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 7th April 2022
On arriving at the pond just before 18:00 I heard the rattle of a Garganey in the reed bed. It then appeared swimming out into the pond.
Above the pond were at least a dozen or more Swallows with a few Sand Martins & above these were 2 House Martins.
Posted April 7th at 7:23 pm by Rob Jutsum in Bird News
A female sparrowhawk collided with s kitchen window at 17.20 today and stayed still long enough to take a mobile image.
Posted April 7th at 5:34 pm by Stan Coats in Bird News
Red Kite over Bishops Tawton at 10.30am today. A Chiffchaff singing for the second day running at my field at the back of Codden Hill this afternoon.
Posted April 7th at 3:31 pm by Robert Morgan in Bird News
The intrepid birders braving the blustery conditions on the 5th East Devon Field Trip for the year, this morning, had to work hard to pick out the gems on offer in the swinging trees and howling winds.
For our troubles, we managed 2 Treecreepers, Linnets, singing Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Coal Tits and Goldcrests, passing Buzzards and then finally, just before the lure of a Bacon Butty had us heading for the car park, 3 showy Siskins posed for us near the Obelisk.

Chiffchaff

Siskin
Posted April 7th at 3:26 pm by John Reeves in Bird News
1st Winter present from Cockwood steps at 2.25pm for 5 mins before flying to Bull Hill
Posted April 7th at 3:08 pm by paul barker in Bird News
In addition to a lot of Swallows and Sand Martins hawking in the lee of the reserve this morning (including a few inside over the pond), I saw a brood of about 10 Mallard ducklings. She mast have started to lay those eggs at the end of February. Sadly I went in search for a photo, but couldn't find them!
Posted April 7th at 1:44 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
Wednesday 6th April 2022
This afternoon I spent a few hours at Exminster Marsh waiting for the Spotted Crake to appear, finally between 18.00-1900 hours it appeared. Got good views and a few snaps in poor light. While waiting a male Pintail came into view.

Spotted Crake

Pintail
Posted April 6th at 11:33 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
10 Sandwich Terns in Torbay this evening viewed from Marine Parade
Posted April 6th at 7:49 pm by Mark Bailey in Bird News
Saw first swallow today 4pm mid devon swooping amongst cattle.
Posted April 6th at 6:47 pm by MARTIN CHATFIELD in Bird News
A sprinkle of spring arrivals setting up home on the Common at Torrington. 2 Blackcaps and a single chiffchaff singing. Also a green and a great spotted woodpecker and a song thrush singing as dusk fell. Lots of great tits calling
Posted April 6th at 3:05 pm by Aubrey McKenzie in Bird News
Osprey circling high over Exe estuary towards Lympstone at 0945hrs.
Posted April 6th at 10:03 am by Terry Smith in Bird News
Exminster Marsh yesterday evening ~ Spotted Crake showing almost constantly occasionally chased around by a Water Rail, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, five Sand Martin over one of the scrapes later joined by a flock of 100’s that then moved on, two Swallow the first I have seen this season.
A Spoonbill flew in and showed well, feeding very actively after preening, in one image taken can be seen to be swallowing a stickleback.

Spotted Crake

Spoonbill
Posted April 6th at 7:43 am by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Tuesday 5th April 2022
Crownhill Down first thing: Sand Martin over west, 27 Fieldfare and 4 Redwing at base. Wheatear, 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap.
Furzeacre Wood, Hemerdon, at lunch: Singing Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap.
Posted April 5th at 7:35 pm by Chris E in Bird News
Wheatears 3, Stonechats, Skylarks, M. Pipits, Mallards, Pied Wagtails, Ravens 2, C. Crows, Magpies, a solitary Jay, a Sparrowhawk ,Linnets, Goldfinches, Pied Wagtails.

