In the light of the continuing Covid19 restrictions on the number of people gathering together, and the need for social distancing, it has been agreed that there will be no Devon Birds meetings or events organised until 21st June 2021, when Government restrictions are planned to be lifted. If there is any Government announcement that necessitates a change to this date an update will be posted.

Devon Birds would like to thank the many members and other birdwatchers who complied with the restrictions during the recent Lockdown and stayed in their local area (village, town or part of city) to birdwatch while exercising (and later) taking recreation. We hope that, despite the obvious frustrations, you found some respite in watching wildlife in your local area and perhaps discovered some birds close to home, that you might otherwise not have seen! As always, please submit sightings to the County recorder and / or BirdTrack. 

 

Please continue to follow the Covid related requirements (currently "rule of six outside, social distancing etc) while enjoying the new freedoms to extend your birdwatching. Some hides will remain closed for the time being and where you find one open, please follow Government guidelines on keeping yourself & others safe: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/

 

Thank you from

Devon Birds News site editors & members of the Records Committee

Please think very carefully before posting any information on scarce or rare breeding species both here and elsewhere online.

A list of ‘at risk’ species in the county can be found here. Please note that Wood Warbler should now also be treated as on the list. All species included need to be protected - many receive full legal protection under Schedule 1 and/or are rare in the county and may be vulnerable to persecution/disturbance. It is an offence to intentionally disturb any of the Schedule 1 species during the breeding season without a valid licence. This also applies to anyone taking photographs of these species at or near the nest or whilst feeding dependant young.

Some species may be found breeding at numerous locations however please keep information on these species limited to well-known sites (e.g. Labrador Bay for Cirl Bunting, Aylesbeare Common for Dartford Warbler). Others may be found as obvious migrants and as such can also be posted eg coastal Ring Ouzel and passage waders, or raptors eg Little Ringed Plover, Red Kite or Marsh Harrier.

If you have any doubts and think there is a chance there may be breeding, either because of the habitat or behaviour of the bird(s) then do not post, but please submit your records to the County Recorder and the RSPB.

Please be aware that egg collecting and other forms of persecution remain very real hazards for some of Devon’s birds.

Posts which breach these guidelines are likely to be not admitted / removed althogether, rather than edited.  

If you follow our Blog but are not currently a member of Devon Birds please consider joining Devon Birds to help with the upkeep of running the website and this service as well as our valuable conservation work.

Late afternoon, of note: 1 Spoonbill and 1 Water Pipit.

Black Kite over B3186 at Naton Hall turn. Shallow fiorked tail very dark body and wings. Seen on a number of occasions in this area by others. confirmation of i/d would be appreciated. This individual has been around for a number of weeks in the Naton Hall area.

Noss Mayo Blackcap.m. at feeders, Greenshank, Redshank in creek.

After an uneventful walk around the seaward edge of the Burrows, I tried the rough area between Appledore Gate and Northam Gate. Here there were 3 Common Snipe and 1 Jack Snipe. The latter were previously regular here in winter, but I had not seen one at this site for the last two years. It was also a surprise to see a Spotted Redshank showing well in the watercourse just west of Appledore Bridge.

Female Marsh Harrier seen at 10.30 am, drifted off over the boundary of Chivenor RMB

Cockwood this morning: 300 Brents (2 pale bellies), 2 Greenshank, Red throated diver, 4 Red breasted merganser...

Haldon forest: 12+ Hawfinch by pylon ride, also 2 Male Common crossbill...

Ludwell valley: 2 Dipper, 300+ Redwing (on playing fields)...

Exminster marshes RSPB this eve: Raven, Peregrine, Ruff, Jack snipe, 42 Snipe, 1800+ Eurasian wigeon, 800+ Teal, 12 Pintail...

Hundreds of dunlin, oystercatcher, redshank, lapwings, curlew, 5 bar-tailed godwits (no black-tailed), 3 knot, 50+ grey plover, 300+ golden plover, 70+ Brent geese, wigeon, teal, 12 pintail (2m, 10f) and shelduck.

5 Spoonbill incl 1 juv and the ringed adult GYG/BML off Isley Marsh. Cetti's Warbler singing there. Among Wigeon flock 1 drake Shoveller and 1 drake Pintail.

Just to add to Nick's earlier post. The 4 Bearded Tits showed well all afternoon but was nearly taken by a Sparrowhawk which landed on fence post just behind near the Clyst river bank..

  
Bearded Tit                         Bearded Tit                                Sparrowhawk

4 Bearded Tits showing from the sheltered screen at Goosemoor this lunchtime - 2 males and 2 females. Also a Water Rail and 3+ Reed Buntings.

A pair of dippers feeding together on the weir pools just upstream of the mill, late morning.

