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
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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
Saturday 21st March 2020
Ring Ouzel! Overlooking the Teign Valley in Devon (some 200 metres above sea level).
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 5:41 pm by Ashley in Bird News
Pair of Goosanders and a Dipper
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 5:07 pm by Roger White in Bird News
At about 1400 one Avocet on Blaxton Meadow pool. On estate 5 Little Egrets with cattle (no Cattle Egrets seen). Blackcap singing. One Ring Necked Parakeet. On estuary Goosander 3 (I male) and Greenshank. Female Red Crested Pochard on Saltram House pond.
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 3:38 pm by Roger Smaldon in Bird News
1 female Long-tailed Duck still, 25 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Crossbill, 8 Siskin
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 12:44 pm by Rick Lockwood in Bird News
Photos from this morning



Cattle Egret Ruff Spotted Redshank
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 12:32 pm by David paterson in Bird News
3 Cattle Egrets in the roost, 2 Ruffs & 1 Spotted Redshank in the pill .1 Red Kite being mobbed over Home Farm Marsh.
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 9:50 am by David paterson in Bird News
Green-winged Teal still showing in left water channel with pair of Gadwall viewed from seating area. Also seen were female Marsh Harrier hunting to the south of the marsh, 2 Green Sandpipers, ad/male Ruff with several Sand Martins heading north tracking along the electric pylons during the morning.
At Exminster marsh middle car park gateway 100+ Sand Martins seen feeding around the pools mid-afternoon and 3 Wheatear (m & 2-f) north of the marsh from end of track leading away from car park.



Green-winged Teal Marsh Harrier Wheatear
Posted March 21st, 2020 at 8:13 am by David Boult in Bird News
Friday 20th March 2020
Wheatear - 12 noon GR SS 44851 31302

Posted March 20th, 2020 at 10:17 pm by JOHN WARD in Bird News
Sand Martins over the scrape again this morning, plus an influx of Chiffs: at least 7 seen in the reserve, one of which despite the cold wind, did actually sing. Not too much else of note, but reminds me I saw flock of 15 Black-tailed Godwits over the adjacent Sherpa Marsh yesterday.
Posted March 20th, 2020 at 2:02 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Walked the Glazebrook onto Dartmoor this morning, cold with a strong wind, initially very little bird life on the actual moor but some birds to be seen on the adjoining farmland, nineteen species seen in total, 2 Nuthatch, male Blackcap, Green and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Wren, 7 Skylark, 55 Meadow Pipit, 3 Buzzard, 4 Raven, 15 Carrion Crow and a single Stock Dove.
Posted March 20th, 2020 at 1:17 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
07:38 - 09:23
Highlights were a single female Marsh Harrier, a single male Green-winged Teal, a Snow Goose, 6 Sand Martin and Cirl Bunting.
Please excuse the dodgy iPhone-through-scope snap.

Green-winged Teal
Posted March 20th, 2020 at 12:19 pm by Paul Bray in Bird News
An early visit to keep my social distance therefore the tide was out. 8 Cattle Egrets flew up the Estuary towards Saltram house. They were followed shortly after be a male Peregrine who came in low over the mud and continued over Sainsbury’s. Not much on the Estuary to catch his attention. The only other birds of note were Kingfisher, 10 Redwing, 3 Common Sandpiper & 2 Siskins.
Posted March 20th, 2020 at 10:06 am by Martin Phillips in Bird News
Thursday 19th March 2020
Quiet in the reserve still only a single Chiffchaff. Singing Green and Chaffinch livened things up a bit, as did the Sand Martins out over the scrape.
Back home while digging in my garden Green Woodpecker calling, GSW drumming and the delightful melody of my first singing Blackbird this year. Gave me the inspiration to get on with the job!
Posted March 19th, 2020 at 5:41 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
On a dull,damp day like today there were still plenty of birds to see and hear while walking the dog. A Song Thrush high-up in a tree, Blackbirds all around, House Sparrows cheeping, Magpies, crows and Wood pigeon, collared Dove, Blue tits, a Robin and even a pair of Green finches.



