South Devon Bird Blog

09.05.09

2009-05-09T21:02:00.002Z

I'm well chuffed the bird I have managed to dip for a few years now was reeling on Knighton Heath this evening a Grasshopper Warbler, when I was look for Nightjar, who were also churring. I think thats my first proper find. Yiphee for me.

14.04.09

2009-04-14T12:15:00.004Z

A great little bird and 2 site ticks for the Passage house this morning. The Little Ring Plover was still present from yesterday and flew off, heading towards Newton Abbot shortly after this photo was taken. But the 2nd site tick was a singing Cetti's Warbler. Also present were 2 Common Sandpipers.

12.04.09

2009-04-14T11:49:00.004Z

Early start at the warren this morning was very cold. From the sea wall there was a lack of birds. I walked through 1st pond where a Willow Warbler and a Chiff were trying to out do each other sing. If there's any bird that reminds me of spring it the Willow Warb.
Met up with a friend and walked to the warren point and there was a Wheatear on the sign there. On the estuary side of the warren were 7 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin and a single Sanderling and Sarnie Tern(missed the Gropper though).
Walked back down to the top of the golf course and found 2male and a female Sand Lizard. Watch possibly the worst golfer in the world, I thought at one point that I would challenged him to a round, he could use his sticks and I would throw the ball! When the 6 hole was free I was challenged to throw a ball closest to the hole, I won.
God know what we missed while we were playing but 4 Swallows passed through.
I had to be back home and on the way passed the main pond a Reed Warbler was singing it's head off.

18.03.09

2009-03-18T13:05:00.003Z

This is my 1st Wheater of the year. He was at the Warren in Greenland lake. It always amazes me how far these stunners travel. Other birds included 6 Chiffs, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 2 Red Throated Divers, Gannets.

06.03.09

2009-03-06T17:52:00.003Z

Well after a week off and a little birding done i managed a Goshawk today. They were distant views but they were good views. Also this week I have been to Bowling Green Marsh and Yarner Wood. Not much to report, only common birds but I will watch anything.

04.02.09

2009-02-07T21:58:00.002Z

A quick stop at the passage house before work, in the freezing cold found an Avocet really close to the car park. A Greenshank was further upriver. A small flock of waders flew past and landed, turned out to be 17 Dunlin and 7 Redshank, the most Dunlin I have ever seen there. GCG was in the river as were numerous Gulls, Common, Blackheaded, Herring, Lesser and Greater Black Backed.

01.02.09

2009-02-01T12:47:00.003Z

I started at the warren this morning because yesterday they had a good day down there, which was the exact opposite to today. I did manage 1 Little Gull but it was brief. Red throated Divers were a plenty and the Velvet, Surf and Common Scoter were all present.
But I like to feel my hands and feet so went off to find a missing bird off my list.
I didn't have to go far as right by the road side just off the Exeter to Dawlish rd was this lovely Red legged Partridge. The photo was taken through my car windscreen but it's a record shot!

22.01.08

2009-01-22T12:05:00.003Z

Powderham village, in the field next to the chruch, were 3 Cattle Egrets.

17.01.09

2009-01-17T19:28:00.005Z

I have been really patient over the last couple of days, not being able to get down to Paignton for the Penduline Tit, but it was worth it. I had a few hours out this afternoon and headed that way.

The bird showed really well for about 10 minutes. It was very active, feeding off the reeds. But then vanished, I hung around for another 10 mins but it never showed again so I went to Broadsands.

By the time I got down there the wind had really picked up. I found a seat over looking the bay and started to pick up birds on the sea. Lots of gulls and a very distant Black Neck Grebe. There was a raft of Eider with a Velvet Scoter tagging along.

08.01.09

2009-01-08T21:06:00.003Z

My mornig started at Countess weir in Exeter this morning. I was greeted by a Goldcrest calling in a Bramble hedge.The ship canal was completely frozen over. On the Exe, which was very low, a flock of Black heads were preening, some where starting to come into breeding plumage. Up river 2 Common Sandpipers were feeding along the frozen shoreline and a F Goosander was in the river. Also present were Stonechat, grey and pied wag, pipit sp and 2 snipe.
I walked to the Riverside cp but the was not much around, all the pond were frozen.
On my way home I stopped off to see if the Little Owls were out in Dunchidiock, there was one in the open, preening and watching the Wood pigs being twitchy. Redwing and Fieldfare a plenty.

15.12.08

2008-12-15T12:13:00.004Z

I had a nice walk along the Exe canal this morning. On the ponds were Teal, Wigeon, Snipe(calling). A flock of Redwing were feeding on the otherside of the canal. Further along was the female Scaup who was beautiful and happy to let me stand only about 5m away. This will possibly be the last year tick this year.

02.12.08

2008-12-03T18:37:00.002Z

What a cold day! I went to Countess Weir in Exeter to see if the reported Scaup was around but didn't see it. I did see loads of Goldcrests, I'm talking 8+ in such a small area. I thought I might be onto a Firecrest but it wasn't. Chiffchaffs were also in good numbers but they were so mobile that I couldn't tell if they were the reported Siberian Chiffs.
But the rain and the cold were just to much and I left after about 1 1/2hours.

27.11.08

2008-11-27T19:23:00.004Z

I had a couple of hours to spare this afternoon so I went to BGM. As I walked down towards the hide I could hear the Teal whistling and saw some Wigeon feeding around the pools, 7 Brent Geese flew over the site too.
There was alot of common stuff there, Lapwing, Blackwits, Canada G's, Shovelers and the beautiful Pintail. I the walked towards the VP.
On the walk I was mesmerized by the Redwings that were feeding on the Hawthorn berries. In the field next to the VP 50+ Brents were socializing, I had never seen this many Brents at this site before.
By the gate to the VP was a Goldcrest, which I had to stop and check out. At the VP, Grey Plover, Redshank, Avocets, Curlew and 150+ Dunlin were all busy feeding on the rising tide.
The walk back produces a Fieldfare calling from a dead tree.

