Happy New Year

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Best wishes and good birding for 2020

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Female Cuckoo elusive at Warren House today. Supporting cast of Hobby (distant), pair of Green Woodpecker and pair of Redstart prospecting at Soussons. Large Raven young in nest at edge of plantation. Several Tree Pipit and stacks of Whinchat. Also two Adder.

Short eared owl presented itself again at 16.00 Hunted unsuccessly for 50 min.

Andy Cotton found these & other yellow feathers on a lawn in Croyde recently.No other bird remains were seen.

Any ideas?

Just to add to Keith's earlier post c20 Sandwich Terns from the viewing platform with 7 on the mud and another c13 diving around the orange buoy and moving upstream rowards the goatwalk on the outgoing high-tide 1945hrs also on the walk back towards the hide with Terry Smith c250 Sand Martins decended over the main pool at 2015hrs

From 10am - 3pm approx. Highlights - Tree Pipit, Yellowhammer, Pied Flycatchers (male and female), Mandarin ducks(all male), Siskin, Marsh Tit, Linnet, Jay and possible Whitethroat.

Tree Pipit

Siskin

Mandarin Duck

watched from 15:30 till 17:30

a big increase in sedge warblers today with 20+ showing well and 12+ reed warblers, 1 fly over hobby headed towards exminster marsh, 1 peregrine, 2 knot, 20+ dunlin, 9+ whimbrel, 150+ black tailed godwits, 4 tufted duck , 3 wigeon, 50+ shelduck, 1 common sandpiper.

0945-1215   On the caen 8 Whimbrel,10 Shellduck and a common sandpiper. Horsey island held 3 Wheatear (1 m 2 f ),3 Whitethroat and good numbers of medow pips and Linnets. On the marsh area were 3 Cettis 1 seen 2 more heard also singing were 2 or 3 Reed warbler. Also seen 1 Raven,2 Buzzard and 10 Stock dove.

A look around Exminster Marsh mid-day showed 2 Hobby around the main lagoon with small numbers of Swift, Swallow and Sand Martins. From Starcross railway station mid-afternoon on incoming high-tide the Slovonian Grebe was around the moored boats partway towards Cockwood, several Turnstone around the harbour, 8 Sandwich Terns diving in the estuary heading towards Topsham, c300 Oystercatchers on sandbar towards the Warren.

The 66122 Diesel at front with 70000 Britannia Steam Train attached and 12 south coast carriages passed through Starcross Station north bound towards Exeter at 15:07Hrs..awesom sight and sound.  Links to Hobby & Turnstone videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dmBLewYCMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id5oT6V_iwc

Hobby at exminster Marsh 29-4-2015

Hobby at Exminster Marsh 29-4-2015

Turnstone at Starcross 29-4-2015

watched from 15:25 till 17:30

2 male Garganey dropped in just after 16:00 and were still showing well from the hide when I left, also 18+ greenshank, 80+ black tailed godwits, 1 common sandpiper, 4 sedge warblers, 3+ reed warblers, 2 reed buntings, 2 little egret over, 5 whimbrel on the marsh, 32+ whimbrel over, good numbers of house Martin over with lower numbers of swallow and sand Martin , 1 avocet, 2 oystercatcher, 3 wigeon, 4 tufted duck.

Gidley Bridge near South Brent a pair of Blackcap the male was in full fluttering display to an almost sulking female, this location has had two males showing for some time this was the first hen that I have seen there this season.

Several Goldcrest showing again a first time for this season at this site, brief view of a Song Thrush, several Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs calling but not seen and a male Bullfinch.

On the moorland edge at Dockwell Ridge a Cuckoo calling in the distance across the moors it took ages before it came into view and then could be seen frequently being mobbed by a Meadow Pipit. Close up views again of several Willow Warblers, male Yellow Hammer, Dunnock and distant hunting Kestrel & Buzzard, only a couple of Swallows seen on the moor.

