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.
Thank you from
Devon Birds News site editors & members of the Records Committee
Posted April 2nd at 4:28 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
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.
Posted March 15th at 11:56 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
As noted in the minutes of the Oct 2020 DBRC meeting, Tim Jones is standing down after serving as a member of the Committee for an extended sixth year. Tim has been an active member of the Committee, and his consistently pragmatic approach to assessing records has proved invaluable. The Society would like to thank him for his contribution over the past six years and wish him well in the future.
In the hope of maintaining a geographic spread across the Committee, DBRC approached Dean Jones to fill the vacancy. Dean grew up birding and ringing in Antrim and Lothian, before a tour of various European islands, including Lundy where he has been the Warden now for the past four years.
His experience and knowledge from ringing and birdwatching around Europe will be especially useful to Devon Birds and the Records Committee.
Unless the County Recorder receives any other applications before 15th April 2021, Dean will be formally elected to fill the vacancy for a five year period.
For more information and/or an application form please contact:
Kevin Rylands, County Recorder. Email: recorder@devonbirds.org
Posted March 4th at 10:45 am by Mike Daniels in Bird News
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.
Posted October 10th, 2016 at 9:14 am in Bird News
Saturday 21st April 2018
Passage raptors at one coastal location (mainly as thermals really got going around luchtime, following a spell of thick cloud mid-morning) included at least 11 Red Kites drifting E, a ring-tail Hen Harrier and a Hobby. Two further Red Kites elsewhere along the coast during the late afternoon were presumably part of the same movement. A walk through some of the oakwoods revealed encouraging numbers of singing Wood Warblers and Pied Flycatcher pairs on territory, but Redstarts were very thin on the ground by comparison. Hirundines were also notably scarce all day, with few breeding territories appearing to be reoccupied as yet and only sparse passage otherwise in spite of seemingly ideal conditions.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 9:59 pm by Tim Jones in Bird News
The slightly more presentable Marsh Harrier was again around the Marsh early this afternoon. There were 3 Black-tailed Godwits in the centre field of the Marsh - not seen them here before. Only saw one Reed Warbler around the Marsh. One Swallow.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 9:10 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Cuckoo heard calling this afternoon and again this evening in Combe Martin..
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 8:42 pm by Margaret Phillips in Bird News
After abandoning the South Devon birds walk around Berry Head due to the heavy rain I decided to take my chances at Yarner Wood in the early afternoon, where it was a warm and sunny day, and I wasn't to be disappointed.
Observed a pair of fighting female Pied Flycatchers whilst all the while a male a male followed and kept a close eye on proceedings, closer to the car park I watched a male Redstart for about 5 minutes, in the same area there was both a Marsh Tit & a Coal Tit plus a male Blackcap. Also seen: 3 Willow Warblers, Linnet, Buzzard, Mistle Thrush, Mandarin Duck, Stonechat. Also heard a drumming Woodpecker, Tawny Owl and several Chiffchaffs.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 7:48 pm in Bird News
Two Red Kites over the quay,3Whimbrel,1godwit,2cettis,Whitethroat sedge and willow warbler,chiffchaff,2jays,goldfinch,linnets,larks,lovely photos of all so very pleasing day.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 6:17 pm by john elvin in Bird News
Six Pied Flycatchers, male Redstart, Garden Warbler, Tree Pipit, 6 Siskins & 2 Bullfinches.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 6:04 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Lunch time visit to the moorland above Shipley Bridge car park and around the SWWA filtration plant.
Raven, 4+ Willow Warbler, Wren, 4 Swallow, Pied Wagtail, male Yellow Hammer, Coal Tit, my first Cuckoo of the year, initially heard calling from towards Hickley Plain it then flew over me and off towards Black Tor where it was heard calling a bit later. Near the car park a Green Woodpecker calling.
At least five Buzzards soaring over the area.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 5:24 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Red Kite over the A38 yesterday at 13:30.