I had to put this in, I love the sound. Did you know that Swan means noise, thought to be from the wings, so these are no noise!

16.11.08

2008-11-16T17:40:00.000Z

I managed to see the elusive Sardinian Warbler this afternoon, it showed well but briefly so no photo.

11.11.08

2008-11-11T12:07:00.001Z

Dawlish Warren.
Not many birds, GCG and a few Tit flocks. I think this is a Migrant Darter but please correct me if I'm wrong.

07.10.08

2008-10-07T11:53:00.002Z

Sea watching at the warren this morning between 0730-0840, in the howling wind and rain. Misses a Bonxy but at least 8 Arctic Skuas. Loads of Kitts and Gannets. 1 knot, 2 Sarnies and thats about it!

05.10.08

2008-10-05T21:27:00.002Z

It was the first day of my weeks holiday and I had to try and make it down to the warren, I did and it was worth the wait.

I watched the sea for about 1/2 an hour, 1 Shearwater(to far out to id) and a Skua (sp) but again to far out. There was a couple of Arctic Skuas around and later on this morning 2 flew very close by the dune ridge, both dark phase.

I made my way to the dune ridge with a mate and as we're setting up someone shouts 'MERLIN ON A WOODEN POST CLOSE BY'. I haven't seen 1 in 2 years and there one sat about 50m from us, just as I get my camera on it a Magpie mobs it and it's off, but it was a lovely adult female. A few minutes later she reappeared on another post about 200m away, hence the crap photos.

There were some waders in the bight but by the time the Merlin had gone, so had they. So had I, I said I would be back for lunch!!!

On my way back, past the main pond, I heard a familiar bird call but at the same time some thing was not right. I found a clearing and saw a Kingfisher being chased by another female Merlin, whether it was the same bird, who knows but I watch this life or death struggle as the KF darted around, giving the M the slip. The KF did get away, calling like a speeding express train, over the trees and off. Mean while the M was again being mobbed by Corvids.

16.09.08

2008-09-16T20:52:00.005Z

Curlew Sand under a Curlew

I had a lovely couple of hours at Bowling green marsh this morning.
I got there for high(ish) tide and there were loads of birds around, the waders were all bunched up so you couldn't get a good view of what was there, until an Osprey few over.

As usually everything went up, a group of Avocets mobbed the Osprey as it circled over the site but everything settled once it was gone.

Then the fun started. I called out 2 Ruff walking along the far shore, feeding. Dave, another birder there, called Curlew Sandpiper. We managed maximum 4 Ruff in total and at least 6 Curlew sands.

Then the Canada geese started to come in. They brought out Wigeon and 2 Barnacle Geese, which I have been missing for ages. There was also a movement of finches, mainly Gold by their call. Other species included Blackwit, Red & Greenshank, Dunlin, Lpwing, Little Grebe, Teal, Shoveler, Little egret, Heron and a Sparrowhawk.

Great times.

31.08.08

2008-08-31T20:56:00.004Z

i'm sorry no matter what i do i can't get these photos the right way around!!!

Finally managed to get time to see the Semipalmated Sandpiper at the warren. Work and home life have just taken over!

I got down at about 1845 and there were still other birders and photogs there.
The bird, as you can see had it's head under it's wing, dozing but it did occasionaly pop it's head up and gave good, close views of a rare find indeed.

Other birds to note; Artic Skua, Gannet, Sarnies, Dunlin, Sanderling, Turnstone and a Chiff

18.08.08

2008-08-18T21:25:00.002Z

I really love these birds, they are so magestic and i watched, in awe, one preening at Powderham today.
Previously I went to Dawlish Warren ans watched the sea for an hour. Only good birds were 2 Artic Skua and a handful of Sarnies.

10.08.08

2008-08-10T23:00:00.004Z

Black Tern under the red arrow(don't worry the arrow isn't at the warren)

Dawlish Warren this morning produced a flurry of Terns.
I got to the hide and everyone was watching a Black Tern on the far side of the river, it showed reasonably well and even managed to watch it feeding. Beauty of a bird, really small next to the Sarnies.
Other highlight included a Slavonian grebe towards Cockwood, Common and Sarnie Terns and a lovely Rosiate Tern, close by and in great condition.

The rosey is the one in the middle that takes off and lands straight away.
I watched the sea for a bit but gave up cos I didn't see anything.

There was a strange juv gull in the bight, it was thought to be a 1st summer Yellow Legged Gull, this caused much debate, which I don't think got resolved. I thought that the bill shape was to thin but I have just been looking at the Portland Bird Observatories web site and they had a similar looking bird earlier in the week. Who knows??????

04.08.08

2008-08-04T12:05:00.004Z

Bowling Green Marsh

Crap photo but it shows plumage well.

This Wood Sandpiper was by the fisherman's car park in Exminster marshes. There were also Curlew and Blackwit.
I moved onto Bowling Green and there was loads of stuff. Whimbrel, Ringed plover, Lapwing, Blackwit, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Sanderling, Teal, loads of Blackheads, Canada Geese and 2 Barheaded Geese.
On the road there as juv Willow Warblers calling

20.07.08

2008-07-20T22:30:00.001Z

I took this this morning from my nursery window. They have got chicks and have started to add onto the nest.

