Thurlestone Bay is a bird rich area of the South Hams (part of Devon).

Having lost Thurlestone Marsh.earlier this year when it was drained agreed with Eric Wotton to redraw the patch boundry to include the Avon Estuary which will incorporate the very impressive  South Efford Marsh

Any comments you wish to make can be entered in the guestbook.

Have posted a copy of the JUNE review in the section headed 

2021 monthly review 

ROSS'S GULL -9 MAR 2020

News this morning ( 12/3 ) the adult bird found on the Marsh on Monday has been located on the Plymouth Estuary giving more Devon birders of seeing this stunning bird .

Both the weekly reviews from Bird Guides & Rare Bird Alert picked it out as the outstanding bird of the week- with supporting photos from Richie Moore and myself .In The Birds of Devon it is described as accidental with only 5 previous records - the last was a 1 summer on the Exe Estuary in May / June 2014.
A very nice addition to the South Huish Marsh ( and the local patch )

species list . This site still keeps turning up some B B  Rarities , 

it is also the 16th specie of Gull that I have recorded on the Marsh 

or offshore .

FRI 31 DEC

Last report for 2021- no change in the weather this morning 

South Huish Marsh --9.10- 10. 45

125 TEAL, 40 WIGEON 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , 2 SNIPE .

At 10.00 a small flock of 12 CANADA GOOSE flew down the valley, 

followed by a GREY LAG GOOSE and a WHITE FRONTED GOOSE , 

A few minutes later they flew back up the valley.

Amongst the CANADA flock is a goose much smaller than the others , frequently it is with the BARNACLE . Photos below to give you some indication of the size and plumage differences . Any comments 

most welcome 

Consensus of opinion - likely to be a TODD'S GOOSE (201) - 

there was one a few years ago on the Exe Estuary. Probably a first for the patch

THURS 30 DEC 

Drab weather continues even though mild, brisk wind SSW F7, offshore viz poor .

09.15-11.00 South Huish Marsh 

80 WIGEON, 75+ TEAL, 1 F SHOVELER ( first since Spring ) 

Barnacle Goose , 1 LITTLE EGRET, 160 STARLING, PEREGRINE & 

KESTREL over 

At 10.40 the WIGEON flew out into the Bay May have gone to sit on the sea .

On the rocks - 13 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE.

Report rec'd from Eric the 6 GLOSSY IBIS still between Knap Mill and Hatch Bridge - the road between these points is closed due to flooding 

Late afternoon report from Alan D of 7 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE 

flying into South Huis Marsh at 15.45 , also 2 MED GULL 

WED 29 DEC

Poor weather this morning for birdwatching - cloudy , driving rain , WSW F 8+ wind 

South Huish Marsh - 62 TEAL, 25 WIGEON , 40 SNIPE 

29 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 MUTE SWAN , 100 BLACK H GULL , 

1 LITTLE EGRET

On the beach 1TURNSTONE.

TUES 28 DEC

At Hatch Bridge in a flooded field 6 GLOSSY IBIS - found earlier this morning by Rod Bone - a fantastic end of year patch record . Also feeding amongst the CANADA flock 2 GREEN SANDPIPER.

A report received of 5 DB BRENT GOOSE at South Huish Marsh -

flew in off the sea before continuing their flight E 

THURS 23 DEC

Damp morning with a brisk SW F4 wind - poor visibility offshore until 11.00 

09.00 South Huish Marsh-

60 WIGEON , 30 TEAL , 1 1W M PINTAIL, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 

7 SNIPE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1M BULLFINCH, 2 CHIFFY 

Offshore 11.00-11.30-

A few GANNET, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 AD MED GULL , 1 RED T.DIVER-SE

A FEW RAZORMOT-SE 

On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE.

Like ly to be the last post until 29 Dec with all our family starting to arrive later tonight 

To everyone who visits the blog have an enjoyable Xmas time , won't be long before we are starting to record our 2022 year list 

WED 22 DEC 

Another cloudy morning with a E F3 breeze 

Offshore 09.00-10.15- 

55 GANNET, 120 KITTIWAKE-SE, 100 BLACK H GULL, 

115 RAZORMOT-SE 

On Rocks 

22 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 KINGFISHER 

On Yarmer Beach 

10 TURNSTONE, 14 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh 

55 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 SNIPE, 2 LITTLE EGRET 

Thurlestone Garden - 4 LINNET , 2 F CHAFFINCH 

Aveton Gifford- tidal road - 2 REDSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 

CURLEW, 2 LITTLE GREBE 

Hatch Bridge - 2 GOOSANDER, 1 DIPPER 

Photos added 

TUES 21 DEC 

Shortest  day of the year - grey / cloudy 

Reports received -

South Huish Marsh - 3 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE 

1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 20 WIGEON, 10 TEAL, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 BLACK REDSTART.

At South Efford Marsh- 17 LAPWING

MON 20 DEC

Contiuation of E F4 wind produces sone interesting duck records despite the cloudy conditions 

Offshore 09.30-10.45

114 GANNET, 140 RAZORMOT, 1 KITTIWAKE, At -9.45 a pair of PINTAIL and a M WIGEON flew into the Bay from SE and landed on the sea 

On the rocks 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER 

On South Huish Marsh 

3 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE still present along with now 3 DB BRENT GOOSE , 1BARNACLE GOOSE .27 TEAL, 55 WIGEON, 2 M GADWALL 

( only 2nd record this year ), 6 SNIPE, 1 BLACK T GODWIT .

A WATER PIPIT was reported 

In flight over Thurlestone Marsh 14 SNIPE 

Yesterday at South Milton Ley Alan photographed an unringed SIBERIAN CHIFFY .

SUN 19 DEC 

GOOSE fest day - 4 species recorded together , first WHITE FRONTED GOOSE since March 2017.

Cloudy morning with a cold brisk F4/5 E wind .