Back at home at South Brent around the feeders a juvenile Siskin appeared this morning with two adult males, the hen came in later as did a single juvenile bird, fly past from a Sparrow Hawk, a pair of Long Tailed Tits and around 4pm in broad day light two Tawny owls were calling across the field, to finish the day.

2 wood warblers,5 pied Flys and at least 3 redstarts along the leat path. Also cuckoo heard on open moor nearby. Plenty of Tree Pipits and Willow Warblers

A quick walk around BH this morning to have my first Swift this year, 2 Whitethroat both singing on station in different locations and in the gully by coast path from St Marys bay one of the Shag nest has 4 chicks, looks very crowded so could be down to 3 fairly soon.

If interested I'm running Pelagic trips out of Brixham from Friday 17th July, every friday till the 11th September email wildbones@btinternet.com for more details.

Flow Point . Pair of Ringed Plovers feeding on waters edge, 3 Whimbrel, 10+ Shelduck , Grey Heron.

Passage House. 3 Common Sandpipers , 3 Greylag Geese , Shelducks, Cormorants and Little Egrets.

15.30 to 16.30. Cold wind from SW.

Two male cuckoo at Venford reservoir (south end). At north end, several Redstart, a Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail , Great Spotted Woodpecker and Raven.

Peregrine over Barnstaple this evening.

Watched from 15:00 till 17:00

from the hide at bowling green marsh 2 greenshank, 1 avocet, 60+ black tailed godwits, 2 oystercatchers, 6+ chiffchaffs, 4 blackcap, 1 peregrine good numbers of sand Martin, a few swallow and house martins.

from the viewing platform, 70+ dunlin, 3 knot, 90+ black tailed godwit, 15+ whimbrel.

from the goatwalk, 6 sandwich tern of turf, 20+ whimbrel flew north, 1 ringedover, 100+ dunlin, 1 peregrine.

Five Hobbies were circling reasonably high over the Lion's Nest Industrial Estate hawking insects. Watched them for quite a while - true masters of the air. Also, quite a few Reed Warblers singing away and two Swift over. 

Towards Dockwell on Dartmoor above South Brent today three Yellow Hammers, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Nuthatch

3 Mallard, Wood pigeon on nest with two eggs, 1 Greater Black Backed Gull, Sparrow hawk carrying what looked like a Blackbird in its talons, handful of Linnets, single Snipe flushed, 3 Jays, Skylarks not as plentiful as last weeks visit, Wren, 2 Stock Dove, Song Thrush

The reported Redstart now seen by two other local birders remains elusive, and the movement of Swallow and House Martin from a week ago seems tohave dried up with only a couple of Swallows being seen but just on 30 identified species made for an enjoyable if rather chilly morning.

Mid-day viewing showed 4 Hobby's in total with 2 active over the main logoon and another 2 over the north side of the marsh with small numbers of Swallow and Sand Martins. On the walk back down station road looking for yellow wags DS spotted a Peregrine carrying it's lunch (pigeon) followed by another flying from the north side of the marsh before landing on top of it's usual electric pylon near the RSPB car-park before dropping it and both ended up on the ground. Link to video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bxxSBBiT3I

Peregrine 27-4-2015

Peregrine 27-4-2015

Chudleigh Knighton Heath produced a surprise family of Canada Geese with 5 goslings.

Pied Flycatchers showing well in Hisley Woods Nature Reserve, Bovey Valley with at least five males. A new area to me which I visited to research new venues for field meetings next year.  Maybe better visited some weeks later when other species may be present? 

.

Wonder if the Goldfinch below is an escapee from captivity? Can't imagine a wild bird failing to file its claws down as normal, anyone else able to shed light?

Burrator today held two Cuckoo (m), Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Wheatear, Swallow, Dipper and Buzzard.

Saw what looked like a crane fly directly over my house in Exmouth at 3.35 flying west.

First Wood Warbler just after dawn, male in characteristic song. Also: Dipper, 4 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Flycatcher & 3 Nuthatych.

