Devon Bird News

Stover + Bellever + Exminster Marshes

2012-02-27T18:29:00.000Z

Stover - 2 goosander (both f)

Bellever - 6+ crossbill, siskin, lesser redpoll, 2 grey wagtail

Exminster Marshes (on lagoon) - American wigeon

Good day's birding!

[Claire & Chris Grove]

Budleigh

2012-02-27T15:27:00.002Z

2 Med Gulls on the R Otter opposite the 1st viewing platform [Sue Murphy]

Thurlestone Bay

2012-02-27T14:52:00.003Z

Patch life tick this morning at 10.30 a superb 1st w CASPIAN GULL bathing on South Huish Marsh.

male Pintail and 20 Wigeon still showing well.

Waders on the beach at high tide were- 7 Sanderling, 9 Ringed Plover, 12 Turnstone.

No change to species on Thurlestone Marsh

Seaton

2012-02-27T11:23:00.004Z

2cy Iceland Gull, initially on the Axe north of Coronation Corner, by 10:00 had moved to south end of Seaton Marshes. Its presence there also led to the Caspian Gull getting found again, for the third day in a row. They are both in the ropey shot below, though one is perhaps easier to pick out than the other!

English Channel - Fulmars

2012-02-27T10:26:00.019Z

Yesterday out working on a fishing, 3 'dark phase' Fulmars in with the usual 'light phase' birds. Excellent neutral light conditions allowed these comparison shots (see below) with the 'dark' phase on the right. Although the scale of darkness is a gradient the right-hand bird would be a dark as opposed to a double dark. From seawatching experience I usually find Feb is the best month for them and they're out there!

Also 2 Bonxies around the boat. I've now seen bonxie every month of the year in the channel.

Despite lots (c300) of gulls feeding aroud the boat, for the fourth time this winter I failed to see a 'white winger' at sea.

Seaton

2012-02-26T21:42:00.001Z

1st-winter Caspian Gull present again from at least 15:40. Probably due to repeated disturbance on the river it was found instead loafing on fields at the south end of Seaton Marshes, viewed from the cycle track/footpath which runs along the west side of the marshes.

Also, a female Merlin flew down the valley mid-afternoon.

Slapton

2012-02-26T21:26:00.002Z

Bewick's Swan, Water Rail & Marsh Harrier ( female ) at Slapton this morning. [Roy Williams]

Prawle

2012-02-26T20:43:00.002Z

A couple of early signs of spring today (apart from the weather and 2 Peacock butterflies), namely a new-in male Reed Bunting and the first female Blackcap of the year. Otherwise very samey, with 2 Water Pipits still (2nd bird first suspected by Dave Norman on 6th Feb, and confirmed last week), female Black Redstart, 2 Chiffchaffs and 3 Goldcrests. The Shag-pile was reduced to 95 birds today.

Plym Estuary & Saltram

2012-02-26T20:38:00.002Z

Mainly the usuals seen at very low tide.

Teal 2 females, Common Sandpiper 1, Greenshank 5, Pied Wagtail c25 (Blaxton), Bullfinch 2 males, Snipe 18, Black-headed Gull 400+.

Exminster Marshes sat 25th Feb

2012-02-26T20:35:00.002Z

A relatively brief visit on way back from Gwent. Paul Kemp picked the drake American Wigeon out amongst hundreds of Wigeon, on the lagoon - viewing from the canal bank at 13.30.

Starcross to exminster marshes

2012-02-26T20:13:00.001Z

A fantastic morning spring nearly here and for a change decided to walk from Starcross back to Exminster marshes this morning 09:45 till 13:30

A look out from Starcross produced 2 little grebe, 3 great crested grebe and 90+ Red breasted mergansers then walked up by the railway line to powderham estate and on the river bank of the River Kenn was a group of greenshank (9)and redshank (20+) and on top of the bank was the spotted redshank a good start to the day also 2 reed bunting, continued to walk along the road lots of commotion with the crows harassing a small bird of prey as i got my bins on it it was the female Merlin it continued low through the estate my third sighting in a week.

After crossing the railway line a look over the estuary towards turf produced a few more red breasted mergansers and 2 Goldeneye (1m,1f) and 12 Buzzards rising on the thermals from over powderham. As i approached towards turf picked out the beautiful Slavonian Grebe feeding in the chanel it seems to be settled in this area now

Near the turf hotel a Fox sat out in a field sunning itself then from the viewing platform a small group of wigeon was feeding in the ditch before the lagoon a quick look found the drake American wigeon

My Best views of the American wigeon yet

On the lagoon 5 Pochard and 4 gadwall and on the way down station road the water pipit flew overhead calling.

A great morning with quality birds and a hint of spring what more could you ask for on a Sunday morning walk along the exe

Kingsbridge Estuary

2012-02-26T18:54:00.002Z

Curlew Drive - Charleton Marsh, 10:30-13:00, falling tide.

80 Brent Geese, 4 Tufted Duck, 29 Red-breasted Merganser, Great Crested Grebe, Water Rail ( heard Charleton Marsh ), 23 Bar-tailed Godwit and a Rock Pipit.

