Please do not post any information about scarce or rare breeding species. They may be vulnerable to persecution or disturbance.
The exception is information on these species at well known sites (e.g. Broadsands for Cirl Bunting and Aylesbeare for Dartford Warbler) or birds which are obvious migrants away from breeding sites.
If in any doubut, please don't post but report your sighting to the county recorder asap. Site editors cannot commit to editing posts which breach these guidelines, and the whole post may be removed or not admitted.
Further details can be found in the link below, but note, Wood Warbler is now also included as a scarce breeder:-
https://www.devonbirds.org/news/bird_news/rare_breeding_species
Posted April 15th at 3:02 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
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Posted October 10th, 2016 at 9:14 am in Bird News
Thursday 21st February 2019
4 Red Kite circling over Croyde for 15 mins this morning , were seen by Andy Cotton and a further 3 were seen on the Devon and Somerset border near Long Holcombe Cross, Exmoor, this afternoon.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 7:42 pm by Margaret- Phillips in Bird News
Eight Mandarin Ducks (5 drakes), 8 Goosanders (2 drakes), 3 Little Grebes, 4 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper, 3 Wigeon & Grey Wagtail.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 6:47 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
A rather lovely walk around in the sunshine enjoying the burgeoning flowers, saw both Red Admiral and Brimstone.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 4:31 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
This morning at the lake.
18 Tufted Duck, 1f Ring-necked Duck, 4 Marsh Tit, 2 Willow Tit (one showing Leucistic on the tail) 9 Wigeon, 4f Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Green Sandpiper.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 2:57 pm by Rod Mudge in Bird News
Early this morning 1f Hen Harrier
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 2:57 pm by Rod Mudge in Bird News
A single Dartford warbler showing well today, seemed to be enjoying the sunshine


Dartford Warbler
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 2:53 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
Roborough Down today saw a single Peregrine Falcon, managed to take a few shots, but gone in seconds


Peregrine Falcon
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 2:51 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
The 2 Red-necked Grebes were together in Elberry Cove for the first half of morning (initially separate but came together c. 08:30) but had drifted further away, when I returned for a second visit at midday.
3 Common Scoter (m) flew S c.09:20.
At least 3 Gt N Divers (1 in Broadsands Bay c.08:00; 2 near the mussel beds around same time; with 1 in Elberry Cove, later c. midday on my return).
At least 7 Cirl (3m, 4f); 5 Reed (1m, 4f) Buntings; 6 Yellowhammer (2m, 4f) seen down on the seed at any one time, late morning + several Greenfinches & Chaffinches.
Grey Seal at Broadsands briefly c. 11:45.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 1:54 pm in Bird News
I think a Pinkfoot Goose just south of the viaduct/bridge by the hide. But long range for my optics.
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 12:24 pm by Peter Howard in Bird News
Preston: 6 Black-necked Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Goodrington: 1 Black-necked Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Black-throated Diver.
Broadsands: 2 Red-necked Grebes, 1 Great Northern Diver
Posted February 21st, 2019 at 10:55 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
Wednesday 20th February 2019
Highlights from this afternoon's Stuart Line cruise: the ‘resident’ Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood as usual; 3 immature drake Eiders off Starcross; 5 Greenshanks, mostly off Powderham; about 20 Great Crested Grebes and maybe 30 Red-breasted Mergansers scattered up the estuary; over 200 Pintail again around the mouth of the Clyst; large numbers of waders around Turf-Topsham, especially Black-tailed Godwits (1000?), Lapwings (1000?), Golden Plover (500?), Dunlin and Avocets with smaller numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits, Knot and Grey Plover. 2 or 3 Grey Seals included one hauled out on a pontoon off Dawlish Warren.
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 9:59 pm by Dave Smallshire in Bird News
Today was one of those days when I should have stayed in bed. Got onto the Downs about 1030 and it started with 5 or 6 Meadow Pipits which were always 50 yds ahead of me. Then I met up with a Bullfinch (m) which stayed hidden from the camera in the thickest part of a tree. Then moved onto to the Green Woodpecker site near Clearbrook only to see it fly over and head into the moors. At three o'clock I gave up and caught the bus home.
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 7:44 pm by Michael Spencer in Bird News
A quick early morning visit to the hide was rewarded with a Great White Egret. It flew from the far left of the Marsh (hide side) over the railway line towards Darts Farm at around 7:30am. For further details visit dixiesbirding.blogspot.com
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 6:27 pm in Bird News
The female Red-crested Pochard is back; also Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 3 redhead Goosanders, Shag, 11 Mandarin Ducks (6 drakes), 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 Wigeon (1 drake), 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Green Woodpeckers (heard) & 6 Roe Deer.
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 5:57 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
At low tide yesterday no spoonbills seen, but we did see 1500 plus golden plover,. At fremington the glossy ibis was showing well with a spoonbill on the left hand side of the quay, (not ringed)
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 10:42 am by roger jewell & mikegibson in Bird News
The 2 Red-necked Grebes were back at Broadsands this morning one in Elberry Cove the other in Broadsands Bay. Also 15 Cirl Bunting 9 Reed Bunting and 6 Yellowhammer on seed in 2nd car park.
Posted February 20th, 2019 at 10:09 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
Tuesday 19th February 2019
Pair of Swans in the reserve at Velator this morning, and a Water Rail calling.
At the Skern this afternoon, Very high numbers of Common Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backs, 3 Knot, c150 Dunlin, 30/40 Redshank. at least 4 Mediterranean Gulls.
Stopped briefly at Fremington Pill on the way home where at least 34 Egrets in the roost of which at least 3 were Cattle Egrets, plus the Glossy Ibis.
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 7:38 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
The Glossy Ibis was busy foraging in the tidal channel at Fremington Pill this morning.
The 10 Cattle Egrets were on Penhill Marsh again.

