FRI 13 SEPT
South Huish Marsh-am
9 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 4 DUNLIN, 2 REDSHANK, GREAT WHITE EGRET, 2 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET , 30 BLACK HEADED GULL,
15 MALLARD, 18 TEAL, 2 KESTREL, 25 SWALLOW, 3 SAND MARTIN,
2 HOUSE MARTIN, 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 1 JUV WHINCHAT ( 160), 30 STARLING,
COPSE - 5 CHIFFY,
ROCKS - 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 REDSHANK ( later flew onto marsh ), 1 LITTLE EGRET, 45 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 AD 1 1W MED GULL
TUES 10 SEPT
South Huish Marsh - am
Peregrine causing mayhem amongst waders with a couple of flyovers. 5 Black Tailed Godwit , a few DUNLIN. Great white Egret still on the Marsh
Final stage of the remedial work on the Marsh will be carried out by Rory from Friday 13 th Sept - likely to take 2days, so expect some disturbance around the front pool
He will then move on to South Milton Ley to clear the ditch on the right hand side from the Sewage Works to the Boardwalk
SUN 8 SEPT
Cloudy calm morning with light showers .
10.30- South Huish Marsh
1 GREAT WHITE EGRET , 2 HERON, 20 MALLARD, 14 TEAL, 80 BLACK HEADED GULL
Waders-
21 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 6 BAR- TAILED GODWIT -10.45 Flew off E up The Valley , 1 SNIPE, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 25 DUNLIN ( 10 flew off E up The Valley )
SAT 7 SEPT
South Huis Marsh 07.00- report from Richie
18 BLACK TAILED & 1 BAR TAILED GODWITS , 50 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, WHEATEAR
Late afternoon report of a GREY PLOVER on the rocks
Lunchtime at Aveton Gifford Eric reports - 20 HOUSE MARTIN & 2 SWIFT
FRI 6 SEPT
A morning of sunny periods , light NNE breeze .
South Huish Marsh - morning
1GREAT WHITE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 8 MOORHEN
22 MALLARD, 18 TEAL , KESTREL, PEREGRINE, 8 SWALLOW,
1 JUV STONECHAT, 35 LINNET, 1 F WHEATEAR, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL
95 BLACK HEADED GULL, 2 HERRING GULL
Waders -
60 DUNLIN, 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 7 BLACK TAILED GODWIT,
1 WHIMBREL, 1 GREENSHANK , 1VGREEN SANDPIPER, 1 SNIPE
1 RINGED PLOVER, 1 KNOT
Rocks - 95 BLACK HEADED GULL, 2 HERRING GULL
Rocks - 19 OYSTERCATCHER , 5 BLACK HEADED GULL
Offshore - 20 GANNET, 2 CORMORANT
Late Afternoon report of 19 BLACK TAILED GODWIT , GREAT WHITE EGRET still,on the marsh
WED 4 SEPT
Report from Nick - South Huish Marsh
30 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT,
1 RUFF, 4 WHEATEAR, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, HOBBY
MON 2 SEPT
Report from Richie - South Huish Marsh
21 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 1 RUFF, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 4 SNIPE , 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL
SUN 1 SEPT
South Huish Marsh
report from Richie at 16.00 today - 12 DUNLIN, 4 juv REDSHANK,
3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 RUFF, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT , 2 CATTLE EGRET
30 Aug - Aveton Gifford -
Eric reports - 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, CURLEW, 2 SPIT FLY
TUES 20 AUG
First visit for some time to South Huish Marsh - plenty of water on the 2 pools and lots of inviting mud around the front pool .What a disappointment- not a single wader on the Marsh even after yesterday's heavy rain. Only birds seen were -
55 Mallard, 6 TEAL, 2 MOORHEN, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON,
2 BLACK HEADED GULL , 10 HERRING GULL, 20 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 BUZZARD, 15 STARLING, SWALLOW & HOUSE MARTIN .
