Whinchat and European Pied Flycatcher

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

I saw a report of a Ring Ouzel and 2 Western Yellow Wagtail on site but I couldn't get out early. I guessed that both species may not stay but I had a good optimistic walk around the site with no joy. I was though, treated to 2 Whinchat.

Whinchat

Whinchat

Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon 

I had an itch to see European Pied Flycatcher so I set off her to take a look around. I also love this site and enjoy wandering around here. I always stop at the second car park at Trendlebere Down and enter the reserve. I got on to a Male as soon as I was by the entrance. I then looked for Common Redstart a bit into the reserve and after a bit of a wait a manged brief views of a Male. Whilst waiting I was treated to another Male European Pied Flycatcher  There are quite a few Eurasian Blackcap on site too.

Trendlebere Down, Bovey Tracey, Devon 

While I was here it seemed rude not to look for Tree Pipit. For a good while I couldn't find any sign but I was finally rewarded with views of 3 individuals. Also one Willow Warbler and more Eurasian Blackcap.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon

I had a bit of free time today so fancied venturing a bit further. I arrived and for the first 30 minutes the place seemed dead. I was feeling like this was going to be one of those days. However,  I eventually came across a Male European Pied Flycatcher that showed ever so briefly but nicely. I then heard that unmistakable drumming of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker followed by an alarm call. They gave me a bit of a run around but after a little while a Male and Female gave themselves up near the top entrance gate and showed lovely around the car park for Trendlebere Down. I couldn't get a decent phone to scope photo but heres a find the birdie sort of picture. 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 

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.

European Stonechat (Male)

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.

Marsh Warbler

Marsh Warbler

Tree Pipit And Common Redstart

Yarner Wood and Trendlebere Down, Devon
I had a quick look around Trendlebere Down and Yarner wood this afternoon. A Tree Pipit showed beautifully on Trendlebere Down and a few Common Swift were overhead. In the woods were a Male European Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, a pair of Common Redstart and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Common Redstart (Female)

Tree Pipit

Spotted Flycatcher

Great Grey Shrike

Emsworthy Mire, Dartmoor, Devon
I had an early finish today and went to look for the Great Grey Shrike. I bumped into Dave Stone and Charlie Fleming and discovered it was on site. Another birder caught site of the bird in the third field from the barn and we soon obtained really nice views. I had a look at the barn area for a reported Common Redstart with no joy.

Great Grey Shrike

Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon
As I was in the area I popped along and got killer views of 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Male and Female) and 2 European Pied Flycatcher both Males. No sign of Common Redstart though.

Yarner Wood

Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon
An hour or so visit after work was rather satisfying. I started off by parking at the first Trendelbere car park and was rewarded with a Garden Warbler singing. I do love listening to their song. I only had the briefest of views (albeit a good view) but not enough for a photo opportunity. I had a look around the heath but didn’t locate any Tree Pipit. It had stated raining so they probably had the good sense to look for cover (whilst this idiot birders stood there getting soaked!) I looked in the trees on the end of the heath for any Lesser Spotted Woodpecker but all I could manage was a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

I then drove to the next car park. This may sound lazy but when time is against you have to utilise it well. It had stopped raining so I staked out the area by the entance gate. Within I few minutes I got fabulous views of 2 Female and 1 Male Pied Flycatcher. One of the Females was rather interesting. I think the white patch on the primaries of one of the birds seemed rather large, well larger than I have ever witnessed. I know what your thinking, he’s thinking this is a Collared Flycatcher. Well, yes it did cross my mind if I’m honest. However I’ve never seen a Collared and my time with Pieds over the years has been limited. So I’ve probably not noticed or seen one that’s a bit different. I did manage some pictures but the light was awful. It’s probably nothing unusual but I do like to share my thoughts on this blog and point out things that I find odd or unusual.

I think the side on photos show the size, length and shape of the primary wing bar. It also had a white forehead patch. I guess the Iberian sub species is a possibility too but I don’t yet know enough about that subspecies. I guess I need to brush up on my Flycatchers.

It’s weird, I’ve been birding for a long time now but I still come across things that make my stop and think. As the saying goes “everyday is a school day”

European Pied Flycatcher (Female) 

European Pied Flycatcher (Female)

European Pied Flycatcher (Female)