Posted February 19th, 2019 at 6:38 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, witnessed two Male Dartford Warblers trying to attract a Female. Unfortunately couldn't get all three in focus.

Dartford Warbler
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 5:51 pm by simon Thurgood in Bird News
2f Scaup reported yesterday still present on the river at 4.30pm. 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Grey Plover
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 5:31 pm by Paul Bearman in Bird News
60 Fieldfare on the move over the garden with several Redwing.
Small Tortoiseshell in garden.
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 4:49 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
A very pleasant morning fieldtrip for 23 members of DB (East Devon Branch). We divided into two groups under our new policy to split the group where members exceed 15 and walked in opposite directions around the circular paths of the lower estuary led by myself and Tim Channon.
A combined total of 49 species was counted with equal numbers (but some different species) being seen by the two groups. The scrapes were generally lacking in bird species and numbers with a few Teal and a single Shoveler. Of interest were 3 Water Rail in ditches along the road, 4 Snipe in the field near Whitebridge and good views of a Firecrest 100 yards down the west path from the cottages. 2 Gt spotted Woodpecker were seen drumming and courtship behaviour was noted for Stock Dove, Robin, Blue Tit and 5 Shelduck. A Magpie was seen carrying nesting material.
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 4:40 pm by Jonathan Ruscoe in Bird News
Some belated picks from a visit to the "Emberiza Hide" at Broadsands, 12.2.19.

1 2 3

4 5 6
- Reed Bunting [f]
- Reed Bunting [m]
- Yellowhammer [m] (Cirl Bunting [m] in background)
- Cirl Bunting [f]
- & 6. Cirl Bunting [m]
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 4:15 pm in Bird News
13.15
Male Black Redstart showing well on roofs and balconies of Windward Court and Leeward Court, Shelly Beach.
Later, 70+ twittering and wheezing finches in trees around the car park at Ideford Common. Predominantly Siskins, but also Chaffinches, Goldfinches and a few Redpoll.
Lone Greenshank at Passage House.
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 1:51 pm by Paul Darlington in Bird News
2 Black-necked Grebes & 1 Slavonian Grebe (with one of the Black-necked). 8 Reed Bunting and 13 Cirl Buntings on seed in 2nd car park also 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Posted February 19th, 2019 at 10:05 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
Monday 18th February 2019
Highlights from today's Stuart Line cruise: Great Northern Diver off Exmouth seafront, Slavonian Grebe off Cockwood, 3 immature drake Eiders on Bull Hill, at least 22 Sanderlings scattered along the sandbank fringes and at least 6 Greenshanks, mostly off Powderham. Five Goldeneye (2 drakes) towards Lympstone, c12 Great Crested Grebes and c30 Red-breasted Mergansers scattered up the estuary; again 200+ Pintail, mostly around the mouth of the Clyst. Many waders again around Turf-Topsham, especially Black-tailed Godwits (1000+?), Lapwings (1500+), Golden Plover (700), Dunlin and Avocets, with smaller numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits and Knot (c50).
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 10:14 pm by Dave Smallshire in Bird News
Finally getting mobile enough to get back to the reserve today, 3 1/2 weeks after hip replacement. My son and daughter were in the reserve yesterday and reported a pair of Swans present on the pond - not seen any for 3 years. Today, a pair of Little Grebes (male trilling) and a smart pair of Mallard. A few Finches and Tits (including a Coal Tit) and a Treecreeper. Reed Bunting and a couple of Redwings flew over, and a Little Egret was with a few Teal out on the scrape. 2 Kingfishers in the river.
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 9:14 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Spotted Redshank again this evening.Also 19 med gulls,15 adults 6 of which were full bp,3 2w and 1 in fs plumage.3 knot 3 grey plover 1 barwit 148 wigeon 255 oystercatcher 3 curlew 100 dunlin 6 common gull 300 bhg 19 Redshank. 17:00-17:30.
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 8:34 pm by Robert Marshall in Bird News
A Lesser Whitethroat seen briefly three times in my garden (Mount Gould) today. Presumably the bird I saw nearby on 3rd Jan.
A brief look at Blaxton Meadow tonight produced 2 Snipe, 165 Redshanks, 6 Greenshanks, Common Sandpiper & 56 Curlews. Also around Plym Estuary: 10 Little Egrets, 5 Goosanders (1 drake), 11 Wigeon (5 drakes), 25+ Turnstones & Chiffchaff.
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 6:41 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Glossy Ibis at Fremington Pill and Cormorant on Ilfracombe Pier.