No sign of the LRP this morning, but 3 Common Sandpipers. The cool-to-cold westerly wind seems to have subdued the singing Warblers - just a few in song in the reed-bed this morning.

I took this (very poor!!!) shot of a Goldfinch in my garden yesterday. Over the years I have seen many birds with the finches disease but I have never see a Goldie with claws this long - it seems to be  OK at the moment but not sure of its long term chances!

Sunday 26th April 2015, single Ruddy Shelduck at South Huish marsh, in amongst Canada Geese 6:30pm showing well.

Walk from RSPB car park along the road to canal bank, Hobby x2, lots of Sand and House Martins, Swallows, my first 2 Swifts of the year, plenty of Reed and Sedge Warblers also, no sign of Yellow Wags sadly. 

One of 4 Whinchat seen today, (3m1f) around Challacombe with Wheatears, Willow Warblers, Swallows, 3 Cuckoos and Tree Pipits the other Summer visitors on show.

14.00

2 Whimbrel, 2 Whitethroats, Rock Pipit, Raven, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaff. 

The Cuckoo at Robourough Down near Plymouth, is still hanging around, and not taking much notice of people passing nearby, and still making plenty of noice, the two photo's here were taken at 14:40

Got close enough for a decent shot

Caught in flight

Two Whimbrels on Blaxton Pool and 2 Curlews on the estuary plus 3 Little Egrets. Also 2 Wheatears, a Snipe and 3 Stock Doves.

 Very cold walk around this morning - one Little RInged Plover the reward.

At Saltram about 11am to try and find the Little Ringed Plover but no luck.

Moved up to Roborough Downs near Clearbrook where we saw Willow Warblers, Skylarks, Linnets, Male Bullfinch, Meadow Piptis, Cuckoo (Photo of one sent to Gallery), Possible Chiffchaff,Yellowhammers along with the usual Magpies, Pigeons and Crows. Also uncertain sighting of Wheatears.

Robourgh Down just outside Plymouth - today produced,  Yellowhammers - Willow Warblers - Chiffchaffs - Skylarks - Meadow Pipits - Stonechats - and many Tits - the highlight of the day was a Cuckoo - after chasing this bird for around 2 mile only managed to get a long shot

A look around the marsh this morning showed 2 Hobby's with one sat on fence post behind main logoon whilst other was flying over the lagoon and small numbers of Swift, House Martin, Swallow and Sand Martin with 2 Buzzards being mobbed by Crows. A Peregrine was sat in it's usual place on top of the electric pylon with Reed and Sedge Warblers could be heard everywhere around the marsh with one very vocal nearby in station road. Some digiscoped videos on the following links.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64QEPnxkrWM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4iOMxJQpIk

Hobby 25-4-2015

Sedge Warbler 25-4 2015

Started at bowling green marsh 07:30 till 12:15

178+ black tailed godwits were on the marsh all morning and were joined by 11+ bar tailed godwit, 35+ dunlin, 40+ whimbrel, with another 7 over North, 20+ greenshank, 4+ sedge warblers, 6+ reed warbler, 2 whitethroat, 10+ blackcap, 8+ chiffchaffs, 2 tufted duck, 1 little grebe, 2 Cetti's warblers, a few house Martin , sand Martin and swallows.

from the goatwalk 20+ whimbrel, 2 knot, 1 ringed plover, 120+ dunlin.

on goosemoore 5+ whimbrel, 1 spotted redshank

then moved onto exminster marsh 12:30 till 14:30

2+ hobby, 2 gadwall, 5 little egret, 80+ swift was the first big movement of the spring.

( not related to devon but a rare quick visit over the border to get the Hudsonian godwit at meare Heath in Somerset this afternoon cracking bird to add to my life list and what a great site)

took part in a Bird Race day with a number of sites in the Midlands . With very poor weather conditions ,lots of sea fog and rain achieved a reasonable total of 88 species.

A new patch record for Great Skua a total of 25 birds recorded

Between Holbeton & Yealmpton this morning. Clear sighting flying then sat in a tree.

