THURS 28 DEC

Recent birds around my garden -

REDWING, GREY WAGTAIL , PIED WAGTAIL, SNIPE, WATER RAIL, LONG TAILED TIT, 

This afternoon a report of a 1W LITTLE GULL on the beach at South Milton Sands . ( a irregular winter visitor to the patch )

SUN 17 DEC

Report from Richie on a visit to South Efford Marsh -

Star bird a GOSHAWK ( 175 ) a few years since the last patch record , also 6 LAPWING, SNIPE, REDSHANK, GREENSHANK 

SAT 16 DEC 

Recent sightings from Aveton Gifford -

Nuthatch, BLACK REDSTART, CHIFFY, GREAT WHITE EGRET 

MON 11 DEC

A sunny morning gave me a short opportunity to visit a very flooded South Huish Marsh 

129 CANADA GOOSE, 45 MALLARD, 70 TEAL, 20 WIGEON, 3 MOORHEN, 2 AD MUTE SWAN, 3 HERON, 5 SNIPE, 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 STONECHAT, 1 BUZZARD 

GULLS - 150 HERRING, 15 BLACK HEADED, 10 GREAT B B , 2 LESSER B B .

On rocks /Bay 

on sea- 5 COMMON SCOTER, 55 WIGEON , 5 MALLARD .2 SHAG, 2 CORMORANT, 

GULLS - 25 HERRING, 35 BLACK HEADED, 1 LESSER B B .

On rocks/ beach - 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 10 ROCK PIPIT, 10 PIED WAGTAIL 

FRI/SAT 8/9 DEC

Aveton Gifford - Eric reports - NUTHATCH, BLACK REDSTART , 

FIRECREST 

Thurlestone Lanes - Fri 8/12 - 6 FIELDFARE by the farm 

TUES 5 DEC 

Cloudy morning with rain , strong NW F 6 wind .

South Huish Marsh -Flooded,

50 CANADA GOOSE, 2O MALLARD, 55 TEAL, 23 WIGEON, 4 MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 20 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 DUNLIN, 25 SNIPE, 1 BUZZARD, 2 REDWING, 1 WATER PIPIT, 10 MIPIT, 2 ROCK PIPIT, 2 STONECHAT 

GULLS - 1 AD YELLOW LEGGED , 150 HERRING, 25 BLACK HEADED, 2 LESSER B B , 9 GREAT B B 

My garden - last night 2 TAWNY OWL calling, SNIPE ( over ) 

Today - - PIED & GREY WAGTAIL, HERON (over ) 

MON 4 DEC 

Best bird for week found by John near the green hut on golf course - a SHOERT EARED OWL - don't get many of these now , also 

32 OYSTERCATCHER on the fairway at high tide .

At Aveton Gifford - Eric had the BLACK REDSTART again as well as a SPRAWK 

SAT/SUN 2/3 DEC 

Reports received - a LAPWING on South Huish Marsh , On Yarmer Beach - 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER 

THURS 30 NOV 

Wet, snow & very cold - Eric's garden at Aveton Gifford -

2 FIRECREST , 1 GOLDCREST , 6 LONG TAILED TIT & a F/1W 

BLACK REDSTART 

WED 29 NOV 

Cloudy but cool morning- short Seawatch today from the carpark 

22 RAZORMOT- ( 16 on sea, 6 -SE ), 2 F common scoter, 1 GREAT N DIVER - nw @ 10.35, 15 CORMORANT, 25 GANNET .

GULLS - 25 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED, 3 GREAT B B , 2 KITTIWAKE.

On the rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 TURNSTONE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 RAVEN 

Report from Yarmer Beach - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 TURNSTONE, 

5 RINGED PLOVER and a probable DUNLIN 

Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 27 new birds inc 20 CHIFFY, 

1 Siberian CHIFFY , 2 FIRECREST, , a Control CHIFFY from Jersey .

in a nearby field 20 SKYLARK 

TUES 28 NOV 

Lovely sunny calm morning , light frost at dawn .

09.15 - Bay - from car park 

40+ RAZORMOT -on sea - those that could be positively identified were RAZORBILL .2 F COMMON SCOTER - on sea , 1 GREAT N DIVER 

-on sea, 15 GANNET, 10 CORMORANT, 150,+ HERRING GULL, 

20 BLACK H GULL , 2 LESSER B B GULL.

On rocks - just 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh -

45 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 18 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 16 MOORHEN, 

3 HERON, 12 SNIPE, 85 CANADA GOOSE, 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 CHIFFY

MON 27 NOV 

Report from Eric'garden this morning m- a TIT flock moved through 

- 6 LONG TAILED , COAL , 5 GOLDCREST, 1 FIRECREST .

John's Garden near S M Ley - 2 BLACKCAP .

Yarmer Beach - 2 OYSTERCATCHER, TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER 

Thurlestone Garden - CHIFFY 

South Milton Garden - GREEN WOODY 

THURS 23 NOV 

Report from John at Yarmer Beach -

1 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 TURNSTONE, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 LITTLE EGRET 

WED 22 NOV 

A bright morning with a light NW breeze . Plenty of birds on South Huish Marsh -

64 TEAL, 16 WIGEON, 2 MALLARD, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE , 

185 CANADA GOOSE , 1 'White ' Goose , 20 OYSTERCATCHER, 22 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 3 HERON, 11 MOORHEN, 

1 MUTE SWAN, 2 STONECHAT, 2 GREENFINCH, 10 GOLDFINCH, 

15 MIPIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 RAVEN . At 10.25 watched a SWALLOW fly down The Valley for a drink over the front pool - one of my latest patch records 

Plenty of GULLS - 175 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED, 160 HERRING ( 40% 1st winter ) 3 LESSER B B, 1 GREAT B B 

On the rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 TURNSTONE, 1 DUNLIN 

Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 32 new birds - 23 CHIFFY, 

4 FIRECREST, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 BLACKCAP, 1 SONG THRUSH 

On Site - 3 WATER RAIL, 1 FIELDFARE, 1 MISTLE THRUSH.

AT 11.30 a GREAT WHITE EGRET flew up The Valley-4th site record 

With ringing Alan is able to count accurately the actual numbers of a specie occurs- FIRECREST is a great example - not too many years ago this was in the scarce category, so far this Alan has ringed 11 in Jan- March and a further 11 this autumn 

SUN 19 NOV 

Report from Richie of 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE on South Huish Marsh 

FRI/SAT 17/18 NOV 

Having been laid low by the worst cold I have had for years my 

birding is on hold for now -

Reports rec'd -

Aveton Gifford - 1 1w BLACK REDSTART, NUTHATCH, big increase in BLACKBIRD & SONG THRUSH 

South Huish Marsh - 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 6 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT 

My Garden - JAY, TAWNY OWL, GREAT SP WOODY, GREY WAGTAIL, 

CHIFFY 

THURS/FRI 8/9 NOV 

Report from Dave P at South Efford Marsh 

20 DUNLIN, 3 GREENSHANK, CURLEW, SHELDUCK, WIGEON 

 South Huish Marsh - Fri 

I watched from the car - heavy showers , WNW gale 8 

17 TEAL, 14 WIGEON, 16 MALLARD, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 

4 CANADA GOOSE - A FURTHER 107 flew in from roosting. 
3 MOORHEN, 1 SPRAWK, 6 MIPIT 

GULLS - 75 HERRING, 14 BLACK HEADED, 8 GREAT B B , 2 LESSER B B 

My Garden / Thurlestone Marsh -1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, BUZZARD, JAY
 

WED 8 NOV 

A report of a WATER PIPIT on South Huish Marsh today 

TUES 7 NOV 

After a light shower at 0900, a sunny morning with a brisk F5 WNW 

wind 

First visit to South Huish Marsh since the recent ditch clearing work- water levels returning to more normal levels.

On the Marsh - surprise was watching a SWALLOW flying down The Valley @ 09.50-quite a late record here .

Gulls - 70 HERRING, 25 BLACK HEADED, 10 GREAT B B, 2 LESSER B B .

15 TEAL, 4 MALLARD , 8 MOORHEN , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 

105 CANADA GOOSE, 1 MUTE SWAN, 45 STARLING, 1 CHIFFY, 7 MIPIT, 1 STONECHAT 

On the rocks - 18 OYSTERCATCHER, a flock of 20 + TURNSTONE flew W across the Bay ( also reported by John from Yarmer Beach ) 

In the Bay only 3 GANNET, 1 CORMORANT, very few Gulls 

Also on Yarmer Beach - 6 RINGED PLOVER , OYSTERCATCHER, 

& a dead oiled Guillemot 

MON 6 NOV 

First dry and sunny morning for a while , decided to spend just over an hour on my balcony to see if there was any large WOOD PIGEON movement - there wasn't but I did have a total of 32 species fly through -

9 STARLING, 8 CHAFFINCH, 2 BULLFINCH, 24 GOLDFINCH, 2 WREN

2 PIED WAGTAIL, 2 DUNNOCK, 5 MAGPIE, 4 BLACKBIRD, 2 SONG THRUSH, 2 REDWING, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 BLUE TIT, 3 GREAT TIT, 1 LONG T TIT, 1 COAL TIT, 8 PHEASANT, 2 CANADA GOOSE, 2 SNIPE, 1 WATER RAIL ( H ), 13 BLACK H GULL, 3 SKYLARK, 23 MIPIT, 1 KESTREL, 1 JAY 

Also - ROOK, CARRION CROW, ROBIN, HOUSE SPARROW, HERRING GULL, WOOD PIGEON 

SAT 4 NOV 

At 10.15 a 1w BLACK REDSTART in my garden- being chased by a ROBIN 

Also 1 1w in garden at Aveton Gifford 

WED 1 NOV - ​With gale force winds and the road now open through Thurlestone found time  for a 2hour Seawatch from 09.30 from the car park - disappointing.

55 GANNET , 215 HERRING GULL , 6 BLACK HEADED GULL, 35 GREAT B B GULL, 1 ad MED GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE, 8 CORMORANT, 

3 SHAG , 1 KESTREL 

On the rocks 14 OYSTERCATCHER 

WED 25 OCT 

Nick has confirmed the water levels are returning to normal at 

South Huish Marsh - he will set the sluices as needed .

2 SNIPE there this morning .

South Milton Ley - Alan had 27 new birds ringed this morning -

11 CHIFFY, ( 1 UK control ) , 3 FIRECREST, 3 GOLD CREST .

This morning 1 RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE near West Buckland ( 174 ) 

FRI 20 OCT 

Report from South Huish Marsh - a GREAT WHITE EGRET & a small flock of WIGEON on the back marsh 

Ringing at South Milton Ley- Alan had34 new birds inc -

1 CETTIS WARBLER , 16 CHIFFY, 2 FIRECREST, 1 REED BUNTING , 1 SONG THRUSH 

On site -  2 WATER RAIL, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 6 SISKIN, 4 BULLFINCH 

THURS 19 OCT 

Information from Nick - the repair work at South Huish Marsh are due to start this weekend - some disruption will have to be expected. Will report when it is complete 

MON 17 OCT 

Cloudy morning with a F8 E Wind .

Seawatch from car park 09.40-11.20

98 GANNET-SE, 3 BALEARIC SHEARWATER- NW @ 10.00, 

13 RAZORMOT- SE, 37 CORMORANT, 52 HERRING GULL, 12 GREAT B B GULL, 3 AD MED GULL, 2 BLACK H GULL, 4 SKYLARK-SE, 4 MIPIT-SE, 1 LINNET, 1 PIED WAGTAIL -SE, 3 SWALLOW -SE, 1 PEREGRINE, 350 WOOD PIGEON-NW, 3 TURNSTONE, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 15 CURLEW-NW 

SUNDAY 15 OCT 

Reports received of DUNLIN on South Huish Marsh and a SHORT 

EARED OWL ( 173) flushed at Bolt Tail 

FRI 13 OCT 

Overcast morning , showers later wind SW F4/5 

Short Seawatch from car park 09.45- 10.20 

70 GANNET - INC a feeding flock of 60 , 1 Shag, 8 Cormorant, 21 Black H Gull, 100 Herring Gull, 2 Great B B Gull, 10 Kittiwake, 

On beach /rocks - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 

Rock Pipits , Pied Wagtail, 1 Skylark -N 

South Huish Marsh - very disappointing!

Only 1 M 1 F Mallard , 8 Teal, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Goose, 6 Moorhen, 2 Heron, 1 Kestrel, 10 Goldfinch, 2 m Stonechat 

Report from Aveton Gifford of 3 REDWING - first of the winter Thrushes 

THURS 28 SEPT- MAJORCA 

Spending 11 days at Picafort Park hotel - 

On way from Airport logged 8 Red Kite , 1 HONEY BUZZARD , 1 SWALLOW ( only 1 so far ). Hotel grounds SARDINIAN WARBLER, 

COLLARD DOVE , WOOD PIGEON, HOUSE SPARROW.

Spent a very enjoyable 4 hours this morning at the S'Albafura Marsh reserve , not as büssten as expected but som fabulous birds 

Duck - 300 TEAL, 250 SHOVELER, 50 MALLARD , 2 M WIGEON, 10 GADWALL, 6 MARBLED TEAL. 

GULLS- 2 AUDOIUN , 5 BLACK HEADED, 1 LESSER BLAC BACKED, 

HERONS ETC - 10 NIGHT HERON ( only 2 juv,), 4 GREY HERON, 

105 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CATTLE EGRET,1 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 

1 GLOSSY IBIS.4 CORMORANT, 3 KINGFISHER, 15 COOT, MOORHEN , 3 CRESTED COOT, 1 WATER RAIL 

WADERS - Best of the morning a flock of 51 SPOTTED REDSHANK ( certainly the largest day total I have recorded ) 2 REDSHANK, 1 RUFF, 5 GREENSHANK, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER, 21 AVOCET, 140 BLACK WINGED STILT, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT,  4 RINGED PLOVE, 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 

1 KENTISH PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN 

Also- 30 FLAMINGO, 1 KESTREL, , many CETTIS WARBLER, REED WARBLER, 

Only raptor was a KESTREL - sat on OSPREY'S NEST 

Photos wil be added later 

WED 27 SEPT 

'Thanks to Alan D a GREY PHALAROPE ( 172 ) on the sea off the beach , also MED GULLS &3 CATTLE EGRET on South Huish Marsh 

SAT 23 SEPT 

'Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 44 new birds inc-

17 CHIFFY, 9 BLACKCAP,1 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 MIPIT, 3 GOLDCREST 

WED 20 SEPT 

Reported at South Huish Marsh this evening -

1COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 6 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 

1 CATTLE EGRET ( 2nd patch record this year ) 

On the beach - 20 OYSTERCATCHER 

TUES 19 SEPT 

Stormy morning W F8 + wind , showers , offshore visibility poor 

09.15-11.00 Seawatch from car park 

not as good as passage at Penlee Point in Cornwall -

130 GANNET , 1 KITTIWAKE, 130 H GULL, 45 BLACK H GULL, 10 GREAT B B GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE, 2 SANDWICH TERN , 13 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 

On the beach - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE 

Yesterday at South Efford Marsh  Eric reports -

6 TEAL, 25 CURLEW, 27 LITTLE EGRET, SHELDUCK, 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 35 MI-IT 

SUN 17 SEPT 

Heay rain both o/night and this morning - light SE breeze 

-9.45 - 11.30 South Huish Marsh 

45 Mallard , 1 F Garganey, 1 Tufted Duck - male still in eclipse , 

3 Teal, 2 Moorhen, 3 DUNLIN, 1 L Egret, 8 Canada Goose, 1 Mute Swan, 10 Black H Gull, 3 Yellow Wagtail , 30 + Pied Wagtail, 10 Mipits, 1 M Stonechat, 1 Wheatear, 30 Starling, 30 House Martin , 2 Swallow, 

On Rocks - 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel, 5 H Gull, 3 Black H Gull, 

1 Great B B Gull, 3 Cormorant 

16.15 - 17.30 South Huish Marsh 

After a report from Alan D of a flock of Ruff (171) on the Marsh at 15.45. , drove over to find there were a total of 19 - definitely a Site record - must be a few years since more than this were seen in Devon . Also 2 DUNLIN, 1 Ringed Plover, 5 Teal , 10 + Yellow Wagtail, 1 Raven, 2 Heron, 2 Wheatear , 40 Black H Gull, 1 ad Med Gull .

the 2 flocks of Ruff landed together at the back of the Marsh at 17.15 , hopefully they will roost o/night .

