Devon Birding

[Joe Ray]

Hi all,
I've decided to take up a suggestion from Gavin Haig and start a Devon birding patch thread. If you've been out and about in Devon today, or have just heard of something good turning up down here, please post.
Also please look at Gavin's excellent thread Backwater Birding- Seaton, Devon.

[Roy C]

Been to Fremington Pill today. Redshank numbers are building up well also a couple of Greenshank, a Grey Heron and two Little Egrets plus the usual gulls. Watched the Grey Heron trying to down an eel that it had caught, after struggling for a few minutes it gave up and flew off.

[Tav94]

Had a few hours at West Charleston Marsh saw 6 Grey Plover 7 Greenshank 29 Little Egret 1 Water Rail and a Kingfisher.On the way back had 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Blackcap on the sewer beds.

[da2m]

hi all
haven't posted for ages so i thought i'd add this. just started going down to the river teign, by the passage house inn, after work. pretty quiet at the mo but have hi hopes for the site. i would usally go the the warren but this is birding made easy, 1 min off the a380 on the way home from work. anyway not much there a hand full of curlew, a poor lapwing all on it's own. common sand and loads of egrets and black heads. i could hear a reed bunting calling in the reeds of all places! i let you know if any thing pops up. i am a bit gutted cos i missed the pec sand 2 weeks ago. |=@|

[Steve Waite]

hi all
haven't posted for ages so i thought i'd add this. just started going down to the river teign, by the passage house inn, after work. pretty quiet at the mo but have hi hopes for the site. i would usally go the the warren but this is birding made easy, 1 min off the a380 on the way home from work. anyway not much there a hand full of curlew, a poor lapwing all on it's own. common sand and loads of egrets and black heads. i could hear a reed bunting calling in the reeds of all places! i let you know if any thing pops up. i am a bit gutted cos i missed the pec sand 2 weeks ago. |=@|
You've got yourself a great little patch there. Been to it a few times and it just looks SOOOO good! I understand viewing it can be a bit of a prob though. Anyway, keep watching, and good luck.......

[soareyes]

hi devon birders

thanks for the mail Mike - seems a good idea. As the name suggests local patch is East Soar/Bolt Head, Salcombe also cover the Estuary after work etc.. again! after many years absent with kids, mortgage, house renovations.

still tripping over the Osprey & various Med Gull's on K/bridge Est.

didn't get to the Start Pt Hoopoe Perry!

[Joe Ray]

OK, I'm off to Hope's Nose for a seawatch tommorow, weather looks good, HEAVY rain, and a howling southerly! I'll post when I get back, hopefully having had 3 skua species and 5 shearwaters! ;)

[Cudyll Bach]

Watch out for Kittwakes!

[Joe Ray]

No need to bring that up Iain!

[delia todd]

hi devon birders

thanks for the mail Mike - seems a good idea. As the name suggests local patch is East Soar/Bolt Head, Salcombe also cover the Estuary after work etc.. again! after many years absent with kids, mortgage, house renovations.

still tripping over the Osprey & various Med Gull's on K/bridge Est.

didn't get to the Start Pt Hoopoe Perry!


Hi Soareyes, I see this is your first post so may I extend a warm welcome from all the staff and moderators at Bird Forum.

I'm pleased to see you have already made yourself at home

D

[Ppedro]

Hello Al,
must make a change for you tripping over Med Gulls instead of Laughing Gulls B (: B (:

Perry

[Joe Ray]

45 Meadow Pipits south over the garden this morning. Also Grey Wag, Bullfinch, great views of a Green Woody, Sparrowhawk, GS Woody, 14 Goldfinches, and a singing Blackbird.

[devon.birder]

33 Meadow Pipits south over the garden this morning. Also Grey Wag, Bullfinch, great views of a Green Woody, Sparrowhawk, GS Woody, 14 Goldfinches, and a singing Blackbird.

I don't know about other BF Members but most years I find there is a relatively common bird that I find difficult to see in Devon. Last year it was Kestrel and this year it is Green Woodpecker. Most years I see Green Woodpecker before the end of January and they are regular in my garden. Whilst I have seen several Green Woodies this year, mainly in Somerset, I am still waiting for a "Devon tick". Still there is three months to go so has anybody seen one recently in the County?. Roger

[Tav94]

I don't know about other BF Members but most years I find there is a relatively common bird that I find difficult to see in Devon. Last year it was Kestrel and this year it is Green Woodpecker. Most years I see Green Woodpecker before the end of January and they are regular in my garden. Whilst I have seen several Green Woodies this year, mainly in Somerset, I am still waiting for a "Devon tick". Still there is three months to go so has anybody seen one recently in the County?. Roger
Hi there i see them in a wood at Whitleigh in Plymouth or on the grass just next to the woods not uncommon to see two or three at a time when they are on the grass fields eating the ants.

[Gerry Hooper]

Did my usual bike ride to the Turf this morning.....loads of Godwit ( both sorts) and good numbers of other waders... no Osprey though.
Plenty of heavy rain, very refreshing on a bike!

[Steve Waite]

Most years I see Green Woodpecker before the end of January and they are regular in my garden. Whilst I have seen several Green Woodies this year, mainly in Somerset, I am still waiting for a "Devon tick". Still there is three months to go so has anybody seen one recently in the County?. RogerPlenty about the Axe, Roger. They just love the tramline!!!

[devon.birder]

Plenty about the Axe, Roger. They just love the tramline!!!

Thanks Steve. Due to the Seaton Birders I must have been down to the Seaton area at least a dozen times this year but still haven't seen one. I am bound to see one before the end of the year though, aren't I?. Roger

[Mark]

got a phone call today saying that there was a Red Kite at around 12.15 lingering on the marldon-berry pomeroy road (on the outskirts of paignton) between the TV masts and Barton Pines...i couldn't unfortunately find it however from 12.25 onwards but could still well be in the area. ...

[Joe Ray]

What???? My patch is 5 minutes away! Panic!!! Is it still around?
Oh yeah, Roger, I see Green Woodpeckers almost every day on my patch, really common.
Rather dull morning at Hope's Nose. Couldn't find somewhere I could sit and use a scope, so had to stand. 15 Gannets, 2 Razorbills, 5 Guillemots, 15 Shags, and um... nothing else!
Stover was a bit better, Marsh Tit, 9 GC Grebes, 5 Pochard. Got some great pics of young swans.

[Joe Ray]

Just out of interest, what's the highest day total any of you have managed in Devon? Mine's 63, Bowling Green Marsh.

[kmonty1950]

Just had a look around Berry Pomeroy, but no sign of the Kite. Saw one reported yesterday over the A380 at Hamelin Way, so must still be around.

Good luck!

Ken.

[Joe Ray]

Do you think it'll drift a mile inland? If so, it'll reach my patch. Better have a look soon.

[Tav94]

Quick look on the hoe this afternoon Five Meds and a couple of Sandwich Terns and a Peregrine giving the gulls on Drakes island a hard time.

[Joe Ray]

Just had a torrential rainstorm. Over now, but wow, was it strong! The westerlies are blowing hard, might have a quick look round my patch later, hoping for a Bobolink! ;). 3 Swallows hurried past as I opened the curtains this morning. Chiffchaff in full song in the garden.

[kmonty1950]

Had my usual brief stop at Exminster Marsh on my way home from work this morning, the recent rains have meant there is standing water near to the anglers' car park again after many weeks of nothing but grass. Better late than never, we've still got time to give the Seaton lads a run for their money! ;)

Mostly Black-headed gulls around this pool with 4 Curlew and 9 Black-tailed godwit. A Little Egret flew over, with 2 more feeding in the fields. A sunny interlude after this morning's thunderstorm persuaded me to stroll down as far as the lagoon, though it's distant and requires a scope to watch it effectively, there's often something of interest on there. The small pools close to the tow-path held the usual Teal and Mallards but no waders today.

The Lagoon had another large flock of Black-headed gulls, with 1 Common Gull and a Small number of Herring Gulls. There were loads of Coots and around the edges 30 or 40 Widgeon fed unobtrusively. Nothing else of note, but one or two pairs of Shoveler. Overhead, a Sparrowhawk flashed by, hotly persued by one of the many local Carrion Crows!

Carrying on home, I took a detour through Powderham Park and after a quick look at the lake, which held nothing but a large flock of Canada Geese and 50 or so Mallard, stopped where the stream goes under the road into the estuary.

Along the edge of the stream were two or three flocks of Redshank, with perhaps 15 or 20 Greenshank snoozing beside them. A dozen or so Little Egrets peered out from the grass beside the stream. A few Teal roosted along the banks with the waders.

Arrived home, ready for breakfast, only to find that the kids have eaten all the bacon. I'm off out birding again!

Ken

[Tav94]

Redshank 150+ 4 CommonSandpiper 5 Greenshank lots of BH Gulls 30 + Curlew and a grey Wagtail. Over head 2 Buzzards 1 Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk plus lots of rain and wind.

[Mark]

enjoyable seawatch at Hopes Nose this evening with the highlights being a smart Black Tern south nice and close at 6.12, a Sooty Shearwater south at 5.45, a Balearic at 5.25 and an adult light phase Arctic Skua at 6.40 pm.

[da2m]

hey everyone, i had a seawatch at dawlish warren this morning. as i got down there the rain stopped few a bit so managed to get good view for a couple of mile out. first good bird was a belearic shear, very close in, i could see markings and colouration on the under side. then one of the more experianced guys there shouted out a distant sooty shear, 1 of 2 for me for the day. can it get better. well yes 1 bonxie flew past but very distant, then 2 flew past and much to our suprise as i said ' come on babies a little closer' what did they do but cruise right over us, cracking views. phew. then the rain started again, i started to wander who many twichers get hit by lightening, as a few claps of thunder made themselves felt. after about 10 mins it cleared and so did the birds for the morning anyways. so not bad. but with every good thing something bad happens. i went for a walk down on the river teign with my family and as we played on the bank my mrs shouted look at that bird, i turned of see a cormorant flying low over the field and as we watched it hit a phone line and it's wing ripped off and it cartwheeled through the sky. i ran over to it and it was still alive(poor thing) minus a wing and gasping for air. so what would you do?
i weighed up the options very quickley and discided there was only one thing to do so i found a log a smacked it over the head to put it out of it's misery. was i right???

[Ppedro]

Very quiet this am, 54 Teal, Pintail and Whinchat. Obliging Grey Wagtail in the sewage works. Bright sun made it almost impossible to see anything on estuary ( high tide ).

[soareyes]

Hi Perry

Ye! K/Br Est. pretty quiet today p.m. Hobby, 2 common tern, 4 Bar-wit. wound up mess'in with the new 30xWA lens, should work OK for digiscoping?

rgds

[Cudyll Bach]

i weighed up the options very quickley and discided there was only one thing to do so i found a log a smacked it over the head to put it out of it's misery. was i right???[/QUOTE]



I am not having a dig here mate, just wondering if a bird, any bird, could survive without a wing. Is there a local wildlife hospital near and if so could the bird have lived on even though it would be in captivity?

