Woodbury Common, Devon
I had a quick look around until dusk. No sign of yesterday’s Hen Harriers or Red Crossbill but a nice flock of circa 200 Fieldfare and a few Redwing.
Near Hayes Pig Farm, Yettington, Devon
I drove home via the back road (from Yettington to Bystock) and had brief but great views of a Eurasian Woodcock in my headlights on the road before it flew off.
Not 1 But 2
Woodbury Common, Devon
I haven’t done much birding this week (well nothing worthy of talking about) so I was glad to get an early finish today and get out for a few hours up to dusk. I thought I would look around the common and I had just got out of the car when I spotted 2 birds that looked like raptors flying through at distance. I got my bins on the first bird and realised it was a juvenile Hen Harrier. I quickly moved to the second bird and had a wow moment as this was also a Hen Harrier. The second bird in my mind was a female. Also just as I was around 100 metres from the car I had 6 Red Crossbill. I walked around seeing not much else for a while but came across a flock of circa 30 Fieldfare and several Redwing. A few Meadow Pipit, Common Linnet and Common Chaffinch made the supporting cast.
I haven’t done much birding this week (well nothing worthy of talking about) so I was glad to get an early finish today and get out for a few hours up to dusk. I thought I would look around the common and I had just got out of the car when I spotted 2 birds that looked like raptors flying through at distance. I got my bins on the first bird and realised it was a juvenile Hen Harrier. I quickly moved to the second bird and had a wow moment as this was also a Hen Harrier. The second bird in my mind was a female. Also just as I was around 100 metres from the car I had 6 Red Crossbill. I walked around seeing not much else for a while but came across a flock of circa 30 Fieldfare and several Redwing. A few Meadow Pipit, Common Linnet and Common Chaffinch made the supporting cast.
Eurasian Woodcock And A Missed Soaking
East Devon Commons, Devon
I’m not going to give away the exact location I’m afraid but a after work walk coinciding with dusk, gave me 2 very close in flight views of Eurasian Woodcock. It’s nice to know that there are at least a few back in the area. I just made it back to the car before the thunderstorm hit and the heavens opened. That would have been one heck of a soaking. Phew!
I’m not going to give away the exact location I’m afraid but a after work walk coinciding with dusk, gave me 2 very close in flight views of Eurasian Woodcock. It’s nice to know that there are at least a few back in the area. I just made it back to the car before the thunderstorm hit and the heavens opened. That would have been one heck of a soaking. Phew!
Common Loon At Close Quarters,
Elberry Cove, Paignton, Devon
Me and my mate Pete had planned to do a trip to Slimbridge today but I woke up feeling rather crappy to say the least. I monged out on the sofa for the morning and finally felt ok to pop out. There’s only so much daytime television anyone can take! So I thought “I haven’t seen Red-necked Grebe this year” so I set off to see if the one in Elberry Cove would play ball. The weather conditions were against me as I battled to view into strong winds. There was no sign of the bird but a very friendly European Robin kept me company. It was feeding between my feet and I swear that if I had food on me, it would have feed from my hand. Sadly on the beach was a washed up dead Harbour Porpoise that the Carrion Crow were eyeing up.
Brixham Harbour, Brixham, Devon
As the wind was fierce and the sea very choppy. I decided the harbour would be a good place for things to use as a shelter. I wasn’t wrong as no sooner as I had arrived, I got on to an outrageously close Common Loon. The bird showed amazingly all the time I was there. It fed, cleaned itself and even had a nap. The Ruddy Turnstone were as friendly as ever. Also in the harbour near the breakwater was a Grey Seal.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Matt Knott has informed me of a Short-eared Owl on Orcombe this morning so I headed off in hope. This is another species I seem to unable to connect with this year and today’s jaunt didn’t put that right.
Me and my mate Pete had planned to do a trip to Slimbridge today but I woke up feeling rather crappy to say the least. I monged out on the sofa for the morning and finally felt ok to pop out. There’s only so much daytime television anyone can take! So I thought “I haven’t seen Red-necked Grebe this year” so I set off to see if the one in Elberry Cove would play ball. The weather conditions were against me as I battled to view into strong winds. There was no sign of the bird but a very friendly European Robin kept me company. It was feeding between my feet and I swear that if I had food on me, it would have feed from my hand. Sadly on the beach was a washed up dead Harbour Porpoise that the Carrion Crow were eyeing up.