17.07.08

2008-07-17T21:23:00.004Z

Topsham this morning.
I haven't had a sniff of a Med Gull all year then I get 3 in 20 mins!!!
As you can see I went along to the rec at Topsham and scanned the gull that were there. Mostly BH gulls but there was a scruffy, I think 2nd winter MG by the shore. I walked along to the bigger roost under the M5 flyover and found an adult MG with a couple of rings on, I think they say M12 on the right leg. After looking through the rest of them I walked back. There was now another MG

While there I also found a juv Herring Gull caught up in some rigging on a small boat. I spoke to someone from the fire and rescue and they were sorting it. Hopefully it all ended well.

16.07.08

2008-07-16T20:54:00.004Z

Well it has been a long time since I've posted. I really have only been birding a few times in the last month and they were really not worth the time to type anything out.

So it felt a bit strange going out this afternoon for a bit, in the heat of the day.

I found myself at Exminster Marsh and the first bird was the elusive Spoonbill. Managed a few minutes watching it( 3 photos) and saw it's bill. But i moved on. A flock of Blackwits were on one of the pools and that was pretty much it. Apart from the usual martins and gulls

08.06.08

2008-06-08T20:49:00.002Z

Greater Butterfly Orchid, Chudleigh slip road

06.06.08

2008-06-05T21:16:00.004Z

I have just got back from watching some bats on the river Teign. All of the calls are Pipistrelle(common) but there were Soprano pips further on up the river.
If you look carefully at about 9 seconds in, you can see a shadow of a bat flying past.
The sound is from a hand held bat detector.

03.06.08

2008-06-03T21:35:00.002Z

WOW what a little cracker. In the summer when not looking for birds, I love watching Butterflies and how about this one. It's a Green Hairstreak and is hard to see cos of it's colour, green! This one is at the warren and on the wing on sunny days like today.

COmmon Blue(f)

Common Blue(m)

Common Blue underside(m)

I have also found out that a Red Footed Falcon was spotted aroud mid-day, gutted.

2008-05-29T18:18:00.003Z

Not the best of weather today but in between the rain I found a few Common Blues at the warren.

During a sea watch I saw a dark phase Arctic Skua(it was black) harassing Terns. 2 Roseate Terns where feeding with numerous Commons and Sarnies. But time catches on with you and before I knew it it was time to get back home.

Earlier on in the day when I was walking to the shop in the village, with my son and we stopped off to watch House Martins building their nest on the houses. Amazing little birds.

25.05.08

2008-05-25T21:11:00.003Z

Mucky morning this morning. Paid a visit to Hopes Nose before work. I managed 40mins of sea watch before the low cloud moved in.

3 Manxies, 5 Sarnies, numerous kitties and Gannets and 1 lown turnstone with 7 passing through.

This evening was a little better. Nightjars really close churring to each other, hope you like the vid. If you turn the volume you might just hear the churr.

23.05.08

2008-05-23T20:19:00.002Z

On the 21st I had a txt from a friend( thanks Nigel) to say that there was a Bonaparte's Gull and a summer plumage Ruff at BGM. I was on holiday in Exmouth( I know it's not far but it's easy with 2 small kids) so it was not far to travel to get a great lifer. And the bird didn't disappoint, it showed really well as did the Ruff, which I thought was better than the gull because it looks so odd, plus I had never seen one in it's summer plumage.

Also from Sandy Bay in Exmouth I watched an Artic Skua harassing Terns.

The 22nd was pretty much of a wash out, I did get some time to sea watch off Exmouth sea front. Terns and Kittys mainly with Gannets feeding close into. I'm pretty confident that this is an Artic Tern ( sitting low down, small red bill).

Sarnie buoy

What a cracker. Again the local grapevine working it's magic. Another txt to sat that there was 1 poss 2 Red Back Shrike by Soussons plantation. I couldn't get down early but I managed this evening and WOW there were definitely 2 birds. I saw 1 by the bottom gate, I got it on it's call first. Then I walked further down the track and a 2nd was calling too.( that's the 2nd bird in te photo). I walked back and there were 2 other birders watching the 1st bird.

I got lost on the way there but I did see a Peregrine being mobbed by a Hobby!

21.05.08

2008-05-22T07:47:00.001Z

BGM 2015 hrs

21.05.08

2008-05-21T21:47:00.001Z

On holiday in Exmouth ( i know it's not far but it's easy with 2 kids) anyway i took the bins to the beach and picked up an Artic Skua attacking a tern.  I had a txt from a friend saying ties was a Ruff and a Bonaparte's Gull at BGM. So i raced down and got awesom views of both. The Ruff was a summer plumage male stunning jet black ruff. Thanks Nigel.

2008-05-19T12:17:00.003Z

Not the best photo but it was the best of them.

This morning I went down to Exminster looking for the Temmick's Stint but no joy. However there was 2 male Gargany by the Channel where the Little Crake was. They kept getting chased by Mallards and Canada Geese. Lots more Swift and Martins and the ever present eye of a Hobby waiting for it's Breakfast.

A few Black Veined Whites were feeding along the tow path.

2008-05-18T21:20:00.006Z

Interesting morning birding. I went up to Dartmoor to see what was about. First bird was this lovely Cuckoo, calling and then I zeroed in on it.

I had a walk around Challacombe Farm and bumped into some Dorset birders who were doing Devon. They were part of a small tour company called Two Owls Birding follow the link for more info.

I walked around, as I said and heard a Winchat( sorry about the photo but no matter what I do it won't go the right way) then it popped out and gave some great views. Swallows and H Martins buzzed around, feeding. More Cuckoos and lots of Willow Warblers. But no Groppers.

Really liked it up there I must go more often.

At Stover with the family this afternoon saw Small Red Damselfly and some kind of Hawker.