2 Firecrest still around the willows between the two car parks also 4 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaffs. 19 Cirl Buntings on seed in the 2nd car park.

On the sea: 1 Black-necked Grebe, 9 Great Creseted Grebes, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 9 Common Scoter.

Showing well in scope from third viewing section coming in under railway bridge, pics heavily cropped

  
                Female                                                                              Male

Just to add to Terry's earlier post. Had 4 Bearded Tits in the scope mid afternoon from the same location and still showing when I left in the dark.

Some video best watched in HD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFRtg6Qqadg

 
Bearded Tit

There were three Firecrests and several Chiffchaffs at the edge of the car park this morning. Offshore, at least 10 Fulmars. Earlier, nine Purple Sandpipers on the jetty off Brixham Breakwater.

A male Common Crossbill, Siskin and 2 Green Woodpeckers at Belliver. Two Woodcocks and a Siskin at Soussons.

1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-breasted Merganser and 1 Greenshank as well as the usual Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Cormorant and gulls.

This partially leucistic bird was in amongst the Canada Geese on Exminster Marsh on Sunday. Aside from the obvious leucism, the bird seemed overall smaller than the others, with a shorter neck and slightly darker upper breast feathers.

Canada Geese, Exminster

Walked the Tarka Trail between Bideford and Torrington this morning, with little of note - except that on the way back to Bidefor, just after crossing the old railway bridge over the Torridge, my dog (a GSP) pointed a bird in one of the side channels on the trail.  This turned out to be a very nice adult Green Sandpiper, busily feeding and apparently not bothered by the proximity of my dog (about 10mtrs away). Great views- and another nice Devon "first" for me!  I passed a guy with a very long lens attached to his camera about 30 minutes before I saw the bird, so he may send in some nice pics.   

3 Bearded Tits (or Reedlings if you prefer) (one male) were showing reasonably well at 1315hrs from the viewing screen nearest to the Exe Trail bridge over the River Clyst. They were in the far reedbed on the nearest edge.

Peak counts were 2 Snipe, 12 Stock Dove, 475 Skylark, 24 Meadow Pipit, 16 Song Thrush, 120 House Sparrow, 80 Chaffinch, 210 Linnet, 28 Yellowhammer, 33 Cirl Bunting & 5 Reed Bunting.

Maybe the same birds I saw yesterday, but at least 4 Siskins in the reserve this morning. Also a Kingfisher again and both Water Rail and Cetti's Warbler calling. Good to see a Goldcrest is surviving the cooler weather. 3 Reed Buntings coming to seed.

South Huish marsh surprisingly empty of birds overall, reasonable number of Wigeon, two Black Tailed Godwit, mix of Rock and Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Wren, Greenfinch, a single Lapwing, two Oyster Catchers, Herring Gull and Black Headed Gull , six Canadian Geese flew over, on leaving a female Sparrow Hawk.

Aveton Gifford tidal road Redshank, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret, Heron, Kingfisher, and a reasonable number of gulls.

High light of the trip was at the entrance to Stockadon farm between California Cross and Aveton Gifford where a single Hawfinch was seen amongst a flock of Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit, also Redwing, Song Thrush and Yellow Hammer in the nearby hedgerows, on the way back the Hawfinch was seen again very briefly but neither sighting gave us time to catch it on camera

Red-necked Grebe again off Preston,  also in bay 2 Black-necked Grebes, 3 Great Northern Divers, 24 Common Scoter, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Teal and 14 Great Crested Grebes. Some distant Dolphins (about 8) out in bay - I guess the Common Dolphin that have been seen over the weekend.

Firecrest in the garden this morning. 

Half a dozen Siskins in Alders along the Tarka Trail near Tesco this morning. In the reserve a Kingfisher again (still catching Sticklebacks) and a Tawny Owl with an accompanying band of mobbing Chaffinches.

Half a dozen Siskins in Alders along the Tarka Trail near Tesco this morning. In the reserve a Kingfisher again (still catching Sticklebacks) and a Tawny Owl with an accompanying band of mobbing Chaffinches.

10.00AM... 22 Goosander, Great crested grebe, 3 Marsh tit...

Down to one bird but the sun came out for it

This is the latest advice for reporting possible incidents of avian flu. 

Please report any incidents directly to DEFRA. The virus has not yet been reported in the UK and the risk level for an incursion in wild birds remains as medium for now. However in light of the outbreaks in Europe, birders should remain vigilant for dead birds and report these where required. Please call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. Current advice on the DEFRA website states that they require reports of any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey. For all other species, please only report if five or more are found in the same place. Helpline staff will advise on whether or not they wish to collect the birds for further testing. Members of the public are advised not to touch sick or dead wild birds.  Only touch sick or dead birds if absolutely necessary and one must wear protective gloves if doing so. 

Firecrest in Lipson today.

