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Impressive sight of around 200 Greenfinch in a pre-roost flock near the duck pond at dusk before disappearing deep into the evergreens.  Thanks Martin for the tip.

Looking out to sea at Slapton, lots of Kittewakes and gannets, 3 Arctic terns, 2 common Scoter. A firecrest and several goldcrests around Ireland bay. From the bridge a distant bittern, a Kingfisher and a sparrowhawk.

This afternoon I dropped in to Fremington Pill and was rewarded with the following sightings: One Spotted Redshank; a number of Redshank; one Greenshank; one Kingfisher flyby; and the Grey Phalarope still showing well despite the poor weather conditions.

Greenshank

Grey Phalarope

Early afternoon in ongoing strong winds, a Red-throated Diver, 2 Purple Sandpipers & 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 ad & 2nd-w) at Mount Batten. Later, the Plym Estuary & Saltram produced an ad Mediterranean Gull, 6 Goosanders, 4 Wigeon, 17+ Turnstones, 51 Curlews, 3 Snipe & Grey Wagtail.

Drake American Wigeon again off Mudbank late afternoon. Bonxie and a single Purple Sandpiper - Maer Rocks.

This afternoon on the rising tide:

28 Teal, 5 Great crested grebe preening, 4 Greenshank, 1 Common sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher in and out of the shallow pools and a single Black tailed Godwit on the mudflats.

13.30-15.30

6 Great Northern Divers. 3 together very close, in Hope Cove. 3 more further out, that then moved into Anstey's Cove. 3 Grey Seals. 

Upper Lake this morning,

1 Grey Phalarope, 8 Snipe, 4 Cormorants, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Canada Geese,

Lower Lake,

 3 Goosander 1m 2f, 3 Willow Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Tufted Duck.

Seawatch from 0715-1100hrs produced : 2 juv Pomarine, 2 (1 Juv & 1 2nd cy) Arctic & 1 Great Skua, 4 Great Northern Divers, 11 Common Scoter, 371 Auks (mostly Razorbills), 632 Kittiwakes, 3 Fulmar, 5+ H Porpoise & 2 Tuna.

Elsewhere on headland 3 Black Redstarts in quarry and a Yellow-browed Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff in woods just w of quarry entrance, with Long-tailed Tits.

A Spotted Redshank was amongst the Redshank during the afternoons high tide roost. Sorry for slow info. 

Highlight this morning was this presumed Polish-ringed Caspian Gull, I think it might be a first record for Slapton ? On the beach about halfway between Torcross and the Memorial Car Park. Also a ringed adult Great Black-backed Gull, i think ringed in Normandy ( awaiting details ).

Ring-necked Duck still present out from the Stokeley Hide.

Green Woodpecker again this morning in a rather wet visit, and oddly 6 Moorhens haven't seen this many for some months now.. I hope that 4 of them are juveniles of the resident pair, but it seemed as if there were 3 adults - with bright red bills....

Grey Phalarope still at the Pill this morning .

Late afternoon count. 49 curlew, 176 redshank, 7 greenshank, 5 dunlin, 9 oystercatcher, 4 wigeon, 57 Canada geese, 17 mallard, 3 little egret. 1 knot (watch out Snettisham). 4 Mandarin roosting in dead trees beside the estuary.

Late afternoon up to 16.40. 

18 Purple Sandpipers and 1 Great Northern Diver. 3 Grey Seals and 1 Harbour Porpoise. 

Not much of note in the reserve this morning, or this afternoon, but over the Marsh south of the reserve, a cracking adult male Marsh Harrier.

Further afield the Grey Phalarope showed well at the top of Fremington Pill late afternoon. 10 Little Egrets came to roost, but I left before the Glossy Ibis or Cattle Egrets arrived.

Probable Grey Phalarope. I have not seen this species before and did not get great views of the bird so I cannot be totally certain of the ID. When I first saw it flying over the tops of large breaking waves about 30 yards out, I thought it was a Dunlin. Then I saw it was sitting on top of the water like a gull, riding the waves and occasionally making short flights when troubled by a particularly big wave. It was loosely associating with several black-headed gulls. The plumage looked right for grey phalarope but it was hard to get a good view with the wind, the spray and the huge rolling waves. 

Seawatch 08:00-15:30: 2 Pomarine Skuas (juv and imm), 4 Arctic Skuas, 6 Bonxies, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Common Scoter, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, 5 Fulmars and 1661 Kittiwakes.

2 Black Redstarts.

Multiple (20+) sightings of leaping Bluefin Tuna (several animals), 4+ Harbour Porpoise and 15+ Common Dolphins.

Adult male American Wigeon off Mudbank from around 1440 to about 1520'ish when it flew off across the river towards Dawlish Warren. Photos on www.gobirdingexmouth.blogspot.co.uk later.

For over an hour at lunchtime today, at low water, a Dipper was foraging opposite the mouth of the Tory Brook.  Viewable from Plymouth Rd bridge.  No sign of the two redhead Goosanders that were there yesterday.

This morning at the Lake,

3 Goosander 1m 2f (first of the winter), 1 Willow Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 4 Coot, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Goldfinch, 8 Coal Tit, 27 Mallard.

Grey Phalarope at the Pill this morning .

Quite a few waders on Blaxton Meadow on this evening’s high tide including 168 Redshanks, 6 Greenshanks, 8 Dunlins, 35 Curlews & 10 Oystercatchers. Also 4 Wigeon, Grey Wagtail, 11 Mandarin Ducks, Little Grebe, Shag & 15 Stock Doves.

Alongside Redshank, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Little Egret and Common Sandpiper there was a fabulous Grey Phalarope (thankyou Gordon for the heads up and for showing us where it was!). When we left as darkness fell it was swimming around at the top of the Pill feeding in amongst the high tide debris.

Grey Phalarope and Spotted Redshank

2 Redwing, 1 Water Rail, 2 Bullfinch, lots of Green and Chaffinch, and a big Tit-flock all busy around the reserve this morning, Also, despite a violent and prolonged rainstorm including thunder and hail with very strong winds, a Speckled Wood butterfly appeared as a  weak sun came out.

Poor for migrants this morning . 1 Firecrest and 1 Blackcap in the bushes. Overhead a steady movement into the wind of small groups (10/15) of Goldfinches. Linnets and Chaffinches   predominately Goldfinches. Also present a Black Redstart.

Ad. f. Firecrest.

1 merlin with female type plumage

About half a dozen Goosander, in summer plumage, on the River Avon a few kilometers south of Avonwick. These were actually seen a few days ago.

Spent some time on R.Caen > Horsey this aft in strong WSW winds searching for the Spotted Sandpiper seen 10 days ago! No luck with the Spotted but found a Common Sandpiper instead on the east side of R.Caen.

Photo heavily cropped for comparison. Longer tail on Common Sandpiper. Edges of tertials have buff notching on Common; on Spotted they are plain. Note difference in leg colour, Spotted usually has yellower legs.

Coverage 07:10-15:10 with Mike Langman & Pete Aley.

Much distant feeding activity out in Lyme Bay after rain cleared bumped totals up to:

15 Bonxies (the last going into Tor Bay), Pomarine Skua (imm), 4 Arctic Skuas, 1 Pom/Arctic Skua, Diver sp., 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese south and a dark-bellied north, c5 adult Mediterranean Gulls, c120 auks and c1200 Kittiwakes. Mammals: 5+ Harbour Porpoises, unidentfied Dolphins and a Grey Seal.

When walking back past the quarry a melodic song heard three times, but I failed to record or see it despite looking for the bird. But seemed like Red-billed Leiothrix, an escapee (I remember two there in Sep 1998)! Whatever it was, it shut up when a Merlin did a couple of passes hunting Goldfinches giving very close views.

Lesser yellowlegs showing well p.m. Great white egret in rush pasture opposite Fleet Lodge (outside Modbury).

4 Goosanders ( f/juv ) in the Taw between Anchor woods & the new bridge. 

15.45

2 Purple Sandpipers and 21 Turnstones at Haldon Pier. 

Earlier this morning, 1 Firecrest near the entrance gate to Hope's Nose. 

Good views of the lesser yellowlegs this morning. A greenshank also present. 

Seawatching between 0710-1035hrs produced: 3 Great Skuas, 4 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Diver Sp. (probably RTD), 7 Fulmar, 735 Kittiwakes and 109 Auks. 

The Society’s Records Committee met via Zoom during October, and – as usual – the main task was to assess notes and photos of rarer species in the county. The Committee discussed the remaining few outstanding records for last year, prior to finalisation of the 2019 bird report.

In practice, the vast majority of submissions are accepted unanimously without discussion and this was no different this year. However a handful of the 77 records considered, attracted differing views and required discussion. Most of the small number of “not proven” descriptions lack sufficient detail and it is rare that the Committee considers a clear mistake has been made.

The Committee is very grateful to everyone who took the time and trouble to submit descriptions.