2008-05-15T21:06:00.004Z

Had some time free this afternoon so I went along to Exminster Marsh. Very cold, I have been wearing shorts lately to bird in. Loads of Swift buzzing right past my head, Swallows and Martins too. No sign of the AGP but this Hobby was eyeing up all the food, I think he was a bit optimistic weighing up these Canadas. The Bar Headed Goose was also present.

Took a friend to see some Nightjars this evening, showed really well and close.

07.05.08

2008-05-08T22:03:00.002Z

This morning I went upto Yarner woods. First bird was a singing Wood Warbler in the car park. I walked up towards the hide and more Wood Warbs singing, such a summery sound. Just past the hide was a Spotted Flycatcher calling, didn't have one last year!

Below in the valley there were 2 male Rowe Deer fighting and barking.

I walked back down the hill past the cottages towards the entrance to see if any Pearl Border Fritillaries were around, they were. Aslo 3 Garden Warblers.

In the afternoon I went to BGM and found a White Fronted Goose.

06.05.08

2008-05-06T19:48:00.004Z

Finally caught up with the American Goolden Plover, showed really well this morning and well worth going to see. There was also a Hobby watching what was going on, hoping for a bite to eat. Sedge warbler really making themselves known.

Then I went to the warren but the wind was so strong that it whipped up the sand and made viewing anything really uncomfortable, I found sand later were it should not have been.

I caught the Common Blue on the clay pit road this afternoon. This picture was not taken with my phone but my DSLR.

05.05.08

2008-05-05T19:10:00.002Z

look what is looking in my swift nest box, not a swift but a starling, that will do.

Went to Exminster marsh early this morning as that was the only time i had to go. No AGP but I did see a Hobby sitting waiting to catch something.

Last night i had my first Nightjar of the year.

30.04.08

2008-04-30T20:12:00.004Z

A trip to the warren was on the cards but the weather wasn't the best.

I watched a flock of about 30 tern fly towards the end of the warren so I walked that way. I found this little stunner watching prey by the visitor centre. Then I watched some Swallows feeding over the main pond.

I walked upto a good sea watching post and settled down for a couple of hours.
Lots more Commics now with 1 positive Artic Tern. Shearwaters on the horizon but unable to id. 1 summer plumage Red Throat and my first Swift of the year.

Last night
Still no Nightjars but they were early last year. However I was looking for them last night when I heard a noise behind me, I looked around a saw a bird flying towards me, I thought ' that looks to big for a Nightjar and as it got closer and lower I realised it was a Buzzard( at night!!!!!) anyway it didn't stop coming towards me and then I what it was about to do. See it was cold again last night and I wore my winter hat that has spouts( not brussels) on the top. I then ducked as the bird missed my head by about a foot(my size foot thank F@*K cos theirs is sharp), it then circled and I thought it was going to have another go but it flew way.

24.04.08

2008-04-24T13:53:00.003Z

Dawlish warren this morning gave me the chance to get a few more year ticks. I missed the Nightingale by a few minutes and went back for it but no sign. Year ticks included Whitethroat, Common, Little and Arctic Tern. Other birds included 40ish Pale Bellied Brent Goose( possible record) flying up river toward Starcross and settling on the river, Knot, Dunlin, Ringy, Peregrine, Barwit, Whimbrel, Sanderling, Swallow, Sand Martin and many of the usual birds.

There was also a Common Seal catching 40 winks just off shore.

22.04.08

2008-04-22T21:31:00.005Z

This is a comparison between Lesser and Greater Black Back Gulls. In the first photo you can clearly see the size difference between the two gulls. You can also notice the thickness of the bill here, the lesser looks like a extremely dark herring gull.

Another good way to tell the 2 birds apart is by the colour of the legs, here no colour or sometimes pink for the Greater,

yellow on the Lesser. This doesn't always work but it can be a good easy clue. The Lesser fellow has yellow!! I will try to find some Juvs, they can be really hard to id.

These shots were taken at the passage house on Sunday(20.04.08)

I went to Yarner Wood today. Found a few pairs of Pied Flycatcher. 5 species of butterfly too; Orangetip, Brimstone, Small white, Speckled Wood and Peacock.

17.04.08

2008-04-17T21:29:00.002Z

Very cold conditions down at the warren this morning. Somewhere in the video are 2 Great Skuas! Also seen were 3 Little Gull, numerous shearwaters and Terns but they were to far away to id.

15.04.08

2008-04-15T10:54:00.005Z

What can I say, at last I have managed to get a shot of the cracking Little Crake at Exminster Marsh.

Very nice vibe down there this morning, everyone got a great view, within 2m.
Cetti also calling.

I went to BGM first and saw a distant Osprey being mobbed by gulls.

On the way home popped into Chudleigh Knighton Heath and flushed some Snipe, watched and listened to Woodlark displaying.

Great morning.

13.04.08

2008-04-13T12:48:00.002Z

visited the warren today, there was not much around. Saw 26 Knot, about the same number of sarnies, 5 Whimbrel flying to the beach. Heard Willow Warblers, Chiffs, Buzzards. Pretty poor show. There was a Small Copper by the dune pond.

On the way home looked into Matford Scrapes. Whitefronted Goose is still there with 4 Greylag and 5 Canadas. A single Common Sand was the only wader.

10.04.08

2008-04-10T21:14:00.001Z

This had me fooled at first!!!
link

09.04.08

2008-04-09T18:30:00.003Z

Had a call this morning saying that there was a Little Crake at Exminster Marsh. So i shot down there but the little bugger was playing hard to get. I had to be home for something so I left a bit gutted. However I gt a text saying that it was showing again so off I go again and this time, after a little wait it showed twice but then hide in the undergrowth.