[da2m]

i weighed up the options very quickley and discided there was only one thing to do so i found a log a smacked it over the head to put it out of it's misery. was i right???



I am not having a dig here mate, just wondering if a bird, any bird, could survive without a wing. Is there a local wildlife hospital near and if so could the bird have lived on even though it would be in captivity?[/QUOTE]

it did look in a bad way. i know that teignmouth has a seabird hospital but it is a long way i'm sure it would have died by the time i would have got it or they come to the site. i still feel guilty though!

[Tav94]

2Kingfisher,2 Common Sandpiper, 67 BH Gull, 1 1st winter Med, 150+ Redshank, 56 Curlew,60+ Mallard,1 Bar tailed Godwit 2 Canada G 15 Little Egret.

[Steve Waite]

i weighed up the options very quickley and discided there was only one thing to do so i found a log a smacked it over the head to put it out of it's misery. was i right???
You absolutly 200% did the right thing. Well done, cruel to be kind......

[Cudyll Bach]

Popped into Topsham yesterday on the way to a Terry Pratchett signing. What a beautiful place. Not too much about though as the tide was out but had lovely views of Avocet. Thanks for the tip Jyothi.

[Tav94]

A quick look on the Hoe this morning 4 Sandwich Terns,2 Med Gulls and 1 Little Gull.

[Joe Ray]

Been a reasonable weak on my patch. I've got up at first light every morning to stand for an hour on a local hill looking for visible migration. Good numbers of Meadow Pipits moving for an inland site.

2nd: 40 Meadow Pipits SW, 2 'alba' Wagtails S, 14 Skylarks N, 5 House Martins and 2 Swallows S, Buzzard, Jays, and G and GS Woodpeckers.
3rd: 62 Meadow Pipits SW, 8 Skylarks N, 2 Linnet, 4 Jays, 4 Ravens, 3 Swallows, Bullfinch, Buzzard, 'alba' Wag, 14 Goldfinches.
4th: 86 Meadow Pipits SW, 5 Linnet, 12 Swallows, 27 'alba' Wags, steady flow of Woodpigeons S, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaffs, Yellowhammer, 2 Ravens, Blackcap.
5th: 38 Meadow Pipits S/SW, Raven, 20 Goldfinches, 5 'alba' Wags, G Woodpecker, singing Dunnock, Bullfinch. Stover: 3 Pochard, Tufted Duck, 5 GC Grebes, 3 ads and 2 young.

[Ppedro]

[QUOTE=The Firecrest]Been a reasonable weak on my patch. I've got up at first light every morning to stand for an hour on a local hill looking for visible migration. Good numbers of Meadow Pipits moving for an inland site.

Intersting stuff Firecrest, well done.
Did a vis-mig watch at Start Point this morning 07:15-08:15. 30 Pied Wags, 70 Swallows, 20 House Martins, Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, G S Woodpecker, 120 Meadow Pipits, 50 Skylarks, 50 Chaffinch, 17 Siskins, 330 Goldfinch and 220 Linnets. Little else present bird wise - lots of Clouded Yellows and Red Admirals.
Perry

[Joe Ray]

Is there any way of seperating Pied and White Wagtails in flight?

[Joe Ray]

Birdguides are reporting a Twite at Skern, Northam Burrows CP, the site of the long-staying Franklin's Gull. Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wryneck, and Snow Bunting all present in Devon yesterday.

[Ppedro]

Is there any way of seperating Pied and White Wagtails in flight?

For me yes - providing i had had good views of it taking off ;)
Seriously i have heard some people say they are subtly different and maybe even call a bit differently but its not something i have ever picked up on.
Perry

[kmonty1950]

Reported in the Express & Echo today. In a suburb of Newton Abbot, a bird the size of a pheasant with black and white feathers underneath, a stunning orange breast and long trailing tail is visiting bird tables. I've dismissed it as an escape, but hope I'm not ignoring a mega!!!! Anyone else heard the story?

regards

Ken.

[Joe Ray]

Eh???

[da2m]

i heard there was a vulture loose in east devon, could this be the same? did the article say which suburb of newton as i live very close and haven't heard anything!

[kmonty1950]

i heard there was a vulture loose in east devon, could this be the same? did the article say which suburb of newton as i live very close and haven't heard anything!

The paper described it as large and pheasant-like, swooping on local bird tables! Sounds a bit scary to me. It didn't describe any pheasant that I can find a reference to, so it may be a colour variant or a hybrid. I'm curious though, so I may go and take a look. It's coming to seed (suspicious!) in Wolborough Hill.

Regards

Ken

[Ppedro]

Passing south over the car park at Start Point this morning ( 07:00-08:15 ) were 1 Merlin, 10 Skylark, 120 Meadow Pipits, 35 Pied Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, 170 Swallows, 2 House Martins, 240 Linnets, 130 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins and 6 Chaffinches. Also heard a Grey Plover. Just 2 Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff in the farm. Did'nt expect much else - crystal clear night with full moon and fresh southerly wind. ( The wind at Start Point away from shelter is always 2 rungs higher on the Beaufort Scale than it is just inland ).

[Ppedro]

Highlights this afternoon included Marsh Harrier, Merlin, 28 Golden Plover, 6 Med Gulls and a juv Arctic Tern.

[Mark]

The Red kite was seen again this morning at around 10am between Totnes and Paignton in the area between Berry Pomeroy/Barton Pines and Longcombe. It obviously has a liking for the area as it is over a week since the original sighting.

[Andrew]

Arrived at Upper Tamar for the Dowitcher.

Two birders were there and no sign but they had a Spotted Sandpiper.

Saw it twice very briefly on the Cornish side. Walked round the east side (Devon) and found it again in the arm.

Very, very nervous and wary of people. I only got to about fifty metres or thereabouts and it would fly off. Yellow legs, chunky and short tail projection. Couldn't get close enough for finer feather details such as the tertials or mantle colour.

Originally found in the top end so maybe that's it's favoured location.

[Ppedro]

Did a seawatch from 08:30-10:30. Very worthwhile with 5 Great Skua, 7 Arctic Skua and a beautiful juv Long-tailed Skua. Noticeably grey bird presumably that seen off Berry Head earlier, ( thanks for the tip off Mike ). Also 19 Sandwich Terns and 5 Common Terns. Everything headed south. Also unexpected was a Black-throated Diver which landed on the water for a few minutes.
Only single Wheatear and Chiffchaff around fog bound farm.

[Kev Rylands]

Sixteen (16) Spoonbill were on the Exe estuary today, still present around 6pm off Powderham Church.

Only had bins, but appeared to be mainly juveniles but there was at least one adult - more interesting if anyone gets a chance to look tomorrow at least three birds had darvic colour rings. My money is on a Dutch origin...

Daily (usually) updates from the south end of the estuary can be found on the website below.

Cheers
Kev

[tereksora]

The Spotted Sand seen well today at Upper Tamar, favours [sometimes!!!] the first bay on the Devon side after crossing the dam. But patience required, it nips off and can be very elusive!Also 2 Little Stints and 2 Curlew Sands on the Kernish side.

The 16 Spoonbills showed well off Powderham Corner at 1700, blue and white Darvic rings on 3...Letters UV ??? on one.

[Andrew]

Brian,

Just saw Dave's pic on Surfbirds and you must have had better views than we did. It wouldn't let us get close. Did you get some pics too?

[Steve Waite]

Only had bins, but appeared to be mainly juveniles but there was at least one adult - more interesting if anyone gets a chance to look tomorrow at least three birds had darvic colour rings. My money is on a Dutch origin...Dad reckoned 1 adult and 15 Juvs. Glad you all enjoyed them.

We settled for one on the Axe, also a 4th-winter Yellow-legged Gull and a Merlin on and around the place today.

[tereksora]

Hi Andrew, no I was on the Cornish side looking for dowitchers, but seen very well for a few minutes but not long enough to settle down and take photos unfortunately!

[kmonty1950]

The Spot sand was still there at Upper Tamar Lake today, but required a walk to the top end of the reservoir. It was very active and moving frequently from one side of the lake to the other. Also 1 Curlew Sand from the dam and two Dunlin.

After a bite to eat at home I dropped down to the point car park for a quick scan. Plenty of Gannets offshore, 1 or 2 Sandwich Terns and an Arctic Skua.

Regards

Ken

[Joe Ray]

The county's heating up! No Internet access for the week, so hadn't heard about any of these birds. Young friend of mine said he had 7 waders south over Diptfoord this morning, didn't have his bins on him and only got brief views, but reckons they were Rook-sized. Flying fast with steady wingbeats, so probably not Curlew or Whimbrel. Anyone any ideas?

[Andrew]

Possibly of interest.

The boat to Lundy stops at the end of this month.

Hoping to go over once or twice if I can.

[Andrew]

Popped into Roadford yesterday afternoon.

Looks good for that Buff-breasted Sandpiper most of us need this year!

Hundreds of Meadow Pipits, two Barnacle Geese (in front of the hide) and a Willow Tit (Toft Arm).

[Ppedro]

Spent the day at Start Point, fairly quiet apart from one highlight, a very elusive Yellow-browed Warbler in the Lighthouse tamarisks. First heard and seen briefly in the early morning it was again looked for in the summer like afternoon when heard about a dozen more times but not seen. A couple Chiffs and a Blackcap were the only other migrants at the light. Early morning vis mig did not happen thanks to the hill fog. Plenty of Meadow Pipits ( c500 ) and Skylarks ( c200 ) in area but not all seemed to be on the move. Only other notable birds were Merlin, Redpoll and 26 Siskins. Still plenty of Clouded Yellows (15+ inc. 2 helice ) and Red Admirals.

[Andrew]

May be down your way Sunday Perry.

Keep that YBW in a cage for us!

[da2m]

Popped down to the river teign, by the passage house, this morning. the tide was high but 4 lapwings, 3 more than normal were present as were 4 common sands again 2 more than normal. but last night about 1800 100+ pied wag roosted right in front of the car park in the reeds, so nice to watch so many birds. things have started to move.

[Andrew]

BREAKING NEWS : Radde's Warbler at Start Point.

Anyone without a bird news service, here are the details....

From main car park, walk back northwest along road past mast field to six bar gate and then follow field around and over two fences to view irrigation pond. Follow all on-site instructions.

A good Devon bird. Well, it is for me as I need it! Can't get down today due to unwanted commitments. All the best to those who do go.

