After a male cirl bunting was seen in Exmouth during the snow (see entry for 22nd December) , a pair are now present near the coast between Ladram Bay and Brandy Head, east of Budleigh Salterton. On checking out a "report" of a female cirl bunting, two birds was a great surprise.
This is very exciting news, particularly as birds rarely like to cross the Exe and tend not to travel more than 2Km between breeding and wintering sites. Presumably, these birds were forced to move further than usual due to the prolonged snow cover. It is well worth keeping an eye out for other birds "out of range" - If so, please do contact the RSPB Exeter Office 01392 432691.
Let's hope they stick around and help expand the already vulnerable range.
