Twenty one members of the Plymouth Branch paid a visit to Venford Reservoir and walked the paths through the temperate rain forest which border the sides of the valley above Venford Brook to look for newly arrived spring migrants. We were pleased to introduce some new members to this special area of Dartmoor with the promise of a fine dry forecast after a cool start.
Swallows and House Martins hawked for insects over the dam wall and buildings below.
On the far side of the reservoir there were distant views of a Moorhen and a Little Grebe. Those who could stand on tip toe to look over the wall were rewarded with views of a Grey Wagtail in a channel by the South West Water buildings.
On the heathland the song of a Yellowhammer was heard advertising a ‘little bit of bread and no cheese’ and located at the top of a Hawthorn tree. The call of several Cuckoo echoed from both sides of the valley over the course of the day. A Tree Pipit chose a more sheltered tree, from which to take off to do a parachute display, singing all the while.
The tree canopy had started to emerge and a knowledge of birdsong was needed to identify calls and songs. The inevitable debate over identification occurred when Blackcap or Garden Warbler sang from the middle of a bush however, Willow Warbler song was simple enough to work out. Views of another striking migrant, Redstart, were limited but their song gave away their presence in the woodland, with them seen perched on the top most twigs.
For some the bird of the day was a Red Kite seen heading into a moderate breeze. For others it was the excellent views of a pair of Pied Flycatcher taking caterpillars from a tree.
Finally, and with much determination and searching, a pair of Crossbill displayed their acrobatics feeding off Scotts Pine and where else? ….by the car park.
Report by Liz Harris
45 Species seen or heard (H):
Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Pheasant (H), Moorhen, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker (H), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Garden Warbler (H), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest (H), Pied Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven (H), Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll (H), Crossbill, Yellowhammer
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Speckled Wood, Pearl-bordered Fritillary