[Ppedro]

The Radde's Warbler was found early morning on private farmland at Start Point. It then disappeared , despite much searching, until it showed again late afternoon. The farmer has kindly allowed access to view the bird but the following directions etc must be strictly adhered to.
Firstly please park at Start Point Car Park, SX 820374 ( free of charge in October ) and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES PARK ON THE TRIANGLE BY THE ENTRANCE TO THE MAST FIELD as some people did today. From the car park walk back up the road 0.8 miles ( approx SX812382 ) This takes you past the mast field and to a metal farm gate with a load of round bales near it inside the field. Go in this field heading back towards the mast field. DO NOT TAKE A SHORT CUT OVER THE WALL FROM THE ROAD. Follow the edge of the field, taking a 90 degree turn along the way. You then go through a gap in the next hedge, go along along edge of this field then a gap in the next hedge and you will see a high voltage electricity pole before you. head for that and you will see the pond around which the bird was first found. In the afternoon it was in the hedge c100 metres furthur down from the pond. DO NOT ENTER THE SMALL WOODED AREA BELOW HERE AND DO NOT ENTER ANY ADJACENT FARMLAND. Any problems re parking, entering other private areas will result in probable surpression of any rarities on private land at Start Point.

[Andrew]

Hard birding weather today. Very windy. Good when you have a hangover though!

Berry Head. Not much about. One or two Chiffchaffs. Possibly when the wind dies down all those BB rarities will pop up!

Clennon Valley was equally being blown about by the wind. No small warblers with huge stripes.

Windy at Start Point. Missed all those Ring Ouzels reported early evening in the one place we didn't look, the small valley. No sign of the Radde's but some nice mushrooms and chestnuts.

Here's to the next bird.

[Dartmoor Birders]

Dartmoor appears to have been quiet on my last few visits but now the Red Grouse seem to be putting their heads up and if the Redwings and Fieldfares arrive soon there are certainly plenty of berries for them. Fingers crossed that a Great Grey Shrike will also put in an appearance this winter.

At times like this I tend to cheer myself up by delving into "The Birds of Dartmoor" by Roger Smaldon which came out last year, a very readable book which makes you realise that anything is possible. 254 species had been seen on Dartmoor up until the time of printing and two or three more since. An amazing selection of birds including five types of Grebe, Knot, Pectoral Sandpiper many other waders a vast selection of passerines from Shore Lark, Rock Thrush to Rustic Bunting and who knows I might just be the one to spot the next Red-footed or Gyr Falcon on Dartmoor!

[Dave Stone]

Hi I have just joined not done any birding today , but there was a Mistle Thrush in Topsham Cemetery .

[tereksora]

Sorry Dave, mistle thrushes aren't allowed on this site

[Dave Stone]

OH Sorry Bri I will have to wait for an Eye Browed then mmmmmmm

[Ppedro]

Highlights today were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers in Start Farm and a good selection of other birds including 2 Merlin, Golden Plovers, Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Redwings and a few Chiffs, Blackcaps and goldcrests.
It was not all good news however. Met the farmer from Start Farm who said on Wednesday a gate in one of his fields, on private land, had been left open. He knew for a fact it was shut on Tuesday night. Some of his cattle had got into the neighbouring farmers fields damaging the crops there. This was by the area where the Radde's Warbler was last weekend. I explained the Radde's had not been seen since Saturday so it was unlikely to have been a birder. I therefore felt embarrased when he said he saw someone drifting anonymously away in the distance with a tripod etc. Whilist it is circumstantial evidence it appears it is likely this was a birder having a look for the Radde's on the offchance it was still around. They had taken a route across a farmers land who had not agreed to allow anyone access ( though he might have if asked ).
Sadly the upshot is he has to pay compensation to his neighbour for crop damage and they both had to spend unneccesary time sorting the cattle out,( several hours). Also both have made it clear to me that in future they will not be willing to allow birders on to their private land. As an aside the farmer also said he saw several people climbing over a fragile looking dry stone wall which also gave a bad impression.
In short it looks like the majority have been tarred by a few thoughtless people but i guess that happens in many walks of life.

[Gavin Haig]

That's a sorry tale, Ppedro.......

It really doesn't surprise me that there are some localities where news is simply not released, ie, suppression is the norm. Especially when the local birders have gone to some trouble to establish decent relations with landowners etc, only to have that jeapordised by some thoughtless idiot or idiots. What does surprise me is that birders moan about suppression.............

[Joe Ray]

How long did you spend watching the Yellow-broweds? They require a full description for the county recorder don't they?

Still awaiting the first Redwings down here. 350+ arrived on 16 Oct last year, though the Fieldfares don't make landfall on my patch till November usually.

Went to Portland on Sunday, very little at the Bill itself but twitched the 2 Cattle Egrets at Lodmoor before they became elusive, and enjoyed Meds and Cetti's at Radipole.

[Cudyll Bach]

How long did you spend watching the Yellow-broweds? They require a full description for the county recorder don't they?

Still awaiting the first Redwings down here. 350+ arrived on 16 Oct last year, though the Fieldfares don't make landfall on my patch till November usually.

Went to Portland on Sunday, very little at the Bill itself but twitched the 2 Cattle Egrets at Lodmoor before they became elusive, and enjoyed Meds and Cetti's at Radipole.


No Bearded Tits???

[Joe Ray]

No!!!
As I type, I can hear a Dunnock singing in the garden. Haven't heard one in song here since about July, innit a bit early to be thinking about breeding?!

[Joe Ray]

Advice please.
I have been invited to go birding in south Devon this afternoon with a young friend. However, he is not sure where would be best, as Prawle, Start, Soar, etc are a lot better in the morning. Does anyone know when high tide is at Dawlish Warren? Would Bowling Green be worth going to? Or is it worth going to Prawle or Start after all?
Please help!

[davercox]

Advice please.
I have been invited to go birding in south Devon this afternoon with a young friend. However, he is not sure where would be best, as Prawle, Start, Soar, etc are a lot better in the morning. Does anyone know when high tide is at Dawlish Warren? Would Bowling Green be worth going to? Or is it worth going to Prawle or Start after all?
Please help!


Hi Jyothi

High tide is pretty late (18:30-ish) so Dawlish Warren would need you to stay till late p.m.

I don't believe there's much at Bowling Green at the moment.

Dave

[Joe Ray]

Cheers Dave. Anyone know what Soar's like in the afternoon?

[kmonty1950]

It was not all good news however. Met the farmer from Start Farm who said on Wednesday a gate in one of his fields, on private land, had been left open.

A sorry tale Perry, after the "guided tour" you gave us last Monday, I'm sure this jewel of a site will hold some excellent birds in the future - however, thanks to the thoughtless behaviour of a small minority, most of us won't see them. I hope the farmer isn't too much out of pocket.

Regards

Ken

[Ppedro]

That's a sorry tale, Ppedro.......

It really doesn't surprise me that there are some localities where news is simply not released, ie, suppression is the norm. Especially when the local birders have gone to some trouble to establish decent relations with landowners etc, only to have that jeapordised by some thoughtless idiot or idiots. What does surprise me is that birders moan about suppression.............

Hello Gavin,
I would never surpress anything which could be seen from public land unless there were exceptional circumstances but I do wonder if it is worth making the effort when its on private land. All you get is hassle and you end up not enjoying your birding. Anyway, enough moaning, hope you get a mega on Beer Head soon.

[Ppedro]

Advice please.
I have been invited to go birding in south Devon this afternoon with a young friend. However, he is not sure where would be best, as Prawle, Start, Soar, etc are a lot better in the morning. Does anyone know when high tide is at Dawlish Warren? Would Bowling Green be worth going to? Or is it worth going to Prawle or Start after all?
Please help!

Hello Firecrest,
all the places you mention are obviously better in the early morning for visible migration. Migrant birds however will often spend all day feeding up in a certain place. These and rarities can be found anytime of day, just a question of when someone looks in the right place at the right time. I have not heard either way today on the Start Point YBW'S. For my money I would think they are probably still there. One was showing well yesterday in the willow by the electricity pole with the grey transformer on it in the farm garden. Also the walk down to the lighthouse can be sheltered in south to south-west winds. Good luck wherever you go and remember, its October so all birders should be out on a headland somewhere if they can !

[Joe Ray]

Does Start also attract Ring Ouzels? That would be one of the reasons why I mentioned Soar as a possibility.

[Ppedro]

Does Start also attract Ring Ouzels? That would be one of the reasons why I mentioned Soar as a possibility.

Not like Soar which is the place in Devon for migrant ouzels. Starehole Valley and Soar Mill Cove both good. If the weather is not too awful you should be guarenteed Ring Ouzels in both these places over the next few days.

[Mark]

Just got back from Soar Mill Cove and there were indeed 2 Ring Ouzels there, Just below the hotel in the field on the right, they were quite elusive but showed well several times. Otherwise just a Wheatear at the bottom of the valley. The willows below bolberry were very quiet, just a couple of Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests, no sign of the Yellow Browed Warbler or Firecrest. Others had been along to East Soar and Starehole where it was really catching the wind and hence nothing was there.

[Joe Ray]

Decided to go to Start Point. 4 Stonechats, Merlin, 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, 7 Skylarks and 4 Wrens.
Slapton had a whopping 21 Ruddy Ducks, glancing through the 2004 DBR the peak here was 9. Also 2 Pochard, 10 Tufted Ducks, 25 GC Grebes, 3 Shoveler, 5 Kittiwakes, 25 Gannets and 4 Sandwich Terns.

[Mark]

Tried quite a few of the beaches around Torquay this afternoon looking for any storm driven gulls,auks or Phalaropes but all I got for my troubles was wet. There also appeared to be nothing moving off Hopes Nose..The most excitement was at Meadfoot Beach where a burst sewer attracted hundreds of gulls but nothing remotely of interest was with them.

[da2m]

Tried quite a few of the beaches around Torquay this afternoon looking for any storm driven gulls,auks or Phalaropes but all I got for my troubles was wet. There also appeared to be nothing moving off Hopes Nose..The most excitement was at Meadfoot Beach where a burst sewer attracted hundreds of gulls but nothing remotely of interest was with them.
hey mark
have you been to berry head? i have just got back from a week there and got 3 year ticks. it is a great place to sea watch from but you also have the quarry and bushes on the top. i got loads of redwing and some really close in the quarry, proberbly some of the best views ever. the black redstart should still be there if you still need it, lovelly looking bird. mid week i shared a view of 2 porpoises feeding about 50m off the headland, unforgetable.

[Gavin Haig]

..The most excitement was at Meadfoot Beach where a burst sewer attracted hundreds of gulls.....
Ha Ha! Says something about our hobby when a burst sewer is a source of great excitement! |=)| Says something about me that I'm jealous.........

[Andrew]

Surprising that the burst sewer never made the pager. Bit of supression there Mark? ;)

I am sure it would have attracted a few birders. Ha ha.

Amazingly, nothing at all for Devon on RBA today. Not bad really, would have hurt to have watched Liverpool lose and have an unreachable bird reported.

[Dave Stone]

Hi Andrew, no you got it all wrong it was great to get my first Firecrest for the year at Berry Head this morning ! & then see United sweep those red pretenders aside in the afternoon Byeeeeeeeeeee

[Joe Ray]

Hi Andrew, no you got it all wrong it was great to get my first Firecrest for the year at Berry Head this morning ! & then see United sweep those red pretenders aside in the afternoon Byeeeeeeeeeee
Another Devon birder supporting United! Wayhaaaay!! Scousers now 11 points behind, drifting into oblivion...!

