We are back in Lockdown, all sightings posts from observers should only be in their very local area (town, village or part of city). Any posts where the observer is obviously travelling distances to other sites will be deleted, Devon Birds will not edit these posts.
Posted January 6th at 10:52 am by Mike Langman in Bird News
During the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak the use of Devon Birds bird hides should be in line with Government guidelines to individuals on how to protect themselves.
Please follow NHS guidelines: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/
Thank you for your co-operation and stay safe.
Posted August 25th, 2020 at 9:58 am by Mike Daniels in Bird News
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Posted October 10th, 2016 at 9:14 am in Bird News
Thursday 21st March 2019
Up to 150 Sand Martins over Horsey Island early evening (18.30) at high tide. Probably all the Sand Martins in the area gathering in one flock just before going into roost. 2 Wheatear at the side of the Toll road on the telephone cables.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 9:06 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
Little of note around Exmouth today. Kittiwake and the Ring Necked Parakeet (first time I've seen the Exmouth bird). Some suggestions that it may be nesting proved to be true! Short video here - poor light and distant for my camera. https://youtu.be/00GsdHMq9wI

Kittiwake Ring-necked Parakeet
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 8:14 pm by Martin Rooney in Bird News
Black-tailed Godwit 24; Shelduck 33; Goosander 2 (1M,2F); Redshank 6; Wigeon 62; Little Egret 6; Greenshank 1.
A first Mediterranean Gull of the year on my patch. A second winter bird.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 7:13 pm by Maurice Clements in Bird News
At least 90 Sand Martins at pre-roost in the area this evening and at least four, possibly as many as six, Water Pipits.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 6:42 pm by Tim Jones in Bird News
South Huish: 3 Wheatears toward the back of the marsh today, 1 Black-tailed Godwit & approx 15 Teal.
Bigbury Island, 1-2 Willow Warblers, 7 Chiffchaff
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 5:14 pm by Mike Langman in Bird News
2 wheatears in the Quarry late this morning
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 4:50 pm by Jeff Hacon in Bird News
Bit of a shock when a Hawfinch landed on the bird feeder scattering the other finches. Stayed for 10 mins then returned 90 mins later! also female Blackcap & singing Chiffchaff.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 2:22 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
The first chance to visit my patch in a few days coincided with a heavily overcast morning with patchy clag and light drizzle, interspersed with some brighter dry interludes – perfect for producing a small fall of gounded migrants and some decent visible migration. Totals included: 2 Grey Herons (looming out of the mist and over the cliff tops), 4 Skylarks (very scarce at this site in spring), 7 Sand Martins (all whipping along to the W), 2 Chiffchaffs, 3 Stonechats, 6 Wheatears (a grounded group of 4m & 2f), 52 Meadow Pipits, 9 alba wagtails, 29 Goldfinches & 9 Linnets.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 1:14 pm by Tim Jones in Bird News
Male Wheatear half way down south side by benches mid morning. Also 2 Chiffchaffs singing.
Posted March 21st, 2019 at 10:35 am by Mark Bailey in Bird News
Wednesday 20th March 2019
And to add to Rob's observations: I ringed 10 Chiffchaffs in the reserve this morning, several with classic 'Rhino horns from nectar/pollen in flowers in a more exotic southern location. A few Sand Martins around the reserve late morning. Also ringed a male Grey Wagtail, a male Cetti's Warbler, and a female Brambling - carrying a good covering of fat.
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 8:50 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Evidence of several more migrants arriving in N.Devon today with 2 Wheatear at Baggy am & 2 more by the side of the R.Caen pm.
20 - 30 Sand Martins over Wrafton Pond late aft. + several more over R.Caen & Braunton Marshes.

Posted March 20th, 2019 at 5:48 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
Mid morning, the Marsh Harrier was sitting on the ground at the edge of the lagoon; 2 Egyptian Geese flew in & 3 Gadwall were present. The Snow Goose was in the first field adjacent to the Swan's Nest.
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 5:27 pm by Rupert Ormerod in Bird News
When at the Warren this morning I checked out issues relating to the (East Devon Branch) fieldtrip planned for Thursday 28 March. The footpath along the dunes remains closed indefinitely and getting to the hide could be risky at high tide so we will not attempt this and will concentrate on other areas and sea watch.
The two main car parks are no longer taking cash due to theft but take credit and debit cards...however the pay and display machine at the first car park (before the tunnel) does take cash so purchase your ticket there first. The fee is £2.20 (all-day) until the end of the month when the fee increases!
Not a lot of birds of note but pleased to see my first 2 Sand Martins and a Cirl Bunting in song.
Powderham produced a distant Wheatear on a horse jump (thanks to Audrey Wolstenholme and friends for finding this for me).
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 5:21 pm by Jonathan Ruscoe in Bird News
Saltram, on the duck pond the Red-crested pochard has returned and showing well


