From a fishing today: 2 Great Shearwaters (will post some pics tomorrow!), Sooty Shearwater, 3 Black Terns, 5 Common terns, Yellow-legged Gull juv/1w, 10+ European Storm-petrels, 3 Bonxies. Two groups of Common Dolphins.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Upottery Airfield, Smeatharpe
In very poor weather tonight, still 13 wheatear, 2 whinchat plus 2 yellow wagtails with the 50+ pied.
Bowling green marsh
Watched just from the hide today 12:15 till 17:45
A miserable day weather wise but a cracking days birding.
4 juv Curlew sandpiper showed well all afternoon and there were still 7 juv ruff including one male, a good count of 45+ knot, 2 water rail and 2 spotted redshanks.There were 3 green sandpipers around the marsh, 8+ ringed plover, 1 turnstone, 16+ greenshank, 15+ Dunlin, 3+ yellow wagtails, 30+ pied wagtails, 25+ sand Martin, 3 whimbrel, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 raven, 3 shoveler, 20+ teal, 3+ bar tailed godwit, no count done on the black tailed godwit or curlew but there was good numbers of both.
A miserable day weather wise but a cracking days birding.
4 juv Curlew sandpiper showed well all afternoon and there were still 7 juv ruff including one male, a good count of 45+ knot, 2 water rail and 2 spotted redshanks.There were 3 green sandpipers around the marsh, 8+ ringed plover, 1 turnstone, 16+ greenshank, 15+ Dunlin, 3+ yellow wagtails, 30+ pied wagtails, 25+ sand Martin, 3 whimbrel, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 raven, 3 shoveler, 20+ teal, 3+ bar tailed godwit, no count done on the black tailed godwit or curlew but there was good numbers of both.
Thurlestone Bay
A very interesting day- First late news from Thurs - John King had a Marsh Tit on his feeders at 13.00- lives in Mallard Lane T'stone (first on this patch for many years.) The ringing team caught another Sanderling-weight 49g ,making 5 in 2 days . They are going to do an early morning wader catch on sat .
Because of visitors couldn't do a full wader count - Wood sandpiper still on T 'stone Marsh. At 18.00 S>H> Marsh had a jv Ruff & a Curlew S'piper ( 174 for the year )..
Ringing team - 1 jv Pied Flycatcher, 1 1st w Redstart, 8 Sedge, 4 Reed, 13 Blackcap, 1 Garden, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Willow , 1 Chiffchaff. The Pied Fly is the first ringed for 10 years.
Observed at S M Ley - 1m & 1f Redstart, 1 Spot Fly, 1 Groppa
2 Grey Wags and at least 6 Yellow wags
Because of visitors couldn't do a full wader count - Wood sandpiper still on T 'stone Marsh. At 18.00 S>H> Marsh had a jv Ruff & a Curlew S'piper ( 174 for the year )..
Ringing team - 1 jv Pied Flycatcher, 1 1st w Redstart, 8 Sedge, 4 Reed, 13 Blackcap, 1 Garden, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Willow , 1 Chiffchaff. The Pied Fly is the first ringed for 10 years.
Observed at S M Ley - 1m & 1f Redstart, 1 Spot Fly, 1 Groppa
2 Grey Wags and at least 6 Yellow wags
Exminster Marshes
A walk in the rain mid afternoon. Lots of birds about but most only offering a fleeting glimpse. Along the railway path - c12 chiffchaffs, 2+ whitethroats, 1+ blackcap, a couple of reed warblers and a redstart.
At Turf a juv. osprey flew very close giving excellent views at 4.05 pm. Also in that vicinity were 1 greenshank, 2 redshanks, 1 turnstone, 1 sedge warbler, 1 kingfisher and 3 black-tailed godwits. Two flocks of dunlin and ringed plovers flew south (total birds c50).
Not much else on the canal apart from another blackcap, 1 sedge warbler and a few chiffchaffs.
Its encouraging to see the shallow pools beginning to hold water.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Black Hole Marsh
Some photos taken today by Alick Simmons...
Wood Sandpiper - one of three
Ruff
Little Stint
Prawle
Prawle Point 0800-1400 25/08/11
Melodious Warbler, 1 still in the same place in Pig's Nose Valley.
Reed warbler, 1 in the Melodious' hedge!
Whinchat, 1
Redstart, 1
Wheatear, 6
Spotted Flycatcher, 3
Yellow Wagtail, 2+
Fewer common migrants than of late.
[from Paul Holmes]
[from Paul Holmes]
Kingsbridge Estuary
The best of on the falling tide this evening, Med Gull 2 (adW 1W)
Arctic Tern 5(adS, 4x1S) up from 2 last night, Turnstone 6, On the shingle beach Charleton Bay were Ringed Plover C.30, Dunlin C.50 but v distant!
Upottery Airfield, Smeatharpe
A remarkable 25 wheatears this evening along with 4 whinchats and a hobby.
Thurlestone Bay
Big reduction in the number of waders today - there were less people on the beaches so I don't think it was disterbance. - On the beaches at high tide 22 Ringed Plover, 1 dunlin, 16 Sanderling.
Did 3hr sea watch from 13.30 -disappointing results - 75 Gannet, 5 manx S'water ( all singles ) 1 Bonxie , 1 Common Tern all east.
More interesting records were from my garden this morning - 4 blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, ,1 jv Lesser Whitethroat , 1 jv Redstart ( both are garden ticks ) 4 Willow , 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Sand Martin, 1 Wood & 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe & 1 Black T Godwit
Ringing team- 16 Sedge, 12 Willow, 9 Reed , 4 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Groppa , 1 Whinchat. 1 Redstart on S M ley.
They also ringed 2 Sanderling on Leasfoot beach- these 2 weighed 43g & 48g.After 7 in 40 years we now have 4 in 2 days
Did 3hr sea watch from 13.30 -disappointing results - 75 Gannet, 5 manx S'water ( all singles ) 1 Bonxie , 1 Common Tern all east.
More interesting records were from my garden this morning - 4 blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, ,1 jv Lesser Whitethroat , 1 jv Redstart ( both are garden ticks ) 4 Willow , 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Sand Martin, 1 Wood & 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe & 1 Black T Godwit
Ringing team- 16 Sedge, 12 Willow, 9 Reed , 4 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Groppa , 1 Whinchat. 1 Redstart on S M ley.
They also ringed 2 Sanderling on Leasfoot beach- these 2 weighed 43g & 48g.After 7 in 40 years we now have 4 in 2 days
Bowling green marsh
Watched from 10:45 till 16:20 spent the day between the hide and the viewing platform. The highlight being the arrival of 5 more juv ruff over night.
From hide
8 juv ruff, 2 ringed plover, 25 greenshank, 1 avocet, 3 yellow wagtails,
15+ Dunlin, 31 knot, 1 green sandpiper
From viewing platform
47+ knot, 1 common sandpiper, 1 sanderling, 1 sparrowhawk, 100+ redshank, 6+ greenshank
From hide
8 juv ruff, 2 ringed plover, 25 greenshank, 1 avocet, 3 yellow wagtails,
15+ Dunlin, 31 knot, 1 green sandpiper
From viewing platform
47+ knot, 1 common sandpiper, 1 sanderling, 1 sparrowhawk, 100+ redshank, 6+ greenshank
Fremington Quay 12:00
Only birds of note were three Bar-tailed Godwits plus a Curlew that was so tired it was yawning !!!!!
