Saturday, 10 March 2012
Seaton
1st-winter Caspian Gull still present on the Axe this afternoon, and at least one Iceland Gull was around earlier too.
Exminster Marsh
The drake American Wigeon still south of the lane viewed from the middle car parking area with 100-150 Wigeon in 5 seperate flocks, though typically it was in the furthest flock and the Water Pipit still showing well in the wet field there, just north of the lane. Nearby, a Green Sandpiper on Matford Pool.
Wembury
2 Slav Grebe off the point and a singing ChiffChaff (migrant?) were the best of it this morning.
Bowling green marsh
Spotted redshank from hide from 06:25 also 110+ bar tailed godwits, 10 avocets, 20+ Dunlin, 400+ black tailed godwits, 6 gadwall, 10 tufted duck, 3 pintail, peregrine, 1 cetti,s, 100+ wigeon
Friday, 9 March 2012
Garden Bird
The attached photo was sent to me by a gentleman who was surprised to see a Cirl Bunting coming to his bird feeder for the last week or so. This is the second person to report a Cirl Bunting in their garden recently although the other bird was feeding on the ground beneath the feeders.
Yarner Woods and Stover - yesterday 8/3
Yarner Woods - good numbers of birds on the feeders including Marsh Tits and Siskins, but no sign of Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers.
Stover Country Park - still a female Goosander.
[from Tony Brooking]
Stover Country Park - still a female Goosander.
[from Tony Brooking]
Wrafton Pond, Taw/Torridge
One Bittern flying NE from Sharpa Marshes & landing in the reed beds that fringe Wrafton Pond at 07.50 this morning.
(Rob Jutsum)
(Rob Jutsum)
Riverside valley country park
6 green sandpipers , 2 snipe,7 wigeon, 20+ meadow pipits on second pool on riverside path from bridge
Slapton Ley
08:10-14:00
Lots of birdsong but a chilly wind made it feel less springlike. Tufted Ducks fairly numerous, counted 102. Elsewhere just 5 Pochard, 7 Gadwall and a couple of male Goldeneye. A lone female Ruddy Duck was at Torcross. A fairly good grebe day with 29 Great Cresteds on the ley ( several displaying pairs ) and a furthur 11 in Start Bay. Also 3 Little Grebes, including one singing, and single Black-necked Grebe near Torcross and unusually a Red-necked Grebe in Ireland Bay. 2 Great Northern Divers offshore and also Black-throated Diver off the central car park but it was mobile and headed off south.
Lots of gulls offshore including good numbers of Common Gull and at least a couple hundred Lesser Black-backed seen - none of the many adults appeared dark enough to suggest intermedius birds. At least 2 Mediterranean Gulls offshore including one full summer adult.
Lots of birdsong but a chilly wind made it feel less springlike. Tufted Ducks fairly numerous, counted 102. Elsewhere just 5 Pochard, 7 Gadwall and a couple of male Goldeneye. A lone female Ruddy Duck was at Torcross. A fairly good grebe day with 29 Great Cresteds on the ley ( several displaying pairs ) and a furthur 11 in Start Bay. Also 3 Little Grebes, including one singing, and single Black-necked Grebe near Torcross and unusually a Red-necked Grebe in Ireland Bay. 2 Great Northern Divers offshore and also Black-throated Diver off the central car park but it was mobile and headed off south.
Lots of gulls offshore including good numbers of Common Gull and at least a couple hundred Lesser Black-backed seen - none of the many adults appeared dark enough to suggest intermedius birds. At least 2 Mediterranean Gulls offshore including one full summer adult.
Exe estuary near Topsham
About 10.00 this morning there was a flock of c20 black-headed gulls feeding close to the Exminster side of the estuary opposite the Goat Walk. One of the birds had noticeable pale under-wings apart from a distinct black edge to the outer wing. It looked smaller than the b-h gulls and was in winter plumage (no hood). I suspected that it was a Bonaparte's gull but almost immediately all the gulls vanished from view. They may have landed on the water or mud. As I was viewing from the canal bank on the Exminster marshes I was unable to locate them again. Someone else might have more luck.
Seaton
Two Iceland Gulls on the Axe estuary this morning (1st and 2nd-winters) plus the 1st-winter Caspian Gull at the south end of Seaton Marshes.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Exminster Marshes etc
Flock of 20+ linnet near RSPB carpark followed by a
Green Woodpecker in an Oak tree near by
with a Peregrine Falcon showing well on the pylon overlooking
the Marsh. Plenty of Canada geese, lapwing, Curlew with Skylark singing high
at the lower end of Exminster Marsh. 75+ Brents in fields
between Powderham Folly and Estuary with Meadow Pipit feeding
near the ditches.
On the Estuary side at low water, 5 pair of Red Breasted
Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron
all fishing and viewed from Turf Lock area with several Shelduck, 12
Grey Plover, Dunlin, and 5 Redshank, feeding close
by.
Along the Canal, reed bunting, chaffinch, and Bluetits were busy in the
hedgerows. While viewing across Exminster Marsh from the canal side 12+
Pintail 16+ Shoveler 100+ Teal and Widgeon were seen at a distance through the
scope.
