Woodbury Common, Devon
I had a walk around the model aircraft field and surrounding area after work. A single Female Northern Wheatear was feeding on the main field. A few Meadow Pilots around and a European Stonechat were the best on offer
Showing posts with label European Stonechat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Stonechat. Show all posts
Pied Wheatear
Trevose Head, Near Padstow, Cornwall
I had the afternoon off so I decided to see it I could get myself a lifer. I’ve waited a long time to get the bird in question. I picked up Pete and we set off. We reached the site in good time but not knowing the area, we were unsure of where to go. Luckily another group of birders were coming back and gave us very good directions. From the national trust car park you head back down the road and take the road towards the lifeboat station. You then enter the first gate and follow the path along the hedge to view. We had only walked about 5 minutes along this path and connected with the female Pied Wheatear. We got outrageous views for around 10 minutes before we lost it. A stunning bird and one I’ve longed to see for such a long time.
Also around the area where a few Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. The bird was also a lifer for Pete so we were both pleased as punch with the successful trip.
I had the afternoon off so I decided to see it I could get myself a lifer. I’ve waited a long time to get the bird in question. I picked up Pete and we set off. We reached the site in good time but not knowing the area, we were unsure of where to go. Luckily another group of birders were coming back and gave us very good directions. From the national trust car park you head back down the road and take the road towards the lifeboat station. You then enter the first gate and follow the path along the hedge to view. We had only walked about 5 minutes along this path and connected with the female Pied Wheatear. We got outrageous views for around 10 minutes before we lost it. A stunning bird and one I’ve longed to see for such a long time.
Also around the area where a few Eurasian Skylark, European Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. The bird was also a lifer for Pete so we were both pleased as punch with the successful trip.
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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| Pied Wheatear (Female) |
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.
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.
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| Northern Wheatear |
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| Northern Wheatear |
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
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
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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| Isabelline Shrike |
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.
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.
Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
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.
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| View of valley that leads to Soapy Cove |
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.
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| Ferruginous Duck (Male) |
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.
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!
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!
Giving The Pallid Harrier Another Chance
Blackhills Quarry, Exmouth, Devon
After reading on Devon Birds that the Pallid Harrier had been seen in the area, I thought I would look in to it. I checked out the Facebook page mentioned but have to admit I was dubious as to whether the ID was correct. However I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and thought it worthy of checking out. I checked out the area around the pond for around 45 minutes this morning before work. The first bird I noted was a Common Sandpiper that was quickly followed by a Northern Wheatear. There were good number of Meadow Pipit (potential Harrier food), On the pond were 3 Little Grebe and a single female Tufted Duck. No sign of the reported Pallid Harrier but I did have an unusual sighting with a flyover White-bellied Dipper!
I gave it another go for an hour after work I saw more Meadow Pipit, the Tufted Duck count went up to 4 birds and Canada Goose were added to the Wildfowl species. Several Common Moorhen were feeding in amongst a group of European Herring Gull and a Great Cormorant that were resting on the shore. A few mobile Common Linnet were around as were a party of European Stonechat. The best bird however was a rather pale looking bird that was rather distant that I believe was a young Whinchat but my photo doesn’t do it justice. Again no sign of a Pallid Harrier.
After reading on Devon Birds that the Pallid Harrier had been seen in the area, I thought I would look in to it. I checked out the Facebook page mentioned but have to admit I was dubious as to whether the ID was correct. However I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and thought it worthy of checking out. I checked out the area around the pond for around 45 minutes this morning before work. The first bird I noted was a Common Sandpiper that was quickly followed by a Northern Wheatear. There were good number of Meadow Pipit (potential Harrier food), On the pond were 3 Little Grebe and a single female Tufted Duck. No sign of the reported Pallid Harrier but I did have an unusual sighting with a flyover White-bellied Dipper!
I gave it another go for an hour after work I saw more Meadow Pipit, the Tufted Duck count went up to 4 birds and Canada Goose were added to the Wildfowl species. Several Common Moorhen were feeding in amongst a group of European Herring Gull and a Great Cormorant that were resting on the shore. A few mobile Common Linnet were around as were a party of European Stonechat. The best bird however was a rather pale looking bird that was rather distant that I believe was a young Whinchat but my photo doesn’t do it justice. Again no sign of a Pallid Harrier.