The Committee is made up of five voting members - Pete Aley, Russ Eynon, Tim Jones, Andy Smith and Tim Worfolk - plus the County Recorder, Kevin Rylands. In line with a policy of rotation, Tim Jones is now standing down and was thanked for all his work especially in applying his knowledge of Lundy and North Devon. (As Bird Recorder for the Lundy Field Society, he will continue to provide a vital link with the Committee). Formal nominations for his replacement will be sought shortly; ideally membership reflects a good geographical spread across Devon, but this isn’t always possible.

The Committee also discussed the desire to widen participation of younger members, women and ethnic minorities and will be giving further consideration to this. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions, please contact recorder@devonbirds.org.

The Society maintains an 'A’ list of Devon rarities requiring full supporting descriptions & a ‘B' list of scarce birds needing only brief notes. The A list generally consists of birds with either 100 or fewer accepted individuals in the last 10-years, or 10, or fewer, individuals annually in at least seven of the last 10 years. Other factors such as population and distribution changes and identification issues may also have a bearing.

A Devon scarcity (‘B’ list) is either 300 or fewer accepted individuals in the last 10-years, or 30, or fewer, individuals annually in at least seven of the last 10 years. These species require short notes to be submitted to the County Recorder, using the comments section of the recording form.

Based on these criteria, the Committee agreed (from 2021) to move these species and subspecies to the ‘A’ list: Bewick's Swan, Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey Partridge, Little Auk, Nightingale, Northern acredula Willow Warbler, Pink-footed Goose, Scandinavian argentatus Herring Gull and Tree Sparrow.

Great White Egret moves from ‘A’ to ‘B'. Conversely, Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshank and Turtle Dove (all formerly in neither category) become ‘B’ species.

These former ‘B’ birds move out of either category (although notes may still be requested): Arctic Tern, Balearic Shearwater, Cattle Egret, Greenland leucorhoa Wheatear, Little Ringed Plover, Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Pomarine Skua, Red Kite, Scandinavian abientus & ‘grey’ Chiffchaff, Sooty Shearwater, Spoonbill, White alba Wagtail, Yellow-browed Warbler and Yellow-legged Gull.

How times change!

Details on submitting records can be found at

https://www.devonbirds.org/birdwatching/recording/guide_to_record_submission

The 2019 assessments and ‘A’ & ‘B’ lists will be in the 2019 Devon Bird Report.

Pete Aley & Kevin Rylands

on behalf of Devon Birds Records Committee

Over a week ago while doing a monthly WeBS count on R.Caen > Horsey

I took a few quick record shots of what I thought at the time was a single Common Sandpiper (not unusual at this location overwintering) & continued with the count. Over one week later I receive an email from Tim & Tim to say that eagle eyed Malcolm Shakespeare thinks it was a Spotted Sandpiper.

A big thank you to Malcolm for spotting the subtle differences between the two species which are very similar. Also many thanks to Tim & Tim & James for confirming identification. Thank God I took a camera with me on the count!

Very blustery N west conditions gave me a fair influx of Gulls to look through! ANOTHER adult YL Gull, this one had a more defined eye streaking than yesterday's along with 1 2nd Cy as well. Also 1 Great Skua heading W, first pair of returning Purple Sandpipers came in to roost and a Black Redstart around Lantern Hill.  

8 Ring Ouzels on todays walk up to the Avon Dam.

On a rather wet afternoon, Ringed Plover (only my second this year here), Little Grebe & 4 Wigeon.

Best today 3 Ring Ouzel in Starehole; also 3 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, migrant Great Spotted Woodpecker & Goldcrest.

Two female Black Redstart on rooftops in Compass Drive this afternoon. 

Black Redstart

A walk along the Pill produced 142 Redshank, 2 Greenshank and 1 Spotted Redshank.

Two Spoonbill on the east side of the Torridge feeding off Lower Cleve.

A male Black Redstart on a roof in Hill Close briefly early afternoon. Perhaps last winter's bird returning?

A stroll around the headland and quarry areas between 07.00 and 12.00 today produced 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Goldcrest, 4 Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk and 2 Stonechat with the highlights being a Firecrest behind Berry Head Farm and 3 Black Redstarts near the sea watching point. 

08.10-10.40

1 Short-eared Owl over central scrub area, 2 Firecrests, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Siskins, 50+ Woodpigeons over, 6 Rock Pipits, Little Egret. 2 further species of raptor.  4 Grey Seals. 

5 Ring Ouzels , (inc an adult Male by the path near the dam) this morning- plus 8 Fieldfare and a Green Woodpecker 

Firecrest seen in Tor Woods near Salcombe this morning. 

an early morning walk around holdstone down between heavy downpours saw a small herd of red deer, plenty of starlings , golden plover and a singular snowbunting.

snow bunting

To add to previous. Yellow legged gull and Herring lesserbb X. 

Yellow legged Gull

Herring Lesserbb X

13.00 Lesser Yellowlegs showed well for ten minutes at South Efford Marsh. Became increasingly mobile around site. 

14.45 Drake Ring-necked Duck from Stokeley Bay Hide at Slapton Ley. 

1 Short-eared Owl just NE of Langston Cross between Kingston and Modbury late this afternoon. Bird flew low over the road ahead of us pursued by a Crow and then tacked off high eastwards over the fields. A nice surprise!

Two Purple Sandpiper on the outer sea wall of the Haldon Pier this morning, nine Turnstone and three Rock Pipit.

Today associating with the Gbbgulls this absolute beast Adult Yellow Legged Gull on the rocks adjacent to the Pier. Same Gull or another relocated an hour later to Haggington Gull roost. No Purple Sands have arrived yet. Grey Herons and Little Egrets feeding on the foreshore every day at the moment with Cattle Egrets and Great white Egret past this Wk. On the harbour beach 1 adult Lesser Herring Gull Hybrid. 

Yellow Legged Gull

A few odds n ends this afternoon included: the Polish-ringed ad Mediterranean Gull, 4 Wigeon, 5 Mandarin Ducks, Snipe, 7 Greenshanks, 5 Dunlins, 10 Oystercatchers, 41 Curlews, 15 Turnstones, Shag, 2+ Stonechats & Roe Deer.

Up to 15 Swallows seen above the reeds and lake at Mansands. Have never seen so many so late in the autumn.

A  f./imm. Black Redstart on the church roof ,a regular autumn / winter site for the species.

Female Black Redstart briefly seen in Compass Drive and Highglen Drive on roof tops. Not seen since 15:00. 

Just up stream from the Turf, a group of 57 Avocet sat on the water.

3 Cattle Egrets at Southcott Valley in field with cattle

A complete surprise to have a flyby of FOUR Glossy Ibis at 11:30 am today at Fremington Pill.  They settled in the trees near the pill head to groom and roost. 

Two of the four Glossy Ibis

15:00-16:00 very poor conditions however, Lesser Yellowlegs still present this afternoon viewed from the bench as was noted yesterday. The bird spent most of its time on the middle bank but occasionally flew onto the islands closer to the path. This is where we noticed the tail markings as well as the missing plumage on the left wing. 1 Greenshank also with the LY. 5+ Curlew and 3 Little Egret on the section of bank by the barns. As we were leaving approximately 300+ Canada Geese dropped down onto the marsh with what looked like 2 escaped Snow/Farm geese. 

Lesser Yellowlegs

LY tail markings (poor shot)

A rather wet watch produced: Pomarine Skua, 7 Arctic Skuas, 5 Bonxies, 2 Balearic & 2 Manx Shearwaters, Great Northern, Red-throated & an unidentified Diver, 2 Puffins, ad Mediterranean Gull, Common Dolphin & at least 1 Harbour Porpoise. Also a Merlin around the headland & a Tawny Owl calling in the woods.

High tide count. 39 curlew, 7 greenshank, 9 oystercatcher, 10 redshank, 1 dunlin, 5 shelduck, 4 wigeon, 2 teal, 1 juv common gull, 1 ad wp Med gull, 2 ring-necked parakeet.

Fri, 23.10.20 10 grey plover, 4 L Egret, 60 plus Wigeon, 8 Teal, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Turnstone, 1 Ringed  plover

October 15 2020, near Fernworthy forest.

Three Glossy Ibis coming in to roost at 6.10. The fourth, which was the only one feeding in the creek, joined them ten minutes later.

Afternoon visit to South Efford where the Lesser Yellowlegs, and a single Greenshank, were showing well together in the flooded meadow from 'Eric's bench'.

Above Starehole late afternoon was a late Whinchat, was unexpected. There was one in almost the same location (could it be the same bird?) eight days ago, which I thought was late then. In the valley, just on sunset, was a 1st winter male Ring Ouzel.

Lesser Yellowlegs still present late this afternoon and showing very well on the main part of the marsh.