On the way back to the Carpark the American Widgeon was
showing well on the pond nearest the road with 2 Greylag Geese
and a lonely Barnicle Goose amongst the Canada geese proving it
pays to view every bird in the flock you may well have a nice surprise.
Finally leaving the RSPB Carpark a Sparrow Hawk watching
from the top of a fir tree near the Swans nest making 48 species seen during the
day.
A great early Spring day.
[Derek Carter]
R.Taw - Pottington to Heanton Court.
09:30 - 11.00
Just back from 2 weeks in Spain. Followed Devon Bird News while there and was a bit dissapointed in the lack of postings from N.Devon? There were plenty of Sand Martins, Swallows and Chiff Chaffs on their way north during February.
A slow bike ride today along the Tarka Trail produced 223 Dark_bellied Brent and 1 Black Brant still off Penhill Marsh.
2 Goldcrests and 2 Bullfinch in bushes alongside the Tarka Trail.
3 Redhead Goosanders; 4 Turnstone; c 35 Sanderling and c30 Wigeon at Ashford Strand.
Just back from 2 weeks in Spain. Followed Devon Bird News while there and was a bit dissapointed in the lack of postings from N.Devon? There were plenty of Sand Martins, Swallows and Chiff Chaffs on their way north during February.
A slow bike ride today along the Tarka Trail produced 223 Dark_bellied Brent and 1 Black Brant still off Penhill Marsh.
2 Goldcrests and 2 Bullfinch in bushes alongside the Tarka Trail.
3 Redhead Goosanders; 4 Turnstone; c 35 Sanderling and c30 Wigeon at Ashford Strand.
Operation Wilderness
The latest RSPB Press Release is very relevant to Devon birders! More details can be found on Josh Marshall's blog here.
OPERATION WILDERNESS TAKES OFF
RSPB welcomes Police operation to tackle bird-crime in
Devon
The RSPB has welcomed a
major operation by Devon and Cornwall Police to tackle wild bird crime in Devon.
Spearheaded by county Police Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Marshall Operation
Wilderness will use covert camera’s to collect evidence on the illegal
disturbance of some of the county’s rarest and most vulnerable
birds.
The Operation is a
response to last year’s shocking series of crimes against birds of prey in the
county. In separate incidents four goshawks, a buzzard and a peregrine were all
found poisoned.
Tony Whitehead of RSPB
South West said; “Crimes against wild birds continues to be a problem in Devon
and Cornwall. In a survey recently the area was identified as the fifth worst in
England. We remain particularly concerned about the spate of bird of prey
poisonings last year and persistent threat from a small but obsessive community
of egg collectors. There is also growing concern about a small number of
reckless and irresponsible wildlife photographers who disturb sensitive
species.”
The cameras were kindly
donated by The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society. The intention is to
place them at pre-identified locations within Devon at the nest sites of
previously targeted species and of species that are considered vulnerable to
persecution or disturbance. Volunteers have been identified who will locate the
difficult to find nest sites and place the camera in situ. All of these persons
will be acting under the necessary license. The camera will be left in place for
the duration of the nesting attempt. The cameras will not be able to stop an
attempt on the nest or birds. However, it will hopefully be able to provide
sufficient evidence to assist with a prosecution.
Tony Whitehead added;
“This is a great initiative by the police and we hope that the knowledge that
key species are being watched in the places they nest will deter the people that
carry out these crimes. And make no mistake, killing or disturbing threatened
species is a crime. If convicted such crimes will result in either a fine and,
or, a prison sentence.”
“We also hope it will
remind people to remain vigilant themselves and report to the police anything
they think suspicious.”
If anyone has information
regarding bird crime they can call the Police on 101 and then the RSPB on 0845
466 3636. All information is handled in the strictest confidence.
Thurlestone Bay
First GREAT CRESTED GREBE of the year in the Bay this morning , also 12 WIGEON on the sea with 2 RAZORBILL. 3 SHELDUCK flew west
On Thurlestone Marsh - 12 WIGEON , 10 TEAL, 1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and a single WATER PIPIT
This afternoon the BLACK REDSTART by the flats whilst on the rocks / beach were 7 SANDERLING and 5 TURNSTONE
On Thurlestone Marsh - 12 WIGEON , 10 TEAL, 1 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT and a single WATER PIPIT
This afternoon the BLACK REDSTART by the flats whilst on the rocks / beach were 7 SANDERLING and 5 TURNSTONE
Riverside country park
6 green sandpipers on 2nd pool on left side of river path from bridge showing well 15:30
Caspian Gull - Axe
This rather small (only a smidging larger than argenteus Herring Gulls, so presumaby a female?) first-winter Caspian Gull was by the tram sheds on the Axe Estuary from midday today.
Despite the size, everything else seems to fit Caspian Gull rather well....
Despite the size, everything else seems to fit Caspian Gull rather well....
Exminster marshes
The number of wintering waterfowl is rapidly declining with only about 200 wigeon and small numbers of teal, pintail, shoveller, pochard, tufted duck, gadwall and mallard left. The only geese I saw were 2 black-bellied brents (at Turf), 2 greylags and a 100 or so Canada geese. 14 lapwings were displaying going between Powderham marshes and the main marsh. The drake American wigeon was with the wigeon near the canal-side car park.