09.00- South Huish Marsh 

Feeding in the field by the overflow car park were the 3 RUSSIAN WHITE FRONTED GOOSE along with 185 CANADA GOOSE , 

1 BARNACLE GOOSE, they were joined late morning by 2 DB BRENT GOOSE , 57 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 25 MALLARD, 5 MUTE SWAN, 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 11 SNIPE 1 HERON 

OFFSHORE- 09.35- 11.15 

1 F SCAUP ( 200)- only my second record in last 20  years, 6 MALLARD , 13 WIGEON -on sea, 4 COMMON SCOTER-NW, 

1 RED T DIVER-NW, 1 GREAT N DIVER- on sea, 190 RAZORMOT- SE 

several flocks of 25+, 57 GANNET-SE, 65 KITTIWAKE-SE, 

Rocks - 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON , 1 LITTLE EGRET

The year list reached a total of 200 species , another fantastic year for the patch - thanks to everyone who has contributed 

GOOSE photos added - not brilliant due to the dark conditions 

SAT 18 DEC 

Report received late afternoon of 3 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( 199 ) 

feeding with the BARNACLE and CANADA GOOSE flock at South Huish Marsh 

FRI 17 DEC 

A cloudy morning with a SE wind F5

Offshore 09.15- 10.30 

There were at least 5 feeding frenzy flocks across th Bay , difficult to assess total numbers as birds were flying between the feeding points also steady stream of additional birds - me estimates were 

170 GANNET, 120 KITTIWAKE, 1750 HERRING GULL, 50 BLACK H

GULL, 10 GREAT B B GULL, 22 CORMORANT, 5 SHAG 

1 FULMAR-SE, 1 F WIGEON- on sea 

On rocks 4 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh-

30 WIGEON, 35 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 5 MUTE SWAN, 185 CANADA GOOSE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 12 SNIPE, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT.

At Huxton Cross - 1200. STARLING, 2 SPRAWK 

THURS 16 DEC

Lovely sunny morning calm conditions.

Offshore 09.00-10.20

15 GANNET , several flocks of GULLS feeding - 1500 HERRING GULL , 30 KITTIWAKE, 3 SHAG, 21 CORMORANT, 1 RED T DIVER -SE , 

57 RAZORMOT-on sea, 2 RAZORBILL, 1 GUILLEMOT, 1 SHELDUCK 

on sea 

On South Huish Marsh-

17 WIGON , 12 TEAL, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 21 SNIPE, 4 HERON 

1 AD MUTE SWAN, 87 CANADA GOOSE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 

1 WATER RAIL 

New photos added.

WED 15 DEC 

Cloudy calm mild morning 

Offshore 09.00-10.30

15 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 20 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON SCOTER-NW

At least 50 AUKS in the bay -those which could be identified- 

12 RAZORBILL, 6 GUILLEMOT. Afeeding flock of GULLS in Bigbury Bay of 1500+ , around 1250 HERRING GULL, 250 BLACK H GULL, 

also some KITTIWAKE 

On the rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 30 ROCK PIPIT, 1 M STONECHAT, 1 F BLACK REDSTART, KESTREL over

New photos added - move to Bird Photos page 

TUES 14 DEC 

Ringing At South Milton Ley Alan reports -

10 new birds inc 2 SIB CHIFFY, 5 CHIFFY, 2 GOLDCREST 

Also on site - 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GREEN WOODY, 3 WATER RAIL, 

1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 BARN OWL 

At Thurlestone Marsh- WATER RAIL , GREAT SP WOODY 

MON 13 DEC 

Cloudy morning with poor visibility and a F3 SSE wind .

On the rocks 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 M STONECHAT,

On South Huish Marsh - 

35 TEAL, 12 WIGEON, 5 SNIPE, 4 RINGED PLOVER

On Yarmer Beach -

4 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 20 + TURNSTONE 

SUN 12 DEC 

Cloudy morning with a SW F2/3 wind 

Short visit to South Huish Marsh 

37 WIGEON, 35 TEAL, 7 SNIPE, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 

1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 

1 2W COMMON GULL 

On the rocks - 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE, 1 M STONECHAT 

Thurleston Marsh - 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2500 STARLING to roost 

FRI 10 DEC

Sunny morning with a cold NWF4/5 wind .

Offshore- 09.00-10.00

32 GANNET-NW, 6 KITTIWAKE, 1 FULMAR-NW, 1 2W MED GULL on sea, 3 RAZORBILL-SE, 45 RAZORMOT-SE, PEREGRINE-SE 

On rocks - 24 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 TURNSTONE.

On South Huish Marsh -

40 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 6 SNIPE , 

4 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE EGRET.

ON Yarmer Beach report of - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 

24 TURNSTONE.

At Thurlestone Marsh-

07.50- out of roost- 1500 STARLING 

Roost watch -15.40- 16.30

6500 STARLING, 2 JAY, 1 SPRAWK, 1 BUZZARD, 250JACKDAW, 500

ROOK & CROW

THURS 9 DEC 

Cloudy morning with showers from 10.30, wind W 4/5 

07.55 Thurlestone Marsh - over 3500 STARLING flew NE out of a roost - this is the first large roost flock for a few years , will be interesting to see if it increases- 

09.15- 10.45 Offshore-

202 GANNET -NW, 22 KITTIWAKE-NW, 28 RAZORMOT-NW, 

1 RED T DIVER -NW @09.35, 1 F COMMON SCOTER SE accompanied 

by a F EIDER ( 197) .

On sea / rocks - 1 ad MED GULL , 4 TURNSTONE, 21 OYSTERCATCHER, 25 ROCK PIPIT .

On South Huish Marsh -

1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 47 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 16 SNIPE ( +12 in flight ), 5 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 50 STARLING, 

11 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RAVEN

Reported from South Efford Marsh-

1 BARNACLE GOOSE ( means 2 on the patch ), 4 GREENSHANK , 

1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 BULLFINCH, GOLDCREST , KESTREL, SPRAWK 

Couple of photos added to the birds photo page 

WED 8 DEC 

After effects of storm Barry - windF7/8 WNW , very rough sea .

Offshore 09.00-09.45 - 25 GANNET, 1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea , 

3 RAZORMOT-SE, 4 KITTIWAKE-SE, 1 AD MED GULL -SE 

South Huish Marsh - the 2 high tides since the outflow pipe was cleared have resulted in sand again blocking it .