Posted April 21st, 2018 at 6:50 am by Will Salmon in Bird News
Friday 20th April 2018
Lovely late afternoon session in perfect conditions: 1m Cuckoo +1h, 2m and 1f Pied Flycatchers (males chasing each other), 1m Redstart, 2 Tree Pipits, 3+ Redpolls, lots of Willow Warblers singing etc.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 9:41 pm by Andy Smith in Bird News
A pair of Swallows have arrived home this evening. Showing every sign that this is their patch.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 7:29 pm by Mary Irving in Bird News
Late post, Stoat, also at Challacombe
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 7:15 pm by Mave Goddard in Bird News
Good bird watching day. Swallow's, Redstart (m), Marsh Tit, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wheatear, Whinchat.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 7:13 pm by Mave Goddard in Bird News
Regularly visiting cock pheasant mated with hen under our feeders this morning.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 7:02 pm by Mark West in Bird News
Ringing in the reserve today was disappointing in quantity, but some quality. First sedge Warblers (3) more Blackcaps (4) Willow Warblers (4) and a Chiffchaff. The sea fret and fog seemed to curtail much activity.
When, briefly the sun came out, a few Hirundines over included Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow, but the biggest surprise was a SWIFT.
There were Reed Warblers singing in and near the reserve.
Butterflies were good: several Speckled Wood and Peacock, a few each of Green-veined White, and Small White, Small Tortoiseshell, and a few Orange-tips along with a couple of Commas.
About a dozen Godwits visited the scrape.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 5:34 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Red Kite going w at 13.45.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 4:09 pm by Chris Buckland in Bird News
Great views of the White-fronted Goose at Exminster Marshes today, viewed from the canal car park. I would assume that it is a Greater White-fronted Goose? I would appreciate it if someone could confirm this for me! Thanks!
White-fronted Goose
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 3:43 pm by Samuel Gray in Bird News
At least two Red Kites: 1 NW at 08.00 then 1 or 2 lingering over East Soar Farm around 11.00, followed by 2 from the car park around 13.00. Also Marsh Harrier (female) north at 10,55. Otherwise - Wheatear 5, White Wagtail, Whitethroat 5, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 12+, Blackcap 6, Swallow 5 and a Weasel.
Clearly some overlap with Rob's posting earlier.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 2:43 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
I'm on a roll!! Red Kite N over the garden at 1345hrs.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 1:59 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
A Cuckoo calling from trees behind my garden just now in Peter Tavy
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 12:48 pm by Andy Brown in Bird News
Small but exciting raptor passage this morning with Red Kite E at 0945hrs, female Marsh Harrier E at 1003hrs and Buzzard high NW later.
Also: 2 Swallow, 3 House Martin, 3 Wheatear, 4 Whitethroat, 4 Blackcap & 13 Chiffchaff.
Butterflies: Small White, Peacock & Speckled Wood.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 12:44 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
An early morning visit to Dartmoor this morning visiting Cadover, Clearbook, Headland Warren ~ Challacombe.
Cadover ~ Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Dunnock, Song Thrush, nesting pair of Canada Geese, 5 Sand Martin, Swallow, and a Green Woodpecker.
Clearbrook ~ 5+ Yellow Hammer, Meadow Pipit, 2 Linnet, Skylark, 3 Stonechat, Wren, 3 Song Thrush, Coal tit and a singing Willow Warbler.
Headland Warren ~ Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Buzzard and 3 Wheatear (2M/1F).
Challacombe ~ Swallow, Pied Wagtail, 4 Redpoll, BTO ringed Blue Tit and Chaffinch, 3 Reed Bunting (2M/1F) 2 Redstart (M&F) 2 Stock Dove, 2 Raven and 2+ Willow Warbler.
Skylark, Meadow Pipit, and Buzzard well established in most areas.
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 12:03 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Cuckoo at Waddeton side of Galmpton Creek last night and Whinchat and Cuckoo at N . end of Soussons yesterday
Posted April 20th, 2018 at 10:48 am by tim Clyburn in Bird News
Thursday 19th April 2018
Curlew seen flying past headland mid morning calling as it went. A Whitethroat in the shrub below the hide and a pair of Bullfinches also seen.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 10:06 pm by carole wren in Bird News
Very few Warblers in the reserve this morning, especially when the sun went in, maybe 3 Chiffchaffs and 2 Blackcaps. No Willow Warblers. First Orangetip of the year.