At Turf there was one chiffchaff in the scrub on the sea wall. Elsewhere 4 singing Cettis warblers and 3 singing reed buntings. Several small groups (c20 birds) of linnets at various places might be from the larger flocks previously at Powderham. I failed to see a female peregrine make a kill directly above my head. I only became aware when feathers began to fall. It took the prey onto the ground but I was unable to identify it. Later a second peregrine began to noisily mob the first as it ate.
At Turf there was one chiffchaff in the scrub on the sea wall. Elsewhere 4 singing Cettis warblers and 3 singing reed buntings. Several small groups (c20 birds) of linnets at various places might be from the larger flocks previously at Powderham. I failed to see a female peregrine make a kill directly above my head. I only became aware when feathers began to fall. It took the prey onto the ground but I was unable to identify it. Later a second peregrine began to noisily mob the first as it ate.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Bowling green marsh
After matford marsh popped over to bowling green marsh and watched from the hide from 16:00 till 17:15
6 gadwall, 200+ wigeon, 40+ shoveler, 6+ pintail, 10+ tufted duck, 1 avocet, 20+ Dunlin, 3 little grebes, a male peregrine made 2 attacks but failed but gave great views and caused panic amongst the other birds on the marsh also 8 lesser black backed gulls flying north.
6 gadwall, 200+ wigeon, 40+ shoveler, 6+ pintail, 10+ tufted duck, 1 avocet, 20+ Dunlin, 3 little grebes, a male peregrine made 2 attacks but failed but gave great views and caused panic amongst the other birds on the marsh also 8 lesser black backed gulls flying north.
Matford marsh
14:10 till 14:40
1 green sandpiper, 35+ shoveler, 40+ snipe, 3 tufted duck, 6 common gull, 1 water rail,80+ wigeon
1 green sandpiper, 35+ shoveler, 40+ snipe, 3 tufted duck, 6 common gull, 1 water rail,80+ wigeon
More dark phase Fulmars
A few flight shots of two different dark phase Fulmars seen approx. 20nm S of Start Point yesterday. I think these dark birds look really smart - the last shot show comparison with a 'normal' light phase bird and a Lesser black-back Gull.
Kennick Reservoir
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Bellever
There were at least 3 Crossbills in the Bellever Forest car park on Dartmoor at
4pm [Sue Murphy]
Near Powderham
Spotted Redshank was still showing near Powderham today, viewed from step by
railway. Also 5 Greenshank, 3 Bar-tailed Godwit, female Red-breasted Merganser
and good numbers of Redshank, Turnstone and Curlew.
[Dave Aitken]
[Dave Aitken]
English Channel off Start Point
The best sighting today was 3 Manx Shearwaters about 10 miles off Start. Otherwise around the fishing boat some 20+nm out were 2 dark phase Fulmars in with c40 light phase, 5+ Bonxies and c200 Lesser black-backs (almost certainly migrants) being the most numerous gull.
Matford marsh
Still good numbers of snipe with 45+ on the marsh also 80+ wigeon, 6 common gulls, 3 buzzards
Thurlestone Bay
A very pleasant calm morning found more birds on the sea than for some weeks .
The first SLAVONIAN GREBE of the winter together with a RED THROATED DIVER, 2 COMMON SCOTER, 3 GUILLEMOT, 20 RAZORBILL.
On the beach this afternoon waders were 7 SANDERLING, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE.
On the rocks by the flats a female BLACK REDSTART ( ringed on rt leg )
A LAPWING on South Huish Marsh was a new arrival,.
No change to birds on Thurlestone Marsh until 17.15 when there were 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT
The first SLAVONIAN GREBE of the winter together with a RED THROATED DIVER, 2 COMMON SCOTER, 3 GUILLEMOT, 20 RAZORBILL.
On the beach this afternoon waders were 7 SANDERLING, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE.
On the rocks by the flats a female BLACK REDSTART ( ringed on rt leg )
A LAPWING on South Huish Marsh was a new arrival,.
No change to birds on Thurlestone Marsh until 17.15 when there were 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT
Aveton Gifford & Avon Valley
At low tide:
2 greenshank; 5 redshank; 3 common sandpiper.
Also 2 Egyptian geese, peregrine & kingfisher.
2 greenshank; 5 redshank; 3 common sandpiper.
Also 2 Egyptian geese, peregrine & kingfisher.
Riverside country park
3 green sandpipers still showing well from the path on river side on second scrape on left from car park by bridge also 11+ meadow pipit
Monday, 5 March 2012
Exminster Marshes, this morning
5 barnacle geese in field on south side of station road, and american wigeon with flock of wigeon close to lane between middle and bottom car parks.
Bowling green marsh
Watched from the hide from 13:20 till 16:50
A quiet afternoon on the marsh 59 Bar tailed godwit, 250+ black tailed godwit, 7 gadwall, 10+ tufted duck, 40+ shoveler, 11+ pintail, 40+ Dunlin, 1 little egret, 2 little grebe, 180+ wigeon.