A walk on the Braunton Burrows commencing 14:45 was quite productive. Among all the usual suspects linnet, stonechat, blackbirds, starlings, corvids of most common varieties) were a hunting Merlin. A 1st for us on the burrows a Great Spotter Woodpecker and two Mistle Thrush. 

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

50 approx Avocets, spectacular close formation flying. 

Popped into Wrafton pond again today and got this shots. The male and female Shovelers were also there along with many of the usual.

Black-headed Gull

Gadwall

5 Swallows and a group of eight House Martins, heading out to sea from Hopes Nose 16.30 this afternoon.

Cloud and wind kept most birds out of view early morning  but a female redstart  at the farm was good to see

Two Ring Ouzel still north east of Cadover Bridge this eve with 150+ Fieldfare. Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk and 2 Mistle Thrush also around. 

Black Redstart in bushes next to driving range

Visible migration this morning between 07:40-08:45 included early flock of 21 Stock Doves ( single Woodpigeon with them ), 100 Meadow Pipits, 50 Pied Wagtails, House Martin, 67 Swallows, 16 Siskins, Redpoll, 110 Linnets, 2 Bramblings, Bullfinch, 640 Goldfinches, 570 Chaffinches, 4 Starlings and 2 Reed Buntings. Elsewhere male Merlin, 2 Fieldfares, Black Redstart, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest and 2 Firecrests.

PM visit: Ring Ouzel male in valley scrub, 200 Skylark on arable, 60 Woodpigeon moving west.

Forgot to mention that yesterday 2 Swallows flew over, heading South, and that there were good numbers of Black-headed Gulls chasing insects over the reserve, including at least one Mediterranean Gull. Today the Green Woodpecker called again and at least three Water Rails squealed from deep cover.

3 or 4 Cattle Egrets in Southcott valley , 8 Snipe , Greenshank and Kingfisher on Northgate pond.  Peregrine on Torridge bridge  , Male Goldeneye flying up r.Torridge towards Bideford.   2 Fieldfare on the Sea Buckthorn at Instow , 2 Spoonbill roosting on Isley Marsh  , Water Rail calling at Saltpill pond and Spotted Redshank on Fremington Pill But tide too high for Glossy Ibis.

Four glossy Ibis at Freminton pill.

At Moorwell Pond this morning ,8 Chiffchaffs ,4 Goldcrests ( including a 'Continental' bird ) and 1 Blackcap. Overhead a few small groups of Chaffinches moving West and also a small flock (20/25) of Golden Plovers. -also going West

1st. Yr. Chiffchaff.

1st. Yr. f ' Continental' Goldcrest

This morning at the Lake.

5 Willow Tit, 2 Marsh Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Great Crested Grebe. 

Note: The feeders are back up at the Hide.

2 new Yellow-browed Warblers both together for a while (neither had broken supercilium on right side as the bird present for last couple of days). Also around site 3 Firecrests, 11 Goldcrests, 5 Chiffchaffs and at least 3 Black Redstarts in the quarry.

Overhead of note: 2 Yellowhammers, 2 Reed Buntings, 1 Redwing, 18 Swallows, 1 House Martin and 12 Siskin.

      Black Redstart                                                             Yellow-browed Warbler and Chaffinch

Just after first light this morning three small flocks of Redwing all headed towards Plymouth in total about 40 birds.

Unusual to get one out in the open like that! It has a ring on it's right leg - so one that I have ringed over in the reserve. Can't quite read any of the numbers on the bottom of the ring, or I'd see if I could say when it was ringed. If anyone can - let me know!

Riddon Brake gave us five thrushes and the sixth was seen at Headland Warren in the form of a splendid male Ring Ouzel..It was just below the Vitfer mine gullies. Bird of the day was the striking Fieldfare with large flocks at Riddon and also in Soussons Valley looking stunning in the morning sunshine.

Walked home over the high tide period:

- in the estuary, eight R-b Mergansers off the Kenn outfall (my first of the Winter) and a G-c Grebe;

- in Powderham Park, Greenshank and Green Sandpiper;

- in the field just N. of Turf, two adult Med. Gulls with the B-h.;

- on Exminster Marshes, Lapwing and Meadow Pipit both into treble figures, and ten plus Greylags with the Canadas;

- on the canal bank and in the adjacent ditches, at least ten Water Rails squealing, presumably establishing Winter territories;

- in the trees near the Exeter Incinerator, single figures of Redwing and Fieldfare, both also my first for the Winter;

- negatively, no Coot at Powderham, Exminster, Matford or Exeter. A drought-driven breeding failure, or something sinister?

In total, seventy spp. for the day.

Belatedly from yesterday, on the reservoirs were nine Goosanders, a Tufted Duck and three Little Grebes, and in the surrounding woods, a flock of around twenty-five Mistle Thrushes, by far the biggest group I have seen, and perhaps twenty Crossbills, plus Marsh Tit, Treecreeper etc .

Great to see the Cetti's Warbler. Spotted by Martin Bennett.

Cetti's Warbler - Wrafton Pond.

The same Yellow-browed Warbler from yesterday (with a broken supercilium on right side only) was today up nearer to the N Fort approx 400m away from yesterdays sighting! Around the headland 2 Firecrests, 7 Goldcrests 5-6 Chiffchaffs, 7 Blackcaps. Of interest overhead single Redwing, Redpoll and Reed Bunting plus several Swallows, Skylarks and Siskins. 

         Yellow-browed Warbler - same bird as yesterday with broken supercilium on right side only

Popped into Wrafton pond this afternoon.  On arrival it quite just the usual suspects  gulls Moorhen, Coots, Swans and Mallards.  A Cetti's Warbler showing well and a couple of Shovelers made my visit worthwhile.

Male Shoveler

Male and Female Shoveler

A six thrush species extravaganza. An adult female and a first winter male Ring Ouzel with around 150 Fieldfares, plenty of Redwings along with Mistle and Song Thrushes and Blackbird. We spent four hours searching but were eventually rewarded! Viewed from the same area described by Chris E in posts over the last few days ie. seen from the path west of Trowlesworthy Farm whilst standing next to the stone wall.

L. Yellow legs showed well, top end of the marsh this morning with 5Green Shank.

Notable westbound Chaffinch passage this morning, with a total of 1,142 between 08.00 and 10.15, after which movement quickly dried up. Flocks ranged in size from a handful of birds to fifty or sixty.

Also 2 Swallow, 9 Skylark, 28 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 alba wagtail, 2 Linnet, 13 Siskin, 11 Goldfinch, and 1 Greenfinch. In the scrub: 22 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 4 Stonechat, single Blackcap & Chiffchaff, and 7 Goldcrest.

With the weather closing in over the coming week, thought I should take advantage of the calm dry conditions to open the nets. Unfortunately I didn't catch the Kestrel, the Green Woodpecker or the Jay (which was around for much of the morning) However, I did catch 14 Blackcaps - mostly very fat and clearly on their way south. Also 2 female Cetti's Warblers, 2 female Bullfinch, 3 Chaffinch, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Blackbirds and star of the day: a juvenile Redwing. Also of note was Blue Tit Z167856 which was ringed on 8th September 2015. I retrapped it a few times after this but this is its first visit since 2016. Now 5 years old.

My first Reed Bunting here for several years. Also,  Firecrest, Treecreeper, Green Woodpecker, Stonechat, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Jack Snipe, 3 Snipe, Common Sandpiper, 7 Greenshanks, 17 Turnstones, 2 Teal, 6 Wigeon, Little Grebe & 3 Roe Deer.

Best were 6 Ring Ouzel in Starehole Valley. Also: 21 Robin, 50 Meadow Pipit, male migrant Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Goldcrest, Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 11 Song Thrush, 13 Blackbird & 20 Cirl Bunting.

Around the farm this morning ,8 Goldcrests. 3 Blackcaps and 5 Robins. Several small flocks (10/20 ) of Linnets. Goldfinches and Chaffinches all moving West. Nearby 40+ Meadow Pipits on the high ground around the radio masts.

1st. Yr. m. Goldcrest.

1st. Yr. m. Blackcap.

9.15am 22 October, approx.30 Avocets this morning. 

Nipped down to Slapton Ley today while working in the area and got this photo of a Robin sporting a ring on its right leg.

Robin

Lesser Yellowlegs Wednesday 21/10/20. Seen by entire DWT volunteer work party. (Thanks, Eric!)

1630  wed21/10

spotted redshank, greenshank, 10 mallard, 4 teal,  3 curfew, 30 redshank

This afternoon a Yellow Browed Warbler ,not caught but showing well around the entrance gate. Also on site 1 Firecrest. 2 Goldcrests ( autumn passage for this species has been poor to date ) ,3 Chiffchaffs. 2 Blackcaps and 12 Chaffinches in the tops of the trees.

1st. Yr. f . Firecrest.

A new Yellow-browed Warbler with a broken looking supercilium was just in front of the old Farm cottages at Berry Head near to the Berry Head Hotel. Around the headland: 1 Black Redstart (Quarry), 1 Firecrest, 7 Goldcrests, 5 Chiffchaffs and 3 Blackcaps. 