Song Thrush Blackbird Robin
Posted March 19th, 2020 at 4:28 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
8 singing Chiffchaffs plus Green Woodpecker.
Posted March 19th, 2020 at 4:17 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
Three Sand Martins feeding on flood channel south of Trewsweir today 3:34pm.
Posted March 19th, 2020 at 4:13 pm by Mike Booth in Bird News
Single Wheatear flying in off the sea at Orcombe Point early this morning.
Posted March 19th, 2020 at 1:13 pm by Martin Overy in Bird News
Wednesday 18th March 2020
Today, a two-hour scan in the company of others produced many Sand Martins, and singles of Green-Winged Teal, Scaup, Green Sandpiper, Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk with several Reed Buntings on the bird table, and a pair of Stonechats on the walk from the Swan's Nest..
Yesterday, the lane from Ide to Longdown started with a Dipper on the Alphinbrook, and finished, North of the trig. point, with flocks of Redwing (20+, perhaps the last of the Winter), Linnet (25+), Siskin (10+), Crossbill (5+), (with two additional isolated singing males), and Stock Dove (35+). Have not seen a flock of the latter locally before; are they, like Wood Pigeon, a partial migrant, so were these returning from further S. or W.? Along the way, lots of song, especially from Yellowhammer, Mistle Thrush, and, above all, Larks, mostly exultant, but some mournful.
Posted March 18th, 2020 at 9:54 pm by James Camden in Bird News
2 singing chiffchaff this morning
Posted March 18th, 2020 at 8:57 pm by Art Symons in Bird News
Single male yellowhammer with the chaffinches and siskins at the feeding station.
Posted March 18th, 2020 at 6:48 pm by JacquieB in Bird News
Lots (well 20+) of Sand Martins over the scrape and later a few over the reserve, Not much change in the reserve, although the water level has again gone down a bit more. Chiffchaff, Water Rail, Cetti's Warblers calling, And the male Little Grebe's call has finally worked - he has attracted a mate! He also had a go at a passing Mallard this morning.
Posted March 18th, 2020 at 2:17 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Tuesday 17th March 2020
Popped out yesterday afternoon, first to Fremington Pill though very few birds around. Got a quick shot of an Egret in flight. I then went down to Wrafton pond. There was very little there to report just a few Coots, Moorhens, Snipe, Mallard (M&F), a couple of Little grebes and two male Pochard. A singing Chiffchaff made the trip worthwhile.



Little Egret Male Pochard Coot
Posted March 17th, 2020 at 6:05 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Sandwich Tern flew past the beach heading toward Exmouth this morning
Posted March 17th, 2020 at 5:06 pm by Peter Leigh in Bird News
3 Pale-Bellied Brent Geese flew in off the sea this afternoon to feed on the rocks at the south end of the beach.

Posted March 17th, 2020 at 5:03 pm by Steven O'Donoghue in Bird News
Surf Scoter & Velvet Scoter around the bouys but distant.
Posted March 17th, 2020 at 2:51 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
Plenty of bird activity at Baggy yesterday morning with several species focused on chasing one another around including Meadow & Rock Pipits parachuting down from the sky!
A male Sparrowhawk flew past in a flash panicking most of the birds including the gulls. A single Swallow flying fast & low over the gorse but only seen once just for a few seconds.
A few Peacock butterflies on the wing & one Small Tortoisehell which we were delighted to see due to the rapid declines in this species during the last few years.

Posted March 17th, 2020 at 9:59 am by Rob Jutsum in Other Wildlife
10 Cattle Egrets feeding in amongst the cattle! Also with a couple of Little Egrets.
Posted March 17th, 2020 at 8:45 am by Martin Phillips in Bird News
Monday 16th March 2020
4Wheatears ms and f.Ring -n duck .Slapton ,Ireland bay ,Gt White Egret, which we found at 2.30 pm.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 8:22 pm by Vic & Sylvia Tucker in Bird News
2 Red Kites slowly circling and moving east over West Sandford late this afternoon. Influx of ChiffChaffs this morning at least 4 singing in the hamlet this morning.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 7:01 pm by steve Colombe in Bird News
Wheatear flew in off the sea around midday.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 6:50 pm by JacquieB in Bird News
A Red Kite hunting around the approach road to Fernworthy 4.15pm. The Long Tailed Duck is still present.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 5:52 pm by Ian Muir in Bird News
Much as yesterday, except no sign of the Water Pipit, I noticed Roger and Dave from Bideford over on the Tarka Trail, presumably hoping to see it.
Only one Chiffchaff a Water Rail and a Little Grebe of note in the reserve.
The flood is slowly receding.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 5:38 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Velvet Scoter and Surf Scoter around buoys offshore at 13.40 today.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 5:10 pm by Robert Morgan in Bird News
3 male Wheatears on the lowest seaward slopes of Bolt Head and Chiffchaff on the cliff top.
Non-avian: 7 Peacocks.
Slapton Ley: Great White Egret in Ireland Bay, Black Swan and singing Chiffchaff.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 4:59 pm by Rob Macklin in Bird News
9 members of DB attended the East Devon Branch fieldtrip this morning. 8 Cirl Buntings (3 males) were present in the second car park with a Chiffchaff in the hedgerow. The main challenge came from the search for 2 Firecrest reported and which were eventually found in ivy covered trees opposite Sycamore Close together with a Goldcrest, 3 Bullfinch and a singing Blackcap. Overhead were 2 Buzzard and a Raven. Out in the bay 2 Great Northern Diver were present with a Common Scoter near the mussel beds. A grey seal was close in to the shore.
PLEASE NOTE. In view of the 'virus crisis' members will be asked to keep 2 meters distance from each other, not to share scopes and drivers will decide whether they wish to car share or not. We will continue with our Branch Fieldtrip Programme until the crisis determines otherwise and members will be informed of any future changes as they occur. Thank you.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 3:55 pm by Jonathan Ruscoe in Bird News
Nothing much to report around this lake, the Kingfishers showing well but not for Pictures, the only interest were two Wrens having a right old fight

