Near Exmouth, Devon
A visit this evening to a common just outside Exmouth produced 4 European Nightjar. Lots of wing clapping and churring. Also 1 Dartford Warbler.
Showing posts with label European Nightjar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Nightjar. Show all posts
Green Hairstreak
Bystock Pools, Devon
I decided to give the birds a rest today and focus on other winged critters. I do love Butterflies and Dragonfies so I popped to my best local place in search of some good species. This Small reserve never fails to deliver on both families I was targeting. My Butterfly species seen were, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Heath, Peacock and Common Blue.
Far more Dragonfly species were on offer with Black-tailed Skimmer, Keeled Skimmer, Emperor Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Beautiful Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly and Common Darter.
It was also nice to see numerous Common Spotted Orchids in the meadow area. I didn't have one good bird moment with a day churring European Nightjar. I couldn't locate it though.
White Bridge, Budleigh Salterton
I moved on to the River Otter as I haven't visited here for a while. I managed to add Red Admiral, Large White and Banded Demoiselle to the day list.
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| Beautiful Demoiselle (Female) |
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| Keeled Skimmer (Male) |
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| Large Red Damselfly (Male) |
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| Black-tailed Skimmer (Female) |
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| Six Spot Burnet |
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| Small Heath |
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| Marbled White |
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| Large Skipper |
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| Green Hairstreak |
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| Beautiful Demoiselle (Male) |
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| Emperor Dragonfly |
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| Large Red Damselfly (Pair) |
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| Black-tailed Skimmer (Male) |
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| Banded Demoiselle (Male) |
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| Common Spotted Orchid |
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| Large Yellow Underwing in the garden the other day |
European Nightjar
Outskirts of Exmouth, Devon
I have been desperate to look for European Nightjars but this awful weather has got in the way. One of my daughters loves to see these with me so as she is now off school, we popped out to look for this awesome species. We didn't have to wait too long and a cracking Male flew from Gorse a few metres from where we were patiently waiting. A few moments later a few individuals started to sing and we eventually got flight views of 2 Females. Going on calls, I would say there was around 6 individuals on site. We both headed off very happy to have seen them and to know there are a few individuals back on territory.
European Nightjar
Exmouth Seafront, Devon
We went for a family walk and it was nice to finally catch up with a Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Beacon Fire Hill, Devon 2nd June
I took a walk around in the evening and saw a single male Dartford Warbler. Also on site were 2 Tree Pipit, 2 European Nightjar a few European Stonechat and Yellowhammer.
Yarner Wood, Devon 2nd June
One evening I went for a quick walk but didnt see much. However, a Male European Pied Flycatcher was a pleasant sight.
Tipton St John, Devon 30th May
I was alerted to a Marsh Warbler so it was rude not to make the 8 minute drive to take a look. I was asked not to blog it but the news is now out that it had moved on after a few days. I have seen one before but the views this gave were incredible.
We went for a family walk and it was nice to finally catch up with a Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.
Beacon Fire Hill, Devon 2nd June
I took a walk around in the evening and saw a single male Dartford Warbler. Also on site were 2 Tree Pipit, 2 European Nightjar a few European Stonechat and Yellowhammer.
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| European Stonechat (Male) |
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| Yellowhammer (Male) |
Yarner Wood, Devon 2nd June
One evening I went for a quick walk but didnt see much. However, a Male European Pied Flycatcher was a pleasant sight.
Tipton St John, Devon 30th May
I was alerted to a Marsh Warbler so it was rude not to make the 8 minute drive to take a look. I was asked not to blog it but the news is now out that it had moved on after a few days. I have seen one before but the views this gave were incredible.
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| Marsh Warbler |
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| Marsh Warbler |
European Nightjars And A Pink Grasshopper
East Devon Commons
I took my daughter and nephew to see the local European Nightjars. First of all we had fun exploring for an hour or so and came across a pink Grasshopper. From reading up quickly on this it seems this is an unusual genetic mutation. I think the species is simply a Meadow Grasshopper though. The sun started to set and we were treated to amazing views of several European Nightjar. My nephew was pleased as he has never seen one before.
I took my daughter and nephew to see the local European Nightjars. First of all we had fun exploring for an hour or so and came across a pink Grasshopper. From reading up quickly on this it seems this is an unusual genetic mutation. I think the species is simply a Meadow Grasshopper though. The sun started to set and we were treated to amazing views of several European Nightjar. My nephew was pleased as he has never seen one before.
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| Dartmoor Pony |
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| Busy explorers |
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| Meadow Grasshopper (pink mutation) |
Spotted Flycatcher And European Nightjar
East Devon Commons
I took my Daughter out to a few sites this evening to see the local European Nightjars. First of all we popped to a site where she saw her first Spotted Flycatcher. She was well pleased. I’m getting very impressed with her ability to identify birds from their call and song. She’s pretty damn good for a 10 year old. We ended the evening with hearing a few and seeing a European Nightjar. One happy daughter!