SUN 3 SEPT 

Report from Alanof 2 juv CURLEW SANDPIPER (169 ) on South Huish Marsh early evening 

5 Ringed Plover on the beach 

SAT 2 SEPT 

Surprise this morning at 08.15 a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER in my garden - many years since the last record 

FRI 1 SEPT 

Amorning of sunny periods and a light SWbreeze .

09.00- Bay/Rocks 

5 COMMIC TERN - NW, 8 GANNET-SE, 35 KITTIWAKE-NW, 

2BLACK H GULL, 1 GREAT B B GULL, 15 HERRING GULL, 28 CORMORANT, 1 PEREGRINE-SE.

At 10.45 picked up a SKUA crossing the Bay-SE , as it got closer could see it was a POMARINE - don't get many of these in the Autumn 

On South Huish Marsh-

35 MALLARD, 5 TEAL, 2 MUTE SWAN,10 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DUNLIN, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT ( flew off S @ 11.00 ) 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 30 HOUSE MARTIN, 10 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 

4 WHEATEAR, 30 + PIED WAGTAIL ( many juv's ) 1 Juv YELLOW WAGTAIL, 30 GOLDFINCH, 5 MIPIT, 1AD 5 JUV STONECHAT, 

15 STARLING , 5 LINNET, 4 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 

2LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 1 KESTREL 

THURS 24 AUG 

Report from Nick of sightings on South Huish Marsh .

REDSHANK, GREEN SANDPIPER, BLACK TAILED GODWIT, GOLDEN PLOVER 

On beach - 5 SANDERLING 

WED 23 AUG 

recent sightings at Aveton Gifford - an OSPREY along the tidal road, 

Eric had a PIED FLYCATCHER near the village shop 

Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan only had 19 new birds inc - 

8 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 CHIFFY, 5 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER.

ON site-1 TREE PIPIT, 4 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER 

Around my garden -

GREEN & GREAT SP WOODY, CIRL BUNTING, JAY , MUTE SWAN over 

Recent Swallow Roost totalled 650 + 

MON 21 AUG 

Report from James K of a BLACK TERN ( 168 ) off Hope this morning , also a flock of 15 WHIMBREL over, MANX SHEARWATER and KITTIWAKE flocks offshore 

on Sat 19/8 he had flocks of COMMIC TERN totalling over 700 flying W .

SAT 19 AUG 

Cloudy morning with a light shower , brisk F5/6 W wind .

10.00- South Huish Marsh 

The lowering of the sluice has reduced the water level resulting in plenty of mud , unfortunately not many birds .

30 MALLARD, 3 TEAL, 2 MUTE SWAN +1 cygnet, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT, 2 MOORHEN, 6 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 DUNLIN, 

11 SWALLOW, 20 HOUSE MARTIN, , 20 GOLDFINCH, 1 JUV STARLING, 3 WHEATEAR, 2 MIPIT, 10 PIED WAGTAIL 3 BLACK H GULL 

OFFSORE/ROCKS 

150 + BLACK H GULL, 1 1W MED GULL, 20 HERRING GULL, 

4 OYSTERCATCHER, KITTIWAKES-SE, 15 GANNET 

THURS 17 AUG 

Report from Eric of a walk along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford this morning -

15 RINGED PLOVER, 7 DUNLIN, 6 REDSHANK, 4 GREENSHANK, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 200 + HERRING GULL 

WED 16 AUG 

Alan was ringing at South Milton Ley - only 28 new birds but more importantly only 1 Acro a REED WARBLER - unprecedented for Aug ., 

he has received reports from other sites also commenting on lack of Acro's - thought to be due to very heavy rain and cool temperatures in July - second broods lost , everything departed early due to lack of food .

Also ringed- 6 BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY, 2 WHITETHROAT, 3 WILLOW WARBLER AND A TREE PIPIT ( 168 ) 

TUES 15 & WED 16 AUG 

Report from Nick of 3 WHEATEAR in the o/flow carpark , 

3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 12 DUNLIN .

A schedule of repair work that will be needed for South Huish Marsh is being prepared follow a site visit by Nick today . Meanwhile the water level may reduce as the back of the marsh needs to be dried out . Further updates will follow 

MON 14 AUG 

 Cloudy, rain and a brisk F6/7 WSWwind this morning, offshore viz poor 

South Huish Marsh 

45 MALLARD, 1 TEAL, 45 CANADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN + 1 Cygnet, 1 COOT, 3 MOORHEN, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 DUNLIN, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET.

GULLS- 20 BLACK HEADED, 1 2W MED, 8 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B , 12 HERRING 

On the rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 12 BLACK HERRING GULL, 6 CORMORANT 

SUN 13 AUG 

Report from Eric of sightings in the last few days from South Efford Marsh -

An OSPREY flew down river very high, REDSHANK, GREENSHANK, 

COMMON SANDPIPER, CURLEW , SPARROWHAWK, PERGRINE 

SAT 12 AUG 

Report received from South Huish Marsh visit this morning-

DUNLIN, GREEN SANDPIPER & BLACK TAILED GODWIT .

On Thursday a WHEATEAR by the flats 

MON 7 AUG 

Whilst we are away for a few days traveling on a few of the Welsh heritage steam railways plus 1 other . Alan was ringing at South Milton Ley - 38 new birds of 12 species inc- 4 BLACKCAP, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 7 CHIFFY, 5 REED WARBLER, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 WHITETHROAT, 3 WILLOW WARBLER 

On our drive to Porthmadog a few BUZZARD & RED KITE , In the Bayat Porthmadog-20 REDSHANK, OYSTERCATCHER, CURLEW, MALLARD, MUTE SWAN, HERON , LITTLE EGRET, GREYLAG GOOSE, 

SWALLOW, HOUSE MARTIN, CORMORANT, 

From the train- WHEATEAR, MIPIT, MAGPIE, ROBIN, HOUSE SPARROW 

FRI 4 AUG 

In my garden a M BLACKCAP and a GREEN WOODY . Over Churchstow 3 SWIFT - E 

THURS 3 AUG 

Cloudy morning , light shower, wind F3 NW 

09.10- 11.00 South Huish Marsh -

30 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN +1 cygnet , 3 COOT in1 young 

MOORHEN, 16 DUNLIN, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 3 HERON , HOUSE MARTIN, SWALLOW 

1 juv STONECHAT, 1 STARLING, 

1 ad MED GULL, 20 BLACK H GULL ( inc 3 juv's) , 5 HERRING GULL 

BEACH - 1 TURNSTONE-sp, 

Offshore / rocks -

19 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 CORMORANT, 4 SHAG, 25 GANNET 

Lanes - MISTLE THRUSH, SONG THRUSH 

Seen in garden near footbridge- 1M1F REED BUNTING 

WED 2 AUG 

Stormy and wet again , WSW F8/9 , poor viz in showers .

09.00-10.45 - South Huish Marsh (mostly from car ) 

30 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Moorhen, 20 Black Headed Gull, 10 Herring Gull, 1 juv YELLOW L GULL, 4 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 

1 OYSTERCATCHER 

Brief visit to beach - 2 RINGED PLOVER, 6 DUNLIN, 2 SANDERLING, 1 TURNSTONE 

Sea Watch - car park 11..00-12.00 

80 + Gannet, 1 FULMAR-SE, 5 MANX SHEARWATER-SE 

TUES 1 AUG 

U seasonal weather continues , cloudy with showers , wW 4/5 , offshore viz poor in showers .

09.15- 10.50 Seawatch from car park -

275 + GANNET, 75 HERRING GULL, 20 BLACK HEADED GULL, 

5 JUV MED GULL, 5 GREAT B B GULL, 4 CORMORANT, 3O CANADA GOOSE , 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 DUNLIN, 1 SANDERLING, 1 SWALLOW, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL

MON 31 JULY 

Report from Alan D on an evening visit to South Huish Marsh -

2 juv YELLOW L GULL, 5 MED GULL, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 

1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 6 DUNLIN 

WED 26 JULY 

Report from Eric's visit to South Efford Marsh-

13 CURLEW, 8 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 

22 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CATTLE EGRET ( 166 ) , 12 SHELDUCK, 

150 + BLACK HEADED GULL ( no juv's ) 

SAT 22 JULY 

Report of a BLACK TAILED GODWIT on South Huish Marsh 

THURS 20 JULY 

Report from John this morning - 3 SANDERLING on the beach .

Both GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY in his garden 

WED 19 JULY 

19.00- Thurlestone Marsh - 1 CURLEW flew in , 200 + SWALLOW 

roost 

TUES 18 JULY 

Firstringing session at South Milton Ley for July , Alan ringed 30 new birds inc 6 CHIFFY & 12 REED WARBLER, this is the first July since 2011 that heads not ringed ( or heard a SEDGE WARBLER) 

At Aveton Gifford Eric continues to record SPOTTED FLY - this time a adult 

TUES 11 JULY 

Anniversary day - 15 years since we moved into Edwards Close 

Thurlestone - Time just flies by .

Managed a Seawatch from car park - 08.50-10.00 -

3 Gannet ( juvenile ) -NW , 12 COMMON SCOTER- NW , 25 BALEARIC SHEARWATER -SE , 14 CORMORANT, 5 SHAG, 4 GBBGull, 35 HERRING GULL, 6 BLACK HEADED GULL, 4 AD MED GULL,

2 SWALLOW-N, 1 KESTREL 

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

On South Huish Marsh -

42 MALLARD, 2 MOORHEN, 26 CANADA GOOSE, 1 MUTE SWAN , 

1 HERON, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 4 CHIFFY, 1 JUV WHITETHROAT, 25 STARLING, 2 STONECHAT, 60 LINNET, 10 PIED WAGTAIL

South Milton Ley -

12.30 - a report of 12 SWIFT flying south down The Valley 

MON 10 JULY 

Just as the rain set in 14 SWIFT flying south 

6- 8 JULY 

Eric reports from Aveton Gifford - 

1 RED KITE, SHELDUCK, GREY HERON, LITTLE EGRET, GARDEN WARBLER , 2 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER 

MON 3 JULY 

A F 5 /6 W wind , sunny periods , cooler 

09.00- Offshore 

Feeding flock of 300 + GULLS included Herring, Great B B, Kittiwake, Blackheaded, 2 Gannet , .

5 MANX SHEARWATER- SE . 
On the rocks - 30 BLACK HEADED GULL, 7 MED GULL, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh -

MALLARD, CANADA GOOSE, MUTE SWAN + 1 cygnet , 2 MOORHEN +2 young , 1 COOT + 1 young, many PIED WAGTAIL, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 20 LINNET, GOODFINCH, SONG THRUSH, 25 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SWALLOW, KESTREL, 1 M STONECHAT
 

MON 19 JUNE - North Pennines Moors 

Todays drive took us from Corbridge- Stanhope-Eccleston

9 RED GROUSE ( 3M ) + 8 chicks , 4 CURLEW + 2 chicks , 5 LAPWING, 2 JUV REDSTART, 2 KESTREL, 1 WHEATEAR, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 MIPIT 

More photos added .

SUN 18 JUNE - Northumberland 

A really fabulous days birding in North Northumberland inc a lifer 

news on RB Alert of the AMERICAN BLACK TERN about 30 miles north of where we were saw us off driving to the Long Nanney reserve at the point of the Beadnell estuary .

Walk to the TERN reserve is an hour each way through sand dunes 

- on the way plenty of SKYLARK, MIPIT, LINNET, STONECHAT, singles of CURLEW, RINGED PLOVER, 6 SHELDUCK, 15 GREYLAG GOOSE .4 OYSTERCATCHER 

The Reserve is a fantastic breeding area for TERNS - at least 2000

ARCTIC ( many with young chicks ) 60 LITTLE and at least 1 ROSEATE 

 After a 2 hour search eventually picked up the AMERICAN BLACK TERN which eventually landed on the beach to provide good scope views . This is the second summer it has frequented this reserve .

Next stop Seahouses / Bamburgh/ Budle Bay and a very nice pool on the roadside -

10 m EIDER + 15 F / juvs , many GUILLEMOT/ RAZORBILL, 7 PUFFIN, KITTIWAKE, LITTLE EGRET, 1 F SHOVELER, 2 F RED BREASTED MERGANSER, 40 LESSER B B GULL, 20 GREAT B B GULL, 100 BLACK HEADED GULL, 2 COMMON GULL, 30 SAND MARTIN, 15 ARCTIC TERN, 10 CORMORANT, 1 PEREGRINE, 3 KESTREL, 

It is many years since  I last visited a thriving TERN colony - what a fantastic site with adults feeding chicks 20 feet away 

Whist walking through the dunes also saw a Small China-mark Moth 

several Orchids- both Pyramidal and Broad Leaved Marsh 

SAT 17 JUNE 

Driving across the N Yorkshire Moors came across WHEATEAR, HERON , CURLEW 

Managed a 3hour visit to Saltholme RSPB reserve near Seaton Carew - before it became a reserve the surrounding marshes were where I did I lot of my early years birdwatching - nice to revisit 

50 + Common Tern , 60 GADWALL, 1 F POCHARD, 17 SHELDUCK, 

TUFTED DUCK, 2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 3 GREYLAG GOOSE, 

30 LAPWING, 16 AVOCET ( + 4 young ) , 7 BLACK TAILED GODWIT 

2 REDSHANK, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 TREE SPARROW, SEDGE &

REED WARBLER, 50 SAND MARTIN, 1 MARSH HARRIER, 2 REED BUNTING

THURS 15 JUNE 

Sat in our hotel having a meal when Mark Bailey post a photo taken this evening of a White Winged Black Tern at South Huish Marsh .

Will need to check but I think this is a site first 

nice one Colin Mills 

SAT 10 JUNE 

Reportfrom Alan who was ringing at South Milton Key - 41 birds ringed inc-

2 BLACKCAP, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 7 CHIFFY, 9 REED WARBLER, 

4 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 SWALLOW .

ON site- 1 REED BUNTING, 1 SPRAWK, CUCKOO ( heard) 

'The CUCKOO was in the same area as 1 reported on 26 May 

FRI 9 JUNE 

 First visit to South Huish Marsh - sunny morning with a ENE F7 wind 

Offshore 5 GANNET, 2 SHELDUCK -SE , on the rocks 2 OYSTERCATCHER.

