After several balmy days, the rather abrupt change to colder weather did
nothing to diminish the number of birds or the number of birders for our trip
to Aylesbeare Common. Twenty four members enjoyed seeing thirty five
species.
Our first bird was a rather incongruous Mallard which flew over the car park as
we set off. Once we’d negotiated our crossing of the A3052 there were brief
views of Dartford Warbler, several Linnet, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and a
singing Tree Pipit. There were also good views of a vocal Yellowhammer before
we descended to the series of ponds at the west of the reserve, which we saw
have been extensively dammed by beavers. We were impressed by the
number of tree trunks gnawed in to their characteristic sharpened-pencil
shapes. A Mallard and her 15 young were making good use of the beaver-
enhanced ponds.
A few Swallows drifted over us as we headed to the woodland at the north of
the common where we saw Redpoll foraging in the oak buds, Siskin and Great-
spotted and Green woodpeckers. On our return to the start we were closely
watched by several of the area’s ubiquitous Stonechats, clinging to the gorse
tops in the breeze, before a small group of House Martins flew over as we
arrived back at the car park.
Robin Pearson