A quiet afternoon on the marsh 59 Bar tailed godwit, 250+ black tailed godwit, 7 gadwall, 10+ tufted duck, 40+ shoveler, 11+ pintail, 40+ Dunlin, 1 little egret, 2 little grebe, 180+ wigeon.
Exminster Marshes
An early Wheatear opposite the Lions nest industrial estate was a nice
surprise this morning at 11.30 [Kevin Bainbridge]
Newton Abbot
A male and female Goosander flew over Newton Abbot town centre following the River Lemon at 1.45pm
Exminster marshes
A cold north-west wind so few birds singing or displaying. Noticeably fewer ducks and geese than before my holiday. There were 6 barnacle geese, although one kept to itself and may have been the individual that wintered on the marsh, one bar-headed goose and 3 greylags. The American wigeon was with c60 wigeon and good number of shoveller (c40), a few teal, 10 pintail and 12 tufted ducks. A female adult peregrine was sitting on the ground amidst the Canada geese.
On the canal bank I saw a chiffchaff - the first for me at this location since the new year. That was a nice surprise. Then it called and I realised it was a tristis. It showed well, providing all the correct plumage for a Siberian chiffchaff and and continued to call. It was about 100m north of the Turf.
On the canal bank I saw a chiffchaff - the first for me at this location since the new year. That was a nice surprise. Then it called and I realised it was a tristis. It showed well, providing all the correct plumage for a Siberian chiffchaff and and continued to call. It was about 100m north of the Turf.
Riverside Country Park
Three Green Sandpipers early afternoon on the third pool along from the main road.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Beesands
Spent a couple of hours looking for the first winter Glaucous Gull this morning but with no luck. Had a patient look at the bay, also reasonable numbers of large gulls arriving and departing the ley but no Glauc. The only rarity seen were a couple of Redshanks which flew in and landed on the top island, can't remember seeing Redshank here before.
Budleigh / Otter Estuary - Dodgy Ducks & Gorging Gulls!
Pretty quiet over the weekend, though hundreds of gulls were gorging on Starfish on Saturday, but no sign of any White-winged gulls unfortunately.
Today the Teal x Wigeon hybrid (click on image for a better look at this interesting bird) showed well in with the 170+ Wigeon flock on the estuary and a drake Red-breasted Merganser was also present. Not much else to report!
Today the Teal x Wigeon hybrid (click on image for a better look at this interesting bird) showed well in with the 170+ Wigeon flock on the estuary and a drake Red-breasted Merganser was also present. Not much else to report!
Thurlestone Marsh
Heavy overnight rain produced some good flooded meadows , changes in ducks - Wigeon reduced to 19 but Teal increased to over 50, 2 Gadwall and a male Shoveler. 2 Water Pipit were new arrivals.
Plym Estuary & Saltram
A second-winter Medierranean Gull was the only thing out of the ordinary. Otherwise: Snipe 12, Shelduck 43, Wigeon (pair), and Little Egret 9 (11 yesterday).
Exmouth
Seafront - 0700 - winter plum sandwich tern this morning. Also 4 eider, 1 mediterranean gull, c50+ brent goose and c10+ turnstone.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Ringmoor Down, Dartmoor
Just a few of the 500+ Golden Plover seen around Ringmoor Down today.
(Bob Barrow)
Bowling Green Marsh
Two pair of Red-breasted Mergansers were in good view off the platform yesterday early afternoon.Sorry for the lateness.
Seaton Marshes
A Stone-curlew was found on Seaton Marshes this afternoon. Technically it was on Sheep Marsh, the field immediately south of the flooded field. View from path to hide (or from the hide) looking south. Also a female Pintail on the lagoon.
Exe estuary & Exminster Marshes
The Spotted Redshank is currently on the Exe estuary just North of the outlet of
the River Kenn.
Just to add to the earlier Exminster Marsh entries, the Water Pipit was on the first pool East of the Lions Rest industrial estate this morning.
[Sue Murphy]
Just to add to the earlier Exminster Marsh entries, the Water Pipit was on the first pool East of the Lions Rest industrial estate this morning.
[Sue Murphy]
N Devon
Six med gulls in field between bideford new bridge and roundabout from the old bideford to barnstaple road.Comprising 5 ads+fw.Seen at 3pm along with 500+ black headed.
Exmouth
Mudbank - 1415 - first spring migrant pale-bellied brent geese (6) this afternoon - presumed family party 2ad and 4 fw. Flew towards the Warren at 1435. Also 153+ shelduck.
Orcombe Point - 25+ fieldfare.Late news for 24/2 - the drake teal x wigeon hybrid again on the Otter with wigeon. This is the same bird that was initially off Mudbank Dec 2010 and then on the Otter early 2011.
Exminster Marshes
Watched from 08:00 till 12:30, a quieter day around the marsh but still great views of the Barnacle geese initially they were on the left of station road opposite the rspb car park entrance, they later moved to the right hand side and were between the road and the lagoon still present when i left.
The drake American wigeon was viewable from the S bends/ middle car park between the road and the lagoon was elusive at times but with fewer wigeon on the marsh becoming easier to see.
No sign of the spoonbill or water pipit this morning, but a couple of peregrines, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 kestrels and 5 buzzards, 4 cetti's warbler heard and seen this morning , and 7+ reed buntings.