Short Seawatch only produced 75 GANNET, 3 CORMORANT, 40 HERRING GULL
On the rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 BLACK HEADED GULL,
4 MED GULL ( 2ad , 2 1W ) , 1 LITTLE EGRET .
At least tonight should be back to the moth traps
TUES 9 JULY
Nick reported 15 DUNLIN on South Huish Marsh today .
Recent sightings around my Thurlestone garden - GREEN WOODY,
BLACKCAP, CHIFFY, CIRL BUNTING, LONG TAILED TIT, SKYLARK,
SWALLOWS , SWIFT , SPRAWK .
At South Efford Marsh - Breeding HOUSE MARTIN, HOBBY
Most of my time is currently spent on the large variety of moths trapped in my garden - full details and photos on the moth pages
THURS 20 JUNE
Eric reported a F Goshawk over his garden at 12.00 at Aveton Gifford (151 )
South Milton Ley
Alan ringed 52 birds this morning inc- 3 CETTIS, 21 CHIFFY, 6 REED WARBLER, 4 SEDGE WARBLER
On site a Garden Warbler (152)
of the CHIFFY 19 were juv's - obviously a good breeding season .
FRI 14 JUNE
Seawatch from flats 09.00-10.25
9 GANNET -SE, 1 FULMAR-SE, 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER- SE @ 09.05 ( 150 ) , 12 COMMON SCOTER -SE @ 09.10 , 10 CORMORANT,
5 SHAG, 2 RAZORMOT-SE
GULLS- 60 HERRING, 2 GREAT BLACK B , 5 KITTIWAKE-SE
On Beach/Rocks - 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 PIED WAGTAIL, ROCK PIPITS , LINNETS
South Huish Marsh - 10.30-11.20
Plenty of evidence of successful breeding -
25 MALLARD + 13 young, 4 SHELDUCK with broods of 7 &6,
10 Canada Goose with 24 gosling .
Also- 5 MOORHEN, 2 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON , 1 LITTLE EGRET,
1M STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFY, 3 PIED WAGTAIL, 2 LINNET, 2JV RAVEN
15 HOUSE MARTIN
SUN 2 JUNE
A report from James at Hope Cove this morning of flocks of Manx Shearwater both on the sea and flying across the Bay - at least 150, also 7 Common Scoter
He also saw some Risso's Dolphin in the Bay- a very scarce visitor
SUN 26 MAY
reports received of 4 RINGED PLOVER on the beach . Later 4 SANDERLING
Thurlestone Garden -
GREEN WOODPECKER, SEDGE WARBLER, BLACKCAP, CHIFFY .
3 SWIFT in village
TUES 21 MAY
Alan spent the morning at South. Milton Ley where he ringed 32 birds amongst which were-
2 BLACKCAP, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 4 CHIFFY, 8 REED WARBLER ( 1 with a Jersey ring) 6 SEDGE WARBLER
Recent records from my Thurlestone Garden-
GREEN WOODPECKER, JAY, CHIFFY, BLACKCAP, LONG TAILED TIT , TAWNY OWL
WED 15 MAY
Seawatch fro seat above Yarmer Beach, 09.30- 10.45 , bright periods , wind SSE F4- very little moving .
Only waders on the beach - 6 OYSTERCATCHER
14 GANNET -SE, 12 KITTIWAKE-SE, 12 CORMORANT.
At 09.50 picked up 2 COMMON TERN flying and feeding, SE across the Bay .
'Gulls - 2 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B
Along the coast path - 2m 1F STONECHAT, 1 WHITETHROAT, 8 LINNET , 1 SKYLARK
Late news -
At South Huish Marsh -evening - HOBBY
Report from Aveton Gifford - A Cuckoo( 148 )
TUES 14 MAY
Rained until 10.30 then sunny periods , brisk F5/6 ESE wind .
