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In and around the copse: Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher Dipper and Grey Wagtail. On the moor: Kestrel, Wheatear and Stonechat.

On the 4 km. of the mineral tramway S. from Sharp Tor: c.20 singing Skylark, making c.10 per sq. km., which seems a good number for such a degraded grassland.

As was the case a month ago, a lone Willow Warbler was singing from an isolated Hawthorn c300m from the nearest other tree. Perhaps, in the absence of Wrens or other insectivores, there is enough food in the gorse to support it/them. An anomalous record in in any case.

I went away recently and on my return found, as I suspected that all the 4 remaining Goslings have been predated.(2 of them had gone a few days previously). Fox? Badger? Otter? I'll never know. Of note today was a pair of Blackcaps and a Spotted Flycatcher.

There seems to have been a major hatching of Azure Damselflies. And they are already mating in some numbers! (Photo)

Maybe that's what the juvenile Grey Wagtail was feeding on by the pond.

Mating Damselflies.

Cuckoo calling in Hawthorns on South Down Cliff last night

30.5.19 AprilSquacco heron on rocks under Rat island opposite landing bay ,Lundy.(16.00 hours)

Really good views as we waited to catch the boat back to Ilfracombe yesterday. 4pm. On the rocks next to the pier.

Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Stock Doves, Sparrowhawk, 18 Mandarin Ducks (all but 1 drakes), pair of Bullfinches, 6 Little Egrets & 2 (presumed escaped) Barnacle Geese.

Heard my first Cuckoo, saw Skylarks, linnets and Stonechats. Also Brinstone butterfly.

Okay its not Devon, but Dulverton IS Exmoor and some of Exmoor is Devon...so;

Came across this female BLACKBIRD obviously collecting food for babies, but it's the FISH, probably a Bullhead, which surprised us today in Dulverton. It was alongside the mill leat just off the River Barle on the road which passes the Bakery? 

Never seen this behaviour before. 

Blackbird/Kingfisher hybrid!

45 Manx Shearwaters in Labrador Bay today all in one flock.

Devon Birds/RSPB/BTO Spotted flycatcher tracking project

We need your help in locating Spotted flycatcher nests in Devon to contribute to our ongoing project (as written about last year in Devon Birds).

Spotted flycatchers have seen declines of 83% since the 1960s. Reasons for this decline may include factors operating within UK breeding grounds, such as reduced availability of invertebrates, but the species may also be declining due to problems along their migratory journey to Africa and back. But we know little about where their wintering grounds are or the route they take to get there. We need this information to understand what part of the annual cycle causes problems for spotted flycatchers, and where we might need to direct future work to reverse declines. To do this we are continuing the work we started in 2016, tracking migrations and determining wintering areas using tiny tracking devises called geolocators. After a successful trial in 2016-17 when we retrieved eight  of these tags, suggesting they go to Angola, we tagged more in 2018 and will be tagging a final small number of adults this year.  These geolocators weigh only 0.36g - incredible!

To be able to do this we need to catch and tag spotted flycatchers in places where they are known to return each year, as we need to recapture tagged birds the year after to retrieve the tag and its data. The best places to do this are gardens. Do you have Spotted flycatchers nesting at the moment in your garden or farm? And have you had them nesting the past few years? If so, and you are happy to have your spotted flycatchers captured and tagged for this project, please could you email david.hunter@rspb.org.uk or malcolm.burgess@rspb.org.uk.

Thanks, Malcolm Burgess

Late afternoon walk along Rorobourgh Down saw lots of Stonechats, Willow Warblers, Linnets, a Sparrow Hawk, Meadow Pipets and heard but didn't see a Cuckoo.

       
Stonechat                                       Willow Warbler

3 seen at new site this evening.Pretty good for first visit plus tawny owl on way out.

Swimming just at the side of the car park had super views of a female Goosander and TWENTY chicks, all swimming with her.  Is this likely to be one female looking after two broods? Guides (incl. BTO) suggest a clutch size of ten.  Female Shelduck will adopt other female's chicks.  And Goosander?  Took a v poor photo in which you can count 20 chick 'blobs'.  Further up river by the weir male Grey Wagtail furiously catching flies.  

Uphams Plantation, Woodbury Common:  Spotted Flycatcher in first sw section of coniferous forest with Yellow Hammer and 2 Chiffchaff present on common.  Across the road on Bicton Common a Green Woodpecker mobile.  South of Woodbury Castle 2 Swift moving east and at Venn Ottery Common another 3  Swift sighted plus 1 pr of Stonechat and 1 pr of Yellow Hammer.  A Little Egret flying up the Otter Valley.  Otherwise rather quiet.

Lesser Redpolls, Skylarks, Yellowhammers and lots of Stonechats up on Dartmoor also a cuckoo being mobbed by Meadow pipits

Stonechat                                        Skylark                                Lesser Redpoll

A rock pipit collecting maggots from the rotting seaweed at Thurlestone and Meadow pipit up on Dartmoor showing it's incredibly long hind claw

Rock Pipit                          Meadow Pipit                          Meadow Pipit

Goosander and chick.

Lesser Redpoll (female) seen North side of Meldon Hill, Chagford on 27th May 2019

2 heard and 2  cuckoo's. Seen  courting on moorland behind the toilet car park, 1 yellowhamer at bench Tor  ,5 swift 1 chiffchaff feeding newly fledged young on the path around the reservoir 

A Nightjar churred briefly just before noon today from a newly-replanted area of conifers near Perridge, at the North end of the Haldon ridge. The clouds were gathering for a shower, so perhaps the fading light was the trigger. The background chorus of Warblers (five spp. including Garden), Thrushes, Yellowhammers and Tree Pipits was most impressive.