Counted 60 Redshank in the Pill.
Counted 60 Redshank in the Pill.
Tarka Trail Swing Bridge, Barnstaple.
12:05
Flight of 12 Common Sandpipers swirling around by the bridge, disappearing down river.
Also 8 Bar-tailed Godwit off Pottington Ind Est.
Flight of 12 Common Sandpipers swirling around by the bridge, disappearing down river.
Also 8 Bar-tailed Godwit off Pottington Ind Est.
Berry Head
Seawatch 10:30-13:00, a bit too sunny but at least a brisk S/SW wind: huge number of gulls feeding out in Lyme Bay with the odd Bonxie and Arctic Skua harassing them, otherwise a few Manx a distant Sooty, a closer Black Tern and several distant 'commic' terns. Strange to get no Balearic shearwaters on this ideal wind in what is proving to be a very poor summer for them so far.
Ringing at Velator
In the past few days I've ringed 128 Swallows at the reserve. Nearly all juveniles, but two of the adult females had brood patches!
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Dawlish Warren
An Arctic Skua in the estuary early evening. Also present: 2 wheatear, at least 4 Whimbrel and a little stint.
[from Steve Thorpe]
[from Steve Thorpe]
Start Point
Seawatch 12:30-16:30: 4 Balearic , 3 Sooty and 113 Manx Shearwaters, and 20 Common Terns. Also in the field with cattle opposite Start Farm 22 Yellow Wagtails.
Thurlestone Bay
Another memorable wader day- totals on the beaches & the marshes were:- 85 Ringed Plover, 33 Sanderling, 45 Dunlin, 1 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Stint, 1 Wood sandpiper , 1 Snipe, 3 Black T Godwit ( first record of more than 1 this year ) -This makes 15 species inthe last 2 days.
Roger Short has been extending his ringing activities to try for waders- 2hrs this aft resulted in 2 Sanderling caught on Leasfoot beach- one weighed 77 g the other only 40g - looking thru Devon bird reports 2004 states only 7 had been ringed since 1971( none listed since ) They were also a new species for him - well done Roger.
Early this am Bob B had a flock oe 40 Yellow Wags with cattle in a field adjacent to S M Ley., with 2 Whinchat . The ringing team had 30 Sedge, 7 Reed., 6 Willow, 10 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 garden , 1 Groppa.
Roger Short has been extending his ringing activities to try for waders- 2hrs this aft resulted in 2 Sanderling caught on Leasfoot beach- one weighed 77 g the other only 40g - looking thru Devon bird reports 2004 states only 7 had been ringed since 1971( none listed since ) They were also a new species for him - well done Roger.
Early this am Bob B had a flock oe 40 Yellow Wags with cattle in a field adjacent to S M Ley., with 2 Whinchat . The ringing team had 30 Sedge, 7 Reed., 6 Willow, 10 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 garden , 1 Groppa.
High land of Orcombe, Exmouth
A mid morning walk around the fields produced 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Buzzard, 4 Wheatear and 23 Yellow Wagtail (the latter feeding under feet of cattle but flew off west after disturbance by Sparrow Hawk,
also 2 Whimbrel on mud flats off Mudbank Lane.
also 2 Whimbrel on mud flats off Mudbank Lane.
Bowling green marsh
Watched from the hide and viewing platform between 10:45 and 15:15
From the hide
1 spotted redshank in full winter plumage
1 water rail, 30+ ringed plover, 70+ Dunlin 17+ greenshank,3 juv ruff,8 yellow wagtails and 1 wheatear, 2 green sandpipers, 1 common sandpiper, 1 little grebe, 25+ pied wagtails
From viewing platform
1 avocet, 36+ knot at 13:30 the juv OSPREY flew across the river towards starcross then up river towards turf so went around to goat walk and got great views as it attempted at least 7 times to catch a fish then success and with it's catch it headed off over towards turf.
From the hide
1 spotted redshank in full winter plumage
1 water rail, 30+ ringed plover, 70+ Dunlin 17+ greenshank,3 juv ruff,8 yellow wagtails and 1 wheatear, 2 green sandpipers, 1 common sandpiper, 1 little grebe, 25+ pied wagtails
From viewing platform
1 avocet, 36+ knot at 13:30 the juv OSPREY flew across the river towards starcross then up river towards turf so went around to goat walk and got great views as it attempted at least 7 times to catch a fish then success and with it's catch it headed off over towards turf.
R.Taw off Pottington Ind Est and Bradiford Reserve
08:00 - 09:30
1 Black-tailed Godwit; 10 Bar-tailed Godwit; 1 Kingfisher; 1 Gadwall and
1 stripey head, juvenile Great Crested Grebe.
1 Black-tailed Godwit; 10 Bar-tailed Godwit; 1 Kingfisher; 1 Gadwall and
1 stripey head, juvenile Great Crested Grebe.
Upottery Airfield, Smeatharpe
Early morning dog walk produced 7 wheatears, 3 whinchat (patch tick), 2 whitethroat, 4 stock doves, 2 ravens and an increase in meadow pipits to 12. Plenty of pied wags on the dung heap but no yellows.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Kingsbridge Estuary
Charleton Marsh / Bay ( 18:15-20:30 )
16 Teal, 3 Gadwall, Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 80 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin.
16 Teal, 3 Gadwall, Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 80 Ringed Plover, 50 Dunlin.
Prawle
Prawle area 12:30 – 17:00 23.8.11
Pig’s Nose Valley
Melodious Warbler showed between 1:20pm and 1:45pm in afternoon sunshine in sallows at the back of the field at the top of Pig’s Nose Valley. Viewed from gate with "Caution stallions bite" sign on it. It then disappeared and was not seen again by 5:00pm at least.
Also in valley …..
1 Pied Flycatcher, 4+ Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler,4 Blackcap, 30+ Willow Warbler, 15+ Chiffchaff, 1 Hobby over chasing Swallow
Prawle Point
1 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 15+ Whitethroat
[from Luke Harman]
Pig’s Nose Valley
Melodious Warbler showed between 1:20pm and 1:45pm in afternoon sunshine in sallows at the back of the field at the top of Pig’s Nose Valley. Viewed from gate with "Caution stallions bite" sign on it. It then disappeared and was not seen again by 5:00pm at least.
Also in valley …..
1 Pied Flycatcher, 4+ Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Wheatear, 2 Sedge Warbler,4 Blackcap, 30+ Willow Warbler, 15+ Chiffchaff, 1 Hobby over chasing Swallow
Prawle Point
1 Whinchat, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 9 Yellow Wagtail, 5 White Wagtail, 15+ Whitethroat
[from Luke Harman]
Bideford & Barnstaple Bay
Osprey flying south this morning across Bideford & Barnstaple Bay.