Seawatch from flats 09.40- 11.30
Once the rain and poor visibility cleared away the birds started moving -SE
Highlight was a single ARCTIC SKUA flew SE @ 10.20 and 3 ARCTIC TERN ( 147) 2 SE @ 10.50 & 1 @ 10.57
60 GANNET -SE, 4 FULMAR-SE, 2 SHELDUCK-SE, 1 M MALLARD -SE,
10 CORMORANT, 6 RAZORMOT-SE , 3 HOUSE MARTIN
GULLS - 26 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B , 3 KITTIWAKE-SE
On South Huish Marsh -
6 SHELDUCK , 8 MALLARD , 2 MUTE SWAN , 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 KESTREL, 10 HOUSE MARTIN, 3 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN , 3 SWIFT
Late news -
'At 17.30 a HOBBY flew SE over Thurlestone Marsh .
Late afternoon a WHEATEAR at South Huish Marsh
THURS 9 MAY
Late afternoon report from South Huish Marsh
17.30 - found by Nick T -
1m 1F GARGANEY ( 146 ) , 1M 1 F TUFTED DUCK , AVOCET still showing well , flock of 12 BAR TAILED GODWIT & 1 WHIMBREL flew over straight up The Valley , 1 WHIMBREL On the marsh , 7 on the rocks
late news of 11 Redshank flew in briefly at 19.15
WED 7 MAY
'Nice summers day, little breeze .
09.45 - South Huish Marsh
Avocet - still showing well, 7 WHIMBREL, 3 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 2 MUTE SWAN, 10 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW,
3 RAVEN, SEDGE WARBLER, BLACKCAP, CHIFFY
Thurlestone Garden - pm
5 BUZZARD ( soaring high ) , 1SPRAWK, 1 JAY, 1 GREEN WOODY, BLACKCAP, CHIFFY
TUES 7 MAY
South Huish Marsh
AVOCET still showing well, this morning 5 WHIMBREL.
Thurlestone Garden-
this morning 2 M BLACKCAP, CHIIFY , 1 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
SUN 5 MAY
A wet morning , poor visibility, light E breeze
South Huish Marsh
3 SHELDUCK, 6 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 6 MOORHEN, 2 HERON
1 AVOCET( 145 ) 1 DUNLIN, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL, 2 STONECHAT,
4 SAND MARTIN, 25SWALLOW, 15 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 PIED WAGTAIL, REED & SEDGE WARBLER
In the gloom offshore 2 GANNET -SE
The AVOCET is only the 2nd MAY record in the last 7 years
WED 1 MAY
A cracking start for MAY with 2 year ticks -
At Aveton Gifford Eric reported a SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (143 ) &
a WILLOW WARBLER .
At South Huish Marsh at 15.30 a Report of an elusive BITTERN (144 )from the car park - a few years since we last recorded this specie on the patch , also a M PINTAIL, 1 F WHEATEAR
MON 29 APRIL
Report from James at Hope Cove
am - a dp ARCTIC SKUA flew SE , pm 289 MANX SHEARWATER -SE ,
4 RED T DIVER ( 3-SE, 1 ON SEA )
SAT 27 APRIL
Heavy showers this morning produced good numbers of Hirundines.
Seawatch from 10.00 -11.15
27 GANNET, 12 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 FULMAR, 8 RAZORMOT,
4 TEAL- NW, 6 KITTIWAKE, 5 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG
ON rocks 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET
WHIMBREL - this morning , 6 on rocks , 7 in silage field, 9 in off .,
4 on marsh
BAR T GODWIT - 3 in off ( with WHIMBREL)
South Huish Marsh -
6 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 50 + SWALLOW , 15 SAND MARTIN (2 flocks ) , 4 HOUSE MARTIN
Late news for MON 22 APRIL
A report via Eric of a PURPLE HERON ( 142) in the ditch /reeds by the overflow car park pool and the Marsh .