[Ppedro]

Got out to Start first light. What a contrast to yesterday, Portland clearly visible across the water. The vis mig was hard to get a grip on , birds going over but very high up. Small parties of Pipits and Goldfinches deciding to come back inland, maybe wanted a go at crossing the water but sensed the approaching rain band.
One Yellow-browed Warbler still in Start Farm but elusive. Heard twice and seen briefly once. Other birds included Merlin, 2-300 Skylarks, 3-400 Meadow Pipits, 4 Swallows, Black Redstart, Wheatear, 10 Redwings, 2 Blackcaps, 8 Chiffchaffs, 8 Goldcrests, Firecrest, c600 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins and 5 Reed Buntings.
The rain arrived on cue late morning and it was time to quit.

[Cudyll Bach]

Another Devon birder supporting United! Wayhaaaay!! Scousers now 11 points behind, drifting into oblivion...!

Sorry for going off topic but isn't it funny how most Man Ure fans tend to come from outside the City of Manchester. Aren't there any decent teams in Devon then?

[Gavin Haig]

Under the heading 'Nature in General' there is a forum called 'Other Wildlife'. Discussions about or relating to soccer 'fans', football 'supporters' and similar beasts will find a good home there ;)

[Roy C]

Group of 16 Spoonbills on Isley Marsh this afternoon.

[Joe Ray]

Lovely shot, Roy. Are the 2 juveniles still at Dawlish Warren?

[Kev Rylands]

Both Spoonbills still present as is the Yellow-browed Warbler. Als otoday A Short-eared Owl and the first Mistle Thrush of the year.

For regular updates on Warren news check the link below.

Cheers
Kev

[sooseee]

Thanks, Roy. Hope to see them tomorrow. If lucky, it will be a first-fingers crossed!

[Mark]

Brian and myself had an excellant sea watch at Hopes Nose this morning with the highlight being a superb LITTLE AUK close inshore at 9.34. (Unfortunately, the highlight should have been a petrel sp. seen briefly at 9 am which looked larger rather than smaller, but just didn't see it for long enough). Apart from that, other goodies were a cracking Ad light phase Pom Skua at 8.50 , a Lovely adult Little Gull at 10.25, 2 Bonxies, 1 Arctic Skua, a 2W Med Gull, a late Whimbrel, 2 Red Throated and 1 Great Northern Diver, 50+ Common Scoter, 5 Dunlin, 15 Sandwich Terns and a lone Brent Goose which went south and then an hour later presumably the same bird went north. Brian stayed down there after I left , so his totals might follow later !?

[tereksora]

Hope's Nose 0800-1540 and even then had to drag myself away, birds still streaming through, mostly Kits but a pleasure to see 1,000 + of them today, nearly all close in and good to see over 50% were juvs. Conditions good today, strong SE, dryish till 1300 then steady rain but light mostly very good, so easy to sit it out!
Stayed on after Mark left to try to add to the day list [ yeah,you know what I mean! ] but only succeeded in adding one goodie, a dark juv Long-tailed Skua with an off-white head at 1330, close in [ inside the Lead Stone ] . Skua famine 1000-1300 then after the LTS 9 Arctic Skuas, all very close [ one flew over the rocks 10 yds in front of me!] Another moulting GND on sea only 25 yds out, an RTD did a short-cut behind me, and an Eider south. Ad w Little Gull north , and south an hour later, meant 3 sightings were all one bird I should think!
Good to do Hope's Nose after all those Berry Heads lately, it can't be beaten when conditions are right. If only we still had some lovely sewage...we'd have nailed that petrel Mark! [ I never saw it at all ]

[Brian Bullough]

I have just returned home last night after a week in North Devon with information supplied from forum members I went to Hartland Point in the large luton type hire van which was fun great location stunning views, a Raven flew over the lighthouse and cliffs in front of the car park trying to photograph it I was surprised to see a Dartford Warbler in front of me, tried to get some shots in the deep cover but they are rather blurred and then it was gone, I had thought I would have to go further south for this bird which was a lifer for me.Hartland Quay was also a stunning area but heavy rain and failing light.
Fremington Quay on the Sunday was rather wet ,a visit to Isley marsh and the farmland walk nearby on a sunnier day produced about 20 Clouded Yellows and a low Buzzard with also 6 Spoonbills flew over and vanished,non where found feeding as Roy C reported was that you with the scope & tripod and large lens around your neck mid afternoon just going on to the marsh,from here back to the Burrows for the rising tide a good flock of Golden Plover with Grey Plover & knot and the ever present Little Egret in the scene ,can't get over how easy they are to see and the Brent Geese came in right on cue just as I was informed.
A great few days in a great location next visit I will be driving something a little smaller for those narrow lanes, although everyone seemed to move over for me.
So its back to the north ,went out today no Spoonbills or Little Egrets but I did see 25 Little Auks past, Spoonbill has been recorded on a seawatch before.
Good Birding wherever you are and thanks for the info I'll be back
Brian

[Gavin Haig]

Really nice Spoonbill pic, Brian. Glad you had a good time.......

[Andrew]

Spent the morning at Dawlish Warren.

Osprey showing well as it moved between the railway saltmarsh and The Bight at high tide. Two Spoonbills on Finger Point. Redwings overhead. Reed Buntings in Greenland Lake and Warren Point. Chiffchaffs and a Goldcrest in the woods. Brent Geese coming in off the sea. Clouded Yellows and a Painted Lady.

Apparently I missed three Merlins!

[Ppedro]

Went to Start Point first light. Good bit of Vis mig over the car park 07:30-08:45 when it petered out. Highlights were 190 Meadow Pipits, 7 Siskins, 4 Bramblings, 100 Greenfinches, 340 Linnets, 670 Goldfinches, 320 Chaffinches, Reed Bunting, 50 Skylarks and 75 Stock Doves. Strangely no Woodpigeons. Everything heading south. Elsewhere very quiet only 2 Redwings, Goldcrest and 3 Wheatears. Good numbers of Red Admirals still and one Clouded Yellow.
In the afternoon went to Charleton Marsh. The resident Cetti's Warbler was singing and a Black-tailed Godwit was on the top scrape. Out on the estuary were Med Gull, 150 Golden Plover and a real highlight in the shape of an adult male Long-tailed Duck, a plumage we don't often see in Devon.

[Andrew]

A Firecrest showed well this morning at West Charleton Marsh. Also logged were a Green Woodpecker, two Jays, a Reed Bunting, six Redwings, two Goldcrests, and a female Sparrowhawk.

I saw that a Long-tailed Duck had been logged in the book (Tuesday) as well as a Marsh Harrier (Saturday). I watched in vain for the Harrier and did not bother with the duck. Serves me right! Hurrumph!

Slapton had nine of those ducks, you know, the ones we must not mention to the authorities!

Just a Wheatear and a Chiffchaff of note at Start Farm in the afternoon.

[Gavin Haig]

Slapton had nine of those ducks, you know, the ones we must not mention to the authorities!
I'd be very pleased to see one of those nasty little genetic contaminants on the Borrow Pit at Seaton Marshes!!

[Mark]

The Long Tailed Duck was still present on the Kingsbridge Estuary this afternoon. As Perry said it is a cracking male with a long tail...very impressive indeed. As per usual, it is spending more time under the water than on top, but was showing pretty well at times.
A look at Slapton lower ley in a strenghtening wind only produced 4 fem/imm Ruddy Ducks ,the rest presumably sheltering in the reeds. I also had quite a long look from the bridge, which failed to add Marsh Harrier, though there were still 2 there two days ago according to the log book.

[Andrew]

Apart from the Long-tailed Duck, there was also a Peregrine in pursuit of a Black-tailed Godwit. Looked to have sent it crashing and could not pick it out of a ditchful of water. Only a Goldcrest in the hedge but Perry later reported the Firecrest was still there.

A female Marsh Harrier lifted out of the bushes at Slapton Ley (Higher Ley) and drifted off high over the hills presumably towards the bay by France Wood. The log chalkboard in the stone building had two Marsh Harriers written on it.

Strete Gate was pleasantly sheltered but surprisingly completely devoid of birds.

As expected, Start Point was a waste of effort as the wind was strong and a thick mist descended.

Good to meet you Mark. You sure made your little boys walk fast! ;)

[Mark]

Apart from the Long-tailed Duck, there was also a Peregrine in pursuit of a Black-tailed Godwit. Looked to have sent it crashing and could not pick it out of a ditchful of water. Only a Goldcrest in the hedge but Perry later reported the Firecrest was still there.

A female Marsh Harrier lifted out of the bushes at Slapton Ley (Higher Ley) and drifted off high over the hills presumably towards the bay by France Wood. The log chalkboard in the stone building had two Marsh Harriers written on it.

Strete Gate was pleasantly sheltered but surprisingly completely devoid of birds.

As expected, Start Point was a waste of effort as the wind was strong and a thick mist descended.

Good to meet you Mark. You sure made your little boys walk fast! ;)


Hi Andrew, the boys are use to it now, especially when there Dad hasn't yet seen the bird in question ! At least I don't have to usually carry them any more..

as for the Harrier, that explains why I didn't see it then ...I got to the bridge about 2.30...

[Andrew]

Mark, this might hurt. I noted the sighting in my notebook as soon as it went over the ridge and it says 1435pm so you were in the area at the time. Understandably out of sight though. We were further up the road watching from Ian's car.

[Joe Ray]

Sorry for not posting for a while, I've been on holiday on Yorkshire (half term). Typing this from Malton, near York. Good day at Flamborough on thr 28th, Purple Sand, Sooty Shear, Twite, and Pinkfeet. Also a large population of Tree Sparrows where I'm staying, very nice.

[Joe Ray]

Birdguides are reporting a Cattle Egret on the Otter Estuary this morning, at Coleton Raleigh (spelling??).

[Joe Ray]

Massive fall of thrushes at Start Point. 2000 Song Thrushes and 1800 Redwings.
Ppedro, was that you?

[Ppedro]

Massive fall of thrushes at Start Point. 2000 Song Thrushes and 1800 Redwings.
Ppedro, was that you?

