Brambling’s And Lesser Redpoll

Woodbury Castle, Devon
I had a lightening quick circuit of the woods before work. Common Chaffinch numbers seem to be on the rise and there were 2 if not more Brambling mixed in with the flock, as was a Lesser Redpoll. I’ve struggled to see this species this year and now I’ve seen 2 in quick succession (it’s like waiting for a bus). I had a quick scan of the common for Matt’s Hen Harrier with no luck. There was some evidence of Common Wood Pigeon movement with 2 large groups that totalled circa 180 birds and decent numbers of flyover Meadow Pipit.

I was hoping to get back to Powderham to look at yesterday’s weird Bunting but a work meeting meant I ran out of time. My mate Pete did manage a look this morning with no avail. At present it’s down as Bunting sp.

Out of interest, my mate Pete sent me this link about Albino Pheasants. They can’t be that rare can they? Perhaps I should call the BBC about the Otterton bird? Not!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-46045596

A Very Odd Bunting

Powderham Marsh, Devon
My mate Pete alerted me to an odd bunting in the hedges of the third field from the car park. So after work I popped along for a quick look. On route I noted that there were large numbers of Common Pheasant. On arrival at the hedge I noted lots of activity. Several Common Reed Bunting, a single Female Cirl Bunting a Male Yellowhammer and Common Chaffinch were popping up after feeding in the field the other side of the hedge. The hedge in question is the one nearest the railway line and runs parallel with it. For anyone that knows the site well the field is the one just after the first feeding station.

I then noted the odd Bunting in question. It had its back to me but my first impression was that it appeared to be small looking. However on comparison with the Common Reed Bunting it was clear that it wasn’t. The head pattern was close to Little Bunting but it lacked any black markings and the brown crown stripe. It had a pink bill and pink legs and I noted a very distinctive white eye ring, which is a feature on winter Common Reed Bunting but again the rest of the head pattern didn’t seem to fit. From what I could see of the wings, no white wing bars were visible, which again pointed me away from Little Bunting. Sadly, I never got to see the front of the bird. The back pattern was very much Little Bunting looking. It flew off after a few moments and I had to leave as I needed to get home to run some errands. There was probably only about 15 minutes of decent daylight left anyway. I didn’t have my scope (unusual for me) to take a photo (not that I think it would have helped though as it was obscured most of the time).

A very odd bird indeed and I can’t put my finger on the ID. I have looked at lots of photos and articles, even looking at real out there species to no avail. The obvious possibilities are Common Reed Bunting or Little Bunting but I’m left thinking is it something more intriguing? I might have to pop back tomorrow armed with scope.

Another Missed Yellow-browed Warbler

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
After work I decided to take a look around the viewing platform area for the earlier reported Yellow-browed Warbler. After a decent look I drew a blank. Around the area though was a Male and Female Eurasian Bullfinch, 2 Eurasian Jay, 3 Somg Thrush and a Common Kestrel. I seem unable to connect with a Yellow-browed Warbler after missing Matts Exmouth bird and a bird in Exeter. There’s still some time left though.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
A quick look after work. The tide was out and everything was up Estuary, so I walked up the railway footpath to view. Really high numbers of Eurasian Wigeoan and Brant Goose (a couple of which were Pale-bellied). I’m still looking out for a Black Brant and I still can’t seem to catch up with a Red-Crested Pochard. Good numbers of Black-tailed Godwit and Northern Pintail but nothing else of real note. On arrival though I was treated to a stunning rainbow.

Stunning Rainbow 

Woodlark

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon

Today’s after work yomp was a walk along the road from the farm to the Sewage treatment plant. Just down from the farm was a decent sized group of House Sparrow. I checked through the flock in the hope of a Bunting. No Bunting but I noted a call I hadn’t heard for a while and with that I scanned and got onto a Woodlark! No sooner as I had got onto it the bird took of and flew over me towards the football pitch. I watched it until it was out of sight and a later search to relocate the bird was unsuccessful. 

The next field held a group of 6 Red-legged Partridge. I assume the same group I saw there last week. They pottered about at rather close range and I enjoyed watching them for quite a while. The same field held circa 300 Common Linnet that kept flying off in large groups then coming back to perch on the overhead wires that go through the field. Again I carefully scanned the flock for anything unusual but nothing jumped out as being anything other than Common Linnet. There was not much else of note apart from the White Common Pheasant and a Common Kestrel but I came away pleased to see a Woodlark. My first sighting for well over a year. 