I don't usually twitch birds, I enjoy watching even common ones but this is a mega rare, only the second for Devon so I had too. However I didn't like the ' I can't see it so I'll try and get close to it' mentality, it just doesn't seem right, that's not why I bird. Yes I did go for the bird but I was willing to give it space, I only take photos if I can and wont disturb the subject so hence there is no photo of this bird (yet!)

That's me off my soapbox. If your coming down for the bird, welcome and enjoy but please remember it is a fragile eco system and don't do just about anything for a great shot.

08.04.08

2008-04-08T20:13:00.002Z

An unexpected bird of the day was 2 Dartford Warblers on Chudleigh Knighton Heath. I have heard of them there but not in a few years. I was watching a Shotchat when I heard on call from some gorse then the other called back and they both popped out, cool. Also singing from a copse were 2 Willow Warbler

Had a quick visit to BGM. A few Blackwits were the only waders. Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal made up the ducks. A hand full of Sand Martins few over but didn't stay. A very loud Chiffchaff by the hide let himself be known.

07.04.08

2008-04-07T20:37:00.001Z

first house martins of the year.
new garden bird, redpoll.

found this on youtube.

06.04.08

2008-04-06T17:52:00.002Z

i can't believe that today at the passage house i watched swallows in the snow! there were also 5 egyptian geese making the most of the grass. common, lbb,gbb,bh and herring gulls were present.

05.04.08

2008-04-05T20:21:00.002Z

Well a busy day today. First I did my Bird-atlas Breeding Bird Survey just outside of Bovey Tracey. Had a reasonable tally of birds including Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Buzzard, Sand Martins, Swallows, Blackcaps and many more common birds. That took 2 hours around some beautiful landscape and in beautiful sunshine.

As I was close I popped into Yarner Wood. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling and flying around the path that leads to the field museum but I lucked out on the Pied Flycatcher that was reported yesterday.

I then went to visit a farm that I have to survey for the RSPB but no-one was in, another great location in our beautiful county. Thought I heard a Cukcoo but it was windy and I only heard it once while I was writing a note, who knows.

The family was out so I went down to the warren. I watched Sandwich Terns feeding and found a summer plumage Red Throated Diver. 1 WW and 2 Swallows at that was it. On the way out I did see a Buzzard getting mobbed by Herring Gulls.

01.04.08

2008-04-01T21:28:00.000Z

first bats of the year. deabentons, pips and a greater horseshoe.

31.03.08

2008-03-31T21:19:00.003Z

this yellowhammer was singing it's head off on Chudleigh Knighton Heath this morning. Also seen was a pair of reed buntings. 2 greenwoodies were laughing constantly and chiffs were trying to drown them out.

28.03.08

2008-03-28T22:11:00.002Z

Blatchcombe farm, outside newton abbot

Had the Cattle Egret again this morning before work, it was very close as i used my car as a blind.

A quick look into the passage revealed nothing!!!!!!!!

25.03.08

2008-03-25T21:35:00.002Z

i had to drop the car off for an MOT so i walked home from newton abbot( about 4 miles) along the templers way. There were chiffchaffs galour, singing their heads off. 3 sand martin, 1 gswoody,1 greenwood, 4 goldies,2 dipper and lovelly warm sun!!

18.03.08

2008-03-18T13:45:00.002Z

exminster marsh

I had a text from a friend just as I got to the warren saying there was a little ringed plover at Exminster marshes. But i thought I'd find a wheatear, I didn't, so I went to the marsh, where the lrp was showing well. A gargany was also there but I didn't see it.

I was told that a red kite was seen in the warren before I got there and a marsh harrier was seen at the marsh

Whilst at the marsh I saw my first swallow of the year with around 7 sand martins.
Chiffchaffs were singing really well at the warren and cetti's at the marsh.

I met Dave Stone down at the marsh he was digiscoping the lrp follow the link to see his Diary and photo's

14.03.08

2008-03-14T23:11:00.002Z

passage house

4 egyptian geese were present, 1 more than last time. 2 blackwits, 4 red brested mergansers and numerous gulls.

09.03.08

2008-03-09T22:11:00.003Z

the warren, warm, sunny, slight breeze

Not much around again. A sea watch produced a handful of GCG, gannets,3 common scoter, 1 surf scoter and thats about it:(

shot a short film from langstone rock.

As i type this the wind has picked up, it has started to rain and it's cold outside. I wonder what the weather will bring!!!!

07.03.02

2008-03-07T21:21:00.002Z

went to stover and watched buzzards displaying this morning. i aslo found a pair of great crested grebes on a nest with an egg but it was half submerged:(

watched 500+ jackdaws coming into roost.

06.03.08

2008-03-06T13:30:00.003Z

Bowling Green Marsh

I was greeted by the sight of 3 sand martins feeding over the main lagoon this morning, very nice to see them starting to come back.

Loads of wigeon and teal as normal. shoveler, tufted duck, mallard and pintail were among other ducks present. A single little grebe was feeding too. Snipe, blackwit and the odd curlew were feeding. All were sent up when first a buzzard, get mobbed by crows, and then a sparrowhawk flew passed.

I moved to the viewing platform.

Right under the VP was a single spotted redshank, as you can see, great show. Avocets were feeding, the video shows how they use the up turned bill so well.

Dunlin, redshank, greenshank,curlew, blackwits and grey plover made up the numbers.

A great time was had.

05.03.08

2008-03-05T19:08:00.003Z

the warren, sunny, warm, light w wind

I sea watched off the sea wall hoping for more terns but not much there today.

found a male and female greater spotted woodpecker in the trees but the 1st pond.

More sea watching from the dune ridge revealed a single red throated diver, a few gcg and 3 slavonian grebes

02.03.08

2008-03-02T20:06:00.003Z

Dawlish warren, sunny, w-nw 15mph warm in the sun.