Glossy Ibis Cormorant Eds - This is a Shag
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 6:28 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Glossy Ibis at Fremington Pill today at low tide.

Glossy Ibis
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 6:21 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
2 Black-necked Grebes in Broadsands bay this morning (I didn't check if the Red-necked Grebes were over at Elberry Cove today).
Berry Head: yesterdays fw Glaucous Gull from Broadsands was lingering on the sea with Herring Gulls lunch time today - straight out from the top of the headland.
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 5:02 pm by Mike Langman in Bird News
Firecrest in scrub just below Lower Soar.
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 4:21 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
2 f Greater Scaup / 3 SpoonbillJune
Posted February 18th, 2019 at 1:34 pm by Gordon Westley in Bird News
Sunday 17th February 2019
Glossy Ibis dropped on to far 'island' around 4pm, similar reports from Saturday 16th. Also female Ruff, 10+ Snipe and a few more Avocets than of late, owing to lower water levels
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 10:39 pm by Tim Smith in Bird News
A max this winter of 296 Dunlins (all on Blaxton Meadow) and my first Mediterranean Gulls of the year here - 2 adults and a 2nd winter. Also: 6 Goosanders (2 drakes), 11 Wigeon (5 drakes), 2 Common Sandpipers, 18 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 6 Greenshanks, Stock Dove, Sparrowhawk & 3 Roe Deer.
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 6:32 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
The Leucistic plumaged Rock Pipit is still present around the Putsborough Sands Café & Shop looking in good condition feeding on scraps left by customers. For a short time it was joined by another Rock Pipit but there was a size difference between the two!

Posted February 17th, 2019 at 6:19 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
Spotted Redshank with a group of 11 Redshank on the Skern over high tide at 4.15. A flock of c400 Black-headed Gulls we’re tidying up before going to roost, with 8 Mediterranean Gulls and 30 Common Gulls
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 5:24 pm by Roger Doble in Bird News
On today's Stuart Line cruise, the ‘resident’ Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood and 3 immature drake Eiders were on or near Bull Hill. Several Goldeneye (1 drake) were seen distantly towards Lympstone and 4 Greenshanks around Powderham. Around 20 Great Crested Grebes and maybe 30 Red-breasted Mergansers were scattered up the estuary, with some 200 Pintail around the mouth of the Clyst. The mudbanks around Turf-Topsham had spectacular numbers of waders, with large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits (1000?), Lapwings (1300+) and Golden Plover (700), with smaller numbers of Avocets, Bar-tailed Godwits (100?) and Knot (50?), plus a large flock of Brent Geese. Gulls included 10+ Lesser Black-backed and 380 Common Gulls. A female Goldeneye passed us as we returned towards Turf.
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 4:55 pm by Dave Smallshire in Bird News
Some pics from the Torbay Boat Trip

Red-necked Grebe Purple Sandpiper
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 3:49 pm by simon Thurgood in Bird News
On the sea off of Marine parade, Paignton, a Great Northern Diver and a fly past from an Eider duck that then landed on the sea off of Paignton Green. Around the rocks Oyster Catcher and Turnstone.
Broadsands ~ Cirl Buntings showing well in the back car park, along with female Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock and a growing number of House Sparrow.



