Yellow-legged Gull, Red Kite

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I had to drop my daughter to rehearsals so I thought I would take a walk around. Not much happening bar a few Common Whitethroat and Eurasian Skylark. 

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

I decided to take a look here as the tide was out and Matt Knott was already there. He pointed out a cracking 1st Summer Yellow-legged Gull quite close in. There were also a few Eurasian Whimbrel dotted about. Mostly in the heat haze. Matt moved on but it was great to catch up with him. He did say that there were some Northern Wheatear up on Orcombe Point this morning so I popped back.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon

Having chatted with Matt I decided to give it a go again and after a little wait I spotted 2 Northern Wheatear in the now ploughed dung field. They were at the far end and very hard to pick out in the heat haze. 

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

Whilst I was in Exmouth, I received a message from Ben that a Red Kite was heading over and I would get it from my house. But as luck would have it, I got home from Exmouth (2 hours after the message) and looked up from my garden and there was a Red Kite. A rather tatty looking bird with missing primaries. Ben confirmed that his was tatty too and so was an individual I saw last week. So I presume it to be the same bird. 

White Stork and Garganey

Matford Marsh, Exeter, Devon 

I had to pop to Exeter this morning so I couldn't resist looking as the White Stork. It's a rather showy bird and despite it being a released bird from the Knepp project, its always nice to see. 

White Stork

Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon 

I had time for an hours walk around so I started from the middle car park and walked to the new scrap area. There were good numbers of Sedge Warbler and Eurasian Reed Warbler on the walk. Plus a few Commo  Reed Bunting and Cetti's Warbler. The star bird though was the Male Garganey that was showing on and off between the reeds at the new scrap. Also back at the middle car park 2 Common Swift flew over.

Garganey (Male)

Sedge Warbler

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

Early evening I took my daughter to rehearsals in Exmouth and had an hour or so to spare, so I walked around Orcombe Point. It was so nice to see my first Common Whitethroat of the year with a few on territory. 

Common Whitethroat (Male)

No Ortorlan Bunting

Axe Cliff, Axmouth, Devon 

I had a few hours look around Axe cliff this afternoon for the Ortorlan Bunting. Despite there being good numbers of Yellowhammer, me and a few others couldn't locate the bird. I did see a Whinchat, several Northern Wheatear and a Common Whitethroat though. 

I've never explored this site but I have to admit, it's a cracking place that has so much potential.

Common Grasshopper Warbler

Dartmoor, Devon 

I had the day off and as there was a break in this awful weather we have been enduring, I thought I would explore Dartmoor. I had 5 target species in mind, Common Cuckoo, Whinchat, Common Redstart, Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher. 

I parked near Warren House Inn and within 5 minutes had enjoyed views of 2 Common Cuckoo. One of which was point blank. Already pleased, I started the walk to Challacombe farm. On route I was treated to a Male Whinchat, 6 European Stonechat, 4 Willow Warbler and another Common Cuckoo. 2 of my species in the bag. 

At the farm I got straight onto a Garden Warbler in full song. And a moment later a Spotted Flycatcher. 4 species I the bag now, I started to think, this is one of those great days. With that, yet another Common Cuckoo put in an appearance. I saw zero last year so this more than made up for it. Also at the farm was a Female Common Whitethroat, a Grey Wagtail, numerous Barn Swallow and a few Common House Martin.

I struggled a bit with the Common Redstart but after a bit of a search, I finally caught up with a pair. Job done! Or was it? A little bit away from the farm I caught sight of a brown backside dart into the Gorse. I was going to just dismiss it but decided to hang fire and double check what it was. I was pleased I did as I eventually got brief views of a Common Grasshopper Warbler. Result! 

So, all in all a fabulous time and what a joy to see all those species in one area. Also on the walk we're numerous Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Common Reed Bunting. 

Common Cuckoo 

Common Redstart (Male)

Possible European Serin

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

I had a walk around the field amd wooded areas this morning. In the Gorse was a cracking Dartford Warbler I only saw it briefly but it looked stunning in the sun. There were at least 2 Common Whitethroat in that area also. Giving some great views and song. A single Yellowhammer was seen briefly but the best was a possible and I must state possible European Serin. I caught a sight of a bird flying away from me at reasonable range and I noted a cracking yellow colour on its lower back. The whole jizz felt correct but it never called. I so wanted it to call to clinch the ID. I stuck around for another 45 minutes but I never saw it again. 