Red-legged Partridge 

Common Linnet (flock)

Common Pheasant (Female)

On the way home I stopped to say hello to Sir Raleigh 

Sir Walter Raleigh statue East Budleigh 

Not A Lot To Report

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon

I had an half hour look around at the crack of dawn but it was rather quiet. A Male Common Kestrel showed briefly near the coastal path, a few Meadow Pipits were mobile about the site as were a few Common Linnet and Eurasian Goldfinch. Not much else of note. I bumped into Matt Knott who was still on site when I left so he may have had more but I had to drag my sorry butt to work. 

Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon
Inspired by yesterday’s Lesser Redpoll. I decided to have another look around the fields and pond areas. The hide area proved most productive with 2 Green Sandpiper at the far end of the wetland area plus a Cetti’s Warbler seen but mostly heard to the left of the hide. A few Finches popped up on the surrounding trees but nothing interesting.

Green Sandpiper 

Green Sandpiper two individuals  

Common Linnet 

Lesser Redpoll

Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon
Having seen a tweet on Twitter by Dave Stone, I decided to take a look at Darts Farm after work. The reason I went there was that he had seen a Lesser Redpoll around the smaller pond. It took me a while to locate the bird in blustery conditions but it did show around the hide area. It was always rather mobile but I managed a few decent views. Surprisingly (apart from a calling bird at Aylesbeare a while back), this is my first sighting of this species this year. I normally see them throughout the year but It’s strange how some years certain species evade you!

Grey Catbird

Treve Common, Near Lands End, Cornwall
Today, me and my good friend Pete headed off in the hope of the UK’s 2nd recorded Grey Catbird. After our Brown Shrike dip a few weeks ago I for one was a nervous wreck in case it had moved on. So once news broke as we were driving passed Whiddon Down on the A30, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Despite getting caught up with 3 broken down vehicles near Hayle we made it to site in reasonably good time.

We parked the car in the field that has been negotiated with the land owner and noted 2 crowds. One had congregated on the other side of the common and some at the bottom of the car park. We decided that the car park option seemed as good as any so made the short walk to the gathered onlookers. We had basically timed it to perfection as the bird was showing nicely and we both got rather good views. PHEW! pressure off and job done.

We stuck around for around an hour and half and the bird showed a few times with some very nice views even though the bird was rather mobile. It didn’t sit up enough for me to both enjoy good views and to take a decent phone scoped photo. I did manage a few but they are poor even to my crappy standards. Also on site were a Northern Wheatear that kept us on our toes as it was popping up where the Grey Catbird was favouring, a Male Eurasian Blackcap, Common Kestrel and Eurasian Skylark.

Grey Catbird 

Northern Wheatear 

After filling our boots we had a brief look at Cape Cornwall for Red-billed Chough. Apparently they had been on site all morning but moved on in the Botallack direction. We called in here briefly too but had no joy. I was pushed for time as it was parents evening for 2 of my kids so I knew I had to leave Cornwall earlier than I normally would. On the way home we were a tad disappointed that late news came out about a Red-breasted Flycatcher and Richard’s Pipit within earshot of the Grey Catbird but we soon reflected on the mega sighting we had observed and forgot about what we missed.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
After I had dropped Pete off I decided I had enough time for a quick blip from Gore Lane to the coastal path and back. On arrival I was treated to great close views as a Female Peregrine Falcon flew over Gore Lane. There was a small flock of Common Linnet but nothing else of note. On leaving I noted that Matt Knott has arrived and was off doing his round. I got home and received a call off him asking if I was still on site as he had a Short-eared Owl. I advised I wasn’t and thanked Matt for the call and information, its always appreciated. Parents evening over ran so I didn’t get a chance to look but time permitting I may have a look before work but there is also he lure of Red-breasted Flycatcher in Sidmouth and a Barred Warbler at Dawlish Warren. Decisions, descisions. I think its safe to say that Autumn has kicked off!