(Rob Jutsum)
(Rob Jutsum)
Thurlestone Bay
Waders to the fore today - totals on the beaches and the 2 marshes ( AJL did the Yarmer Beach count )
Ringed Plover - 125, Oystercatcher 39, Knot 2jv, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 6 , Wood Sandpiper 1, Curlew 2 ., Whimbrel 2 , Greenshank 1 , Snipe 1, Sanderling 12 , Dunlin 17, Turnstone 1 . A long time since we had 13 species in a day.
Mallard on the marshes 250 + & 24 Teal. 19 Wheatear , 15 Yellow Wagtail , 2 Whinchat
Ringing only late pm still produced - 8 Sedge, 6 Reed , 3 Willow
Ringed Plover - 125, Oystercatcher 39, Knot 2jv, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 6 , Wood Sandpiper 1, Curlew 2 ., Whimbrel 2 , Greenshank 1 , Snipe 1, Sanderling 12 , Dunlin 17, Turnstone 1 . A long time since we had 13 species in a day.
Mallard on the marshes 250 + & 24 Teal. 19 Wheatear , 15 Yellow Wagtail , 2 Whinchat
Ringing only late pm still produced - 8 Sedge, 6 Reed , 3 Willow
Bowling green marsh
A very quiet day from the hide 09:45 till 10:50 the 3 juv ruff showed well again with 3 green sandpipers, 9 ringed plover, 5 yellow wagtails so decided to take a look from the viewing platform for an hour 110 ringed plover 10 sanderling, 15+ greenshank, 1 common sandpiper and 120+ redshank.
Walked back to the hide for the high tide 2 ravens came in and harassed the buzzard which was feeding on a rabbit and yellow wagtail count was upto 7.
On the droping tide from the viewing platform from 14:00 till 16:00
3 grey plover and 21 knot and the ringed plover still. Then at 14:50 16+ little egrets flew into view to the right of the platform and there it was a juv OSPPREY flying it attempted to fish a couple of times but failed and was seen heading towards goat walk. Finally a juv mediterranean gull.
Walked back to the hide for the high tide 2 ravens came in and harassed the buzzard which was feeding on a rabbit and yellow wagtail count was upto 7.
On the droping tide from the viewing platform from 14:00 till 16:00
3 grey plover and 21 knot and the ringed plover still. Then at 14:50 16+ little egrets flew into view to the right of the platform and there it was a juv OSPPREY flying it attempted to fish a couple of times but failed and was seen heading towards goat walk. Finally a juv mediterranean gull.
Bowling Green Marsh
Highlights today from the hide - Three Ruff, juvenile Yellow Wagtails and a brief showing of an Osprey from the platform.
Exmouth
Orcombe Point - 0645 - 10 knot, 2 turnstone, 1 grey wag, 6+ wheatear, 1+ tree pipit, 4+blackcap, c5+ whitethroat and 60+ yellow wagtail in with the cattle.
Mudbank - good wader numbers with c100+ ringed plover, 18+ sanderling, 1 grey plover, 1 greenshank, 5+ turnstone, 8 bar-tailed godwit, 13+ knot, c30+ dunlin. Also 15 wigeon, 4+teal, 1 tree pipit and 1+ yellow wagtail.
Woodbury Common - 10+ crossbill.
Mudbank - good wader numbers with c100+ ringed plover, 18+ sanderling, 1 grey plover, 1 greenshank, 5+ turnstone, 8 bar-tailed godwit, 13+ knot, c30+ dunlin. Also 15 wigeon, 4+teal, 1 tree pipit and 1+ yellow wagtail.
Woodbury Common - 10+ crossbill.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Prawle Melodious Warbler
Record shot of the Melodious Warbler in Pig's Nose Valley. Extremely elusive - much patience is required!
Dartmoor - yesterday 21/8
West Dart River Near Huccaby Tor: 1 Redstart (male)
From B3212 near Sharpitor just after dusk: 1 Nightjar hawking for insects over road, seen in car headlights.
[from Tom Forster]
From B3212 near Sharpitor just after dusk: 1 Nightjar hawking for insects over road, seen in car headlights.
[from Tom Forster]
Prawle
Pig's Nose Valley, Prawle Point 0800-1700 22/08/11
Melodious Warbler, 1 in same place as yesterday off and on but mainly off!
Willow Warbler, Ca 50
Chiffchaff, Ca 15
Sedge Warbler, 1
Whitethroat, Ca 40
Blackcap, Ca 12
Common Redstart, 2
Wheatear, 4
Spotted Flycatcher, 6
[from Paul Holmes]
Thurlestone Bay
Waders on the beach this am - 76 Ringed Plover, 40 Dunlin, 18 Sanderling, 1 Turnstone 1 Redshank ( only3rd record this year )2 Wheatear.
At 10.45 gulls announced an intruder- An Osprey flew over the Golfcourse and then car park & up S M Ley valley
South Huish marsh -20 Teal, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 jv Whinchat.
Thurlestone Marsh - 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Swlit , , this eve at least 15 Willow Warbler moving thru.
Ringing team- late news from Sunday - 22 Reed Wblr, 96 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin
Today- 42 Sedge, 8 Reed , 8 Willow., 2 Groppa, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff
At 10.45 gulls announced an intruder- An Osprey flew over the Golfcourse and then car park & up S M Ley valley
South Huish marsh -20 Teal, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 jv Whinchat.
Thurlestone Marsh - 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Swlit , , this eve at least 15 Willow Warbler moving thru.
Ringing team- late news from Sunday - 22 Reed Wblr, 96 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin
Today- 42 Sedge, 8 Reed , 8 Willow., 2 Groppa, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff
Exmouth
Orcombe Point - 0600 - good this morning (for Orcombe) - 3 tree pipit, c20+ yellow wagtail, 2 sedge warbler, 10+ whitethroat, 5+ blackcap, green sandpiper, 11+ willow warbler, 7 swift, 2 wheatear, 2 grey wagtail. Also of note, yesterday a barn owl found dead on private land next to the sewage works.
Dawlish Warren
High tide at the point:
c.1100 Oystercatcher; 190 ringed plover; 128 dunlin; 20 sanderling; 3 golden plover;
108 great black-backed gull.
c.1100 Oystercatcher; 190 ringed plover; 128 dunlin; 20 sanderling; 3 golden plover;
108 great black-backed gull.
Exminster Marshes
Very dry apart from the main pool but still 3 greenshanks and a whimbrel.
72 coot on main pool plus a wigeon.
72 coot on main pool plus a wigeon.
Velator reserve
A morning ringing at the reserve:
Migrants included: 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler (first this year) and 2 Kingfishers.
Migrants included: 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 5 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler (first this year) and 2 Kingfishers.
Bowling green marsh
09:45 till 12:45 from hide very quiet morning 3 juv ruff still showing well along with 15+ yellow wagtails and 3 green sandpipers and the water rail at 12:25 on far bank left hand side in and out of the reeds
Viewing platform 12:50 till 14:00
1 kingfisher, common sandpiper and 5 summer plumage grey plover
Viewing platform 12:50 till 14:00
1 kingfisher, common sandpiper and 5 summer plumage grey plover
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Thurlestone Bay
Graham Daw did the wader count this am -108 Ringed Plover, 35 Dunlim , 25 Sanderling.