Hello Firecrest,
yes it was me who was lucky enough to be at Start today. Was it me or the weather forecast that was wrong. Thought I was heading to Start this morning for some vis mig. Misty, drizzly weather and a grounded Redwing in the dark on the road 2 miles before Start raised my hopes for something else. On reaching the car park could hear a few Redwings and song thrushes calling in the dark. In the half light went through the gate to head for the lighthouse and it was clear something big was on. In the fog there was a constant noise of thrushes taking off and calling from the bracken beside me. Scattered birds were hoping around on the road before me. On getting to within 400 metres of the lighthouse compound things really got busy. A small 30-40m stretch of stone wall had about 80 birds perched on it. Birds were perched all over the place on the rocks and exploding out of the bracken. In the lighthouse tamarisks birds were everywhere. I spoke to the people in the cottage, they had first noticed " thousands " of birds around the light at 21:00 hrs the previous evening. Surprisingly 6 or so Skylarks were in the compound, 50 starlings were on top of the lighthouse. I got permission to go in the compound. I was watching a few Blackcaps in the bottom line of tamarisks when thrushes started pouring out of them - c300 song thrushes and 100 Redwings in 5 minutes. After a few hours i headed around the coast towards Mattiscombe beach. On walking back up the valley to the car park odd parties of 20-30 birds would fly out of the grass like Meadow Pipits. After midday i headed back down to the lighthouse. Around 14:00hrs the fog cleared considerably at low level and the thrushes were starting to move off. When i walked back up about an hour later i only saw 40 song thrushes. It looked to me like 3-400 Redwings went to roost in Start Farm.
Other birds seen included a late Sandwich Tern passing,4 Black Redstarts,1 Fieldfare, 100 Blackbirds, 15 Blackcaps, 1 Garden Warbler, 10 Chiffchaffs, just 2 Goldcrests and 350 Starlings. The counts of 2000 song thrushes and 1800 redwings are i would think quite conservative.
I had rung a few friends early morning in case they were able to get out. Surprisingly other places , namely Rame and Soar were quiet. A friend of mine ringing nearby at Lannacombe said it was quiet there. Start it would seem had swallowed up and grounded virtually all of the thrushes that were obviously on the move within its grasp last night. For me its not the light thats the main pull - its the foghorn. Start Point seems to get its best days after a drizzly foggy night, nights when the light is only visible over a short distance. The foghorn is audible at sea for over 10 miles- this must be what they focus on when in trouble. The light then captures them and the tamarisk and bracken shelters them.
I imagine to many east coast and island birders these falls are not exceptional but they are few and far between down here. It has been a day i will remember for a long time and feel very lucky to have been in the right place at the right time.

Perry

[Andrew]

Nice one Perry.

Lots of finches around Dawlish Warren, mostly Greenfinches and Goldfinches but as with each autumn I find vis-mig very frustrating for obvious reasons. Treecreeper in the woods by the first pond was notable for Dawlish Warren I think.

Got word on the Cattle Egret. Walked from White Bridge to Otterton and back down to the estuary. No sign. 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, a Redwing (you lost one there Perry!), 14 Curlew, 6 Little Egrets, a Grey Wag, two Jays and two male Kingfishers.

Finally caught up with the Cattle Egret at Otter Farm. It flew off south five or ten minutes after I got on it.

For Otter Farm you drive into Colaton Raleigh from the south and turn off to the right (eastwards) to the end of a lane. You will see 'Otter Farm' on a sign. Park up here and there is a riverside public footpath from here. It was in a field near the farm.

[Mark]

The Cattle Egret was still showing late morning today and had been present all morning. Apparently started getting a bit flighty again around 12.30 pm. Easiest directions are From Exeter drive to Newton Poppleford then take the Budleigh road at the roundabout...after a mile you get to Collaton Raleigh and just after the village sign turn left into Church Road. Drive to the end and park before the cattle grid. Walk over the cattle grid and there is a kissing gate right in front (the entrance to the farm is to the right). Follow the path round and bear right along the riverbank (so that you are walking south) and after about 100 yards start scanning the grassy fields. When I was there the Cattle Egret and 6 Little Egrets were at the back of the 2nd field down directly below the farm buildings. A couple of Little Egrets did fly over the hedge and out of view at one point and I think the Cattle Egret did this as well after I left, but it always seems to come back..Amazing to think that just 3 years ago, there hadn't been an acceptable Cattle Egret in Devon for 17 years and now this is the 4th widely twitchable one since.

[Andrew]

Good directions Mark. Better than mine.

Bowling Green Marsh, Budleigh Salterton and this one come to mind. Where was the fourth one?

[devon.birder]

Good directions Mark. Better than mine.

Bowling Green Marsh, Budleigh Salterton and this one come to mind. Where was the fourth one?

Colliford. Roger

[Gavin Haig]

Where was the fourth one?
Where it truly mattered!! ;)

[Mark]

The regular female Marsh Harrier was still at West Charleton Marsh today at midday.

[tereksora]

Very smart "abietinus" Chiffchaff at Dawlish Warren today, mostly on the sunny side of the sallows by the first pond.

No photos of Clouded Yellows in flight, Andrew? Hard aren't they?

[Andrew]

Nah Brian, just stick my finger in the air and they land on it. Very obliging. ;)

[Gavin Haig]

The Cattle Egret was still showing late morning today and had been present all morning. Apparently started getting a bit flighty again around 12.30 pm. Easiest directions are From Exeter drive to Newton Poppleford then take the Budleigh road at the roundabout...after a mile you get to Collaton Raleigh and just after the village sign turn left into Church Road. Drive to the end and park before the cattle grid. Walk over the cattle grid and there is a kissing gate right in front (the entrance to the farm is to the right). Follow the path round and bear right along the riverbank (so that you are walking south) and after about 100 yards start scanning the grassy fields. When I was there the Cattle Egret and 6 Little Egrets were at the back of the 2nd field down directly below the farm buildings. A couple of Little Egrets did fly over the hedge and out of view at one point and I think the Cattle Egret did this as well after I left, but it always seems to come back..Amazing to think that just 3 years ago, there hadn't been an acceptable Cattle Egret in Devon for 17 years and now this is the 4th widely twitchable one since.
Thanks for the directions Mark. Actually ventured off-patch this morning, and detoured to see the Cattle Egret. Without these directions I probably would not have bothered to work out, on a map, where the bird actually was. So you are partially responsible for my second Devon twitch in the last 15 years! Hope you haven't started something..........

[Mark]

Thanks for the directions Mark. Actually ventured off-patch this morning, and detoured to see the Cattle Egret. Without these directions I probably would not have bothered to work out, on a map, where the bird actually was. So you are partially responsible for my second Devon twitch in the last 15 years! Hope you haven't started something..........

Glad to oblige Gavin, glad you got it.....real cracker I reckon....perhaps it will go a small way to repaying all the times you and the boys successfully got me over your way last year and at the start of this year...

[tereksora]

2 Bewick's Swans on Exe from BGM viewing platform at 1600 but afraid they flew off North at 1630 and looked like they weren't going to stop.......................???

A Serin seen just past the hide this afternoon but didn't have time to look. The field behind the hide has quite a few Linnet I'm told so worth a look tomorrow...

Snow Bunting till dusk at Hope's Nose I'm told.

[Andrew]

Darted down the M5 with Ian and got to the viewing platform for dusk. Just about picked out three Mute Swans. Stopped looking when we got the report that they had flown north.

Hope they decided to turn back and settle on Exminster Marshes.

[Mark]

The Snow Bunting was still at Hopes Nose first thing this morning showing exceptionally well around the point... Its been there 3 days now though can dissapear at times for long periods. This morning it found me by flying in around the corner calling and landing in front of me...very nice. Otherwise pretty quiet with just 6 Common Scoters offshore...

On a different note, it would be nice to think that there are some 'Exe ' Brents in the flock on The Fleet and that they are going to transport a Devon tick our way...its can only be another 40 miles or so for them ?

[Kev Rylands]

On a different note, it would be nice to think that there are some 'Exe ' Brents in the flock on The Fleet and that they are going to transport a Devon tick our way...its can only be another 40 miles or so for them ?

And that it choses the 'right' end of the Exe.

However I've been waiting/searching for that Black Brant for three winters so I'm not going to get my hopes up!

[Mark]

And that it choses the 'right' end of the Exe.

However I've been waiting/searching for that Black Brant for three winters so I'm not going to get my hopes up!

They had a Black Brant on the Fleet as well today, so that's two chances/reasons for you to keep looking Kev...it is bound to happen one day ? What is it, 18 years since the last and only one in Devon, so long overdue to give us all another chance..

[Gavin Haig]

The gaudy one might even be visible as they fly past Seaton/Branscombe..........if anyone's looking.

[Andrew]

Had a swell morning. Went to Okement Hill with Ian at first light and it was a beautiful morning, no wind and glorious sunshine, cold mind.

After an hour's walk, we reached the approach to Hangingstone Hill and a male RED GROUSE flew off from the track. Flushed it again a bit later when checking out a skittish passerine that turned out to be a Wren. Exciting stuff in a perfect setting.

Berry Head wasn't so obliging as we did a warbler search. Only managed three Goldcrests, two Chiffchaffs and three Blackcaps (2m & 1f).

[Mark]

The juvenile WOODCHAT SHRIKE was still present this morning giving reasonable scope views from the road..It had moved from the original field with the round straw bales and had flown across the road and down into the valley. From Marlborough head out towards Soar and park where the road forks (right for Soar Mill Cove , straight on for East Soar). Walk back 100 yards or so and the bird was to the east of the road on hedges around the house about 100 yards from the road. As far as I can see it is not surprisingly only the 2nd November record in Devon...the other being at Slapton in 1978 amazingly found on the same date of November 4th.

[Roy C]

Very quite on Isley Marsh this afternoon. Only saw 2 Spoonbills - not sure if the other 16 that were there have gone, could be that they were at Braunton marshes or Skern.

[sooseee]

Very quite on Isley Marsh this afternoon. Only saw 2 Spoonbills - not sure if the other 16 that were there have gone, could be that they were at Braunton marshes or Skern.
Ask them to hang around till Tuesday, Roy! This may be a naive question but have avocets ever been sighted in North Devon?
Sue

[Andrew]

The superb Woodchat Shrike returned to the hedge (field with hay bales) at the end of the day and showed well. Appeared to be roosting there so may be present tomorrow morning.

[Roy C]

Ask them to hang around till Tuesday, Roy! This may be a naive question but have avocets ever been sighted in North Devon?
Sue
Yes Sue, I have seen avocets on the Taw near Barnstaple but only a few times.

[sooseee]

Thanks, Roy. Will keep looking and hoping!
Sue.

[Andrew]

RBA reported that two female Scaups were on Wistlandpound Reservoir yesterday so I went up for a look.

No sign unfortunately. About eight or nine Tufted Ducks and a single drake Mandarin Duck. 150+ Redwings flew over too.

The reservoir is used by an activity centre for boating stuff so they may have been flushed off this morning.

Hopefully it will not be too long before the next ones.

[Hedgewitch]

The juv Woodchat Shrike was east of the road again this morning, showing pretty well in the trees around the house there (Furzedown, I think its called). It was being mobbed quite a bit, including a Cirl bunting at one point.

