Sixteen members of Devon Birds enjoyed a good day out organised by the Plymouth Branch. Despite a chilly start it soon warmed up and everyone enjoyed a sunny, if breezy, day out.
A small flock of Cirl Bunting greeted everyone at the start of the walk, darting across the path ahead of us.
Large numbers of Swallows (in excess of 500) together with House Martins and Sand Martins were swirling above the cliffs, taking a last look at Devon before heading off to warmer climes.
Several fields had large numbers of horse mushrooms and parasols growing in them. One of the members was an enthusiastic mushroom expert who regaled everyone with stories of the many mushrooms we saw, before collecting a few for his dinner. We hope to see him again at a later meeting.
A Wheatear was seen by all members as it posed for us on the top of a stone wall, while some group members were fortunate enough to see an Adder in one of the hedgebanks. All enjoyed the sunshine.
After a lunch break by the pond, we had excellent views of a female Pied Flycatcher which could not resist showing off in the way only flycatchers can, together with a Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and a male Bullfinch.
We had good sightings of several butterfly species to brighten up the day- Red Admiral, Peacock, Clouded Yellow, Comma, Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Common Blue and Small Copper.
A few Buzzard and 3 Kestrel put in an appearance, with one buzzard being mobbed by several Carrion Crows.
On our way back we stopped off at the Walker’s Hut (where tea, coffee and cakes were enjoyed).
Report by Kevin & Jacki Solman
A total of 34 species of bird were seen:
Skylark, Buzzard, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackbird, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Stonechat, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Wren, Cirl Bunting, Pied Flycatcher, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Herring Gull, Gannet.