S H Marsh held 7 Yellow Wags, 1 Dunlin, 4 Wheatear.
Ringing Team- 20 Sedge , 2 Groppa.
Bob & I totalled the Sedge they had ringed since 1/6--697!-- With the early spring migrants we are now well over 700- target for the year has been increased to 1000 ( what is the Devon record ? ) We also could have a record for Groppas as well !
S H Marsh held 7 Yellow Wags, 1 Dunlin, 4 Wheatear.
Ringing Team- 20 Sedge , 2 Groppa.
Bob & I totalled the Sedge they had ringed since 1/6--697!-- With the early spring migrants we are now well over 700- target for the year has been increased to 1000 ( what is the Devon record ? ) We also could have a record for Groppas as well !
Instow Jetty Beach
Quite pleased to get this shot of a Little Stint in-flight at Instow yesterday (or at least I think it is a Little Stint).
Nr. Hamel Down
This morning whilst ringing a single Whimbrel overhead near Hamel Down, calling constantly - perhaps bemused by the sounds of the rave over near Fernworthy...
Bowling Green Marsh Bittern
The Bittern reported yesterday was also seen briefly on Thursday 18th August, skulking in the reeds opposite the hide.
[from Ken Flaxman]
[from Ken Flaxman]
Prawle
Prawle Point 0900-1600 Hrs on 21/08/11 (today)
Melodious Warbler, 1 at top of Pig's Nose Valley in hedge behind paddock from gate with "Caution stallions bite" sign on it. Seen at 11.50 with warbler flock, mainly whitethroats, but soon moved on.
Lesser Whitethroat, 1, same in same spot.
Whitethroat, Ca 60
Blackcap, 10
Sedge Warbler, 3
Willow Warbler, Ca 20
Chiffchaff, ca 20
Yellow Wagtail, 1 south
Sand Martin, 5 west
[from Paul Holmes]
Dartmoor
Emsworthy Bog - mid-morning: ( new DWT reserve )
5 common redstarts; 3 wheatear.
Pudsham Down: 2 whinchat; 45 linnet
5 common redstarts; 3 wheatear.
Pudsham Down: 2 whinchat; 45 linnet
Bowling green marsh
Watched between 09:00 and 14:45
The 3 juv ruff still showing well along with 17 knot, 2 green sandpipers, 2 bearded tit put a brief appearance on far bank left hand side in the reeds. The number of yellow wagtails built up over the morning with best count of 25+ mostly juv right in front of the hide around the cows. A sparrowhawk put in 2 brief appearances not a bad morning.
The 3 juv ruff still showing well along with 17 knot, 2 green sandpipers, 2 bearded tit put a brief appearance on far bank left hand side in the reeds. The number of yellow wagtails built up over the morning with best count of 25+ mostly juv right in front of the hide around the cows. A sparrowhawk put in 2 brief appearances not a bad morning.
Isley Marsh to the Jetty Roost.
07:30 - 09:30
Isley Marsh Reserve.
3 Redshank; 31 Ringed Plover; 39 Dunlin; 5 Knot; 36 Curlew and just 1 Little Egret.
Foreshore from Isley to the Main Jetty.
17 Oystercatcher; 6 Turnstone; 8 Curlew and 9 Redshank.
Beneath the jetty, where they broke up the Severn Stars, was a single flock of 23 Common Sandpipers. 18 was my previous best and that was along the foreshore off Pottongton Ind Est a few year ago.
On the ashbeds and the site of the old power station were just 1 Whitethroat; 1 Raven and c25 Sand Martin feeding over the generator pit pond. There were still quite a few Swallows feeding as well.
Jetty Roost 08:35
6 Curlew; 2 Bar-tailed Godwit; c150 Ringed Plover; c 100 Dunlin; 12 Turnstone; 1 Whimbrel and just 1 Little Egret. The Ringed Plover and Dunlin were on the mud between the Overflow Pond and the main roosting area.
Overflow Pond.
1 Little Grebe; 1 Kingfisher; 8 Sedge Warbler flitting around as a family flock; 5 Reed Warbler; 1 Mute Swan and 5 Mallard.
Isley Marsh Reserve.
3 Redshank; 31 Ringed Plover; 39 Dunlin; 5 Knot; 36 Curlew and just 1 Little Egret.
Foreshore from Isley to the Main Jetty.
17 Oystercatcher; 6 Turnstone; 8 Curlew and 9 Redshank.
Beneath the jetty, where they broke up the Severn Stars, was a single flock of 23 Common Sandpipers. 18 was my previous best and that was along the foreshore off Pottongton Ind Est a few year ago.
On the ashbeds and the site of the old power station were just 1 Whitethroat; 1 Raven and c25 Sand Martin feeding over the generator pit pond. There were still quite a few Swallows feeding as well.
Jetty Roost 08:35
6 Curlew; 2 Bar-tailed Godwit; c150 Ringed Plover; c 100 Dunlin; 12 Turnstone; 1 Whimbrel and just 1 Little Egret. The Ringed Plover and Dunlin were on the mud between the Overflow Pond and the main roosting area.
Overflow Pond.
1 Little Grebe; 1 Kingfisher; 8 Sedge Warbler flitting around as a family flock; 5 Reed Warbler; 1 Mute Swan and 5 Mallard.
Powderham Corner, Exe Estuary
During the WeBS count this morning there were few waders, only 39 black-tails, and no waterfowl on the stretch between Turf and Powderham. There were four little terns including two juvs and one sandwich tern. A single ruff flew over and at 10.50 an osprey caught a fish (probably a mullet) off Lympstone and flew north past the Turf.
There was one wheatear on the sea-wall.
There was one wheatear on the sea-wall.
Start Point
07:00-08:30, light/farm.
Ringed Plover, 19 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 3 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Ringed Plover, 19 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, 3 Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Flycatcher.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Bowling green marsh
Just a bit more detail to my earlier post, I watched the marsh from 08:15 till 13:45 and started with the 3 juv ruff and 14 knot and at least 5 yellow wagtails and 1 avocet. Then just before 11:00 Mark saw a BITTERN flying it disappeared before anyone could see it but a few minutes later it flew again over the reeds on the far bank to the delight of all in the hide before droping down into the reeds. The rain was pouring down but still the good birds came a water rail showed briefly on and off and a sparrowhawk and peregrine both swooped low over the marsh.
The final total of over 40 species for the day also included 2 green sandpiper, 20+ Dunlin, 2 whimbrel, 15 greenshank, 6 bar tailed godwits, 1 adult Mediterranean gull,30 little egrets 1 male gadwall.
On the way home stopped of at my local patch in exeter and watched the Dipper on the weir by the Mill on the exe pub to finish of a good.
The final total of over 40 species for the day also included 2 green sandpiper, 20+ Dunlin, 2 whimbrel, 15 greenshank, 6 bar tailed godwits, 1 adult Mediterranean gull,30 little egrets 1 male gadwall.