Cuckoo calling at Clearbrook on the edge of Dartmoor this morning.

Arrived in the car park at East Soar at 07.30 to find a rather wet looking Short-eared Owl which stayed for c10 mins before driting into the mist. The thick mist refused to clear so I dropped down to South Huish where there was: 7 Dunlins, Common Sandpiper, 8+ Whimbrels, 30+ Swallows, c20 Sand Martins, c10 House Martins, and a Wheatear, A flock of 13 Bonxies on the sea flew off east, and a Reed Warbler was singing at South Milton Ley.

Stunning male Greenland Wheatear on Haytor this morning ,standing out amongst the resident Wheatears,also a very vocal cuckoo.

1515-  4 Purple sandpiper are still on windy corner.

Plenty of Tawny owl activity in my local woods last night

Tawny Owl

Nightingale singing in scrub between carpark and Cafe. 2 Lesser Whitethroa, 10+ Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler and a fly over Tree Pipit

0600 - 0800. Bill McDonald and Andy Plumb also present. Nightingale singing intermittently from scrub inland between the two forts, my first at the site. Also at least 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3+ Whitethroats, a flyover Tree Pipit, and a swallow.

08.00-10.20 Visible migration: 76 Swallows, 20 Sand Martins, 12 House Martins, 22 Linnets, 9 Goldfinches, 2 alba wagtails, 4 Meadow Pipits. In the scrub: one Wheatear, plus a few Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps & Whitethroats. Passing offshore: 3 Shelducks, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 7 Gannets, 1 Kittiwake and 15 auks. With the change in wind direction the migrating hirundines are now flying west along the cliffs, whereas last weekend they were all going east!

Early morning cuckoo calling on Belstone Tor

one female redstart, bright vocal Siskin, 3 singing white throats, 2 willow warblers, 3+ chiffchafs, 4 blackcaps 1 female, bullfinch, in weak sunshine

Red Kite over at 1130 drifting NE,also of interest two flocks of Jays 7 birds in the first and 5 in the second also going NE,plenty of Sedge and Reed warbler about also Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.

one Red Kite drifted slowly over Exminster Marsh at about 1130 hrs,also of interest 2 small flocks of Jays went over one of 7 birds the over of 5 birds all birds heading N to NE,also plenty of common spring Warblers around.

One of the pairs of flycatchers have returned to the copse above Sticklepath... Also, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, and a possible singing Redstart

Due to the predicted adverse weather conditions on Sunday morning, regrettably the above meeting has been CANCELLED

Heard (but not seen) my first Cuckoos this year. One near Avon Dam whilst on the access road and another heard from the old station car park in South Brent (heard calling from South of the car park).

Lunchtime visit until about 1.50. Nice to see a flock of 80+ Whimbrel from the hide. One Avocet still and 3 Wigeon.

A few more Whimbrel from the viewing platforn along with 1 Knot, 16 Dunlin and 3 Bar-tailed Godwit (one in full summer plumage) along with the usual waders.

Cooler and quiet at the lakes this morning-

1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 6 Wrens, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Chaffinches, 4 Grey Herons, 2 male Tufted Ducks, 4 Mallard, 2 Moorhens, 2 Canada Geese, 10+ Swallows, 2 Sand Martins, 1 Collared Dove, 15 active Rooks nests in adjacent trees.

Harvey Kendall & Rod Mudge.

Little ringed Plover seen briefly this morning, before it flew off at 0955. Also, 10 Shelduck, 5 Whimbrel, 2 Curlew, 8 Canada Geese, 3 Stock Dove, singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap, Swallows overhead. A big dog charging across the meadow sent everything up not long after.

Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, and Lesser Whitethroat all in song between Braunton and Pottington this morning.

2 Common Sandpipers on the riverbank at Pottington with the roosting Oystercatchers.

Late evening walk around Sherpa Marsh revealed a Wood Sandpiper, which flew off East. Later, at dusk both Barn and Little Owl out along the Marsh road towards the Burrows.