Wheatear

Skylark
Posted April 5th at 7:19 pm by Bob Barrow in Bird News
Spotted crake still present in the same spot around midday. Came out of grass for a few minutes with good views.
ring neck duck still present at blackhill quarry.
Posted April 5th at 5:49 pm by Dave scott in Bird News
4 Swallows near the point this afternoon then they headed inland
Posted April 5th at 5:42 pm by mike pound in Bird News
A walk from the top end of Fremington Pill & back on the falling tide this morning revealed an "old friend", Redshank with yellow colour ring and orange leg tag with HAE thereon. We had previously seen and reported this bird twice, firstly in 2017, then again in November 2019! Seems it likes Fremington Pill. Also of note was a Ruff with 6 other Redshank and about 30 Black Tailed Godwit of which at least three were moulting into breeding colours.

Redshank HAE back in the Pill again

Distant Black Tailed Godwit in breeding plumage
Posted April 5th at 3:42 pm by Phil and Sue Naylor in Bird News
New in, a Black-tailed Godwit in smart summer plumage. Also, Willow Warbler, a pair of Grey Wagtails, female Stonechat, Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpipers, 8 Greenshanks & 4 Roe Deer.

Black-tailed Godwit
Posted April 5th at 2:14 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Walked from Fremington to Instow. Highlights included:
Fremington Pill: Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed godwits and a Ruff
Saltpill Duckpond: Male garganey and 5 Glossy Ibis
Isley Marsh: 5 knot in amongst the oystercatcher roost and a very odd teal. Possibly the same individual seen at Hayle yesterday by one of my friends. Possible hybrid? Garganey X teal?
Posted April 5th at 11:30 am by Benjamin Rousseau in Bird News
Black-tailed godwit 40, greenshank 1, spotted redshank1 showing darkened plumage. L. egret, 2
Posted April 5th at 7:31 am by Arthur Symons in Bird News
Monday 4th April 2022
Yellowhammers, Tits and Chaffinches around the feeders at the car park at Dartmeet.

Yellowhammer
Posted April 4th at 9:13 pm by Geoff Mitchell in Bird News
Good numbers of Sand Martins and Swallows over the pond this morning. First Willow Warbler I've heard in the reserve this year (briefly) Tawny Owl called, 106 (or so!) Black-tailed Godwits on the scrape. Late afternoon visit revealed a huge increase in Swallows and Sand Martins over the pond Lovely to see.
Posted April 4th at 9:12 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
My first Willow Warbler of the year; also, Bullfinch, a pair of Stonechats, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, Comma & 5 Roe Deer.
Posted April 4th at 6:09 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
5 swallows over fields on edge of village. Blackcaps now singing in every thicket.
Posted April 4th at 5:34 pm by Graham Burton in Bird News
Disturbed a hoopoe on the wooded coast path just before Overbecks as I was heading back towards Salcombe. Unmistakeable! Flew into woods quickly so unable to get a photo sorry
Posted April 4th at 5:27 pm by Tony Fullbrook in Bird News
seven swallows over Colyford sewage treatment works feeding on clouds of midge
Posted April 4th at 4:35 pm by Robin Pearson in Bird News
The crake didn't show in the hour we were waiting for it. The Spoonbill showed well near the middle car park. Marsh Harrier, Bar and 2 Black-tailed Godwits, Willow Warbler, 2 Egyptian Geese, Water Rail and a RB Merganser off Turf. Plus the usuals.

Spoonbill
Posted April 4th at 4:06 pm by Chris E in Bird News
The spotted crake was showing well intermittently in the usual place, by the last pool before the canalside car par. Also glimpses of a water rail. the imm spoonbill and a red kite circling overhead for some minutes.
Posted April 4th at 8:54 am by Robert Morgan in Bird News
Sunday 3rd April 2022
On the Tarka path from Instow to Yelland were two Stonechats (1m & 1f) in the field adjacent to the old Power Station were a few Linnets and Skylarks.

Stonechat

Skylark
Posted April 3rd at 10:05 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
1st winter drake Velvet Scoter on sea at Coryton cove at 4.45pm.
It drifted south with 2 Common Scoter
Posted April 3rd at 9:43 pm by Paul Barker in Bird News
The Spotted Crake performed well this evening, with a nice back-up cast of imm. Spoonbill, Short-eared Owl, 2 Marsh Harriers, Peregrine, Water Rail and 15 Sand Martins.