On the way home stopped of at my local patch in exeter and watched the Dipper on the weir by the Mill on the exe pub to finish of a good.
Thurlestone Bay
waders on the beach this am ( during a period of very heavy rain ):- 80 Ringed Plover, 42 Dunlin, 23 sanderling, 2 Whimbrel, 1jv Wheatear, 3 Sandwich Tern.
Tstn Marsh this pm- 1 Yellow wagtail & 1 Swift flew over.
S M Ley- 1 Hobby, 5 Yellow Wagtail
Quieter morn for the ringing team - 27 Sedge, 14 Reed , 8 Willow, 1 Groppa, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff
Tstn Marsh this pm- 1 Yellow wagtail & 1 Swift flew over.
S M Ley- 1 Hobby, 5 Yellow Wagtail
Quieter morn for the ringing team - 27 Sedge, 14 Reed , 8 Willow, 1 Groppa, 2 Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff
Exmouth
Orcombe pt - 4 knot, ad med gull, 4 pied wag, 4 tree pipit, 1+ willow warbler, 7+ whitethroat, 2+ blackcap, 1 wheatear, 1 grasshopper warbler and 1 swift.
Mudbank - 6 wigeon, 4 redshank, 5 knot, 1 ad med gull, 5 little tern, c30+ sandwich tern, juv peregrine, 1 dunlin and juv yellow-legged gull. The small group of little terns was attacked by the juv peregrine - not sure of the final outcome but one bird was repeatedly dive-bombed.
Mudbank - 6 wigeon, 4 redshank, 5 knot, 1 ad med gull, 5 little tern, c30+ sandwich tern, juv peregrine, 1 dunlin and juv yellow-legged gull. The small group of little terns was attacked by the juv peregrine - not sure of the final outcome but one bird was repeatedly dive-bombed.
Axe Estuary
A two hour tour of duty as the Tower Hide's resident 'expert' this afternoon produced a nice highlight in the shape of this pristine juv Pintail which dropped in with a flight of Mallard...
Other entertainment was provided by a Whimbrel, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, a fleeting Kingfisher, 3 distant Wood Sandpipers in front of the BHM Island Hide and a steady stream of 'Wet & Wild Weekend' punters - a praiseworthy endeavour by the EDDC Countryside team.
Other entertainment was provided by a Whimbrel, 11 Black-tailed Godwits, a fleeting Kingfisher, 3 distant Wood Sandpipers in front of the BHM Island Hide and a steady stream of 'Wet & Wild Weekend' punters - a praiseworthy endeavour by the EDDC Countryside team.
Kingsbridge Estuary
Charleton Marsh / Bay. ( 08:30-09:30, high tide ).
Teal, Turnstone, 4 Whimbrel and 3 adult Med Gulls.
Teal, Turnstone, 4 Whimbrel and 3 adult Med Gulls.
Beer Cemetery fields - This Morning
2 Spotted Flycatchers, 11 Blackcaps, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Garden Warblers, 2 Tree Pipits & on the wires & overhead, 46 House Martins, 35 Swallows & a Swift.
Prawle Friday
Quick trip down Pigs Nose valley produced a juv Cuckoo, 6 Swift over, 30 Sand Martin and 2 Yellow Wagtails.
Bowling green marsh
Bittern seen in flight over reeds on far bank from hide
At 11:00 also 3 juv ruff 14+ knot 2 green sandpiper and 1 avocet
At 11:00 also 3 juv ruff 14+ knot 2 green sandpiper and 1 avocet
Wembury
First signs of migration: 5 Tree Pipit, 4 Yellow Wagtail, one Hobby and a Common Sand. Precious little else though with just a few Chiffs and small numbers of Hirundines.
A Jersey Tiger from the garden
A Jersey Tiger from the garden
Friday, 19 August 2011
Bowlig Green Marsh
A good days birding at bowling green marsh today from 08:45 to 11:45 arrived at the hide and first bird seen were 3 juv Ruff in with several Knots not a bad start to the day which got even better at 09:40 when 2 AVOCET circled the marsh and settled for a few moments before flying off to the south but they returned about 15 minutes later giving excellent views.
Other counts today included
15 + Knot 1in full summer plumage
3 Ringed Plover
3 Green Sandpipers
15+ Greenshank
7 Bar tailed godwits
25+ Little egrets
6 Whimbrel
There were large numbers of Black tailed godwits no count done today but 450+ earlier in week
Other highlights this week were Juv Wood sandpiper on Wednesday morning.
Thursday morning 1juv ruff with 17 knot, 3 yellow wagtails, 1 wheatear all from the hide and a Wood Warbler in the trees to the right of the viewing platform.
Other counts today included
15 + Knot 1in full summer plumage
3 Ringed Plover
3 Green Sandpipers
15+ Greenshank
7 Bar tailed godwits
25+ Little egrets
6 Whimbrel
There were large numbers of Black tailed godwits no count done today but 450+ earlier in week
Other highlights this week were Juv Wood sandpiper on Wednesday morning.
Thursday morning 1juv ruff with 17 knot, 3 yellow wagtails, 1 wheatear all from the hide and a Wood Warbler in the trees to the right of the viewing platform.
Peverell, Plymouth
Swift over house for third day today. With seven on Tuesday. Thought they had gone.
Black Hole Marsh / Colyford Common
This evening...
More waders than I've seen of late - at least 29 Dunlin, 2 Ringed plovers, 13 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Green Sandpipers, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Greenshanks, a Knot, and a Common Sand or three.
More waders than I've seen of late - at least 29 Dunlin, 2 Ringed plovers, 13 Black-tailed Godwits, 5 Green Sandpipers, 3 Wood Sandpipers, 3 Greenshanks, a Knot, and a Common Sand or three.
Thurlestone Bay
Sunshine means disturbance- totally different today
AJL had 36 Sanderling, 29 Dunlin , 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Sandwich Tern on /off the beach.
South H Marsh and field - 7 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatear, 9 Teal, 3 raven, 2 dunlin.
Tstn Marsh - Bob B had a Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Green sandpiper, 2 Swift over,.
Ringing team had another successful day - 28 Sedge, 14 Reed, 2 Groppa, 2 Willow, 1 garden, 1 Blackcap
AJL had 36 Sanderling, 29 Dunlin , 7 Ringed Plover, 1 Sandwich Tern on /off the beach.
South H Marsh and field - 7 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Wheatear, 9 Teal, 3 raven, 2 dunlin.
Tstn Marsh - Bob B had a Whinchat, 1 Tree Pipit, 1 Green sandpiper, 2 Swift over,.
Ringing team had another successful day - 28 Sedge, 14 Reed, 2 Groppa, 2 Willow, 1 garden, 1 Blackcap
Instow to Isley marsh at high tide (9.45 -11.00)
A single little Owl was showing well in the open barn and there were around 100 Oystercatcher on the black rocks at Instow. Just a few Dunlin, Knot and Ringed Plovers on the small beach between the Instow Jetty and the old Power station water outlet, what birds there was were put up by a steady stream of dogs, a few owner's were even throwing balls into the water for the dogs to go and retrieve, I guess this was just to make sure that all the birds were disturbed !!!!. I counted just 8 Little Egret roosting on Isley Marsh together with a few Curlew. I did manage to get a few snaps in between dodging the dogs..