Single Red Kite  low over the orchards at Waddeton dinner time today

Late post from yesterday morning, Dartmoor above Ashburton to Challacombe ~ Headland Warren, Cuckoo found in most of the habitat suitable for them. One calling from arable land on the Ashburton side of Cold East Cross, three calling and showing well near Whistman's Wood, two possibly three between Challacombe and Headland Warren low cloud and mist on the higher moor made birding challenging.

Heading south near Newton St Cyres

Cuckoo heard calling near Rockbeare yesterday afternoon.

Have heard and seen the male cuckoo today on the moorland just above Goodameavy today.  Heard one or two or three around Trolesworthy Farm at Cadover this week.  No callings on Saturday as there were crowds of people & barking dogs.  Also one at Plymbridge on Wednesday 

Heard

A flock of c30 Starlings consisting mainly of fully fledged juveniles foraging on the mud & alighting on the ropes & deck of a boat. 1 or 2 adults in attendance still feeding juv's.

41 species seen this morning. Highlights include - Red Kite flying over Haytor at around 10am, Snipe flushed from the scrub, at least 2 cuckoos heard and on leaving at around 1pm a Wheatear with young and the distant call of a Curlew.

Female broad bodied chaser also seen near the pond area.

Red Kite heading South

A Red Kite north-west over Cedar Close, Exmouth at 1115hrs this morning.

7 ringneck parakeet

Lovely late afternoon session with 4 or 5 Cuckoos, 1 Green Woodpecker, a couple of male Redstarts, a pair of Tree Pipits, singing Yellowhammers and a few Redpolls.

Two Red Kite over Saltram House National Trust.

Soaring above the house then headed N.E

Red Kite over Roundswell at 16.15 .

Hobby over early pm.

On the southern slopes of Down tor this morning:

1 Tree pipit, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 1 singing male Pied flycatcher, 1 Spotted flycatcher, 1 singing Blackcap, 2 Cuckoo, several fledgling Dunnocks, 2 Buzzard overhead and Green woodpeckers heard.

5 Red Kites high over Cairn, been seeing odd ones and twos for Wks, highest count so far this year. 

Fulmar Capstone Parade

Beautiful evening view of a Barn Owl hunting in the area for quite sometime.

One pack of 15 Manx Shearwaters.

Pleasant mugshot of very inquisitive Guillemot.

plus: 6 Harbour porpoise, 2 Barrel Jellyfish

Guillemot

1 Red Kite over St. Giles on the Heath this afternoon.

Highlights of a pre-breakfast visit this morning were 10 Pied Flycatchers (3 females & 7 males, including 2 pairs feeding young in nest boxes) and 3 Redstarts (2 females & a male). Also: 1 or 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Siskin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker, 3 Marsh Tits & a pair of Grey Wagtails.  

the weather was good for birding, 34 birds seen in total,  the best  sightings were of spotted flycatcher, pied flycatcher,  black cap, redstart and  a tree pipit, plus a garden warbler and whitethroat when i first arrived.  in front the fishermans hut we also had a female gadwall with three youngsters diving for food.  a good day out.

Still a solitary Purple Sandpiper on Haldon Pier, TQ Harbour this morning, plus 6 Turnstone. Looks as if this one is planning a summer on the Riviera.

Thursday from 5 pm to 6.30. Scottish Osprey feeding first on sandbank between Chivenor and Isley/Marsh Farm then moved to field on farm. Seen 3 times since May 11th in same area. Trying to get clear shot of ring!! 

Osprey Home Marsh Farm

Eds: don't say this very often - but what a great photo!

3 juvenile Moorhens with adult birds close at hand collecting food items.

While sitting on a bench this skylark approached only a few metres away.

05:45-07:00: Very quiet but wasn't expecting much! Single Great Nothern Diver, 3 Manx Shearwater and 6 Canada Goose west, 8 Common Scoter east.  Lots of auks, mostly Guillemot, and Gannet mainly flying west too.

Good selection of warblers, tits, finches and buntings singing in the bushes, and several Swallow hanging around.  Single male Stonechat also.

A Cuckoo calling on the village side of Brent Hill, South Brent, in the 30 plus years that I have lived here I have never known or heard of one at this location.

At Bowling Green Marsh this lunchtime around 13:00 a single Red Kite drifted over Exton area heading east.  May have been the same one posted at Paignton and then Starcross.

Fledgling Great Tit , Great Spotted Woodpecker and female Mandarin Duck with ducklings.

Fledgling Great Tit               Great Spotted Woodpecker             Female Mandarin Duck and ducklings

11 members of DB (East Devon Branch) attended the all day fieldtrip to central Dartmoor. A distant Cuckoo was seen at Archerton and a Redstart present in trees along the path north.  Several Stonechat held territories but their presence was noted by Magpies and one nest site was probably predated.  A Green Woodpecker was heard to the east.  A brief view of Grey Wagtail was had and three Buzzard passed overhead with Meadow Pipits, Willow Warblers, House Martins and Wheatear adding to a small list of species.  Two members lunched at the Clapper Bridge and were rewarded with Dipper.

Challacombe Farm produced good sightings of breeding Redstart plus Marsh Tit, House Martins.  Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher were heard plus a Cuckoo south of the farm and Lesser Redpoll was seen higher up the valley towards Headland Warren.  From the road near the latter several more Wheatear were present.

A Red Kite drifted north over Roundham Head, Paignton at 12.30pm being mobbed by Herring Gulls.