The drake American wigeon was viewable from the S bends/ middle car park between the road and the lagoon was elusive at times but with fewer wigeon on the marsh becoming easier to see.
No sign of the spoonbill or water pipit this morning, but a couple of peregrines, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 kestrels and 5 buzzards, 4 cetti's warbler heard and seen this morning , and 7+ reed buntings.
Exminster marsh
Barnacle geese were present yesterday but couldn't find them today. No sign of the spoonbill this morning.
Friday, 2 March 2012
Upottery Airfield, Smeatharpe
Great Grey Shrike showing well this morning between 9.15 and 9.40 and giving the meadow pipits a hard time. The latter had increased in number since last week with at least 30 or more present. 3 stonechats and a scattering of fieldfare and redwings plus plenty of skylarks in song.
Isley marsh circular walk info
This is just a reminder that the area between the Yelland jetty an the Instow oil jetty is closed for 6-8 weeks because of environmental work shoring up the bank. I got caught out using the short-cut down the old pipeline lane as there was no notice warning you but the access to the beach is blocked off.
I did manage some Turnstone shots on the rocky area near by though.
I did manage some Turnstone shots on the rocky area near by though.
Exminster update
Further to my earlier post having seen the spoonbill and barnacle geese and a peregrine, walked up station road and the water pipit was in field to left on s bends. Then just as started to head back at 16:50 I picked up the female Hen Harrier flying in over the marsh it came in from near the lagoon out of the mist flew between the s bends and the cannal path then headed towards the reed beds by the motorway bridge but lost it in the mist.
A very good afternoon on the marsh
A very good afternoon on the marsh
Exmouth
West Lodge - 1600 - thought the milder weather may have tempted the yellow-browed warbler to move on but it's still there. Showing well for ten minutes this afternoon in bare trees close to the cycle path in the Holm Oak copse - a change in habits and much easier to see out of the Holm Oaks!
Exminster marsh
Spoonbill along railway path near turf also 5 barnacle geese still showing well along station road near rspb car park
Mid-channel in the fog - yesterday 1/3
Whilst the birds around the boat were limited to Kittwakes, Fulmars and Great
Blacks it was great to see two waves of around half a dozen Meadow Pipits pass
us chirping noisily as they went North – I presume to maintain contact in the
fog which was down to 30yd visibility in places out there. Not long now
methinks.
[Tim Clyburn]
[Tim Clyburn]
Roadford and Burdson Moor - Wed 29/2
A bit of late news from Will Salmon...
Roadford Lake: 5 Scaup still present mid-afternoon, in NE arm viewable from bridge.
Bursdon Moor: 3 Hen Harriers (2 males & a ringtail) and a Merlin late afternoon/evening.
Roadford Lake: 5 Scaup still present mid-afternoon, in NE arm viewable from bridge.
Bursdon Moor: 3 Hen Harriers (2 males & a ringtail) and a Merlin late afternoon/evening.
Teign Estuary
From Lower Netherton area at nearly high tide birds of interest: 68 Common Gulls, 3 Lesser Black-backed (all graellsii), 1 Lapwing and 2 Greenshank.
Saltern Cove, Torbay
Popped down to the cove to look for the Black Redstart which was exactly where I had been told it would be - on the sea defence Boulders at the south end of the beach (probably easiest to walk down through the Waterside Caravan Holiday park to get to it) it's a really smart male. Also there was a Little Egret and just off-shore 1 Black-necked Grebe.
Broadsands: 1 fw Med Gull on rocks with Black-headed Gulls.
Broadsands: 1 fw Med Gull on rocks with Black-headed Gulls.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Exminster marsh
Another good afternoon on the marsh from 15:35 till 17:30.
The 5 barnacle geese were between the lions rest industrial estate and the rspb car park on right hand side of station road and whilst watching them a kingfisher flew past. The water pipit is still in field between s-bends and main car park.
A peregrine had a dive at the wigeon but failed, suprise of the afternoon was a Jack snipe flushed with 7 snipe from field behind the swans nest pub by a sparrowhawk a good way to end the afternoon.
The 5 barnacle geese were between the lions rest industrial estate and the rspb car park on right hand side of station road and whilst watching them a kingfisher flew past. The water pipit is still in field between s-bends and main car park.
A peregrine had a dive at the wigeon but failed, suprise of the afternoon was a Jack snipe flushed with 7 snipe from field behind the swans nest pub by a sparrowhawk a good way to end the afternoon.
Great Grey Shrike Dartmoor
Great Grey Shrike seen on 26th Feb and again today at Lydford Forest at SX491845.
Park at forest car park and follow main track down into forest for about 15 minutes until you reach piles of logs at the start of a wide open area that has been clear felled on either side of the track. The shrike was present hunting from thin scattered trees in the left cleared area, which has been recently fenced with deer netting.
[Peter Chapman/Charlie Elder]
Park at forest car park and follow main track down into forest for about 15 minutes until you reach piles of logs at the start of a wide open area that has been clear felled on either side of the track. The shrike was present hunting from thin scattered trees in the left cleared area, which has been recently fenced with deer netting.