Northern Wheatear

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I finished work early today as I had an appointment and popped to site for an hour afterwards. On arrival at Gore Lane I was treated to a Female Common Kesterl hunting the dung field. In the last field along the permissive path from Gore Lane to the coastal paths were 2 Northern Wheatear hopping around and catching insects. I never tire of watching these guys. Apart from that the only other noteworthy species were a lonely European Stonechat and a few flyover Meadow Pipit.

I’m off tomorrow to hopefully have a successful twitch of the Grey Catbird. I have everything crossed but if I dip I may give up on this twitching business. In all honesty I bet I would get tempted again. Let’s hope it’s more productive than my last Cornwall twitch for the Brown Shrike, which apparently may still be in the area further up the coast from Kynance at Prendannack but it was only reported as a possible on the Cornwall site. Interestingly, someone reported 3 Frigatebirds at Porthleven. A wholly unconfirmed report though.

Northern Wheatear 

Northern Wheatear 

Partridges, White Pheasant And Hares

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon
I decided to walk along the road from the farm to the entrance track to the Sewage works in search of any Finches or Buntings. There were no Buntings and only a handful of Common Chaffinch but I hope numbers will increase the deeper we get in to Autumn and move into Winter. There were decent numbers of House Sparrow. That wouldn’t be unusual a number of years ago but these days a very nice and encouraging sight.

As I moved down the road I came across a nice group of Red-legged Partridge. Some of the bird’s showed at decent range and it was a joy to watch them potter about. The next field held several Common Pheasant with a couple of odd variations, including a lovely White form and a few European Rabbit. Also flying overhead were a few Eurasian Skylark and Meadow Pipit but the best was yet to come as I walked back up to the farm I noted 2 large looking Rabbits. I got the scope on them and quickly realised that these were not your normal European Rabbit but were Brown Hare. The 2 individuals sat there nicely and seemed oblivious to me watching them. Hard to believe but this was my first sighting of this species in Devon.

Red-legged Partridge 

Red-legged Partridg

Red-legged Partridge

Red-legged Partridge (Group)

Common Pheasant (White variation)

Common Pheasant (White variation)

Brown Hare

Brown Hares

Brown Hare

Brown Hare

Red-legged Partridges and European Rabbit

Isabelline Shrike

Thurlestone, Devon
I got up later than planned this morning so missed my chance at a dawn attempt at the Thurlestone Shrike. I did however have the afternoon off as I had an appointment and just had enough time to have a go at it this afternoon. I have to say the bird was easy to get on to as it was busily feeding and perching on a bush (as I would expect a Shrike to be doing) near the coastal path a little way down from the green hut that’s mentioned in all the reports.

I had really good views and can confidently say it’s an Isabelline Shrike or as BOU call it Daurian Shrike. For it to be Red-tailed or BOU name Turkestan, I would have expected a more contrasting bird with darker upper parts and cleaner underparts.

It was a welcome relief to actually connect with a Shrike this year after dipping on the Soapy Cove Brown Shrike (that still hurts) only the other week and a reported Red-Backed Shrike a little while ago on East Budleigh Common. I’m hoping a Great Grey Shrike will turn up on Colaton Raleigh Common soon (one normally has by now). As I do like that species.

Also on site were a few Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit, European Stonechat and a Common Kestrel

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike

Isabelline Shrike

Thurlestone Shrike - BOU Versus IOC And The Confusion Its Creating

The Thurlestone Shrike
Its been intersting to see the converstaions that are occuring on social media about the Shrike at Thurlestone. Let me explain. Since the 1st January 2018, the British Ornithological Union (BOU) have adopted the International Community of Ornithologists (IOC) taxonomy list. Now I have to admit that this was a bold move and in my opion a good one. I know that the BOU have aspired to having or being a part of a uniformed list for some time and even tried working towards a European standard taxonomic list. A few years ago they disbanded thier own taxonomy board to show their intent. I think it is a good move as many bird species occur all over the world and end up having slightly different names in some regions and discrepancies in the amount of subspecies tied to the mominate species. In my mind, if a bird is called something surely it should be called the same thing everywhere and science being where it is these days, we should know the exact definition of what is a species or subpecies. I strongly believe the IOC is working extremely hard to achieve these answers.