1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 12 TEAL, 42 WIGEON ( highest count this winter ), 15 MALLARD, 20 LESSER B B GULL, 10 SNIPE, 

4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 

3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON 

Aveton Gifford- Thrush flock - 2 REDWING, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 

3 SONG THRUSH, 8 BLACKBIRD , also 1 F BLACKCAP, 1 GOLDCREST

TUES 7 DEC 

With storm Barra in full blow did not venture out until the rain stopped at 11.30, spent an hour seawatching from the car park - only birds logged were -

31 GANNET-NW, 7 GREAT B B GULL -NW . , 2 AD MED GULL-NW 

also1 feeding with a flock of 70 BLACK H GULL on the shore , 

2 KITTIWAKE -SE , feeding on the calmer section of the bay was a GREAT N DIVER 

JCB on the beach clearing the blocked outflow pipe - water pouring out !

MON 6 DEC 

Cloudy with heavy rain until 10.30, wind WNW 6. 

South Huish Marsh - flooded again, outlet pipe blocked by sand .

12 TEAL, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 35 SNIPE, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 WATER PIPIT 

On the rocks - 1 KINGFISHER, 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 TURNSTONE.

On Yarmer Beach - 14 TURNSTONE, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 3 OYSTERCATCHER.

Along lanes - 2 REDWING , GREAT SPOTTED WOODY 

Over the w/end Eric reported around his garden, 1 F BLACK REDSTART, BLACKCAP, COAL TIT, NUTHATCH 

New photos added from this w/end 

FRI 3 DEC 

Spent all day at Slimbridge- fantastic views of Ducks & Geese 

On Rushey Pen - 20 BEWICK'S SWAN , 100 GREYLAG GOOSE, 

100 POCHARD , 50 PINTAIL, 300 TUFTED DUCK, 30 SHELDUCK, 

1 F SCAUP, 30 TEAL, 1 DUNLIN , 2 SNIPE, 1 AVOCET, 30 LAPWING , 

HIDE 

2 CRANE, CURLEW, 600 TEAL, 500 WIGEON, 20 SHOVELER 

Tower / Zeiss Hide - 1500 GOLDEN PLOVER, 2000 LAPWING, 

50 DUNLIN, 150 GREYLAG GOOSE, 300 BARNACLE GOOSE, 

1 BAR HEADED GOOSE, 1 ROSS'S GOOSE,25 WHITE HEADED GOOSE , 1 SPOONBILL, 1 PEREGRINE 

THURS 2 DEC 

Spending a couple of days birding before meeting up with family in Bristol 

Started off at Holden Forest - 5 SISKIN ( on the feeders ) , nearby a CROSSBILL, also fleeting glimpses of a GOSHAWK 

Next stop Chew Valley Lake - 3 POCHARD, 100'S TUFTED DUCK, 1M 1F GOLDENEYE, 3 TEAL, 5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 GREAT B B GULL, 25 GADWALL, 1 LITTLE GREBE, LESSER B B GULL 

Herriots Pool - 18 PINTAIL, 20 SHOVELER, 4 SHELDUCK, 16 LAPWING, 26 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 230 TEAL , 80 COMMON GULL

Main Lake -m20 POCHARD , 2 GOLDENEYE, 1 F SCAUP, 100'S TUFTED DUCK, GREAT CRESTED GREBE 

WED 1 DEC 

A morning of sunny periods and squally showers , wind NW F5/6

Offshore 09.15- 10.30 

57 GANNET , 1 RED THROATED DIVER ( flew into the bay and then straight up the valley - an unusual flight path ), 2 FULMAR-SE

14 KITTIWAKE-NW , 103 RAZORMOT- SE 

On rocks/ over - 3 RAVEN , 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER , 

1 LITTLE EGRET.

On South Huish Marsh- 10 WIGEON , 34 TEAL, 15 MALLARD, 

3 MUTE SWAN , 60 CANADA GOOSE, 1 KINGFISHER, 18 SNIPE, 

2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 HERON , 3 LESSER B B GULL , 1 WATER PIPIT 

At South Milton Ley - 12 CHIFFY, 1 M BULLFINCH , SKYLARK , 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 6 LONG T TIT, 2 M CHAFFINCH, 1 SONG THRUSH , 2 REED BUNTING, 1 LAPWING ( flew over to N )

1 SPRAWK through my garden chasing GREENFINCH & GOLDFINCH .

TUES 30 NOV 

A cloudy morning with showers, wind WNW F6/7 

Leasfoot Beach - 08.30- 09.15 - no sign of the DESERT WHEATEAR, only birds logged were 1m 1F STONECHAT, 3 PIED WAGTAIL 

2 ROCK PIPIT, 1 OYSTERCATCHER 

Seawatch 09.30-11.00 

222 GANNET -NW, 2 RAZORMOT-SE, 19 KITTIWAKE- NW, 

1 1W MED GULL, 1 2W COMMON GULL, 1 COMMON SCOTER - SE 

On South Huish Marsh- 13 WIGEON , 18 TEAL, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 3 SNIPE, 1 SPRAWK 

On South Efford Marsh report of a BARNACLE GOOSE 

MON 29 NOV 

A cloudy cold but calm morning - Marsh partially frozen at 09.00

Offshore - 61 GANNET, 2 COMMON SCOTER -SE, A few KITTIWAKE, 

30 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 RAZORBILL- on sea ,  GREAT N DIVER -1 NW @09.10 , 2 on sea together @ 09.25

On rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 TURNSTONE, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 2 LITTLE EGRET.

On South Huish Marsh - 6 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 8 SNIPE, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 RAVEN 

Leasfoot Beach- John reported the F DESERT WHEATEAR was back on the beach at 09.00- I spent 90 mins this afternoon searching -no sign - will be looking again in the morning.500 STARLING ON THE WIRES AT 15.30

SUN 28 NOV 

A cloudy morning, calm . Seawatch 09.15-11.00

35 GANNET, 1 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 1 SHELDUCK-SE, 1 GREAT N DIVER - ON SEA, 70 KITTIWAKE, 2 COMMON GULL 

On rocks - 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 TURNSTONE, 1 KINGFISHER, 

1 LITTLE EGRET, 

On South Huish Marsh - 16 WIGEON , 25 TEAL, 30 SNIPE

1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 5RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE, 

1 LAPWING , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON 

Report from a resident of a BLACK REDSTART on roof of a house in Eddystone Road Thurlestone 

SAT 27 NOV 

Short visit to South Huish Marsh around 9.15 , sunny, cold with a F8/10 NNW wind 

3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 5 SNIPE , 16 WIGEON 

25 TEAL, sheltering were 24 GREAT B B GULL 

'Yesterday At Aveton Gifford Eric had 6 SISKIN in his garden .