Broadsands correction

2012-02-26T18:50:00.000Z

Broadsands. Below.. should read 13 Cirl Bunting not 16, sorry, can't add up!

Broadsands- Clennon Valley, Paignton

2012-02-26T17:47:00.001Z

16 members (East Devon Branch) of DBWPS enjoyed a morning around Broadsands and after lunch the remainder moved on to Clennon Valley, Paignton.
A Water Rail was heard from the stream runing through the car parks and Chiffchaff and Goldcrest were also present in the trees. 16 Cirl Bunting (8 f and 5 m) were found, although our enjoyment was spoilt by a lady dog walker who insisted on walking through the feeding area in spite of our protests! Sea conditions were very calm but few birds present other than single numbers of Gt Crested Grebe, 20 C. Scoter and a possible Bl.- Necked Grebe. The group were almost mowed down by a large gentleman on a mobility scooter who seemed to deliberately aim at us and protested he was blind!
A Bullfinch and a pair of Blackcap were sighted briefly above Elbury Cove.
After lunch the group moved on to Clennon Valley where there was a group of 22 Magpie.

Exminster marshes

2012-02-26T15:06:00.002Z

Exminster marshes 10:15-11:15

The American Wigeon was showing well directly in front of the viewing platform on the canal with a smaller group of wigeon.

Wembury

2012-02-26T09:35:00.002Z

3 Slav Grebe this morning as well as a Grey Plover still. Also a Grey Seal and 2 red-legged Partridge.

Dunsford Woods

2012-02-25T21:19:00.000Z

Went looking for the lesser spotted woodpecker today at Dunsford woods, no luck but an abundance of birds including; 2 dippers, 3 marsh tit, 4 goldcrest, 2 tawny owls calling, 5 siskin and best of all a solitary firecrest.

[Sam Marles]

bowling green marsh and exmouth

2012-02-25T21:17:00.000Z

This morning arrived at the hide at bowling green marsh at 07:00 and watched till 10:15

500+ Avocet was a good count but even better was the 218+ bar tailed godwit my best count this winter, 600+ Black tailed godwit, 10 pintail, 4 gadwall (2m,2f), 8 tufted duck (5m, 3f), 37 shelduck , 15+dunlin, 1 knot,120+ redshank, 1 cetti's warbler, 8 greylag geese

Decided to then watch the estuary between exmouth and lympstone along mudbank lane between 10:45 and 13:20. The highlight was some good views of the Yellow Browed Warbler moving through the trees in holm oak copse at west lodge at 12:35 for about 20 mins

and finally managed to get this photo not the greatest but ok for a record shot.

Also on the estuary 2 goldeneye (1m 1f) , 60+ Pintail, 55+ red breasted mergansers, 2 ravens, 1 peregrine, 1 grey plover, 33+ turnstone

Beesands / Kingsbridge Estuary

2012-02-25T20:35:00.003Z

3 GN Divers off Beesands this pm and 8 RbMergs Kingsbridge Estuary near road bridge. [Steve Piotrowski]

Braunton great field

2012-02-25T18:29:00.002Z

Dusk visit as it was a calm evening and delighted to see both Barn and Little Owl.

Roadford Reservoir

2012-02-25T18:09:00.000Z

7 scaup 2m 5f+ 9 goldeneye 3m 6f at roadford reservoir today at 11.30am

Axe Estuary & Seaton

2012-02-25T16:55:00.000Z

Gorgeous 1st-winter Caspian Gull on the river this afternoon, north of Coronation Corner. Also 3 Ruff there briefly, and the Black-necked Grebe still off the seafront this morning.

Hardly world-class photography, but I don't care!

River Kenn-Exe Estuary

2012-02-25T15:39:00.002Z

The Spotted Redshank still off the River Kenn mouth, showing very well just off the railway crossing on the falling tide. Also 3 Greenshank. Nearby a brief look off Dawlish Warren- a Black-Necked Grebe off the sea wall and 2 Slav Grebes south of Langstone Rock.

Seaton

2012-02-24T22:40:00.000Z

Black-necked Grebe still off the seafront this afternoon.

Pied Wag roost Plymouth

2012-02-24T21:54:00.002Z

With the lengthening days, I am starting to see the Pied Wag roost in Plymouth as I wait for the bus in the evening. About 150 birds are roosting each evening on the big tree on the roundabout in front of the post office by Drake Circus. Barn Owls quite vocal around Wembury over the last few days but refusing to stray near enough to the patch!

Brixham Breakwater

2012-02-24T20:54:00.001Z

Kumliens Gull came in with Trawlers at 1640hrs and hung around on the water at the end of the Breakwater until last light

Bowling green marsh

2012-02-24T18:15:00.002Z

Another good morning on the marsh watched from the hide from 07:45 till 11:00

The marsh was busy as usual when I arrived and a quick count of the bar tailed godwits found 200+ another good count, then a peregrine swooped over the masses of black tailed godwits 600+ again today. Then as I watching 3 pintail on the far side from the hide a female hen harrier flew in over the railway line at 08:16 and dropped onto a post in the far reedbed a fantastic sight and proceeded to sit there till 08:44 the 4 of us in the hide all got some views unfortunatly there were a few reeds in the way to get great views. Then it flew off and was lost for a few minutes before coming back into view being harrased by a group of crows it flew down over the viewing platform and was heading towards lympstone area.