Anyway, back to the Shrike. It has been logged as Isabelline on Birdguides then changed to Isabelline Sp, and Daurian on other reporting mechanisms why? Well as far as I can see its due to descrepancies between the IOC and BOU naming of species. The IOC splits Daurian and Turkestan (as we call them) but name them -

Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Red-tailed Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides
This can plainly be seen here IOC Shrike List
So these are on the British list but this is where it gets confusing. As the BOU name them -

Daurian Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Turkestan Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides
The British list clearly points out that they name these species differently to the IOC as the list states - The British name, the IOC name and the Scientific name.
This can be seen here BOU British-List to get to the Shrikes just scroll down to page 8 

So already I can see why people are getting confused. I even saw one comment saying "For me its Isabelline as its not datk enough for Daurian" well in fact those two names are the same species. I dont mean any disrespect to anyone by pointing that out, I just think it shows that there is confusion about this bird. I have seen some top birders wonder what the hell to log it as too. So I guess whats needed is another bold move by the BOU and completly adopt not just the taxonomy of the IOC list but the names too.

I know us Brits will struggle with this as we have our names for birds but in order to obtain a true world wide list, someone has to conform somewhere. You'll note that I already have as I always refer to IOC names on this blog but yes I still struggle to call a Guillemot a Common Murre when in the company of other birders. Perhaps its because I dont want funny looks or "You what?" comments. But we can change. After all some bird names in my life time have been changed. Dabchick and Hedge Sparrow for example are now Little Grebe and Dunnock respectively.

There is an excel document on the BOU site that show how names have evolved. If you follow this link English and scientific names – 1923 to 2012 it shows a number of changes in red text. Even the European Robin (IOC name) wasn't called a Robin (BOU name) in those days, it was a Redbreast. There are many of us that still affectionately call a Thrush Nightingale a Sprosser and a Ferruginous Duck was a White-eyed Pochard (I actually quite like that). So we are receptive to change but it could take a generation or so to fully take place,

The only issue I have with the IOC format is the fact that they keep some species as 1 word names. For example I will go back to the poor Dunnock. No for me I believe a bird should have a species name followed by a family name. So a minimum of 2 words, for example Grey Wagtail, House Sparrow. It makes sense to me. Lets give the Dunnock its old name back but with a 21st century twist and call it a Hedge Accentor. I actually wrote to the IOC asking whether this was something that they we planning to work on as they have strick naming policies.I even gave some suggestions, whuch they actually liked but at present I think there is too much pressure not to change some names that have been around for generations.

Out of curiosity I will share some of my naming suggestions. Please note that I didnt just pluck these out of thin air. I actually researched these names as they are used in some parts of the world or are old names from 100's of year ago.

Dunlin - Red-backed Sandpiper
Sanderling - White Sandpiper
Smew - White Merganser
Killdeer - Chattering Plover
Gadwall - Noisy Duck (I do think I would struggle with this one mind!)

Sorry, I have got distracted to the main point of what is the Thurlestone Shrike? Well I havent yet seen it so I can only go on photos. I was hoping to pop along this afternoon but family duties put pay to that but I would say it is Isabelline Shrike (Daurian Shrike in old money).

Common Eider

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Not deterred by the poor quality of species from reports I had read from Berry Head this morning, I decided to give sea watching a quick go from the raised beach huts after work. It was initially very quiet and even with the sheltered position, very hard going. A few species finally gave themselves away in the form of a single and brief Balearic Shearwater and 2 Common Eider. And that as they say was that!

Common Eider (Males)

Common Kestrel At Close Range

Bicton Common, Devon
After work I had a mooch around the area opposite the Uphams Plantation car park. On arrival I noted a large mixed flock feeding around the car park. I scanned for anything unusual but the flock consisted of Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest. I continued on my way and had 2 flyover Red Crossbill, several mobile Meadow Pipit and some Common Linnet were flitting about. Then everything went quiet so I turned around to move on only to discover the reason for everything ducking for cover. A close (around 20 metres) range Female Common Kestel was surveying the area from the top of a small pine tree. It’s always nice to be able to appreciate a bird close up.