Powderham corner, Exe Estuary
I didn't judge the tides correctly and arrived at 9.00 to find the tide very high and subsequently few waders. Those that did remain included 61 black-tails, 1 curlew and 3 dunlin. However 2 avocets flew north calling with a single shelduck. This is quite an early date.
In the adjacent fields were 2 wheatears, 4 pied wagtails and a yellow wagtail was heard but not located. 6 ravens flew over.
At least 36 little egrets were roosting across the estuary at the end of the garden to the south of the Goat Walk, Topsham.
Also of interest were the number and variety of birds in the large Powderham Oak on the road side just to the east of the church. I counted nuthatches (3+), treecreepers (3+), great tits, long-tailed tits and blue tits.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Lower Tamar Lake
A walk at Lower Tamar Lake today revealed:-
2 Common Sandpipers.
10 Mute Swans
9+Great Crested Grebes plus 4 stripey half grown young
3 Little Grebes
34 Coot 4 Moorhen
1 female Bullfinch, 2 Blackcaps and several Willow/Chiffs calling
20+ Swallows
Of interest: The contractors have today completed the establishment of a wetland area in front of the hide on the Lower Lake with scrapes and shallow lagoons plus areas of wet mud - hopefully more waders will be attracted this year than the past few rather poor years.
Also, the paths and access on the eastern side have just been upgraded so birders may use this side of the lake without the need to wear total mud protection!
[from Harvey Kendall]
Broadsands
There were no gulls on the sea or beach but there were 16 Ringed plovers and a single sanderling feeding on the shore.
Thurlestone Bay
Quieter this pm - bay covered from 15.30- 18.15. Additional birds logged :-
Sanderling 30, Ringed Plover 21, Dunlin 4 , Yellow Wagtail 5, Wheatear 9. Also 3 Swift, 1 White Wagtail, at least 100 House Martin.
Bob B managed to put one net up at S M Ley 7.30- 9.00 ringed 5 Sedge, 2 Reed, 2Willow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap
With this afternoons birds the Ringed Plover total of 184 is probably an autumn record, the Wheatear total at 40 must be close as well
Sanderling 30, Ringed Plover 21, Dunlin 4 , Yellow Wagtail 5, Wheatear 9. Also 3 Swift, 1 White Wagtail, at least 100 House Martin.
Bob B managed to put one net up at S M Ley 7.30- 9.00 ringed 5 Sedge, 2 Reed, 2Willow, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap
With this afternoons birds the Ringed Plover total of 184 is probably an autumn record, the Wheatear total at 40 must be close as well
Exminster Marshes
A visit after the rain and after lunch found most birds on the lagoon including 4 little grebes, 31 teal, c60 coot, 2 wigeon and one common sandpiper. 4 snipe flew over the marshes and 3 waders flew over the lagoon but did not land and continued north; one was a greenshank, another a wood sandpiper and the third was possibly a ruff.
A few chiffchaffs in the canal-side trees were the only warblers seen. A group of reed buntings (c8) suggests a good breeding season. 4 ravens flew over head (10 seen a week ago). A steady flow of sand martins flying over the canal.
Thurlestone Bay
Another fantastic morning - one of those days that will never be forgotten , visable wader migration over South Huish Marsh small flocks of waders coming in off the sea and mostly flying straight up the valley. Spent from 09.15-13.00 rooted to the small mound at the side of the cafe- Final totals were :-
163 Ringed Plover ( largest flock 28 ), 16 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 1 Green Sandpiper. At 12.00 a Greenshank & a Ruff arrived together ,landed on the marsh ,at 12.15 flew off up the valley together -first Ruff of the year . Then at 12.25 it just got better -5 Little Tern flew in and again straight up the valley.
During the morning in the field atotal of 31 Wheatear , 6 Yellow Wagtail &20 Meadow Pipit moved thru. 12 Teal on the marsh .1 Teal flew east at sea, finally a jv Med Gull.
At 07.30 a jv Marsh Harrier over Thurlestone Marsh which held 175 Mallard ( abig increase over the last few days ) 4 Teal.
Off back to see if any waders on Yarmer beach will post later
163 Ringed Plover ( largest flock 28 ), 16 Dunlin, 3 Turnstone, 3 Sanderling, 1 Green Sandpiper. At 12.00 a Greenshank & a Ruff arrived together ,landed on the marsh ,at 12.15 flew off up the valley together -first Ruff of the year . Then at 12.25 it just got better -5 Little Tern flew in and again straight up the valley.
During the morning in the field atotal of 31 Wheatear , 6 Yellow Wagtail &20 Meadow Pipit moved thru. 12 Teal on the marsh .1 Teal flew east at sea, finally a jv Med Gull.
At 07.30 a jv Marsh Harrier over Thurlestone Marsh which held 175 Mallard ( abig increase over the last few days ) 4 Teal.
Off back to see if any waders on Yarmer beach will post later
Exmouth and BGM
Orcombe Point -1100 - 45 mins in and around the 'dung' field produced 8+ whitethroat, 2+ phyllosc sp, 3 yellow wagtail, 1+ blackcap, 1 grasshopper warbler, ringed plover, 1 grey wagtail, 1 tree pipit, 3+ swift and 100+ hirundine sp. Would have been on Orcombe earlier were it not for heavy rain which clearly did the trick and grounded migrants.
Mudbank - 1915 - med gull (ad + juv), 2 little tern, c100+ sandwich tern and c10+ common tern.
Earlier, Bowling green Marsh - 0810 - 16 lapwing, 5 wigeon, 2 green sand, 13 dunlin, wheatear, 25+ pied wag, 2 yellow wag, 15 greenshank, 15+ knot, ringed plover, 6+ barwit, 6 whimbrel, 3 sandwich tern and juv ruff amongst good numbers of other stuff.
Mudbank - 1915 - med gull (ad + juv), 2 little tern, c100+ sandwich tern and c10+ common tern.
Earlier, Bowling green Marsh - 0810 - 16 lapwing, 5 wigeon, 2 green sand, 13 dunlin, wheatear, 25+ pied wag, 2 yellow wag, 15 greenshank, 15+ knot, ringed plover, 6+ barwit, 6 whimbrel, 3 sandwich tern and juv ruff amongst good numbers of other stuff.
Velator to Crossbanks, Braunton Marsh and Horsey Island.
07:20 - 09:30
Velator Weir and Quay.
4 Grey Wagtail; 1 Little Egret and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Toll House.
3 Mediterranean Gulls including Polish ringed bird PHJ6. Ringed 20/05/2007 and sighted at Instow on 18/07/2009.
2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Common Gull.
Horsey Island.
12 Greenshank; 1 Little Grebe; 3 Little Egret; 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Water Rail.
R.Caen by the airfield approach lights.
2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Braunton Marsh.
1 Kestrel; 1 Kingfisher and 1 Wheatear.
Generally, numerous Grey Herons around and telephone lines along the Toll Road dripping with Swallows.
