No Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon
I finished work early today so I took an optimist look around a few areas that I normally have luck with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Luck, sadly wasn’t on my side today though. At the pond hide was a pair of Mandarin Duck that have moved back in after the works that took place last year. On the feeders were Common Chaffinch, Great Tit and Coal Tit. Around the top hide were more of the previously mentioned but in far greater numbers plus a Marsh Tit.

Mandarin Duck (Male)

Common Chaffinch (Male)

Biking And Birding

Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth cycle path, Exmouth, Devon 
Took the kids for a bike ride today from Castle Lane to Littleham and back. As ever, I was noting the bird species. On the route were Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Common Buzzard, Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Eurasian Bullfinch. Around a third of the way along are a number of feeders. I’m not sure who keeps these stocked up by they were attracting a number of species including Eurasian Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit and House Sparrow. Also of note were 2 Fallow Deer in one of the fields.

Exton Marsh And Ideford Common

Exton, Devon
Having not had a chance to look for the Glossy Ibis over the weekend I had a very quick look first thing. It was freezing cold and the Marsh was frosted over. There was unfortunately no sign of the bird. Thanks to Dave Stone for the news on Saturday.

Ideford Common, Devon
I had a look around the car park area today for Lesser Redpoll. Plenty of Common Chaffinch were around as were the usual Tit species around the feeders. Including Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit. A Eurasian Nuthatch and Eurasian Treecreeper put in brief appearances. I was pleasantly surprised to see a single Marsh Tit for a short time too. After a while I was being to give up hope for the target species when a small flock of Eurasian Siskin started feeding in the tops of the trees. I enjoyed watching them for a while when I heard the call of a Lesser Redpoll. After a short search a single bird was seen on the treetops for a while before it flew off and I lost sight of it.

A Decent Selection At The Farm

Hayes Pig Farm, Yettington, Devon
A walk along the road and the public footpath at the farm after work. The place was quiet busy with bird activity. I guess the earlier dusting of snow in the area and the cold had brought them in towards the farm in search of food. There were circa 150 Common Chaffinch, a Female Brambling, several Common Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Cirl Bunting, Circa 30 Redwing, several Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, a few Meadow Pipit, European Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

A Bird Friendly Farm

Otterton Sewage Works, Devon 
A look around before work gave a female Cirl Bunting, Male Common Reed Bunting and several Common Chiffchaff feeding bear the car park. Unfortunately the Cirl Bunting flew off whilst I was setting up the scope and didn’t return, so no photos. I have to say that the work that Stantywell farm is putting in to make it a bird friendly environment is doing something. Also on site were a few Eurasian Skylark.

Common Chaffinch (Female) 

Common Reed Bunting (Male)

Common Chaffinch (Male)

Hayes Barton Pig Farm, near Yettington, Devon 
A grey and wet after work visit didn’t produce much but a Grey Wagtail brighttened up the visit.

Possible Water Pipit And A Mystery Stint

Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon 
I was alerted to a possible Stint species that was spotted very distantly from the hide so I couldn’t resist calling in on the way home. After a search I couldn’t locate a wader that resembled a Stint but I did get what I am 95% sure was a Water Pipit. The bird was always at the far end of the channel, light wasn’t great and the tussocks obscured view a lot. However, the bird was a plumper looking bird, it had a purple tone, a very bright breast and very little streaking. I couldn’t make out a supercilium though, which I would have liked to help clinch the ID. Also on site were a good number of Common Reed Bunting and Common Chaffinch.

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.

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.

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

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!  

A Walk With The Kids

Woodbury Castle
The whole family has a walk around the site this morning and stopped for a picnic. It wasn’t to busy on the bird front as there must have been some race / walk taking place. Perhaps part of the Heath Week events. Anyway, there was quite a lot of noise from this event so the only birds see were a European Green Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Common Chaffinch and Common Linnet. There were 2 species of Dragonfly seen with a Female Common Darter and a Male and Female Southern Hawker. There are now 2 ponds in the centre area of the fort and the Southern Hawker was busy laying eggs on a log in one of the ponds.

Common Darter (Female) 

Southern Hawker (Female)

A Few Bits and Bobs And A Purple Hairstreak

Otterton, Devon
I had a quick walk along the path from the Sewage works to the coastal path. A few Butterflies of note included Speckled Wood, Comma, Ringlet, Small White, Large White, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown and Small Skipper. Bird wise, a Eurasian Sparrowhawk flew low over the field, Eurasian Skylark, Common Chaffinch and Eurasian Goldfinch.

 

Small Skipper  

Field Bindweed  

Bystock Pools, Devon
I moved on for a quick look around the meadow and adjacent woodland. A few Eurasian Nuthatch and a single Great Spotted Woodpecker were the best birds of note but it was the Butterflies and Moths that stole the show with Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Comma, Gatekeeper, Small White, Meadow Brown, Silver-washed Fritillary and best of all a Purple Hairstreak. Moths produced large numbers of Six-spot Burnet a Garden Tiger and a few I’m working on the ID as moths are still a work in progress for me.

Silver Y (Thanks for the help Matt)  

Yet to ID Moth 

Greater Burdock    

Alder Spittlebug 

Tree Bumblebee?

One Of Those Days

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I felt that the over night conditions were primed for a fall of migrants so I popped up first thing. The place was almost devoid of any bird life apart from a few European Herring Gull and Eurasian Magpie. As I have mentioned before on this blog, I have a real love / hate relationship with Orcombe. There can be weeks where I see nothing but it can also deliver the goods. Today was a day of nothing, so I headed to work with my tail between my legs.