I went down the warren this morning to see what was around. i sat on the sea wall for half an hour and saw 2 sandwich tern flying south. 3 red throats numerous gannets and gulls also feeding in the area. lots of movement with the auks i must have counted 40+ flying around. 3 brent geese by langstone. found a toad by the main pond. ah sweet.

On the way home i went to topsham and watched a avocet feeding on the shoreline. of the river.

29.02.08

2008-02-29T21:45:00.004Z

Another cold morning.
I had a quick look in at the passage house this morning and found 3 egyptian geese on the far shore. 7 snipe,5 redshank, numerous curlew and lots of gulls.

25.02.08

2008-02-25T17:28:00.002Z

pottery ponds again
the ybw was agin present and was showing really well.
also found firecrest, bullfinchs, redwing, goldcrest and blackcaps.

24.02.08

2008-02-24T18:39:00.004Z

I heard the news of the yellow browed warbler and as I only live 5 mins away, made this my first stop before work. I had a walk arond the pottery pond, saw goldies, blackcap but no YBW. Disheartened (again) I made my way to the passage house.

The first bird was a singing reed bunting. I checked the gull just common, gbbg,lbbg,bhg around. I also watched a dabchick feeding.

So afterwork I thought I'd sneak in the YBW so back to pottery pond. Well I'm blowed I meet another birder who hasn't seen it and as we walk around to the small copse there it is, very mobile and quiet as you like. Cracking bird. Alot better views of this one than the one at countess wier last year.

21.02.08

2008-02-21T20:35:00.003Z

Minotor beetle

i found this at the warren house area inn this morning. i also found some frogspawn. i did see some toad spawn 2 weeks ago up there.

oh still no shrike for me.
ahhhh

19.02.08

2008-02-19T22:32:00.003Z

very frustrated, i have been upto the warren house area 4 times and still missed the shrike. ahhhhhhhhhhhh

today at the passage house,green and redshank. reed bunting calling and grey heron flyover

12.02.08

2008-02-12T19:04:00.000Z

(marsh harrier)

Slapton ley, 1030-1530, sunny with some cloud, SE wind

I went for my bi annual trip to SL today. I was hoping for the ring billed gull.

The first bird of the day was a Cetti's Warbler singing in the reeds. I followed the footpath around the ley to Ireland bay because this is where the RBG has been seen. I saw hundreds of RBG but 1 after another they magically turned into common gulls!

After an hour of watching them I took a walk further along the path and managed a Mistle thrush and a Greater Spot drumming. Iwalked back to the viewing platform.

Just as I got there and set up my scope for another look at the gull, some started to fly in from further back up the bay, as I watched a Marsh Harrier quartered it's way towards the sea. It was a beautiful male bird. Big time chuffed as this is a lifer for me.

I did some more double taking on the gull and by this time it was 1300 hrs, lunch time. I made my way back to the car, had lunch and then sea-watched for 20 mins but there was nothing there. so i thought i would see what was at Beesand Ley.

Even colder there, saw a Marsh Harrier but i think it was the same one, it was being chased of by 3 Buzzards! But not much on the ley there too so I called it a day.

Here is a list of bird seen today;
cetti's warbler
gadwall
coot
moorhen
water rail
mistle thrush
robin
mallard
tufted duck
herring gull
Common gull
black headed gull
blackbird
great crested grebe
blackcap
greater spotted woodpecker
phesant
long tailed tit
goldcrest
wren
blue tit
wood pigeon
chaffinch
song thrush
marsh harrier
greater black backed gull
mute swan
cormerant
raven
canada goose
crow
rook
starling
buzzard
polchard
meadow pipit
greenfinch
stonechat
pied wagtail
jackdaw

08.02.08

2008-02-08T22:24:00.000Z

I popped into the passage house before work this morning. The usual common birds around. GBBG, blackheads coming into summer plumage, common gulls in verious stages of plumage, herrings. 6 redshank 2 curlew. A male stone chat was in his territory same as last year.

07.02.08

2008-02-07T22:39:00.000Z

3 trips out today and the last(closest to home waas the best)
I went to Topsham this morning. Looked for med gull by the rec but no joy. I did see a common sandpiper in an odd posistion on the river(see photo)

Went to Bowling green, not much there but there were 6 snipe in the open all together.

I then went for a walk along the teign river and found 3 dipper, 2 cirl bunting and 3 buzzard, 1 of which was on the ground in a small park.

04.02.08

2008-02-04T19:13:00.000Z

Cracking views of little owls today. I watched them for 30 mins just transfixed on them.

I have to say these, i think are my favourite birds i've seen since i've been birding. They are so charismatic and a challange to see. They are not the rarest of birds, by no means the prettiest, there just something about them.

The video is off my mobile so please forgive the quality. It is a new thing i'm trying.

01.02.08

2008-02-01T15:38:00.000Z

cold!!

Popped into cardew ponds(by the pottery) to see if the red crested polchard was around, it was.

drove to countess wier to find the falcated duck, it was there too.

then walked to riverside to see if i could find jack snipe, with no luck!

28.01.08

2008-01-28T22:09:00.000Z

Exminster Marsh. 1530(approx) cold, no wind.

My son was ill today so didn't get out for my planned trip to the warren. However he let me go out for an hour so I went to EM. As soon as I drove over the railway bridge I saw the white of the Cattle Egrets with cattle in a field so pulled over a watched 2 of them. After about 30mins I went down to the bends to see if there was anything else around but only found common species around.

Worth it for the Egrets!

22.01.08

2008-01-22T23:09:00.000Z

light winds form the SW about 11-13 degrees
Got to Dawlish Warren this morning but was disappointed with the lack of birds (GND, RTD, 20+ GCG) so i went to matford pools on the way home to see if i could get a year tick.