Common Whitethroat (Male)

Lesser Whitethroat

River Otter, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I took walk along west side of the river Otter, south of St Saviours Bridge this evening. 1 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Sand Martin collecting nesting materials and landing giving great views. I spent 10 minutes having awesome views of a White-throated Dipper. 1 Common Whitethroat put in a brief appearance as did a Lesser Whitethroat. 

Sand Martin 

White-throated Dipper 

White-throated Dipper 

Garganey

Undisclosed site near Lower Durlston, Somerset 

I had the day off today (well earned after an 11 hour shift yesterday). I have been longing to get to the levels so off I popped. I headed for Ham Wall but topped off at a place I know is good for Common Nightingale. After a bit of hanging around, it was obvious I wasn't going to get lucky today. 

Ham Wall, Somerset 

I walked up to the first viewing platform and was treated to Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler on the way. On arrival I was informed of a Male Garganey. The bird was sleeping but I enjoyed the views. 3 Western Marsh Harrier put in an appearance soon after arriving as did 3 Great Egret. I short wait produced a lovely flyby Eurasian Bittern. An equally nice flyby Eurasian Hobby and as I was leaving a Common Whitethroat popped up and treated me to a song. A few Orangetip Butterfly was also pottering about. 

Shapwick Heath, Somerset 

I took a walk up to Noahs lake and on the way up, bumped into a local that advised there were 3 Little Gull on the lake. You cant yet get into the hide but I did manage to see the 3 via various gaps. Also on site were, 1 Western Marsh Harrier and 3 Great Egret. On the Butterfly front there were a few Common Brimstone and a single Peacock. 

Garganey (Male)

Great Egret

Melodious Warbler

Dawlish Warren, Devon 

I couldn't resist a trip this evening to see the Melodious Warbler. Didnt have to wait to long either as the bird showed nicely for a minute or so. Sadly no photo as by the time I was confident in the ID (all I could see was its butt at first) and set up to snap it, it flew off and I didn't see again. It was still nice to see my first one in Devon though. Not much else of note apart from a female Common Whitethroat near the visitor centre. 

Common Whitethroat

Taleford, Devon
We have had several walks since my last post but nothing interesting to report on the bird front. However, today we walked from Cadhay House to Taleford and near a Farm just passed Ottery motor services was my first Common Whitethroat of the year.

A few Butterflies seen to including, Holly Blue, Orange-tip and Common Blue.

Common Blue

A Couple Of Bits

Pullabrook Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon
Had a family day out and had a picnic along the river. The only bird of note was a Grey Wagtail. On the Butterfly front was a few Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Red Admiral and Large White. The only Dragonfly seen was an Emperor Dragonfly.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
A walk around late evening produced very little with a Female Northern Wheatear, Female Common Whitethroat and Common Swift being the best on offer. Well done to Matt and Derek for getting a Tawny Pipit this morning.

Elusive Sylviid Warbler And European Hedgehog

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a walk from Gore Lane to the coastal path after work. Was hoping for a Whinchat or Western Yellow Wagtail. I was being optimistic as it was rather dire. A Sylviid Warbler kept me entertained for some time. It only showed itself on 3 brief occasions. I’m  99% certain it’s was a Common Whitethroat but you know that moment when you think your into to something special? I had that feeling but frustratingly, I couldn’t hang around to make sure.

Byron Way, Exmouth, Devon 
I’m having almost daily visits from a European Hedgehog. It is actually rather relaxed and wanders very close to me. A very friendly individual indeed.

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

Late Post For Monday

Exton, Devon
We took the kids to play in Exton park and I had a walk around the dog walking area. A few Common Whitethroat in the area plus a Garden Warbler. My first of the year.

Common Whitethroat

The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I had a quick walk along the Otter this afternoon from the white bridge down to the hide and back. The first bird I saw was a Common Whitethroat. The bird was very elusive and only showed for a matter of seconds but it was enough to ID as a Female. Also on site were a pair of Eurasian Blackcap, a Male Eurasian Bullfinch and a Cetti’s Warbler.