[Peter Chapman/Charlie Elder]
Slapton yesterday (29 February)
At Torcross was the hybrid drake Red-crested Pochard x Tufted. 
An adult Med Gull came 
in to bathe.
in to bathe.
At about 5pm a Bewick's Swan flew in from the north over Slapton Bridge with a Mute. Shortly after they settled near the bridge. The bill colour was slightly duller than an adult and the neck grey, so an immature and perhaps the bird that's been at Aveton Gifford recently? There were several Cetti's singing near the bridge and a Chiffchaff put in abrief appearance.
On the sea there was a single Great Northern Diver, at least 10 Great Crested Grebes, including a pair displaying (more were on the Ley) and a Grey Seal.
Earlier there were also 10 Great Crested Grebes on the sea off Beesands, plus small numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted and Pochard on the Ley. A Cetti's sang occasionally and there was much Toad activity and croaking along the seaward side.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Exminster Marshes...yet more!
Female Hen Harrier flew over the railway lines at around 17:30 [Sue Murphy]
Exminster Marsh
To add to the other sightings at Exminster today-a Merlin early afternoon north of Station Road.
(Of interest the flock of Barnacle Geese could be the first genuine ones on mainland Devon for over 10 years)?
(Of interest the flock of Barnacle Geese could be the first genuine ones on mainland Devon for over 10 years)?
Exminster marsh
A nice walk around the marsh this afternoon from 14:30 till 16:30
The 5 Barnacle geese were more distant this afternoon seen flying over the lagoon and between the lagoon and the railway line. The water pipit showed well between the s bends and the main car park in the field on the left. Also 3 chiffchaff around car park, the American wigeon was distant near the lagoon. 5 cetti's warblers and 7 Reed buntings, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 kestrels, 2 buzzard.There were 6 tufted duck and 4 gadwall on the lagoon, 7+ pintail and still lots of shoveler around the marsh.
From the turf hotel, the slavonian grebe, and 160+ grey plover, 4 red breasted mergansers, 1 great crested grebe.
The 5 Barnacle geese were more distant this afternoon seen flying over the lagoon and between the lagoon and the railway line. The water pipit showed well between the s bends and the main car park in the field on the left. Also 3 chiffchaff around car park, the American wigeon was distant near the lagoon. 5 cetti's warblers and 7 Reed buntings, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 kestrels, 2 buzzard.There were 6 tufted duck and 4 gadwall on the lagoon, 7+ pintail and still lots of shoveler around the marsh.
From the turf hotel, the slavonian grebe, and 160+ grey plover, 4 red breasted mergansers, 1 great crested grebe.
Powderham
Spotted Redshank showing well, in company with 6 Greenshank on the bank of the river Kenn. As we watched, 4 more greens' flew over the sea wall. At Exminster the American wigeon was on the first scrape
near the lane. The 5 Barnacles were seen to land near the single bird, but there appeared to be no association.
near the lane. The 5 Barnacles were seen to land near the single bird, but there appeared to be no association.
Ashclyst Forrest, Broadclyst (E.Devon).
Broadsands
The bay was like a mirror this morning so every single bird could be counted very easily, the highlight was a Red-necked Grebe out in the middle of the bay from Elberry headland. Also, 2 Black-necked Grebes, 1 Common Scoter and 10 Great Crested Grebes. 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrests in the marsh and 15 Cirl Buntings on seed with 3 Reed Buntings in the 2nd car park.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Barnacle geese exminster
Just a couple of photos of the Barnacle geese at exminster this afternoon sorry not the greatest pics but ok for record shots. The resident 'Barnacle goose' never joined the new birds even when they walked past it and as Pat noted earlier it is much darker than the 5 new birds. Not bad for a couple of hours walk after work around the marsh.
Barnacle geese
The five barnacle geese still present near dusk, with Canada's near the railway bridge, Exminster Marshes
Blue-ringed Canada Geese
An email from Roger Peart of Dorset...
In response to Jon Turner’s question about Canada Geese with blue rings he could try looking on http://www.cr-birding.be/cr-Canada%20Goose.htm which is on the site coordinating European colour ringing.There are at least a couple of projects using blue rings on CANGO :- Richard de Feu; Richard Hearn, W&WT, Slimbridge
In response to Jon Turner’s question about Canada Geese with blue rings he could try looking on http://www.cr-birding.be/cr-Canada%20Goose.htm which is on the site coordinating European colour ringing.There are at least a couple of projects using blue rings on CANGO :- Richard de Feu; Richard Hearn, W&WT, Slimbridge
Thurlestone Bay
Little wind , flat calm sea with virtually no birds this am . Frustratingly a GREBE sp flew west far out ,too small for Great Crested but not possible to id.
Pintail still on South Huish Marsh but no sign of any gulls.
Nuthatch at Horswell House Wood, at Upton Cross a singing male Yellowhammer.
Over at South Milton Ley- 10 Chiffchaff, 1m Blackcap 2 Water Rail, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Redwing. In one of the fields a very nice Hare .
At 16.30 did the first Gull roost watch - no sun so they could easily be checked through- amongst the flock of 200+ Black Headed Gull were 2 Med Gull ( a1st & a 2nd winter ) . 2 Common Scoter
on the sea
Pintail still on South Huish Marsh but no sign of any gulls.