Cycle ride this morning from Plymouth to Clearbrook return.

Plymbridge Woods: the pair of Pergrines at the watch point feeding young in the nest, Dipper, 20 Mandarin Ducks (19 drakes), 2 Grey wagtails, 4 Siskins, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers &, Marsh Tit. 

Clearbrook: 2 Tree Pipits, 2 Lesser redpolls, & a pair of Stonechats with 2 newly-fledged young.

Red kite this morning 

A hobby just shot through, east to west, the new housing estate at the old Fremington army camp adjacent to the trees lining the south bank of Fremington Pill.

Late afternoon visit to the River Caen. Lots of alarming Gulls and Shelduck meant something big in the air, but it took quite  awhile to find the culprit - an Osprey which started to gain height over RMB Chivenor, after a while it was still there gaining height and I can't be certain that there wasn't another one even higher up!

No sign of any Little Owls, but a smart Barn Owl hunting around the marsh road later on.

The three small Waders on the flood just inside the breach were: a Dunlin, a Ringed Plover and um something else! Same size as the other two (poss a tad larger) but no black belly, slight impression of more scalloped plumage but otherwise no particular features to help I/d....

Whitethroat, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Grey Wagtail, 15 drake Mandarin Ducks, Whimbrel, Curlew & 2 Oystercatchers. 

Plenty of Redpolls on the down this am, along with Yellowhammers, Willow Warblers, Linnets, Stonechats, a Cuckoo heard but not seen

Repoll (F)                               Redpoll (M)                          Skylark

Whimbrel in off the sea, 3 pairs Reed Warbler at Starehole Ponds.

1st Dark Green Fritillary & Large Skipper.

A 6am start proved worthwhile at Broadsands today. Two whimbrel. one of which landed, the other flew on inland. Behind the beach huts, a whitethroat had picked out his singing perch and was in good voice and the reed warbler was singing his heart out too, It became a competition which could sing the loudest. Plenty of photos and footage of behavior and song. Brilliant.  An occasion for appreciating God's handiwork.

Two birds churring, very intermittently, 21.35-22.15. Male and female, flying together, drifted over just above head-height.

There was a group of three Swifts flying over the main car park in Honiton this morning. This afternoon around 5.30pm a single Red Kite was seen circling from east to west over Taleford near Ottery St Mary.

Redstart,Pied Flycatcher,Willow Warbler ,Bullfinch GS Woodpecker,Tree Creeper,Nuthatch, Black Cap,Cuckoo,Dipper,Pied and Grey Wagtail, and Whinchat. More Swallows this week and Martins.Didnt see Spotted Flycatcher, hopefully next time.

Treecreeper                           Whinchat                                     Blackcap

Around 8pm last night there was a very large mixed gull flock in a narrow band just off Dawlish breakwater in a feeding frenzy apparently on whitebait. Apparently been a regular thing at high tide for a few days. Largest numbers I have seen in years. No bins with me so couldn't check for any oddities.

See this morning: Curlew 1,Oystercatcher 3, Whimbrel 1, GSW 3 and the best of the bunch were 3 Spotted Flycatcher.

Two Whitethroats newly arrived, Whimbrel, Curlew, Stock Dove, 3 drake Mandarin Ducks, Shag & 4 Roe deer (1 buck).

Walked along the Tarka Trail to home farm this evening, no sign of the Osprey, but closer scrutiny of the shoreline at Isley showed that it was there, on the edge of the saltmarsh (about 6.35p.m.) It then flew west. Thanks to Dave P for posting about it's presence once again.

I headed over to the Skern, where, well not a lot really, max 16 Herring Gulls, 6 Oystercatchers, 13 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover 1 Shelduck, and 1 Whimbrel. A pair of Wheatears, a Skylark, a Pied Wagtail and 3 Swallows.

3 Shelduck chicks (plus 2 adults) on sea half a mile west of Start Point. Not more than a day or two old.

Shelduck chicks

The only birds of note in the reserve today were a clutch (6) of Mallards - hatched today, as not there yesterday. On the main pond at Sherpa were a pair of Shoveler and a surprise pair of Garganey.

Just found three White Winged Black Terns feeding with BH Gulls. Viewed from railway path feeding in the middle of the marsh. Probably better viewed on the road towards Turf. 

Osprey being mobbed by gulls flew into Home farm marsh 08.30 this morning.  

Nightjar activity at Cann Woods is showing an increase with churring from six separate sites, from 9:25 onwards.  Had good close encounters with two birds, a female and male before it got too dark.

Walk around the Marsh, Usual species Lots of Tits Blue great Long Tailed, Goldfinches, ChiffChaff and a very vocal ringed Warbler? Two High flying Sparrowhawks was the highlight suddenly dived and were chasing another bird across the Marsh. Didnt see the outcome..

Of note Pied Flycatcher, Goosander (f), Yellowhammer and common Whitethroat. No good photos sadly. Also lots of Brimstone and large and small white plus the unidentified (by me) butterfly in the last picture. Any ID appreciated.

Goosander                 Whitethroat                      Butterfly?

3 Spotted Flycatchers at Southdown Farm pm

Watched from 07:30 till 11:30

started at Bowling green marsh but as usual these days very quiet with only 2 greenshank , 1 whimbrel , 1 common sandpiper, 1 black tailed godwits, 2 common gull, 5 little egret,  Lots of house Martin and swifts moving through

Moved onto the goatwalk quickly became apparent that there were large numbers of house Martin and swifts moving through from powderham heading north over exminster and on a broad  front all the way up towards Haldon following them were at least  4 Hobby’s, but the best birds of the day were 3 Red Kites  the first At 09:25, the 2nd At 09:37 and the 3rd At 10:40 all heading south west towards Haldon, as the tide dropped 12+ grey plover, 3 knot, 20+ Dunlin, 12+ whimbrel.