                       Yellow-browed Warbler                                                             Firecrest

While having a look around land on the coast near Otterton East Devon with Rupert Ormerod my eyes were drawn to a corvid chasing an odd shaped bird for this time of year!. Once I got the bins on it and took a few photos it was confirmed it was indeed a Swift. It was just a silhouette and we could not see any colour making it even more special bird! It still a very late Swift... unless you know different?   

Late Swift

Silhouette of a Swift 21/10/20

Away for a week, and it starts raining as soon as I get back! However the reserve had a Kestrel, a Green Woodpecker, and both Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail calling. 2 Coal Tits and the usual suspects. Little Egret out on the scrape.

Last two.

Male Tufted Duck

Female Shovelers

20/10/20 08:10-17:00 S-SSW 6, despite ideal conditions pretty slow. Highlights were a winter plumage adult Black Guillemot that flew in and sat on the the sea 10:05-10:45 and 7 Little Gulls late afternoon. Other species included:  22 Balearic Shearwaters, Manx Shearwater, 2 Arctic Skuas, 4 Bonxies, 8 Mediterranean Gulls (6 adults incl. one still in full bp & 2 2nd winters), 36 Common Gulls, 67 Kittiwakes, Fulmar (unusual in October, as most out to sea moulting this month), Common Scoter, c1400 Auks (mostly Razorbills) and c30 Swallows. Mammals: c12 Common Dolphins, 3 Harbour Porpoises and a Grey Seal.

                               Adult (breeding plumage) and 2nd winter Mediterranean Gulls

And yesterday 19/10/20 10:30-15:00 SSE 5-6: again very few skuas just one Bonxie! Otherwise 61 Common Gulls, 10 Mediterranean Gulls, Red-throated Diver, 10 Common Scoters and 6 Balearic Shearwaters, steady passage of Gannets (c400), Kittiwakes (c120) and auks (c500). Cetaceans c20 Common Dolphins & 3 Harbour Porpoises.

Red Kite North Devon over A361 adjacent to Castle Hill Park at 11.00 hrs today.

10 Wigeon 10 Teal 50 Canada Geese 4 Curlews 5 Skylarks 15 Knots 4 Oystercatchers 1 stonechat 4 Cormorants and a few types of gull.

Frustratingly, a Swift sp which despite being around the Blaxton Meadow area on & off, between c11.00-11.45, failed to give good enough views to clinch firm ID. Otherwise: female Teal, redhead Goosander, 4 Wigeon, 5 Mandarin Ducks, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (ad & 2nd-w), 7 Greenshanks, 2 Little Grebes, Shag & Sparrowhawk.

Sadly informing all that knew Rob Marshall that he died on Saturday, 17th October.

While doing WeBS on Sun. a.m., (08.25)  surprised to see 22 Little Egrets flying over, heading west. Kingfisher only other stand-out.

They took a little bit of searching for, but finally had 7 Ring Ouzel's at Avon Dam this morning. From there we went to Venford Resevoir, the immature Goldeneye is still there at the far end with 3 Little Grebe and Female Goosander. also in the trees 100 plus Fieldfare.

Ring Ouzel

Two Ring Ouzel still feeding with Fieldfare late afternoon. Fourth consecutive day birds have been present. 

Ring Ouzel

Ring-necked Duck at Beesands Ley today. Presumably the same male returning to spend its 4th consecutive winter moving between here and Slapton Ley. Little else, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Mute Swan and 55 Canada Geese.

20 Coots, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 9 Goosander, 30 Tufted Ducks, 50 Canada Geese and 25 Cormorants.

Late news: Two Great-White Egrets along the Exe at Brampford Speke on Saturday. One was feeding in a side channel just below the church with a Little Egret and a Grey Heron, and later, west of Nether Exe, a second bird flew down-river in the direction of the first one.

Lesser Yellowlegs showing well currently (NE from hide)

Osprey over Ernesettle at 1235 heading south mobbed by gulls 

As posted earlier, the Great Reed Warbler found earlier today showed well this evening, here are some photos. Having done further reading since seeing the bird, I think it may well be a candidate for the Eastern subspecies  zarudnyi (breeding in Central Asia from North Iran to Western China, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa), though I have no experience with this race and little with the nominate. According to Cornell lab's "Birds of the World" database zarudnyi is "paler throughout, less rufous than nominate, greyer above, faintly olivaceous on rump, whiter below". This seems consistent with my photos and my overall impression of a pale, cold coloured Great Reed Warbler. Further photos are available on my ebird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S75039734

Hundreds of mixed Fieldfares and Redwings feediing together with a few Mistle and Song Thrush also among them a cock Ring ouzel together with a first winter female. Other birds seen Jays, Magpies, Ravens and Green Woodpeckers.

Fieldfare

Ring Ouzel

A late afternoon walk around Exminster marsh, still very dry and not over busy with bird life, but 3 Water Rail, 4 Cetti's Warbler, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Lapwing, several flocks of Canada geese a Barnacle goose in with one flock and at least 17 Greylag geese by another flock, Little Egret, Heron, Pied Wagtail, several flocks of Long Tailed Tit.

Good views of a Peregrine sat on one of the electric pylons.

Looking out over the estuary from Turf, large numbers of Shell duck, Curlew, Lapwing and Black Tailed Godwit, 60 plus Mute Swan and 2 Black Swan.

On this particular day, the bird associated with a couple of Redshank and a Greenshank, feeding very actively at the waters edge of the flooded former water meadows, north of the hide.  Flight photo included to show white rump, tail and long wings.  

Lesser Yellowlegs with Redshank

Lesser Yellowlegs landing

Influx into the valley with Ring Ouzel, 65 Robin, 21 Blue Tit, 29 Chiffchaff, 28 Blackbird, 6 Song Thrush, Green Woodpecker & Reed Bunting.

Non-avian: Humming-bird Hawk-moth

Re/.Alan's post that Common Gull looks interesting, might need to blow it up a bit.

A classic viz mig day failed to deliver, 100s Skylarks, 12 R.Ouzels the high light. Bushy birds were all but not present, only Chiffs moving in small numbers. 

Scrub areas up to 12.00pm

2 Firecrests, 2 Goldcrests, 3 Chiffchaffs, male and female Blackcaps, 11 Skylarks over, 25 Goldfinches and four species of raptor. 

46 species recorded from today's walk around the Wetlands including a solitary pink footed goose in the flood meadows east of Colyford Hide.

In addition to Pete's post:

207 Redshank roosting on the high tide, 6 Mandarin (3m, 3f) 2 Little grebe and 4 Ring necked Parakeet overhead.

This afternoon on the Tamar estuary / Ernesettle:-

63 Black tailed Godwit, 10 Great crested Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Avocet over at Kingsmill lake.

Common gull with Herring gull.

Common Sandpiper

A reasonable selection of commoner species on a sunny morning included: 5 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 7 Greenshanks, 3 Dunlins, Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 1st-w Common Gull, 2 Siskins, Peregine, 9+ Stock Doves, Stonechat & 3 Roe Deer.

Annoyed to find a male Blackcap feeding on a over-ripe pear in my Chudleigh garden - because it's one I missed yesterday!

The bird we originally reported as a Paddyfield Warbler was reidentified from photos as a likely Great Reed Warbler. It finally reappeared for a group of assembled birders at about 16.20 and showed very well in excellent light, confirming ID as Great Reed Warbler. At north-west corner of the pond. A great (literally) bird for Devon; hope nobody was too disappointed! Tim Davis & Tim Jones

At least 3 Ring Ouzel still around. Viewed from path west of farm. 

am, of note: 1 Merlin (chasing Skylarks),  3 Golden Plover, 1 House Martin (being chased by a Sparrowhawk), 1 Whinchat, several Redwings, at least  4 Ring Ouzels, 15+ Chiffchaffs, and a small movement of finches overhead during the morning including 20+ Siskins, a flock of c50 Chaffinches and 4 Crossbills. 

I joined Naturetrek staff and leaders in a global 'virtual team' and did a 'big day' in S Devon as part of Global Bird Weekend (https://globalbirding.org/home). Started at Emsworthy Mire at dawn (70 Fieldfare, 25 Redwing, 7 Mistle Thrush - but no Ring Ouzel! - Marsh Tit, Bullfinch, Redpoll), then Stover (Little & G C Grebes, 9 Mandarin, 3 Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Green Woodpecker, Marsh Tit & Firecrest on N side of lake, by picnic tables), finishing around Exe Estuary sites (highlights Slav Grebe, 4 Cattle Egrets over Cockwood, 55 Little Egrets, Snow and Barnacle Geese with Canadas at Exminster, 3 Mergansers, 5+ C Scoter, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Water Rails, 12 Greenshank, Green Sandpiper in R Kenn, 15 Swallows, Rock Pipit, 3 Stonechat, 2 Cetti's Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. Grand total of 98 species, but should have seen Eider, Ringed & Grey Plover, Lesser B-b Gull, Dipper, Treecreeper, Yellowhammer & Cirl Bunting. Oh well, you win some, you lose some!