Posted March 16th, 2020 at 3:04 pm by Greg Bradbury in Bird News
2 distant scoters just right of the buoys. 1 common and the surf. No sign of either the velvet scoter or the long tailed duck
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 2:30 pm by Jeff Hacon in Bird News
4 Cattle Egrets feeding amongst a flock of sheep , adjacent to Isley Marsh.
Also Spotted Redshank still on Fremington Pill.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 2:21 pm by Malcolm Shakespeare in Bird News
At least two Wheatear on site. First of year here I think.
Also Warren Crocus in flower, making for a very spring-like Monday
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 2:11 pm by Steve Ayres in Bird News
East Charleton 1km square - 3, possibly 4 male Chiffchaffs now holding territory, the 1st singing male Blackcap on possible territory this morning. The full 1km has yet to be searched, only the most productive breeding area has been visited so far.
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 11:38 am by Barrie Whitehall in Bird News
Glorious morning, alive with singing. First Chiffchaff of the year and a Greenfinch (not often seen here). Male Yellowhammer and Marsh Tit under/at the feeders. At least six soaring buzzards including a very light individual and two engaged in aerial talon grabbing. Three ravens and 2 Mistle thrushes flying. Great stuff!
Posted March 16th, 2020 at 10:48 am by Mark West in Bird News
Sunday 15th March 2020
Sunday morning. Just the usual suspects on the pond.



Little Grebe Male Pochard Snipe
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 11:53 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Today off the Pier a Juv Glaucous gull was being mobbed by the Herring Gulls, a snow white gull, I saw it on Friday as well. Returning Lesser Black Backed Gulls are up to about ten inc this paler individual, all the rest are much darker. Capstone to the Pier had 3 pairs of Purple Sandpipers and this afternoon over Cairn no less than 9 Buzzards. Recently Juv Iceland Gull still and a 2nd CY Great Black Backed Gull with a green darvic leg ring possibly ringed on Bardsey.


Purple Sandpipers Lesser Black-backed Gull
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 10:49 pm by Martin Thorne in Bird News
Between the estuary and Sprey point at least three Great Northern Divers. Off Sprey point sixty Common Scoter.
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 10:32 pm by Pete Stevens in Bird News
A brief visit this afternoon between the showers 14 Sand Marrtins and 1 Swallow actively feeding over the main lagoon. Also singing chiffchaff and a male Wheatear.
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 8:43 pm by Ray Hamilton in Bird News
After four months of weekend drive outs, finally I got to see a short eared owl, along with many other observers. The odd buzzard, flocks of golden plover along with starling, a heron on a moorland pond along with a couple of teal. There were small herds of red deer among the tall reedy grass.


Seo Red deer
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 8:41 pm by Philip worth in Bird News
Rain finally stopped after lunch so went down to check if the flood had subsided. Not much! A Snipe flew into the flooded area - they usually fly out when they see me approaching! A Water Rail was also in the flooded area. Little Grebes were in (and outside) the reserve. A loafing flock of Gulls included a few LBB Gulls, and a Mediterranean Gull. Best was a Water Pipit between the reserve and the scrape. (photo attached)

Water Pipit
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 8:08 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
3 Sand Martin feeding over the pond at 08:00 this morning. 2 Water Rail (possibly 3) and a Cettis Warbler also present.
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 7:11 pm by Ken Ebsworthy in Bird News
14.30-16.30
A Firecrest showed well in scrub below the main entrance gate. 6 GNDs including three very close in Hope Cove. 3 Blackcaps and GSW calling from dense cover. Pairs of Bullfinch, Greenfinch and Stonechat. Multiple Robins. Rock Pipit. 2 Fulmars, 2 Common Gulls, Gannets, Shags, 5+ Oycs, 20+ Guillemots and 2 Gannets. 3 Harbour Porpoise and 1 Grey Seal. Primroses starting to look good!
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 5:42 pm by Paul Darlington in Bird News
Sandwich Tern off Torcross this afternoon.
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 5:40 pm by Perry Sanders in Bird News
Adult Ross's Gull on Blaxton Meadow, Saltram, Plym Estuary this morning

Ross's Gull Blaxton Meadow
Posted March 15th, 2020 at 11:31 am by John Walters in Bird News