At least 10 whimbrel and some Bar-Tailed Godwits on the two beaches, 8 small waders which I think consisted of 7 Dunlin and 1 Sanderling although it could well have been 6 & 2. Went back later with Steph & Rob Murphy and got cracking views of 4 Bar-Tailed Godwits on Yarmer beach one in summer plumage. The Barwits appeared to be feeding on sand hoppers, you can just about make it out in one of the photos

Bar-tailed Godwit                  Bar-tailed Godwit                                      Sanderling

In among a few birds ringed this morning was the year's second Grasshopper Warbler.

Interesting sighting of what I'm 80% sure was a Sparrow Hawk sitting on the South Fort wall next to a Magpie. The Sparrow Hawk flew away in the direction of Brixham and was harried in flight by a Magpie and a Common Gull.

 2 Swifts, 2 Goldfinch's, a Coal Tit and a Chaffinch showed well in the hedgerow by the car park. The best sighting was of a Robin which landed close by a posed long enough for the attached picture

Friday 0815 am 9 dark bellied brent geese in the duckpond at Exmouth.

Dank murky conditions around 6pm pushed three groups of manx shearwater into Start bay totalling 66 along with 2 and kittiwake and a first summer, plus five sandwich ten.  At 9pm a large group of around 300 Swift screamed higher and higher as they disappeared into the low cloud. 

Today whilst out walking with the dog, I was delighted to see Little Egret, Shelduck and Canada geese on the waterfront and in and around the woodlands: bluetits, great tits, Robins, goldfinches, bullfinch, long tailed tits, Jay and most surpringly of all a pair of ring-necked parakeets. 

7am this morning, a flock of about 15 Little Egrets , just 2 swifts, and several swallows 

Three or 4 Red Kites circling over the lower fields and then 3 gliding off NW (c9 - 9.30am). Also, on the beach, 2 partial sum-plum Grey Plovers, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits (2 in partial sum-plum), Whimbrel, Curlew & Dunlin.

Single Red Kite outskirts of Abbotskerswell 2pm today

Red Kite over going east; also swift & 3 Fulmar.

More Swifts this morning, (about 15). More House Martins too (about 50). Looking around for Swallows I was surprised to find them (about a dozen) perched on the reed-bed. 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons, and an odd male Tufted Duck.

Nice yellow wagtail on the marsh and 3 whimbrel, a male shoveler and 2 females.

Yellow Wagtail                                                   Whimbrel                            Little Egret

Afternoon hunt for Yellow Wagtails continues! Instead of which I found this tired looking Wood Sandpiper and then a view of a female Marsh Harrier. 7 Pied Wagtails. (1 White among them). up to 7 Swifts.

Wood Sandpiper

Great views of a closish red kite 30/40' above the A39 heading north just before the milky way theme park North Devon at 08:24.

Cattle Egret on scrape behind canal car park

Pair of Red Kite seen over Drayford, Mid Devon. One flew north, one flew south.

As I dropped into the village I saw a Nightjar floating above the rooftops disappearing behind a house only to reappear as I got further down the lane towards the church. Only my second for Slapton....the other being an autumn bird. 

A few waders on the rocks at South Huish, at least 5 Grey plover, some sanderling, oystercatchers, a Kentish plover and on the marsh 7 Dunlin and a whimbrel

Grey Plover                           Kentish Plover                                    Sanderling

Redpoles showing well on Roborough Down

Redpole

Single Red Kite seen by my father and I flying west over road to Challacombe viewed from near Headland Warren Farm late afternoon.

Blaxton Meadow attracted a few waders at high tide - Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrels & Curlew. Also Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove, 8 Mandarin Ducks & female Red-crested Pochard.

Good numbers of Meadow Pipits around the hill, plus Skylarks, Stonechat, Tree Pipits and Linnets. Three cuckoos calling from separate areas.

A single bird drifting north towards Chudleigh Knighto n / Chudleighat 15.40hrs

Two Cuckoo's (Males) over the filled up China Clay pit near Cadover Bridge, gave a good display at chasing each other

Cuckoo No 1 Tail feathers missing               2nd Cuckoo, full tail feathers

14 May 13.00: Red Kite drifted low over Peverell, Plymouth and heading East. All the nearby Herring Gulls up and calling in alarm.  

Two Red Kites high over the garden at 1500hrs heading towards Marsh Mills & Plympton.

One Red Kite east over the Exe estuary and the Riverfront, Exton at 1320hrs. 

Red Kite seen over Western Beacon Dartmoor today 

Wednesday 15th  May at 11.00am. Single bird 

took off from the lower slopes of the beacon

heading towards Moorhaven.

A Red Kite circling over Roborough Down this morning around 10.30 this morning.  

two red kites sighted flying over house near South Molton.

Pleasant half hour from 5pm sat on Berry Head looking out to sea towards the Mew Stone. Lots of activity over the water besides numerous common gulls there were 5 black back gulls, 2 gannets, 20 crows and 40+ plus guillemots.

Two red kites spotted above Teignmouth on the north side of the estuary moving west to east at 08.15 14th May. 

Finally seeing swifts. First one last Saturday (11th May) over Rumsam area of Barnstaple and two today over Yelland.

taking a early walk from the rsbp carpark by the railway line, there were sand martins, house martins, swallows and two hobbys hunting over the marsh, and on the way back to the carpark i had good views of the lesser whitethroat.