This evening went for a walk down to Sherpa and saw 8 Sand Martins and then as I passed by the reserve on the way back, a female Wheatear.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 9:30 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Spoonbill flew into West Charleton Marsh at 19:15 and settled on the scrape. Fairly quiet otherwise, still 3 Teal on the marsh, couple of Sandwich Terns and a Whimbrel in the bay. No reed or Sedge Warblers yet. Bit of Spoonbill footage here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZFUqVDfAT8
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 9:12 pm by Perry Sanders in Bird News
Early evening visit to Horsey produced 1 Ruff, 55 Black tailed Godwit, 8 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 2 Oystercatchers & good numbers of Shelduck. Not one Sand Martin, Swallow or House Martin seen by me today.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 9:10 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
A quick walk around half the reserve this morning in glorious sunshine before heading into work: 2 Pied Wagtails, House Sparrow, 4 Goldfinches, a calling Blackcap followed by a Chiffchaff, 4 Jays, a Buzzard being mobbed by a Carrion Crow. Plenty of calling Great Tits, Wrens & Blackbirds.
In response to Jonathan's request I agree about locations, so more than happy to provide more information.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 8:40 pm in Bird News
(09:30)
Now singing males of Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat have joined the morning chorus. A Snipe flushed on the high tide. Wren carrying a feather (therefore probably female, lining a lucky male's nest!). Plenty of Linnet and Skylark. Swallows have been around but none this morning.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 3:09 pm by Lowell Mills in Bird News
A walk along the coastal path and the Point produced the following: Whimbrel 15, Little Egret 15, Oystercatcher 41, Whitethroat 5, Manx Shearwater 5 passed the Mewstone close in.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 1:12 pm by Martin Phillips in Bird News
Red Kite over at height being chased by Herring Gull at 10.50am. Last seen heading east towards East Hill, Ottery St Mary.
Whilst here could I put in a plea....please would observers state location of sightings more clearly.. they may be familiar with their patch but I am sure many others won't know where it is.... North Devon, South Devon etc. would be helpful.
Also, to night's the night.... support Devon BIrds and come to the AGM/talk at Exeter Court Hotel. Its always a good meeting.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 12:23 pm by Jonathan Ruscoe in Bird News
Two Sandwich Terns on the estuary first thing and my first (2) Willow Warblers of the year here. Also 2 Green Woodpeckers and the female Red-crested Pochard.
As I returned home I heard a Yellow-browed Warbler calling in the grounds of Mount Gould Hospital where it then showed exceptionally well in and around a large pine tree by the fence next to the children's facility. Easily visible from the road.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 11:47 am by Pete Aley in Bird News
Single swift and 2 house martins over the house, in Exminster, this morning.
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 10:53 am by John Waldon in Bird News
Several posts have appeared (and now deleted) in recent days giving details of scarce breeding birds in Devon, please take some responsibility before you post .
Take note of the header post on this page, if you are still unsure read this..
https://www.devonbirds.org/news/bird_news/rare_breeding_species
Thank you
Posted April 19th, 2018 at 8:42 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
Wednesday 18th April 2018
Wed 18 April 9am: Single bird seen flying over Cyprus Road being chased by crow accompanied by much screeching
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 10:14 pm by Sandy Moreton in Bird News
Several territorial and singing Pied Flycatchers, one with an accompanying female. At least 2 Tree Pipits out on the Heath. No-one was owning up to having seen a Redstart though.
We went on to Exminster, and after much searching found the White-fronted Goose from the canal path. A Whimbrel flew over as we were at the Lions Rest, hotly pursued by a Peregrine!.
No sign of any Cattle Egrets at Powderham.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:30 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Male Golden Oriole seen by Peter Temple and one other birder late this morning. Perched in tree above wooden seat then flew to top of trees above the hide on other side on Blaxton Meadow lagoon.They were unable to pick it up again.
Eds: An exceptional record; there are no more than two previous records for Plymouth, both close to the boundary, and it's quite early for Devon as a whole. Would the observers please ensure they submit a description to the county recorder so that the record is not lost. Thanks.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:23 pm by Barry Rankine in Bird News
Feeding in the garden this morning, 7 Bramblings, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 10 Greenfinches and 3 Siskin
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:19 pm by Mary Irving in Bird News
A good mix of birds seen during an early morning visit to Berry Head, first nice tick was a Whitethroat and the last a female Wheatear, still a decent passage of Manx Shearwater's, two Red Throated Divers, numerous Gannets, a couple of Swallows in off of the sea, lots of Fulmar, a singe Common Scoter, plenty of Linnet, Dunnock and Goldfinch.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:14 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Very few migrants today.