Warren House and the border of Soussons Plantation held 3 male Cuckoo, 4 Whinchat, 3 Stonechat, 3 Tree Pipit, a Stock Dove, Raven, Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Wheatear, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff.

The first Swift and Hobby of the year flew rapidly through this evening. The female Whinchat and Wheatears were still present.

Watched from 14:25 till 17:55

A great afternoon on the marsh with the highlight being at 14:55 with a fly over RED RUMPED SWALLOW along the railway path from the RSPB car park I picked it up as it flew towards me in a group of 6/7 swallow the pale throat stood out as it came closer I got my bins on the bird dark vent was visable as it went close overhead heading towards the rspb car park quickly disappearing. I rushed  back to the car park but no sign as a peregrine dived down into powderham marsh. I managed to find some other birders and we all searched up and down station road. My first in Devon but all to brief views but a great bird. Thanks to all the guys who helped try and relocate it.

just before the red rumped swallow a Hobby flew through powderham marsh heading north plenty of house Martin and swallows around , 2 reed warbler.

as we walked  up station road towards lion rest a Hobby flew over heading towards the motorway bridge probabley the bird reported over the lagoon earlier and was still around at about 17:20. Plenty of swallows and house Martins over the marsh especially towards the lagoon with more sand martins later in the afternoon.

on the walk back down station road just past liins rest I found to female Yellow wagtails among a group of cows close to the road giving good views to the five of us.

A great afternoon with some quality birds.

Red Kite in tree at 9am

This morning there were 17 wary and flighty whimbrels along the beach at high tide at Wembury with a very smart summer plumaged bar-tailed godwit. Whitethroats, chiffchaffs and blackcaps very vocal and swallows regularly flying overhead.

4 house martins around the cliffs at Heybrook Bay.

At Blaxton Meadow by the River Plym the little ringed plover found yesterday showed ridicolously close to the footpath.

Littel Ringed Plover, Balxton Meadow

A female cuckoo being chased by four pipits at Headland Warren. One male cuckoo nearby. A number of goldcrest in the woods.

Cuckoos calling at Fernworthy and another one at Kes Tor.

3rd male Redstart of the spring on the patch!

The cold grey weather produced probably the best morning of the Spring so far with 6 Wheatear (5m,1f), the first Spring record of Whinchat for the site, the 2nd ever and again first Spring record of Tree Pipit and the first record of Whitethroat for the year. 

Linnets still seem to be passing through with a small flock of 12 this morning (in addition to potential breeders). Last week saw a trickle of Wheatears with Monday (13th) being the best with a total of 8 birds along with 35 Linnets.

Nice bit of a variety around this morning, with single male Whinchat and Redstart on Beer Head, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler in Seaton by the old Racal site, and a Lesser Whitethroat singing at Bridge Marsh. Earlier KH had the Short-eared Owl hunting over Black Hole Marsh (present for its 4th day). 

Yesterday singles of Whinchat and Ring Ouzel briefly in Axmouth between Stepp's Lane and the Golf course.

Off patch Dad had a grounded male Yellow Wag and a male Black Redstart at Berry Head yesterday morning.

Whinchat

Distant Short-eared Owl, taken on Monday

For the past week I`ve noticed that large numbers of Shelduck have been either roosting or feeding in a ploughed and rolled field at North Down Farm, Bickington, overlooking the Taw on the Penhill side. Numbers have varied between 11 today; 59 on 20th and 56 on the 18th. Today they were accompanied by several hundred corvids and pigeons so must assume they are "scoffin" sown seed crop. Together with Shelduck on the river and Penhill Marsh, numbers are averaging about 120 - 150.

Also today on the foreshore off the Tarka Trail were 2 Bar-tailed Godwit; 1 Whimbrel; just 1 Little Egret and a flock of 10 Common Sandpiper. Reed warblers are singing in Bradiford Reserve and yesterday 5 Little Egret were on the reserve scrape. Also yesterday there were 22 Mute Swan resting/asleep on the mud at rear of RGB.