The person who reported it gave a good description and was not aware of the bird at Beesands on Wednesday
First site record for a few years
FRI 26 APRIL
Cloudy wet morning, wind E 3/4
09.20- 11.20 Seawatch
Sheltered and dry by the flats -
87 GANNET, 107 MANX SHEARWATER, 4 FULMAR, 3 RAZORMOT-NW
1 BLACK THROATED DIVER - IN BAY close in , partial sp
1 SHAG, 17 CORMORANT, 26 SWALLOW - in off sea
Rocks -
9 WHIMBREL, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET
South Huish Marsh - very Little -
7 SHELDUCK, 1 M TEAL, 1 HERON, 10 SWALLOW, 2 SAND MARTIN., 1 HOUSE MARTIN
THURS 25 APRIL
A cloudy and overcast morning with a cold NNW F4/5 wind
09.15 BAY
1 GREAT N DIVER - SE @ 10.45 , 7 GANNET, 1 GREYHERON -NW
( about 1.5 miles offshore ) 4 RAZORMOT-SE, 3 SHELDUCK-NW
( high ) 1 SHAG, 12 CORMORANT, 45 MANX SHEARWATER -NW ( long way out )
Rocks -
11 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT & 19 WHIMBREL ( flew in @ 09.50 , flew off up valley @ 10.45 ) 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1GREY HERON , KESTREL over
South Huish Marsh -
2 GREYLAG GOOSE ( not hybrid ) ( 141 ) , 7 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL,
First big movement of Hirundines - 11.05- 40 SWALLOW,
1 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SAND MARTIN & @11.35 another wave of 25
SWALLOW, 2 HOUSE MARTIN 1 SAND MARTIN
All flew off north
At South Milton Ley Alan only ringed 8 new birds in 5 hours-
1 REED WARBLER, 1 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 WHITETHROAT, 1 CIRL BUNTING
Also on site- 1 PEREGRINE, 1 TAWNY OWL, 20 SWALLOW & 10
HOUSE MARTIN
WED 24 APRIL
News from Yarmer Beach -
7 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 TURNSTONE, 4 WHIMBREL, 1 CURLEW, 2 WHITETHROAT
West Buckland Valley
Spent 3 hours this morning walking The Valley, very enjoyable with plenty of birds in song . I logged 27species, interesting were -
11ROBIN, 12 BLACKBIRD, 4 WREN, 6 CHIFFY, 8 BLACKCAP,
12 BLUE TIT, 7 GREAT TIT, 1 RAVEN, 1 YELLOWHAMMER, 7 GOLDFINCH, 1 GREENFINCH, 4 CHAFFINCH, 2 DUNNOCK, 3 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 2 CIRL BUNTING, 3 GREAT SP WOODPECKER,
1 GREEN WOODPECKER, 5 SWALLOW, 3LINNET
TUES 23 APRIL
Afternoon of bright/sunny periods, wind NW F3/4
15.30-17.00 South Huish Marsh
4 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 5 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 2TEAL,
12 SHELDUCK, 2 COOT, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET,
1 SPRAWK, 8 SWALLOW , 1 SWIFT - stopped for a drink before continuing north
MON 22 APR
Overcast morning light breeze, showers in afternoon.
09.30- Rocks
2 Little Egret, 1 HERON, 8 WHIMBREL, 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT,
2 OYSTERCATCHER.
On sea-
6 CORMORANT, 1SHELDUCK, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL
South Huish Marsh -
morning- 14 SHELDUCK, 2 MUTE SWAN ( both adults), 2 COOT, 1 HERON, 3 SWALLOW , 1 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 BUZZARD
15.00-16.15-
11 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 10 WHIMBREL ( up valley), 2 DUNLIN, 8 SWALLOW
Rocks - 5 WHIMBREL, 1 CURLEW
11 .15 South Milton Ley
2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODY.
9 BUZZARD watched soaring up The Valley in groups of - 3, 3, 2 &1
Ringing Control - SEDGE WARBLER
Controlled at S M Ley by Alan P on 18 April-
Ringed as an adult at Lytchett Bay on 25 July 2018 .
Remarkably this small bird has crossed the Sahara Dessert 14 times !
SUN 21 APRIL
Suuny cool morning E f4 breeze.