Spotted Crake

Short-eared Owl
Posted April 3rd at 8:26 pm by Dave Smallshire in Bird News
Red kite seen near pool, around 1645 this evening.
Posted April 3rd at 7:07 pm by Neil Barlow in Bird News
19 Golden Plover seen at the top of the Down early this morning, 3 Wheatears, Numerous Linnets, 3 Goldfinches, 2 Greenfinches, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Green Woodpeckers, Stonechats, Mixed Fieldfares and Redwings down near the bridlepath..

Golden Plover

Linnet
Posted April 3rd at 3:19 pm by Bob Barrow in Bird News
Ringing this morning to see if much new from the South has appeared. 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Blackcaps, 4 Willow Warblers was the answer. Also 2 Cetti's Warblers ringed. Then went for a walk down the River Caen as far as the runway light gantry. Female Peregrine chasing a fortunate Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Garganey, the White Reed Bunting. but down by the pill box, all the Gulls and Shelduck were in a tizz about something, and careful scrutiny revealed a North-bound OSPREY which flew on over Braunton.
Posted April 3rd at 2:32 pm by Jon Turner in Bird News
This morning at the Lake,
2 Garganey 1m 1f, 2 Willow Tits, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Grey Heron.
Posted April 3rd at 11:14 am by Rod Mudge in Bird News
Saturday 2nd April 2022
On the Tarka path this afternoon between Fremington and Yelland were two Goldcrests, two Blackcaps, a Willow Warbler, two Long-tailed Tits, four Glossy Ibis and a few Robins,Blackbirds and Little Egrets.

Goldcrest

Long-tailed Tit
Posted April 2nd at 10:31 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Lots of bird activity along the northern and western side of the Down in the mixed heath, bracken and scattered trees. Lost count of the number of male yellowhammer calling; upward of 12, plus small flocks of linnet and meadow pipit.
Posted April 2nd at 10:26 pm by Fiona Freshney in Bird News
Spotted crake still present until 4,45 just back along the road from the fisherman's car park and a Spoonbill opposite the middle car park
Posted April 2nd at 8:53 pm by Jeff hacon in Bird News
Afternoon visit to Hopes Nose, Torquay, brief view of a very smart male Wheatear, two pairs of Stonechat, five singing male Greenfinch, two Chiffchaff, good day for raptors including a Kestrel that showed well.
Oyster Catcher and Fulmar, Rock Pipit, Wren, Goldfinch and a pair of Ravens that showed well, frequently displaying.

Raven

Raven
Posted April 2nd at 8:44 pm by Steve Hopper in Bird News
Male Wheatear on western slopes, with two Hares in same area.
Posted April 2nd at 5:23 pm by roger smaldon in Bird News
This morning, around the valley in front of the reservoir was 5 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Yaffling Green woodpeckers, 2 Grey wagtail by the quarry. A singing male Blackap, Greenfinch, and singing Willow Warbler were at the bottom end of the car park. 3 Buzzards overhead and a buck Roe deer on the grassy slopes.
Posted April 2nd at 5:10 pm by Alan Livsey in Bird News
In addition to Pete's sightings - 32 Golden Plover first thing on the down before flying north. Reed Bunting, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Redwing and 2 Fieldfare.
Posted April 2nd at 4:11 pm by Chris E in Bird News
When looking for the drake Pintail amongst the Teal were amazed to find a herd of 54 Fallow Deer, bucks, does & yearlings. This is the largest group we've ever come across there. Wheatear on Crownhill Down and several singing Chiffchaff along the edge of the Down.
Posted April 2nd at 4:07 pm by Chris & Janet Marcol in Bird News
On the Down, 4 Wheatears (3m), Green Woodpecker & 4 Fallow Deer. On Portworthy, a drake Pintail & 26 Teal.
Posted April 2nd at 2:47 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Wheatear in abundance at Prawle Point. Also a gannet fly-by and a purple sandpiper on the rocks. A single swallow over East Prawle. 2 Sandwich Turns through Salcombe harbour
Posted April 2nd at 1:49 pm by Ollie Fournier in Bird News
Yellowhammer (m) in the corner of the barley field by the path through to the back of Pynes Hill, at the top of the hill.
Posted April 2nd at 1:23 pm by Helen Whitall in Bird News
Today while walking along the Tarka path from Barnstaple to Fremington I spotted three Cattle Egrets on the Barnstaple end of Penhill Marsh and a Red Kite circling low over a field on the inland side of the path. Photographed with my phone.

