Twenty-seven members of Devon Birds enjoyed a good day out organised by the Plymouth Branch. With such a large gathering it was decided to split into three separate groups. Each group started off in different directions, each one covering the same areas of Yarner Wood and Trendlebere Down at some point during the day. Although the weather forecast was for rain at times and a chill wind the rain held off except for a few brief showers.
Several Pied Flycatchers were observed throughout the Woods with all members having excellent views. Many were already paired up and were viewed bring nesting material to their boxes. Tree Pipits were seen near the reservoir displaying and collecting nesting material. For some, the first Swifts of the season passed high overhead, but more unexpectedly, for others, was a day-flying pair of Common Pipistrelle bats from the higher hide.
Photos, Song Thrush and Pied Flycatcher, by Dave Easter
The combined observations from all three groups are listed below:
Buzzard Willow Warbler Siskin
Moorhen Chiffchaff Yellowhammer
Woodpigeon Goldcrest Bullfinch
Swift Wren Greenfinch
Green Woodpecker Pied Flycatcher
Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit
Swallow Coal Tit Mammals
House Martin Blue Tit Pipistrelle Bat
Tree Pipit Long-tailed Tit Roe Deer
Dunnock Marsh Tit Grey Squirrel
Robin Nuthatch
Stonechat Carrion Crow Butterflies
Song Thrush Raven Small White
Mistle Thrush Starling Green-veined White
Blackbird Chaffinch Brimstone
Blackcap Linnet Holly Blue
Grasshopper Warbler Redpoll Peacock
John O’Connell-Davidson