THURS 25 NOV 

Seawatch -9.00-10.30 

Large numbers of GANNET feeding right across the Bay , at least 1000 birds involved - Blue Fin Tuna constantly breaching .

140 RAZORMOT- mostly NW, 50 KITTIWAKE, 1 RED T DIVER - on sea, 1 GREAT N DIVER -NW @ 09.40. 2 MUTE SWAN flew into Bay and straight up South Milton Ley valley 

On the rocks just 18 OYSTERCATCHER 

'On South Huish Marsh - 6 RINGED PLOVER , 26 SNIPE, 27 TEAL , 

19 WIGEON , 1 F PINTAIL, 300 BLACK H GULL , 1 2W COMMON GULL  

1 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 75 STARLING 

WED 24 NOV 

A cloudy morning with only a light breeze - still cold .

Seawatching was very good with reports from the flats and James at Hope 

Flats - 09.00-10.45 - 50+GANNET, 4 WHOOPER SWAN -NW @ 09.20 

( well offshore ) 1 BONXIE ( 09.00 - also seen by James at Hope ) 

84 KITTIWAKE-SE ( large count for a still morning ), 37 RAZORMOT 

2 RED T DIVER - NW@ 10.15 )1 F TEAL - ON SEA, 1 SHELDUCK-ON SEA , 7 COMMON SCOTER ( 1-se, 6-nw )

Hope around 09.00- 2 VELVET SCOTER ( 196 ) with 3 COMMON SCOTER- NW @09.05 , 4 possible BLACK T DIVER -NW @ c 09.20 

On the rocks - 15 TURNSTONE, 19 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 KINGFISHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET.12 ROCK PIPIT

On South Huish Marsh- 12 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 4 MUTE SWAN, 

17 SNIPE, 1 WATER RAIL ( watched for 10 mins feeding in the open ), 1 1W MED GULL , 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 SONG THRUSH, 1 CHIFFY , 2 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFY, 30 MIPIT 

At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 31 new birds inc- 2 GOLDCREST, 

5 BLACKBIRD, 17 CHIFFY, 1 REED BUNTING, also on site - 

5 WATER RAIL, 1 SPRAWK, 1 KESTREL, 1 GREAT SP & 1 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREY WAGTAIL 

TUES 23 NOV 

Another sunny and cold day with a much lighter NE breeze . Not so much activity this morning .

Bay seawatch 08.50-10.45 - 150 + GANNET , 72 RAZORMOT, 

1 GUILLEMOT- on sea , 1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea all morning , 

another flew high SE @ 09.35, 28 COMMON SCOTER ( 6 flocks , 

largest 12 -NW ) , 1M TEAL - SE , 1 F WIGEON -SE 

On the rocks ( high tide ) - 1 PURPLE SANDPIPER, 4 TURNSTONE, 

5 RINGED PLOVER, 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 

On South Huish Marsh - 16 WIGEON, 17 TEAL, 4 MUTE SWAN, 

8 SNIPE, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 RAVEN ,  KESTREL , 100 + STARLING, 20 STOCK DOVE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 3 STONECHAT, 2 WATER PIPIT

MON 22 NOV 

Start of a cold spell today, sunny wind NE F4/5 .

Most activity offshore  08.40-11.45-

280 + GANNET , 4 RED BREASTED MERGANSER- SE @ 08.45 - has become a scarce bird here usually only 2 records per year ( this is my highest day count in over 20 years ) , 26 COMMON SCOTER 

( flocks of3, 8, 3f, 12 all NW ) , 11 TEAL ( 9 with Scoter , 1 with WIGEON , 1 on its own ) , 24 WIGEON ( flocks of 16, 8 ), 

2 SHELDUCK- on sea then SE , 1 GREAT N DIVER -on sea , 

67 RAZORMOT ( largest flock 5 ) 6 KITTIWAKE.

On the rocks - 7 RINGED PLOVER, 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 TURNSTONE.

On South Huish Marsh - 12 TEAL, 8 WIGEON , 3 HERON , 4 SNIPE, 

7 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 WATER PIPIT .

Looks as though the PECTORAL SANDPIPER has departed 

SUN 21 NOV 

Weather change - sunny cold in a F3/4 NNE wind .

Spent part of the morning with Eric searching for yesterday's WHOOPER SWANS - no sign at all along the estuary, South Efford Marsh & North Marsh - did have , 75 WIGEON , 30 TEAL, 5 REDSHANK , 1 GREENSHANK, 20CURLEW, NUTHATCH , COAL TIT 

SAT 20 NOV 

Away all day , information plus reports -

At South Huish Marsh- both the PECTORAL SANDPIPER and WATER

PIPIT this morning 

The most interesting report was on 2 ad &5 juv WHOOPER SWAN 

(195 ) 

flying up the river along the tidal road , also a PECTORAL SANDPIPER ( as the South Huish Marsh bird was also seen this morning , must be another bird )

Will be out searching in the morning  

On Yarmer Beach this morning a WHEATEAR

FRI 19 NOV 

A cloudy morning with light drizzle , calm .

On South Huish Marsh 09.00 -1PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 17 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 HERON . , 1 LITTLE EGRET, 4 MUTE SWAN ( cygnets that were hatched here, normally they would depart with the adults ), 1 WATER RAIL ( seen ! ) , 8 WIGEON, 20 TEAL , 550+ BLACK 

HEADED GULL- only 1 1w MED GULL , 1 1W COMMON GULL , 

1 LESSER B B GULL 

On the rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER.

The PEC SANDPIPER has now been here since 4 Nov - the longest staying one of the many recorded in the last few years .