Other counts were 510+ avocet, 10 pintail, 4 gadwall, 6 tufted duck, 1 little grebe, 30+ shoveler, 2 knot, 12+ Dunlin, 3 snipe, 2 lapwing, 5 meadow pipit and a chiffchaff, 500+ Brent geese

From the viewing platform 45+ grey plover, 1 greenshank, 2 goldeneye (1m, 1f) were off lympstone commando

From goat walk 3 great crested grebe and 4 red breasted mergansers

Thurlestone Bay

2012-02-24T17:59:00.002Z

Shelduck starting to appear - 4 this morning .

8 Common Scoter flew into the Bay and landed on the sea .
Nick T whilst carrying out his conservation work flushed a Woodcock ( first of the year) and also saw a Firecrest

Singing blackcaps

2012-02-24T11:33:00.001Z

I have heard a few blackcaps singing in the last few days - From thick ivy next to Lower Union Street car park, Torquay and in a private mature oak woodland near Dawlish.

Bowling green marsh

2012-02-24T08:36:00.002Z

Hen harrier ringtail at bowling green marsh now from the hide far side sat in reeds on post

Exminster Marshes

2012-02-23T23:04:00.002Z

A very quick visit early afternoon produced the drake American Wigeon over towards the railway line, one of the Ruffs on the scrape near the anglers' car park, a calling Water Rail near the middle 'car park' and a Water Pipit which had been flushed by a marauding Peregrine, flying over the main scrapes area.

Kingsbridge Estuary

2012-02-23T17:44:00.003Z

Nine Red Breased Mergansers made a quick excursion up to South Pool (Kingsbridge Estuary) and back down the creek, swimming and diving this morning. Four males and Five females. First time I've seen them here.

[Peter Liddle]

Exe Estuary (yesterday)

2012-02-23T13:05:00.002Z

Yesterday afternoon's Stuart Lines cruise experienced surprisingly decent weather - it's amazing how relatively calm and dry it can be in the estuary when offshore the sea is rough and the surrounding hills are clad in rain clouds! The highlight was excellent views of a new Slavonian Grebe with the 'resident' bird now between Lympstone and Turf. Totals of 17 Great Crested Grebes and 9 Goldeneye were my best for the winter. The Spotted Redshank was still with Greenshanks between the Kenn outlet and Starcross Sailing Club. A rough count of the Avocets between Topsham and Turf came to 510, plus even rougher estimates of 500+ Black-tailed and 200-300 Bar-tailed Godwits.

Seaton Marshes - yesterday 22/2

2012-02-23T08:30:00.001Z

Another excursion to the Axe Estuary produced a great gathering of Shelduck 100+ from the hide. 50+ blackwits, 200+ lapwing numerous black headed gull, one Med Gull, 10+ little grebe, one male Pintail, 8 Shovelers, to name but a few.

[Derek Carter]

Slapton and Beesands

2012-02-22T22:35:00.003Z

Rain! 2 male Goldeneyes, a male Shoveller and a burst of Cettis at Slapton. At a very wet Beesands a Slavonian Grebe close in to the beach.

Thurlestone Bay

2012-02-22T18:20:00.002Z

First strong wind for a while SW F 6/7 with increasingly rough seas and after 11.15 heavy rain and poor viz.

On Thurlestone Marsh at 08.00 - 45 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 2 m Shoveler, 2 Lapwing, 50 Snipe, 1 Black Tailed Godwit.

On South Huish Marsh a new arrival a female Tufted Duck ( 1st of the year ) also another male Pintail, 20 Wigeon, 7 Teal.

Seawatching until the rain arrived produced the first Balearic Shearwater ( flew west at 10.40 )
12 Gannet, 7 Common Gull, 6 Fulmar.

Waders on the beach - 7 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin

Bowling green marsh

2012-02-22T16:03:00.000Z

A nice early start and watched from the hide from 07:10 till 09:45

500+ Avocets, 209+ bar tailed godwits is my best count for the marsh this winter, 600+ black tailed godwit, 8 pintail, 4 gadwall, 5 tufted duck, 43+ shoveler, 1 knot, 12+ Dunlin, 300+ curlew, 1 peregrine, wigeon numbers are down with only 200+, 8+ meadow pipit and lots of groups of Brent geese flying over towards darts farm and back to the estuary, 6 Greylag geese.