Had more Cirl Buntings, a Dartford Warbler and a Firecrest later, down at West Soar. Nice views of the both Darty and Firecrest, although the latter shot off into cover and I couldn't relocate it :(

[Roy C]

No sign of any Spoonbills at Isley Marsh this afternoon - hope they have not gone for good. Resorted to snapping a few Stonechats (see attached)

[sooseee]

No sign of any Spoonbills at Isley Marsh this afternoon - hope they have not gone for good. Resorted to snapping a few Stonechats (see attached)
Roy, I made it down to Isley Marsh just as the sun was setting and three spoonbills were just coming in to land by three more, so at least six are still about.
Sue

[Roy C]

Roy, I made it down to Isley Marsh just as the sun was setting and three spoonbills were just coming in to land by three more, so at least six are still about.
Sue
That good news Sue.

[Roy C]

RBA reported that two female Scaups were on Wistlandpound Reservoir yesterday so I went up for a look.

No sign unfortunately. About eight or nine Tufted Ducks and a single drake Mandarin Duck. 150+ Redwings flew over too.

The reservoir is used by an activity centre for boating stuff so they may have been flushed off this morning.

Hopefully it will not be too long before the next ones.
Went to Wistlandpound Yesterday (Thursday) update to Andrews post:
Very quite with only Gulls,1 Cormorant, few Mallard and some Buzzards overhead, No sign of Scaups, Tufted Ducks or Mandarin.

[Joe Ray]

It's all happening in Rare Bird Information. A Murrelet, probably a Long-billed has turned up at Dawlish Warren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get there now!!!!

[da2m]

It's all happening in Rare Bird Information. A Murrelet, probably a Long-billed has turned up at Dawlish Warren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get there now!!!!
looks like we're in for an influx of birders from up country this weekend at the warren!

[Joe Ray]

It was only seen on tuesday apparently, so.........

[da2m]

It was only seen on tuesday apparently, so.........
it hasn't be seen since, i think it's one that got away.

[kmonty1950]

It was only seen on tuesday apparently, so.........

Last seen drifting towards Dawlish (away from the Warren). I shall be giving Dawlish itself more than a cursory glance after I leave work tomorrow. I've already looked for it around the Teign Estuary!!!

Good birding

Ken.

[da2m]

Last seen drifting towards Dawlish (away from the Warren). I shall be giving Dawlish itself more than a cursory glance after I leave work tomorrow. I've already looked for it around the Teign Estuary!!!

Good birding

Ken.
i think it's long gone. if it did go towards berry head i'm sure someone might have picked it up. gonna hve to get down early tomorrow cos it's going to be packed.

[Joe Ray]

With gripped off twitchers!!

[Joe Ray]

Birdguides are reporting Spotted Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher at Tamar Lakes. They must have been there all along, but no one bothered to look, presumbly all the Devon listers already have them?

[Dave Stone]

Bloody hell Ken Im begining to wish that I had never photographed it

[Ppedro]

Had a look around Slapton Ley this morning. Not too much around apart from a Scaup towards Ireland Bay and a Common Scoter surprisingly in Stokeley Bay.
On the Kingsbridge Estuary in the afternoon saw another Common Scoter and the flock of 400+ Golden Plover. 61 Brent geese included 1 pale-bellied bird. Could not see any youngsters so looks like a poor breeding year for them.
Well done Andrew, Dave, Ken et al on seeing the Murrelet, never mind what i imagine must be constant phone ringing and texting tonight ! What an amazing record. Never regret taking the photos Dave, without them one of the all time great rarity records would have been lost. I think it was Andy Warhol said something like everybody is famous for 15 minutes, tonight thats you!!

[Joe Ray]

Any Goldeneye?

[Larry Wheatland]

IT is there ! haven't felt the jitters like this for years...hopefully on my way but Nicky not a happy bunny. Good luck all.

[Joe Ray]

Probably see you there (if I'm incredibly lucky and can get a lift with someone).

[Mark]

So Spotted Sand, Long-Billed Dowitcher and Long-Billed Murrelet before 10.05 in the morning isn't too bad as it goes I suppose. For some reason I thought that the best plan of attack for Saturday morning would be to drive 70 miles to the other side of Devon for first light as I had convinced myself that the Murrelet was long gone. The first part of the plan worked superbly as the Spotted Sand was found immediately at first light zooming along the opposite bank to me. The Dowitcher then took a further hour to find but then showed superbly at the north end. Even better was that both birds were on the Devon side for the total duration. Then a phonecall from Kev at 8.48 saying he had the Murrelet..that was the good news..the bad news was that I was still at the far end of Upper Tamar Lake and badly out of position. It took me 10 minutes to run the entire length of the lake back to the car. And screached out of the car park at 9.00am...The 70 miles back from Kilkhampton to Dawlish was how can I put it...well, i'll just say no prisoners were taken.(it took in comparision 1 hour 20 to drive up in the dark with no traffic)! I arrived at Dawlish at 10.05 with constant updates from Brian on route and the rest is history....I went back again this afternoon because Dad had been even more out of position than me and had been in Kent !..so helped him out in saving him a car park space, keeping tabs on the bird etc. Absolute chaos there this afternoon with at least 500 + birders there from all over the country..most of them crammed 6 deep at the end of the breakwater.. .just thought its nice they all have to come to us for a change...
So a brilliant day, just want to say a big thanks to Dave Hopkins for originally finding the bird, Stoney for taking his pics and especially to Kev for perservering with it and relocating it today and for the phone call.

[Joe Ray]

RBA reported a Lapland Bunting at Exmouth at 4pm yesterday.

[andy]

long Billed Dowitcher at Higher Tamar Lake today but no sign of Spotted Sand in poor weather.

[Andrew]

You have to bend down and look closely at the mud, Andy.

There are some grains of sand in it with spots on them.

Elusive little things! ;)

[kmonty1950]

You have to bend down and look closely at the mud, Andy.

There are some grains of sand in it with spots on them.

Elusive little things! ;)

You're still a bit frisky after the murrelet aren't you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the best

Ken

[Andrew]

I had the lube handy, Ken!

Went back to Dawlish on the bus to keep it 'green'. Took one look at the choppy sea and thought, "No chance!".

About forty to fifty hopefuls were there with some coming and going.

Went and enjoyed myself just mooching around instead.

I do suspect it is still around and may show again when the winds abate. I hope so.

[Joe Ray]

It's my bet that the bird will stay the winter. After all, it's hardly going to fly back to the Pacific, and Dawlish is a sheltered spot. When last seen it was still in very good health.

[Andrew]

Does anyone have recent news of Hen Harriers or Merlin at Bursdon Moor?

[Joe Ray]

Someone had 2 Spotted Redshank and a Black Redstart on the Kingsbridge Estuary yesterday.

[Mark]

First winter Med Gull coming to bread at the end of Marine Parade, Preston seafront this afternoon...its been around for a few days now.

[Steve Waite]

It's my bet that the bird will stay the winter. After all, it's hardly going to fly back to the Pacific, and Dawlish is a sheltered spot. When last seen it was still in very good health.
Disagree, how many Guillemots do you know that have stayed in virtually the same spot, close inshore, for 4 months? I though it would disappear with the first storm....and it looks like that's happened....

Nowt on the Axe, few Med Gulls as usual and 5 Water Pipits at Colyford.

[tereksora]

Velvet Scoter showing well off Otterton sewage works cliffs this morning boys.
oh and a late Whimbrel Otter est. Cattle Egret still halfway tween White Bridge and Otterton.

[tereksora]

and girls!

[Andrew]

Tawny Owl somewhere between Totnes and Harbertonford at 6:50am.

No Bittern at dawn by Deer Bridge on Slapton Ley. Shame.

Slapton Ley (various parts of it) gave up 5 Goldcrest, a drake Goldeneye, 11 Ruddy Ducks, 7 Shoveler, 41 Pochard, 34 Tufted Duck, a Chiffchaff and two large flocks of 200+ Wood Pigeon heading south. No Scaup, sadly.

Beesands had a Chiffchaff, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler and 2 Grey Heron.

A Peregrine was all that was on offer at Bolberry Down with a Merlin nearby at East Soar.

[Andrew]

The young female Scaup showed well today at Wistlandpound Reservoir.

Drive up the A361. Turn off onto the A399 northwards towards Combe Martin. Keep going for a decent while (no mileage clocked, sorry) and there is a brown sign for the reservoir down a road on the left. When you pull into the car park, drive down to the end and down a tarmac track going left. This leads you to another car park closer to the reservoir.

The bird was at the north end with Mallards.

Best of luck. Took me three attempts. Where it goes beats me.

[Gavin Haig]

Best of luck. Took me three attempts. Where it goes beats me.
Back to its enclosure?

No - joking, joking!! If only it wasn't a duck!

Well done Andrew - persistence rewarded nicely.

[Andrew]

I tried the bread test Gav and it would only take it buttered!

[Ian.B]

Did anyone notice Devon.Birder on BBC Spotlight last night?
He's got Dormice in his garden that get into the bird feeders !!!

Ian

[Andrew]

Black Redstart in Sidmouth yesterday. Showed well on the chimney of one of the thatched cottages opposite Westcliff Hotel as well as on the hotel itself and in the surrounding trees. Nice adult male. How many more winters will it return for?

Female Merlin at Northam Burrows this afternoon on The Skern as were at least 400 Golden Plover. No sign of the American version in the flock.

No Hen Harrier at Bursdon Moor from three o'clock until dark. Nice Barn Owl briefly at five to four though. Thousands of Starlings streaming through for ages to a roost. One flock stretched in a line from one end of the moor to the other!

[Gavin Haig]

....Nice adult male. How many more winters will it return for?....
What will the Sidmouth birders look at when it's gone? ;)

Oh - Purple Sands I suppose.......... |=(|

[Ppedro]

Had a look around part of Kingsbridge Estuary today. Saw 76 Dark-bellied Brent Geese with not a single first winter bird amongst them so presumably a very poor breeding year. This time last year 15 out of 96 birds were first winters. Is it the same elsewhere ?
Other birds seen today included Great Northern Diver, 2 Med Gulls, Little Gull, 18 Pintails, Spotted Redshank and c 1000 Golden Plover.
Perry

[Steve Waite]

Thought I should mention this on our 'sister thread'. Cracking Yellow-browed Warbler at Beer Quarry for second day. Showed superbly this morning.

[devon.birder]

Thought I should mention this on our 'sister thread'. Cracking Yellow-browed Warbler at Beer Quarry for second day. Showed superbly this morning.

Can you give us directions for Beer Quarry please Steve. Thanks. Roger

[Steve Waite]

It's opposite the entrance to the famous Beer Quarry Caves, which is along the road that leads to Branscombe from Beer, the caves are on the northern edge of Beer. It's a private quarry, but the bird has been seen twice from the road.

[devon.birder]

It's opposite the entrance to the famous Beer Quarry Caves, which is along the road that leads to Branscombe from Beer, the caves are on the northern edge of Beer. It's a private quarry, but the bird has been seen twice from the road.