09.30 Bay
2 GANNET, 2 RAZORMOT
Rocks -
3 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 14 WHIMBREL a further 20 flew in and then straight up The Valley @ 10.45, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 OYSTERCATCHER
South Huish Marsh
10 SHELDUCK, 2 COOT, 3 RAVEN, 8 SWALLOW, 2 HOUSE MARTIN,
1 SEDGE WARBLER, 1WHEATEAR, 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 3 LITTLE EGRET
SAT 20 APRIL
Sunny morning , cool, with a brisk F4 ENE WIND
At this time of the year E winds usually means offshore passage - this morning was poor compared with expectations. Stood in a sheltered spot on the hill near Bob's car park from 09.00-12.15
24 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 1 GREAT N DIVER -NW @ 09.30,
2 KITTIWAKE-NW, 2 SANDWICH TERN-NW , 8 CORMORANT,
1 SHELDUCK - on sea , 13 BAR TAILED GODWIT - 7 @10.32 landed on rocks , flew off up The Valley @10.45, 6 landed on rock @11.25
( still there when I left )
16 LINNET - S, 6 GOLDFINCH-S , 2 SWALLOW-N
Evening reports from the Marsh -
1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER ( 139) , 1 RINGED PLOVER, 3 WHIMBREL
1 SWIFT ( 140)
FRI 19 APRIL
Cloudy cool morning with a brisk NW F4/5 wind
09.00 - 72 GANNET -NW- included 3 lines of 9, 8, &6 adults - a great sight
1 BLACK T DIVER -NW @09.35, 6 RED T DIVER - NW @10.04 - 1 flock
5 COMMON SCOTER-NW , 14 CORMORANT, 2 RAZORMOT
On rocks - 3 WHIMBREL, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET
South Huish Marsh -
7 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL, 2 COOT, 1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET.
5 SWALLOW
Could only find 2 WOOD SANDPIPER - at the back of the marsh
viewed from the gate to the middle house .
Report from the lanes around the marsh of 5 WHITETHROAT
THURS 18 APRIL
A sunny morning , light NW breeze, cool
09.00 -Bay
Offshore passage quiet in 45 mins just 1 GANNET-SE, 1 FULNAR-SE, 6 CORMORANT
On sea 4 SHELDUCK + 2 flew in from W
WHIMBREL - a total of 23 birds landed on the rocks - 2 @10.15,
11 @ 10.40, 5 @ 11.00, 5 @ 11.05
BAR TAILED GODWIT (138 ) - 1 flew in with the first 2 WHIMBREL ,
still in winter plumage
All of them flew off SE @11.20
South Huish Marsh -
Found the 3 WOOD SANDPIPER feeding at the back of the Marsh with a BLACK TAILED GODWIT, RUFF still at the front of the island .
A report of a RINGED PLOVER on the scrape at 11.30
11 SHELDUCK, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 2 HOUSE MARTIN,
1 REED WARBLER
Late reports for -
South Huish Marsh - 15.30
18 BAR TAILED GOWIT. & 14 WHIMBREL flew in and went straight up The Valley
South Milton Ley-
10 REED WARBLER , UP to 5 SEDGE WARBLER , CETTIS WARBLER
1 WILLOW WARBLER
Village garden -
2 BULLFINCH
WED 17 APR
Sunny periods ,cold NW F 4/5 WIND
Seawatch/Bay - 09.10-10.40
33 GANNET -NW, 7 COMMON SCOTER-NW, 1 BLACK T DIVER - on sea @10.05 ( flew in from W ) 1 GREAT WHITE EGRET -NW across Bay about 2 miles out , 1 PUFFIN - Flew in from SE landed on sea @ 09.15.14 RAZORMOT-SE, 6 CORMORANT, 24 KITTIWAKE-NW
On rocks- 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 WHIMBREL
South Huish Marsh - 10.40-12.00
9 SHELDUCK, 7 M MALLARD & 3F with a total of 22 ducklings , 1 F TEAL, 3 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT
Still singles of RUFF & WOOD SANDPIPER in the reeds - very elusive
2 Swallow
Yesterday StuartL ( he of Golden Oriole fame ! ) walked through South Milton Ley - 1 WILLOW WARBLER (137 )
Report from Richie this evening - RUFF & 3 WOOD SANDPIPER still on the Marsh this evening although elusive
