Cadover, Clearbook, Headland Warren ~ Challacombe.
Cadover ~ Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Dunnock, Song Thrush, nesting pair of Canada Geese, 5 Sand Martin, Swallow, and a Green Woodpecker.
Clearbrook ~ 5+ Yellow Hammer, Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet, Skylark, 3 Stonechat, Wren, 3 Song Thrush, Coal tit and a singing Willow Warbler.
Headland Warren ~ Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Buzzard and 3 Wheatear (2M/1F).
Challacombe ~ Swallow, Pied Wagtail, 4 Redpoll, BTO ringed Blue Tit and Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting (2M/1F) 2 Redstart (M&F) 2 Stock Dove, 2 Raven and 2+ Willow Warbler.
Skylark, Meadow Pipit, and Buzzard well established in most areas.
Posted April 20th at 12:03 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Cuckoo at Waddeton side of Galmpton Creek last night and Whinchat and Cuckoo at N . end of Soussons yesterday
Posted April 20th at 10:48 am by tim Clyburn in General Birding
Thursday 19th April 2018
Curlew seen flying past headland mid morning calling as it went. A Whitethroat in the shrub below the hide and a pair of Bullfinches also seen.
Posted April 19th at 10:06 pm by carole wren in General Birding
Very few Warblers in the reserve this morning, especially when the sun went in, maybe 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. No Willow Warblers. First Orangetip of the year.
This evening went for a walk down to Sherpa and saw 8 Sand Martins and then as I passed by the reserve on the way back, a female Wheatear.
Posted April 19th at 9:30 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Spoonbill flew into West Charleton Marsh at 19:15 and settled on the scrape. Fairly quiet otherwise, still 3 Teal on the marsh, couple of Sandwich Terns and a Whimbrel in the bay. No reed or Sedge Warblers yet. Bit of Spoonbill footage here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZFUqVDfAT8
Posted April 19th at 9:12 pm by Perry Sanders in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Early evening visit to Horsey produced 1 Ruff, 55 Black tailed Godwit, 8 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 2 Oystercatchers & good numbers of Shelduck. Not one Sand Martin, Swallow or House Martin seen by me today.
Posted April 19th at 9:10 pm by Rob Jutsum in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
A quick walk around half the reserve this morning in glorious sunshine before heading into work: 2 Pied Wagtails, House Sparrow, 4 Goldfinches, a calling Blackcap followed by a Chiffchaff, 4 Jays, a Buzzard being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. Plenty of calling Great Tits, Wrens & Blackbirds.
In response to Jonathan's request I agree about locations, so more than happy to provide more information.
Posted April 19th at 8:40 pm by Stephen Huggins in General Birding
(09:30)
Now singing males of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat have joined the morning chorus. A Snipe flushed on the high tide. Wren carrying a feather (therefore probably female, lining a lucky male's nest!). Plenty of Linnet and Skylark. Swallows have been around but none this morning.
Posted April 19th at 3:09 pm by Lowell Mills in General Birding
A walk along the coastal path and the Point produced the following: Whimbrel 15, Little Egret 15, Oystercatcher 41, Whitethroat 5, Manx Shearwater 5 passed the Mewstone close in.
Posted April 19th at 1:12 pm by Martin Phillips in General Birding
Red Kite over at height being chased by Herring Gull at 10.50am. Last seen heading east towards East Hill, Ottery St Mary.
Whilst here could I put in a plea....please would observers state location of sightings more clearly.. they may be familiar with their patch but I am sure many others won't know where it is.... North Devon, South Devon etc. would be helpful.
Also, to night's the night.... support Devon BIrds and come to the AGM/talk at Exeter Court Hotel. Its always a good meeting.
Posted April 19th at 12:23 pm by Jonathan Ruscoe in General Birding
Two Sandwich Terns on the estuary first thing and my first (2) Willow Warblers of the year here. Also 2 Green Woodpeckers and the female Red-crested Pochard.
As I returned home I heard a Yellow-browed Warbler calling in the grounds of Mount Gould Hospital where it then showed exceptionally well in and around a large pine tree by the fence next to the children's facility. Easily visible from the road.