On the Marsh -

20 MALLARD , 2 SHELDUCK, 3 MUTE SWAN ( 2 cygnets ) , 20 CANADA GOOSE ( 9 goslings), 4 MOORHEN ( 4 young ) 3 DUNLIN, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 BLACK HEADED GULL, 20 HOUSE MARTIN , 2 SAND MARTIN, 3 SWALLOW, 1 REED WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 1 M BLACKCAP

WED 7 JUNE 

Seem to be spending most mornings dealing with the processing of Moths . 
Recent garden records include- GREEN WOODY, BLACKCAP, CHIFFY, 

SEDGE WARBLER, TAWNY OWL, SWIFT , SWALLOW, HOUSE MARTIN , CIRL BUNTING 

At Aveton Gifford Eric is regularly seeing RED KITE
 

THURS 1 JUNE 

Spent the day on Dartmoor in gorgeous sunshine -

Yarner Woods -6 PIED FLYCATCHER, 2 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, 2 TREE PIPIT, GARDEN WARBLER 

Afternoon at Challacombe Farm -

2 pairs REDSTART, 1 CUCKOO, 2F WHINCHAT, 2 TREE PIPIT, 4 MISTLE THRUSH, 4 STONECHAT , WILLOW WARBLER 

At Aveton Gifford Eric had another RED KITE, 1 LESSER WHITETHROAT and COAL TIT 

WED 31 MAY 

Cloudy morning with a F4/5 NE wind .

08.50- South Huish Marsh-

2 SHELDUCK, 13 MALLARD, 2 MOORHEN ( 2 young ), 1 COOT, 

1 MUTE SWAN, 2 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 HERON, 25 HOUSE MARTINS, 3 SWALLOW, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 BLACKCAP, 1 CHIFFY 

'Beach.Bay _

15 SANDERLING, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 7 GANNET, 1 RAZORMOT 

On Yarmer Beach - 

4 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 LITTLE EGRET 

'Yesterday Eric had another RED KITE over his garden 

SUN 28 MAY 

Eric reported fro Aveton Gifford- RED KITE - 1 at lunchtime , 2 late afternoon 

FRI 26 MAY 

Another sunny morning with a brisk F5/6 NNE wind . Short Seawatch from car park - 09.00-10.10 - vey little activity-

8 GANNET, 5 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 2 FULMAR, 1 KITTIWAKE, 3 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 HOUSE MARTIN-S, 2 GOLDFINCH, 8 LINNET, 

at 09.30 a GREENSHANK flew through calling - don't see many of these at the end of May 

Report from John of a CUCKOO in South Milton Valley (163) 

THURS 25 MAY 

A MISTLE THRUSH flew over my garden at 08.00 , singing were 

1 BLACKCAP, 2 REED WARBLER , 2 SEDGE WARBLER 

WED 24 MAY 

The sunny warm weather continues- this morning a survey walk along the West Buckland valley from Grove Corner to Clannaconbe House  & return .

30 species recorded-

9 BLACKCAP ( all males ) , 2 WHITETHROAT,  5 CHIFFY, 

1 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER ( first in The Valley for 2 years ) 8 WREN , 

5 ROBIN, 14 BLACKBIRD , 3 SONG THRUSH, 4 CHAFFINCH, 5 GOLDFINCH, 1 JAY, 2 MAGPIE, 3 KESTREL, 2 BUZZARD, 4 HOUSE SPARROW, 4 DUNNOCK, 4 NUTHATCH, 2 LONG T TIT, 8 BLUE TIT, 3 GREAT TIT, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 7 WOOD PIGEON , 

JACKDAW, ROOK & CROW ( numbers not counted ) , 4 PHEASANT, 

4 HOUSE MARTIN , 7 SWALLOW, 4 SWIFT, 3 HERRING GULL .

BUTTERFLIES -  6 Orange Tip, 2 Red Admiral, 4 Large White 

Report from Yarmer Beach - 12 SANDERLING, 8 OYSTERCATCHER 

1 WHIMBREL 

At Aveton Gifford Eric had a LESSER WHITETHROAT (162 ) in the same place as the last 3 years , also 2 REED WARBLER & NUTHATCH 

At South Milton Ley Alan ringed29 birds of 13 species inc-

1 BLACKCAP, 1 BULLFINCH, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 4 CHIFFY, 1 LONG T TIT, 3 REED WARBLER, 4 SEDGE WARBLER 

MON 22 MAY 

Fine sunny morning with a F4/5 NNE wind .

'South Huish Marsh - 

Most interesting sightings were 4 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER- watched 2 feeding in a large tree by Little Orchardfrom 10.00-10.20 , walked back along the lane, stopped at the Copse at 10.25 to find 2 more feeding .

on the marsh - very little - 15 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 MUTE SWAN, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL , 1 HERRING GULL .

'At least 25 HOUSE MARTIN collecting mud , 8 SWALLOW , 2 SWIFT, 2 STONECHAT.

BLACKCAP, SEDGE WARBLER, WHITETHROAT, 2 CHIIFY, 1 BUZZARD 

Along the lanes a SPRAWK 

 

SUN 21 MAY 

 Aveton Gifford / South Efford Marsh - report from Richie of 

2 RED KITE (161 ) - also later in afternoon 1 over his garden at Modbury, 1 Garden Warbler 

Around  Thurlestone- BLACKCAP, CHIFFCHAFF, WHITETHROAT, 

6 SWALLOW, 2 SWIFT , 2 GREENFINCH 

SAT 20 MAY 

South Huish Marsh-

Report from Nick of 35 BAR TAILED GODWIT on scrape at back of marsh , 1 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER in lane by marsh 

FRI 19 MAY 

 Coast path walk to Yarmer Beach -

8 SANDERLING, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 WHIMBREL, 2 SHELDUCK -nw, 33 CORMORANT, 50 HERRING GULL, 2 GREAT B B GULL, 

3 SWALLOW, 8 LINNET, 1 M STONECHAT, 1 WHITETHROAT, 

3 SKYLARK, 4 ROCK PIPIT, 2 PIED WAGTAIL, 2 GOLDFINCH, 1 CHIFFY

THURS 18 MAY 

Reports received -

Yarmer Beach - 10 SANDERLING, 2 OYSTERCATCHER.

Hatch Bridge - 1 DIPPER (159) , 1 F GOOSANDER (160)

TUES 16 MAY 

Whilst attending my moth traps in the garden last night had a calling BARN OWL 

Visited the Hatch Bridge area this morning - not as many singing birds as in previous years -species recorded-

3 WREN, 2 M BLACKCAP, 3 CHAFFINCH, 1 ROBIN, 2 BLACKBIRD, 

1 SONG THRUSH, 1 MAGPIE, 1 HERON, 4 MALLARD , 3 CANADA GOOSE, 4 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 3 BLUE TIT, 4 GREAT TIT, 

1 COAL TIT , 2 SWIFT, 5 SWALLOW, 12 SAND MARTIN, Also usual Corvids 

MON 15 MAY 

Sunny morning with a cool NW F3 breeze .

Seawatch 09.15- 10.30 

13 GANNET , 22 KITTIWAKE, 60 MANX SHEARWATER, 

1 DP ARCTIC SKUA, 3 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 12 RAZORMOT, 2 SWIFT. 1 HERON ( on rocks ) 

The ARCTIC SKUA chasing  a feeding flock of KITTIWAKE & 

Manx Shearwater 

On South Huish Marsh -

12 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 COOT, 3 HERON, 2 SWIFT, 12 HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SWALLOW 

FRI 12 MAY 

 A sunny morning with a NW3/4 wind .

Seawatch from flats 09.00- 10.45 

100 GANNET - inc a feeding flock of 55, others NW , 

145 MANX SHEARWATER-NW ( well out ) , 13 RAZORMOT- NW, 

22 KITTIWAKE-SE, 2 SWALLOW -N 

Rocks - 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh 

2 SHELDUCK, 15 MALLARD , 1 COOT, HOUSE MARTIN, SWALLOW , 2 SWIFT .

Spent sone time looking at a DUNLIN ,feeding on the edge of the front pool - it was still completely in winter plumage - I can't remember ever seeing one this late in May that didn't show some sign of having mounted into breeding plumage .

WED 10 MAY 

Improved weather conditions enabled me to get back out on the patch . A morning of bright periods, brisk F4 W wind .

Seawatch 0900 - 10.45 from the flats 

GANNET - 85 NW, 15 SE, 2 FULMAR-NW, 1 GREAT N DIVER -NW @10.00 , 1F POCHARD - NW @ 09.30 ( 158 ) - an unusual record 

last seen in March 2018 & Oct 2019 . 110 MANX SHEARWATER-NW, 

8 RAZORMOT-SE, 12 GUILLEMOT- on sea, 40 KITTIWAKE , 

1 COMMIC TERN -NW , 1 SHAG, 2 SWALLOW -N 

On rocks 5 OYSTERCATCHER, beach 1 M WHEATEAR 

On South Huish Marsh -

6 SHELDUCK, 1 F TEAL, 2 COOT, 1 HERON , 1 LITTLE EGRET, 

12 SWIFT, 10 SWALLOW, 20 + HOUSE MARTIN , 1 M BLACKCAP., 

1 SEDGE WARBLER 

At least 3 pairs of CANADA GOOSE with up to 4 goslings each 

SAT/SUN 6/7 MAY 

Report received of a M MARSH HARRIER flying up South Milton Ley valley Sat afternoon 

Sun - 2 SWIFT over Thurlestone on morning 

FRI 5 MAY 

Wind F3 SW so different conditions to yesterday . Bright periods then cloudy with light showers .

Seawatch from car park 08.25-09.45 

GANNET- 76-SE, 1- NW , 1 FULMAR-SE, 15 MANX SHEARWATER-SE

2 SANDWICH TERN -SE, 16 KITTIWAKE-SE ( 1 flock of 14 ), 

2 BLACK HEADED GULL, 53 GUILLEMOT- ON SEA with 7 SHAG, 

12 RAZORMOT-SE, 

On rocks - 1 sp GREY PLOVER , 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 

1 F WHEATEAR 

On South Huish Marsh - 

6 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 2 GREENSHANK, 8 TEAL, 1 SHELDUCK, 

1 HERON, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 3 SWIFT , 12 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SAND MARTIN, 20 SWALLOW

THURS 4 MAY 

Cloudy morning with light showers from 10.00, F5/6 SE wind 

Seawatch initiall from car park then flats when rain started .

40 GANNET -se, 3 FULMAR, 4 MANX SHEARWATER-se, 

8 COMMON SCOTER & 2 TEAL - se, 3 RAZORMOT-se, 10 HOUSE MARTIN , 10 SWALLOW -n , 6 BLACK H GULL, 2 1S MED GULL, 

1 COMMON GULL, 6 GREAT B B GULL.

At 11.50 picked up a LITTLE TERN (153 ) feeding in the  Bay before

flying off SE at 12.10 

on rocks - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 TURNSTONE, 1 REDSHANK, 

1 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING, 1 WHIMBREL 

On South Huish Marsh -

1 SHELDUCK, 1 M GARGANEY, 12 TEAL, 1 COOT, 7 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 1 DUNLIN, 60 SWALLOW, 15 HOUSE MARTIN , 7 SAND MARTIN , 2 LESSER B B GULL, 1 REED WARBLER , 2 SEDGE WARBLER 

Evening - 17.00-18.15 

offshore -67 GANNET-SE, 6 COMMON SCOTER-NW, 3 FULMAR, 

14 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER-SE (156 ) , 1 GREAT SKUA -SE & 17.10 (154 ) , 6 ARCTIC TERN -SE @17.25 (155) 

2 KITTIWAKE, 4 TURNSTONE, 1 WHEATEAR, 1 KESTREL

South Huish Marsh -

1 m GARGANEY, 1 SHELDUCK, 7 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 5 DUNLIN, 

2 GREENSHANK, 60 SWALLOW, 10 HOUSE MARTIN 

One of the best sea watches of the year , long time since I got 5 year ticks on the patch in May 

WED 3 MAY 

Sunny periods , hazy offshore, ESE wind F4 inc to 7 .

Passage not as good as expected given the wind direction - another morning with no TERNS or SKUAS .

Seawatch from car park , 08.35- 12.15 

94 GANNET (68-se, 26-nw ) , 29 COMMON SCOTER ( 24-se, 5-nw )

35 RAZORMOT-se, 7 FULMAR, 2 MANX SHEARWATER- nw, 

11 WHIMBREL , 20 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 19 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 LITTLE EGRET-N , 

GULLS- 5 BLACK HEADED, 11 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B , 

16 KITTIWAKE.

1 WHITETHROAT, 1 WHEATEAR 

Footbridge - 1 CETTIS WARBLER 

Over South Huish Marsh - 1 SWIFT

Evening update - South Huish Marsh 

6 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 30 WHIMBREL, 6 DUNLIN 

TUES 2 MAY 

Sunny morning with a light E breeze.

Seawatch from car park 08.30-09.30 

8 GANNET, 3 FULMAR, 35 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 3 RAZORMOT, 

1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 2 WHIMBREL, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

Footbridge area/ coast path - report received of 2 WHITETHROAT, 

REED WARBLER, RAVEN 

South Huish Marsh - 

10 TEAL, MALLARD, 3 MUTE SWAN, HERON, LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT, 20 SWALLOW, 6 HOUSE MARTIN, SEDGE WARBLER 

South Milton Ley -

8 CHIFFY, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 3 M BLACKCAP, 5 SEDGE WARBLER, 

1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 M REED BUNTING 

Nearby garden - TAWNY OWL, JAY, GREAT SP WOODPECKER, 

LONG T TIT, 

South Milton - report of 2 SWIFT late morning 

Early evening report of a flock of 40 BAR TAILED GODWIT over the beach 

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER again at Aveton Gifford 

SUN 30 APRIL 

Cloudy morning, light drizzle, calm , poor visability offshore 

South Huish Marsh 

Highlight of the day to close April was finding a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER ( 152 )  at 10.00 in the copse. This is my first spring migrant record ( over 20 years ) , all my other records have been birds on breeding sites . This specie has become a scare breeding bird on the patch , I haven't seen one since 2020 .

 Also - 16 TEAL, 1 M SHOVELER, 1M GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 

1 COOT, 1 WHIMBREL, 2 SWALLOW, 4 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 REED WARBLER, 1 M BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER

On the beach - 1 DUNLIN

Offshore - 12- GUILLEMOT, 1 FULMAR, 1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea 

Short visit to South Milton Ley -

3 CETTIS WARBLER, 10 CHIFFY, 2 REED WARBLER, 8 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 4M 1F BLACKCAP, 1 WHITETHROAT, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 SWALLOW, 1 M REED BUNTING 

At Aveton Gifford Eric also had a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER and a FIRECREST 

SAT 29 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh 

reports received-

2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT, LAPWING, 

1 M SHOVELER, 1 M PINTAIL 

FRI 28 APRIL 

Bright periods this morning with a W F3/4 wind .

Seawatch from car park 08.30-09.40 

Another morning with rafts of GUILLEMOT around 950 in the Bay

difficult to fully count due to the swell which increased as the wind built up . Flocks of GULLS over the rafts - 550 HERRING , 

95 KITTIWAKE ( 1 flock of 60 ), 20 WHIMBREL ( 14 -SE, 6 on rocks )

3 SWALLOW -N, 1 WHITETHROAT, 

Coast Path - 2 RAVEN, 1 WHEATEAR, 

Rocks - 1 WHEATEAR, 5 TURNSTONE 

Beach -- 1 M YELLOW WAGTAIL 

South Huish Marsh -

A report of a GREAT WHITE EGRET flying off towards Hope Cove @08.20. 14 TEAL, 1M PINTAIL, 1 M SHOVELER, 2M 1F GADWALL, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 1 WHEATEAR, 3 SWALLOW 

THURS 27 APRIL 

Cloudy morning with rain from -9.30- some interesting birds .