Velator Weir and Quay.
4 Grey Wagtail; 1 Little Egret and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Toll House.
3 Mediterranean Gulls including Polish ringed bird PHJ6. Ringed 20/05/2007 and sighted at Instow on 18/07/2009.
2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Common Gull.
Horsey Island.
12 Greenshank; 1 Little Grebe; 3 Little Egret; 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Water Rail.
R.Caen by the airfield approach lights.
2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Braunton Marsh.
1 Kestrel; 1 Kingfisher and 1 Wheatear.
Generally, numerous Grey Herons around and telephone lines along the Toll Road dripping with Swallows.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Beer Cemetery fields & Blackhole Marsh this evening.
This evening in the fields behind Beer Cemetery there were - 2 Redstarts, 1 Spotted flycatcher, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats & a Willow Warbler, there was also a Redstart on August 6th & a Whinchat on July 27th.
At Blackhole Marsh this evening there were 3 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 9 Dunlin, 4 Black T Godwits, 5 Common Sandpipers & a Wheatear.
At Blackhole Marsh this evening there were 3 Wood Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 9 Dunlin, 4 Black T Godwits, 5 Common Sandpipers & a Wheatear.
Thurlestone Bay
Another good morning for waders on the beach 09.00-11.00
58 Ringed plover,16 Dunlin, 10 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 2 Whimbrel & 4jv Knot- latter is probably a site record usually only singles on a very few days a year.
Thurlestone marsh- 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Water Rail, 8 Teal
South H Marsh- 5 Wheatear, 40 House martin, 10 Sand martin
The ringing team managed to get a couple of hours in before the rain took over, managed to ring - 27 Sedge, 6 Reed, 20 Willow (inc 1 Grey bird could be one of the sub species ) 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden
58 Ringed plover,16 Dunlin, 10 Sanderling, 2 Turnstone, 2 Whimbrel & 4jv Knot- latter is probably a site record usually only singles on a very few days a year.
Thurlestone marsh- 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 Water Rail, 8 Teal
South H Marsh- 5 Wheatear, 40 House martin, 10 Sand martin
The ringing team managed to get a couple of hours in before the rain took over, managed to ring - 27 Sedge, 6 Reed, 20 Willow (inc 1 Grey bird could be one of the sub species ) 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Garden
R.Taw at Barnstaple.
11:50
Between the Tarka Trail swing bridge and the Taw Bridge.
From c50 a few days ago to c500 Honkers (Canada Geese) in last a few days!
Where have they all come from?
Between the Tarka Trail swing bridge and the Taw Bridge.
From c50 a few days ago to c500 Honkers (Canada Geese) in last a few days!
Where have they all come from?
Yellow Wags = Autumn Proper
Nine Yellow Wags on the Tesco building site behind Riverside Workshops, Seaton. They circled over town and then dropped back down on to the fields south of Seaton Marshes.
Exminster Marshes
Little excitement until an immature Aquatic Warbler appeared at 9.15. South of the canal side car park to the west of the cycle track almost opposite the fourth speed bump. The bird sat on top of a few reed stems before vanishing into the undergrowth.
Whilst waiting for it to reappear one wood sandpiper flew over and landed on the edge of the lagoon. A single snipe flew towards the estuary. On the lagoon the number of coots had risen to 60.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Skern, Northam Burrows.
07:00 - 08:20
Although it was dull, drab and drizzling at high tide, there was no wind and the water was like a millpond.
15 Great-black-backed Gulls; c50 Curlew; c20 Oystercatcher; c50 Black-headed Gulls and not one Med among them.
The Dark-bellied Brent Goose was still there and only small nos of waders.
2 Redshank (one was very light in colour); 2 Knot; 1 Dunlin; 1 Turnstone and a single Little Egret.
At 07:50 5 Sandwich Terns paid a fleeting visit in the bay off the Skern but were soon off over the Burrows.
Although it was dull, drab and drizzling at high tide, there was no wind and the water was like a millpond.
15 Great-black-backed Gulls; c50 Curlew; c20 Oystercatcher; c50 Black-headed Gulls and not one Med among them.
The Dark-bellied Brent Goose was still there and only small nos of waders.
2 Redshank (one was very light in colour); 2 Knot; 1 Dunlin; 1 Turnstone and a single Little Egret.
At 07:50 5 Sandwich Terns paid a fleeting visit in the bay off the Skern but were soon off over the Burrows.
Thurlestone Bay
Poor viz this morning esp during the periods of drizzle- Spent the first hour going thru the waders on Yarmer beach =-58 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 1 jv Knot ( first returning bird ) & 1 Little Stint (first of the year )
Only a light sea movement up to 12.30 - 44 gannet, 8 Manx S'water, 2 Kittiwake (1 jv ) 3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Fulmar, 1 Bonxie
Only a light sea movement up to 12.30 - 44 gannet, 8 Manx S'water, 2 Kittiwake (1 jv ) 3 Sandwich Tern, 5 Fulmar, 1 Bonxie
Berry Hd
Seawatching 0600-1300hrs:
53 Pomarine Skuas of mixed ages most with short spooned tailed but several with full spoons, largest single group 8 (remarkable passage for Aug), 31 Arctic Skua, 21 Bonxie, 66 Balearic Shearwaters (including a very white undersided bird, structurally spot on for Balearic but white even extended thinly between the legs), 402 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Little Gull, 721 Kittiwake (inc 61 juvs), 39 Common Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 748 Gannets, 24 Fulmar. 22 Common Scoter and Harbour Porpoise. ML, MD & DMN
Immature (not always easy to age but 1st summer left, and a trickier 2nd perhaps 3rd summer on right - difficult to work out what is going on in the underwing coverts! ML) Pomarine Skuas. MD
53 Pomarine Skuas of mixed ages most with short spooned tailed but several with full spoons, largest single group 8 (remarkable passage for Aug), 31 Arctic Skua, 21 Bonxie, 66 Balearic Shearwaters (including a very white undersided bird, structurally spot on for Balearic but white even extended thinly between the legs), 402 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 1 Little Gull, 721 Kittiwake (inc 61 juvs), 39 Common Tern, 5 Sandwich Tern, 748 Gannets, 24 Fulmar. 22 Common Scoter and Harbour Porpoise. ML, MD & DMN
Immature (not always easy to age but 1st summer left, and a trickier 2nd perhaps 3rd summer on right - difficult to work out what is going on in the underwing coverts! ML) Pomarine Skuas. MD
Marsh Harrier (while driving home) being mobbed by gulls heading west low over Tweenaways at 14:45, could not refind it for a photo! MD
Monday, 15 August 2011
Bits and Bobs
Bit of late news from last Saturday 13/8 - 100+ Wheatears on the W coast of Lundy [from Tim Clyburn]
And from yesterday...
A lovely single Grey Plover in breeding plumage on the river side of Isley Marsh this afternoon. Loads of Curlew, Oyster Catcher, Little Egret a single Common Sand & Bar Tailed Godwit. [from John Towers]
East Soar, Sunday am, 2 Tree Pipit, Wheatear, Sand Martin, Willow Warblers. Called in at Thurlestone/S milton on return, the attached photo shows very juv Wheatear feeding behind beach cafe [from Dave Norman]
Two redhead goosander at north end of Avon Dam Reservoir, late morning. [from Rob Macklin]
And from yesterday...