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| Common Sandpiper |
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| Northern Wheatear |
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| Little Grebe |
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| Whinchat (Juvenile) |
Pallid Harrier
Colaton Raleigh Common, Devon
I’ve not been able to get out this week as I’ve had a case of man flu (there worse type of flu there is of course) so I was pleased to get a text late yesterday afternoon from Matt Knott advising that had amazingly found a Pallid Harrier but I wasn’t able to have a look. So I popped to site as soon as I had dropped the kids to breakfast club only to be told it had been seen not too long ago. I could only spare 30 minutes before I had to drag myself to work (my first day back after snot fest). As I still wasn’t feeling to great my boss agreed to a very early finish but I couldn’t resist spending some more time looking for the Pallid Harrier. It’s not a lifer bird for me but it would constitute only my second individual in the UK. So it seemed worthwhile putting the time in.
Halfway to the grenade range I got excited by a largish raptor heading towards me only to be quickly deflated to see it was a Common Buzzard. The second bird I spotted also got me excited but I again quickly realised its true identity as a Female Common Kestrel. That was quickly followed by a Male Common Kestrel. Whilst on site both Common Kestrels were rather active and I started to worry that I would start ignoring them and in turn end up ignoring the Pallid Harrier. Unfortunately I came away not seeing the bird in question. I wonder if it is still in the area and being elusive or it has indeed moved on? With today’s wind direction I actually favoured it still being in the area rather than moving on but who knows?
Also on site during both visits were European Green Woodpecker, Several Meadow Pipits (which I hoped would be pursued by the Harrier), Common Linnet and European Stonechat. Even though I didn’t see it I must admit it was nice to be back in the field after being ill. Again I would like to congratulate Matt on an absolutely wonderful find and for getting the news out quickly.
I’ve not been able to get out this week as I’ve had a case of man flu (there worse type of flu there is of course) so I was pleased to get a text late yesterday afternoon from Matt Knott advising that had amazingly found a Pallid Harrier but I wasn’t able to have a look. So I popped to site as soon as I had dropped the kids to breakfast club only to be told it had been seen not too long ago. I could only spare 30 minutes before I had to drag myself to work (my first day back after snot fest). As I still wasn’t feeling to great my boss agreed to a very early finish but I couldn’t resist spending some more time looking for the Pallid Harrier. It’s not a lifer bird for me but it would constitute only my second individual in the UK. So it seemed worthwhile putting the time in.
Halfway to the grenade range I got excited by a largish raptor heading towards me only to be quickly deflated to see it was a Common Buzzard. The second bird I spotted also got me excited but I again quickly realised its true identity as a Female Common Kestrel. That was quickly followed by a Male Common Kestrel. Whilst on site both Common Kestrels were rather active and I started to worry that I would start ignoring them and in turn end up ignoring the Pallid Harrier. Unfortunately I came away not seeing the bird in question. I wonder if it is still in the area and being elusive or it has indeed moved on? With today’s wind direction I actually favoured it still being in the area rather than moving on but who knows?
Also on site during both visits were European Green Woodpecker, Several Meadow Pipits (which I hoped would be pursued by the Harrier), Common Linnet and European Stonechat. Even though I didn’t see it I must admit it was nice to be back in the field after being ill. Again I would like to congratulate Matt on an absolutely wonderful find and for getting the news out quickly.
A Reported Red-backed Shrike
Undisclosed Site, Exmouth, Devon
I popped back to see if I could pick up on my possible Tree Sparrow before work. No joy but did get a Common Firecrest. It’s an amazing site really as I had a number of species. The best of the bunch were, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Eurasian Blackcap and the first fledged Conmon Chaffinch and Conmon Blackbird but no Spotted Flycatcher today.
Budleigh Common, Devon
After work, I received a message about a Red-backed Shrike that had been reported early in the day. I was at the Otter at the time but quickly got back to the car in hot pursuit. I met up with Matt Knott and we both scoured the area with no success. The only birds of note were a couple of Sand Martin, European Stonechat and Common Linnet. Still I enjoyed catching up with Matt and it’s always worth a look. At the end of the day, if your not out there looking your not going to see bugger all. I was only at the Otter for 10 minutes when I got the message so not much to report apart from a calling Cetti’s Warbler at White Bridge.
Some more flower pictures..... Yawn!
I popped back to see if I could pick up on my possible Tree Sparrow before work. No joy but did get a Common Firecrest. It’s an amazing site really as I had a number of species. The best of the bunch were, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Eurasian Blackcap and the first fledged Conmon Chaffinch and Conmon Blackbird but no Spotted Flycatcher today.
Budleigh Common, Devon
After work, I received a message about a Red-backed Shrike that had been reported early in the day. I was at the Otter at the time but quickly got back to the car in hot pursuit. I met up with Matt Knott and we both scoured the area with no success. The only birds of note were a couple of Sand Martin, European Stonechat and Common Linnet. Still I enjoyed catching up with Matt and it’s always worth a look. At the end of the day, if your not out there looking your not going to see bugger all. I was only at the Otter for 10 minutes when I got the message so not much to report apart from a calling Cetti’s Warbler at White Bridge.