3 Swifts, my first this year,. Yellowhammer on Yennadon Down. 

A cuckoo showing very well near Cadover Bridge Area by the old filled in clay pit, constantly getting attacked by Meadow Pipits, managed some fairly good shots

Cuckoo

Red Kite heading East over Coombe Valley 11.20 am....

Heard one Nightjar churring at 9:20, and another later on 'Kwicking' at opposite sides of the wood, but didn't see either.

I saw my first Red Kite over east Devon today at around 2pm. It was circling from the north east to the south west over the Ottery St Mary area.

Single Nightjar churring and flying in the Harcombe area of Greater Haldon at 21:10 this evening.

Walked to the estuary late afternoon.

Several Whitethroat, Stonechat and Meadow Pipit, and a few passage waders: 2 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Oystercatcher (probable resident) 3 Ringed Plover,1 Dunlin and a few Curlew. No sign of Osprey. 

Saw a single red kite flying over newton abbot this evening. First time I've see one in Devon 

First swifts of the year over garden three in number.

Two red kites over 16.00 hrs.

Two Wheatears (male & female), Grey Wagtail, 2 Stock Doves, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, the lingering Curlew & 7 Roe Deer (2 bucks).

Pretty quiet at Soar again this morning: Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, 6 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 2 singing Sedge Warblers, Bullfinch, Sparrowhawk & 3 House Martins.

Not one wader, later, on South Efford Marsh at high tide, but 2 Swifts, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 singing Reed Warblers & a Stock Dove.

Red Kite just (12.05p.m) flew south over my house in Braunton.

At least 12 whimbrel on the beaches plus two Bar-tailed godwits, 3 whitethroats and a skylark on the corner of the golf course.

Bar-tailed Godwit                             Whitethroat                                        Whimbrel

Our first swifts of the year over the garden this afternoon around 16:00 group of three calling high over.

Sighted over Thornbury Plymouth, Red Kite being harassed by 3 Buzzards at 10:50

First swifts of 2019 in Combe Martin: 2 silent at 11.50, followed by 3 screamers at 18.00.

2 ringneck parakeet

^{Sues sharp eyes produced a call of "Osprey" and we watched it flying west to east towards Frogmore Creek last seen being mobbed by gulls. I've included an extremely distant image purely for the record.} 

Dark, female type Marsh Harrier flew straight through east over the marsh at 17:10. Presumably next stop Slapton Ley.

On a glorious day Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. A number of Stonechats between Scorhill and Hound Tor harassing the Ten Tors walkers. Kestrel seen hunting and Cuckoo heard calling along the brook.

2 possible Cattle Egret seen this evening from the train whilst going past Stoke Woods, glimpse was fleeting but looked promising if anyone wants to go and check if they’re the real thing. 

Plenty of stonechat and linnet plus several yellowhammer.

8.30 a.m. River Taw- Osprey still present-being harassed by two gulls, an Oystercatcher and a Curlew. Cettis Warbler seen and heard on Tarka Trail near Instow.

Just seen one from my garden on clovelly rd Bideford drifting see probably over littleham area.3 swifts here chasing as well ????.

Grasshopper warbler - 1 reeling, dunlin 1 sp, whimbrel 1

Chudleigh Knighton Heath.
Yellowhammer, Large Red Damselfly.
Bovey Heathfield Heath.
2 x Yellowhammer (m&f), Slow-worm, Common Newt.
Yarner Woods.
4+  Pied Flycatcher, Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Stover Park.
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Chaffinch, Mandarin, Mallards, Grey Squirrels

Male Ruff west over Bolberry Down, later seen on South Huish Marsh together with Dunlin, 2 Barnacle Geese, White Wagtail & several, presumably migrant, Pied Wagtails

Sherpa had 13 Pied/White Wagtails (3 of the latter) this evening. Still no Yellow ones though.

Just a few more photos, if that's ok,

Pied Flycatcher                    Common Redpoll                                      Grey Wagtail

Eds: it will be a Lesser Redpoll 

Redpoll,Willow Warbler,Pied flycatcher,Spotted Flycatcher,Redstart,Blackcap,Cuckoo,Whinchat,Grey Wagtail, Dipper,GreenWoodpecker,Larks Pipits,2 Swift ,nice numbers of swallows and martins,really pleased with the good amounts of birds especially nice to see 6 spotted flycatchers.

Redstart                                   Spotted Flycatcher                  Whinchat Eds: Stonechat

Yesterday was a lovely day to be out though few new migrants although 3 Spotted Flycatchers (my first of the year) were in the area ( the reserve, Ashpark Lane and Stallions Bite).

Also good views of Green Hairstreak and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary (plus lots of Orange Tips)

Spotted Flycatcher                             Green Hairstreak

Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary

4pm yesterday, 6 Whimbrel on beach.

Late afternoon, of note: 4 Whinchats (3 males), 1m Cuckoo, 2 Redpolls, usual Willow Warblers and Stonechats, Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the river, Buzzard and Kestrel  etc

Spotted Flycatcher seen and observed for approx 10 minutes this afternoon. Only seen once.before 2 years ago in September. Plenty of Blackcaps calling. Song Thrush, Jay, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, nesting Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Buzzard.

Delighted to report the arrival of 6 new mowing machines in the reserve this morning. In the form of Canada Geese goslings. They were already in the meadow when I was leaving.

Lots of Swallows House and Sand Martins around Sherpa this evening, But still no Yellow Wagtail. 3/4 Swift. 4 Grey Herons and 3 Cormorants flew off.