Red-crested Pochard
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 4:18 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
Generally quite quiet but: redhead Goosander, female Red-crested Pochard, 7 Mandarin Ducks, Little Grebe, 1 or 2 Green Woodpeckers heard, 2 Stock Doves and 5 Roe Deer.
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 3:49 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Single swallow flew in over the meadow this morning- didnt look like stopping anytime soon!!
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 3:22 pm by Tim Clyburn in Bird News
Great Crested Grebe pair on the Exe, also Peregrine on the church tower. Brimstone butterfly Wonford Road.
Grebe video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyICSpKnpAo



Great Crested Grebe Great Crested Grebe Peregrine
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 2:44 pm by Martin Rooney in Bird News
32 little egret in a field next to the Culm in Willand at lunch time.
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 2:17 pm by geoff campbell in Bird News
Tuesday 19 March. Outing to Instow - Bunting with nesting material (not shown), The same Bunting (Possible Reed Bunting) and a single Buzzard.
Eds - yes, Reed Bunting.

Reed Bunting Buzzard on Barn roof.
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 1:05 am by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Tuesday 19 March on Instow outing - Oyster catchers more than 2 but less than 500. In the mix were; Turnstones, Knot, Snipe 7 or 8, Wigeon and 2 female Teal, 2 Curlew, 1 Godwit (Far right of image1) see image 2, Grey Plover (Far left of image 1), and some Red Shank. Herons nesting.



Oyster catchers Godwit (croped from Oyster catcher image) Heron
Posted March 20th, 2019 at 12:50 am by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Tuesday 19th March 2019
1 Swallow cruising around in the late afternoon sunshine. My first of the year.
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 9:18 pm by Andy Smith in Bird News
Cetti's Warbler on the towpath and heard but not seen Sedge Warbler on back Railway path, Exminster Marshes.
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 6:44 pm by Martin Rooney in Bird News
trio of Harbour Seals today (plus one or two more in the water)

Harbour Seals
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 5:40 pm by Rupert Kirkwood in Other Wildlife
A calm sea today with only a few common and lesser black back gulls out over the water. The highlight of my watch was observing 11 common dolphins as they slowly made their way from North to South around Berry Head. The dolphins were too far out to get a good picture but showed well with binoculars.
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 5:36 pm by David Roper in Bird News
5 Chiffchaffs inc.two singing. Still a few migrant Song Thrushes trickling through. Also: 2 Bull finch, 3 Greenfinch, 6 Buzzards.
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 4:22 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
Near the cannons on the Hoe, a Male & Female type Black Redstart amongst the rocks.
At Captain Jaspers a Great Black-backed Gull (metal ring left leg white ring A4MW on right leg).
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 3:08 pm by Michael Spencer in Bird News
Dartford Warblers showing well today on Dartmoor

Dartford Warbler
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 3:08 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
Willow tit vigoursly calling at the feeders this morning. Pleasing to see all six tit species we get here (blue, coal, great, long tailed, marsh and willow) at the feeders recently - most species at the same time is five. First Chiffchaff of the year calling nearby this morning. Spring (very nearly)!
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 2:54 pm by Mark West in Bird News
No Hirundines over or near the reserve this morning. 3/4 Chiffchaffs chasing insects over the pond in the reserve. One Black-tailed Godwit out on the scrape.
Posted March 19th, 2019 at 2:20 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Monday 18th March 2019
On the sea: 2 Red-necked Grebes, 6 Great Crested Grebes - otherwise very quiet.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 9:48 pm by Mike Langman in Bird News
Nice views of a Woodcock and a vocal Green Woodpecker, late afternoon.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 8:48 pm by Andy Smith in Bird News
Late aft - 1 smart male Wheatear briefly on the top of the inner Great Bank by the Toll Road + 63 Black tailed Godwits foraging with a few in smart summer plumage..