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| Harbour Potpoise |
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| European Robin |
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| European Robin |
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| European Robin |
As the wind was fierce and the sea very choppy. I decided the harbour would be a good place for things to use as a shelter. I wasn’t wrong as no sooner as I had arrived, I got on to an outrageously close Common Loon. The bird showed amazingly all the time I was there. It fed, cleaned itself and even had a nap. The Ruddy Turnstone were as friendly as ever. Also in the harbour near the breakwater was a Grey Seal.
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| Common Loon |
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| Common Loon |
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| Common Loon |
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| Ruddy Turnstone |
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| Grey Seal |
Matt Knott has informed me of a Short-eared Owl on Orcombe this morning so I headed off in hope. This is another species I seem to unable to connect with this year and today’s jaunt didn’t put that right.
Barnacle Goose Amd Yet Another Missed Yellow-browed Warbler
Milbury Lane, Exminster, Devon
I had a very quick look for yesterday’s Yellow-browed Warbler before work around Milbury Lane with no luck. I really think I’m not destined to connect with this species this year. The only birds of note was a fly through Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk and large numbers of Redwing and a few Fieldfare flying overhead.
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
A quick look from the middle car park after work gave up the 4 Barnacle Goose in amongst a large flock of Canada Goose. Also good numbers of Northern Lapwing about. Light was fading fast, so no time to look for anything else.
I had a very quick look for yesterday’s Yellow-browed Warbler before work around Milbury Lane with no luck. I really think I’m not destined to connect with this species this year. The only birds of note was a fly through Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk and large numbers of Redwing and a few Fieldfare flying overhead.
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
A quick look from the middle car park after work gave up the 4 Barnacle Goose in amongst a large flock of Canada Goose. Also good numbers of Northern Lapwing about. Light was fading fast, so no time to look for anything else.
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| Barnacle Goose |
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| Barnacle Goose |
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| Barnacle Goose |
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| Barnacle Goose |
50% Target Species Obtained In Dorset
Me and my mate Pete headed off to the Weymouth amd Portland areas today with 4 targets in mind. Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pallid Swift and Franklin’s Gull. With Franklin’s Gull being a lifer bird for me.
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
We arrived and firstly scanned the car park as there were good numbers of Gull species still hanging around. A good few scans showed that the Franklin’s Gull wasn’t in the group but there were a couple of Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull in amongst the large numbers of Black-headed Gull and numerous European Herring Gull. We decided that we would come back later in the afternoon, as this is when it had been reported. We then went for the next bird, a Ring-necked Duck. The best place to view wasn’t in the reserve so we walked along the road to the tennis courts, where there is a viewing pontoon. Within a few minutes, the bird (a 1st winter Male) showed beautifully for a while and it came in very close. In fact, my best views of this species.
Chesil Cove, Portland, Dorset
With a report of the Pallid Swift we set off to take a look. This isn’t a lifer bird (so no pressure there) but it would constitute only my second UK record. We put an hour or so in with no luck. Sods law, the bird kept getting reported in the afternoon. Whilst we were staking the place out, there were 2 extremely distant Black Redstart that you could just pick out in the scope.
Portland Harbour, Dorset
We decided to have our packed lunch at the harbour and give it a Scan in the hope of a Grebe or Loon species but the best on offer were a few Red-breasted Merganser.
Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
It seemed rude not to stop here for a quick look and there had been a reported (Black) Brant Goose. On arrival, Pete got a close Female Black Redstart and a scan produced high numbers of Red-breasted Merganser. There were only 6 Brant Goose in view and not one was a (Black) Brant Goose
Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Next, we had a look for the Lesser Yellowlegs. An initial walk up the west side of the reserve failed to produce the bird but on the way back it had dropped in and was associating with a Ruff. I never tire of seeing Lesser Yellowlegs and got really enjoyable views. The Ruff was in odd plumage and was equally enjoyable
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Late afternoon, we headed back for a final look for the Franklin’s Gull. Many Gulls kept dropping in and leaving. Again, a few Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull but sadly no lifer bird for me today.