Posted April 19th at 11:47 am by Pete Aley in General Birding
Single swift and 2 house martins over the house, in Exminster, this morning.
Posted April 19th at 10:53 am by John Waldon in General Birding
Several posts have appeared (and now deleted) in recent days giving details of scarce breeding birds in Devon, please take some responsibility before you post .
Take note of the header post on this page, if you are still unsure read this..
https://www.devonbirds.org/news/bird_news/rare_breeding_species
Thank you
Posted April 19th at 8:42 am by Mike Langman in General Birding
Wednesday 18th April 2018
Wed 18 April 9am: Single bird seen flying over Cyprus Road being chased by crow accompanied by much screeching
Posted April 18th at 10:14 pm by Sandy Moreton in General Birding
Several territorial and singing Pied Flycatchers, one with an accompanying female. At least 2 Tree Pipits out on the Heath. No-one was owning up to having seen a Redstart though.
We went on to Exminster, and after much searching found the White-fronted Goose from the canal path. A Whimbrel flew over as we were at the Lions Rest, hotly pursued by a Peregrine!.
No sign of any Cattle Egrets at Powderham.
Posted April 18th at 9:30 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Male Golden Oriole seen by Peter Temple and one other birder late this morning. Perched in tree above wooden seat then flew to top of trees above the hide on other side on Blaxton Meadow lagoon.They were unable to pick it up again.
Eds: An exceptional record; there are no more than two previous records for Plymouth, both close to the boundary, and it's quite early for Devon as a whole. Would the observers please ensure they submit a description to the county recorder so that the record is not lost. Thanks.
Posted April 18th at 9:23 pm by Barry Rankine in General Birding
Feeding in the garden this morning, 7 Bramblings, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Greenfinches and 3 Siskin
Posted April 18th at 9:19 pm by Mary Irving in General Birding
A good mix of birds seen during an early morning visit to Berry Head, first nice tick was a Whitethroat and the last a female Wheatear, still a decent passage of Manx Shearwater's, two Red Throated Divers, numerous Gannets, a couple of Swallows in off of the sea, lots of Fulmar, a singe Common Scoter, plenty of Linnet, Dunnock and Goldfinch.
Posted April 18th at 9:14 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Very few migrants today.
Soar - Whitethroat 2, Chiffchaff 6, Willow Warbler, Blackcap 2, Swallow 3, White Wagtail 2.
South Milton Ley - Reed Bunting & Great Spotted Woodpecker.
South Efford Marsh - Greenshank & Teal 3.
Posted April 18th at 5:42 pm by Pete Aley in General Birding
Again Roborough Down, Male Yellowhammers showing very well this am
Posted April 18th at 5:07 pm by Greg Bradbury in General Birding
This am plenty of male & female Redpolls on Roborough Down near Clearbrook, also plenty of Yellowhammers, male & female, Linnets, Meadow Pipits, & Skylarks
Posted April 18th at 5:06 pm by Greg Bradbury in General Birding
Fine, bright and warm at last,.so some early birding.
2 Willow Warblers and 3 Chiffchaffs at Kingford Fen. Much calling and activity from the rookery at Kingford Mill with at least seven nests so far
7+ Swallows flying around and into the farm buildings at Lana.
2 Willow Warblers, 1 Treecreeper calling but not seen, 1 Blackcap and some calling from the heronry..at Dunsdon NR.
Harvey Kendall..
.
Posted April 18th at 12:00 pm by Harvey Kendall in General Birding
Saw and this time heard a Cuckoo on Dartmoor, near Willsworthy range at about 8am this morning.