Posted March 18th, 2019 at 6:57 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
Very quiet on the Northbrook today - council still working along the path. Kingfisher (pictured) just down from Salmon Pool. Another Kingfisher flew through the back pond at Matford Marshes, also there a Water Rail and Gadwall. No sign of any Cattle Egret behind the storage units today.

Kingfisher Kingfisher Gadwall
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 5:22 pm by Martin Rooney in Bird News
c20 Sand Martin this morning.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 2:30 pm by Rod Mudge in Bird News
First Wheatear, on edge of the airfield at East Soar and a migrant flock of 30 Meadow Pipits above Soar Mill Cove.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 1:56 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
Lots (maybe 20) of Sand Martins hawking insects over the reserve this morning, and with them a few (4/5?) Swallows. A few Chiffchaffs were also taking insects at lower level and two were singing. The two Grey Wagtails were back for more, and also of note were 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Gadwall, still 2 Swans. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was again drumming. Tawny Owl called, once! As did a Cetti's Warbler.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 1:32 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
A large Dragonfly yesterday afternoon whizzed past the car on Mannamead Road near the Hyde Park. Wouldn't mind betting it was a Vagrant Emperor from the very brief view that I got.
Posted March 18th, 2019 at 7:37 am by Rich Billington in Other Wildlife
Sunday 17th March 2019
Some signs of real movement for the first time in a couple of weeks, with 170 Meadow Pipits battling W into a still blustery headwind along the clifftops and just offshore at Rillage Point between 06.15 & 08.15. Other passerine migrants included small numbers of Linnets and alba wagtails. Both at Rillage and at Bull Point later in the morning, there was an almost continuous westbound passage of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, following the shoreline.
Posted March 17th, 2019 at 11:04 pm by Tim Jones in Bird News
Pink Footed Goose with Canada Geese from viaduct today.17th March.

Posted March 17th, 2019 at 7:54 pm by Adrian Davey in Bird News
3 Swallow + 1 Sand Martin above the pond.
Posted March 17th, 2019 at 6:52 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
This morning between the showers:-
7 Mandarin, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Bullfinch (f), 1 Marsh tit, 1 Ring necked Parakeet, 1 Great spotted Woodpecker (m) drumming, Magpies and Crows nest building.
Posted March 17th, 2019 at 2:46 pm by Alan Livsey in Bird News
11:30 - 12:30 low water.
31x Cormorant on the mid channel sand bank. 1x Greeshank in shallow water right close to the trail (this bird has been around this spot at low water for a month now). 14 Shelduck in Anchor wood field. The usual sprinkling of Curlew and Little egret. Strangely very few Redshank.
Very little on Penhill marsh just 4 Little Egret and 3 Shelduck.
Posted March 17th, 2019 at 2:23 pm by Roy Churchill in Bird News
Roadford this am:
at least 14 Brambling with Chaffinch flock on shore of Lake
2 Barnacle Geese

Barnacle Goose
Posted March 17th, 2019 at 9:42 am by Rupert Kirkwood in Bird News
Saturday 16th March 2019
Quick look mid-afternoon, Male Ring-necked Duck ( presumed Slapton bird ), male Scaup, 32 Tufted Ducks, male Pochard, Great Crested Grebe and a Sand Martin.
Posted March 16th, 2019 at 5:52 pm by Perry Sanders in Bird News
Nice views of a greenshank and a Great black backed gull with a flounder on the tidal road. At Slapton the odd gannet really close to shore and a raft of about 20 common scoter far out.

Gannet

Greenshank

Great Black-backed Gull
Posted March 16th, 2019 at 2:13 pm by Richie Moore in Bird News
Nice to see an otter this morning outside the Stokeley hide at Slapton. I had a felling it saw me as well

Otter
Posted March 16th, 2019 at 2:08 pm by Richie Moore in Other Wildlife
2 Sandwich Tern flew S this morning
Posted March 16th, 2019 at 10:22 am by David Cope in Bird News
Friday 15th March 2019
Two Red-necked Grebes at Elbury Cove, Torbay today, with 1 GND. One beginning to develop red neck.
Posted March 15th, 2019 at 5:23 pm by Steve Cox in Bird News
Wheater on rocks by the Turf. Red legged Partridge by Powderham Church.
Posted March 15th, 2019 at 11:36 am by Nick Workman in Bird News