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
We arrived and firstly scanned the car park as there were good numbers of Gull species still hanging around. A good few scans showed that the Franklin’s Gull wasn’t in the group but there were a couple of Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull in amongst the large numbers of Black-headed Gull and numerous European Herring Gull. We decided that we would come back later in the afternoon, as this is when it had been reported. We then went for the next bird, a Ring-necked Duck. The best place to view wasn’t in the reserve so we walked along the road to the tennis courts, where there is a viewing pontoon. Within a few minutes, the bird (a 1st winter Male) showed beautifully for a while and it came in very close. In fact, my best views of this species.
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| Ring-necked Duck (Male) |
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| Ring-necked Duck (Male) |
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| Ring-necked Duck (Male) |
With a report of the Pallid Swift we set off to take a look. This isn’t a lifer bird (so no pressure there) but it would constitute only my second UK record. We put an hour or so in with no luck. Sods law, the bird kept getting reported in the afternoon. Whilst we were staking the place out, there were 2 extremely distant Black Redstart that you could just pick out in the scope.
Portland Harbour, Dorset
We decided to have our packed lunch at the harbour and give it a Scan in the hope of a Grebe or Loon species but the best on offer were a few Red-breasted Merganser.
Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
It seemed rude not to stop here for a quick look and there had been a reported (Black) Brant Goose. On arrival, Pete got a close Female Black Redstart and a scan produced high numbers of Red-breasted Merganser. There were only 6 Brant Goose in view and not one was a (Black) Brant Goose
Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Next, we had a look for the Lesser Yellowlegs. An initial walk up the west side of the reserve failed to produce the bird but on the way back it had dropped in and was associating with a Ruff. I never tire of seeing Lesser Yellowlegs and got really enjoyable views. The Ruff was in odd plumage and was equally enjoyable
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| Lesser Yellowlegs |
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| Lesser Yellowlegs |
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| Lesser Yellowlegs |
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| Ruff |
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| Ruff |
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Late afternoon, we headed back for a final look for the Franklin’s Gull. Many Gulls kept dropping in and leaving. Again, a few Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull but sadly no lifer bird for me today.
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| Mew Gull |
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| Mediterranean Gull |
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| European Herring Gull |
Pied Wheatear
Trevose Head, Near Padstow, Cornwall
I had the afternoon off so I decided to see it I could get myself a lifer. I’ve waited a long time to get the bird in question. I picked up Pete and we set off. We reached the site in good time but not knowing the area, we were unsure of where to go. Luckily another group of birders were coming back and gave us very good directions. From the national trust car park you head back down the road and take the road towards the lifeboat station. You then enter the first gate and follow the path along the hedge to view. We had only walked about 5 minutes along this path and connected with the female Pied Wheatear. We got outrageous views for around 10 minutes before we lost it. A stunning bird and one I’ve longed to see for such a long time.
Also around the area where a few Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. The bird was also a lifer for Pete so we were both pleased as punch with the successful trip.
I had the afternoon off so I decided to see it I could get myself a lifer. I’ve waited a long time to get the bird in question. I picked up Pete and we set off. We reached the site in good time but not knowing the area, we were unsure of where to go. Luckily another group of birders were coming back and gave us very good directions. From the national trust car park you head back down the road and take the road towards the lifeboat station. You then enter the first gate and follow the path along the hedge to view. We had only walked about 5 minutes along this path and connected with the female Pied Wheatear. We got outrageous views for around 10 minutes before we lost it. A stunning bird and one I’ve longed to see for such a long time.
Also around the area where a few Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. The bird was also a lifer for Pete so we were both pleased as punch with the successful trip.
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
Reintroduce These Species?
Wildwood Escot, Near Ottery St Mary, Devon
I was going through some photos of the last few weeks and thought I would share these from a visit to Wildwood Escot. I don’t normally like the whole Zoo set up as I believe animals should be in their natural setting. The exception to this rule of course is to save a species from complete extinction and to be working to reintroduce to the wild. There are sadly, a huge number of zoo’s across the world that hold species that are not viewable in the wild.