Soar - Whitethroat 2, Chiffchaff 6, Willow Warbler, Blackcap 2, Swallow 3, White Wagtail 2.
South Milton Ley - Reed Bunting & Great Spotted Woodpecker.
South Efford Marsh - Greenshank & Teal 3.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 5:42 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Again Roborough Down, Male Yellowhammers showing very well this am
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 5:07 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
This am plenty of male & female Redpolls on Roborough Down near Clearbrook, also plenty of Yellowhammers, male & female, Linnets, Meadow Pipits, & Skylarks
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 5:06 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
Fine, bright and warm at last,.so some early birding.
2 Willow Warblers and 3 Chiffchaffs at Kingford Fen. Much calling and activity from the rookery at Kingford Mill with at least seven nests so far
7+ Swallows flying around and into the farm buildings at Lana.
2 Willow Warblers, 1 Treecreeper calling but not seen, 1 Blackcap and some calling from the heronry..at Dunsdon NR.
Harvey Kendall..
.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 12:00 pm by Harvey Kendall in Bird News
Saw and this time heard a Cuckoo on Dartmoor, near Willsworthy range at about 8am this morning.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:45 am by Robin Stanbridge in Bird News
Common Sandpiper near Sampford Peverell (just east of village) 8.15am 18 April, coasting low over the water and the resting up in reeds at edge until disturbed by my passing then up again, low and slow. Seen on 3 recent dates, also same time last spring, it's taken a while to work out what it was but some low res shots (apologies for quality) this morning confirmed it. Only around fora while last year so presumably in passage
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:23 am by Martin Hughes-Jones in Bird News
Grasshopper Warbler initially heard singing then after a search spotted on Streatham Campus University of Exeter
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 9:20 am by Ian Stone in Bird News
23 Black-tailed Godwit on the main lake this morning. Most in full summer plumage. Viewed from main road.
Posted April 18th, 2018 at 7:31 am by Chris E in Bird News
Tuesday 17th April 2018
Watched from 15:15 till 18:20 from the lifeguard hut on the sea wall visibility very poor at times
The highlight were 3 groups of whimbrels the first group of 19 dropped onto the beach before flying of north west and included 1 bar tailed godwit , the second group was much bigger with 70+ and included 2 bar tailed godwits and again headed of north west the third group of 20 included 3 bar tailed godwits) also seen were 170+ Manx Shearwater all heading south, 11+ common tern, 1 great northern diver, 1 red throated diver, 3 gadwall, 3 common scoter, 2 eider, 12+ great crested grebes, 2 swallows, 13 pale bellied Brent geese , 25+ sandwich terns , 5+ fulmars, 1 Great skua.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 9:31 pm by Keith Birchall in Bird News
A walk around the sea front at Combe Martin while waiting for the MoT to be done on my car proved more than worthwhile when an adult Iceland Gull suddenly appeared about 80 metres in front of me at 14.10. It circled several times over the beach before flying off eastwards in ever widening circles over the village. Sadly no binos or camera with me, but the car passed its test.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 9:24 pm by Tim Davis in Bird News
A single Hawfinch seen yesterday (16/04/2018) in a private garden in Bridford Village near Exeter.
Hawfinch
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 7:35 pm by Samuel Gray in Bird News
black swan on the estuary, cettis, chiffchaff, willow warbler, sedge warbler,thanks to the ghia trust for nice new steps,dog walkers still fail to keep of this little sanctuary.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 6:15 pm by john elvin in Bird News
Male Wheatear, 4 Curlews, 1st w/s Mediterranean Gull, Greenshank & 2 Mistle Thrushes.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 5:54 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
My totals to 12.55 (overlaps with Mike's below and Mark was still there when I left):-
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 5:52 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
About 90 Godwits on the scrape this morning. 1 Swallow over Wrafton Pond. Walked down to Sherpa Marsh and found lots of Sand Martins, good numbers of Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 White Wagtail, 6 Teal, and several Reed/Sedge Warblers chuntering away in the reed-beds. Sadly, no sign of the Hoopoe.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 1:44 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Yarner Wood with Keith Male this morning until the rain and fog stopped play, Siskin, Tree Pipit, Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Hammer, pair of Nuthatch, Long Tail, Coal, Blue, Great and Marsh Tits.
(On the office bird watch list Redstart recorded)
On the moor the only thing we saw due to the fog was was a very soggy Sky Lark.