Yesterday, the Plym Estuary produced: Dipper, 2 Kingfishers, a pair of Goosanders, 2 Grey Wagtails, Common Sandpiper and 5 Little Grebes. The majority of these were showing well around Weighbridge Cottage.

Lesser Whitethroat (at 11:00 south entrance to West Hoe Park, feeding in Palm near info' sign), Great Northern Diver (distant to the west from rusty anchour), Turnstones (12), Song Thrush, Oystercatcher(2)

Here's a couple of pics from todays trip around Torbay with Nigel.

 
Black-necked Grebe                           Great Northern Diver

2 male pochards amongst the Tufted Ducksat the entrance to Ireland bay at 3.00 and a single male Goosander from Torcross car park at $.00

Five Goosanders flew out from Finlake in the direction of Stover this morning. By mid-afternoon, there were 27 Goosanders (10 drakes) at Stover - the most ever recorded there.  Also three Snipe and a Great Crested Grebe.

Boat trip out of Brixham this morning started with 6 Grey Seals by the Marina. Only 2 Purple Sandpiper seen by the Breakwater. A further 2 seals seen as we progressed around the Bay. Elberry Cove and  Broadsands area we sighted 3 Black-necked Grebe, 11 + Great Crested Grebe, 3 Great Northern Diver. Other birds seen in this general area are 17 Common Scoter, 3 Kittiwake, some Gannets, 1 Common Gull and on the foreshore 12 + Grey Heron. Nice and calm in the Bay. Still places available for Saturday 23rd December, if interested email willdbones@btinternet.com

Single Hawfinch, siskins and a group of goldcrests 

A black necked grebe on the sea at the middle carpark quite close in, Firecrest in the bushes near the little bridge. From the bridge sparrowhawk and a kingfisher.

1firecrest in garden 

Caught this pic whilst photographing Teal recently

Peregrine Horsey Island

At least three brambling. Single Hawfinch, goldcrest and long tailed tits all around.

The Italian type Sparrow still present in East Budleigh today and still visiting the feeders as per November post: https://www.devonbirds.org/news/bird_news/devon_bird_sightings?blogEntry=16037
Interesting to see the bill has blackened since I last saw it in November.

Goosander count now up to 22 this morning

An early morning look at the Lower Lake.

3 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron. 2 Cormorant, 30 Goosander 11m 19f, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Marsh Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Long-tailed Tit, 4 Greenfinch.

North Plympton: One firecrest in the garden again this morning. Also one goldcrest and the first great spotted woodpecker of the winter in the garden. 

Portworthy: One red crested pochard, 42 teal, 3 wigeon, 4 tufted duck, 1f gadwall and 1 little grebe. 

A splendid Firecrest by the Tarka Trail where it joins Station Road on  my way to the reserve this morning. Nought of note on the scrape, but Kingfisher, Chiffchaff and a few Reed Buntings in the reserve. Also a pile of feathers which looked to me like another Water Rail has paid the price. 3 Mallard (2m 1f) prospecting for nesting sites?

1 female Hawfinch in the back limes at lunchtime, showing nicely albeit briefly... Also Greenfinch, 8 Redwing, Fieldfare, 2 Goldcrest, 2 Mistle thrush and 2 Song thrush

One male Hawfinch in the St Thomas Churchyard (Cowick Street) briefly this morning at about 11am. Also numerous Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Goldcrest

  
Hawfinch                 Hawfinch

2 Hawfinch in garden in Butterleigh, Cullompton this morning

2 Kingfishers (m on River Plym near sewage tower, f on River Plym near Macdonalds),M & F Goosanders on Plym, Curlews (Blaxton's Meadow), Oystercatchers (Blaxton Meadow)

At least 4 Bearded Tits on the reeds far side of the pool from the shelter near the railway cycle bridge this afternoon.

  
Bearded Tit

2 Bearded Tits were present at about 10am, feeding on the reeds immediately to the right of the first viewing screen.  Unfortunately they flew withing a couple of minutes and appeared to go over to the far back of the reed beds where the Clyst is flowing towards the bridges.

A Firecrest and drake Teal at Efford Marsh this afternoon and 23 Turnstones on the Plym Estuary. Also a Stonechat on Blagdon's Meadow, the first one I've seen here for some time. 

Kayak trip round Plymouth Sound

1 Knot

2 Purple Sandpiper

1 Common Sandpiper

3 Black Redstart (Plymouth Ho)

 
Purple Sandpiper                                      Purple Sandpiper and Knot

Out on the scrape a lone Redshank and also 1 Black-tailed Godwit - which looked as if was injured. In the reserve Goldcrest, Kingfisher and cracking views of a Water Rail calling, bathing and feeding.

The Firecrest zipped in and out of the garden again briefly, probably attracted by the calls of a group of five Long-tailed Tits.