Posted February 17th, 2019 at 3:47 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Last boat trip this winter from Brixham around Torbay was in dull and wet conditions. South Westerly winds which kept us well into the Bay. 10 Grey Seals in Brixham Harbour, the sea was too rough to go around Berry Head. A list of birds seen from the trip. 8 Mute Swans Brixham Harbour, 3 Purple Sandpiper, 12+ Turnstone, 35+ Fulmar, Common Gull, Kittiwake, 2 Heron, 1 Little Egret, Gannets, Great Black-backed Gulls, Cormorants, Shag and 3 Peregrine on our journey.
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 2:47 pm by Nigel Smallbones in Bird News
1 Woodcock, Hembury Woods, early am.
Posted February 17th, 2019 at 12:38 pm by Andy Smith in Bird News
Approx 11.45hrs this morning a first winter Glaucous gull off of Broadsands, flew off towards Brixham. It was a bit distant so only record images.




Posted February 17th, 2019 at 12:30 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Saturday 16th February 2019
Rock pipit seen on Croyde beach.

Rock pipit
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 11:50 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Thank you so much for the publicity you recently gave to the TBNS meeting when the speaker was Dominic Couzens ! We had a very successful time with over 100 in the Hall. I really am most grateful , Thank you so much .
The Devon Birds Blog is terrific , both informative and educational !
Roger Brooks
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 8:26 pm by Roger Brooks in Bird News
Glossy Ibis feeding well near the top of the tidal reach today at about 15:50 in Fremington Pill.

Glossy Ibis
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 7:47 pm by Phil and Sue Naylor in Bird News
10-12 Cirl Buntings in field to west of Prawle Pt on ground near troughs.
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 7:42 pm by R Mogridge in Bird News
At an undisclosed location yesterday we were excited to observe at least two Dartford warblers. The images are taken at a range of about 75 to 100 metres using the 83x zoom of a Nikon Coolpix P900 meaning there was absolutely no disturbance. We watched for about 15 minutes. They were a delight to watch! Guidance WAS sought from Devon Birds about posting the images and the go ahead was given provided no location was disclosed.


Dartford Warbler against blue sky Dartford Warbler on gorse
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 7:40 pm by Phil and Sue Naylor in Bird News
Seen today on rising tide at about 15:30 at the Fremington Pill outfall was this Scaup Tufted hybrid keeping company with five Widgeon. Just down from the pill outfall were two pairs of Goosander.


Two male and two female Goosander Scaup Tufted duck hybrid
Eds: Phil this looks to be a female (Greater) Scaup - certainly doesn't appear to be a hybrid.
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 7:28 pm by Phil and Sue Naylor in Bird News
The two Red-necked Grebes were again over toward Elberry Cove this afternoon also 1 Great Northern Diver. 4 Mediterranean Gulls (3 ads & 1 sw) in the evening Gull roost also 148 Common Gulls and 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 6:39 pm by Mike Langman in Bird News
Incredibly, a Swallow flew up our valley and perched in the top of a tree, this morning. The earliest I have ever experienced.
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 12:25 pm by Chris Dee in Bird News
Male Scaup on Beesands Ley, Ring-necked Duck still on Slapton Ley at Torcross this morning.
Posted February 16th, 2019 at 10:36 am by Perry Sanders in Bird News
Friday 15th February 2019
Glorious sunshine for today’s Blaxton event where volunteers & a National Trust Ranger showed 67 visitors birds on the Meadow including Kingfisher, 2 Stock Doves & a Common Sandpiper. The usual Curlew and Oystercatcher flocks were present, but the bulk of waders (including over 200 Dunlins) did not leave the wall on the far side of the estuary. Thanks to everyone involved. Earlier, also 7 Goosanders (1 drake) on the estuary.
Posted February 15th, 2019 at 5:53 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Beautiful spring like day here, a singing Songthrush, a Buzzard displaying over the marsh, this Grey Wagtail was having a good wash and saw this one of 14 Snipes flying around the marsh. There were also 3 singing Cetti's Warblers and 6 Chiffchaffs around the marsh.

Posted February 15th, 2019 at 4:58 pm by Paul Albrechtsen in Bird News
Dartford Warbler

Dartford Warbler
Posted February 15th, 2019 at 4:37 pm by Colin Scott in Bird News
6 Willow Tits at three different locations around the lake.
Posted February 15th, 2019 at 3:48 pm by Rod Mudge in Bird News
The male Black Redstart Still showing well on the East side of the Chapels, nothing much else around, except the usual small birds, and a Goldcrest showing fairly well



Black Redstart Goldcrest
Posted February 15th, 2019 at 3:20 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
A lot of Brent Geese activity, lots and lots overflying. Also a Red Kite over 11:30ish.
Posted February 15th, 2019 at 2:22 pm by Simon Bates in Bird News