Red Kite
Posted April 2nd at 1:09 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Late for yesterday.
1f Goosander, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Tufted Duck (3m 1f), 2 Great Black-backed Gulls.
Posted April 2nd at 8:38 am by Rod Mudge in Bird News
Make black redstart spotted yesterday (Friday 1st April) in someone’s drive close to the car park in Hope Cove. Fulmar also seen flying across the bay.
Posted April 2nd at 7:42 am by Ollie Fournier in Bird News
Friday 1st April 2022
Today while driving along the A377 towards my home in Barnstaple I was crossing New Bridge and noticed a group of birds in a field off in the distance. This Greylag Goose was there with a group of Swans and Canada Geese.

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose
Posted April 1st at 9:22 pm by Martin Bennett in Bird News
Exminster Marsh this pm. Imm Spoonbill, 2 1st wint Marsh Harriers, Peregrine, Water Rail where Spotted Crake was/is, 185 Teal, 84 Wigeon, 37 Shoveler, 6 Pintail, 2 singing Blackcap & single singing Chiffchaff
Posted April 1st at 6:27 pm by Steve Cox in Bird News
The male Ring-Necked Duck was reported from the quarry lake again this morning, and I saw it this afternoon. Best not to visit pm, as the bird was straight into the sun, and, for good measure, under the water more than on it in today's choppy conditions!
Posted April 1st at 5:43 pm by Colin Randall in Bird News
4 ( 2 pairs) of Egyptian Geese with flock of 52 Canada Geese on banks of River Avon, Aveton Gifford approx 600m above Venn Weir this am. Also seen Male Reed Bunting and Green Sandpiper.

One pair of 2 - Egyptian Geese - River Avon, Aveton Gifford
Posted April 1st at 5:29 pm by Dave Pakes in Bird News
Challacombe Farm at 10.20am today. one female redstart. By Carol Bartlett and Jenny Stidwill.
Posted April 1st at 4:00 pm by Carol Bartlett in Bird News
3 Sandwich Terns we’re actively diving for fish this afternoon off Teignmouth seafront, viewed from the Coastguard Station.
Posted April 1st at 3:57 pm by Nick D'Agorne in Bird News
A falling tide visit today produced little on the estuary but elesewhere: Wheatear (female), Treecreeper, Stonechat (male), Speckled Wood & 4 Roe Deer.
A 2nd cal yr Lesser Black-backed Gull (B1HA5) seen on Blaxton Meadow 19/3/22 was ringed on Alderney 16/7/21 & seen at Lodmoor 14/8/21.
Posted April 1st at 3:48 pm by Pete Aley in Bird News
Thought people might be interested in information on the Sea Eagle seen here on 22nd March. It was a female (G801) fledged in 2021, which as of yesterday (31st) was recorded around Arne, Dorset.
Given other records posted here and on other local news sites there were three different WTEs in county within a week of each other!
S
Posted April 1st at 2:33 pm by Steve in Bird News
11 bramblings in garden feeding on sunflower hearts. 6 lesser redpolls shortly afterwards, also 12+ siskins; goldfinches; chaffinches; single greenfinch.
Posted April 1st at 12:39 pm by Andrew Taylor in Bird News
5 Cattle Egret on marsh by farm shop.
Posted April 1st at 11:48 am by Rob Macklin in Bird News
Reed Bunting showing well.
Posted April 1st at 8:27 am by Geoff Mitchell in Bird News
For your interest. With reference to the Sea Eagle sightings in Devon posted on 27.3.22. I have now heard from the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation advising me that this bird is identified as female G466 released on the isle of Wight in 2020. For details go to: https://www.roydennis.org/category/sea-eagle/isle-of-wight-sea-eagles/
Posted April 1st at 8:14 am by Jonathan Ruscoe in Bird News