WED 17 NOV 

A lovely sunny autumn morning with a light NW breeze 

On South Huish Marsh the PECTORAL SANDPIPER & WATER PIPIT 

continue to show well on the overflow marsh/pond - also 

18 TEAL, 2 M WIGEON , 23 SNIPE, 3 HERON , 28 STOCK DOVE, 

25 mainly GREENFINCH with a few GOLDFINCH , 2 CHIFFY, 3 STONECHAT , 1 F REED BUNTING 

Offshore the highlight was the first returning FULMAR , 62 GANNET, 

6 COMMON SCOTER -NW 

On / over the rocks - 1 KINGFISHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER ,

8 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 MIPIT-N 

MON 15 NOV 

Another mild and bright morning with a light N breeze.

On South Huish Marsh- 09.00 - 

Both the PECTORAL SANDPIPER & WATER PIPIT showing very well 

to an increasing number of visitors , also 37 SNIPE, 21 TEAL , 1 M WIGEON, 1 AD MED GULL , 3 STONECHAT.

Offshore just 20 GANNET , 25 CORMORANT, 

On the rocks - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER , 1 LITTLE EGRET.

At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 32 new birds inc- 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 17 CHIFFY, 4 GOLDCREST, 4 BLACKBIRD, on site -

5 REDWING , 5 WATER RAIL, 2 TEAL

On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 WATER RAIL, 2 WATER PIPIT, 6 REDSHANK , 3 GREENSHANK, 30 CURLEW, 70 TEAL, 

30 WIGEON 

SUN 14 NOV 

Bright periods this morning - little birding activity-
08.45- 1040 Warren Pt / Yarmer Geach 

Offshore - 25 GANNET, 4 COMMON SCOTER & 1TEAL -SE, 10 RAZORMOT-SE , 27 CORMORANT, 10 SHAG 

On rocks - 26 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 TURNSTONE.

At South Huish Marsh both the PECTORAL SANDPIPER & WATER PIPIT showed very well 

No sign of the DESERT WHEATEAR again - the last one in 2015 had been around for more than 10 days before it spent the winter on Leasfoot Beach.

SAT 13 NOV 

Several birders missed out on the Desert Wheatear- 1 on the beach at 08.00 had driven from Cardiff, only birds on the beach this morning- 3 STONECHAT, 4 ROCK PIPIT , 1 GREY WAGTAIL.

Compensation available in the form of PECTORAL SANDPIPER & WATER PIPIT At South Huish Marsh 

I went over to Slapton to finally catch up with the 2 SNOW BUNTING on the path near the Memorial car park , bonus was a BLACK NECKED GREBE on the sea 

Snow Bunting feeding only a few feet from where we were standing 

FRI 12 NOV 

A cloudy morning with F7/8 SW wind - blowing straight on to Leasfoot Beach.

The DESERT WHEATEAR was reported at 08.15 but not seen again up to 12.30 . There is a possibility this was first seen on 21 OCT 

BY JOHN who reported it to me on 9 NOV - not seen in the intervening period 

On Yarmer Beach - 7 RINGED PLOVER, 10 TURNSTONE, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

Offshore - 145 GANNET-NW, 20 KITTIWAKE-SE , 2 RAVEN -SE 

Rocks -16 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 TURNSTONE 

On South Huish Marsh- PECTORAL SANDPIPER continues to show well - been here a week now , 2 SNIPE , 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 15 TEAL , 1 WIGEON, 1 WATER PIPIT , 270 BLACK H GULL, 2 MED GULL - 1 AD , 1 1W

At Aveton Gifford Eric found 4 GOLDCREST , 1 TREE CREEPER 

THURS 11 NOV 

An overcast morning saw more visitors to Leasfoot Beach to view the F DESERT WHEATEAR- which showed well - my last view was at 15.15 .

Reported from South Huish Marsh- PECTORAL SANDPIPER & WATER PIPIT still

Offshore report- 3 COMMON SCOTER -NW , 1 BONXIE (harassing 

Kittiwakes )

Thurlestone - 20 FIELDFARE - S, 1 GREEN WOODY ( garden ) 

3 PHOTOS OF THE DESERT WHEATEAR 

WED 10 NOV 

Today was dominated by the DESERT WHEATEAR on Leasfoot Beach.

Arrived at 07.15 - found the bird feeding on the beach , continued to provide very good views at times down to 5 yards . A steady flow of visitors all connected with the bird , still present when I left at 11.30.Some better photos below .

News from South Huish Marsh- PECTORAL SANDPIPER still showing well with a WATER PIPIT , also 30 TEAL, 4 WIGEON , 4 WIGEON , 1 MED GULL 

In my garden a GREEN WOODY 

TUES 9 NOV - 

MEGA - At 15.45 took photos of what is almost certainly a 1W F DESERT WHEATEAR . It is on Leasfoot Beach - ironically the same beach as the 1wM that I found on 8 Nov 2015.

I have not seen the underwing or tail pattern so cannot fully rule out BLACK-EARED consensus opinion is DESERT .

Parking available at Golf Club visitors car park at the back of members section - pay machine £1 for an hour £3 for 3 hours - there is a camera which records your arrival and departure- fine

is £100 

Morning of bright periods with a F5 SW wind 

On South Huish Marsh the PECTORAL SANDPIPER &WATER PIPIT showed well on the o/flow pool at 08.45 , still there when I left at 11.50 , also 150BLACK H GULL , 1ad 2 1w MED GULL , 1 KITTIWAKE ( very unusual on the marsh with no storms ) 1 1w COMMON GULL, 

35 TEAL , 4 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 SONG THRUSH, 4STOCK DOVE , 1 SPRAWK , 1 JAY, 

Offsore - Seawatch 09.00- 10.30 

135 GANNET , ( plus 100 in feeding flock far out ) , 300 BLACK H GULL - ON SEA , 5 RAZORMOT-SE , 1 DB BRENT GOOSE - ONSEA ( later flew west into Bigbury bay ) 1 RED THROATED DIVER- SE -9.53 ). 7 SKYLARK- NW 

On the Rocks - 1 KINGFISHER, 10 TURNSTONE, 7 RINGED PLOVER, 24 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RAVEN 

At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - GOLDEN PLOVER , GREENSHANK, CURLEW , BULLFINCH .

MON 8 NOV 

A cloudy morning with just a light breeze

08.50 South Huish Marsh- 40 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 4 MUTE SWAN, 2 COMMON GULL , 49 SNIPE 1 RAVEN , 

1 SONG THRUSH, 2 STONECHAT, 30 GOLDFINCH / GREENFINCH 

I could not find the PECTORAL SANDPIPER, however it was reported 

by a local birder .