Nice spotted flycatcher at South Milton and a few Sedge warblers, 5 whimbrel on the rocks and a ruff on the marsh at South Huish

Spotted Flycatcher                      Sedge Warbler                                 Ruff

Distant views of a male Ruff in fine breeding colours at South Milton Reserve today. Was feeding almost constantly. This is a first for us having only ever seen the female (reeve?) years ago on Chivenor airfield! 

Male Ruff

A morning walk, ending just before the rain came, produced a Cuckoo, a Common Redstart, many Pied Flycatchers, several Garden Warblers and Tree Pipits, two pairs of Redpolls busy with display flights, and most of the commoner woodland birds, but no Wood Warblers, alas.

Great Crested Grebes with chick.

Short video

https://youtu.be/P9mGTY3IquU

Great Crested Grebe

saltrum 9 ringneck parakeet by cafe

My first Spotted Flycatchers (2) and Swifts (3) of year, here. Also 6 Mandarin Ducks (5 drakes), 2 Whimbrels, Stock Dove, 3 Wheatears (1 male), 3 Roe Deer & Small Heath.

Whitethroat,Blackcaps,Redstart,Willow Warblers,Tree Pipit,Linnets, Goldfinch,Fulmars,stonechats,Wheatear,greening up nicely and really lovely early morning chorus. Not quite dawn!!!!

Black Cap.                     Willow Warbler                             Whitethroat.

0650 - 1125. 60+ Manx Shears flying W, 2 Canada Geese flying E (my 107th species for this site), 1 Whimbrel (first this year), 1 Sedge Warbler in full song, 1 Common Gull, 2 Gannet, 7 Willows, 1 Chiff, 8 Whitethroat, c25 House Martin, 10 Sand Martin, 18 Swallow plus 22 other Species. 1 Orange Tip the only butterfly.

Canada Geese                           Whimbrel

This evening walked round Sherpa accompanied by the inquisitive cattle which actually help as a sort of mobile hide! In the centre field with a small strip of mud/water at last a few Wagtails: 5 Pied and 2 White. Also a strange record of a very muddy-footed male Whinchat! Good numbers of Swallows and Sand Martins and several Swifts too. First set (of 3) Canada goslings.

In the reserve caught a modest 5 Swallows and a Sedge Warbler. Plus a Reed Warbler which I ringed in July 2014 as a 3J so now near 5 years old.

A morning stroll up to Clifford Bridge and back produced two Common Redstarts, at least six Pied Flycatchers, a Garden Warbler, two pairs of Dippers and a small flock of Crossbills, plus most of the expected common species. A pleasantly-sheltered place to visit on a windy day.

Quick afternoon visit. Hobby at least 2 maybe 4. Spoonbill. Common Lizard, god numbers of hirundine including a few Swift.

Spoonbill video

https://youtu.be/IzJNJQF8Fgo

Common Lizard video

https://youtu.be/xg2yfgiDWWE

Spoonbill                                              Hobby - distant                   Common Lizard

Two heading west 6am this morning. Just kept going.

The adult Spoonbill was showing well this lunchtime. Good numbers of House Martins, plus a few Sand Martins and Swifts. 1 Hobby and 1 Peregrine. Also a Weasel and some kind of Shrew.

Single Swift off the very end feeding last night

Hooray the Swift's are back.7 over Stanhope terrace/northdown rd and more importantly 4 on clovelly rd/Waterloo terrace area close to my boxes.May get to lure them in come the weekend.20:20-2030

Seawatch 07.45 - 12.15: 97 Manx Shearwatewrs, 6 Sandwich Terns, 2 Gadwalls, 2 Swifts & 1 or 2 Harbour Porpoises.

Disappointing!

Seawatch 06.30 -07.30hrs  produced 31 Manx Shearwaters, 6 Puffins, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Fs Mediterranean Gull, 5 fs Common Gulls, 6 Swifts over the sea and 2 Harbour Porpoises. Also virtually no grounded migrants on the headland.

Male Garganey, Ad Spoonbill, 215+ Dunlin, 10 Whimbrel, 25+ Swift, c10 Sand Martin, 15+ House Martin on Exminister Marsh early this morning. 

Lunch time Adult Spoonbill still present, 120+ Swift, 70+ House Martin, Lesser Whitethroat along railway line & Little Gull 2nd Summer, flew over from Powderham Marsh. 

1 Willow Tit and 1 Cuckoo calling.

Unfortunatly did not see Rich's Purple Heron, great find. Heard a Cuckoo behind Ireland Bay, first I've heard here for years. Apart from that a Whimbrel with a gammy leg ( hobbling but flying ok ) and 10 Swifts

Highlights of an enjoyable walk round the marsh early this mornng:

A Lesser Whitethroat on the railway path, 2 Egyptian geese by the Lions Rest, a Marsh Harrier heading towards the M5 bridge,  male Garganey from the canal towpath, a large gathering of Whimbrel, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and a few Ringed Plover in the centre of the marsh. Also Sedge, Reed and Cettis warbler, Whitethroat and a male and female Bullfinch

From this morning.

In and around the reserve this morning of note: singing Lesser Whitethroat by the bridge still. In the reserve, Tawny Owl, grey Wagtail and a smart Spotted Flkycatcher.

Last night a walk around Sherpa showed 2 Greenshank 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Gadwall, lots of (50+) House Martins, and a Swan with 8 cygnets. I suspect there may still be two nests with sitting penns on them, so it could be quite a productive year for Swans up here!

One flew west over the ley at 10.30 and appeared to land in western reedbed

Osprey with catch at Isley Marsh 10.00 , mobbed by gulls, flew off towards Home Marsh Farm still with catch. Photos to follow.