Popped into the viewing platform for 20 mins and had 33+ grey plover

Exe Estuary

2012-02-22T10:14:00.004Z

Yesterday afternoon's Stuart Line cruise produced 16 Great Crested, 2 Little and the 'resident' Slavonian Grebe (last was near Turf), 2 drake Goldeneye, 23 Sanderlings, c900 Black-tailed Godwits, Spotted Redshank still with Greenshank off Powderham, c100 Common Gulls and the Harbour (Common) Seal was near Turf. Earlier, a Raven was patrolling low along over the shore at Mudbank Lane.

Aylesbear common

2012-02-21T22:18:00.000Z

A nice change this morning with a trip up to Aylesbear common, the heathland very quite with just 2 yellowhammer, and 5 stonechat but following the path through the wooded area produced 3 treecreepers, 2 great spotted woodpecker, 9 coal tits 200+ redwing, 25+ fieldfare, lots of chaffinch and siskins moving through the trees and a small group of 6 lesser redpolls, 2 raven and 2 buzzards.

Darts farm

2012-02-21T21:51:00.001Z

A quick visit on the way home from work. Produced a nice flock of mixed finches, including several linnet, greenfinch and chaffinch. A little egret at the weir and 10 moorhens on the fish pond

Beesands

2012-02-21T17:21:00.002Z

A quick pop in late afternoon produced 3 redhead smew, 21 gadwall, 11 shoveler & 8 pochard on the ley.

Also water rail.
2 great crested grebes offshore.

Dartington - yesterday 19/2

2012-02-20T22:40:00.002Z

Lesser-spotted Woodpecker in copse viewed from cycle track. [Trevor Leaman]

More on Glossy Ibis 3T7

2012-02-20T22:35:00.001Z

Received today from Trevor Warrick...

...I now have a somewhat more interesting update on Glossy Ibis 3T7 which I received earlier today from Peter Moore, a local birder. Here's an excerpt from his e-mail.

"I e-mailed details of the ring code from the Wareham Glossy Ibis (3T7 as Trevor says) to a Spanish ringing scheme yesterday and heard back today from the Doñana Biological Reserve. If I have understood what they sent me correctly (my Spanish is worse than their English), it was ringed there in May 2004 as a 1st year bird and has been reported to them five times since - the other four being at various Spanish sites, mostly near Seville."

Ringmoor Down, Dartmoor

2012-02-20T19:37:00.001Z

Flock of approximately 600 Golden Plover on Ringmoor Down this afternoon, near the stone row.

(Mike & Jan Daniels)

Kinsford Gate, Exmoor

2012-02-20T19:34:00.001Z

Two short-eared Owls quartering around the moor yesterday afternoon giving very close views.

(Margaret Phillips)

Landscove, by Buckfastleigh

2012-02-20T18:31:00.001Z

Atlas square turned up:

132 fieldfare; 42 redwing; 138 chaffinch.

Heanton

2012-02-20T16:24:00.000Z

Ruff still present this morning.

Roadford

2012-02-20T16:00:00.000Z

Five Scaup, two males and three females, in the NW arm from the viaduct this morning. One of the males was trying to impress the women by displaying, without generating any interest.
Otherwise 3 Goldeneye, 30 Gadwall, and numerous Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Teal around the lake.

Exminster marshes

2012-02-20T09:23:00.001Z

A quick visit this morning produced 1 female merlin and peregrine along station road,60+ golden plover, 2 snipe, water rail and the water pipit.

After getting some bits done in town managed to get back to the marsh and watched from 14:30 till 18:00, walked along the path beside the railway out to turf and had 1 ruff, the peregrine attacked the wigeon but failed, 32 golden plover, lots of wigeon and Brent geese, 1 sparrowhawk over high towards topsham, lapwings spread all over the marsh, 5 Greylag. At turf the slavonian grebe along with 2 great crested grebes and 5 red breasted mergansers. Walked back along the cannal path on the lagoon 10 tufted duck, 3 pochard and 4 gadwall then at 16:34 the hen harrier drifted over exminster and behind powderham marshes, walked back down station road by the s bends a water rail showed briefley and the peregrine flew over again. Just before the railway bridge scaned across the marsh towards the motorway bridge and found a male merlin sat on a post and managed to watch it for about 15 mins. Also had 3 cetti's warblers and 12+ reed buntings and 2 buzzards around the marsh

At lunch time had the dipper on my local patch at the mill on the exe and a patch tick with a male shoveler

Another good day on the marshes

Glossy Ibis feedback

2012-02-19T23:58:00.001Z

An email today from Trevor Warrick sheds some light on where at least one of 'our' birds has got to...

I'm not sure if this is of any interest to Devon birders, but the Glossy Ibis seen and photographed at Lower Tamar Lakes on 20 January (ring code 3T7) - see post http://devonbirdnews.blogspot.com/2012/01/another-ibis.html - is the bird that is now at Wareham Common, Dorset.

Here's an excerpt from my e-mail to the Dorset Yahoo Group earlier today:
"The Glossy Ibis was still present at Wareham Common between 11am and 12.30pm at least. When I arrived it was slightly further west just south of Ferncroft Farm, but after being flushed by dogwalkers it returned to the area south of Wessex Oval. I was joined by Ian Alexander and we tried to get close enough to read the ring. However, the bird is very wary and it was difficult to get within scope range. My best guess is that the numbers are 3T7, but I can't be 100% certain."