Posted April 18th at 9:45 am by Robin Stanbridge in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Common Sandpiper near Sampford Peverell (just east of village) 8.15am 18 April, coasting low over the water and the resting up in reeds at edge until disturbed by my passing then up again, low and slow. Seen on 3 recent dates, also same time last spring, it's taken a while to work out what it was but some low res shots (apologies for quality) this morning confirmed it. Only around fora while last year so presumably in passage
Posted April 18th at 9:23 am by Martin Hughes-Jones in General Birding
Grasshopper Warbler initially heard singing then after a search spotted on Streatham Campus University of Exeter
Posted April 18th at 9:20 am by Ian Stone in General Birding
23 Black-tailed Godwit on the main lake this morning. Most in full summer plumage. Viewed from main road.
Posted April 18th at 7:31 am by Chris E in General Birding
Tuesday 17th April 2018
Watched from 15:15 till 18:20 from the lifeguard hut on the sea wall visibility very poor at times
The highlight were 3 groups of whimbrels the first group of 19 dropped onto the beach before flying of north west and included 1 bar tailed godwit , the second group was much bigger with 70+ and included 2 bar tailed godwits and again headed of north west the third group of 20 included 3 bar tailed godwits) also seen were 170+ Manx Shearwater all heading south, 11+ common tern, 1 great northern diver, 1 red throated diver, 3 gadwall, 3 common scoter, 2 eider, 12+ great crested grebes, 2 swallows, 13 pale bellied Brent geese , 25+ sandwich terns , 5+ fulmars, 1 Great skua.
Posted April 17th at 9:31 pm by Keith Birchall in General Birding
A walk around the sea front at Combe Martin while waiting for the MoT to be done on my car proved more than worthwhile when an adult Iceland Gull suddenly appeared about 80 metres in front of me at 14.10. It circled several times over the beach before flying off eastwards in ever widening circles over the village. Sadly no binos or camera with me, but the car passed its test.
Posted April 17th at 9:24 pm by Tim Davis in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
A single Hawfinch seen yesterday (16/04/2018) in a private garden in Bridford Village near Exeter.
Hawfinch
Posted April 17th at 7:35 pm by Samuel Gray in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
black swan on the estuary, cettis, chiffchaff, willow warbler, sedge warbler,thanks to the ghia trust for nice new steps,dog walkers still fail to keep of this little sanctuary.
Posted April 17th at 6:15 pm by john elvin in General Birding
Male Wheatear, 4 Curlews, 1st w/s Mediterranean Gull, Greenshank & 2 Mistle Thrushes.
Posted April 17th at 5:54 pm by Pete Aley in General Birding
My totals to 12.55 (overlaps with Mike's below and Mark was still there when I left):-
Posted April 17th at 5:52 pm by Pete Aley in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
About 90 Godwits on the scrape this morning. 1 Swallow over Wrafton Pond. Walked down to Sherpa Marsh and found lots of Sand Martins, good numbers of Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 White Wagtail, 6 Teal, and several Reed/Sedge Warblers chuntering away in the reed-beds. Sadly, no sign of the Hoopoe.
Posted April 17th at 1:44 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Yarner Wood with Keith Male this morning until the rain and fog stopped play, Siskin, Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Hammer, pair of Nuthatch, Long Tail, Coal, Blue, Great and Marsh Tits.
(On the office bird watch list Redstart recorded)
On the moor the only thing we saw due to the fog was was a very soggy Sky Lark.
Around the feeders back at home in South Brent Siskin and Bullfinch.
Posted April 17th at 12:12 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Seawatching 0615-0915hrs birds of note: 1664 Manx Shearwaters, 887 Auks, 19 Puffin, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 13 Sandwich Tern, 121 Kittiwakes, 4 Comm Scoter >N & 3 >S, 28 Fulmar, 3 Common Gulls & 1 Kestrel in off the sea. also 2 Harbour Porpoise and 1 Grey Seal. With Pete Aley & Mark Darlaston.
Had to stop off in Brixham on way home and couldn't resist taking a photo of this Turnstone going into summer plumage on the quay side, it will be heading off north any day now.
Posted April 17th at 10:13 am by Mike Langman in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Spent an enjoyable half hour yesterday watching treecreeper(s) nest building in a bat box.
Saw them doing similar previously at Challacombe Farm.
Posted April 17th at 8:57 am by Lloyd Gray in General Birding
Monday 16th April 2018
Orcombe Point, Exmouth
On an early morning. A Little Gull flew past east from the coastal path and 2 White Wagtail in the dung field.