A female/imm Goldeneye feeding at far end of reservoir at mid-day was first reported on Dartmoor since Jan 2018, also at Venford. Earlier, 11 roosting Goosanders, including three males in intermediate plumage.

Lesser Yellowlegs showing very well this morning out on South Efford Marsh, Aveton Gifford. 

Also 4 Greenshank, Kingfisher, Chiffchaff and Greylag Goose of note. 

On the western lower slopes of the tor, just west of the Higher Godsworthy road about 1430:

4 Ring Ouzels (one adult male, one 1st winter male, 2 brown female types), 6 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Snipe, 1 Kestrel.

After a walk along the simonsbath valley, I popped back up and over Kingsford hill to challacombe moor, there were large numbers of kestrel,and buzzard. Large flights of starling about 30 or 40 in each with smaller flocks of fieldfare about 5 or 6 in 8 different lots.

A huge flock of Redwing seen passing over Marley Head at 15.00hrs today heading towards Plymouth, despite being about a mile away the flock was initially big enough to be seen by the naked eye.

Short while later a soaring Sparrow hawk came over.

Yesterday upon the Devon Somerset border almost constant movement of flocks of Golden Plover, Redwing and Fieldfare.

2.15 pm On the road out of Starcross going to Mamhead, counted 31 Cattle Egrets in field on left, around this large Water Trough. Flock seems to be getting bigger every time I see them! Although seen them here before, 1st time I had seen them using the water trough.

Cattle Egrets

08:17 - 09:34

Male Bullfinch, 2 Buzzard and 6 Swallow were the highlights.

Had a good walk through some of the lanes around the heights, plenty of birds in newly ploughed fields lots of goldfinch and chaffinches and nice to see a few greenfinches in amongst them also good numbers of meadow pipit..  pied wagtail..stonechat 

First of the redwings on the farm this last week and today a swallow flying around. 

5 Ring Ousels seen on Godsworthy road (out of Tavistock towards Pork Hill )

Cycled along Fremington Pill yesterday and spotted the 2 Glossy Ibis, only had my phone with me unfortunately so didn't get a decent photo.

At least one Ring Ouzel still around, 9 Swallow (E), Goosander 1f over, 2 Snipe, 2 Cormorant, 5 Teal, 45 Redwing, 25 Fieldfare, Reed Bunting plus usuals 

Does this impaled bee indicate the recent presence of a shrike, or are there other explanations? Found by Pru Barnes a few days ago, it follows an impaled beetle found on the same fence last month. Also yesterday afternoon in a wet rushy field in the Weir Quay area, a Great White Egret and a Barn Owl hunted, and today Pru reported a Red Kite.

Just after 6pm several cattle egrets joined the little egrets and the two glossy ibis at the roost site at the top of the Pill. Gloomy conditions made it hard to see exactly how many....best guess would be five. Recently have seen the Ibis several times grazing near the marshy section in the cattle field next to Saltpill Pond.

No sign of the Lesser Yellowlegs first thing, but it showed well early afternoon at South Efford Marsh where also: 2 Kingfishers, 2 Greenshanks & 57 Teal.

In between, a brief look at Soar produced 3 Ring Ouzels, Fieldfare & just 1 Goldcrest & 3 Chiffchaffs. 

At least 30+ Redwing plus 1 Fieldfare seen in the trees at Knightshayes Court NT gardens.  

Found in the Shipley Bridge car park at 13.15 - 8x32 binoculars- look expensive - contact me on 01548 560076 

Found a Great White Egret this morning on the River Kenn.

Distant shot of GWE and unimpressed Grey Heron

About 50 Mistle Thrush passing through the Heritage pathway near Stover park yesterday 15th. Also couple of Meadow Pipit, single Goldcrest,  pair of Stonechat, Common Buzzard, 3 Nuthatch and a handful of Long Tailed Tits around to. Lake has plenty of Tufted ducks, BH gulls and coots as well as a single Marsh  or Willow Tit (to flighty to pinpoint which) around where the children scatter seeds for the ducks.

16.30hrs this afternoon a Hobby seen from home flying over Inglenook, South Brent

One Sandwich Tern, close in between the Ness and the Pier today.

Watched from 09:35 till 13:30

On the walk up to the top of gore lane at least 12 chiffchaffs with another 4 around the track to Bristol school camp at the top of gore lane plenty of skylarks and meadow pipit over 3 crossbill, 1 yellowhammer a few chaffinch and goldfinch, 1 great spotted woodpecker, 4+ raven and 110+ jackdaw , 5 goldcrest in hedge along footpath to the coastal footpath.

As I joined the coastal path a female Merlin flew in off the sea putting up about 30 meadow pipits from the field as it sped through heading north, 2 kestrel were hunting along the cliffs 

sat down at the geo needle and watched a short eared owl fly in off the sea over the cliffs and headed up towards gore lane being mobbed by magpies crows and meadow pipits , 21+ swallows along cliffs and a group of 40+ woodpigeon flew across the bay and headed east, another 6 chiffchaffs around orcombe point and 2 stonechat.

Highlights this morning Short-eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, 23 Swallows, Fieldfare, Redwing, 10 Chiffchaffs, Grey Wagtail, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Goldcrests, 23 Starlings. 6 Crossbills and 3 Redpolls overhead.

Not very much new around the headland: 4 Firecrest, 14 Goldcrest, 8 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 5 Stonechat and around 400 Guillemots on the cliffs this morning.

Overhead migration was a little better highlights:  17 Crossbills, 47 Siskin, 1 Redpoll, 4 Redwing, 11 Skylarks, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 22 Chaffinches. 

1 Spotted Redshank , 3 Greenshanks , 20 + Dunlins & 2 Glossy Ibis in the Pill this morning.

Friday 15/10/20

George Nympton: Cormorant

Fremington Pill: Peregrine, glossy ibis, L. egret, 6 teal, 2 green sandpiper, 70 redshank, 6 dunlin

At least 4 Ring Ouzel with around 200 Fieldfare and 40+ Redwing in bushes west of River Plym. Viewed from the path west of Trowlesworthy Farm, standing next to stone wall. Scope recommended. 

5 Redwings over Lyte's Road, Brixham at 07.55.  

Mid/late afternoon. Further to Rob's earlier post: the (presumed same) Yellow-browed Warbler still in Starehole Valley up near the Goat Track, a Firecrest in the Willows, at least 15 Song Thrushes in Starehole and a lone Redwing.

Lone Cattle Egret around the middle car park, although has been mobile due to people working in the fields and tractor movement.

Thank you to the Birder who told me about it, sorry dont know your name.

Cattle Egret

Highlight this morning was a Yellow-browed Warbler in Starehole Valley calling and seen well. Also: 5 Ring Ouzel, 13 Blackbird, 5 Song Thrush, 15 Swallow, 28 Robin, 28 Chiffchaff, 75 House Sparrow, female migrant Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2m Bullfinch, Water Rail, 25 Goldfinch, White Wagtail, 5 Blackcap, 3 Coal Tit & 9 Blue Tit moving up through Starehole Valley, Whinchat, 30 Meadow Pipit, 25 Starling N & 14 Jackdaw NW.

There were at least 3 in the Vitifer Valley , along with 12 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing  , this morning

9 of 10 Cattle Egret flying up the Little Dart valley near Witheridge. 

The Lesser Yellowlegs still at South Efford Marsh this morning though elusive / look down the marsh from the hide and bird favours the right hand bay (out of sight) but does venture out onto the nearer spit where it shows well. 

Only 9 Turnstones this evening, probably due to the stormy tide, though yesterday in calm conditions I counted 45. The most I've ever seen here. 29 Oystercatchers on the headland. 

An excellent afternoon with a juv Osprey around for c15 min's over the estuary just after 15.00, a Yellow-browsed Warbler with a Firecrest at the top of Dell Walk, adult Mediterranean Gull (Polish ringed bird with radio tracker), 2 redhead Goosanders, Little Grebe, 190 Redshanks, 5 Greenshanks, Snipe, Dunlin, Stonechat & Roe Deer.

Osprey

Large numbers of Redwing (100 +), with Fieldfares + Ring Ouzels (managed to positively sight 2 males) when they remained still. Also Mistle Thrushes (5), Song Thrush (2), Blackbirds (10). Bull Finches (2m & 1f),Ravens, Buzzards, Kestrel. Looks like all the Thrushes are newly arrived? lots of berries still present.

At least 6 Ring Ouzels feeding in Rowens with 7 Redwing south of Avon Dam in full sun. 

Probably a new Yellow-browed Warbler this morning in top eastern most woods south of the Berry Head Hotel also 12+ Crossbills flew over.