Some more flower pictures..... Yawn!
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| Hairy Bittercress |
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| Uncertain of this species |
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| Pink Campion |
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| Common Chickweed |
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| Creeping Buttercup |
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| Bothriospermum Chinense |
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| Wild Geranium |
Aylesbeare Common
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
With the weather turning warm and the lack of wind, I thought I would have a look for some Dartford Warblers after work. I enjoyed being out in the warmth but unfortunately there were no Dartford Warblers on offer. In fact there was very little on offer apart from some Eurasian Stonechat and Common Linnet. I'm out for a Portland trip again tomorrow. Lets hope it delivers
With the weather turning warm and the lack of wind, I thought I would have a look for some Dartford Warblers after work. I enjoyed being out in the warmth but unfortunately there were no Dartford Warblers on offer. In fact there was very little on offer apart from some Eurasian Stonechat and Common Linnet. I'm out for a Portland trip again tomorrow. Lets hope it delivers
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European Stonechat (Male)
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European Stonechat (Female)
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Common Linnet (Male)
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Back On My Usual Patch
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Having seen a report of a Northern Wheatear at Dawlish Warren. I decided to try my luck up on Orcombe. I guess I was being rather optimistic as there weren’t any there. It was nice to be back up there as I’ve not visited the place for a few months. A small flock of Meadow Pipit kept me entertained for a while in the bottom field and a European Stonechat was pottering about on the coastal path. A Northern Raven honked over head and a few Northern Gannet were feeding very distantly in the bay.
Having seen a report of a Northern Wheatear at Dawlish Warren. I decided to try my luck up on Orcombe. I guess I was being rather optimistic as there weren’t any there. It was nice to be back up there as I’ve not visited the place for a few months. A small flock of Meadow Pipit kept me entertained for a while in the bottom field and a European Stonechat was pottering about on the coastal path. A Northern Raven honked over head and a few Northern Gannet were feeding very distantly in the bay.
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| Meadow Pipit |
Dartford Warbler
Hawkerland Common
A quick scan with the scope from the entrance near the car park for Aylesbeare Common. On offer was a single European Stonechat, 7 European Greenfinch and a nice male Dartford Warbler (albeit very distant)
Aylesbeare Common
Around the common were 7 Yellowhammer, circa 50 Common Linnet and circa 30 Meadow Pipit. I had hoped for some Lesser Redpoll but again my luck was out on that front. They can be rather tricky to catch up with around here. On leaving there were 20 White (Pied) Wagtail drinking and pottering around a large puddle at the car park.
A quick scan with the scope from the entrance near the car park for Aylesbeare Common. On offer was a single European Stonechat, 7 European Greenfinch and a nice male Dartford Warbler (albeit very distant)
Aylesbeare Common
Around the common were 7 Yellowhammer, circa 50 Common Linnet and circa 30 Meadow Pipit. I had hoped for some Lesser Redpoll but again my luck was out on that front. They can be rather tricky to catch up with around here. On leaving there were 20 White (Pied) Wagtail drinking and pottering around a large puddle at the car park.
Finally.... A Stonechat
Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon
A very swift lunchtime walk to the hide, gave me my first European Stonechat of the year. I can’t believe it’s taken me until now to see one! 2 individuals feeding in the reeds to the left of the hide. From the hide 10 Northern Lapwing, C30 Eurasian Curlew and a few (very frozen looking) Eurasian Teal.
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
A walk after work for the white bridge to the mouth of the estuary. 4 Little Grebe around the bridge, a single Northern Lapwing on the scrapes near the hide, 2 Eurasian Rock Pipit on the cricket pitch, a group of Brant Goose near the estuary mouth and a calling (but not seen) Tawny Owl in the direction of the farm shop, were the best of the bunch.
A very swift lunchtime walk to the hide, gave me my first European Stonechat of the year. I can’t believe it’s taken me until now to see one! 2 individuals feeding in the reeds to the left of the hide. From the hide 10 Northern Lapwing, C30 Eurasian Curlew and a few (very frozen looking) Eurasian Teal.
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
A walk after work for the white bridge to the mouth of the estuary. 4 Little Grebe around the bridge, a single Northern Lapwing on the scrapes near the hide, 2 Eurasian Rock Pipit on the cricket pitch, a group of Brant Goose near the estuary mouth and a calling (but not seen) Tawny Owl in the direction of the farm shop, were the best of the bunch.
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