Not Too Shabby

Berry Head, Brixham, Torbay
I had a day off today so I thought I would visit Berry Head for a change of scenery. Porthgwarra (as always) stole the limelight but a sea watch from the headland produced Manx Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater (looks like another one went through after I left), Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Kestrel and Common Whitethroat. However that action was overshadowed by the amount of Short-beaked Common Dolphins in the area.Several Pods were seen and some at rather close range. The largest pod contained around 40 individuals. I would guess (as some pods were probably already seen) around 70 individuals in total. I decided on the headland (rather than the sea watching site) to open up Butterfly options. It paid off as there were Wall, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue on offer.

Short-beaked Common Dolphin  

Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Short-beaked Common Dolphin   

Wall

Red Admiral   

Speckled Wood    

Northern Fulmar  

Chudliegh Knighton Heath, Devon 
I had a quick stop off here on route to my next venue. Strangely I’ve never visited this reserve but I enjoyed the pools (that are very quick to get to). Dragonflies on offer here were, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Small Red Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Common Darter. I was gutted that the later wouldn’t sit still for a portrait! The best bird on offer was a solitary Male and a few female Yellowhammer. 

Small Red Damselfly  

Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon
I done a walk from the car park up to the top hide area. Birds here were, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Bullfinch (Male) and Grey Wagtail. 

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I finished off with a quick stroll around the point. Not much action apart from a Male Peregrine Falcon that drifted along the coastal path. I came across a micro Moth which I at present have got no idea on the identification. 

Peregrine Falcon (Male)

Unidentified micro Moth

More Winged Critters

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I thought I would have a look after work for some Butterflies but it was rather quiet apart from Meadow Brown and Large White. However a Common Whitethroat that was gathering food kept me entertained for a while. Followed by a very close Kit European Rabbit that duly done a runner when it clocked me.

Common Whitethroat   

 Common Whitethroat  

Kit Rabbit  

I’m off mate!   

Japanese Bindweed  

Pink Sorrel  

Spear Thistle 

Bystock Pools, Devon 

I then took a walk from the pool end of the reserve to the boardwalk. It was quiet on the bird front but a Eurasian Jay brightened things up. The task today was Dragonflies and Butterflies and it didn’t disappoint. Lots of Common Blue Damselfly and Small Red Damselfly around the pool with a Four Spot Chaser and Emperor Dragonfly. Along the path to the boardwalk were a good number of Beautiful Demoiselle, a few Keeled Skimmer and Black-tailed Skimmer. The Butterflies were quiet with only Large Skipper noted.

Beautiful Demoiselle (Male) 

Beautiful Demoiselle (Female) 

Small Red Damselfly (Male)

Keeled Skimmer 

Black-tailed Skimmer (Female)

Large Skipper

Rosy Starling

Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. Devon
I couldn’t resist an evening walk out to the hide to look for the adult Rosy Starling. On arrival there was no sign but a Common Whitethroat, a Sanderling, several Common Ringed Plover and a large flock of Dunlin kept me entertained whilst I waited. Then a few Common Starling flew into the trees on the golf course and I prayed it would follow. I’m not a religious guy but my prayers must of been heard as it duly dropped in. A lot of the time it was obscured but I did manage some great views. Weird thing is, this is my first UK adult. I’ve seen numerous juvenile birds over the years but this one was special.

Short video clip of Rosy Starling 

Rosy Starling

Rosy Starling

Rosy Starling

Common Whitethroat (Male)

Bladder Campion

Birds-foot Trefoil

Small-flower Lupin

Purple Foxglove

Southern Marsh Orchid

Lots And Lots And Lots Of Gulls

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Had a doctors appointment after work so I could only manage a quick 30 minutes birding today. As Orcombe was the nearest decent place to spend that time I headed there. I guess I thought it’s the best option considering the time available and there’s always a chance of a late migrant. On arrival at Gore Lane the farmer was busy in one of the fields with 2 tractors on the go. The activity had attracted a huge amount of Gulls and corvids. There were probably around 400 Gulls with them all looking like European Herring Gulls. The Corvids were in smaller numbers (60 or so) And comprised of Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Javkdaw, Eurasian Magpie and a Northern Raven. There was not much else on offer apart from a calling Common Whitethroat that remained hidden. I said Hi to the Cows as I walked to the coastal path and took some more flower pictures. I was hoping for some butterflies but there was only a single Small White on offer.

Medick

Common Sorrel

Cut-leaved Cranes-bill