Nuthatch at Horswell House Wood, at Upton Cross a singing male Yellowhammer.
Over at South Milton Ley- 10 Chiffchaff, 1m Blackcap 2 Water Rail, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Redwing. In one of the fields a very nice Hare .
At 16.30 did the first Gull roost watch - no sun so they could easily be checked through- amongst the flock of 200+ Black Headed Gull were 2 Med Gull ( a1st & a 2nd winter ) . 2 Common Scoter
on the sea
Branscombe update...and Seaton
Firecrest and Dipper at Branscombe today, as well as the Red-necked Grebe. [Ian Waite & Sue Smith]
Black-necked Grebe still loitering off Seaton. [Sue Smith]
Negative news on the gull front - no sign of either the Caspian Gull or Iceland Gull today.
Black-necked Grebe still loitering off Seaton. [Sue Smith]
Negative news on the gull front - no sign of either the Caspian Gull or Iceland Gull today.
Exminster marsh
15:40 5 barnacle geese circled marsh then flew to turf going have look to try find them again back again circling the marsh landed by the lagoon towards railway line. They finaly settled in field just to left after railway bridge viewd from gate opposite the rspb car park still viewable at 17:10 , also this afternoon the American wigeon and the water pipit on the marsh
Velator reserve
Opened some nets this morning, just to see what might be about. Retrapped a male Cetti's Warbler that has been calling for about 10 days now. He was ringed on 2nd September last year as a juvenile. Later on I caught another Cetti's - this time a new male, also aged 5 (last year's bird). Later on I trapped a new male Goldcrest - is this the first evidence of a spring movement? I was vaguely thinking that there might be a few Goldies on the move.....
The Canada Geese seem to be down to two pairs fighting for the right to nest on the island. One of them has a strange blue ring on it's left leg - Kane Brides says he has no idea who puts odd blue rings on Canada Geese. Anyone any ideas?
Roll on March!
The Canada Geese seem to be down to two pairs fighting for the right to nest on the island. One of them has a strange blue ring on it's left leg - Kane Brides says he has no idea who puts odd blue rings on Canada Geese. Anyone any ideas?
Roll on March!
Exminster Marshes
As I was passing anyway, popped in to see the American Wigeon, which was showing very well near the fishermen's car-park. As I was leaving, a party of 5 Barnacle Geese flew in, circled for several minutes before landing near the Lion's Rest Industrial Estate. They joined a flock of Canada Geese, and the 'resident' Barnacle Goose, that looked very dark and sullied against the clean black and white of the five new birds. As good as it will ever get for genuine wild birds in Devon?
(Yesterday, the Spotted Redshank was roosting again on the bank of the River Kenn in Powderham Park).
(Yesterday, the Spotted Redshank was roosting again on the bank of the River Kenn in Powderham Park).
Wembury Point
2 Slavonian Grebes with up to 20 Fulmars off the Mewstone. A Grey Plover and 33 Turnstones on the beach and 8 Cirl Buntings feeding in the field behind.
Monday, 27 February 2012
Stover + Bellever + Exminster Marshes
Stover - 2 goosander (both f)
Bellever - 6+ crossbill, siskin, lesser redpoll, 2 grey wagtail
Exminster Marshes (on lagoon) - American wigeon
Good day's birding!
[Claire & Chris Grove]
Bellever - 6+ crossbill, siskin, lesser redpoll, 2 grey wagtail
Exminster Marshes (on lagoon) - American wigeon
Good day's birding!
[Claire & Chris Grove]
Thurlestone Bay
Patch life tick this morning at 10.30 a superb 1st w CASPIAN GULL bathing on South Huish Marsh.
male Pintail and 20 Wigeon still showing well.
Waders on the beach at high tide were- 7 Sanderling, 9 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstone.
No change to species on Thurlestone Marsh
male Pintail and 20 Wigeon still showing well.
Waders on the beach at high tide were- 7 Sanderling, 9 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstone.
No change to species on Thurlestone Marsh
Seaton
2cy Iceland Gull, initially on the Axe north of Coronation Corner, by 10:00 had moved to south end of Seaton Marshes. Its presence there also led to the Caspian Gull getting found again, for the third day in a row. They are both in the ropey shot below, though one is perhaps easier to pick out than the other!
English Channel - Fulmars
Yesterday out working on a fishing, 3 'dark phase' Fulmars in with the usual 'light phase' birds. Excellent neutral light conditions allowed these comparison shots (see below) with the 'dark' phase on the right. Although the scale of darkness is a gradient the right-hand bird would be a dark as opposed to a double dark. From seawatching experience I usually find Feb is the best month for them and they're out there!
Also 2 Bonxies around the boat. I've now seen bonxie every month of the year in the channel.
Despite lots (c300) of gulls feeding aroud the boat, for the fourth time this winter I failed to see a 'white winger' at sea.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Seaton
1st-winter Caspian Gull present again from at least 15:40. Probably due to repeated disturbance on the river it was found instead loafing on fields at the south end of Seaton Marshes, viewed from the cycle track/footpath which runs along the west side of the marshes.
