North Devon info

[Andrew Whitehouse]

In a couple of week's time, I'll be camping at Croyde in north Devon. It's not particularly a birding trip but I'm hoping to see a few things. I know a bit about sites like Braunton Burrows and the Taw/Torridge Estuary but would be interested in any information about the following:

1. Sites for Cirl Buntings, Dartford Warbler and Nightjar in the area (within maybe 30 minutes drive).
2. Dragonfly and butterfly sites and potential.

PM me if you prefer.

[devon.birder]

In a couple of week's time, I'll be camping at Croyde in north Devon. It's not particularly a birding trip but I'm hoping to see a few things. I know a bit about sites like Braunton Burrows and the Taw/Torridge Estuary but would be interested in any information about the following:

1. Sites for Cirl Buntings, Dartford Warbler and Nightjar in the area (within maybe 30 minutes drive).
2. Dragonfly and butterfly sites and potential.

PM me if you prefer.

Hi Andrew. As far as I am aware there are no Cirl Buntings in North Devon. I would think the nearest Dartford Warblers are at Selworthy Beacon near Minehead,Somerset which is more than 30 minutes drive from Croyde. There are a few Nightjars in Hartland Forest, North Devon but again that would be more than 30 minutes drive.
Have a good holiday, hope the weather is better than it is at the moment.
Roger

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Hi Andrew. As far as I am aware there are no Cirl Buntings in North Devon. I would think the nearest Dartford Warblers are at Selworthy Beacon near Minehead,Somerset which is more than 30 minutes drive from Croyde. There are a few Nightjars in Hartland Forest, North Devon but again that would be more than 30 minutes drive.
Have a good holiday, hope the weather is better than it is at the moment.
Roger

Thanks Roger - I suspected this might be the case (unless anyone knows different?).

Still interested in info on butterflies and dragonflies, provided the weather improves!

[Andrew]

Sometimes the odd Dartford Warbler gets reported from Baggy Point.

Braunton Burrows is supposed to be good for a few butterflies due to being rich in flower diversity.

Not been there myself as I only travel that far to twitch a bird or go birding. Some reports come from there on the Devon butterfly conservation website. It has form for Small Blues but the flight times for those may be over now.

An idea for a day could be a day trip from Bideford to Lundy on the ferry.

Really sorry I can not help more as I am not familiar enough with North Devon. Devon is that big.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Thanks Andrew. I'd forgotten about Lundy but will look into it.

[devon.birder]

Anyone know if the new road bridge across the estuary is open yet?. If it is Bideford would be about 30 minutes from Croyde by car. Roger

[Andrew]

http://www.devon-butterflies.org.uk/Home.htm

Dark Green Frits, Marbled Whites and Small Skippers were ecently reported from Braunton Burrows.

A look at the UK Butterflies website's site guide should reveal a few sites too.

[Andrew]

I am not sure Roger, but I don't think it would yet. They were still missing a few sections late last autumn.

[devon.birder]

I am not sure Roger, but I don't think it would yet. They were still missing a few sections late last autumn.

In that case it would probably take 30 minutes just to get through or around Barnstaple!!!!. Roger

[Roy C]

Anyone know if the new road bridge across the estuary is open yet?. If it is Bideford would be about 30 minutes from Croyde by car. Roger
The new bridge at Barnstaple is open and the traffic is flowing great. Getting to Bideford from the Croyde/Braunton road is now much easier and should take about 30 minutes from Croyde.
Barnstaple is no longer the 'home of the traffic jam'.

[DrJohn]

I've seen Dartfords recently on the coastal path south of Westward Ho! which a tad further than Bideford.
How about a sea watch around Mortehoe. Lovely area for a walk.
And yes the traffic is sooooo much better in Barnstaple.

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Just back from an enjoyable, and sunny, weekend. I didn't go too far afield but mostly just went birding around Croyde and Braunton. The best bird was a Balearic Shearwater off Baggy Point in the strong winds on Friday, along with a good passage of Manxies. Butterflies were decent at Braunton Burrows, including Marbled White, Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling. Also a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. Thanks to everyone for the info.

[devon.birder]

Very pleased to read that you had a good time in Devon and that the weather was OK. Roger

[Roy C]

Just back from an enjoyable, and sunny, weekend. I didn't go too far afield but mostly just went birding around Croyde and Braunton. The best bird was a Balearic Shearwater off Baggy Point in the strong winds on Friday, along with a good passage of Manxies. Butterflies were decent at Braunton Burrows, including Marbled White, Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling. Also a Hummingbird Hawk Moth. Thanks to everyone for the info.
Glad you had a good weekend Andrew - I must try to get to Baggy this week if the weather is ok.