Firecrest (male) in Stokenteignhead. At Ivy Tree Hill end of village this morning at 9:30, but mobile. 

Single Ring Ouzel feeding in bushes west of River Plym. Viewed from path next to stone wall just past farm at Trowlesworthy. 200 Golden Plover over first thing. 

Sorry for late posting but some nice birds during a day birding at and around Berry Head Highlights: 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, 1 Ring Ouzel, 2 juv Pomarine Skuas, 1 juv Arctic Skua, 1 2w Mediterranean Gull.

For the last week we have had 3 fledgling swallows in our barn being fed by 2 adults. Never had them this late before.

Red Kite seen over Plymstock at 15:25.  Same bird seen by Steve Hopper earlier this afternoon.  Missing primaries on RH wing.

A Red Kite over the house at South Brent just before 14.00hrs, it was being mobbed by Jackdaws as it drifted down towards the village.

A female Siskin on the garden feeders in the morning was the first one I have seen in the garden this winter season.

And a Dipper at Dart Bridge just before 10.30hrs this morning

Red Kite

3 Pale-bellied Brent Geese were feeding around the rocks just off the beach this morning.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese.

11 ringneck parakeet

Yellow-browed Warbler heard but not seen in the Farm. Also this morning Golden Plover, 30 Swallows, House Martin, Wheatear, 14 Redwings, 2 Ring Ouzels, 3 Blackcaps, 10 Chiffchaffs, 5 Goldcrest and a Reed Bunting.

Just seen a Grey Heron.

OK you say, that's not uncommon, but.... landing on a roof watching the traffic go by???

Perhaps it thinks it's  a stork!

The White's Thrush is being reported on Lundy this morning.

One Great White Egret flying west over the lower ley this afternoon. Very quiet for migrants with just a handful of Chiffchaffs and a few Goldcrests on the back path although there were plenty of Swallows over the upper ley late afternoon.

Hope's Nose - 09.15 - 11.15

1 Firecrest, 3 Goldcrests, 6 Meadow Pipits, Chiffchaff, 3 species of raptor and a fox. 

Emsworthy Mire - 13.15 - 15.30

1 elusive and mobile Ring Ouzel. It eventually flew off west. 12 Mistle Thrushes. 1 pristine Wheatear close to the summit of nearby Saddle Tor. 

Superb conditions for probably the most accurate WeBS count I've ever done! Sunny weather (bit of heat haze) and no disturbance between Starcross and Dawlish Warren saltmarsh (my section), although plenty of activity elsewhere on the estuary. Among the 2,293 birds were 24 Cattle Egrets (presumably the 19+ with cattle seen earlier above Cockwood Marsh), 18 Shags, 225 Wigeon, 754 Teal, 2 Mergansers, 103 Oystercatchers, 21 Ringed Plover (roosting on Cockwood sea wall), 10 Grey Plover, 13 Knot, 117 Dunlin, 35 Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, 548 Curlew, 339 Redshank, 38 Turnstone and 4 Common Gulls.  2-3 Rock Pipits were in the saltmarsh (one day I'm going to find a Bluethroat there!).  Looking towards the hide, I could see a group of Pale-bellied Brents with the Dark-bellied Brents and Canadas.

When I first took over from John Wicks in 2009 or 10, he said: "That slope there is where I see Green Woodpecker!" So  of course I put a net there and caught 2 in the first year and 1 in the second. Today 8 or 9 years later, I caught a fourth! Nice adult male. Also 3 Blackcaps, a Goldcrest, a Cetti's Warbler, far too many Blue Tits (!) and the first 2 Greenfinch of the autumn. A massive flock of Canada Geese flew noisily over heading south, and a few Ravens were about during the day.

Around the farm this morning ,a Yellow Browed Warbler. Not caught but showing well and actively feeding on the undersides of the sycamore leaves. Also on site 2 Firecrests. One caught ,the other heard calling by Perry ;7 Chiffchaffs  3Goldcrests  1 Blackcap ,1 Pied Flycatcher and11 Goldfinches. Overhead Perry  recorded a few Redpolls and a Siskin.

1st.Yr. f. Firecrest

1st. Yr. m. Pied Flycatcher.

am: Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 7 Curlew, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, 8 Little Egrets.

Little on Blaxton Meadow on a rather small tide, but around Longbridge: Dipper, Kingfisher, Goosander (redhead) & Grey Wagtail. Also: 5 Greenshanks, 4 Dunlins, Green Woodpecker & Chiffchaff. 

While doing a casual count on Saunton Sands earlier this morning in a northerly wind,17 Redwing flew across the beach probably having just arrived from Scandinavia.

Many years ago I remember a Redwing, exhausted from it's journey crash landed on the face of the foredunes & fell asleep as soon as it had landed!

Couldn't resist a day-trip to Lundy today. Glad I did as the WHITE'S THRUSH showed several times around Millcombe early afternoon. Also present were several Swallows and a few House Martins, and 2 Barnacle Geese on Pondsbury. Nik Ward reported seeing a Yellow-browed Warbler in the valley early morning.

A brisk morning walk with the winds picking up, and before the usual saturday footfall traffic. No windchats this time, but lots of up close with Stonechats, male and female. Fields full of adult and juv, pied wagtails. Saw three c.buntings, but heard a possible 3 more across farmland. Kestrel, 2 curlews, 20 oystercatchers, 1 kingfisher fishing from the rockpools, plenty of pipits about. 

On a blustery afternoon: 2 Greenshank, 60+ Redshank, 10 Teal, 1 Kingfisher,  2 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk over, and a couple of female Bullfinch in the bushes.

The Winchat was still around earlier this morning. Also 2 Swallows over Braunton Marshes. c400 Golden Plover on Horsey. 

Steady movement of Swallows west between 10.00 and 12.30 + 2 House Martins. 7 Siskins west.

09.15-13.00

At least 13 (probably 15+) Ring Ouzels on site, with the majority favouring the bushes and bracken on the hillsides towards the quarry and Dam. Birds showed on and off in brisk northerly wind. 

Also Dipper, 4 Mistle Thrushes, 3 House Martins, Swallow, 2 Kestrels over, 6+ Blackbirds. Raven and Song Thrush near the car park. 

Wandered around East Soar, 5 Ring ouzels, nice Cirl Bunting, Lots of Skylarks, Meadow pipits, a few Coal tits, a jay, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Great spotted woodpecker, Bullfinch, Song thrush, a flock of about 20 siskin. Non avian pair of migrant hawkers, wall brown butterflies and a small copper.

Cirl Bunting

Ring Ouzel

3 Yellow-browed Warblers on site today. As I was watching two interacting with one another near the wardens bungalow Andy Plumb was watching another on the slopes below the Guardhouse Café. Otherwise a rather quiet morning with small numbers of Skylark, Meadow Pipits plus Siskins, 1 Redpoll among the other overhead finches.

                                                         Photos: Yellow-browed Warblers

Male Hen Harrier flying low over at 0815. Single Redwing, 4 Cormorant (over), Goosander (f), 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 10 Raven, 2 Chiffchaff, Fox, and Siskin (over) among the usuals. 

Single Great Northern Diver off Teignmouth Beach, late afternoon

This afternoon 4 Ring Ouzels seen in the pouring rain in a hawthorn tree near the Avon Dam. also seen 12 Goldfinches ,several Stonechats, 2 Magpies, 4 Crows, Swallows, 2 Kestrels and 2 Ravens

Ring ouzels

A significant movement of Blackcaps today with over 40+ mostly around the top of the headland, also possibly a different Yellow-browed Warbler down around the old farm near to the Berry Head Hotel, 4 Firecrest, 18 Chiffchaff, 8 Goldcrest, 6 Coal Tits on top of the headland and 13 Stonechats (the site record total is 16).

Overhead a steady passage of finches including 1 Redpoll and a single Redwing.

   This bush contained 10 Blackcaps - six in this picture..                             Firecrest

First redwing at Saltram, sitting high in a holly tree, so hoping for good numbers this year. Parakeets and Jays as noisy as usual. Saw a sparrowhawk narrowly miss catching a young goldfinch, by size I'd sy female hawk.  1 P.falcon flying off towards Plym bridge direction. 

Would love to know where Pete spots all the Roe deer on his walk, i must be unlucky.

08:10 - 12:33

Cirl Bunting (2), Common Scoter (7), male Eider (1), Little Stint, (1) were the highlights along with Dunlin, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Brent Goose, male Shoveler.

9-10-2020 4-30pm 2 present at Fremington Pill

In a wet reserve this morning, a Buzzard and more unusual a Jay were present, the Jay perhaps taking advantage of the glut of Acorns. This is the second record here this autumn, and not many previous records.

In my garden the Tits and Nuthatches have emptied the sunflower feeder since I went out! There was a Buzzard which came and perched just outside the garden and a Grey Wagtail that seemed to want to join in with the Tit frenzy.