Seawatch from car park at 08.30 moved to the flats due to rain finished 11.45 

50 GANNET -SE, 9 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 1 FULNAR-NW, 20 COMMON SCOTER -NW, 2 SHELDUCK -SE, 85 GUILLEMOT - ON SEA, 

1 POMARINE SKUA - SE ( 150) , 3 KITTIWAKE -SE , 1 1S LITTLE GULL ( sat on sea with the raft of GUILLEMOT @ 10.15 ) 

1 SANDWICH TERN -SE, 32 WHIMBREL - IN OFF , 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT -IN OFF , 25 SWALLOW -N 

On rocks -7 TURNSTONE, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER, 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 2M 2F GREENLAND WHEATEAR ( 151 ) 

Beach - report of a M YELLOW WAGTAIL  ( on seaweed ) 

On South Huish Marsh - 11.45 -12,15 

15 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 1 M SHOVELER, 1 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT,1 SNIPE, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 

50 + SWALLOW, 7 HOUSE MARTIN , 5 SAND MARTIN, 2 NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER

WED 26 APRIL 

Very cloudy morning with an F2/3 SE wind .

Seawatch from car park  08.35- 11.35 

Large rafts of RAZORMOT found sitting on the sea - my eventual 

total was at least 1200- lot were diving so difficult to fully count .

One raft which drifted closer inshore of 500 + birds were all 

GUILLEMOT . Amongst them more than 150 HERRING GULL, 

20 KITTIWAKE  and a 1s LITTLE GULL ( eventually flew off SE )

Also - 15 GANNET, 3 FULMAR-SE, 70 MANX SHEARWATER ( 59-SE, 11-NW ), 2 RED THROATED DIVER - SE @ 08.40 & 09.30 , 

1 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - SE @ 11.23 , 13 COMMON SCOTER- SE, 

2 SHELDUCK, 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 9 WHIMBREL ( all in off ) 

3 SWALLOW -N, 1 WHITETHROAT, 1 WHEATEAR ( Warren Pt )

Rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 

Reports received-

Beach - 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL (148 ) 

South Milton Ley - 1 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER ( seen and heard ) , 

3 CETTIS WARBLER 

TUES 25 APRIL 

A morning of sunny periods with a brisk F4/5 SSE wind - classic conditions for a strong sea passage - unfortunately no one appears to advised the birds to travel .

Seawatch from car park -8.30-10.30 

GANNET 26-SE, 4 -NW, 1 FULMAR, 2 SANDWICH TERN-NW, 

MANX SHEARWATER - 130 flock sat on sea, 44 -SE 

1 GREAT N DIVER -SE @ 08.45 , 1 COMMON SCOTER -on sea, 

6 WHIMBREL-in off , 16 BAR TAILED GODWIT -in off , 20 LINNET-se 

1 M STONECHAT 

 On rocks - 2 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 2 TURNSTONE, 1 WHIBREL, 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 M WHEATEAR 

Souh Huish Marsh 

1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 WHIMBREL, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 

1 M PINTAIL, 1 M SHOVELER, 1 SHELDUCK , 12 TEAL, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 2 SEDGE WARBLER 

Afternoon report from Hope Cove -

A raft of over 300 RAZORMOT - on sea along with a RED THROATED 

DIVER 

Mon 24 APRIL 

A morning of sunny periods and showers with a W F4/5 wind 

08.30-10.40- Seawatch 

40 GANNET, 4 FULMAR, 26 MANX SHEARWATER- NW, 2 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 1 RED T DIVER - SE @10.30 , 2 DP ARCTIC SKUA-SE @ -9.25, 1NW @ 10.05 , 45 RAZORMOT -SE 

Rocks/ Beach - 1 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING, 2 DUNLIN, 8 TURNSTONE, 4 WHIMBREL 13 OYSTERCATCHER 

Bobs car park - 1 WHITETHROAT (145 ) 

South Huish Marsh - 10. 40 -Nick found a WOOD SANDPIPER (146 ) 

only the 4th Spring record since 2011, 26 TEAL, 1M PINTAIL, 

6 MALLARD, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 COOT, 8 SWALLOW , 

2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 

Copse - 1 CHIFFY, 1 GARDEN WARBLER (147 )

SAT 22 APRIL 

Cloudy with showers and a F2/3 SSE breeze 

Seawatch from 08.40-11.10 

16 GANNET- 12SE, 4 NW, 10 MANX SHEARWATER ( 2 flocks of 5 -se ), 7 FULMAR ( all singles ) , 6 COMMON SCOTER - SE, 4 KITTIWAKE -SE, 3 BLACK HEADED GULL-SE, 1 1W COMMON GULL -SE, 

80 RAZORMOT ( 64-NW, 16-SE), 1 GUILLEMOT- on sea , 

1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT  ( in off ) , 4 BAR TAILED GODWIT- ( in off ) 6 WHIMBREL ( in off )

On rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 9 TURNSTONE 

On South Huis Marsh -

1 M PINTAIL, 1M SHOVELER, 32 TEAL, 1 COOT, 1 HERON, 2 SHELDUCK , 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 

52 SWALLOW, 10 SAND MARTIN, 6 HOUSE MARTIN

FRI21 APRIL 

Sunny morning , light ENE F3 wind .

08.40-10.40 Seawatch from flats -

8 GANNET- nw, 2 FULMAR -se, 1 GREAT N DIVER -on sea @ 09.20, 

1 BLACK T DIVER - flew around the bay then se @09.30, 

14 RAZORMOT - se , 35 Black Headed Gull ( 2 flocks 28 & 7 on sea then flew E up The Valley also 1 COMMON GULL joined them 

23 BAR TAILED GODWIT  & 11 WHIMBREL briefly on rocks before flying E up The Valley, 2 SWALLOW -N 

On the rocks - 10 TURNSTONE, 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 WHEATEAR

On South Huish Marsh -

34 TEAL, 6 MALLARD , 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1DUNLIN, 1 SNIPE, 4 SWALLOW, 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 SEDGE WARBLER 

Copse- 1 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 BLACKCAP, 

Short visit to South Milton Ley -

10 CHIFFY, 4 BLACKCAP, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 BULLFINCH , 4 SWALLOW .

At 12.00 found a F PIED FLYCATCHER (143 ) by the stream , this is only my second Spring record after 1 inMay 2016

At Aveton Gifford Eric had a garden tick - a TREE CREEPER .

Evening update from Richie/Alan 

South Huish Marsh -

10 WHIMBREL, 3 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 M SHOVELER, 1 M PINTAIL ( 144 ) , 2 WHEATEAR, 1 DUNLIN

THURS 20 APRIL 

Sunny morning , feeling cold in a F5 NE wind ,. Compared with yesterday very little bird passage

Seawatch 08.30- 10.45 -

28 GANNET -NW, 3 FULMAR - 2SE, 1 NW, 2 M COMMON SCOTER-on sea , , 2 BLACK HEADED GULL- on sea, 6 RAZORMOT-SE, 

1 HERON ( in off ) , 1 SWALLOW -N 

WADERS - 22 BAR TAILED GODWIT ( largest flock 9 ), 4 WHIMBREL, 

1 GREENSHANK -SE, 1 CURLEW _ in off , 

ON rocks - 14 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 12 OYSTERCATCHER 

5 WHITE WAGTAIL 

On South Huis h Marsh -

26 TEAL, 8 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 8 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 

1 WHIMBREL 

Lanes- 6 HOUSE MARTIN - E

WED 19 APRIL 

Started cloudy with a light shower , improved to sunny periods by late morning, E wind increased from F4 to 6/7.

Brilliant wader passage this morning 

South Huish Marsh - 08.45 

 26 TEAL, 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 SWALLOW - no sign of the Great White Egret 

Seawatch from the flats - -8.50- 12.15 

18 flocks of BAR TAILED GODWIT in of  the sea and E up The Valley , 

total 470 - largest flock was 120 which was a merger of 3 smaller groups 
Also 7 flocks of WHIMBREL totalling 130 - largest flock 50 , again E up The Valley 

of interest picked up 6 CROW well out in the Bay when they made the shore they all landed on Thurlestone Rock before flying north.

Also - 14 GANNET -SE, 26 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 GUILLEMOT -ON SEA, 

2 RAZORBILL- ON SEA, 1 GREAT N DIVER - NW @1042, 

11 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 6 SHELDUCK -NW, 6 SANDWICH TERN, 

1 PEREGRINE-SE , 5 SWALLOW-N 

On the beach/rocks - 

14 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 TURNSTONE, 2 DUNLIN , 1 SANDERLING, 

1 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GREY PLOVER, 1 LITTLE EGRET.

Evening update from Richie 

70 BAR TAILED GODWIT - day total 540

30 WHIMBREL - day total 160 

2 RINGED PLOVER , 1 SANDERLING, TURNSTONE, and a SWIFT (142 )

TUES 18 APRIL 

With clear sunny conditions, a F4/5 ENE wind expectations were high for a good sea passage , unfortunately no one appears to have informed the birds !

South Huish Marsh -08.45 

1 GREAT WHITE EGRET still, 1 HERON, 22 TEAL, 1 WHEATEAR, 1 CHIFFY, 1 SWALLOW , 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 MUTE SWAN 

Seawatch from the flats -09.00-11.00 

16 GANNET -SE, 2 FULMAR -SE, 1M 1F GADWALL -SE, 2 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 7 RAZORMOT-SE , singles of GUILLEMOT & RAZORBILL 

on sea, 2 RED T DIVER -on sea @10.00, 1 in summer plumage , 

7 SANDWICH TERN, 8 BLACK HEADED GULL , 17 WHIMBREL - se @09.55 

On rocks - 16 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING, 2 RINGED PLOVER 

1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 7 OYSTERCATCHER 

At Aveton Gifford Eric reported a GREAT WHITE EGRET ( different bird to the S H Marsh one )

South Huis Marsh - evening report -

20 WHIMBREL, 2 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN, 1 SANDERLING , TURNSTONE, 1 PEREGRINE , 1 WHINCHAT (141) 

MON 17 APRIL 
A cloudy calm morning with a flat sea still produced the best passage migration so far .

At 09.05 on South Huis Marsh 

GREAT WHITE EGRET , 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (138) , 2 DUNLIN 26 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 1 SAND MARTIN , 17 SWALLOW, 1 WILLOW WARBLER 

09.15- 11.55 Seawatch from the flats -

11 GANNET-NW , 1 FULMAR -SE, at least 250 RAZORMOT on the sea 

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - 1 on sea @ 10.00, 2 NW @10.55 

BLACK THROATED DIVER - 2 flew into the Bay @ 10.45 landed on sea, 5 SANDWICH TERN, 2 SHELDUCK -on sea, 109 COMMON SCOTER - 80-SE, 12 NW, 17 on sea, 30 BAR TAILED GODWIT-SE(139

On Rocks- 3 WHIMBREL, 1 GREY PLOVER (140 ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER, 

17 TURNSTONE, 

On Beaches - 3 WHEATEAR.

Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 33 new birds inc -

5 BLACKCAP, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 8 CHIFFY, 5 WILLOW WARBLER, 

1 SEDGE WARBLER  . On site - 3JAY, 1 TAWNY OWL 

Evening update from Richie at the Marsh - GREAT WHITE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 7 WHEATEAR, HOUSE MARTIN , SWALLOW. 

On beach/rocks - 16 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING 
 

SUN 16 APRIL 

A cloudy morning with a light breeze .

Seawatch 09.15- 11.00

14 GANNET-NW, 25 COMMON SCOTER -NW 3-SE, 2 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 2 MALLARD -NW, 1 SANDWICH TERN, 

5 RAZORMOT- on sea, 18 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 1 KESTREL, 

8 SWALLOW-N 

South Huish Marsh - GREAT WHITE EGRET still present 

Aveton Gifford - Eric reports 25+ SWAALOW - N , 2 SHOVELER, 1 REED WARBLER ( 137 ) 

SAT 15 APRIL 

Eric reports 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE ( 137 ) on South Efford Marsh .

Walk around Thurlestone - 8 CHIFFY, 4 CHAFFINCH, 1 M BLACKCAP, 1 M CIRL BUNTING 

Moth report from last night on the moth sightings page 

FRI 14 APRIL 

Although cloudy with some light showers , wind NW F 2/3 

First sign of Spring wader passage with 4 WHIMBREL ( 135 ) flying in off the sea at 09.05 , also 16 TURNSTONE on the beach .

1 FULMAR -BW, 3 SANDWICH TERN , 6 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 2 SHAG, 4 CORMORANT, 1 OYSTERCATCHER 

South Huish Marsh -

No sign of the GULL BILLED TERN today .

24 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 4 MALLARD - 1 F with 9 day old ducklings 

1 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 7 MOORHEN , 1 SNIPE, 35 SWALLOW-N

In the copse - 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 CHIFFY, 2 CHAFFINCH

18.00- report of a GREAT WHITE EGRET ( 136 ) on the Marsh 

THURS 13 APRIL 

A much better morning with some sunshine , brisk W wind .

South Huish Marsh 

The GULL BILLED TERN reported at 08.00 before flying up The Valley .

23 TEAL, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFY 

South Milton Ley-

15 SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN , 12 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CETTIS  WARBLER, 1 GREEN WOODY 

Nearby garden - 1 GREAT SP WOODPECKER, SONG THRUSH, 1M BLACKCAP, 2 LONG T TIT 

Hope Cove report -

1 GREAT N DIVER - SE , 1 RED T DIVER -on sea

WED 12 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh 

Reports of the GULL BILLED TURN both morning and afternoon.

Late morning a report of a LITTLE GULL (134) on the marsh 

Gales and very heavy rain showers all day

Hope Cove report early morning -

1 DP ARCTIC SKUA @ -9.25, 3 MANX SHEARWATER, 12 SANDWICH 

TERN 

Evening report from Richie - 2 MED GULLS  plenty of COMMON & 

LESSER BLACK BACK GULLS 

TUES 11 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh 
Several reports of the GULL BILLED TERN during the day, 

1 WHITE WAGTAIL (133 ) 

On South Efford Marsh - Eric reports 

14 SHELDUCK, KINGFISHER, CIRL BUNTING
 

MON 10 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh 

Richie was on site at 06.05 , the GULL BILLED TERN was on the spit , many Devon birders managed to see it . Each time it left the Marsh 

it returned within 30 mins . Gave very good views particularly when alighting on the island 

It is a very scarce visitor to Devon - around 10 previous records 

Have received photos from Bob Barrow taken on Thursday afternoon of Tern flying away from South Huish Marsh - it was the 

GULL BILLED TERN , has been around for a day longer than previously thought 

Short Seawatch produced the first COOMON TERN (132) 

SUN 9 APRIL 

On Fri 7/4 Nick T found an unusual TERN on South Huish Marsh , identity confirmed by James Kirkwood as a GULL BILLED TERN(128  

a first for the patch . At 16.30 Nick rang to say it was back on the marsh , I managed brief views before it was flushe by 2 MOORHEN and flew up The Valley . Later seen by 2 other birders before again off up The Valley at 18.45 .This is a rare visitor to the UK 

A Seawatch from the car park from 10.00 - 12.00

22 GANNET -SE, 1 FULMAR-SE, 3 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 2 MED GULL, 21 KITTIWAKE, 1 1W COMMON GULL , 1 LESSER B B GULL, 2 GREAT B B GULL, big passage of HERRING GULL-SE, 1 RED T DIVER -SE, 9 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 70 COMMON SCOTER -SE ( record day total for this year, legest flock 22 ) 

South Huish Marsh - 16.45- 18.0- 

35 TEAL , 2 MUTE SWAN, 4 SWALLOW, 2 WHEATEAR, 2 STONECHAT 

MON 3 APRIL 

2 very interesting records reported today -

At South Huish Marsh 5 ( 3 males ) GARGANEY ( 126 ) 

Also a HOOPOE ( 127 ) in a South Huish garden, then this afternoon a sighting by the Bantham roundabout .