A ringed Glossy Ibis (presumably the same bird) was first seen on Wareham Common on 12th February, but then went missing. It reappeared on Saturday (18th) and was still there today.

Exe Estuary

2012-02-19T23:55:00.003Z

Nice Greenshank shot from Tom Wallis today.

Topsham

2012-02-19T23:52:00.001Z

Hen Harrier over Topsham reed beds 08:00 [Neil Bygrave]

Lower Tamar Lake

2012-02-19T20:00:00.002Z

A visit to Lower Tamar Lake this morning produced 22 goosander, 7 tufted duck, 6 great crested grebe (2 displaying), 3 little grebe, 5 greylag, 4 moorhen, 7 coot, mallard, heron and buzzard. No willow tits but the feeders were empty!

[Tony Brooking]

Torbay Webs count

2012-02-19T18:57:00.000Z

Despite near perfect conditions probably the worst ever Feb count I have had in Torbay with just 1 Black-necked Grebe and 18 Great Crested and nothing else of note on the sea!

A trip down to the South Hams was more productive there appeared to be just one Smew left at Beesands but I din't go around to the hide to check the reed edge on the seaward side, one Red-throated Diver close to shore at the north end of the beach.

Photo: an early hover fly sp. either Eristalis pertinax or tenax (I think?) was on the beach at Start Point.

Exminster marshes

2012-02-19T18:28:00.000Z

After doing powderham marshes this morning made way over to exminster marsh and was rewarded with great views of the red breasted goose close to station road with Brent geese before flying towards turf, also 4 ruff, 60+ golden plover was a good count a peregrine flew over several times, 9+ pintail, the slavonian grebe was still viewable from the turf hotel. The white fronted geese where viewable from the footpath by the railway line with Brent geese.

Yesterday covered matford marsh in the morning with 54+ snipe, 16 common gull, 180+ wigeon, 86+ lapwing, 23+ shoveler, 2 bullfinch, great spotted woodpecker, 2 tufted duck.

A good weekends birding

Exminster to Powderham

2012-02-19T18:08:00.000Z

On my way to the WeBS count at Turf the most interesting birds were 3 ruff flying over the marshes, one water rail sunning itself and 5 bullfinches. During the count a Slavonian grebe and great-crested grebe were in the main channel. On the fields north of Powderham Corner there were 867 brent geese and the red-breasted goose. A further c250 brent geese flew north to Exminster marshes. On the way home I managed to see the American wigeon, 2 white-fronted geese (albifrons) and 8 geylag geese. Very pleasant.

Exe Estuary: Starcross to Dawlish Warren Golf Course

2012-02-19T18:01:00.002Z

Notable WeBS count totals from my section this afternoon: 3 Little & 2 Great Crested Grebes, 235 Brents, 4 Little Egrets, 2 Pintail, 93 Teal, 22 Wigeon, 18 Mergansers, 1 Avocet, 14 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 195 Grey Plover, 136 Knot, 3 Sanderling, 405 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe (flushed from saltmarsh in standardised transect covering only a small section), the wintering Whimbrel, 2 Greenshank, 38 Turnstone. The tide was much lower than usual for the WeBS count period, with many more waders than usual still in the 'Cockwood Corner' section.

Aveton Gifford & Avon Valley

2012-02-19T17:48:00.001Z

At low tide:

Little Grebe 4; Lesser Black-backed Gull 1; Curlew 28; Greenshank 2; Redshank 3; Green Sandpiper 1; Common Sandpiper 6.

Also: Meadow Pipit 20; Redwing 14; Chiffchaff 1.

Kingsbridge Estuary

2012-02-19T16:45:00.002Z

Geese Quarries - Charleton marsh, 11:30-13:30, rising tide.

56 Brent Geese, 8 Goldeneye, 16 Red-breasted Mergansers, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Little Grebes, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Chiffchaffs ( singing, sewage works).

Hardwick Wood

2012-02-19T14:06:00.001Z

A wander round in fine weather produced 1 Mistle Thrush, 6+ Goldcrests, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 30+ Redwings.

Powderham marsh

2012-02-19T13:01:00.000Z

Drake American wigeon on powderham marsh till 12:15 then flew with wigeon to exminster marshes by the lagoon, only saw 1 ruff, 30+ reed bunting also could see the 2 white fronted geese on exminster towards the turf hotel probably only viewable from railway side of field.

R.Taw - Pottington to Heanton Court.

2012-02-19T11:36:00.002Z

08:20 - 10:00

Pottington.
4 Grey Plover; 4 Bar-tailed Godwit; 8 Sanderling and 1 Little Egret.
No sign of John Wicks` Iceland Gull.

Bradiford Reserve.
A pair of Pintail and a few Wigeon and Teal.

Ashford Strand.
25 Sanderling; 12 Turnstone; 53 Dunlin; 4 Knot; 1 Little Egret; 25 Wigeon and a juvenile Spoonbill.