Thanks Steve. Depending on the weather I may have a look tomorrow. Roger

[Steve Waite]

Thanks Steve. Depending on the weather I may have a look tomorrow. Roger
Don't let the wind put you off too much, very windy this morning but not a breath where the warbler was, it's nicely sheltered.

[devon.birder]

Don't let the wind put you off too much, very windy this morning but not a breath where the warbler was, it's nicely sheltered.

I arrived at 10.05 and at 10.10 the YBW appeared, gotta be happy with that as they say. It did not call in the 10 minutes I was watching it before it moved off out of sight. Also "ticked" Kevin further down the road and had a few words with him before I started holding up the traffic. This was my 7th YBW this year but as it was the first in Devon it was the best. The male Black Redstart also gave itself up quickly in Sidmouth. Finished up at BGM watching a very tired Falcated Duck. Roger

[Roy C]

Saw a Ruddy Shelduck at Barnstaple yesterday - see attached shot. Not sure if they are rare or not in these parts. Guess it could be a escapee.

[devon.birder]

Saw a Ruddy Shelduck at Barnstaple yesterday - see attached shot. Not sure if they are rare or not in these parts. Guess it could be a escapee.

The Barnsaple area seems to attract single Ruddy Shelducks most years either on the Taw or Wear Giffard. I expect a couple of Devon Year Listers I know may be interested unless they go for another much rarer duck a lot further north this weekend!!!!. Where exactly did you see it from Roy?. Roger

[Roy C]

The Barnsaple area seems to attract single Ruddy Shelducks most years either on the Taw or Wear Giffard. I expect a couple of Devon Year Listers I know may be interested unless they go for another much rarer duck a lot further north this weekend!!!!. Where exactly did you see it from Roy?. Roger
Saw it right by the new bridge that is being built across the Taw (downstream side), It was Anchor woods side of the river and then flew to Pottington side and joined the Canada's.

[Andrew]

Hi Roy,

I am certainly interested in seeing this Ruddy Shelduck. Will cast my scruples to one side and go for it.

Was it present more than one day and possibly today? Does it hang around with any other wildfowl and does the tide make a difference?

Sorry for so many questions! ;)

Cheers,
Andrew.

[Roy C]

Hi Roy,

I am certainly interested in seeing this Ruddy Shelduck. Will cast my scruples to one side and go for it.

Was it present more than one day and possibly today? Does it hang around with any other wildfowl and does the tide make a difference?

Sorry for so many questions! ;)

Cheers,
Andrew.
Andrew, never got to the site today but hope to check it out tomorrow. I saw it about an hour after high water but I guess that any time apart from top of the tide would be ok. It was on a sand bank with gulls and shelduck but after everything else took off it was all alone for over ten minutes before joining a load of canada's on the opposite side. Best bet would be to walk up the tarka trail from the Civic centre.

Cheers
Roy

[Andrew]

Thanks Roy, hope to try that soon.

[Joe Ray]

Well, bugger all around here, but passing by Broadsands thought I'd persuade the parents to let me have a look. Good numbers of grebes, never seen Slav, and need BN for the year but didn't have my bins with me. BT Diver would also be a tick, and they've been reported there recently. Tantalising, with some colourful language when back in the car. As we were leaving, I noticed a birder walking up with bins and scope, feasting his eyes on what was offshore. Was that any of you guys?

[Gavin Haig]

Well, bugger all around here, but passing by Broadsands thought I'd persuade the parents to let me have a look. Good numbers of grebes, never seen Slav, and need BN for the year but didn't have my bins with me. BT Diver would also be a tick, and they've been reported there recently. Tantalising, with some colourful language when back in the car. As we were leaving, I noticed a birder walking up with bins and scope, feasting his eyes on what was offshore. Was that any of you guys?
Not me Jyothi - would never stoop to making grebes easy for myself.....

Let that be a lesson to you - never torture yourself by turning up at some good birding locale without your optics! 3:-)

[Joe Ray]

Right, some advice please.
In Devon in the remainder of 2006 I would like to see:
Goldeneye
Black-throated Diver
Scaup
Slav Grebe
Black-necked Grebe
Hen Harrier
Red Grouse
Short-eared Owl
Velvet Scoter
Great Northern Diver

Where and when?

[Kev Rylands]

Goldeneye - Exe estuary, especially off Exmouth, possible also on the Teign off Passage House few are present yet
Black-throated Diver - Wherever they are reported in Torbay, scarce even in good years
Scaup - become very scarce in Devon will have to twitch reported birds
Slav Grebe - Off Dawlish Warren, but none yet this winter
Black-necked Grebe - Off Goodrington and nearby beaches in Torbay
Hen Harrier - Roosts on Dartmoor or Bursdon Moor
Red Grouse - Dartmoor
Short-eared Owl - Exminster Marshes but none for a month, occasional at Slapton
Velvet Scoter - Only bird at present is/was off Otterton
Great Northern Diver - Off Dawlish Warren and other coastal sites

Good luck

[Joe Ray]

Thanks a lot Kevin. Will report back the morning's findings at Broadsands later.

[Joe Ray]

Bumped into Terry at Broadsands. Not much around, though heavy weather predicted tonight, will have another look tommorow.
Great Northern Diver 2
Great-crested Grebe 1
Buzzard 2
Rock Pipit 2
Grey Heron 1
Fulmar 10
Sparrowhawk 1
Long-tailed Tit 8

[Joe Ray]

An hour and a half tramping round my patch produced:
Starling 11 (rare here)
Meadow Pipit 1
Nuthatch 1
Redwing 80
Fieldfare 5
Goldcrest 8
Goldfinch 7
Bullfinch 2
Jay 2
Song Thrush 1
Mistle Thrush 1
Moorhen 1
Kestrel 1
Don't know why I bother.

[PaulK]

Goldeneye - Exe estuary, especially off Exmouth, possible also on the Teign off Passage House few are present yet
Black-throated Diver - Wherever they are reported in Torbay, scarce even in good years
Scaup - become very scarce in Devon will have to twitch reported birds
Slav Grebe - Off Dawlish Warren, but none yet this winter
Black-necked Grebe - Off Goodrington and nearby beaches in Torbay
Hen Harrier - Roosts on Dartmoor or Bursdon Moor
Red Grouse - Dartmoor
Short-eared Owl - Exminster Marshes but none for a month, occasional at Slapton
Velvet Scoter - Only bird at present is/was off Otterton
Great Northern Diver - Off Dawlish Warren and other coastal sites

Good luck

How common is Red Grouse there? - i didn't even realise Red Grouse occurred in Devon!

[Joe Ray]

How common is Red Grouse there? - i didn't even realise Red Grouse occurred in Devon!Declining on Dartmoor apparently. I've seen their droppings, but never an actual bird.

[Joe Ray]

Wow. Birdguides are reporting a Leach's Petrel at BGM! I suppose after last nights storms......

[Ranger James]

A beautiful saturday, feeling more like September rather than December, saw myself and Gavin off on a tour of the Exe estuary. and what a day it was. Gavin was keen to follow up reports of seals on the estuary, while I was determined to get him birding!

We caught the early train from Exeter down to Exmouth, a few mixed flocks of greenfinch and goldfinch on the way to the station got us underway, and Exton station had a large flock of barwits feeding on the sand. Once in Exmouth we walked over to the river mouth to have a look at the pole sand. Sitting in a cafe garden overlooking the sea, a 'Magificent 7' breakfast was woolfed down while watching cormorant, shag, oystercatcher, red breasted merganser, brent geese, and assorted gulls. A great start.

We then walked round to the estuary via the docks, which gave great views of a female common scoter feeding in the moorings. Lots more brents here as well, and Gav got some stunning photos of a turnstone (Photos to follow). We then started back to the shore, when Gavin spotted a sea mouse. This beautiful mammalian-looking worm was distraction for 20 minutes or so as we tried to get some good photos.

We walked up the weasel run and poped over the stream at mudbanks lane and walked up the estuary. Wigeon, mallard, more brents, curlew and redshank set the soundtrack while a large mixed flock of pintail and shelduck were looking gorgeous in the early winter sunshine.

We got to Lympstone and as we walked to the station there was a small gull floating over the water, a second look revealed it to be a common tern, feeding successfully in the shallows. Back on the train, Exton station turned up trumps again, and made Gavin's day by having a grey seal hauled out on the sand banks - Gavin claims he didn't get time to ID positively, but bull-neck and roman nose was enough for me to rule out common, but Gav is terribly pedantic when it comes to furry things.

Lunch was had in unarguably the best pub in the UK - the Bridge Inn, Topsham. Quirky in all the right ways, and keeping the best beer in the entire world. Sitting outside to maximise birding time, we were rewarded with a female sparrowhawk, little egrets, little grebe, great and blue tits, wren, dunnock, pied wagtail, buzzard, jackdaws and crows.

Off to Bowling Green hide, where a gaggle of birders were there pointing out the dullest duck of the year, the falcated - I concur Mr Rylands. Teal, shoveller, starling, coot, moorhen, lapwing and blacktailed godwits made up the birds not yet seen, then in flew a stunning flock of golden plover shimmering in the afternoon sky. Seconds before we left the river's avocets splashed in and we were off for a pointless high water wander along the goat walk. Walking through the town, blackbird, magpie, jay, house sparrow added themselves to the list, while we dragged ourselves to the station for the last short hop home to Exeter, both agreeing we spend too much time during the week behind a desk. I didn't have the heart to let Gavin know this was a pretty typical working day for me!

Always nice to celebrate your own doorstep and be able to enjoy a day's birding and beer drinking and not have to rely on the car.

Right, I've got withdrawl from the regular patch now, so off for a Leach's Petrel update on the Seaton blog..

James

[davercox]

Great report, Ranger James. Couldn't agree more about the Falcated (and the Bridge at Topsham).

[Andrew]

Nice one James, I have long wanted to pop into The Bridge Inn. Should do something about that soon.

[Ranger James]

Nice one James, I have long wanted to pop into The Bridge Inn. Should do something about that soon.

A few of us will be in there on thursday night if any BF Devonians fancy a birding beer?

James

[Joe Ray]

Going to try for Hen Hariers at Warren House at the weekend, maybe find that GG Shrike? ;)

[davercox]

Otter Estuary today: the Cattle Egret still there (with eight Little Egrets), but the bird of the day for me was a Whimbrel, heard "seven-whistling" and seen well in flight, closely followed by 25 Curlews that were clearly larger and longer-billed than the first bird. Totally unexpected and brilliant.

[da2m]

went down to the passage house on the river teign for about 20 mins before work this morning. bloody cold with the wind. i scanned the gulls and found 1 common gull but the rest were black heads, herring and GBB. i noticed something on the river, it was 3 gossander, i later found another by the over bridge. there was also a redshank and 18 mute swan.there was also 2 little grebe on the far side and 1 by the bridge. this is a great site but but over looked by many. i only go there myself cos i can't alway get to the warren.

[Joe Ray]

Black Redstart at Salcombe the only half-noteworthy bird around in Devon according to Birdguides, mind you that plastic duck at Bowling Green was seen again this morning.
I feel another mega is waiting............