Early evening report from Richie of 20 GAGANEY on South Huish  Marsh - a good few years since we had that total on the Marsh 

FRI 24 MARCH 

Sunny periods this morning with a SW F6/7 wind .

Seawatch 08.50-10.00 

110 GANNET, 2 FULMAR -SE , 1 SANDWICH TERN, 7 RAZORMOT -SE, 

2 CORMORANT.

South Huish Marsh- 42 TEAL, 2M 1 F MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 MUTE SWAN 

GULLS - 36 HERRING, 5 LESSER B B ,  2 GREAT B B 

Will update with news whilst away in Cyprus-

local Cyprus news will be posted  daily - see headings at top of page 

Thurs 23 MARCH 

Turned cloudy by 09.30 ,rain later, wind SW F6/7 

On South Huish Marsh at 08.45- 35 TEAL, 1 SHELDUCK , 1 M WHEATEAR 

Seawatch from the flats 09.10-10.15 - rough seas.

8 GANNET, 1 FULMAR-SE, 1 SANDWICH TERN ( 09.10-10.15 ), 

15 RAZORMOT - on sea , 

GULLS - 50 HERRING, 30 KITTIWAKE, 20 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED 

At Hope Cover James had a DP ARCTIC SKUA @ 07.45 ( 125 ) and between 08.45-09.45 2 SANDWICH TERN 

WED 22 MARCH 

Short sea watch - 08.45-10.00, stared sunny but soon turned cloudy 

brisk F4/5 WSW wind 

12 GANNET, 1 FULMAR-NW, 6 SHAG, 6 CORMORANT, 19 RAZORMOT-on sea 

Rocks - 6 OYSTERCATCHER 

GULLS - 42 HERRING -SE, 10 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B , 9 KITTIWAKE, 2 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED 

This afternoon James had 32 MANX SHEARWATER (124 ) -SE 

IN lanes a M YELLOWHAMMER, 

MY garden - 1 m BLACKCAP, 1 CHIFFY 

Late Morning - Aveton Gifford -

Tidal Rd - 4 GREENSHANK, 8 REDSHANK, 1 CURLEW, 2 SHOVELER 

Playing fields- NUTHATCH, COAL TIT 

TUES 21 MARCH 

Bright periods this morning, wind WSWF4/5 

Seawatch 08.45-09.45 - quiet !

30 GANNET, 9 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 RAVEN, 

2 KESTREL, 1M STONECHAT 

GULLS - 35 HERRING, 20 BLACK HEADED, 3 GREAT B B , 3 KITTIWAKE.

South Huish Marsh -

47 TEAL, 5M 1F WIGEON , 1 SHELDUCK, 3 MUTE SWAN, 2 M MALLARD, 14 MOORHEN, 1 HERON , 1 STOCK DOVE, 2 CHIFFY, 

1 M WHEATEAR ( in field at 11.20 )

MON 20 MARCH 

Dire morning for bird watching - heavy rain and low cloud .

Sat watching South Huish Marsh ( in the car ) from 09.10- 11.30 

35 TEAL, 6 MALLARD, 3 WIGEON, 3 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON, 9 MOORHEN, 10 SNIPE, 2 STONECHAT , 2WATER PIPIT  ( 1 showing

pink blush on breast) 1m 1F WHEATEAR 

GULLS - 6 LESSER B B , 2 GREAT B B , 6 HERRING.

At 14.45 Richie reported a SWALLOW ( 123 ) flying through 

SUN 19 MAR

Male BLACKCAP IN MY GARDEN @ 10.00 , on the Golf Course a report from John of 2 WHEATEAR on 13 th green 

Some interesting moths last night - details and photos on the headed sections 

SAT 18 MARCH 

Spring like weather - sunny morning with just a light S breeze .

Offshore - very little -3 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG 

GULLS - 45 HERRING, 5 BLACK HEADED , 2 KITTIWAKE 

'Beach/Rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 PIED WAGTAIL, 10 ROCK PIPIT , 1 LITTLE EGRET

South Huish Marsh -

41 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 3 SHELDUCK, 5M 1F WIGEON, 10 MOORHEN, 

2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SNIPE, 2 WATER PIPIT, 5 MIPIT 

First good moths last night- check the moth pages .

FRI 17 MARCH 

Thanks to Lesley G the first WHEATEAR ( 122 ) this morning by the South Milton flats 

THURS 16 MAR 

Another cloudy morning with rain from 10.30 , brisk F4 S wind 

On South Huish Marsh - 35 TEAL, 6 MALLARD, 6M 1F WIGEON, 

1 MUTE SWAN, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 6 SNIPE, 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 

9 MOORHEN, 1 WATER PIPIT.

GULLS - 5 HERRING, 1AD 1 2W MED 

Offshore - 7 GANNET, 1 GREAT N DIVER - NW@09.55, 1 ad MED GULL- SE 

On rocks /Beach - 25 TURNSTONE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 SANDERLING 

WED 15 MARCH

Cloudy morning with a light S/SE breeze, rain from 10.30.

On South Huish Marsh- 08.50-10.30

48TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 6 MALLARD, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 

11 MOORHEN, 1 MUTE SWAN, 3 SNIPE 

AVOCET not seen this morning 

GULLS - 3 HERRING, 1 LESSER B B , 1 BLACK HEADED

Offshore- , very little- 2 GANNET, 8 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG

GULLS- highlight of the morning- at 09.25 watched an  ICELAND GULL fly SE across the bay ( on its own ), also 105 HERRING

On the rocks - 25 TURNSTONE, 14 OYSTERCATCHER 

On beach - 8 ROCK PIPIT, 11 PIED WAGTAIL

TUES 14 MARCH 

Sunny day with a brisk F4 WNW wind .

Seawatch 09.15- 10.10

17 GANNET, 2 SHELDUCK, 4 SHAG, 7 CORMORANT, 

GULLS - 60 BLACK HEADED, 45 HERRING, 2 COMMON, 2 GREAT B B , 

1 AD MED .

'Rocks - 22 TURNSTONE, 9 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh -

32 TEAL, 1 SHELDUCK, 4M 1F WIGEON, 2 MALLARD, 1MUTE SWAN, 

2 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 AVOCET ( for 9th day ), 3 SNIPE, 

9 MOORHEN, 10 MIPIT, 10 PIED WAGTAIL . At 11.55 a

SAND MARTIN (120) flew through- a nice end to a sunny morning .

Earliest date for the last 3 years 

14.30 Eric had a HOUSE MARTIN (121) over the playing fields at Aveton Gifford - a ver early record 

Overnight both BARN & TAWNY OWL reported from South Milton Ley 

SUN 12 MARCH 

Cloudy morning , constant light rain from 11.00 , light SW breeze.

All observations at South Huish Marsh 09.00-12.00 

50 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 1 SHELDUCK, 3 MALLARD, 1 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 AVOCET 1 MUTE SWAN, 3 SONG THRUSH .

Most interesting aspect of the morning were the GULLS - 2 small flocks befor 10.30 , then a large influx around 11.00 

totals logged - 125 HERRING , 16 LESSER B B , 28 BLACK HEADED, 8 AD MED ( all in full sp ), 1 GREAT B B .

At 14.30 Ritchie had 2 Hirundines over the Marsh - unable to confirm if they were Sand Martin 

SAT 11 MAR 

Cloudy with light rain , wind SE F3- poor viz offshore .

South Huish Marsh - -9.15- 11.0-

1 AVOCET, 13 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 DUNLIN, 1 SANDERLING (119 )- flew through - earlier reported on the Beach, 29 TEAL, 7 WIGEON , 5 MALLARD, 2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 MUTE SWAN, 7 MOORHEN 

, 1 CHIFFY

GULLS - 35 HERRING, 12 BLACK HEADED, 7 LESSER B B 

Near Hope - 1 SKWARK, SONG THRUSH

FRI 10 MARCH 

Cloudy, cold , wind NW F 7/8, VERY rough seas .

Unsurprisingly very logged - 6 SHAG ( on the rock ) 1 LESSER B B GULL, 5 HERRING GULL

On rocks 7 OYSTERCATCHER 

A FULMAR reported from cliff path near Hope cove

On a blown out South Huish Marsh -

1 AVOCET ( also reported yesterday ) 7 WIGEON, 34 TEAL, 

2 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON, 1 CORMORANT , 2LITTLE 

EGRET, 6 MOORHEN 

WED 8 MARCH 

Whist the snow and ice kept away from our area it was still a miserable wet and cloudy morning with a F3/4 E WIND 

Started at South Huish Marsh at -8.55- surprised to find 2 AVOCET (118) feeding on the front pool , still present on the back pool when I left at 12.30 .They are the first on the marsh since 24 /3 2020 .

Also 7 WIGEON ( 5m 2F ), 25 TEAL, 8 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 

14 MOORHEN, 3 SNIPE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFY, 1 SONG THRUSH 

GULLS - The movement of LESSER B B continues- this morning 85

logged ( inc a flock of55 ) , 2 GREAT B B , 35 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED.

Very little offshore- just 20 GANNET, 4 CCORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 

On the rocks - 8 OYSTERCATCHER 

TUES 7 MARCH 

Sunny with a brisk F4 NW breeze .

Seawatch - 08.45- 09.55

158 GANNET, 1 M COMMON SCOTER-SE, 15 RAZORMOT-SE, 15 CORMORANT, 1 SPRAWK , 1 LINNET -SE 

GULLS etc - 24 HERRING-NW, 3 GREAT B B , 1 BLACK HEADED -SE, 2 FULMAR-SE

South Huish Marsh -

31 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 3 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 

1 HERON, 8 SNIPE, 14 MOORHEN, 2 CHIFFY, 1 KESTREL, 

1 SONG THRUSH 

GULLS - 65 HERRING, 4 GREAT B B , 21 LESSER B B ( highest this year ), 1 2 cy YELLOW LEGGED GULL (117 ) 

South Milton Village - 1 JAY 

'South Milton Ley 20 FIELDFARE 

MON 6 MARCH 

Bright periods with a F3 NW wind , still cool 

Seawatch 08.45--9.30-

115 GANNET ( 70 were sat on the sea ) 1 M COMMON SCOTER-SE

1 RED T DIVER -SE @09.20, 20 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 3 RAZORMOT-SE, 

'Gulls - 2 GREAT B B , 22 HERRING -NW

Rocks - 1 OYSTERCATCHER 

South Huish Marsh - big redreduction in. duck -

20 TEAL, 18 WIGEON, 5 MALLARD, 1 M SHOVELER, 1 MUTE SWAN , 

1 HERON, 8 MOORHEN, 1 WATER PIPIT.

South Milton Ley - 11.30-12.30

25 CHIFFY, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 FIRECREST, 3 GOLDCREST, 

5 CHAFFINCH, 1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 3 FIELDFARE, 15 REDWING, 

5 LONG T TIT 

Looking at our local weather forecast the week is going to be milder than expected with some rain and gale force winds later in the week 

SUN 5 MARCH 

Cloudy, calm & cold . Only time fora short Seawatch - 09.25-10.35 

- would of been more interesting at South Devon Railway !

35 WIGEON - on sea , 7 COMMON SCOTER - se , 19 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG 

GULLS - 6 GREAT B B , 9 HERRING, 

Rocks- 1 LITTLE EGRET 

FRI 3 MARCH 

Another overcast cold morning with a NE F3 breeze - still very little offshore -

Seawatch 09.20-10.00 & 11.15- 12.15 

9 GANNET, 1 RAZORMOT, 29 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG  , 1 SKYLARK-N , 1 PIED WAGTAIL-N .

GULLS -10 HERRING, 2 KITTIWAKE 

ROCKS - 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER-AD, 3 LITTLE EGRET.

On South Huish Marsh - 34 WIGEON, 41 TEAL, 3 MALLARD, 2 HERON 

1 RINGED PLOVER-1W, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 5 LAPWING, 9 SNIPE, 11 MOORHEN, 4 STONECHAT, 1 WATER PIPIT 

GULLS - 19 HERRING, 5 BLACK HEADED, 1 GREAT B B 

THURS 2 MARCH 

Sunny morning light NE breeze , still feeling cold .

Spent the morning at Aveton Gifford- first along the tidal road then a walk around the playing fields area .

Along the lanes out of Thurlestone- 50 STARLING, 2 GREENFINCH, 

1 M YELLOWHAMMER.

TIDAL ROAD -

3 GREENSHANK ( Colour ringed bird from Norway still showing ) 

9 REDSHANK, 4 CURLEW, 6 SHELDUCK, 2 LITTLE EGRET. 2 GREAT SP WOODY, 2 MISTLE THRUSH.

Playing fields area -

2 GOLDFINCH, 3 CHAFFINCH, 3 GREENFINCH, 1 NUTHATCH, COAL & 

LONG T TIT, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 BUZZARD .

At 10.45 Rooks all left nests as though they had been disturbed by a Raptor - found the culprit - an OSPREY ( 116 ) watched for 5 mins before continuing flying north . 
Very few Spring records in recent years and a very early migrant 

Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 44 CHIFFY , 10 GOLDCREST, 2 FIRECREST, 1 GREY WAGTAIL .

WED 1 MAR 

An overcast morning, cold in a NE F3 wind .

Seawatch 08.50-09.40 - Where are the Gulls ? 
GULLS - just 2 BLACK HEADED, 5 HERRING, 5 GREAT B B 

40 GANNET -SE, 11 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 15 CORMORANT, 4 SHAG, 

2 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 STONECHAT, 1 SKYLARK-N 

On the rocks - 3 OYSTERCATCHER, ROCK & MEADOW PIPITS 

1 LITTLE EGRET.

On South Huish Marsh - 28 WIGEON , 41 TEAL, 1 M SHOVELER, 

8 MALLARD, 14 MOORHEN, 1 MUTE SWAN , CANADA GOOSE, 

2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 7 LAPWING, 7 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 RAVEN, 2 BUZZARD, 5 PIED WAGTAIL, 6 WATER PIPIT 

GULLS - 5 BLACK HEADED, 4 HERRING, 1 LESSER B B 

'South Milton Ley 

at 08.40 John reported - 30 FIELDFARE, BULLFINCH, GREAT SP WOODY, 8 TEAL 

My visit 11.20- 12.40 -

25 CHAFFINCH, 1 M CIRL BUNTING, 2 GOLDCREST, 60 + CHIFFY, 

3 ROBIN, 2 BLUE TIT, 4 GREAT TIT, 4 LONG T TIT, 4 SONG THRUSH,

5 BLACK BIRD , 1 CETTIS  WARBLER , 15 MAGPIE 

56 species recorded today 

TUES 28 FEB 

Anothersunny morning with a cold NE F3 wind . A quiet end to the month .