Around the feeders back at home in South Brent Siskin and Bullfinch.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 12:12 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Seawatching 0615-0915hrs birds of note: 1664 Manx Shearwaters, 887 Auks, 19 Puffin, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 13 Sandwich Tern, 121 Kittiwakes, 4 Comm Scoter >N & 3 >S, 28 Fulmar, 3 Common Gulls & 1 Kestrel in off the sea. also 2 Harbour Porpoise and 1 Grey Seal. With Pete Aley & Mark Darlaston.
Had to stop off in Brixham on way home and couldn't resist taking a photo of this Turnstone going into summer plumage on the quay side, it will be heading off north any day now.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 10:13 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
Spent an enjoyable half hour yesterday watching treecreeper(s) nest building in a bat box.
Saw them doing similar previously at Challacombe Farm.
Posted April 17th, 2018 at 8:57 am by Lloyd Gray in Bird News
Monday 16th April 2018
Orcombe Point, Exmouth
On an early morning. A Little Gull flew past east from the coastal path and 2 White Wagtail in the dung field.
Exminster Marsh
A quick visit after work. The White-fronted Goose was on show from the railway path. A Yellow Wagtail calling in flight but not located and a Willow Warbler calling from the powderham side of the tracks.
If interested more details http://dixiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 9:09 pm in Bird News
Further to my post a couple of days ago, the vocal Willow Tit (presume same one) still visiting feeders Seems to favour sunflower seeds. Has now been joined by occasional second bird.
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 6:38 pm by Mark West in Bird News
This lunchtime at Exminster Marshes, the White-fronted Goose was reasonably close in from Staion Road. Also 1 Reed Warbler by the RSPB car park, 1 Sedge Warbler by the middle car park, 11 Whimbrel flew over and 1 House Martin.
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 3:52 pm by Nick Potter in Bird News
Circular walk this morning yielded 36 species of which best were: Cuckoo (1), Chiffchaff (3), Green Woodpecker (2), Marsh Tit (1), Treecreeper (1), Tree Pipit (1 singing from top of Willow), Willow Warbler (10).
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 3:21 pm by Rob Hubble and Stella Tracey in Bird News
I had planned a morning ringing in the reserve this morning before the Hoopoe livened up yesterday evening by flying into the reserve - honest!
Doing my net rounds early on I saw Dave Paull and Alex Gladwin over near the gateway and when they were leaving later I went out for a chat - they had seen it near the SW corner of the reserve again. Later on I saw Roger and Lyn Doble, so went tot he gate and as I walked out the Hoopoe flew from the track right in front of me towards them and into the reserve, just near where I have some nets. They both accompanied me back into the reserve, and I went off round the nets again: no luck!
When I eventually left at about 12.30, I went towards the gateway and there it still was. Took some photos and left. Here is one of the pics.
Hoopoe Velator today.
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 2:00 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Dog-walk at 6:45 - 7:15am. Teal and Wigeon still around. Multiple singing males of Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Skylark, Meadow Pipit... Also female Linnet nest-building. No Hirundines since a small flock of Sand Martin a few evenings back.
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 1:42 pm by Lowell Mills in Bird News
Notable birds in just over 1hour seawatch this morning: 1 Balearic & 558 Manx Shearwater, 2 Puffin, 2 Sandwich Tern, 7 Shelduck but highlight a single Minke Whale South at 8.40am. Land migrants included: 1 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler and 3 Chiffchaff.
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 12:05 pm by Mike Langman in Bird News
6 A.M cycle ride out to the head, a single Wheatear right on the end, by the coastguard lookout station
Posted April 16th, 2018 at 8:46 am by Trevor Leaman in Bird News
Sunday 15th April 2018
A couple of brambling above us, a coot on 7 eggs, a male mute swan attacked a white duck sitting on it's eggs, plucked loads of feathers out and chased her off. We saw 1 pair of tufted ducks and a drake scalp which I'd never seen before.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 10:36 pm by Andy Quest in Bird News
A 45 minutes sea watch from 7:30pm - 8:15pm, proved to be extremely productive. A total of c280 - 290 Manx Shearwater and 1 Balearic Shearwater past West. Some birds extremely close in.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 9:19 pm in Bird News
Whoops! Should have said a Night Heron - sorry! But can now attach the photo I was shown this morning.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 8:50 pm by Colin Randall in Bird News
A casual look at the sea with bins picked up groups of Manx Shearwaters passing south. Watched for 45 mins , estimated 350-400 birds, likely many more beyond bins range, stopped moving by 7pm. Also 12 Sandwich terns and a GND on the sea.