I took my Daughter out to a few sites this evening to see the local European Nightjars. First of all we popped to a site where she saw her first Spotted Flycatcher. She was well pleased. I’m getting very impressed with her ability to identify birds from their call and song. She’s pretty damn good for a 10 year old. We ended the evening with hearing a few and seeing a European Nightjar. One happy daughter!
European Nightjar
Undisclosed Site, Near Exmouth, Devon
I popped to a local common this evening to see if any European Nightjar have returned. At least 4 birds churning and one seen in flight. Also a few Barn Swallow and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
More Butterflies etc and a Great Show
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
I had a very quick walk along the railway path at lunchtime. A few singing Eurasian Reed Warblers were the only bird species of note. Butterflies included Comma, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White, a few Dragonflies in the form of Broad-bodied Chaser, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Common Darter. A few Bee and Fly species that I have no idea of the ID.
Bystock Pools, Devon
A walk around the meadow area after work. Lots of Butterflies and Dragonflies on offer. Marbled White, Comma, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. Dragonflies included, Commo Blue Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly and Keeled Skimmer. Very quiet on the bird front.
There was also another very noisy flying beast in the form of an Apache Helicopter that hovered over the meadow for a few minutes.
Undisclosed Site, Near Exmouth, Devon
With perfect conditions for viewing European Nightjar, it seemed rude to do so. The conditions did indeed prove perfect and the birds didn't disappoint with 45 minutes of constant views, churring, calling and wing clapping.
I had a very quick walk along the railway path at lunchtime. A few singing Eurasian Reed Warblers were the only bird species of note. Butterflies included Comma, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White, a few Dragonflies in the form of Broad-bodied Chaser, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Common Darter. A few Bee and Fly species that I have no idea of the ID.
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| Bee species |
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| Speckled Wood |
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| Fuller’s Teasel |
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| Formosan Thistle |
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| Fly Species |
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| Blue-tailed Damselfly (mating pair) |
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| Meadow Brown |
Bystock Pools, Devon
A walk around the meadow area after work. Lots of Butterflies and Dragonflies on offer. Marbled White, Comma, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. Dragonflies included, Commo Blue Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly and Keeled Skimmer. Very quiet on the bird front.
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| Comma |
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| Ringlet |
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| Marbled White |
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| Large Skipper |
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| Keeled Skimmer (Female) |
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| Caterpillars (I am useless at identifying caterpillar species so I don’t know what these are) |
There was also another very noisy flying beast in the form of an Apache Helicopter that hovered over the meadow for a few minutes.
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| Apache Helicopter |
With perfect conditions for viewing European Nightjar, it seemed rude to do so. The conditions did indeed prove perfect and the birds didn't disappoint with 45 minutes of constant views, churring, calling and wing clapping.
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| A cracking full moon |
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| European Nightjar (Male) |
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| European Nightjar (Male and Female) |
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| European Nightjar (Male) |
More Churring
Undisclosed Site, Near Exmouth, Devon
On such a lovely evening I couldn’t resist having another look at the local European Nightjars. The weather didn't disappoint in drawing out the birds with 8 sightings. The sightings (from what I could make out) involved 4 birds but I could also hear more distant churring. My best estimate is that there are 7 or 8 birds in the area.
On such a lovely evening I couldn’t resist having another look at the local European Nightjars. The weather didn't disappoint in drawing out the birds with 8 sightings. The sightings (from what I could make out) involved 4 birds but I could also hear more distant churring. My best estimate is that there are 7 or 8 birds in the area.
Willow Warbler Singing Like A Chiffy
Woodbury Common, Devon
I took another trip up to look at the Willow Warbler I saw yesterday which had black legs. I was curious as yesterday I noticed it was giving off an odd call. The best I can describe the call is a sped up Conmon Chiffchaff. I know Warblers can be excellent at mimicking but I have to admit I haven’t come across a Willow Warbler with this much talent. Perhaps I’ve just not been paying attention but I enjoyed listening to the bird. I wanted to double check just in case I was missing something.
I studied the bird for a while and as I did, it was plainly obvious it was a Willow Warbler. I though about the dark legs for a moment. This (as far as I know) means it could simply be a young bird that hasn’t reached breeding maturity yet. Leg colouration does change with age so I’m going to check in on this bird out from time to time to see if they have lightened. If they don’t, could this be a subspecies?
Now distinguishing grey looking Willow Warbler from Conmon Chiffchaff can be tricky enough if there’s no call and there’s poor views and I am in no way an expert in Willow Warbler subspecies so I’m just speculating. An interesting bird non the less.
Also on offer was a brief Garden Warbler (call only), a Male Eurasian Blackcap and a churring European Nightjar
I took another trip up to look at the Willow Warbler I saw yesterday which had black legs. I was curious as yesterday I noticed it was giving off an odd call. The best I can describe the call is a sped up Conmon Chiffchaff. I know Warblers can be excellent at mimicking but I have to admit I haven’t come across a Willow Warbler with this much talent. Perhaps I’ve just not been paying attention but I enjoyed listening to the bird. I wanted to double check just in case I was missing something.