Heanton Court
1 Ruff.

Ashford Small Holding.
1 female Kestrel on the fence. I think Jon`s Greylag that he saw in the nearby fields came from here. I`ve seen the Muscoveys from here out on the river before now.

Otter estuary

2012-02-18T23:50:00.001Z

A wet afternoon but rewarded with a 2w med gull and snow bunting.

Powderham Marshes

2012-02-18T23:46:00.003Z

Ringtail Hen Harrier late pm [Martin Cox]

Slapton

2012-02-18T23:26:00.003Z

Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk over the Higher Ley before the rains came. [Tim Clyburn]

Exe Estuary

2012-02-18T18:10:00.002Z

Among the usual waterfowl and waders, this morning's Stuart Line cruise produced c15 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Little Egrets, excellent views of the Red-breasted Goose with Brents near Turf, Sparrowhawk, 500-550 Avocets, 500+ Black-tailed and several hundred Bar-tailed Godwits, 20+ Knot, c10 Sanderling (more than usual), 4 Greenshank and a Spotted Redshank (between the Kenn outlet and Starcross Sailing Club). Common Gulls numbers were good(c100?) and there were 6 adult Lesser Black-backs. The usual Harbour Seal was hauled out on Bull Hill sandbank. The exceptional numbers of Great Crests continues, but it would be nice to have a diver two in the estuary!

Over Exminster Marshes, a flock of Lapwings, Golden Plover and Dunlin circled for a while. Later, at the marshes in early afternoon, the American Wigeon was with Wigeon east of the railway, while on Powderham Marshes there were 4 Ruff with good numbers of Curlew, Black-tailed Gowits, Dunlin and Teal; a Barnacle Goose and 4 Greylags were with the Canadas.

Brixham Breakwater

2012-02-18T17:38:00.004Z

Brixham Breakwater about 16:30-17:15.
Finally got the 3rd winter kumlien's gull about 50m off the seaward side of the breakwater in really good light. The bird was alone and separate from the majority of gulls on the water.

Plym Estuary

2012-02-18T16:12:00.003Z

A few bits and pieces mainly before the rain started.

On the river - a 1st-w Mediterranean Gull, 11 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Little Grebes and one Common Sandpiper.

On Blaxton - 4 Greenshanks, 31 Curlews, 26 Shelducks, 30+ Pied Wagatails and c15 Linnets plus 2 Marsh Tits around the "hide".

2012-02-18T15:09:00.002Z

adult med gull this morning at northam burrows behind pebble ridge w.ho end

Exminster/Powderham Marshes

2012-02-18T12:33:00.000Z

Powderham Marshes 07.50-0820

American Wigeon, 1 male
Ruff, 4

Axe Estuary

2012-02-18T12:29:00.002Z

At last! in front of the tram sheds at midday.

Bystock Reserve

2012-02-17T21:43:00.002Z

An early afternoon meander round the reserve today produced:
2 Tawny Owls calling, one Lesser Redpoll, Marsh Tit and the usual Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Goldcrests and Ravens.

Velator reserve

2012-02-17T17:47:00.001Z

Cetti's Warbler calling this afternoon (third day this week I've heard it).

Mansands

2012-02-17T14:42:00.003Z

Mansands has a new hide now at the top end of the marsh. Not alot on the marsh itself, but a male Sparrowhawk tried it's luck with some Snipes without success. Also a Water Rail calling from the reeds by the beach.

Isley Marsh

2012-02-16T23:59:00.000Z

9 Spoonbills today. [Tim Stripp]

Plymouth

2012-02-16T23:30:00.000Z

1 female Black Redstart in Durnford Street area of Stonehouse, Plymouth today 16/2/12. Seen in gardens behind Durnford Street today and also seen in same location on 1st and 11th February (previously female also seen in same location in December).

[Tom Forster]

Kingsbridge Estuary + Thurlestone Marsh

2012-02-16T22:47:00.001Z

Greenshank and Spotted Redshank at South Pool just after high tide this afternoon.

Glossy Ibis at Thurlestone.

[Peter Liddle]

Iceland Gull, Pottington, Barnstaple

2012-02-16T19:53:00.002Z

John Wicks reports that he saw an Iceland Gull this afternoon, just off the western end of the saltings on the Pottington side of the river.

Plym Estuary

2012-02-16T19:37:00.001Z

Couldn't find the Spotted Sandpiper again, despite on-going reports. However 27 Snipe and 2 Common Sandpipers.

Taw Estaury

2012-02-16T14:54:00.002Z

This Ruff was feeding on the Taw Estuary yesterday, taken by Rob Jutsum.

Axe female American Wigeon nailed at last?

2012-02-16T09:59:00.020Z

Finally got good views of the pale Wigeon that has been doing the rounds since Dec 2011 (first on the Otter, then on the Axe from Jan 1st). It is on Seaton Marshes this morning, showing just south of the path to the hide. You can click on the photos below to enlarge them.

I rather flukily managed a pic of the underwing too - only just though...