A lovely single Grey Plover in breeding plumage on the river side of Isley Marsh this afternoon. Loads of Curlew, Oyster Catcher, Little Egret a single Common Sand & Bar Tailed Godwit. [from John Towers]
East Soar, Sunday am, 2 Tree Pipit, Wheatear, Sand Martin, Willow Warblers. Called in at Thurlestone/S milton on return, the attached photo shows very juv Wheatear feeding behind beach cafe [from Dave Norman]
And today...
Thurlestone Bay
Waders in the Bay at high tide-07.50 70 Ringed Plover ( highest count this year ), 8 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel.
A TreePipit by the coast path - Bob B had 2 fly over.
Thurlestone marsh - Bob B ringed 29 Sedge. Also this morning 4 Teal & 3 Gadwall were new arrivals. A Swift flew thru.
A TreePipit by the coast path - Bob B had 2 fly over.
Thurlestone marsh - Bob B ringed 29 Sedge. Also this morning 4 Teal & 3 Gadwall were new arrivals. A Swift flew thru.
14/08/11 - English Channel
Yesterday from a fishing boat.
About 11nm off Start Point one Sooty Shearwater and 3 European Storm-petrels otherwise pretty quiet.
About 11nm off Start Point one Sooty Shearwater and 3 European Storm-petrels otherwise pretty quiet.
Heading back, about 1nm off Dartmouth large feeding frenzy of Gannets with c1000 Manx Shearwaters (no Balearics seen) and a couple of Bonxies.
Instow. The Black Ground.
07:05 - 08:30
17 Mediterranean Gulls; 16 Turnstone; 107 Ringed Plover; 33 Dunlin and
5 Common Gulls.
All the waders were on the foreshore between the Cricket Ground and Fuel Jetty.
Polish Med Gull PAH4 back from trip up river to Barnstaple.
17 Mediterranean Gulls; 16 Turnstone; 107 Ringed Plover; 33 Dunlin and
5 Common Gulls.
All the waders were on the foreshore between the Cricket Ground and Fuel Jetty.
Polish Med Gull PAH4 back from trip up river to Barnstaple.
Clennon Valley
A new brood of Tufted Ducks on middle pond and several of Jersey Tigers including these two in the garden (one rescued from a spiders web but not looking good!)
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Colyford Common / Blackhole Marsh, Seaton, 17.30 - 19.00
5 Wood Sandpipers, 1 Little Stint, 2 Greenshank, 8 Green Sandpipers, 6 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin, 6 Ringed plover, 2 Whimbrel on the scrapes & Lagoon, & 2 swifts overhead.
N.W Dartmoor - Upper Lyd and Doe Tor Farm
An early evening visit in pleasant, sunny conditions with some cloud and a NW breeze; good to find that Stonechats have had an excellent breeding season at this location - minimum 5 family groups, and we saw at least 25 birds; Whinchat family, Hobby, male Redstart & 7 Ravens (or more). No sign of Wheatear.
Kingsbridge Estuary
Geese Quarries - Charleton Marsh, 13:00-16:45, rising tide.
Nice bit of sunshine but the bright conditions and a strong wind made viewing difficult. 3 Little Grebes in Frogmore Creek were a bit early, bit of a mystery where the wintering birds on the local estuaries come from, perhaps these from not far away. Also in Frogmore Creek about a hundred Herring Gulls plus one that was looking a good candidate for a juv Yellow-legged. At this point the Lord said 'Perry, stop trying to make out like you're a Larophile', and sent a female Marsh Harrier overhead scattering them all ways. At least 6 Med Gulls ( 5 adults and a third calender year bird ) were around. Out on the mudflats in Charleton Bay were 150 Curlew, at least 3 Whimbrel, 10 Dunlin, 65 Ringed Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Also 6 Sandwich Terns and a Peregrine here. The marsh itself was quiet except for 2 Green Sandpipers.
Nice bit of sunshine but the bright conditions and a strong wind made viewing difficult. 3 Little Grebes in Frogmore Creek were a bit early, bit of a mystery where the wintering birds on the local estuaries come from, perhaps these from not far away. Also in Frogmore Creek about a hundred Herring Gulls plus one that was looking a good candidate for a juv Yellow-legged. At this point the Lord said 'Perry, stop trying to make out like you're a Larophile', and sent a female Marsh Harrier overhead scattering them all ways. At least 6 Med Gulls ( 5 adults and a third calender year bird ) were around. Out on the mudflats in Charleton Bay were 150 Curlew, at least 3 Whimbrel, 10 Dunlin, 65 Ringed Plover and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Also 6 Sandwich Terns and a Peregrine here. The marsh itself was quiet except for 2 Green Sandpipers.
Thurlestone Bay
Waders on the beach / marsh this am - 10 Ringed Plover, 1 Turnstone, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Wheatear in the field behind the cafe
The ringing team really took the accolades today, after a night with some moon the warblers made for T Marsh & S M Ley totals were:-
Sedge 142 ( + 2 Controls - one English & 1 French ) , Reed 20, Whitethroat 7, Willow 25, Chiffchaff 11, Groppa 1., Blackcap 1 And a first for the year a Lesser Whitethroat. The Sedge total is a new site daily record.
Just shows the value of having a ringing team , if I had walked both sites this am my total of Sedge would have been less than 10 and I would have come away well pleased !
The ringing team really took the accolades today, after a night with some moon the warblers made for T Marsh & S M Ley totals were:-
Sedge 142 ( + 2 Controls - one English & 1 French ) , Reed 20, Whitethroat 7, Willow 25, Chiffchaff 11, Groppa 1., Blackcap 1 And a first for the year a Lesser Whitethroat. The Sedge total is a new site daily record.
Just shows the value of having a ringing team , if I had walked both sites this am my total of Sedge would have been less than 10 and I would have come away well pleased !
Prawle this weekend
This Sanderling was the only wader of note from this morning's WeBS count.
Other birds today included a Snipe flying west (first of the autumn), 3 Swifts and 2 Sand Martins with an ever increasing gathering of House Martins and Swallows, numbering several hundred of each by early afternoon, a Wheatear, 2 Meadow Pipits (also the first of the autumn), 30 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 2 Sedge Warblers, 16 Willow Warblers, but just 6 Chiffchaffs today.
Saturday 13/8; Seawatching from 06.00 - 10.00 produced c750 Gannets, 110 Manx and 8 Balearic Shearwaters, 28 Common Scoters, Curlew, 2 Whimbrel, 4 each of Great and Arctic Skuas, 78 Kittiwakes and 2 Puffins. Elsewhere, a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull was on the airfields, and other other birds today included a Hobby, 11 Swifts, 3 Wheatears, Redstart, 2 Sedge Warblers, 30 Whitethroats, 8 Blackcaps, 6 Willow Warblers and 24 Chiffchaffs.
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