While at work this morning above the Gorwell area of Barnstaple had a nic view of a Peregrine flying south east about 9.00am 

Today's migrants included 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers moving west, 3 Ring Ouzels in Starehole, 14 Chiffchaff, 20 Blackcap, 32 Alba Wagtail, House Martin, 3 Swallow, Wheatear, 2 Coal Tit & 8 Blue Tit moving up through Starehole & 2 Bullfinch. Clouded Yellow.

A nice sunny morning produced my first Treecreeper here, for some months, 2+ Kingfishers, Siskin, 2 Green & 1 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 7 Greenshanks, 4 Stonechats, Shag & 6 Roe Deer.

This morning 7 or 8 Ring Ouzels, feeding on rowan berries, were largely outnumbered by birdwatchers. With them was our first single Fieldfare of the season. In the valley were a Buzzard, a couple of Kestrels and a Sparrowhawk. On the track up a Hummingbird Hawkmoth was feeding on the rhododendrons.

Just above the little bridge, two Dippers were in the middle of the stream. They were posturing at each other in a very upright pose with chests out and bills pointing skywards, something we've not seen before.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Visible migration this morning 07.25 to 09.00 ahead of an approaching cold front:

Black-headed Gull 7, Great Northern Diver 1 flying W 08.35, Grey Heron 1, Swallow 5, Grey Wagtail 2, alba wagtail 2, Meadow Pipit 73, Chaffinch 72, Linnet 38, Goldfinch 4, Siskin 9. In the scrub: 5 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrush.

2 Spoonbill roosting on Isley at high tide , 2 Peregrines On Torridge bridge roosting and 64+ Mediterranean Gulls on Bideford quay east at Ethelwynne I Brown close.

The White's Thrush, first seen on the morning of Wednesday 7th, but not seen yesterday in spite of thorough scouring, was trapped and ringed in Millcombe this morning by Devon's very own Nik Ward. Nice one Nik!

A walk out to Baggy earlier this morning in a moderate to fresh westerly wind. Sightings included 10 Ravens, 1 Merlin & 1 Kestrel all 3 around Baggy Pt area. No Scoters or Divers at Baggy Pt or Downend but 1 Gannet at Baggy Pt. Usual flock of Jackdaws & Feral Pigeons/Doves.

Flock of 200 Golden Plover over Trowlesworthy at dawn. Flew from Ringmore Down area, in SE direction. 

6 Ring Ouzels spotted up towards dam in Hawthorn tree with 2 young Green Woodpeckers.  Dipper back towards car park showing really well i clear water

My first two of the season over Eggbuckland this morning

This morning at the lake,

2 Willow Tit, 2 Treecreeper, 5 Tufted Duck 3m 2f, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Grey Heron, 

On R.Caen c100 BH Gull with one adult Med Gull, 2 Common Gull & 2 Redshank.

2  Wheatear still around, one at Crossbanks & another between the Toll Road & Horsey. On Horsey 21 Lapwing, 40 Grey Plover, c60 Dunlin & 2 Greenshank. On the west side of the Toll Rd (Braunton Marshes) a Winchat possibly on passage from Scandinavia which will anytime now be migrating back to Africa for the winter.

At Honeybag Tor yesterday afternoon, 7th October, a redstart - unusual to see one so high on the moor, or so late in the year. On the way back to Bonehill Rocks a kestrel hunting - lots of meadow pipits and finally a stonechat near the car park.

A pretty slow seawatch this morning but managed: 3+ Storm Petrels, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 12 Arctic Skuas, 2 Bonxies, 2 Skua sps, 4 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Scoters & 4+ Harbour Porpoises, Also 70+ House Martins around the headland. 

Early afternoon at Turf one wheatear, 2 rock pipits and 6 meadow pipits. Over the reserve, near the lagoon an immature marsh harrier followed shortly after by an adult male marsh harrier. The harriers disturbed a flock of c30 teal from the ditches. 

A walk around the woods and scrub produced 3 Firecrest, 5 Goldcrest, 5 Blackcaps and 8 Chiffchaff.

Still good numbers of Swallows moving west over the head today but much smaller numbers of House Martins.

09:23 - 12:43

At least 7 Ring Ouzel (male & female), probably 12+, Dipper, Green Woodpecker, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Mistle Thrush (9), Swallow.

Many thanks to Pete, Pete and Barry from Plymouth for the great company. Good to meet Steve H too.

A mid to late morning visit to Shipley and the Avon Dam area, South Brent, Mistle Thrush 4, Golden Plover 12, mixed flock of Blue Tit, Great Tit and Goldcrest by the first bridge, Kestrel 2, Wren, Stonechat, Green Woodpecker, Dipper and not less than 12 Ring Ouzel all of which were up towards the dam.

Ring Ouzel

Ring Ouzel

The Yellow Browed Warbler recently reported by Mike Langman remains in the Sycamores below the Warden bungalow, very well marked bird but difficult to observe given the depth of cover and only calling periodically, at least four Chiffchaff and two Goldcrests in the same spot.

By the bungalow a male Cirl Bunting, at least four Chiffchaff, good numbers of House Sparrow and Goldfinch.

At Broadsands in the corner screened off car park at least five Chiffchaff, twelve plus Long Tailed tit and two Goldcrest.

Back at home at South Brent the would be Italian Sparrow still showing well around the garden feeders, Tawny owl first thing this morning.

Yesterday a first winter tiercel Peregrine in after my racing pigeons, two Jay, good numbers of Greenfinch on the feed station.

Yellow Browed Warbler

Yellow Browed Warbler

Overhead migration from 0730-1130hrs produced: 3 Redpolls, 21 Siskins, 2 Crossbills, 3 Bullfinches, 42 Chaffinch, 8 Linnet,16 Skylark, 300+ Swallows, 100+ House Martins, 2 Song Thrush.

Around the headland: 16 Chiffchaff, 7 Goldcrest, 8 Blackcap, 1 Wheatear, 3 Mistle Thrush. Other wildlife, Clouded Yellow and Wall Butterflies, Hummingbird Hawkmoth hundreds of Ivy Bees.

Brixham Breakwater: 1 ad winter Mediterranean Gull showed really well.

               Mediterrnean Gull ad w                                                                 Ivy Bee

Visible migration this morning in dry, but still fairly blustery conditions, with a stiff WNW wind only slowly easing, included: Common Scoter 3 (W), Common Gull 1, Great Northern Diver 1 (flying W), Cormorant 16 (SW in groups of 2 to 6), Grey Heron 4, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 2, Skylark 8, Swallow 7, alba wagtail 6, Meadow Pipit 39, Chaffinch 3, Linnet 44. Very little in the scrub (which has taken a real beating from the weather lately) apart from a scattering of Blackbirds, Robins, Stonechats and Goldcrests; probably migrants for the most part.

Best today were 5 Ring Ouzel in Starehole inc. a stunning male, 3 Wheatear, 17 Chiffchaff, 4 Swallow, 2 White Wagtail in with Pieds, Goldcrest, 6 Blackcap, 2 Coal Tit (migrants in Starehole), Bullfinch, male Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 10 Cirl Bunting.

Earlier (per Richard Thomas) at Bolt Tail, Yellow-browed Warbler, 11 Crossbill W, Lesser Redpoll & 50+ Siskin all west.

Non-avian: 2 Clouded Yellow, 5 Wall Brown, 2 Southern Hawker & Migrant Hawker, Humming-bird Hawk-moth, Hornet Robber Fly.

Five Ring Ouzels (in Stare Hole) were the best of a rather quiet session today. However also, Whinchat, 2 Wheatears, 6 Siskins, 13 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 4 Blackcaps, Bullfinch, 2 Sparrowhawks, 24 Alba Wagtails, 4 Clouded Yellows & 4 Sika Deer.

Odd start to the day: as I arrived at 7.45ish, I could hear the whistle of birds wings flying above, but these clearly weren't Swans and on looking up I saw several Ravens. They kept coming (from the South East) and eventually I counted over 20, all heading off towards Saunton/Croyde. Ringing started well with 5 Blackcaps and a couple of Goldcrests in the early rounds, but the supply of new birds soon dried up, as did my interest level when a friend sent me a text : Are you on the boat to Lundy? Once I found out why I thought hmmm. 3 Cormorants flew over heading south (unusual here) a Little Egret was over a couple of times, and hundreds of Canada Geese also went over mostly headed SE. One Swallow and one Mediterranean Gull over.

Around the farm this morning ,16 Chiffchaffs. 7 Goldcrests ,6 Blackcaps. 6. Robins and 1 Grey Wagtail.  In the Sycamores 25+ Goldfinches and 40+ Chaffinches.  2 Wheatears in the headlights on the approach road before dawn.

1st. Yr, m. Goldcrest

Ad. f. Goldfinch

At least five Ring Ouzels in rowan and holly trees below the dam at Long-a-Traw this morning. 

Merlin chasing Meadow Pipits first thing. 

