Minehead

[John Sherratt]

Hello All,

We are staying in Minehead for a week from this Saturday. Can anybody recommend any spots in that area, which are good at the moment?

I'm particulary keen to see any Dartford Warblers which might be about.

Do have car to get around. Thanks in anticipation, John

[Davidbr]

I've always found Crook Peak to be a reliable site for Dartfords, though you'll need to walk to the top (birds are usually in the gorse by the side of the main path). It's actually part of the Mendips, but if you've got a car it's within range of Minehead and if you're coming from the north, you can call in en route.

Otherwise the Doone Valley on Exmoor is also pretty good (with the added benefit of pretty much guaranteed Redstart, Pied Flycatcher & probably Wood Warbler), but weekday mornings are essential as it gets very popular on weekends/bank holidays.

For waders try Steart Point (plus a good chance of migrants), Nightjars are almost guaranteed at Staple Plain (near Watchet) though it's a bit early at the moment, and if you're willing to drive 30 miles or so head for the Somerset Levels. Shapwick Heath should produce Hobby, possibly Garganey & Black Tern plus the usual summer migrants. Oh, and you're also just about within range of Chew Valley Lake, one of the best birding reservoirs in the south-west (there's been a Lesser Scaup there in recent weeks)

[devon.birder]

Hello All,

We are staying in Minehead for a week from this Saturday. Can anybody recommend any spots in that area, which are good at the moment?

I'm particulary keen to see any Dartford Warblers which might be about.

Do have car to get around. Thanks in anticipation, John

For Dartfords try the path that leads out from the car park at the end of the road just past Selworthy Beacon. The road starts in Minehead and you go up North Hill and just keep going.
The area around Webbers Post is good for Lesser Redpoll and the hill from there down to Cloutsham is good for Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler.
The Iceland Gull was still opposite Butlins on the 25 April and may still be around. Look for it on the lamposts and sea wall. Roger