Aylesbeare Common, Devon 
After work I took a look around the common. I was hoping for Dartford Warbler. I had walked for 20 minutes down the left hand side of the reserve and in that time I hadn’t seen a bird. At this point I thought to myself “Spence, this is one of those days!” I continued towards the bottom of the reserve (where there are a number of pools) and had only seen 2 Carrion Crow and heard a singing Common Chiffchaff. Once I arrived at the pools things did improve slightly with a Male Eurasian Bullfinch, a Common Chiffchaff, 2 Eurasian Blue Tit and a Common Chaffinch.

On another note. My 9 year old daughter Brooke went on an orginised wildlife walk at Dawlish Warren today and was chuffed to see her first Osprey and Sand Lizard. It’s nice to see her really getting into her birds and wildlife. Her life list is now 62! Not bad considering she only started listing this year. Perhaps she’ll beat her Daddy one day?

I’m off to Portland area tomorrow so hopefully I will have a better day.

Hawfinch And Black Redstart

Topsham Cemetery, Devon
As it was freezing this morning I thought I would try my luck with the Hawfinch before work. I have tried a few brief attempts but had no luck. Today that luck changed. There were at least 6 birds (I suspect there were more as they were quite mobile at one point) I managed to get some descent on the ground views but my photo wasn’t great at all. When they got mobile, I was joined by Dave Stone as we tried to pin them down. Nice to catch up with Dave and share some sighting details. A few other bits and bobs were around the cemetery, including European Greenfinch, Regwing, Song Thrush and Goldcrest. I finally had to drag myself away and get to work!

Hawfinch (Female)

Hawfinch (Female) 

Hawfinch (Female)  

Hawfinch (Female)

Hawfinch (Female)

Redwing

Dunnock 

European Greenfinch (Female) 

Common Chaffinch (Male)

Budleigh Salterton Cricket Pitch, Devon
After work I was torn between looking here or having another look for the Corn Bunting at Orcombe Point. I was pleased with my decision as on the left hand side of the Cricket pitch was a stunning Male Black Redstart. I managed a few (very distant shots) and it was very mobile. The Tawny Owl was roosting in its usual tree and also of interest was a lonely Red Knot on the Estuary near the picnic tables. Matt Knott text me to say that the Corn Bunting was still on site. Think I will take another look at it tomorrow.

Black Redstart (Male)

Black Redstart (Male) 

Black Redstart (Male)    

Eurasian Goldfinch 

Red Knot 

Red Knot 

Song Thrush 

White (Pied) Wagtail 

A Missed Goose

Orcombe Point, Devon
A bits and bobs sort of day today. A quick look first thing this morning produced very little. I was hoping for a Northern Wheatear in the top fields but no joy. There were a few Eurasian Skylark happily singing away but not much else of note. On the way back through Littleham, I spied this Eurasian Collared Dove and as it was posing nicely I thought it rude not to snap it.

Eurasian Collared Dove

Hayes Barton, Devon
After work I had limited time due to a Drs appointment so I decided to take a look at Hayes Barton pig farm. Just as I left, I got a text from my mate Pete about the Greater White-fronted Goose at Exminster Marshes but had no time to head off and have a look. a shame really as its not guaranteed to hang about and its a nice Devon tick. Anyway, at the farm, were several Common Pheasant, plenty of Carrion Crow, circa 20 House Sparrow, a few Common Chaffinch and White (Pied) Wagtail and a Common Buzzard. Surprisingly no Red-legged Partridge on view.

Common Pheasant (Male)

Common Buzzard

Buzzard Quest And Bramblings

A3052 near Crealy, Devon
After my interesting Buzzard from yesterday. I had a look at a few locations around Crealy (before and after work) without a sniff of any sort of Buzzard. I will keep looking (As long as the snow holds off) even just to put it to bed as an odd looking Buzzard. I know there are some birds that you just have to let go but I don’t like to let go without a fight!

Uphams Plantation, near Yettington, Devon
I gave up on the Buzzard quest with just enough time for another quick walk around the plantation. I arrived just in time to catch the Finches coming in and start to roost. Numbers of Common Linnet and Common Chaffinch were quite a bit lower than my last visit but Brambling numbers were slightly up with C40. Also 2 Goldcrest and 10 Eurasian Goldfinch but no Red Crossbill today.

Raptors And Finches

Uphams Plantation, near Yettington, Devon
I had a walk around the plantation after work and there were a few things on offer. At one point there was a group of 4 Common Buzzard flying low over head. Probably looking for some supper. A Common Kestrel wizzed through a bit later on. Then I noticed a lot of Finches coming in and starting to roost. I lost count but there were C100 Common Linnet, C150 Common Chaffinch and C20 Brambling. While I was watching this, a male Red Crossbill pottered about briefly before taking off. Also of note were 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Northern Raven, 2 Goldcrest, 7 Coal Tit and a single Meadow Pipit.

Brambling (Female)

Brambling (Female)

Finches And Lots Of Them

East Budleigh Common, Devon
This last week I’ve had an urge to see Lesser Redpoll and have started to checkout the commons around Exmouth. Today was a walk after work was along the road that goes from Blackhill Quarry heading to Hayes pig Farm. Checking out all the trees produced no Lesser Redpoll but I did see the following. 2 male and 2 female Eurasian Bullfinch, 1 Eurasian Siskin, 4 Mistle Thrush and a large mixed Finch flock starting to get ready for roosting. In the flock were several Common Chaffinch and European Greenfinch with around 250 Common Linnet.

Common Linnet

Common Linnet

Red Crossbill In The Cold

Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon 

An hours (very cold) visit after work produced 2 Brambling in amongst the small Common Chaffinch flock, 1 calling flyover Red Crossbill was my first of the year. 1 European Green Woodpecker surprisingly again, my first of the year, 10 Redwing several Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tit plus 20 Common Linnet.