I got there, there were 2 other birders there looking for the Green Sandpiper, which was elusive but eventually showed at the back of the pools, when i found a Water Rail, 2 year ticks. As I panned along the field i found another one and in the second photo you can just make it out i the centre( if you squint and use your imagination)

19.01.08

2008-01-19T23:03:00.000Z

I'm sat in my pc room with the window open, it's 2310 and there is a robin singing outside!

18.01.08

2008-01-18T23:05:00.000Z

Stover cp, 0940 wet and windy.

Head my first singing Mistle Thrush of the year today. No Scaup!

16.01.08

2008-01-16T22:20:00.000Z

Bowling Green Marsh. 1300 Sunny with showers not much wind.

The hide was busy with people this afternoon. I managed to pick the LBD out from the Redshank, a lonesome Spotted Redshank,Bar and Blackwit, Dunlin, Snipe and Wigeon that were all feeding in the same area. The LBD showed quiet well but eventually flew off to the river.

Two flocks of Avocet were in front of the hide, one on the far shore and one on the near shore. One bird came right up the channel so close to the hide, you could see it's blue legs in the sun light( mine would be blue too if i was in the water).

Also in the field were Redwing, they were also present along the road to the viewing platform.

I was watching the birds at the VP and noticed a buoy in the water moving, i got my scope on it and someone was inside it with a camera, nutter.

Present at the VP were 30+ Grey Plover among above mentioned species

15.01.08

2008-01-15T18:57:00.000Z

(yes that dot is a surf scoter)

(gnd)

Dawlish Warren 1000, light S-SW winds, warm!

I decided to sea-watch for a bit so sought shelter and found a Vevlet Scoter flying across my view point, great start. Numerous auks where also heading towards the Torbay direction, there were also Razorbills and Guillimot on the sea. There was something shearing on the horizon but I could not ID it.

I walked toward another sheltered spot and found 11 Turnstones and a Rocket on the main tourist beach.I found some friends who were watching the Surf Scoter. A GND made an appearance as did a Slav. I couldn't stay long and just as I was leaving a small flock of Dunlin flew over the dune ridge to the bight to join the Shelducks and Brents who were probably resting after last nights battering from the elements.

I did notice that more of the dune section had been eroded over the last few days, some looked very fresh.

08.01.08

2008-01-08T19:14:00.000Z

the warren, 0830, wind W-SW force 7-8.

Very windy again this morning so watched the sea for half an hour, didn't see much, gannet, oycs, fukmars,auks(some razors) kittis, great crested grebe and 2 rock pipits on the sea wall.

I moved into the bushes but there wasn't much about a chiff in the trees and goldcrest calling.
i walked to the bight and sat to find the surf scoter but had no luck. i did see a slavonian grebe feeding.

A mixed flock of linnet and skylark were feeding in the bight on the high tide line.

I drove along the powderham rd but again missed the cattle egret(i think it has now gone!) but i did find a huge flock of chaffinch with linnet and brambling amoungst them.

02.01.08

2008-01-02T21:12:00.001Z

Happy new year everyone. unfortunately some of us had to work yesterday so no birding.

But today i went down to the warren to start my year list.

Very windy E-SE force 4 gusting to 6. Dry.

I sought shelter in the ley of the Boathouse. First sea bird Gannet. other common species were there scoter, GND, red throated diver,kittis,turnstone, razorbills as was a Pomerine skua that has been around since yesterday at least, it was getting mobbed by GBBG. Cracking bird for this time of year, chuffed.
After an hour of cold, battering wind i decided to go and look in the bushes. Lots of tits around and some thing caught my eye, some thing pink, no not a tit! a bullfinch, i had none here last year, by the end of the day i had 3!

But just as last year, time caught up and i had to go back into dad mode, so off home i went.

31.12.07

2007-12-31T23:14:00.000Z

before the weather closed in this morning i had great views of a huge finch flock at ludwell valley country park. the flock was a good 500+ birds including brambling, gold and greenfinch, house sparrow and reed bunting all feeding on seeds in rough pasture. also the first bird of the day was a sparrowhawk. 3 fieldfare were in the bushes too.

i am a bit gutted about this year as i only had 1 bird more than last year and that was low. this years count was 177 species.

better luck next year.

happy new year!!

22.12.07

2007-12-25T14:14:00.001Z

Scaup at stover. lovelly.

21.12.07

2007-12-22T23:28:00.000Z

i had a hour or 2 to do a bit of birdin so i started around allerbrook fishing ponds. 6 canada geese, goldcrest, 20 siskin with a few goldfinches in. also a green wody in the background.

i moved onto the teigngrace rd to see if the cattle egret was there, it was and i had great, close views. also present pied wag, little egret, mipipit and redwing. in the field opposite was a single fieldfare.

i then went to the passage house. as i got there 40 lapwing went up, i think that is the most this year. many blackheads and herrings and blackbacks. a single redshank and greenshank were feeding in the rising tide.

13.12.07

2007-12-16T18:50:00.000Z

Drove to Countess Weir in Exeter. Another cold morning, really starting to feel like winter.

Made my way around SWW works to the Sludge beds. Saw blue, great and long tailed tits. I looked through the gulls but nothing out of the ordinary.

I wandered around the sludge beds not seeing much from the blinding low sun. I came to the walk way by he pylon and saw a robin feeding on the ground but some thing else was there too, skulking through the mud and leaf litter, a Water Rail. I had really great views of this hard to see bird, made my day.

I continued around and found 2 chiffs chasing each other! Also gs woodpecker and Kingfisher flying across the marsh.

10.12.07

2007-12-10T22:42:00.000Z

I finally caught up with the Cattle Egret that is so close to home. I went to find it yesterday but the rain was so heavy. There was Curlew, mipipit, redwing and pied wags there too.