I studied the bird for a while and as I did, it was plainly obvious it was a Willow Warbler. I though about the dark legs for a moment. This (as far as I know) means it could simply be a young bird that hasn’t reached breeding maturity yet. Leg colouration does change with age so I’m going to check in on this bird out from time to time to see if they have lightened. If they don’t, could this be a subspecies?
Now distinguishing grey looking Willow Warbler from Conmon Chiffchaff can be tricky enough if there’s no call and there’s poor views and I am in no way an expert in Willow Warbler subspecies so I’m just speculating. An interesting bird non the less.
Also on offer was a brief Garden Warbler (call only), a Male Eurasian Blackcap and a churring European Nightjar
East Devon Commons
Lympstone Common
A morning visit near the top of Bystock reserve produced a few Yellowhammer but little more. Near Yettington I spotted a few Barn Swallow resting on a wire.
Woodbury Common
A before work visit. I’m not going to give exact location details but I parked at the model aircraft car park. A Spotted Flycatcher and a daytime churring European Nightjar were the best on offer and both within a few meters of each other. I had another look after work and had the European Nightjar churring again but no sign of the Spotted Flycatcher. Both trips produced a Eurasian Jay, a few Common Linnet, Coal Tit, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Goldfinch.
Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon
After visiting Woodbury Common after work I popped here for a quick look. Lots of Brimstone on the wing and a Eurasian Hobby came through at speed but rather quiet otherwise.
Woodbury Common, Devon
An evening walk from the model aircraft car park. Again European Nightjar churring and also a Garden Warbler. Also a Willow Warbler (well that was what call it was kind of giving) with black legs.
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
A good evening with at least 6 European Nightjar. Churring, calling and wing clapping.
A morning visit near the top of Bystock reserve produced a few Yellowhammer but little more. Near Yettington I spotted a few Barn Swallow resting on a wire.
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| Barn Swallows |
A before work visit. I’m not going to give exact location details but I parked at the model aircraft car park. A Spotted Flycatcher and a daytime churring European Nightjar were the best on offer and both within a few meters of each other. I had another look after work and had the European Nightjar churring again but no sign of the Spotted Flycatcher. Both trips produced a Eurasian Jay, a few Common Linnet, Coal Tit, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Goldfinch.
Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon
After visiting Woodbury Common after work I popped here for a quick look. Lots of Brimstone on the wing and a Eurasian Hobby came through at speed but rather quiet otherwise.
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| Scarlet Pimpernel |
An evening walk from the model aircraft car park. Again European Nightjar churring and also a Garden Warbler. Also a Willow Warbler (well that was what call it was kind of giving) with black legs.
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| Willow Warbler with black legs |
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
A good evening with at least 6 European Nightjar. Churring, calling and wing clapping.
More Nightjars
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A quick look from the hide this morning and 2 Ruff in almost breeding plumage were at the back left of the reserve. A few Eurasian Blackcap around the garden but not much else of note.
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
A quick visit after work to look for Dartford Warbler was unsuccessful. It was rather quite but there were a few Eurasian Blackcap near the farm. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I think this species seems to be more abundant this year as I see them everywhere lately. There were a number of Brimstone on the wing plus this Small Blue.
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
I went to have another look at the local European Nightjar and had a smart Male perch up briefly. It churred for a few seconds and duly dived in to cover. Excuse the truly awful pictures. I have lightened them but the quality is dreadful. A record shot if nothing else.
A quick look from the hide this morning and 2 Ruff in almost breeding plumage were at the back left of the reserve. A few Eurasian Blackcap around the garden but not much else of note.
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| Cowslip |
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
A quick visit after work to look for Dartford Warbler was unsuccessful. It was rather quite but there were a few Eurasian Blackcap near the farm. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I think this species seems to be more abundant this year as I see them everywhere lately. There were a number of Brimstone on the wing plus this Small Blue.
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| Small Blue |
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
I went to have another look at the local European Nightjar and had a smart Male perch up briefly. It churred for a few seconds and duly dived in to cover. Excuse the truly awful pictures. I have lightened them but the quality is dreadful. A record shot if nothing else.
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| European Nightjar |
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| European Nightjar |
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| European Nightjar |
Nightjars
Undisclosed Site, Near Exmouth, Devon
Our local European Nightjars are back on site. Sorry I’m not going to give exact location details due to the sensitivity of the species. All I will say is it’s a common on the outskirts of Exmouth. I guess that was a bit obvious! Tonight was not ideal conditions (cloudy and cool) but 2 birds heard Churring and calling. I do love listening to these birds. It’s such an amazing sound! I think the males haven’t yet arrived (the Females arrive back first) but there are a few Females waiting for them, so hopefully there will be a few territories onsite. If I recall correctly, there were 6 territories last year. Hopefully this year will be equally good and in the next few week or so there will be some good displays on offer.
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| Shrubby Cinquefoil |
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