Yesterday at Torcorss - Drake Scaup on the Ley and a few House Martins.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 7:59 pm by David Cope in Bird News
Fairly quiet this afternoon between the showers, managed to see a record 6 male Pheasants (plus one female), a Jay, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Song Thrush. In addition I heard 2 Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, and a Green Woodpecker.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 7:27 pm in Bird News
Three Whimbrels on Blaxton Pool - my 100th species for the patch this year (I only saw 101 species in 2017, so it's set to be a good year). Also surprisingly, a Jack Snipe still about, Grey Wagtail, Ringed Plover, Mandarin Duck (drake), 4 Curlews, Common Sandpiper, 24 Shelducks, 30 Turnstones, 7 Stock Doves and an adult Shag.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 7:09 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Just got back from an afternoon working in the reserve - mostly the excitement of raking duckweed out of the pond.... Good to have the accompaniment of a few singing Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs.
About five o'clock I packed up and headed down for a walk round Sherpa Marsh. As | approached the gate to the first field a bird took off in front of me and flew towards the reserve, A cracking HOOPOE! I immediately called the troops, and as the rain arrived, Sue Bruce and Rob and Paula arrived. I saw it again just before they got there, flying south along the east side of the reserve, and it flew into the large macrocarpus tree, where it and we waited for the rain to stop. When it did I went back into the reserve and as I approached said tree, it flew out back to where I had first seen it, and right in front of the three spectators. I went back out and joined them and got some pictures, which I will post shortly.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 6:55 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
A female Brambling for a brief while at a sunflower feeder in my garden this afternoon. Yesterday, my second record of a Lesser Redpoll at the feeders, a single bird this time.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 6:09 pm by Dave Smallshire in Bird News
The storms at the end of March brought down some trees along the boundary of the Reserve next to the access road. A tree surgeon has inspected the damaged trees as well as the other trees along the boundary. He has been engaged to make safe all the trees along the boundary wall. The work will start on 16 April and take up to three days.
Apologies for the inconvenience . If you have any queries, please call Nick Townsend on 07989717383
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 5:49 pm by Nick Townsend in Bird News
White-fronted Goose still on the marsh near the turf as viewed from station road.
more details if interested https://dixiesbirding.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 4:33 pm in Bird News
The 2 Egyptian Geese still present this afternoon by the River Kenn. Also c.60 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and a lone House Martin. Best viewed from the path below the farm shop car park.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 4:28 pm by Terry Smith in Bird News
2 Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 2m Great Tit, 1 Longtailed Tit, 5 Bullfinch (2m 3f) 5 Chaffinch (3m 2f) 10 Goldfinch, 1m Greenfinch, 4 Siskin (2m 2f) 1m House sparrow, (1st here in 35yrs). 1 Robin, 2f Dunnock, 2Wpgn, 2Blackbird (1m with deep red beak, 1f) 1 Crow & 1m Blackcap
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 4:27 pm by Martyn C Webb in Bird News
I was shown a photograph this morning, dated 4 April, of a Squacco Heron which landed in their garden. It stayed for about 20 minutes before she inadvertently frightened it off. No doubt about the ID - just wish I'd been here when she saw it!
Eds: please ensure the photo is sent on to the County Recorder and to the National Records committee BBRC otherwise the record will be lost https://www.devonbirds.org/birdwatching/recording/downloadable_forms
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 2:20 pm by Colin Randall in Bird News
Female goldeneye reported by Mike Booth was again at Trews Weir around midday today. Initially just downstream of the weir but later moved to the top of the adjacent floor relief works. Also two common sandpiper nearby.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 2:03 pm by Mike Sampson in Bird News
Harwell Lane / Forder Lane area of South Brent this morning, saw four Song Thrush, three Blackcap (2M & 1F) Four Chiffchaff, Two Willow Warbler, pair of Bullfinch, two Wren and a Kestrel over head.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 1:29 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Jon - When the Black tailed Godwits are not on Sharpa scrape they fly over to Horsey Island.
Posted April 15th, 2018 at 11:47 am by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