A flock of 19 female Pintail flying W, low over the sea, at lunchtime today – an extremely rare species for the N coast away from the Taw & Torridge Estuary. Otherwise, all quiet birdwise amidst huge seas and short-lived but dramatic squalls driven along on westerly gales.

From Cockwood steps at mid-day - about 30 swallows, 6 house martins and one wheatear. Distant views of 6 pale-bellied brents with 20 or so dark-bellied. Two sandwich terns actively feeding and the Slavonian grebe still present.

A surprise encounter at Sidmouth today.

Chiffchaff

Otter

Two Whinchat and one Wheatear around the farm this afternoon. 

Late morning 3 or 4 House Martins feeding over Tavistock Market area

A stroll around  Berry Head this afternoon produced a 1w male Ring Ouzel in the scrub below the café. also 70-80 House Martins, 1 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow hawking the slope too. 

Brief visit this afternoon coincided with low water in the estuary so no waders on the marshes. The pools and scrapes beginning to hold water (at long last). Flock of 11 skylarks over west, 8 house martins scattered around and a few chiffchaffs with a flock of tits alongside the railway. At Turf several hundred black-tailed godwits, a few redshank and a small flock of golden plover.

A large Tit-flock (mostly Blue - about 20) was in the reserve, also mixed up with them were 6/8 Great Tit, 3 or 4 Long-tailed Tit, at least one Chiffchaff a Chaffinch and a bird with a streaky breast, slim bill, and lightly forked tail, then it flew off! Best guess would be Tree Pipit.

Still several Nuthatches in my garden after the black sunflower seeds.

A bit of a mixed bag this morning around the area. Apart from the normal suspects I also saw the following. 2 Sandwich Tern on Blaxton meadow along with a single Snipe, 1Wigeon, 49 Curlew, 168 Redshank, 6 Greenshank & a Kingfisher. Around Saltram 1 Spotted Flycatcher and my first Redwing of the season. Along the river were 2 Little Grebe.

Good views of Yellow-browed Warbler seen from the new hide overlooking the lake at Dawlish Warren at 10.00am this morning. Actively feeding on the leaves in trees to the left of the hide, unfortunately not photographed. Showing clear wing bar and supercilium. First picked up by one of the U3A group members who wondered what it was. Cirl Buntings also singing well.

A Yellow-browed Warbler was 60 m down the road from the Wardens bungalow in sycamores otherwise many more Chiffchaffs and goldcrest today and a Firecrest up near the navigation beacon.

Late afternoon walk between Musbury and Whitford. I would normally expect to see 2 or 3 House Martins but today there were several in the lee of every tree and tall hedge and also plenty feeding along the River Axe. I must have seen 2-300 on this 45 minute walk. A few Swallows as well, mainly round farm buildings. 

12.00-13.50

2 very colourful Firecrests, 20 House Martins in and around the quarry, Swallow, 14 Goldfinches, Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaffs and 2 calling Blackcaps. 

Whinchat & 6 Wheatear in rainswept conditions!

River Teign Hackney at lunchtime greenshank outnumbering redshank today 9 to 2.

Yellow-browed Warbler by the ponds at North Hallsands. A few Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs present. Around at Slapton Ley a generous covering of House Martins over it's entirety. Estimate c5000. 

Yesterday evening lots of House Martins, at least 50, were almost frantically flying up to the two now vacatednests on our apartments just by the coast. Several at a time landed on a nest being quickly replaced by others. This went on for at least half an hour but very poor light so couldn't be sure whether any actually entered the high-up nests. This morning, from before 8, still in poor light and drizzle, perhaps a coup!e of hundred were resting on the gutters, balcony edges, and even on the very steep slate roof. From time to time they all flew off and circled round before landing again. As far as I could fell, most if not all were juveniles. They are still here at 11.30 am. Extraordinary behaviour, which I've never seen before. I guess the very poor visibility means they can't yet head South over the sea?

0730-0930hrs Most of the interest was overhead migration - highlights: 102 Siskins, 1 Redpoll, 63 Goldfinch 75 House Martin, 13 Swallow

Around the headland: 9 Goldcrest, 7 Chiffchaff, 8 Blackcap, 3 Wheatear, 1 Stonechat, 3 Coal Tits. Also 150+ Guillemots have already returned to the cliffs. 

One Swallow over the Velator reserve this morning. Plus a few  - maybe a dozen - House Martins over the north side of Braunton late afternoon. Nothing like the quantities being seen down in the south of the County.!

25 House martins flying along the coast towards Hopes Nose then back towards Ansteys Cove. 

Between the Cattewater and West Hoe, this afternoon: 2 Kingfishers, 2+ Sandwich Terns, 2 Rock Pipits & 3 Turnstones.

I've just seen a single swallow over my flat in Great Torrington (lunchtime 3rd October).

Large flock of mainly House Martins seen In Goodleigh Parish EX31 2.30 

A flock of over 300+ House Martins moving North East over Kingsteignton at 0830hrs.

Several flocks of several hundred birds each (mainly House Martins) in off the sea and heading NW over Dawlish earlier this morning. 

An arrival of 2 Shovelers & 3 Wigeons on Blaxton Meadow this morning, and a sharp increase in Curlews there to 48. Also, 2 Sandwich Terns, 7 Greenshanks, 17 Little Egrets & a Kingfisher.

Flock of over 100 swallows flying fast east over garden also Hobby seen very soon after flying up Hollicombe valley towards Occombe at 10.00 hours. I would guess both sightings connected !  

For the last hour there has been a mass movement of House Martins over South Brent, simply thousands of birds generally headed into the westerly breeze, I have never seen anything like it previously.

A couple of phone calls show that the flock extends over a mile from Marley Head to the A38 side of the village, at times it is like viewing a murmaration of Starlings, simply an amazing sight. At one point hundreds landed on the roof of Willow House residential home next door and the electrical wires running nearby.

Eventually at 10.30hrs a female Sparrow hawk arrived and the flocks went up high and began to move away but we still have a good number of birds passing by after almost two hours of the most incredible activity.

Also a flock of some 50 plus Goldfinch passed over.

House Martins

House Martins

Group of five Greenshank at hackney lunchtime today.

Seawatching from shelter between 1.30- 2.30pm produced: 3 Arctic Skuas, 2 Arctic Terns, 2 Sandwich Terns, 1 Mediterranean Gull (2nd W). 

This Lunchtime in rough Ne conditions 4 Arctic Skuas 2 dark 2 pale in close heading E up channel. Followed by another 7 in the next 10 mins. Walked all around Heartland Point yesterday in good conditions, only a few Gannets to be seen whereas the the previous Thurs 2 Great Skuas off Heartland Quay with a further 4 down the coast toward Wellcombe.  

2 Willow Tit and a Blue Tit on the feeder.

Nothing out of the ordinary, but:

- at various points, small groups of Swallows, feeding rather than heading decisively S. Also, amazingly, a day without Canada Geese. Has God listened to me/us?;

- at Countesswear/Matford, two Water Rails squealing from the ditches, a Green Sandpiper, and my first Snipe of the Winter;

- at Powderham, two Kingfishers and 150+ Teal on the Kenn, and ten Greenshanks in the estuary;

- from Cofton Steps, a G-C Grebe and 200+ Brent Geese, always a cheering sight and sound, including a party of 8-10 Pale-Bellied towards Shutterton Creek;

- on and off Dawlish Warren, two Cirl Buntings "seeeee"-ing invisibly from the brambles and another squealing Rail, two Eider amongst the sand banks, twenty or more Scoter in several groups, and a Great Skua heading SW, perhaps to add Queen Mary to its English Channel list.

First trip to the marshes for some time - very quiet for birds on the marsh this afternoon - highlight being a female Marsh Harrier, perched for some time. Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk made up a nice quartet of raptors.

1Whimbrel,1Snipe,1Wheatear,1Blacktailed Godwit,1Common Sandpiper and 6 Redshank.

Whimbrel

Wheatear

A rather wet visit late afternoon produced 2 Sandwich Terns (on a buoy on the lower estuary), 6 Greenshanks, 162 Redshanks, 10 Oystercatchers & 13 Little Egrets.

A few pictures from Ben Lucking from yesterdays seawatch in very wet conditions!

 Arctic Skua - Dark Phase ad                                              Sooty & pale Balearic Shearwaters

Visit from dawn but still quiet: 2 Sparrowhawk, 100 Skylark, 25 Swallow, 120 Meadow Pipit, 10 Wheatear, 4 Song Thrush, 4 Blackcap, 13 Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Jay in Starehole, 55 Goldfinch & 350 Linnet.

Good numbers of meadow pipits ,robin and stonechat this morning along with the usual suspects..but best was a count of 14 cirl  bunting 

Call notes lead to sightings. At Stowford Moor, East Stowford, my attention fixed first from the notes of a pair of common snipe flushed by grazing sheep and immediately after by the "warbling" on high from two  skylarks... late September magic!.