A few more waders around than there have been recently on the Skern. 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Whimbrel, 6 Ringed Plover and around 50 breeding plumage Dunlin. Also 3 White Wagtail on the salt marsh, but the best bird was a Little Tern.

Very few Passerines in the remaining scrub on the Burrows following the Natural England 'Initiave' to remove most of the brambles and scrub where Linnets and warblers bred. However I had 6 Sedge Warblers and 2 Grasshopper Warblers, 1 of which was reeling quite prominently.

With an abundance of Willow Warblers, Yellowhammers, a Swallow and a singing Garden Warbler, Ideford Common (Teignmouth) was alive with the sounds of Spring this evening. This was topped off by the first Cuckoo, which flew rapidly across the heathland.

Female Marsh harrier went to roost in the Exe reed beds south of M5 this evening at 20:15.

Little Ringed Plover (found this am) still on Blaxton Pool plus Whimbrel, Manadarin Duck (drake) and 17 Shelducks there. Also 5 Wheatears, a male Whinchat and 3 Common Sandpipers.

Also a Whimrel at the mouth of the estuary on Tuesday.

Single Swifts with light but continuous eastbound passage of hirundines (all three common species) over both Valley of Rocks (Lynton) and Martinhoe around 16.00–16.30 hrs today.

watched from 14:35 till 17:15

my first big movement of House martins with 150+ through also 11+ swift and plenty of swallow and sand Martin , 5 Cetti's , 2 willow warblers, 5 blackcap and good numbers of sedge warbler and reed warblers , 1 peregrine was very active around the marsh.

Eight whimbrel in field to W of marsh.

Single swift at Bantham village.

!8th April.  Blackbird feeding one well developed youngster in my garden at Kingsteignton.

Cuckoo calling at Badworthy Corner near Chagford this afternoon.

3 Siskin, Redpoll, Hobby, and my first Cuckoo of the spring, calling and attended by several Meadow Pipit.

A very pleasant walk with friends through Meeth this morning came up with, Chiffchaffs, Wrens, Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tits, 2 G,C, Grebe, Moorhens, Jay, Blue Tits, 15 Canada Geese, Willow Warbler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Lesser Black-back Gulls, Mallard, c25 Herring Gulls,Robins, Black birds, Swallow, Buzzards, Sand Martins, Butterflies: Brimstone, Peacock, Orange Tip male and female and a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly.

Singing males of Redstart and Cuckoo. Pairs of Wheatear, stacks of Willow Warbler. Alarm calling Mistle Thrush at Princetown.

Spotted Flycatcher - first of the year for Derek Stacey - in his garden!

First Garden Warbler of the year plus 3 singing male Pied Flycatchers & several Siskins.

1000-1245 A strong wind made birding hardwork but rewarding 1 Tufted duck (not common here ) 2 Little ringed plover 1 White wagtail 1 White throat 2 Greenshank and 3 Wheatear. Swallow numbers were good as were Linnets.

A post from yesterday afternoon about 4pm a Cuckoo calling  in the Grove woodlands, Brixham.

This morning seen by Chris Smallbones at 09.00hrs, a Hoopoe flying over Occombe Farm towards Occombe woods and calling.

Surprised to hear a Grasshopper Warbler reeling at the bottom of my neighbours garden this morning. No visual but unmistakable.

10.0 am Very strong east wind and most of the small birds were staying down. Chiffchaffs +, 3 Blackcap,  Garden Warbler watched singing from the shelter of a Blackthorn in the hedge leading down to the cove. 2 Whitethroat, a single Wheatear.

The first cuckoo of the year was heard in Belstone this morning.

Early morning walk around revealed 2 Green Sandpipers and a few Teal. Good to hear a few Warblers singing in the reed-bed, and a few Swallows around too. A Common Sandpiper was on the scrape by the Tarka Trail.