08.50-10.00 Seawatch -

160 GANNET ( inc a feeding flock of 100+ ), 40 RAZORMOT, 

2 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 8 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 

GULLS - not many ! - 3 BLACK HEADED -NW, 4 HERRING -NW, 2 GREAT B B - rocks .

On rocks - 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 20 ROCK PIPIT 

'On South Huish Marsh -

30 WIGEON, 32 TEAL, 2 M SHOVELER, 1 MUTE SWAN, 5 SNIPE, 

7 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 CURLEW, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 

2 HERON, 12 MOORHEN, 2 RAVEN , 2 BUZZARD, 15 MIPIT, 

6 PIRD WAGTAIL, 1 WATER PIPIT

GULLS - 20 HERRING, 3 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B 

MON 27 FEB 

Another sunny morning feeling cold in a brisk F3/4 NE wind 

-8.30 - Thurlestone village 1 F BLACK REDSTART 

08.50-10.00 Seawatch 

50 GANNET, 23 RAZORMOT, 2 FULMAR, 13 COMMON SCOTER, 

1 F RED B MERGANSER - NW @ 09.03 ( 115 ) , 1 RED T DIVER -

on sea @ 09.55 2 RAVEN, 1 CHIFFY, 2 SKYLARK -S 1 PIED WAGTAIL -N 

On rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER 

ON Soth Huish Marsh -

30 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 2 M SHOVELER, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 9 MOORHEN , 7 LAPWING, 7 SNIPE, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 

At 10.45 a F MARSH HARRIER (115) picked up flying over the marsh , watched quartering over the Marsh until 11.15 when it landed in the reeds .

GULLS - 3 LESSER B B , 5 HERRING, 1 BLACK HEADED 

SUN 26 FEB 

SUNNY morning with a cold NE F4 increasing 6 wind 

09.00-10.00 Seawatch 

17 GANNET, 12 RAZORMOT, 1 MUTE SWAN -N, 12 CORMORANT, 1 M STONECHAT, 9 TURNSTONE-N flew across the Bay, 

GULLS - 14 HERRING, 8 BLACK HEADED, 3 GREAT B B 

'South Huish Marsh -

30 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 2 MALLARD, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 1 MUTE SWAN, 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 LAPWING, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 

1 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT.

GULLS - 20 BLACK HEADED, 15 HERRING 

Aveton Gifford - tidal road - the Colour ringed GREENSHANK ( from Norway ) reported by Richie 

Modbury- early afternoon Richie had a HOUSE MARTIN over his garden - a very early spring migrant 

Late afternoon in fields near the sewage works 30 REDWING & 

20 FIELDFARE 

SAT 25 FEB 

Thanks to Alan Pomroy details of the ringed GREENSHANK on the tidal road on 2 Feb and found by Geoffrey Foale on South Efford Marsh on 22 Feb are -

Ringed on 19/8/22 at Blindheimsvikare , Vigra, Norway

As far as we are aware this is the first control sighting of  wader from Norway on the patch 

FRI 25 FEB 

Bright periods after an overcast start , calm until 11.00 then N F4 wind .

Seawatch 09.00-1010-

18 GANNET , 18 COMMON SCOTER (5-nw, 13-se ), 2 BLACK T DIVER 

on sea 09.45, 1 RED T DIVER -on sea 09.30, 1 FULMAR -nw, 20 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 2 RAZORMOT-on sea .

GULLS - 20 BLACK HEADED, 18 HERRING, 1 GREAT B B 

On rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 20 ROCK PIPIT 

On South Huish Marsh-

29 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 1M SHOVELER, 1 MUTE SWAN, 7 LAPWING, 

2 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1DUNLIN, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 12 MOORHEN, 20 MIPIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1KESTREL, 

1 CHIFFY

GULLS - - -23 BLACK HEADED, 10 HHERRING, 1 GREAT B B 

THURS 23 FEB 

CLOUDY with light showers , feeling cold with a brisk NNE F4 wind .

'Seawatch 08.40-10.00 -

71 GANNET -NE, 6 COMMON SCOTER ,, 2 MALLARD -N, 1 RAZORMOT-NW, 1 GREAT N DIVER -on sea @ 09.55, 9 CORMORANT, 1 MIPIT-N 

GULLS - 41 HERRING-NW, 8 GREAT B B -NW, 3 BLACK HEADED-SE 

On rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER 

On South Huish Marsh -

25 WIGEON, 28 TEAL, 1 M SHOVELER, 2MALLARD, 7 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 10 SNIPE, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON, 

3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 MUTE SWAN, 2 STONECHAT, 1 WATER PIPIT- 

late afternoon Richie had 3

WED 23 FEB 

Sunny morning feeling cold with a NW F4 wind .

Only time for a Seawatch - 08.50- 10.10 - quiet !

51 GANNET , 2 FULMAR -NW, 1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 5 GREAT B B GULL -NW, 11 CORMORANT, 1 SKYLARK -N 

'On the rocks 16 OYSTERCATCHER 

Very few Gulls this morning 

Very interesting report from James K of sightings of 2 Whales in the Bay - this mornings cold have been a Fin , afternoon sighting off Bolt Tail not identified. Yesterday he had both RED T and GREAT Nothern Divers off Bolt Tail 

Late News from Eric - 2 FIRECREST in car park at Aveton Gifford 

TUES 21 FEB 

A cloudy morning , calm resulting in a flat sea .

Seawatch 08.50- 10.00 best for weeks with 2 year ticks 

13 GANNET-SE, 1 GREAT N DIVER -on sea @09.10, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (112) -on sea then flew se , 1 TEAL & 1 COMMON SCOTER ( together ) flew se, 1 M 1F TUFTED DUCK ( 113 ) - on sea @ 09.45, 14 RAZORMOT ( 7 on sea, 4 -nw, 3 se ) 13 CORMORANT, 

3 SHAG, 

GULLS - a pod of 8 Dolphin attracted a feeding flock of 230 HERRING , 35 BLACK HEADED - on sea with 2 ad MEDITERRANEAN 

On rocks - 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 1W BLACK REDSTART .

Near South Milton - 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 FIELDFARE, GREEN & 

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 

On South Huish Marsh - 

22 WIGEON , 40 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 5 MALLARD, 1 HERON, 

1 MUTE SWAN , 7 LAPWING, 20 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 

1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RAVEN, 40 + MIPIT, 1 M STONECHAT, 

1 CHIFFY, 1 SONG THRUSH 

At 12.00 the flock of 22 WIGEON flew back onto the Marsh from sea with them were the pair of TUFTED DUCK - they flew back into the bay .

This is the first Feb record for TUFTED DUCK SINCE 2018

South Milton Ley -ringing

27 CHIFFY, 2 FIRECREST, 3 GOLDCREST, 1 BLACKCAP, 1BREED BUNTING (114).Also on site -2 TEAL, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 GREEN & 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, 2 JAY 

Based on the ratio of ringed to unringed  birds his estimateof the total this  winter is 370 CHIFFY

MON 20 FEB 

Day out around the Exe Estuary & marshes - not as good as I was expecting.

Exminster Marshes -

2 M 3F PINTAIL, WIGEON, TEAL, SHOVELER, 2 TUFTED DUCK, 

25 LAPWING, 500 GOLDEN PLOVER, 500 BRENT GOOSE -DB 

EXE Estuary-

AVOCET, CURLEW, REDSHANK, DUNLIN, BLACK TAILED GODWIT.

Powderham Bridge- Exe Est- low tide-

50 PINTAIL, 8 RED B MERGANSER, SHELDUCK, 1 GREAT C GREBE, 15 GREY PLOVER, 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 1 GREENSHANK, 

1 FIRECREST.

Dawlish Warren - on sea-

6 GREAT C GREBE, 1 GUILLEMOT, 1 F COMMON SCOTER.

Finished at Stover Park -

20 TUFTED DUCK, 1 M 1F GOOSANDER, 2 WIGEON, 1F SHOVELER

Moth trap lit up last night 8 of 3 species - details on the Moths page

SUN 19 FEB 

A SUNNY MORNING with a light W breeze

On South Huish Marsh -

20 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 1 M SHOVELER, 1 F MALLARD, 3 AD MUTE SWAN, 6 LAPWING, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 MOORHEN, 1 CHIFFY

4 STONECHAT, 14 PIED WAGTAIL, 75 MIPIT .

Offshore- 4 GANNET-NW + feeding flock of 25, 10 CORMORANT, 

1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 10 BLACK H GULL 

In my garden at 12.00 a REDWING 

FRI 17 FEB 

Cloudy with drizzle, offshore visibility poor, wind WSW F4 

A short Seawatch at 09.00 only produced 6 CORMORANT, 2 GREAT B B GULL, 2 MIPIT-N 

'On rocks - 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 16 BLACK HEADED GULL 

On South Huish Marsh -

18 WIGEON , 51 TEAL, 3 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 10 MOORHEN, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1CURLEW (over ), 1 CHIFFY

Thurlestone Marsh -12.30- A flock of 35 SNIPE in flight 

'Around South Milton Ley - SNIPE, GREY WAGTAIL, WATER RAIL, 

FIELDFARES, BLACKCAP, COAL TIT., GREAT SP WOODY .

Put the moth trap on last night - details on the moth pages 

THURS 16 FEB 

A cloudy morning with showers, sea mist and drizzle rolled in 09.30 

Brief Seawatch - 8 GANNET, 2 CORMORANT 

On the rocks - 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 HERRING GULL, 16 BLACK H GULL 

On South Huish Marsh - numbers of WIGEON continue to fall , only 16 today, 51 TEAL, 2 M SHOVELER, 8 MALLARD , 1 AD MUTE SWAN, 

2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 10 MOORHEN, 1 WATER RAIL, 

8 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT , 1 WATER PIPIT,, 1 CHIFFY 

1 SONG THRUSH.

MY Garden - 1 M CIRL BUNTING 

At Aveton Gifford 06.45 - Barn Owl & TAWNY OWL 

WED 15 FEB 

Overcast start brighter later , wind SSW F3

Seawatch 09.00-10.00-

1 GANNET -SE, 13 RAZORMOT (5-se, 8 on sea ) 7 CORMORANT, 

3 SHAG , 2 RAVEN -SE 

Steady passage of GULLS all SE- 105 KITTIWAKE, 145 HERRING, 21 BLACK HEADED, 4 MED (3ad 1 2W ), 2 LESSER B B . At 09.45 a single SANDWICH TERN (111) flew SE across the Bay .

On the rocks / beaches - 18 ROCK PIPIT, 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 

8 TURNSTONE, 3 RINGED PLOVER 

On South Huish Marsh -

29 WIGEON, 33 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 1 M SHOVELER, 3 AD MUTE SWAN , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 6 LAPWINH, 3 SNIPE, 

1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 4 RAVEN , 2 WATER PIPIT, 2 M  STONECHAT, 8 MOORHEN, 1 SKYLARK, 30 MIPIT

TUES 14 FEB 

Lovely sunny morning , light SE breeze-

9.00 Seawatch - 

2 GANNET-SE, 8 KITTIWAKE-SE , 50 HERRING GULL, 2 RAZORMOT-SE, 11 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 28 WIGEON -on se ( flock from marsh ), 2 SKYLARK-S, 3 LINNET-S ( 110 ), 6 OYSTERCATCHER-on rocks , 

10.00- South Huish Marsh -

28 WIGEON , 50 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 LAPWING, 8 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 3 WATER PIPIT, ,5 MIPIT , 6 PIED WAGTAIL  , 6 SKYLARK,

GULLS - 30 BLACK HEADED, 8 HERRING, 3 LESSER B B 

MON 13 FEB 

Back on the patch this morning - Overcast with a SE F3 wind .

Short Seawatch unproductive- 1 GANNET, 2 COMMON SCOTER, 

18 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 1 PEREGRINE, 3 GREAT B B GULL 

South Huish Marsh -

28 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 6 MALLARD , 2 SHOVELER, 1SHELDUCK, 

11 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 LAPWING, 1 SNIPE, 35 CANADA GOOSE, 

1 MUTE SWAN, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFY, 6 WATER PIPIT, 

9 MOORHEN, 3 SKYLARK , 2 STONECHAT, 2 STARLING, 1 M CHAFFINCH, 8 PIED WAGTAIL 

GULLS - 135 BLACK HEADED, 3 AD MED , 25 HERRING, 8 COMMON

4 LESSER B B 

CYPRUS FRI 10 FEB 

Last birdwatching day- started with a long walk around PAPHOS 

HEADLAND -

25 RED THROATED PIPIT, 10 CRESTED LARK, 100+ SPANISH SPARROW, many MIPITS, 3 WHITE WAGTAIL, 8 GREAT TIT, 30 GOLDEN PLOVER, 6 CORMORANT/SHAG, 8 STONECHAT, 1 ZITTING CISTICOLA, 4 BLACK REDSTART, 3 KESTREL, 9 CORN BUNTING, 2 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 4 GREENFINCH, 1 GOLDFINCH , 4 CHAFFINCH, 1 WREN 

Afternoon - AGIA VARVERA- -1 SNIPE , 1 ZITTING CISTTICOLA,

1 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 M SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 

CHUKER, 2 GOLDFINCH, 10 SERIN 

Aspro Dam - 1 PEREGRINE 

TRIP LIST 83 species .