[Joe Ray]

Birdguides are reporting a Bonaparte's Gull at Warliegh Point. Is that in north Devon?

[Chunky]

Birdguides are reporting a Bonaparte's Gull at Warliegh Point. Is that in north Devon?
I live in N.Devon and I've never heard of it :h?:

[Roy C]

Just done a Google for Warliegh (Warleigh) Point and it is near Plymouth.

[kmonty1950]

It's just below where the Tamar and Tavy meet, on the opposite side of the river to Landulph. My map reading is pretty crap, but around map reference SX445610. Hope it stays for the weekend.

Regards

Ken.

[Joe Ray]

Hmm. It'll need to be a long stayer for me to get to it, mum can't drive to Plymouth, and dad's in Nepal (buisness) until the 16th. Unless of course I could get down on the train......

[Tav94]

Hi Firecrest if u can get to Plymouth station u can get on a no 42 bus to Tamerton Foliot and Warliegh point is a short walk along the creek side to the reserve.

[Andrew]

Went up to Hartland this afternoon with Ian.B and got in on the tail end of the Leach's movement.

Mark Darlaston had logged about 150 Leach's among other goodies when he was on his way out. He decided to join us for a wee while and bumped it up to 155 to augment what was already a new Devon record. We added three more after he left making it 158. Amazing stuff.

The birds had moved further out to sea but Mark had them right below him in the morning and could even see the black dividing line up the rump at times!

Also logged three Bonxies and two Red-throated Divers.

[Roy C]

Goosander and Ruddy Shelduck still on the Taw at Barnstaple.

[Andrew]

Argh! A friend and I were up your neck of the woods today Roy. Coulda done witht he Ruddy Shelduck.

Where were you viewing the bird from and at what time?

Had a first winter female Scaup on the old power station pool at Yelland next to Isley Marsh.

Ringtail Hen Harrier very briefly at Molland Common too.

[Roy C]

Argh! A friend and I were up your neck of the woods today Roy. Coulda done witht he Ruddy Shelduck.

Where were you viewing the bird from and at what time?

Had a first winter female Scaup on the old power station pool at Yelland next to Isley Marsh.

Ringtail Hen Harrier very briefly at Molland Common too.
Andrew, The Ruddy was on the Barnstaple side of the river about 1/2 mile up the Tarka trail from the Civic centre. I will get down to Isley tomorrow to try for the Scaup (if it isnt raining).

[Andrew]

Thanks. There is a good bus run from Tiverton to Barnstaple so I shall try a few times until I see it.

The Scaup was on the old power station pit but flew off out to the River Taw. May come back. It associated with a female Tufty.

We were locked in but luckily an amiably decent fella came and let us out. The site is locked most weekends according to him.

[Joe Ray]

Off to twitch that Falcated Duck at BGM tommorow. Will report back Sunday afternoon. Weather's not looking good though. Does it have any preference on whereabouts it hangs out at Bowling Green?

[Andrew]

Just go to the hide and it should be out in front of you. Simple as that.

[Andrew]

Just go to the hide and it should be out in front of you. Simple as that.
Does not appear to be as simple. Seems to have gone now.

I digress.

Popped back up north to Barnstaple with Ian.B and connected with the Ruddy Shelduck on the far side of the River Taw opposite Pottington industrial estate.

Looks REALLY wild! ;)

[Joe Ray]

Jammy thing! Dipped on the Falcated, and it was me who rang in the news that it had vanished. Well it had! 2 hours of scanning Wigeon and Teal along with about 10 others revealed revealed nothing but Wigeon and Teal.
5 hours in all spent out today (including journeys) to dip.

[Gavin Haig]

Looks REALLY wild! ;)
Obviously not one of our June birds then - they looked REALLY REALLY wild!

[Joe Ray]

How far is Barnstable from Totnes? Might have a go at pursuading Mum to take me (won't work though).

[Andrew]

I'd say about a two hour drive if you get lucky with the Barnstaple traffic.

[Chunky]

Hello RoyC fancy meeting you here!!
Did you get the Spoonbills at Isley before the group split up?

Paul..

EDIT: Just checked out your site......YES YOU DID GET THEM ;) :clap:

[PhilW]

Working in Somerset tomorrow and Wednesday and will probalby try for Cattle Egret at Budleigh as I have relatives there. Anyone help me with whereabouts of 'White Bridge'. From map I see South Farm Rd cuts across the estuary - is the bridge on this road the afore mentioned White Bridge?

Many thanks

[devon.birder]

Working in Somerset tomorrow and Wednesday and will probalby try for Cattle Egret at Budleigh as I have relatives there. Anyone help me with whereabouts of 'White Bridge'. From map I see South Farm Rd cuts across the estuary - is the bridge on this road the afore mentioned White Bridge?

Many thanks

Yes that's the one. There are footpaths both up and down the river from the
bridge. There is plenty of parking just over the bridge. Roger

[Joe Ray]

Sooty and Balearic Shearwaters past Berry Head this morning, as well as 4 Velvet Scoters.

[PhilW]

Yes that's the one. There are footpaths both up and down the river from the
bridge. There is plenty of parking just over the bridge. Roger

Thanks Roger.

[Ranger James]

Any directions for birding Goodrington fellows? Heard its good for divers and grebes and need a couple of these chaps to round off the year list and make sure i finish ahead of my esteemed colleage.

Any hints gratefully recieved.

James

[Joe Ray]

I would go for Broadsands, larger numbers.

[Ranger James]

Excellent, cheers Firecrest.

James

[Joe Ray]

Esteemed colleage being Gavin? Though he only did Seaton stuff! ;)

[Gavin Haig]

Esteemed colleage being Gavin? Though he only did Seaton stuff! ;)
That's right, Firecrest. My bins and scope stop working if I leave the Seaton area, my ID skills wither and die, and I have to resort to stringing....or looking at stuff someone else has ID'd ;)

Actually, I suspect James knows at least 2 Gavins. He may even mean Fraser?

[Joe Ray]

That's right, Firecrest. My bins and scope stop working if I leave the Seaton area, my ID skills wither and die, and I have to resort to stringing!So the Murrelet is a fake on your list? ;)
But wasn't there that infamous event of you coming to the Exe? And what about the Cattle Egret?
Honestly, these days...... ;)

[PhilW]

Got the Cattle Egret early this morning on the west side of the fields north of South Farm Road just before it was disturbed by a lady walking along the ditch with a clip board. Thanks for the info.

[Kev Rylands]

An interesting list of submissions from Devon is on the BBRC website. http://www.bbrc.org.uk/WIP.pdf

It includes acceptable records of Two-barred Crossbill and Wilson's Phalarope in 2006 plus several other previously unknown records in circulation

[Ranger James]

That's right, Firecrest. My bins and scope stop working if I leave the Seaton area, my ID skills wither and die, and I have to resort to stringing....or looking at stuff someone else has ID'd ;)

Actually, I suspect James knows at least 2 Gavins. He may even mean Fraser?

I know three Gavins actually. Nope - four.

Quick diversion up the Otter at lunch revealed the cattel egret in aquaduct field with seven other egrets. On way back I was on the lookout for a firecrest which had been seen over the weekend. To my surprise i caught up with the little fellow in bramble on the raodside at white bridge - uncanny! Normally when I look specifically for something, I see anything but. Great. But apologies to Fraser who saw the cattle egret at the weekend but didn't catch up with the 'crest.

James

[Richard Gabb]

The Long Tailed Duck was still present on the Kingsbridge Estuary this afternoon. As Perry said it is a cracking male with a long tail...very impressive indeed. As per usual, it is spending more time under the water than on top, but was showing pretty well at times.
A look at Slapton lower ley in a strenghtening wind only produced 4 fem/imm Ruddy Ducks ,the rest presumably sheltering in the reeds. I also had quite a long look from the bridge, which failed to add Marsh Harrier, though there were still 2 there two days ago according to the log book.

Mark
I've registered here in an attempt to contact you after many years
Richard

[Joe Ray]

A quick look at Broadsands this pm. Reward - the best views of a Great Northern Diver I think I'll ever have in my life! Incredibly close, could clearly see its eye, even without bins. With bins - wow! Then I set up the scope. Could see every feather, what a bird.
Also a RB Merganser, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Ravens, 5 Pied Wagtails, and 8+ Cormorants.
Only there for 20 minutes, but worth it.

[Joe Ray]

Just had a phone call from a friend, he's got a pair of Goosander on the river Avon at Diptford, South Devon. On his local (very, 300 yards away from his house) patch.

[Ranger James]

Broadsands and Berry Head were very fruitful for me and one of my other friends called Gavin - many thanks for the tip Firecrest. Red necked and black neck grebe, great northern diver close in, and v distant red throated. Berry head gave gannet, guillemot and razorbill, kittewakes and fulmars, beautiful spot you guys have down there, I'll be back! Apparantly I missed black redstart and grey phalarope this morning too - don't know if I would have been able to control myself with those two on the day list as well!
Cheers
James

[Joe Ray]

Aarg! Have tried so many times for Black-necked Grebe at Broadsands, and when I mention it to you down you go and grip me off! ;) Was kicking myself when I saw Grey Phal on RBA.

[davercox]

Wintering Plover survey day today, glorious morning, wandering around my square, no plovers of course, ho-hum, just out of Stokeinteignhead and what's that ... a Cirl Bunting singing ... in December ? Yup.

[Joe Ray]

Visted a friend today, A walk round his patch in Diptford was nice, Stonechat, 4 Grey Wags, pair of Dippers, 3 Buzzards, etc. plus other bits and bobs.

[Joe Ray]

Why are so few people posting on this thread now? Have I posted too much? I can't keep it going all on my own.

[Andrew]

Why are so few people posting on this thread now? Have I posted too much? I can't keep it going all on my own.
Don't worry too much.

Xmas shopping = few birds being seen.

Also, all the birds are in Seaton so look at that thread. ;)

[Ppedro]

For anyone who fancies themselves as an ace rare bird predictor there is a competition for 2007 on the Wildlife in Devon website ( press on link below ). Only wished it was being done last year - I was telling everyone who'd listen it was about time we had a Long-billed Murrelet somewhere down here.
Happy christmas one and all .
Perry B (: B (: B (: B (: B B (: (: B (:

[Joe Ray]

Have already entered. Borig predictions on my part. Woodchat Shrike, Great Reed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, all very conservative.
Doing Broadsands tommorow morning.....or should it be Slapton?

[Dartmoor Birders]

Have already entered. Borig predictions on my part. Woodchat Shrike, Great Reed Warbler, Pallas's Warbler, all very conservative.
Doing Broadsands tommorow morning.....or should it be Slapton?

Lucky you Firecrest
I'll be doing Plymouth City Centre and Tesco!! along with many others. Don't get downhearted. The New Year is round the corner and it will all take off again with lists and then early migrant spotting.