TUES 16 APRIL
Wind abated to a NW 5/6, heavy showers interspersed with bright periods
Seawatch 09.00- 10.45 -
DIVERS - 1 GREAT N -nw @09.05
RED T - 1 nw @ 10.10, , 1 on sea @10.18
BLACK T - on sea 1 @10.18 & 1 @1023
TERNS - 8 SANDWICH -se , 2 COMMON _- se, 1 LITTLE ( 135 ) se @09.35
3 KITTIWAKE -nw .
At 10.00 picked up a HOBBY ( 136 ) flying in off the sea by the rock
On rocks -
9 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 TURNSTONE
South Huish Marsh -10.45 - 12.00
Could only find 1 WOOD SANDPIPER & 1 RUFF Sheltering in the reeds . 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT , 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 14 SHELDUCK, 1 M TEAL, 7 MALLARD, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CATTLE EGRET
1 COOT, 6 MOORHEN, 14 SWALLOW, 2 HOUSE MARTIN , 2 SAND MARTIN, 2 CHIFFY
MON 15 APRIL
Heavy rain early morning, NW gales F9 .Short visit to South Huish Marsh-
WOOD SANDPIPERS, RUFF & BLACK TAILED GODWIT still present , difficult to find due to them hiding in the reeds
Also -
20 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 SHELDUCK, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 RAVEN,
1 SWALLOW
SUN 14 APRIL
What a day for the patch with a life tick and 5 year ticks .
-9.25 South Huish Marsh
3 WOOD SANDPIPERS & 1 RUFF still showing well, also a nice summer plumage BLACK TAILED GODWIT , 19 OYSTERCATCHER,
2 CATTLE EGRET, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 6 TEAL, 9 SHELDUCK,
3 SWALLOW , 1 HOUSE MARTIN (130 ) SEDGE WARBLER & REED WARBLER (129 ), 2 CHIFFY
On rocks near Yarmer Beach - Rob & Steph had 4 PURPLE SANDPIPER ( 131 ) , later I had a WHITETHROAT ( 132 ) in the gorse .
However the find of the day & year was found at 12.00 by Stuart Logan - a stunning male GOLDEN ORIOLE (133 ) a life tick for patch `& UK .Last recorded around 13.40 - seen by a number of local birders
At 15.15 Rob & Steph had a RED KITE (134 ) over South Milton
SAT 13 APRIL
Overcast afternoon, wind W f4/5
South Huish Marsh - 15.20-16.00
3 WOOD SANDPIPER (127 ) 1 RUFF, 1 DUNLIN, SWAN GOOSE, 2 SWALLOW -
Record spring count for WOOD SANDPIPER
FRI 12 APRIL
Mobile again car back on the road .
Sunny ( at last ) morning with F3 SW breeze .
09.25- South Huish Marsh
9 SHELDUCK , 5 M MALLARD, 9 TEAL, 1 MUTE SWAN, 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 COOT, 6 MOORHEN, 23 OYSTERCATCHER
2CHIFFY 2 SWALLOW
Late afternoon news from Richie -
First WHIMBREL flock with 31 birds flying in at 18.15 , 2 GREENSHANK at the back of the marsh , 7 CATTLE EGRET ,
Small numbers of SWALLOW & SAND MARTIN .
Of interest a SWAN GOOSE has been coming into the marsh late afternoon with some CANADA GOOSE
Early morning Report of an OSPREY OVER the Marsh
MON 8 APRIL
Ideal spring passage conditions this morning with a cloudy horizon and a F5 SE wind - unfortunately someone forgot to inform the birds
Spent 3hours from 09.00 seawatching from the car park - ended up with the worst totals of the year.