CYPRUS- THURS 9 FEB 

Day trip to the sites around Larnaca , fabulous day apart from driving covered 460km 

Larnaca Sewage Works - 10.30 

1m 1F POCHARD , 150 TEAL, 300 SHOVELER, 8 GADWALL, 2 FERRUGINOUS DUCK, 1 REDSHANK, 1 SANDERLING, 8 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 3 BLACK NECKED GREBE, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 20 LITTLE GREBE, 1 F SARDIAN WARBLER, LOTS OF GULLS 

YELLOW LEGGED, CASPIAN, ARMENIAN, HEUGLIN, 1 BALTIC 

SPIROS POOL -

8M 4F PINTAIL, 250 SHOVELER, 10 REDSHANK, , 1 F RUFF, 25 LAPWING, , 10 DUNLIN, 20 LITTLE STINT, 2 KENTISH PLOVER 

LARNACA SALT LAKE -12.30 

300 FLAMINGO, 750 BLACK H GULL 25 SHELDUCK-then the surprise of the day an adult in summer plumage WHITE WINGED BLACK TERN

Oroklini Beach - 3 SANDWICH TERN, 4 BALTIC GULL 

'Jumbo Drain - 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 4 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 

'Oroklini Marsh - 400 + SHOVELER, 70 TEAL, 14 PINTAIL, 4M 2F RED CRESTED POCHARD , 1M 1F POCHARD, 1 F TUFTED DUCK, 4 GADWALL 15 LITTLE GREBE, 350 COOT, 28 BLACK WINGED STILT

1 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 1 CORMORANT, 2 CHIFFY, 100 FLAMINGO

15.45 Airport Pools South -

4 AVOCET, 20 DUNLIN, 10 LITTLE STINT, 1 STONE CURLEW, 

feeding over the pool was the WHITE WINGED BLACK TERN 

Trip list 79 species

CYPRUS UPDATE- MON - WED 8 FEB 

Week started with thunderstorms, gale force winds and lashings of rain , thankfully Tue & Wed back to normal long sunny periods if still cool 

MON 6 FEB Mandria 

2 KESTREL, 1 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR , 70 + SKYLARK 4 CRESTED LARK, 2 GOLDEN PLOVER, 2 GREENFINCH, 3 STONECHAT, 

2 YELLOW L GULL, 1 CASPIAN GULL, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 MIPIT

Paphos Sewage Works 

17 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 5 SERIN, 1 CHAFFINCH, 40 COLLARD DOVE (1 flock ) , 

late afternoon-1 GREAT WHITE EGRET flew over 

AGIA Varvara- 15.00

6 MAGPIE, ,30 JACKDAW, , 2 LITTLE GREBE, 4 MOORHEN, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 WHITE

WAGTAIL, 2 BLACK REDSTART, CHAFFINCH 

Aspro Dam - 16.00

4 GREAT C GREBE, 2 CORMORANT, 1 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 1 GREY HERON , 2 GOLDFINH, 1 GREAT TIT, 4 CHUKAR, 40 JACKDAW

Mandria - 16.45 

20 WHITE WAGTAIL, 8 LESSER SHORT TOED LARK 

Trip list - 38

TUES 7 FEB - Trip to Akrotiri-

Zakaki Marsh - 1030

1 m BLACK FRANCOLIN, 2 INNET, 1 F MARSH HARRIER , 2 CETTIS WARBLER 

Ladies Mile - flock of 500 BACK HGULL, 2 ARMENIAN GULL 

10 YELLOW L GULL, 50 FLAMINGO 

Akrotiri Sat Lake - Only 8 FLAMINGO, 1 MARSH HARRIER

Akrotiri Marsh -

20 SHOVELER, 60 TEAL, 50 MALLARD, 10 CATTLE EGRET, 8 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 21 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 

4 MARSH HARRIER, 4 SWALLOW

Kensington. Cliffs

1 GRIFFON VULTURE, 1 F BLACK REDSTART 

Secret Valley - 6 COOT, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 

4 HOUSE MARTIN 

Mandria - 16.00

1 MARSH HARRIER, 50 SKYLARK, 2 KESTREL, 8 GOLDEN PLOVER, 

1 TAWNY PIPIT, 1 SHAG .

Passage of GULLS close inshore - in 30 mins -18 YELLOW L GULL, 3CASPIAN GULL, 1 HEUGLIN GULL, 1 BALTIC GULL 

WED  8FEB 

Agia Varvara - 10.15 

2 COOT, 2 MALLARD, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 

1 ZITTING CISTICOLA, 4 SERIN, GREENFINCH, GREAT TIT, 

Anarita -

5 CORN BUNTING , 6 STONECHAT, 3 KESTREL 

Trip list 57 species 

TUES 7 FEB 

Report from John yesterday of up to 20 BRAMBLING and up to 50 

FIELDFARE feeding in field behind Primrose Cottage on road towards South Milton . Still there this morning . 

SUN 5 FEB

Arrived in Cyprus late on Sat evening . Weather today cold windy with showers .A walk along the coast path this morning produced 

14 species- best 2m 1F BLACK REDSTART

Collecting a car in the morning- local birders confirmed few birds around at the moment . Will see what we can find 

THURS 2 FEB 

Overcast morning spent around Aveton Gifford - started at Hatch Bridge - 1 SPRAWK, 2 SONG THRUSH, 4 LONG T TIT

Tidal Road and play park-

1 LITTLE GREBE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 3 GREENSHANK, 6 REDSHANK, 4 CURLEW, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 COAL TIT, 2M 1F BULLFINCH, 

4 COLLARD DOVE, 6 GOLDFINCH, 2 GREENFINCH, CHAFFINCH, 

1 NUTHATCH, 1 CHIFFY.

One of the GREENSHANK is Colour ringed - yellow darvic-ANA above knee on right leg , red plastic ring above knee on left leg - hopefully more details to follow.

WED 1 FEB 

Started sunny but soon clouded over, wind W F5

Seawatch from flats 08.50-10.00

17 GANNET-SE, 3 GREAT N DIVER SE @09.03, 1 FULMAR-SE

9 RAZORMOT-SE, 4 CORMORANT, 2 RAVEN -S 

GULLS - 300 + HERRING, 65 BLACK HEADED,10 KITTIWAKE, 4 GREAT B B , 3 COMMON 

Rocks- 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE, 

1 LITTLE EGRET.

South Huish Marsh - Big reduction in Duck from yesterday 

25 TEAL,  30 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 10 MALLARD, 2 WATER RAIL, 7 LAPWING, 1O 10 SNI, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 LITTLE EGRET 

1 MUTE SWAN, 2 REDWING, 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 MIPIT, 4 ROCK PIPIT, 1 GOLDFINCH, 2 STONECHAT, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

South Milton Ley-

50 + CHIFFY,2 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 3 GOLDCREST, 3 SONG THRUSH, 

1 MISTLE THRUSH, 35 REDWING, 3 FIELDFARE, 6 STARLING, 

1 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 PIED WAGTAIL, 3 LONG TAILED TIT, 3 CHAFFINCH.

South Milton garden - 1 JAY

Thurlestone Village lanes - 5 STOCK DOVE, 3 BUZZARD, 1 M YELLOWHAMMER (108)

TUES 31 JAN 

Overcast morning, brisk F4 W wind 

Seawatch 08.40-09.40 

26 GANNET-SE, 5 CORMORANT-SE, 20 RAZORMOT-SE, 

GULLS -170 BLACK HEADED, 115 HERRING-SE, 10 KITTIWAKE-SE, 

7 MED ( 3ad, 4 1w ) 

Rocks/Beach - 3 LITTLE EGRET, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 19 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 TURNSTONE 

On South Huish Marsh - 75 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 2M 1F SHOVELER,

20 MALLARD, 9 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 10 SNIPE.

GULLS - 185 BLACK HEADED, 12 HERRING, 4 COMMON, 2 MED (1ad, 1 1w )

Eric reports at Aveton Gifford a TREE CREEPER (107) 

MON 30 JAN 

Sunny periods this morning with a light NW breeze .

2 visits to South Huish Marsh - 08.45- 11.15 & 16.00-17.00.

Lots of BLACK HEADED GULL in the slurry fields - over 250 morning, 100 late afternoon- no sign of the LAUGHING GULL .

On the Marsh - 45 TEAL, 70 WIGEON, 2 M SHOVELER, 30 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 12 LAPWING, 2 WATER PIPIT, 1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 25 MIPIT, 1 SKYLARK.16 OYSTERCATCHER 

On the rocks this morning- 

6 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 1 TURNSTONE, 

35 BLACK HEADED GULL, 11 MED GULL (9ad, 2 1w ), 1 BLACK REDSTART.

Late morning a flock of 40 + LAPWING over Aveton Gifford 

SUN 29 JAN 

A cloudy morning with light drizzle, wind E F3/4 

10.00-11.20 South Huish Marsh 

90 WIGEON, 70 TEAL, 30 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 14 LAPWING, 

1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 SNIPE, 

1 WATER RAIL, 3 LITTLE Egret, 2 HERON, 20 MIPIT, 8 ROCK PIPIT 

Plenty of GULLS - 175 HERRING, 260 BLACK HEADED, , 20 COMMON

6 MED, 3 LESSER B B 

Aveton. Gifford - at 07.30 Richie had a SPOONBILL. (105) fly over the road towards North Marsh 

Late afternoon visit by Rod Bone turned up a site first - amongst the BLACK HEADED GULLS was the LAUGHING GULL ( 106 ). 
the fields behind the Marsh are being covered with slurry , this results in large flocks of GULLS coming to the Marsh to bathe and preen 

I will be on GULL watch tomorrow morning - no Seawatch !
 

SAT 28 JAN 

Just a walk around the Thurlestone Hotel grounds this morning-

1 FIRECREST, 10 REDWING, 5 BLACKBIRD, 1 SONG THRUSH, 3 ROBIN, 6 CHAFFINCH, 1 GREENFINCH, 1 GOLDFINCH, 4 WREN ,

6 DUNNOCK, 4 BLUE TIT, 4 MAGPIE, 3 HERRING GULL, 10 ROOK, 5 CROW , 4 JACKDAW, 5 COLLARD DOVE, 10 WOOD PIGEON, 2 HOISE SPARROW, 1KESTREL

FRI 27 JAN

Started sunny but soon clouded over, ligh Nbreeze 
Seawatch 08.45-09.45- still poor 

42 GANNET, 19 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 19 RAZORMOT-NW,

1 PIED WAGTAIL -N 

On rocks/beach - 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RINGED PLOVER 

On South Huish Marsh -

110 WIGEON, 62 TEAL, 30 MALLARD, 1 M SHOVELER, 16 SNIPE, 

11 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT , 14 LAPWING , 

2 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 7 MOORHEN, 2 WATER PIPIT,

30 BLACK HEADED GULL, 40 HERRING GULL.

Report received from a resident whose house overlooks the lower part of South Milton Ley yesterday a BARN OWL and a F MARSH 

HARRIER ( 104)

Have added 2 of James Day's photos of BARN OWL to the 2023 photos page 
 

THURS 26 JAN 

Sunny morning with a cool NNE F3 breeze .

Seawatch 09.00-09.45 was worse than yesterday !

4 GANNET -NW, 5 RAZORMOT-NW, 4 RAZORBILL - on sea , 1 SHAG, 

4 CORMORANT, 14 HERRING GULL, 5 BLACK HEADED GULL.

'On rocks -4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON 

On South Huish Marsh -

95 WIGEON, 55 TEAL, 1 M SHOVELER, 24 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 LAPWING, 42 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 11 MOORHEN, 1 WATER PIPIT 

South Milton Ley 11.15-12.45 

'At least 50 CHIFFY, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 GOLDCREST, 2 LONG T TIT, 1 GREY WAGTAIL . 15 CHAFFINCH, 5 DUNNOCK 

THRUSH flocks- 25 REDWING, 6 FIELDFARE, 8 BLACKBIRD, 

1 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 SONG THRUSH .

WED25 JAN 

Overcast cold morning, light NW breeze 

Seawatch 09.00-09.45 very unremarkable-

25GANNET -NW ( one flock ), 12 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 2 HERRING GULL, 3 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 RAZORBILL ( on sea ) 

11.00- Flock of 140 WIGEON2 M SHOVELER- on sea 

On rocks - 2 LITTLE EGRET., 1 HERON, 21 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 RINGED PLOVER, 8 TURNSTONE 

​On SOUTH Huish  Marsh -

85 TEAL, 50 WIGEON ( flew off at 10.30 into the Bay ), 2M SHOVELER, 85 SNIPE  ( flocks of 50 & 20 feeding in the fields )

5 LAPWING, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 MOORHEN, 1 MUTE SWAN , 100

CANADA GOOSE 

Interesting control from Alan P of a CHIFFY on 2 jan 2023 

it had been  ringed on 22 Oct 2022 at Konfig Nature Reserve at Bridgend Wales .

TUES 24 JAN 

Sunny , light E wind, still cold 

Seawatch from car park 08.40- 09.50 

55 GANNET, 3 RED T DIVER - SE @09.00, 10 WIGEON -NW, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE-SE @ 09.25 , 10 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 30 BLACK HEADED GULL -NW, 24 RAZORBILL - on sea, 45 RAZORMOT-SE, 

On rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 TURNSTONE, 1 LITTLE EGRET 

On South Huish Marsh -

110 WIGEON, 55 TEAL, 2 M SHOVELER, 1M 1F GADWALL ( 103 )

6 LAPWING, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 85 SNIPE, 1 REDSHANK, 1 MUTE SWAN, 2 HERON, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 CHIFFY 

South Milton Ley- late morning-

50 CHIFFY, 2 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 15 CHAFFINCH, 10 MEADOW PIPIT

50 + REDWING, 4 FIRECREST, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 

1 BULLFINCH, 1 HOUSE SPARROW 

Thurlestone Garden this afternoon- 1 GREEN WOODY, REDWING.

Report from Alan P on a very busy ringing morning to follow 

118 birds ringed in total- 87 CHIFFY, 2 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 

8 FIRECREST, 6 GOLDCREST, 1 CETTIS WARBLER,

'On site 25 REDWING, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 SPRAWK, 1 PEREGRINE, 1 GREY WAGTAIL 

I had a FIRECREST in the lane leading to the sewage works , 9 is probably a site day record .

This site is probably the best in Devon for overwintering CHIFFY , 

since the first of Nov 2022 Alan has ringed 147 birds , with retraps the probable total is around 261 birds - there are still lots of birds unringed on the site .

MON 23 JAN 

Morning of bright periods, calm 

Change of venue today - started at Hatch Bridge - road closed so wellies a must 

155 CANADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 1 JAY, 3 GOLDCREST 4 GOLDFINCH 

Aveton Gifford Tidal Road 

3 GREENSHANK, 4 REDSHANK, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT (101 ) 

1COMMON SANDPIPER ( 102 )CURLEW, 1 KINGFISHER, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 2 SHELDUCK, 20 WIGEON, 32 MUTE SWAN, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 NUTHATCH, 3 COAL TIT, 7 LONG TAILED TIT, 1 GREAT SP WOODY 

Report from Yarmer Beach - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 2 STONECHAT 

A garden near South Milton Ley - 1M 1 F BLACKCAP on feeders 

SUN 22 JAN 

OVERCAST morning wind S F3

Short Seawatch 09.25-10.00 -55 GANNET, 7 CORMORANT.

On rocks - 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON, 1 F BLACK REDSTART 

On South Huish Marsh

100 TEAL, 120 WIGEON, 2 M SHOVELER, 25 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON, 1 COOT, 1 REDSHANK, 12 LAPWING, 40 SNIPE, 

4 WATER PIPIT, 250 STARLING, 1 SONG THRUSH, 2 STONECHAT

GULLS - -  40 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON , 3 GREAT B B .

On Thurlestone Marsh briefly this morning- 2 MUTE SWAN 

SAT 21 JAN

COLD MORNING, sunny periods, calm 

Garden watch this morning- 23 species inc -

1 KESTREL, 1 BUZZARD, 5 CHAFFINCH, 2 GOLDFINCH, 1 GREENFINCH, 1 LONG T TIT, 5 SNIPE, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 

2 GREEN WOODY, 1 MIPIT 

Report from South Huish Marsh -

Several MED GULLS, 6 BRENT GOOSE, 34 LAPWING ( flew in afternoon, ), 50 SNIPE, WATER PIPIT., 

South Milton Ley -

25 + CHIFFY 1/2 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 2 FIELDFARE, GREY WAGTAIL, 

2 GOLDCREST .

Aveton Gifford - FERAL PIGEON ( 100 )

FRI 20 JAN 

Another fine sunny morning, light breeze, cold o/night 

09.05-10.10 Seawatch from car park -

1 GANNET-SE, 1 BLACK THROATED DIVER (96 ) flew NW @ 09.10, at 11.40 1 flew across bay from west then came back and landed on sea .1 F COMMON SCOTER (97) flew NW, later 1 F landed on sea, flew in from W. 30 RAZORBILL- on sea, 18 CORMORANT, 4 SHAG.

GULLS -75 HERRING , 1 GREAT B B 

Between 11.20- 11.50 strong passage of RAZORMOT- many flocks largest were 50 + & 100 +, total logged were 750 +

On rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 6 TURNSTONE.