Anyway, back to Escot. This place has enclosures that include a number of species that are extinct in the UK or only present in a few locales. The Red Squirrel enclosure was actually rather nice. It was large and was entirely natural. You can walk through the enclosure and enjoy watching the squirrels do what they do. It’s just a shame that these beautiful creatures aren’t as widespread as they once were. Being driven away by the introduction of the Grey Squirrel by the Victorian’s (they’ve got a lot to answer for). Whilst I don’t wont to persecute the poor Grey Squirrel, it is an alien species and I would much rather see the Red variety in our countryside.
We looked at the Eurasian Lynx enclosure but nothing was on show. Next was the Wild Boars and these were not so shy. There are small pockets of these in the wild but the populations have not been introduced in an organised way, leading to culls. What a shame.
Lastly we looked at the Eurasian Wolf enclosure. Again, it’s a shame to see these in an enclosure. I know there have been talks about reintroducing these to Scotland. I think the benefits to the ecosystem would be tremendous. They were reintroduced to Yellowstone Park in the US in the 80’s after being driven to extinction in the 20’s and whilst the park still hasn’t fully recovered the effects of the Wolves has been noted. The Elk population has declined, which has helped certain tree species. This in turn has helped bird species and Beaver populations. Beavers then help change the landscape and this helps further species. Can a similar programme help the UK landscape? I think it could. The guys at Wildwood Escot sure seem to be aiming for this. Time will tell I guess.
I was going through some photos of the last few weeks and thought I would share these from a visit to Wildwood Escot. I don’t normally like the whole Zoo set up as I believe animals should be in their natural setting. The exception to this rule of course is to save a species from complete extinction and to be working to reintroduce to the wild. There are sadly, a huge number of zoo’s across the world that hold species that are not viewable in the wild.
Anyway, back to Escot. This place has enclosures that include a number of species that are extinct in the UK or only present in a few locales. The Red Squirrel enclosure was actually rather nice. It was large and was entirely natural. You can walk through the enclosure and enjoy watching the squirrels do what they do. It’s just a shame that these beautiful creatures aren’t as widespread as they once were. Being driven away by the introduction of the Grey Squirrel by the Victorian’s (they’ve got a lot to answer for). Whilst I don’t wont to persecute the poor Grey Squirrel, it is an alien species and I would much rather see the Red variety in our countryside.
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| Red Squirrel |
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| Red Squirrel |
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| Wild Boar |
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| Eurasian Wolf |
A Dreadful Day
Byron Way, Exmouth, Devon
No birding done today as I worked from home and I couldn’t drag myself out in the dreadful conditions. The most action I saw today was this Feathered Thorn Moth in my house. Thank to Matt Knott for the ID help.
No birding done today as I worked from home and I couldn’t drag myself out in the dreadful conditions. The most action I saw today was this Feathered Thorn Moth in my house. Thank to Matt Knott for the ID help.
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| Feathered Thorn |
Black Redstart And Caspian Gull
Exmouth Leisure Centre, Exmouth, Devon
I had a quick look this morning to see if anything tasty was sheltering from the storm. There were a group of Ruddy Turnstone on the shoreline, 6 close in Great Crested Grebe and high numbers of Brant Goose and Eurasian Wigeon. I was unable to photograph everything as the heavens opened and I got totally drenched in just a few seconds. To the point that I needed to pop home and change before setting off to work. I even had to put a bin bag on my car seat to stop my fresh clothes from getting wet. The joys of birding!
Shelley Beach, Exmouth, Devon
After work I popped along to see if any of the Black Redstarts were about. On arrival a female was showing rather well. I was setting up to take a photo when I got a text from Matt Knott about a Caspian Gull On Mudbank. So I quickly headed back to the car.
Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
On arrival Matt has already moved on so I scanned the area. No sign of the Caspian Gull and in fact there were very few large Gulls about. Despite this, I decided to hang about and scan the masses of Wildfowl. In amongst the Brant Goose and Eurasian Wigeon good numbers of Northern Pintail were noted. A few Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone and Common Redshank were around the shore. After about 20 minutes, a few large Gulls dropped on the water. I scanned them all and in typical fashion, the last one was the Caspian Gull. None of them hung around long enough for a photo and they headed off to what was left of the sandbar near Starcross. Light was awful by this point so I couldn’t pick it out. Another nice find by Matt and I came away pleased with my ever so brief views.
I had a quick look this morning to see if anything tasty was sheltering from the storm. There were a group of Ruddy Turnstone on the shoreline, 6 close in Great Crested Grebe and high numbers of Brant Goose and Eurasian Wigeon. I was unable to photograph everything as the heavens opened and I got totally drenched in just a few seconds. To the point that I needed to pop home and change before setting off to work. I even had to put a bin bag on my car seat to stop my fresh clothes from getting wet. The joys of birding!
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| Ruddy Turnstone |
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| Ruddy Turnstone |
After work I popped along to see if any of the Black Redstarts were about. On arrival a female was showing rather well. I was setting up to take a photo when I got a text from Matt Knott about a Caspian Gull On Mudbank. So I quickly headed back to the car.
Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
On arrival Matt has already moved on so I scanned the area. No sign of the Caspian Gull and in fact there were very few large Gulls about. Despite this, I decided to hang about and scan the masses of Wildfowl. In amongst the Brant Goose and Eurasian Wigeon good numbers of Northern Pintail were noted. A few Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone and Common Redshank were around the shore. After about 20 minutes, a few large Gulls dropped on the water. I scanned them all and in typical fashion, the last one was the Caspian Gull. None of them hung around long enough for a photo and they headed off to what was left of the sandbar near Starcross. Light was awful by this point so I couldn’t pick it out. Another nice find by Matt and I came away pleased with my ever so brief views.
Hen Harrier Again
Woodbury Common, Devon
The Hen Harrier showed again briefly at dusk (around 4:45pm) hunting just below Woodbury Castle. It was soon lost to view as light was poor. Also circa 150 Meadow Pipit over head.
The Hen Harrier showed again briefly at dusk (around 4:45pm) hunting just below Woodbury Castle. It was soon lost to view as light was poor. Also circa 150 Meadow Pipit over head.
Hen Harrier
Woodbury Common, Devon
An hours look after work was rewarded within minutes of arriving (4:15pm) as a juvenile Hen Harrier flew extremely low almost directly over me. The views were brief as trees were blocking me and it quickly went low and was hard to keep track of but they weren’t half close views for a few seconds.
I then decided to walk right out in the direction of the grenade range in the hope of seeing yesterday’s Short-eared Owl and we are due a Great Grey Shrike. No joy there but there were large numbers of Meadow Pipit and Common Linnet to keep me entertained on the way. I also enjoyed distant views of a small group of what I believe were Roe Deer (I’m no good with deer species so I’m happy to be corrected). On the way back (around 5:05pm). The Hen Harrier again flew directly over me and this time I was able to watch it fly low for a few moments longer than the first sighting. Unfortunately it was all still a bit quick for me to set my scope up for a photo. I always enjoy seeing this species and sadly that doesn’t occur too often.
An hours look after work was rewarded within minutes of arriving (4:15pm) as a juvenile Hen Harrier flew extremely low almost directly over me. The views were brief as trees were blocking me and it quickly went low and was hard to keep track of but they weren’t half close views for a few seconds.
I then decided to walk right out in the direction of the grenade range in the hope of seeing yesterday’s Short-eared Owl and we are due a Great Grey Shrike. No joy there but there were large numbers of Meadow Pipit and Common Linnet to keep me entertained on the way. I also enjoyed distant views of a small group of what I believe were Roe Deer (I’m no good with deer species so I’m happy to be corrected). On the way back (around 5:05pm). The Hen Harrier again flew directly over me and this time I was able to watch it fly low for a few moments longer than the first sighting. Unfortunately it was all still a bit quick for me to set my scope up for a photo. I always enjoy seeing this species and sadly that doesn’t occur too often.
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| Roe Deer? |
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