23 GANNET -SE, 4 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK-SE, 9 CORMORANT, 4 SHAG, 20 GREAT B B GULL -SE ( mostly singles ) , 1 OYSTERCATCHER-SE, 1 SWALLOW ( in off )
Rocks - 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 SHAG .
No more than 30 HERRING GULL .
SUN 7 APRIL
Bright periods SSW gales f8/9 very rough seas
Seawatch from car park 09.25-11.00
38 GANNET-SE, 6 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 2 KITTIWAKE-SE, 3 WHIMBREL-SE, 1 GUILLEMOT - on sea, 1 SWALLOW-N
Rocks/field-
4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 CORMORANT, 3 CATTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE EGRET
From Hope cove - James 10.00-1130
1 dp ARCTIC SKUA- SE @ 10.30 , 2 SANDWICH TERN , 2 AD MED GULL -SE , HE Also had the SCOTER & SWALLOW
SAT 6 APRIL
Sunny periods with a strong SF6 wind
Thurlestone Marsh - 08.00-
3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SHELDUCK, 2 CANADA GOOSE
09.30-11.00 Seawatch from car park
20 GANNET-SE, 21 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 1 FULMAR-SE,
5 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 7 BLACK HEADED GULL
6 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG
On rocks -
1 WHIMBREL ( 124 ) , 2 OYSTERCATCHER
South Huish Marsh -
Early Report of a SWALLOW
Late afternoon at the Marsh - 5 SWALLOW, 8 SHELDUCK ,
3 CATTLE EGRET, 5 LITTLE EGRET
FRI 5 APRIL
Reports received-
James at Hope Cove morning-
22 SANDWICH TERN, 5 COMMON SCOTER, 1 DP ARCTIC SKUA ( 124)
Nick - South Huish Marsh - morning-
2 SWALLOW
THURS 4 APRIL
Another morning of bright periods with a SW f 6/7 wind , hazy offshore.
Seawatch from 09.30-11.15 again disappointing-
22 GANNET - NW, 1 RED T DIVER -SE @ 09.46, 5 COMMON TERN - SE
@ 09.47 , 2 KITTIWAKE-NW, 6 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG
WED 3 APRIL
The rain stopped ! , bright periods eve a glimpse of the sun , wind
W F7
08.00- Thurlestone Marsh -
2 SHELDUCK, 4 MALLARD, 2 CANADA GOOSE , GREENFINCH
Seawatch from car park - 10.00-11.00-
31 GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 1 COMMON TERN -SE @10.30
( 123 ), KITTIWAKE, KESTREL, STONECHAT
Walked over to South Huish Marsh - even more flooded after yesterdays rain - 7 TEAL, 4 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 5 MOORHEN,
19 OYSTERCATCHER
On rocks -
3 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 TURNSTONE
South Milton gardens -
GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, JAY, LONG TAILED TIT, TAWNY OWL
MON 1 APRIL
Showers and bright periods today , my birding limited to the garden and adjacent Thurlestone Marsh -
2 SHELDUCK, 4 MALLARD, 1 HERON, 2 BUZZARD, PIED WAGTAIL,
1M 1F BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY
At Aveton Gifford Eric reports NUTHATCH, COAL TIT, MISTLE THRUSH, 3 M BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY
Late report from South Huish Marsh -
5 CATTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 WATER PIPIT ( summer plumage ) , 1 SANDWICH TERN - on rocks
SUN 31 MARCH
F6 E winds with bright periods, joined by Richie from 08.00, with Rob & Steph & me from 09.00- given the conditions another disappointing morning.
93 GANNET- SE, 3 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 7 COMMON SCOTER-SE
1M 1F GADWALL -SE, 10 MALLARD, 9 SHELDUCK-SE
5 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 10 BLACK HEADED GULL ,
1 AD MED GULL, 1 M STONECHAT, 3 PIED WAGTAIL , 14 MIPIT -S
4 LINNET-S , 1 SKYLARK
SAT 30 MAR
Sunny periods this morning with a SSEF 3/4 wind .