It's the bird in the top right corner just about to fly out of shot! Check out and compare those underwings.

Same photo just cropped more. They do look a bit less white here, but the quality is pretty shoddy, and they still are strikingly different from the female Eurasian Wigeon beside it.

This was the photo I took roughly half a second before I fluked the flight shot.

This is the best on the deck photo I managed. It is the upper left female. Check out the colour of the head with a darker eye mask which extends down to the neck (almost ghosting a male American), and the peachy flanks. Head seems smaller too, and often appears to be a subtly different shape to Eurasian Wigeon.

Mid afternoon edit: An excellent photo of the birds upperwing (taken by Gav) has indeed clinched the identification...... as a Eurasian Wigeon. Oh well, it was all looking so promising too!!

Budleigh today

2012-02-15T22:49:00.001Z

A couple of photos from Martin Cox...

South Hams

2012-02-15T20:04:00.002Z

Picked up a few bits during / after my BTO atlas work:-

Grimpstonleigh - 1 Merlin.

Kingsbridge Estuary / Bowcombe Creek - 1 Pintail (drake), 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Greenshank.

Beesands - 5 redhead Smew, (on east side of Ley); 1 Great Northern Diver (on sea).

Averton Gifford - 3 or 4 Common Sandpipers.

Torquay

2012-02-15T19:27:00.001Z

2 Waxwings frequenting a private garden in the Maidencombe area of Torquay. No public access but a look around Rock House Lane may prove worthwhile?(Antony Moore)

Brixham Breakwater

2012-02-15T18:21:00.006Z

What was almost certainly the 3rd winter Kumliens Gull was sat on the water within the outer harbour when I first arrived at 1540hrs. The position of the bird plus the strong sunlight made it difficult to see the primary tips. However the bill pattern and the streaking appeared to fit the bird seen on previous visits. Although 2 others present never saw this bird get off the water it was never relocated but what was almost certainly the same bird followed in a trawler showing a similar tail pattern to the Kumliens a bit later on at 1700hrs

Penhill Marsh

2012-02-15T17:56:00.002Z

After a lengthy search the Black Brant was located at midday on Penhill Marsh with c. 200 Brent Geese [Harvey Kendall]

Thurlestone Bay

2012-02-15T17:35:00.002Z

GLOSSY IBIS from 08.00 until 16.30 spending most of the time feeding on the back marsh with the 50 WIGEON , 30 TEAL. 2 SHOVELER, the BLACK TAILED GODWIT returned this morning . at least 30 SNIPE feeding.

Waders on the beaches at high tide - 16 RINGED PLOVER, 12 SANDERLING, 5 TURNSTONE.
news from yesterday AJL had 2 PURPLE SANDPIPER on Warren Pt rocks

Star birds of the day were 2 male PINTAIL ( 111) found feeding on South Huish Marsh, whist we get Pintail most years recently they have been females so nice to have 2 stunning males as the first of the year.

In Mallards Lane this morning 2 f BULLFINCH.

Exmouth and Budleigh Beach

2012-02-15T17:17:00.003Z

Maer Rocks - 0730 - 81 dark-bellied brent goose, 3 knot, 3 eider, 1 purple sandpiper, 6+ turnstone, 1 curlew and a blackcap in scrub behind beach huts.

West Lodge - 18+ pied wagtail, 1 mistle thrush, 1 goldcrest, 7 goldeneye and the yellow-browed warbler (1045). The YBW seems to be favouring the first tree after the gap from the SE corner of the copse along the stream. Present and showing well for 10 minutes at least this morning. It has frequented this tree the last few times I've seen it.

Budleigh Beach - 1 snow bunting still. Also 2+ goosander and 2 great-crested grebe. A large starfish wreck is attracting a sizeable herring gull flock at the moment (see photo). Surely only a matter of time before a white-winger joins them?

Exmouth Docks - 1620 - 2 redpoll sp north and 1 kestrel across the channel to Exmouth from Warren Point.

Glossy Ibis Torridge Estuary

2012-02-15T12:15:00.001Z

Midday yesterday, a Glossy Ibis seen under the New Bridge by Ken Humphries.

Exminster marshes

2012-02-15T11:20:00.002Z

This morning the 2 white-fronted geese were on the field near the railway line to the north of Turf with 18 greylag geese. Also 1 kingfisher, 2x singing Cettis and 3 colour ringed black-tailed godwits.

Powderham Marshes & Budleigh Salterton

2012-02-14T22:11:00.003Z

Birds I've had today, not reported on here so far:

Powderham Marshes - 4 Ruff. (on far right scrape looking from viewing platform)
Budleigh Salterton - 6 Goosander (on the sea close in to beach near the Otter mouth)

Budleigh Salterton

2012-02-14T21:09:00.001Z

At 10 am (for about twenty minutes) a male and female black redstart on beach hut & cafe roofs west of beached fishing boats.