Common Kestrel (Female)

Common Kestrel (Female)

Common Kestrel (Female)

Little Stint And A Weird Wigeon

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
After work I decided to pop to the hide and see what was going on. As I arrived I checked my phone which had been on silent due to me just coming out of a meeting. On checking I noted the report earlier on of a Little Stint. Sure enough I got on to the bird as soon as I set up my scope. It showed rather nicely whilst I was there but as ever I struggled to get a decent photo. Also of note were several Northern Pintail although I expect there were more in amongst a mass of sleeping birds. 2 Stock Dove showed rather close to the hide too. There are now good numbers of wildfowl on site so I checked for anything unusual. I was hoping that Matt Knott’s Red-crested Pochard may be in the mix but there was no luck there. One of the Wigeon though gave off some signs of American. The bird was I think a Female. It was sleeping all the time I was on site but I got glimpses of a grey head rather than the usual brown. Even if the bird was a juvenile, I would expect a rusty colour to show through. I didnt manage to get a photo worthy of even scrutinising. I may be barking up the wrong tree and light may have been playing tricks wih me so I will try to have another look tomorrow. As ever, some really awful photos!!

Little Stint 

Little Stint 

Little Stint  

Ltitle Stint

Stock Dove

Stock Dove

One Hell Of A Dip

Soapy Cove, Kynance, Cornwall 
So the day had finally come to have a go at the Brown Shrike. Me and my mate Pete made the journey in good time and even got from Kynance National Trust car park to the birds prefered site in good time. So we found a good vantage point and started the waiting game. We were soon joined by Steph and Rob Murphy and it was a pleasure to chat and swap stories. A few species kept us entertained, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and European Stonechat. After what seemed an eternity we all decided to call it a day having not seen the bird which would have been lifer for all involved apart from Pete. Nevertheless I had an enjoyable time on site.

View of valley that leads to Soapy Cove

The Lizard, Cornwall
Me and Pete popped here for a rather late lunch in the lighthouse car park in the hope of salvaging the day with a Red-billed Chough but even they didn’t want to play ball.

Helston Boating Lake, Helston, Cornwall 
On the way home, with a deflated feeling I felt I needed to see something decent. So we popped along to the boating lake to see the questionable Male Ferruginous Duck. On arrival we noted the pool was virtually drained for repairs. However, the bird showed and it was nice to appreciate the bird at close range as normally these birds are shy and distant.

Ferruginous Duck (Male)

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon

When nearly home I received a text from Matt Knott about a Red-crested Pochard at Mudbank Lane. I decided to have a super quick look but there was no sign. Apparently someone had fired a shot at them and everything had gone up. So by the time I got there the numbers of Eurasian Wigeon (which the bird was associating with) had dropped as they had understandably moved on. 

Wildfowl Numbers Are On The Up

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
I havent been here for a few weeks so I decided to have a quick look after work. Eurasian Wigeon Numbers were very high with my best guess being around 900 plus birds. Around 30 Black-tailed Godwit, 25 Northern Pintail and nice to see the Brant Goose numbers rising with a few hundred birds on site.

Well I’m off to hopefully see the Brown Shrike in Cornwall tomorrow. It has so far answered my prayers and stuck around. Just one more day please!!

Red Crossbill

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A visit to the hide first thing. Viewing is always hard on sunny mornings this time of the year as the sun is low and in yours eyes. However, good numbers of Eurasian Teal, a few Eurasian Wigeon, a single Common Greenshank and several Black-tailed Godwit dropped in. Apart from that it was rather quite and most birds were still rather sleepy.

Woodbury Common, Devon
A lightening visit to the model airplane area after work produced a few Common Chiffchaff, a feeding flock of Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and Eurasian Blue Tit, singles of Eurasian Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Best of all was a brief view of a Red Crossbill. There were a few more around as I heard multiple calls but I couldn’t locate. I also noted large numbers of Dunnock. At one point around 15 were foraging together on the path. They have obviously done ok.

Woodbury Castle

Woodbury Castle, Devon 
After work I thought I’d visit the castle area and surrounding Common. Not much made the notebook to be honest. In the castle woods were 2 Eurasian Nuthatch, a single European Green Woodpecker, Coal Tit, Common Chaffinch and Great Tit. The common area didn’t fare much better with 2 Northern Raven, a few European Stonechat and a small flock of Meadow Pipit.

I’m off Friday so I’m hoping to get out and bag a few nice species. I bet that lifer Brown Shrike in Soapy Cove won’t stick around long enough though!