On South Huish Marsh - 

110 WIGEON, 70 TEAL, 35 MALLARD, 2 M SHOVELER, 1 MUTE SWAN, 2 HERON, 50 + SNIPE, 1 REDSHANK, 33 OYSTERCATCHER, 

6 LAPWING, 10 MOORHEN, 60 STARLING 

GULLS 35 BLACK HEADED, 1 1W MEDITERANEAN, 20 HERRING 

12.40 sat on a post in the lanes a F MERLIN (98)

Fantastic record from James K this morning of 3M 1F EIDER(99) flying ( must clean my scope !)  SE across the bay at 10.00, sat on the sea before continuing SE @10.30

THURS 19 JAN 

Over cast early, sunny later, cold, light NW breeze.

09.15- 10.15 Seawatch from car park.

7 GANNET-NW, 4 RED T DIVER ( together ) NW @ 09.35, 

1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea @ 10.10, 6 SHAG, 12 CORMORANT, 

15 HERRING GULL-NW 

South Huish Marsh -

75 WIGEON, 62 TEAL, 2M SHOVELER, 15 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 

1 COOT (93 ), 10 MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 80 CANADA GOOSE,

30 SNIPE, 7 LAPWING, 30 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 REDSHANK, 

1 F BLACK REDSTART, 1 CHIFFY, 3 CHAFFINCH, 8 SONG THRUSH 

( feeding  together)

GULLS - 30 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON, 10 HERRING 

Huxton Cross - searched all the fields- just 1 SKYLARK ( 94 ),

1 GREAT SP WOODPECKER 

In previous January's lots of Finches , Thrush flocks and in excess of 100 SKYLARK 

Thurlestone - 1 F BLACK REDSTART

Bolt Tail- 16.00- flock of 15 GOLDEN PLOCER (95) reported by James K

Aveton Gifford- Eric reports - 1F BLACKCAP, 1 SPRAWK

AT  Slapton Memorial car park at 14.30- LAUGHING GULL showing well with an Ad MED GULL

 

WED 18 JAN

JUST 35 mins for a Seawatch this morning- Bob'scar park

9 GANNET-SE, 18 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 GREAT B B GULL, 

1 CORMORANT.

South Milton Ley- report of a TAWNY OWL (91 ) o/night 

Aveton Gifford -report of 1 GREEN WOODPECKER ( 92 ), 

3 CHIFFY, 1 GREY WAGTAIL

TUES 17 JAN 

Very cold , overcast with a F3 NE wind 

Disappointing Seawatch 09.40-10.40-

1 GREAT N DIVER -SE @ 10.30, 2 RAZORMOT-SE, 6 CORMORANT, 7 SHAG .

ROCKS - 10 TURNSTONE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 AD MED GULL, 

1 LITTLE EGRET.

GULLS - 17 HERRING, 2 BLACK HEADED, 5 GREAT B B 

On South Huish Marsh -

85 WIGEON, 75 TEAL, 20 MALLARD , 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 80 CANADA GOOSE, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 2 MUTE SWAN, 

32 OYSTERCATCHER, 55 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE, 8 LAPWING, , 

3 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 REDSHANK, 4 SONG THRUSH, 

2 F STONECHAT, 2 CHIFFY, 10 ROCK,PIPIT, 1 PEREGRINE, 

1 KESTREL 100 + STARLING 

GULLS - 40 BLACK HEADED, 35 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B 

MON 16 JAN 

At last a morning of sunny and just a NW F3/4 wind , 

Seawatch 09.25- 10.40-

26 GANNET-NW, GREAT N DIVER - 1 on sea @09.30, 1 SE @ 10.05,
2 RED T DIVER- on sea @ 10.00- 1015, 1 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 SHAG, 2 CORMORANT. 

Few GULLS - 12 HERRING, 3 GREAT B B 

On rocks - 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 9 TURNSTONE, 1 LITTLE EGRET 

On South Huish Marsh -

55 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 26 MALLARD, 2 SHOVELER, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 60 CANADA GOOSE, 45 SNIPE, 32 OYSTERCATCHER, 

8 LAPWING, 1 REDSHANK, 1 LITTLE EGRET. 

'At 11.50 a flock of 30 MIPIT flew in, 6 STOCK DOVE 

GULLS - 45 BLACK HEADED, 35 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B 

A short visit to South Milton Ley , by the sewage works very fruitful,

2 CIRL BUNTING (89 ), 35 CHIFFY, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY ( 90 )

1 GOLDCREST, 1 FIRECREST, 2 LONG T TIT, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 

12 PIED WAGTAIL
 

SUN 15 JAN 

South Milton Ley- report of Barn Owl (87) early today 

A morning of heavy showers with a gale 8/9 w Wind .

On South Huish Marsh -

70 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 2M SHOVELER, 10 MALLARD, 40 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 35 OYSTERCATCHER, 

8 LAPWING, 25 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 88 ) , 1 REDSHANK, 1 DUNLIN, , 2 WATER PIPIT, 1M STONECHAT, 125 STARLING 

GULLS - 12 GREAT B B , 35 BLACK HEADED , 15 HERRING.

No offshore Seawatch - far too windy .

SAT 14 JAN 

A cou-le of reports for today -

On Thurlestone Sands - 4 RINGED PLOVER 

Eric at Aveton Gifford - 1NUTHATCH ( 85) , 2 SISKIN ( 86 ) 

FRI 13 JAN 

Another very windy morning- W F8+, sunny periods &light showers .A local meteorologist record a gust of over y-mph yesterday 

Too windy for any offshore sightings  on South Huish Marsh - 09.30-11 .15

110 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 40 MALLARD, 2 M SHOVELER, 2 MUTE SWAN, 

1 HERON , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 3 DB BRENT GOOSE ( 2 on ground, 1 few over ), 7 LAPWING, 31 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 REDSHANK, 15 SNIPE, 

1 WATER PIPIT, 50 STARLING.

GULLS - 180 HERRING, 50 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON, 1 KITTIWAKE 

WED 11 JAN 

Cloudy but dry, gale force winds WSW .

'Started at Blanksmill bridge overlooking part of Kingsbridge Estuary - 2 RED BREASTED MERGANSER, 60 WIGEON , 2 GREENSHANK, 1 LITTLE EGRET.

'On South Huish Marsh - most of the Duck sheltering in the reeds -

100 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 2 M SHOVELER, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 8 LAPWING, 15 SNIPE, 1 REDSHANK, 1 WATER PIPIT, 20 STOCK DOVE.

GULLS - 75 HERRING, 30 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON, 5 GREAT B B 

2 LESSER B B 

On Sunday along tidal road at Aveton Gifford- 3 DB BRENT GOOSE, 

6 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 17 CURLEW 

TUES 10 JAN 

'Another cloudy morning with some light showers and a SW F7 wind 

No Seawatch due to the poor offshore visability.

on South Huish Marsh - 09.20-11.00

7 SHELDUCK ( 83 ) , 152 WIGEON, 100 TEAL , 35 MALLARD, 2 M SHOVELER, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 80 CABADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 12 MOORHEN, 20 SNIPE, 8 LAPWING, 26 OYSTERCATCHER, 

3 DUNLIN ( 84 ), 1 REDSHANK, 15 STARLING, 1 STONECHAT.

GULLS - 135 HERRING, 45 BLACK HEADED, 3 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B .

QUICK VISIT to Southdown Farm - very few birds - just 

4 YELLOWHAMMER, 2 SKYLARK 

MON 9 JAN 

Nice sunny weather for our annual January day visit to Cornwall. 
11.00 - Waquer Key 

60 AVOCET, BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 3 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 

CURLEW, REDSHANK, DUNLIN, OYSTERCATCHER, WIGEON, TEAL, 

SHELDUCK .

Hannafore - Looe 

2 ( possibly 3 ) SLAVONIAN GREBE , 2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE , 

3M 1F EIDER, 6 AD MED GULL , 1 COMMON SCOTER, 1 TURNSTONE .

Although I didn't see any Diver a GREAT NOTHERN was reported by another birder .

Millbrook Estuary -

3 BRENT GOOSE- pale bellied ( in previous years have seen up to 8 )

4 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 6 AVOCET, 10 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 

1 KNOT, REDSHANK, CURLEW, OYSTERCATCHER, WIGEON TEAL

SKYLARK .

Torpoint ( fading light ) - 2 GREAT N DIVER 

At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - 

1 BLACK REDSTART , 5 LAPWING
 

SUN 8 JAN 

Stormy & wet 0/night , heavy showers this morning , WSW F8 wind , very rough seas.
Seawatch 09.30-10.30- 

12 GANNET -NW, 7 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 KITTIWAKE-SE, 4 GRET B B GULL, 5 HERRING GULL 

At 10.00- an ad ( white ) ICELAND GULL (81) flew SE over the rocks with an ad HERRING GULL .

On South Huish Marsh - 30 MALLARD, 40 TEAL, 105 WIGEON, 2 M SHOVELER, 30 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 REDSHANK, 2 SNIPE , 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN , 1 SONG THRUSH 

GULLS - 1 COMMON GULL, 35 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B , 5 BLACK HEADED 

'On South Milton Ley -

60 REDWING, 2 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 RAVEN, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 FIRECREST, 25 CHIFFY, 14 MAGPIE .

Report from John of 4 RINGED PLOVER (82) on Yarmer Beach on 1 Jan 

SAT 7 JAN 

Morning visit to Stover Park surprisingly sunny after a stormy night .on the lake - 12 WIGEON, 14 TUFTED DUCK, 2 MANDARIN, 

1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 LITTLE GREBE.

Around the feeders 12+ COAL TIT, 2 MARSH TIT 3 NUTHATCH , 1SISKIN, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, many BLUE & GREAT TIT, CHAFFINCH 

Along the lanes - 6 FIELDFARE flew over 

 Reports yesterday of year ticks on the patch of - STOCK DOVE (77 )

JAY (78 ), FIELDFARE (79 ) , F BLACKCAP ( 80 ) 

FRI 6 JAN 

An overcast but dry morning , light SW breeze. Another morning away from the patch with a visit to Slapton Ley 

Although I am not a regular visitor this is the lowest record of Ducks I can remember -

40 GADWALL, 120+ TUFTED DUCK, 2 WIGEON , 1 M GOLDENEYE, 

5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 2 CETTIS WARBLER.

Offshore - 40 + COMMON SCOTER, 1 GREAT N DIVER. At 11.00 the LAUGHING GULL was located on the beach at TORCROSS with a small group of BLACK HEADED GULL , better photos this time 

Stopped off at Kingsbridge Est on the way back - 

1F RED BREASTED MERGANSER & diving next to it a F SCAUP 

THURS 5 JAN 

Another cloudy dry mild morning , wind SW F4.

Short Seawatch 09.30-1015 8 GANNET, 1 FULMAR ( 74 ) , 

3 KITTIWAKE, 3 RAZORMOT-SE , 1 RAZORBILL & 2 GUILLEMOT- on sea , 

on rocks - 2 TURNSTONE ( 75 ) , 10 OYSTERCATCHER 

'On South Huish Marsh-

2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 30 CANADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 M SHOVELER, 110 WIGEON, 80 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 1 HERON ( 76 ) 

1 LAPWING, 10 SNIPE, 4 MOORHEN, 75 STARLING, 2 M STONECHAT.

WED 4 JAN - Very interesting day culminating in a Lifer !

Cloudy but at ieast a dry day, brisk F5/6 SW wind .

09.15  Aveton Gifford tidal road - although low tide only just got through the flooded first causeway 

11 LAPWING, 4 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK (68 ) , 4 CURLEW ( 67 ) 

1 MISTLE THRUSH, 1 GREAT SP WOODPECKER, 1 SONG THRUSH, 

1 KINGFISHER (69 ) , 1 LITTLE GREBE ( 70 ) 

on South Huish Marsh 10.20

2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 20 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 LAPWING, 2 MUTE SWAN, 50 STARLING, 6 REDWING, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 CHIFFY, 

67 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 2M SHOVELER 

South Milt Ley - 12.00 

 2 RAVEN (73 ) 2 Water Rail (74), 25 CHIFFY, 25 REDWING, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1GOLDCREST, 3 LONG TAILED TIT, 1 SPRAWK (72 ) 

Afternoon visit to Beesands- 15.00 

Superb views of a 2W LAUGHING GULL ( a lifer ) - both over the beach and roosting on the Ley at 1610 , also 1 m RING-NECKED DUCK, TUFTED DUCK, 1 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, only 5 COOT 

TUES 3 JAN 

Not a day for watching birds - heavy rain with a F7 WSW wind .

On South Huish Marsh -

70 + WIGEON, 80 + TEAL, 2 M SHOVELER, 25 MALLARD, 40 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 30 OYSTERCATCHER, 

10 LAPWING, 35 SNIPE, 1 REDSHANK, 1 M STONECHAT, 1 WATER PIPIT , 3 MIPIT, 

GULLS - 1 MED GULL, 2 COMMON GULL, 105 BLACK HEADED, 45 HERRING, 6 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B 

A Seawatch 10.00-11,15-

32 GANNET, 3 RED T DIVER, 1 GREAT N DIVER, 4 GUILLEMOT, 

2 RAZORBILL, 3 KITTIWAKE, 4 CORMORANT, 5 SHAG, 1 PEREGRINE.

Yesterday At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 42 new birds inc-

13 CHIFFY, 3 DUNNOCK, 4 FIRECREST, 7 GOLDCREST, 3 LONG TAILED TIT, 6 WREN, 2 REDWING, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, also 1 UK control CHIFFY

MON 2 JAN 

A lovely sunny morning with only a light breeze .

Around the lanes - 2 REDWING, GREAT TIT, 6 MIPIT

Kingsbride Est 

3 GREAT CRESTED GREBE , REDSHANK, GREENSHANK, DUNLIN, OYSTERCATCHER, CURLEW , WIGEON, TEAL, SHELDUCK, 70 BRENT GOOSE, 8 COMMON GULL , HERON, LITTLE EGRET, .

Gara Bridge - spent over an hour  by the river- ,very enjoyable -

1 MARSH TIT, 4 LONG TAILED TIT, 2 COAL TIT, 2 GOLDCREST, 

GREEN WOODY, GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, NUTHATCH, JAY, 

2 DIPPER ( 1 Colour ringed ), GREY WAGTAIL, 2 GOOSANDER .

IN CAR PARK AT Aveton Gifford - 1 F BULLFINCH, 3 CHIFFY , nearby

BLACK REDSTART 

New photos added , 

1 JAN 2023 

Late start this morning !, cloudy with light showers , wind SW F5/6 

16 Species around the garden inc- 4 CHAFFINCH, 8 GOLDFINCH, 

14 GREENFINCH, 1 SONG THRUSH , COLLARD DOVE .

Car park by South Huish Marsh was full by 12.30 with cars queuing 

to gain entry . On the Marsh -

27 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 LAPWING, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 6 MOORHEN, 

40 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 24 MALLARD, 40 TEAL, 

75 WIGEON, 2 M SHOVELER, 75 STARLING, 1 STONECHAT, WREN ,

DUNNOCK, 1 CHIIFY, 1 KESTREL, BUZZARD, 1 MUTE SWAN , 

GULLS - 55 BLACK HEADED, 40 HERRING , 5 LESSER BLACK BACK .

Offshore - 3 GANNET, CORMORANT, SHAG 

Report from Eric at Aveton Gifford- MISTLE THRUSH, SONG THRUSH, 

COAL TIT, LONG T TIT, GREY WAGTAIL, GREAT SP WOODY , 

REDSHANK 

....