Also, a female Merlin flew down the valley mid-afternoon.
Also, a female Merlin flew down the valley mid-afternoon.
Slapton
Bewick's Swan, Water Rail & Marsh Harrier ( female )
at Slapton this morning. [Roy Williams]
Prawle
A couple of early signs of spring today (apart from the weather and 2 Peacock butterflies), namely a new-in male Reed Bunting and the first female Blackcap of the year. Otherwise very samey, with 2 Water Pipits still (2nd bird first suspected by Dave Norman on 6th Feb, and confirmed last week), female Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaffs and 3 Goldcrests. The Shag-pile was reduced to 95 birds today.
Plym Estuary & Saltram
Mainly the usuals seen at very low tide.
Teal 2 females, Common Sandpiper 1, Greenshank 5, Pied Wagtail c25 (Blaxton), Bullfinch 2 males, Snipe 18, Black-headed Gull 400+.
Exminster Marshes sat 25th Feb
A relatively brief visit on way back from Gwent. Paul Kemp picked the drake American Wigeon out amongst hundreds of Wigeon, on the lagoon - viewing from the canal bank at 13.30.
Starcross to exminster marshes
A fantastic morning spring nearly here and for a change decided to walk from Starcross back to Exminster marshes this morning 09:45 till 13:30
A look out from Starcross produced 2 little grebe, 3 great crested grebe and 90+ Red breasted mergansers then walked up by the railway line to powderham estate and on the river bank of the River Kenn was a group of greenshank (9)and redshank (20+) and on top of the bank was the spotted redshank a good start to the day also 2 reed bunting, continued to walk along the road lots of commotion with the crows harassing a small bird of prey as i got my bins on it it was the female Merlin it continued low through the estate my third sighting in a week.
After crossing the railway line a look over the estuary towards turf produced a few more red breasted mergansers and 2 Goldeneye (1m,1f) and 12 Buzzards rising on the thermals from over powderham. As i approached towards turf picked out the beautiful Slavonian Grebe feeding in the chanel it seems to be settled in this area now
Near the turf hotel a Fox sat out in a field sunning itself then from the viewing platform a small group of wigeon was feeding in the ditch before the lagoon a quick look found the drake American wigeon
A look out from Starcross produced 2 little grebe, 3 great crested grebe and 90+ Red breasted mergansers then walked up by the railway line to powderham estate and on the river bank of the River Kenn was a group of greenshank (9)and redshank (20+) and on top of the bank was the spotted redshank a good start to the day also 2 reed bunting, continued to walk along the road lots of commotion with the crows harassing a small bird of prey as i got my bins on it it was the female Merlin it continued low through the estate my third sighting in a week.
After crossing the railway line a look over the estuary towards turf produced a few more red breasted mergansers and 2 Goldeneye (1m,1f) and 12 Buzzards rising on the thermals from over powderham. As i approached towards turf picked out the beautiful Slavonian Grebe feeding in the chanel it seems to be settled in this area now
Near the turf hotel a Fox sat out in a field sunning itself then from the viewing platform a small group of wigeon was feeding in the ditch before the lagoon a quick look found the drake American wigeon
My Best views of the American wigeon yet
On the lagoon 5 Pochard and 4 gadwall and on the way down station road the water pipit flew overhead calling.
A great morning with quality birds and a hint of spring what more could you ask for on a Sunday morning walk along the exe
Kingsbridge Estuary
Curlew Drive - Charleton Marsh, 10:30-13:00, falling tide.
80 Brent Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 29 Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Water Rail ( heard Charleton Marsh ), 23 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Rock Pipit.
80 Brent Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 29 Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Water Rail ( heard Charleton Marsh ), 23 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Rock Pipit.
Broadsands- Clennon Valley, Paignton
16 members (East Devon Branch) of DBWPS enjoyed a morning around Broadsands and after lunch the remainder moved on to Clennon Valley, Paignton.
A Water Rail was heard from the stream runing through the car parks and Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also present in the trees. 16 Cirl Bunting (8 f and 5 m) were found, although our enjoyment was spoilt by a lady dog walker who insisted on walking through the feeding area in spite of our protests! Sea conditions were very calm but few birds present other than single numbers of Gt Crested Grebe, 20 C. Scoter and a possible Bl.- Necked Grebe. The group were almost mowed down by a large gentleman on a mobility scooter who seemed to deliberately aim at us and protested he was blind!
A Bullfinch and a pair of Blackcap were sighted briefly above Elbury Cove.
After lunch the group moved on to Clennon Valley where there was a group of 22 Magpie.
A Water Rail was heard from the stream runing through the car parks and Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also present in the trees. 16 Cirl Bunting (8 f and 5 m) were found, although our enjoyment was spoilt by a lady dog walker who insisted on walking through the feeding area in spite of our protests! Sea conditions were very calm but few birds present other than single numbers of Gt Crested Grebe, 20 C. Scoter and a possible Bl.- Necked Grebe. The group were almost mowed down by a large gentleman on a mobility scooter who seemed to deliberately aim at us and protested he was blind!
A Bullfinch and a pair of Blackcap were sighted briefly above Elbury Cove.
After lunch the group moved on to Clennon Valley where there was a group of 22 Magpie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)