Exminster Marsh
A quick visit after work. The White-fronted Goose was on show from the railway path. A Yellow Wagtail calling in flight but not located and a Willow Warbler calling from the powderham side of the tracks.
If interested more details http://dixiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Posted April 16th at 9:09 pm by Spencer Dicks in General Birding
Further to my post a couple of days ago, the vocal Willow Tit (presume same one) still visiting feeders Seems to favour sunflower seeds. Has now been joined by occasional second bird.
Posted April 16th at 6:38 pm by Mark West in General Birding
This lunchtime at Exminster Marshes, the White-fronted Goose was reasonably close in from Staion Road. Also 1 Reed Warbler by the RSPB car park, 1 Sedge Warbler by the middle car park, 11 Whimbrel flew over and 1 House Martin.
Posted April 16th at 3:52 pm by Nick Potter in General Birding
Circular walk this morning yielded 36 species of which best were: Cuckoo (1), Chiffchaff (3), Green Woodpecker (2), Marsh Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), Tree Pipit (1 singing from top of Willow), Willow Warbler (10).
Posted April 16th at 3:21 pm by Rob Hubble and Stella Tracey in General Birding
I had planned a morning ringing in the reserve this morning before the Hoopoe livened up yesterday evening by flying into the reserve - honest!
Doing my net rounds early on I saw Dave Paull and Alex Gladwin over near the gateway and when they were leaving later I went out for a chat - they had seen it near the SW corner of the reserve again. Later on I saw Roger and Lyn Doble, so went tot he gate and as I walked out the Hoopoe flew from the track right in front of me towards them and into the reserve, just near where I have some nets. They both accompanied me back into the reserve, and I went off round the nets again: no luck!
When I eventually left at about 12.30, I went towards the gateway and there it still was. Took some photos and left. Here is one of the pics.
Hoopoe Velator today.
Posted April 16th at 2:00 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
Dog-walk at 6:45 - 7:15am. Teal and Wigeon still around. Multiple singing males of Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Skylark, Meadow Pipit... Also female Linnet nest-building. No Hirundines since a small flock of Sand Martin a few evenings back.
Posted April 16th at 1:42 pm by Lowell Mills in General Birding
Notable birds in just over 1hour seawatch this morning: 1 Balearic & 558 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin, 2 Sandwich Tern, 7 Shelduck but highlight a single Minke Whale South at 8.40am. Land migrants included: 1 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaff.
Posted April 16th at 12:05 pm by Mike Langman in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
6 A.M cycle ride out to the head, a single Wheatear right on the end, by the coastguard lookout station
Posted April 16th at 8:46 am by Trevor Leaman in General Birding
Sunday 15th April 2018
A couple of brambling above us, a coot on 7 eggs, a male mute swan attacked a white duck sitting on it's eggs, plucked loads of feathers out and chased her off. We saw 1 pair of tufted ducks and a drake scalp which I'd never seen before.
Posted April 15th at 10:36 pm by Andy Quest in General Birding
A 45 minutes sea watch from 7:30pm - 8:15pm, proved to be extremely productive. A total of c280 - 290 Manx Shearwater and 1 Balearic Shearwater past West. Some birds extremely close in.
Posted April 15th at 9:19 pm by Spencer Dicks in Scarce / Rare Birds & Passage Counts
Whoops! Should have said a Night Heron - sorry! But can now attach the photo I was shown this morning.
Posted April 15th at 8:50 pm by Colin Randall in General Birding
A casual look at the sea with bins picked up groups of Manx Shearwaters passing south. Watched for 45 mins , estimated 350-400 birds, likely many more beyond bins range, stopped moving by 7pm. Also 12 Sandwich terns and a GND on the sea.
Yesterday at Torcorss - Drake Scaup on the Ley and a few House Martins.
Posted April 15th at 7:59 pm by David Cope in General Birding
Fairly quiet this afternoon between the showers, managed to see a record 6 male Pheasants (plus one female), a Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Song Thrush. In addition I heard 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, and a Green Woodpecker.