The outflow pipe is blocked again , although only light rain it is flooding very quickly .

90 min Seawatch from 09.00-

1 GREAT N DIVER ( NW @ 09.02 ) , 123 GANNET -NW, 110 RAZORMOT-SE, 10 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 475 HERRING GULL, 

135 BLACK H GULL, 110 KITTIWAKE 

On Rocks - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 

4 TURNSTONE, 2 LITTLE EGRET.

Early morning - Thurlestone Marsh- CETTIS WARBLER , WATER RAIL , JAY

SUN 7 NOV 

A sunny morning with a light NW breeze,
The PECTORAL SANDPIPER was elusive - reported at 08.00- not seen again until 10.30, last seen on the main marsh at 11.10 when it flew to the back of the marsh . Several local & visiting birders were unsuccessful.

Also on the Marsh - 30 TEAL , 3 WIGEON, 10 SNIPE, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 3 HERON , 65 STOCK DOVE, 7 SKYLARK, mixed 

flock of GREENFINCH & GOLDFINCH.1 SPRAWK 

OFFSHORE - 41 GANNET , 1 RAZORMOT.

On Beach/rocks - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 RINGED PLOVER, 4 DUNLIN , 2 TURNSTONE 

At Aveton Gifford Eric  reports 1M 4F BLACKCAP , TAWNY OWL 
 

SAT 6 NOV 

Cloudy and windy this morning. At South Huish Marsh the juv 

PECTORAL SANDPIPER showed well - in the edge of the pool by the overflow car park , also 10 SNIPE , 2 COMMON GULL , 2 MED GULL , 

TEAL .

FRI 5 NOV 

An overcast morning with some brief bright period , calm conditions .One of those mornings where expectations are low but turns out the best foe some weeks !

08.45 - 10.15 Seawatch from the flats - 160 GANNET -NW , 2 DB BRENT GOSSE ( 1 NW , 1 on the sea ) , 2 KITTIWAKE, .250 + BLCK H GULL -NW ( in 10 mins ) 2 RAZORMOT-SE , 3 GREAT NORTHERN 

DIVER ( first of the autumn - 1 SE 09.05, 2 NW 10.10 ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER 

On the rocks - 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 F BLCK REDSTART .

On South Huish Marsh -38 TEAL , 1 M MALLARD , 6 WIGEON, 

41 SNIPE , 2 DUNLIN , 95 STARLING, 10 LINNET, 1 SONG THRUSH, 

2 GREAT SP WOODY, 2 JAY , 1 CHIFFY, 48 STOCK DOVE ( briefly in same field as Monday ) 

At 11.15 scanned the pool by the overflow car park - 1 WATER PIPIT , and another PECTORAL SANDPIPER- that's the 3rd site record this autumn 

THURS 4 NOV 

Another cool sunny calm morning - Viz Mig from my garden - -7.30-

09.00 32 species logged - again very poor WOOD PIGEON movement, just 660 logged , 2 STOCK DOVE , 210 JACDAW ( flocks of 65 & 60 ) , 10 BLACKBIRD ( 1 F ) ,1 SONG THRUSH, 5 REDWING , 

41 CHAFFINCH, 2 GREENFINCH, 35 MIPIT, 1 GREEN WOODY, 

3 CHIFFY, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 145 STARLING, 1 JAY, 5 LONG TAILED TIT, 3 PIED WAGTAIL , 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 2 WATER RAIL 

WED 3 NOV 

Another sunny calm morning with a slight frost at dawn.

This mornings viz mig watch viewed from near Huxto Cross - 08.30--9.50 . Again no passage of WOOD PIGEON logged5 flocks totalling 325, however did have 575 SKYLARK ( flocks of 85, 2x60, 30 ) most moving N , 31 MIPIT, 7 GOLDFINCH, 4 CHAFFINCH , 2 YELLOWHAMMER, 3 JAY , 10 PIED WAGTAIL ( 1 flock ), 5 STOCK DOVE, 23 STARLING, 1 PEREGRINE, 1 BLACKBRD, 9 LONG TAILED TIT .

Aveton Gifford and Tidal Road - 5 REDSHANK , 3 GREENSHANK, 

CURLEW, 4 GREY WAGTAIL, 2 SONG THRUSH, 3 MISTLE THRUSH, 

12 LONG T TIT, 1 NUTHATCH , 1 CIRL BUNTING , COAL TIT , 

GREAT SP WOODY, on the marsh 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT .

In a nearby field a flock of 700 WOOD PIGEON feeding .

SUN 26 SEPT

Amild morning with some sunny periods- fantastic birds today .

Started with Richie finding the adult LITTLE GULL on SOUTH HUISH 

MARSH. Late morning a call from ROB &STEPH to inform me they had brief views of a SPOTTED CRAKE ( 188 ) , by the time I arrived at 12.30 there was also a PEC SANDPIPER ( although a juv looked different to the bird last seen on 14/9 ) 

Also 60 BLACK HEADED GULL, 6 MED GULL , 1 DUNLIN , 1 WATER RAIL ( H ), 5 SNIPE 

The SPOTTED CRAKE showed briefly on 4 occasions over 3 hours , 

seen by 6 birders .

The last record for the Marsh that I am aware of was Aug 2005 .

A great record 

THURS 23 SEPT 

PATCH NEWS - 12 RINGED PLOVER on Yarmer Beach ( been there most of the week ) Vocal TAWNY OWLS in garden near S M LEY .

CYPRESS NEWS -

Drove along minor roads to Latchi - Pleny of BEE EATER at least 100 , Androlikou- Neo Chorio road - 8 SPOT FLY, 3 CYPRESS WHEATEAR, 1 F REDSTART , 4 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 GREY WAGTAIL , CRESTED LARKS , 1 JUV RED B SHRIKE, 1 BONNELL'S EAGLE 

OFF Aphrodite's Rock a flock of 50 + LITTLE EGRET.

At Latchi a flock of 11 GULLS flying East - 8 BALTIC , 3 YELLOW LEGGED.