I have had a poor year birding this year, my list is down( i won't count it until 31.12.07) but i have had some good birds. saying that i have missed some good birds too.

I still need Short eared owl for the year. Bogey birds are Hoopoe for the UK and Hawfinch for life. maybe next year will be better!!

28.11.07

2007-11-28T22:28:00.000Z

well chuffed, found a Ruddy Duck at BGM today, but no photo.

12&13.11.07

2007-11-13T21:40:00.001Z

12th
I really love this time of year. Not only are there loads of birds around but the scenery is stunning. I took my boy to Yarner Wood because he is getting that age were he can come with me and watch wildlife (only for about 10 seconds though!) We got there for 0900 and the sun was just starting to climb over the top of Lower Down. We made our way to the hide and on the way saw a small flock of Redwing. Also Blue, Great, Long-tail, Coal and Marsh Tits with a Nuthatch and GS woodpecker calling and drumming around the area. After a walk we made our way back to the car and watched a Gray Wag catching inverts on a car wing mirror.

13th
I got to go to BGM after dropping the boy at school. Loads around again but over cast.
Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Blackwit, Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Blackhead, heron and something putting them all up but remained unseen but no LB dow.
It was nice to see Redwing and Fieldfare flying together in big flocks (100+).

Wren in the garden.

25.10.07

2007-10-25T21:45:00.001Z

I saw the reports from last night about the Long billed Dowitcher at Bowling Green Marsh and had some spare time before work so I made my way there. I got there about 20 mins before it flew to the Clyst. In that time it mainly tucked it's head under it's wing.
I re found the bird at the mud banks off the viewing platform and had great views of it but the bad light ruined any chance of a good shot on the phone! But I did watch it feed with Barwits and Redshanks.

22.10.07

2007-10-22T22:14:00.000Z

I was suprised to find Blackwits and a barwit at the passage house today. Also present was Redshank, Knot, Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing and many gulls(herring,GBBG and BH) also saw a Kingfisher.

18.10.07

2007-10-22T22:09:00.001Z

Managed to get an hour away from the fam at Bowling Green Marsh.
I pleased to find Golden Plover and my first Ruff for the year! I also saw my first Avocet for the Autumn.

12.09.07

2007-09-12T20:45:00.000Z

I went to Passage house after work at mid tide, yet again the Osprey that has been hunting was there, sitting in the water for about 5 mins at one stage. Flew off up river with a small fish being mobbed by a Crow.
I went down yesterday at it was there then too. Also so 2 Blackwits, a Knot and a Kingfisher.

no internet!

2007-09-12T20:34:00.001Z

i have moved so have no internet for 2 weeks. so hear are some photos. close up of the back of a Dunlin. Curlew sandpiper and a Dunlin and a Curlew Sand all at the warren.

02.03.07

2007-09-02T10:47:00.001Z

Down the warren. Little stint, yellow wag, teal. Also watched dolphin with a baby.

30.08.07

2007-08-30T11:23:00.001Z

Great my first osprey on the teign at passage house. Flew up river from teignmouth at 1000. Then went back down then back again. Cracking adult bird. Also 2 kingfisher and common sandpiper.

17.08.07

2007-08-17T20:55:00.000Z

Can you see it?

Yep there is a Curlew Sandpiper in there somewhere.
My 1st for the year at the warren. I also found a Sedge Warbler in the bushes around the main pond with Chiffs and juv Reed Warbs.

Ringed Plovers have increased loads over the last week, well over 400 with Sanderling and Dunlin also roosting above the high tide line.

13.08.07

2007-08-13T21:19:00.000Z

Another lovely day but only common bird on show at the warren. But migrants are starting to move. Today day I had 147 Ringed Plovers, Wheatear, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, 7 Knot and 3 Juv Turnstones.
An added bonus was watching a model have a photo shoot!!!!!! Best bird of the day;)

10.08.07

2007-08-10T22:27:00.000Z

had a trip to the warren today.
loads of common birds.
2 artic terns
sarnies
ringies
swallow
reed warb
willow warb
heron
common tern
whimbrel
curlew
backhead
longtailed tit
I can't wait till we have a bit more movement

2007-08-08T21:50:00.001Z

Popped into Bowling Green this evening, nothing apart form a Little Grebe in front of the hide.

The viewing platform had a few more birds. 100+ Redshank, Greenshank, Blackheads, 3 Ringed Plovers, Blackwits, 3 Sandwich Terns,Dunlin,Oycs,Little Egret, Curlew, Whimbrel and Common Sandpipper. But what a lovely evening.

On the way back to the car I saw a Hobby hunting Swallows along the road. Believe it or not but that's my first one this year!!!

05.08.06

2007-08-06T13:04:00.000Z

Caught up with the long staying Laughing Gull on the Exe today. It was on the tidal mud flats by Topsham playing fields. I first saw this bird in Newton Abbot in January, it has hardly changed since then.

Also present was the gorgeous Slavonian Grebe still in summer plumage. Other birds included LBBG, Blackheads, Common Sandpiper(about 10!), Blackwit Reed Warbler, Swallows ,House Martins.

This is a great little spot that is easy to get to and always has something to watch, get down there!

29.07.07

2007-07-29T21:47:00.001Z

Well it was nice to get out this morning, I went to Bowling Green Marsh in Topsham. Unfortunately the kids decided last night to trash the public hide down there(bastards).

Green and Redshank, Blackwit, Dunlin , Grey Plover and Common Sands were all present this morning in front of the hide and on the River Clyst from the viewing platform.

In the evening I meet up with some friends at the warren and found a Med Gull, Arctic Skuas, Gannet, Common and Sarnie Terns amongst other common birds there.