Osprey causing havoc among the migrant Dunlin and Ringed Plover soon after high tide this morning. Although fairly regular on the Taw this was a patch tick for me. Also present 1 White Wagtail, 4 Wheatear, and numerous Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat.

Newly fledged Siskins joining adult birds on the feeders; first Swift of the summer overhead.

A two-day circumnavigation of the north moor starting at Sticklepath out as far as Tavy Head and back via the western tors to Belstone. A singing male pied flycatcher and garden warbler to kick off in Skaigh Wood, then the first of several calling cuckoos. Four buzzards began rising on the thermals and Soon afterwards, a hobby, with another sighted an hour on, possibly the same bird. The core blanket bog areas held no dunlin or golden plover, only enlivened by an emperor moth. Snipe drumming in the dusk by my wild campsite. another hobby, a singing male whinchat, kestrel, several pairs of grey wagtails on the various rivers.

At least 7 Whimbrels tonight (7 at south end of estuary and 4 earlier on Blaxton Meadow). Also 4 summer plumaged Dunlins on the Meadow with 3 Oystercatchers & a single lingering, Curlew; still 3 Wheatears (1 male) about.  

Many swifts arriving off the sea this morning. Dozens around the village and more high in the sky heading inland..

Kayak from velator to fremington.

4 blackwits 20 oystercatcher 6 greenshank 12 curlew 15 dunlin  1 turnstone  5 redshank 4 wheatear and lost count of whimbrel ,so many

Spotted flycatcher from American road

Couldn't believe my eyes at first - 11am sat down for coffee in garden, thought "that's not a pigeon on the roof, it's a partridge!!"  First for my garden... Blackbird convinced it must be a new kind of raptor, flew to roofline a few feet away and gave repeated alarm calls; Jackdaw investigated closely from its nest in our disused chimney at far end of roof, decided it must be harmless. Red-Leg eventually flew off to neighbouring garden about 25 mins later.

An early walk this morning saw, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Swift, 5 Wheater, 2 Meadow, 3 Skylark.

Male cuckoo flying around the farm this afternoon, a nice Garden Warbler,singing from the bushes in front of the farm,showed well for a couple of minutes, then disappeared.

A walk from Fisherman’s Car Park to Turf for breakfast. 15+ Sedge Warbler singing, a Male Garganey & 10+ Swift. 

Still 5 Purple Sandpipers on Haldon Pier, Torquay, this morning.

Lesser Whitethroat still by the bridge to the reserve.

Single Black-tailed Godwit on the scrape - appears to have colour rings on - best I could make out was white over yellow on left leg, probable metal ring on right leg.

In the reserve first Broad-bodied Chaser.

Highlights of this mornings high tide & walk around Saltram were the following: 

Whimbrel 5, Curlew 1, Dunlin 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Wheatear 1(f), House Martin 5, Swallow c10 & Stock Dove 4.

Cold wind at Slapton but great views of Whitethroats along the front, and some really close views of cetti's warblers near the bridge. Lots of house martins over the ley and swallows.

Whitethroat                          Great Crested Grebe                              Grey Heron

Very quiet birdwise.Female yellow wagtail and 9 white being the best.3 whimbrel,2 each of ringed plover and dunlin.17:45-18:20.

Good amounts of Swallows today,6 Whimbrel,sedge warblers, willow warblers,whitethroat,busy with nesting,cetti calling not seen.Very cold wind off the river but nice in the sun.

Whitethroat.          Sedge Warbler                                                  Willow Warbler

Single Hobby flying over in (unsuccessful) pursuit of House Martins.

1 female rider, 8 distant sandwich terms and gannets

6 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps, 1 Redpoll, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Tree Pipit displaying, 3 Buzzards, 1 Skylark, 1 Dunnock, c.100 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 3 Stonechats, several Chaffinches.

Harvey Kendall & Barry Bryne.

White Wagtail, Wheatear & Whimbrel.

a Spotted Flycatcher amongst the Blackcaps, Whitethroats, Bullfinches and Wheatears around Beer Head this afternoon

As a follow-on to yesterday's comments about the absence of House Martins, there were twenty plus over the Trews Weir flood channel and Gabriel's Wharf flats this morning, despite the wind. Better late than never.

There were also Sedge Warbler and Common Whitethroat singing outside the goods entrance to Alphington Sainsbury's!

James Camden

13.00 - Still 4 x Cattle egret in clampits field with cattle - these birds have been around this area for some 4 months now!
Also in the estuary off Anchorwoods 6 x Whimbrel 

Lesser Whitethroat singing by the bridge to the reserve this morning.

Yesterday: Wall butterfly in the reserve. Today: Blue-tailed Damselfly.

6am -  10.30 At least 3 Cettis, lots of Sedge Warblers and a few Reed Warb, Reed Bunting, 2 Swifts, Numerous Sand, house martins and Swallows, Whimbrel, gadwall, Blackcap (M) A Field mouse. a Shrew and a puncture DOH!

Sedge vid - 

https://youtu.be/zDO0AyiVprc

Sedge Warbler                                       Swallow

House Martins are back in the Exwick and St. David's Station area; good numbers of Greenfinches and Siskins at my garden feeders, plus the first of the newly-fledged Goldfinches and House Sparrows.

Whimbrel, black and bar-tailed godwits on the marsh and several rock pipits.