Androliku- Inia Rd-2 CYPRUS WHEATEAR, 2 NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 

3 WHINCHAT, 1 HOOPOE , 1 HONEY BUZZARD, 8 GOLDFINCH , 

10 CHUKER .

WED 22 SEPT 

 Best days bidding for ages and all self found .

Zakaki Marsh - not as good as it was, 3 KINGFISHER, 1 JUV NIGHT HERON , GREY HERON , WATER RAIL, MOORHEN , BEE EATERS ,

ZITTING CISTICOLA,

Ladies Mile -44 KENTISH PLOVER , 7 LITTLE STINT , 1 RINGED PLOVER , 4 DUNLIN 

AkrotiriWatch point -250 FLAMINGO , 1 GREAT EGRET , 20 LITTLE EGRET, 15 GREY HERON , 1 LESSER GREY SHRIKE 

'Agios Georgio's Church - 5 SPOT FLY , 2 TURTLE DOVE, 

Akrotiri Marsh - Tower Hide - 3 MARSH HARRIER, 20 CATTLE EGRET , 21 HONEY BUZZARD , 200 BEE EATER, 

'Akrotiri Marsh -50 Sand MARTIN , 1oo's SWALLOW , 10 HOUSE MARTIN , 8 SQUACCO HERON, 3 GLOSSY IBIS , 50 LITTLE EGRET , 30 CATTLE EGRET, 1 F RED FOOTED FALCON , 60 SPUR WINGED PLOVER , 3 GREENSHANK , 2 SPOTTED REDSHANK , 2 WOOD SANDPIPER , 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 BLACK WINGED STILT , 3 SNIPE , 1 RUFF, 1 JUV FLAMINGO , 100 YELLOW WAGTAIL., 10 MALLARD , 80 TEAL .

Akrotiri Bee Hives - 200 BEE EATER , 2 LESSER KESTREL , 8 MARSH HARRIER , 2 BLACK KITE ,1 PALLID SWIFT , 3 LITTLE SWIFT , 

30 RED RUMPED SWALLOW, 1 ELANORA FALCON , 

'Kensington Cliffs - 8 ELANORA FALCON 

Secret Valley - 8 CHUKER 

TUES 21 SEPT 

Reporting from our favorite birdwatching holiday island of Cyprus.

Arrived early Monday morning after a 4 hour delay at Exeter airport.

managed to find someone who would hire a car to a geriatric!

Picked up a 10 year old Nissan this morning .

Started at Mandria, surprisingly few birds - 2 TAWNY PIPIT , 2 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, CRESTED LARKS , 10 YELLOW / BLACK HEADED WAGTAIL, 1 LESSER GREY SHRIKE, KESTREL, CORMORANT, SWALLOW, HOUSE MARTIN , SARDINIAN WARBLER, GREAT REED WARBLER, CHIFFY, 20 BEE EATER ,.LAUGHING DOVE 

ASPRO DAM area- 1 JUV RED B SHRIKE, SPOTTED FLY, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 15 BEE EATER, GOLDFINCH , COLLARD DOVE , MAGPIE, 

NATA VALLEY - all river beds dry - 150 + BEE EATER, 1 JUV CYPRUS WHEATEAR, 

AGIA VARARA - 1 JUV MASKED SHRIKE , 20 BEE EATER 

PATHOS SEWAGE WORKS - 25 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 1 RED B SHRIKE, 3 LESSER GREY SHRIKE, 1 WILLOW WARBLER , YELLOW L GULL, 1 HOOPOE , 8 YELLOW WAGS .Flock of JACKDAW .

Last minute decision to drive to Secret Valley golf course- a good one 

Big kettles of raptors - at least 45 HONEY BUZZARD , 2 LONG LEGGED BUZZARD , 1 COMMON BUZZARD, 1 PALLID HARRIER, 1 BLACK KITE , ON THE LAKE - 6 COOT, 2 MOORHEN 3 LITTLE GREBE, also another 20 BEE EATER .

WED trip is out to Akrotiri Marsh and Lady's Mile 

Meanwhile back on the patch a report of an OSPREY along the 

R Avon 

At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 44 new birds inc - 8 BLACKCAP, 

27 CHIFFY , 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 MIPIT .

'Best bird on site a NUTHATCH- his first since 2012 

FRI 30 JULY - TERNS ON SLAPTON BEACH 

Althugh not part of the local patch a significant find by Richie , with photos must be mentioned 

On the beach at the same time in the afternoon were - ROSEATE TERN, COMMON TERN , ARCTIC TERN , LITTLE TERN ( juv ) and 

SANDWICH TERN.

I think this probably the first time that the 5 species of Sea Terns have been recorded together in the South Hams - take a bow Richie 

GREY HEADED WAGTAIL 

Research by Alan Pomroy has found detailed descriptions in the ringers bible-Demongin  and Van Duivendijk- both state Thunbergi can show a small white and narrow mark above or just behind the eye - as this was the contentious aspect of the id have now included it on my local patch list - a first 

GREY HEADED WAGTAIL - South Huish Marsh 29 April 

LONG RANGE RECORD SHOTS OF WOOD SANDPIPER 25 APRIL 

&BAR TAILED GODWIT, WHIMBREL 

THURS 22 APRIL - BAR WIT FEST 

Overcast until,late morning , E F 6/7 

Offshore - With strong E winds expectation was high for wader passage - best morning for years 

Between 08.00 and 12.15 flocks of BAR TAILED GODWIT were 

flying in off the sea , many quite high . I time logged each flock to make sure I was not double counting .I logged 30 separate flock varying from 10 to 150 birds - several over 100 . Total bird logged a staggering 1600. It is certainly my day record ( and it is not finished yet ) 

Only 2 flocks landed on the rocks briefly, all th others went straight up the valley

For comparison only 4 flocks of Whimbrel totalling 70 birds . 
Single DUNLIN & Turnstone , 9 OYSTERCATCHER.

GANNET - 36 -SE, 5 NW , 9 FULMAR .

Surprisingly Tern passage light - 9 SANDWICH , 3 COMMON & 2 ARCTIC .

Only Duck a pair of SHOVELER flew into the Bay and landed on the sea.

For a short period the SPOONBILL landed on the rocks.