Powderham to Dawlish

2012-02-14T19:17:00.000Z

Powderham Marshes 07.50-08.30:

American Wigeon, 1 m

White-fronted Goose, 2

Barnacle Goose, 1

Glossy Ibis, 1

Exminster Marshes: 08.40:

Peregrine, 1

Langstone, Dawlish Warren: 09.05-09.50

Surf Scoter, 1f

Great Northern Diver, 1

Red-throated Diver, 10+

Slavonian Grebe, 2 (poss. 3)

[Paul Holmes]

Brixham

2012-02-14T18:37:00.000Z

The 3w Kumlien's Gull followed several trawlers into Torbay and eventually came into Brixham Harbour and pitched up for a short period on the rusty barge at 17.30hrs before flying back out to sea to another incoming trawler at dusk.

Beesands and Slapton

2012-02-14T18:30:00.002Z

At 10.45 while I was watching the Smew, a Bittern flew left past them along the reed edge and dropped in at far left corner of pool. Later at Slapton, 150-200 Golden Plover circling over the village, seen from the bridge. Usual Firecrest at Quarry, plus male and female Blackcap, the male in subsong.

Thurlestone Bay / Beesands Ley

2012-02-14T18:19:00.002Z

GLossy Ibis feeding at the back of the Marsh at 08.00 & 13.15 . A male Gadwall was a new arrival,

6 Turnstone on the beach. Offshore 12 Kittiwake , an ad Yellow L gull

South Milton Ley - 15 Chiffchaff ( inc 1 Tristis type ) 3 Goldcrest., 15 Redwing , 1 Cettis Warbler.

This afternoon went over to Beesands Ley to see the 5 Smew along with 14 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall

Exminster marshes

2012-02-14T16:34:00.002Z

A short visit between 09.00 and 10.00. In addition to the great tits, chaffinches and song thrushes that have been singing intermittently for some weeks today reed buntings, water rails and chaffinches were very vocal. Even a few lapwing were displaying.

On the lagoon 23 gadwall was my highest count for some time. Also there 3 pochard, a couple of tufted ducks and a single pintail. All the wigeon (c1000) were on the fields with a similar number of lapwings, c300 dunlin, c400 black-tailed godwits and 2 grey plovers. In the ditches over 50 shoveller and almost 100 teal. Also seen were one water rail and a little grebe on the canal. I thought I heard the water pipit near the canal-side car park and may have glimpsed it flying further out onto the marsh.

R.Taw off Pottington Ind Est, Ashford and Penhill Marsh.

2012-02-14T15:53:00.003Z

14:00 - 15:30

Bradiford Res.
A pair of Gadwall; c60 Teal and c30 Wigeon.

1 Green Sandpiper; a male Pintail and 7 Teal in the ditch alongside the sewage works.

Off Pottington Ind.Est.
4 Little Grebe; 4 Grey Plover; c1000 Golden Plover with good numbers of Redshank and Dunlin.

Off Penhill Marsh.
268 Dark-bellied Brent and 1 Black Brant; c220 Wigeon and c2500 Lapwing.
The Brant can be initially picked out from the crowd by its very pale/white flanks.

Bassett`s Ridge.
c1500 Golden Plover.

3 Bullfinch in bushes alongside path down to the Ind.Est off the Tarka trail.

Trip around North Devon

2012-02-13T21:47:00.002Z

Thought I'd respond to the earlier post re trip around South Devon!

Started this morning with a look over the Skern, where fortuitously, it was high tide. New for me here was a Spoonbill, presumably from the Isley marsh gang. Good numbers of Dunlin, Knot, Curlew and Oystercatchers. A few each of Grey Plover, Redshank and both Godwits. Only one Brent Goose, but several each of Wigeon and Pintail. Next stop was Fremington Creek which had about 50 Redshank. I cycled along the Tarka Trail to Penhill Marsh and found the Brent Geese, but couldn't be sure the Black Brant was amongst it. Good numbers of Shelduck. Next I left the car in Barstaple and cycled home along the Tarka Trail to Braunton. the Canada Goose flock was just downstream of the new bridge. Not many Gulls at all - have they already gone off to breed? A smattering of Redshank, Curlew, Lapwing and Dunlin along the shoreline and a few Godwits too. At Bradiford the Brent Geese were across the river next to Penhill saltmarsh. By carefully picking right through them all number 177 was the Black Brant! I counted 217, but Maurice says there are about 240 I think. In the drainage ditch by Ashford STW, was the Green Sandpiper that Maurice has reported sporadically for quite a while now. A bit further on in a field next to the trail a lone Greylag Goose. As the tide fell the sandbank off Heanton Court was home to a large flock of Golden Plover and Lapwing.

In the afternoon I visited the reserve at Velator where there were 9 Canada Geese competing for the one nesting place on the island in the pond.

Exminster Marshes

2012-02-13T19:14:00.001Z

Exminster Marshes: 10am-1.45pm

Packed with birds over the high tide with highlights below:

Red-breasted Goose, 1 flew in with Brents at about 1 pm but stayed only for about half an hour.

Water Pipit, 1 on pool beside road near to Tow-path car park.

[Paul Holmes]