Black-tailed Godwit & Bar-tailed Godwit               Whimbrel                                      Shellduck

On the outward walk, two Cuckoos were calling from the West bank of the Erme. In the wood were a Tree Pipit, a Pied Flycatcher and several Redstarts, with Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the river. The commonest bird was Coal Tit despite the wood being pure Oak; some of them were filling the Marsh Tit niche by pulling the moss off the branches. On the return walk, a Willow Warbler was singing from the gorse at least 500m from the nearest tree. Willy no-mates?

An earlier post referred to the absence of House Martins. None yet on Gabriel's Wharf in Exeter either.

James Camden  

Minimum 6 Sandwich terns  around 16.50

Juvenile Siskin feeding on bird feeder, plenty of adults Siskins around the garden. 

Good and bad news

Dead unringed Barn owl on the A38 central reservation at Marley Head, South Brent.

But on a positive note since late on Tuesday night (30th April) I have had a very "very" vocal Barn owl visiting my place at South Brent each night, no doubt courting my captive bird and my wife discovered it roosting in our field shelter this morning.

Late News for yesterday (Friday)

A Yellowhammer on wires by the back road between Croyde (Forda) and North Buckland. Yesterday evening at about 7.45 p.m.

10 Whimbrel, 4 Bar-Tailed Godwits, 2 Black-Tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper on the sea weed. Lots of Swallows and a beautiful Song thrush singing it's heart out.

Bar-tailed Godwit & Whimbrel            Common Sandpiper              Whimbrel

Reaching the quiest time of year here, but managed: Whimbrel, Curlew, Red-crested Pochard (female), 6 Mandarin Ducks (5 drakes), 14 House Martins, 2 Stock Doves & 6 Roe deer (1 buck).

From Torcross car park, this evening 28 Swifts, 60+ House Martins,50+ Swallows and 8 Sand Martins.

am - 10 Swifts over Horsey this morning.

On the Pond my first sighting of the 5 signets.

If you take into consideration the time involved on the part of the adult pair, 2 to 3 weeks to lay all the eggs & a further 6 weeks of incubation once all the eggs have been laid.

2 small grebes seen this morning in cove ( both by 3rd buoy), both dived and not seen after.  didn't have my bins with me and although eyesight iffy they looked a bit "stumpy" (little grebes maybe). 

Plenty of Redpolls on Roborough today along with Linnets, Yellowhammers, a Cuckoo Heard but not seen, and an amazing catch of a Skylark having a mud bath

Redpoll (M)                               Skylark's Mud bath

A Cattle Egret was found (by Marc Millman) resting up on the lower lake with a Little Egret this afternoon.

Cycled to Barnstaple and back this morning. 1 Black-tailed Godwit on the scrape. A smattering of Whimbrel between Ashford and Barnstaple. 7 Black-tailed Godwits with a Knot at Potting ton + an adult Mediterranean Gull.

At Sherpa marsh last night 7 Greenshank, and 8 Gadwall, 3 Little Egrets and at last a fair few Swallows.

Hoped that change in weather might bring in some new passerine migrants at Prawle-not so in misty,overcast cool easterly breeze. Lots of Whitethroats on territory and Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. So tried a seawatch from 7.15am to 9.15am. 5 Puffins west, 2 Black-throated divers east and a Skua sp likely Arctic east. 4 Common Scoter west and a few Manxies.

In the area 3 Wheatears, 4 Whimbrel and a moulting Grey Plover.

At South Huish 14 Whimbrel, 5 Bar-Tailed Godwit (2 in breeding plumage) a Dunlin and 2 Barnacle Geese seen mating. Also in reeds to right of fence a Sedge Warbler and a Reed Warbler singing. A few Swallows and House artins (collecting mud) and 3 Common Swifts through (my first for the year)

Bar-Tailed Godwit                                Whimbrel                                                  House-Martins

 Barnacle Geese                                                    Mixed wader flock

Three Divers off the memorial car park this afternoon, one Great Northern but the other two too far out to ID properly (but probably Red-throated). Swift, Hobby and Yellow Wag yesterday but very quiet for hirundines. I can't beleive that I have still not seen House Martin this year!

Very little sign of migrants at Soar this morning; just single Wheatear (female) & Willow Warbler. Also 2 singing Sedge Warblers, a Stonechat with 2 recently fledged young and a Painted Lady.

Slapton Ley this afternoon, was - however - better with a Hobby hawking over Higher Ley, a drake Ring-necked Duck & 2 Swifts at Torcross, 6+ Sandwich Terns, a pair of Gadwall with 3 ducklings & a Brimstone. 

Lesser Redpoll f feeding with several Siskins on sunflower feeder.

Late aft / early eve:- 5 Wheatear, 5 Swifts, a single House Martin, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Greenshank & 1 Common Sandpiper.

Brixham to 2 miles off Berry Head by kayak this am:

8 Puffins (plus about 20 more probable...no binos). All in flight.

2 Red-throated Divers

4 Sandwich terns

20 ish Manx Shearwaters

plus

7 Harbour Porpoise

Red-throated Divers                                   Harbour Porpoise trio

a single swallow seen this morning on the green at the elberry end

cuckoo heard yesterday afternoon from my garden on nearby farmland 

Thanks to Facebook I learnt of Rockbeare residents reporting 3 Ring-necked Parrakeet in and around the village.  A large oak tree in parkland at the rear of Cranbrook Veterinary Clinic seems to have been their roost but this came down in recent high winds.  Following a short visit this afternoon I managed to locate one bird very hidden in a cherry tree in Parsons Lane.  Absence of neck markings suggests it's a female.  Thanks to 'Susan W' for helping me with location.

Redpolls are back again on Roborough Down, showing a bit shy, but managed to get 1 shot of a male