1 WHITETHROAT, 1 WHEATEAR, 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 SWALLOW.

On the Marsh - SPOONBILL , 8 TEAL , 

Evening watch 16.45 - 18.15 -

4 more flocks of BAR WIT totalling 365 giving a day total of 1965 .

also 10 WHIMBREL, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 M SHOVELER, 2 WHEATEAR, 5 SWALLOW  and SPOONBILL 

Hope report from this morning - 62 WHIMBREL, 5 SANDWICH TERN , 1 AD LITTLE GULL

late evening update- the large flock Est at 200 has been revised by Richie to 435 from his photos , also found 2 GREY PLOVER amongst them 

This takes the days total to 2200 - I think this is a site day record , 

anyone know what the Devon record is ? Looking through some old Devon Birds annual reports the highest was 1141 in 1991 and recent years 748 in 2011 - well smashed !

With the E winds continuing for most of the weekend how many Bar Wits will be recorded?

WED 21 APRIL - SPOONBILL , GREYLAG GOOSE , FLOCK OF BAR WIT 

13 APRIL - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, RING OUZEL- at South Huish Marsh- Richie Moore 

TUES 13 APRIL 

Reports received today -

Hope 07.00- 08.05 & 08.45- 09.35 

5 RED T DIVER, 4 COMMIC TERN , 3 SANWICH TERN , 22 COMMON SCOTER , 8 WHIMBREL - N in off .

Thurlestone Bay - 6 WHIMBREL flying across the bay 

Yarmer Beach - 2 RINGED PLOVER, yesterday 14 TURNSTONE 

Tidal Road - 1 BLACK SWAN ,  GOLDCREST, BLACKCAP , GREAT SP WOODY 

My garden - BULLFINCH, BLACKCAP, CHIFFY, KESTREL 

Evening report for South Huish Marsh -

Richie found a superb Male RING OUZEL ( in paddock at side of the copse )( 152 ) - This could be a first for this site , also 1 WHIMBREL, 

7 SHELDUCK, 15 TEAL, 1 WATER PIPIT , LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still , 4 SWALLOW 

MON 28 DEC

With the possibility of further CORVID 19 restrictions decided to drive over to Bude Marshes where the SOCIABLE LAPWING had been relocated after its stay around Lands End 

Spent well over an hour looking at it - at least in dry and sometimes bright if cold conditions.

My 3rd life tick this year , a very enjoyable day out - 3 photos below , more on the 2020 SEPT photos page 

WED 23 DEC

Rain, Rain, & more Rain ☔️

South Huish Marsh 09.15-11.15 viewed from the car ! 
A site first picked up on the right hand corner - LESSER YELLOWLEGS ( photos below ) - must be the South Efford Marsh bird , also 8 RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN , 25 OYSTERCATCHER , amongst the 100 BLACK H GULL 1 AD, 2 1W MED GULL , 50 HERRING GULL, 10 GREAT B B GULL , 2 LESSER B B GULL .

WIGEON & TEAL present - not counted .
 

GREAT PHOTOSOF THE LESSER YELLOWLEGS AT SOUTH EFFORD MARSH FROM ALAN DOIDGE 

MON 9 MAR- PATCH FIRST !

Started with some bright periods clouded over by 10.30 with heavy rain from 11.30 

From 11.30 sat in the rear gate of my car searching through Gulls which were coming into the Marsh for a easy and preen - at one point I had 70 BLACK HEADED GULL WITH 5 MED GULL ( 3ad 1 2W 

1 1w ) , at 12.15 picked up a smaller gull on the main lake - spooked by 2 squabbling Coot - very brief views indicated a Little Gull , at 12.35 found it again on the small flooded pool- took me a few minutes to confirm my immediate thoughts- ROSS'S GULL - A

a patch life tick - only previous sighting was at the Exe Estuary a few years ago .

Bird was showing well until around 15.00 when I had to leave - seen by around 10 local birders .

In very poor light a few of my photos below - this ranks alongside the Desert Wheatear in Nov 2016 .

This is what local patch birding is all about , hours spent just 

looking at the Gulls does bring its rewards 

2 RECORD SHOTS OF THE MALE RED B MERGANSER THIS MORNING 

BLACK TAILED GODWIT, KNOT,

SAT 26 OCT 

 Richie had an OSPREY fly in off the sea at South Huish Marsh, 

3 RINGED PLOVER on the Marsh , 4TURNSTONE  on the rocks .

Earlier in the week Alan had a STORM PETREL in the Bay .

On Thursday Eric had a BLACK REDSTART by his garden 

Photo of today's OSPREY 

LONG BILLED DOWITCHER- much brighter one is Alan’s 

Record shots of the LESSER YELLOWLEGS - first 3 by Richie Moore 

FRI 28 JUNE 

For a full frame image press on the photo 

FANTASTIC PHOTO FROM RICHIE MOORE OF A M KENTISH PLOVER 

ONLY THE SECOND RECORD IN LAST 20 YEARS !

PHOTOS FROM Alan & Richie of WHIMBREL& BLACK TAILED GODWIT  & DUNLIN RINGED PLOVER,LITTLE RINGED PLOVER 

Record shots of RED RUMPED SWALLOW at Torpoint 12 Dec 

Nice photo of a MERLIN by Alan Doidge At South Huish Marsh 

Latest images of the ISABELLINE SHRIKE provided by Steve Hopper 

A FEW RECORD SHOTS OF THE AVOCET FLOCK , WHEATEAR 

RECORD SHOTS OF SKYLARK , RED T DIVER 

PHOTOS OF THE PECTORAL SANDPIPER, CURLEW SANDPIPER AND 

DUNLIN At South Huish Marsh  / rocks 1 May 2018

Record shot the 1wGLAUCOUS GULL AT South Huish Marsh 5April 

Photos from my new P900 camera - GREY PHALAROPE at South Milton Sands and on South Huish Marsh on 12 Sept 2017

Some more of the fab photos from Alan Doidge of the bird of the year for Thurlestone- they are superb

2 more photos of the GLAUCOUS GULL taken by Alan D at South Huish Marsh 3 APRIL 2017 

Photos of the DESERT WHEATEAR 13 Nov 2016 from Alan Doidge

YELLOW BROWED WARBLER at South Milton Ley 19 Oct

PURPLE HERON - Some more photos from Alan Doidge

Some stunning photos of  SQUACCO HERON by Alan Doidge