Posted April 15th at 7:27 pm by Stephen Huggins in General Birding
Three Whimbrels on Blaxton Pool - my 100th species for the patch this year (I only saw 101 species in 2017, so it's set to be a good year). Also surprisingly, a Jack Snipe still about, Grey Wagtail, Ringed Plover, Mandarin Duck (drake), 4 Curlews, Common Sandpiper, 24 Shelducks, 30 Turnstones, 7 Stock Doves and an adult Shag.
Posted April 15th at 7:09 pm by Pete Aley in General Birding
Just got back from an afternoon working in the reserve - mostly the excitement of raking duckweed out of the pond.... Good to have the accompaniment of a few singing Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs.
About five o'clock I packed up and headed down for a walk round Sherpa Marsh. As | approached the gate to the first field a bird took off in front of me and flew towards the reserve, A cracking HOOPOE! I immediately called the troops, and as the rain arrived, Sue Bruce and Rob and Paula arrived. I saw it again just before they got there, flying south along the east side of the reserve, and it flew into the large macrocarpus tree, where it and we waited for the rain to stop. When it did I went back into the reserve and as I approached said tree, it flew out back to where I had first seen it, and right in front of the three spectators. I went back out and joined them and got some pictures, which I will post shortly.
Posted April 15th at 6:55 pm by Jon Turner in General Birding
A female Brambling for a brief while at a sunflower feeder in my garden this afternoon. Yesterday, my second record of a Lesser Redpoll at the feeders, a single bird this time.
Posted April 15th at 6:09 pm by Dave Smallshire in General Birding
The storms at the end of March brought down some trees along the boundary of the Reserve next to the access road. A tree surgeon has inspected the damaged trees as well as the other trees along the boundary. He has been engaged to make safe all the trees along the boundary wall. The work will start on 16 April and take up to three days.
Apologies for the inconvenience . If you have any queries, please call Nick Townsend on 07989717383
Posted April 15th at 5:49 pm by Nick Townsend in General Birding
White-fronted Goose still on the marsh near the turf as viewed from station road.
more details if interested https://dixiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Posted April 15th at 4:33 pm by Spencer Dicks in General Birding
The 2 Egyptian Geese still present this afternoon by the River Kenn. Also c.60 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and a lone House Martin. Best viewed from the path below the farm shop car park.
Posted April 15th at 4:28 pm by Terry Smith in General Birding
2 Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 2m Great Tit, 1 Longtailed Tit, 5 Bullfinch (2m 3f) 5 Chaffinch (3m 2f) 10 Goldfinch, 1m Greenfinch, 4 Siskin (2m 2f) 1m House sparrow, (1st here in 35yrs). 1 Robin, 2f Dunnock, 2Wpgn, 2Blackbird (1m with deep red beak, 1f) 1 Crow & 1m Blackcap
Posted April 15th at 4:27 pm by Martyn C Webb in General Birding
I was shown a photograph this morning, dated 4 April, of a Squacco Heron which landed in their garden. It stayed for about 20 minutes before she inadvertently frightened it off. No doubt about the ID - just wish I'd been here when she saw it!
Eds: please ensure the photo is sent on to the County Recorder and to the National Records committee BBRC otherwise the record will be lost https://www.devonbirds.org/birdwatching/recording/downloadable_forms
Posted April 15th at 2:20 pm by Colin Randall in General Birding
Female goldeneye reported by Mike Booth was again at Trews Weir around midday today. Initially just downstream of the weir but later moved to the top of the adjacent floor relief works. Also two common sandpiper nearby.
Posted April 15th at 2:03 pm by Mike Sampson in General Birding
Harwell Lane / Forder Lane area of South Brent this morning, saw four Song Thrush, three Blackcap (2M & 1F) Four Chiffchaff, Two Willow Warbler, pair of Bullfinch, two Wren and a Kestrel over head.
Posted April 15th at 1:29 pm by Steve Hopper in General Birding
Jon - When the Black tailed Godwits are not on Sharpa scrape they fly over to Horsey Island.
Posted April 15th at 11:47 am by Rob Jutsum in General Birding