07.45 - Thurlestone Marsh
4 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 6 MALLARD., 2 SHELDUCK, 1 MMTEAL, 2 CANADA GOOSE , 1 CHIFFY
09.00-1030 & 14.00-14.30 Seawatch from car park
30 GANNET - SE, 5 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 12 COMMON SCOTER -OB SEA increased to 15 @ 14.00 , 2 CANADA GOOSE -SE, 3 GREAT B B GULL-NW, 1 GUILLEMOT- ON SEA 12 MIPIT-S , 3 LINNET-S
FRI 29 MAR
Sunny periods with a brisk F6/7 SSW wind .
Seawatch from car park - disappointing 09.20-11.20
50 GANNET-SE , 1 FULMAR-SE, 1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 1 SANDWICH TERN
SE @ 10.50 , 7 GREAT B B GULL- NW
Report from Richie early morning @ South Huish Marsh -
8 SHELDUCK, 1 CURLEW, 1 M WHEATEAR
Thurlestone Marsh - plenty of shallow water resulted at 08.00-
2 SHELDUCK, 9 M MALLARD , 2 CANADA GOOSE, 1 HERON
THURS 28 MAR
After 2in of snow at 22.30 last night this had melted by 09.00 ,
a very wet day with frequent heavy rain, winds F8/9 SSW
09.30- South Huish Marsh
full flood again , only duck were - 5 SHELDUCK, 8 TEAL, 4 MALLARD ,
4 LITTLE EGRET ( no sign of any Cattle Egret ), 17 OYSTERCATCHER
1 M WHEATEAR ( field behind cafe )
Seawatch from flats 09.40- 11.00 - poor visibility in rain , very rough seas -
135 GANNET -SE, 2 FULMAR-SE, 1 SANDWICH TERN-SE
2 MALLARD-SE, 5CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 2 RAZORMOT-SE,
1 COMMON GULL -SE, 2 KITTIWAKE-SE , 2 GREAT B B GULL-SE
On rocks-
10 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET.
Report from John @ Hope Cove- morning
8 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 1 COMMIC TERN -SE , FULMARS
KITTIWAKES
WED 27 MAR
A day of heavy showers of rain & hail , gale force winds from SW .
2 report from James at Hope Cove -
08.30 Monday 25 Mar at 08.30 a MANX SHEARWATER ( 121 ) flewSE
12.15 today - Hope Cove
2 BONXIE ( 122 ) flew SE , also 3 SANDWICH TERN , 7 RED THROATED DIVER, KITTIWAKES & COMMON GULLS
I went down this afternoon - got soaked in a hail storm - 14.45-16.15
On South Huish Marsh -
6 SHELDUCK, 11 TEAL, 6 MALLARD , 6 MOORHEN, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 2 MUTE SWAN, 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE,
10 PIED WAGTAIL
Offshore -
95 GANNET-NW , 1 FULMAR-SE, 3 RAZORMOT-NW,
On rocks- 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 9 TURNSTONE, 1 LITTLE EGRET
Next few days look interesting for seawatching particularly Sunday with strong SE winds - birds flying up the channel will get blown into the bay and take the overland route to Dorset
TUES 26 MAR
After a hectic w/end of celebrations last of our family returned home this morning enabling me to go over to the Marsh
Early morning reports of a GREAT WHITE EGRET on the marsh and a F BLACK REDSTART on the flats
Late morning-
1M 1F WHEATEAR ( behind the cafe ) 1 M REED BUNTING,
10 CATTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 5 TEAL, MALLARD., 2 SHELDUCK, 6 MOORHEN, 2 MUTE SWAN.
On the rocks -
2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET,
BAY -
1 GANNET-NW, 1 RAZORBILL- on sea
Interesting report from Alan of the 50th CHIFFCHAFF recovery
since 1993- ringed on 30/9/23 - recovered 19/11/23 at
Quinta da Atalia, Setubal, Portugal , 50 days distance 1342 KM .
This is a first CHIFFY recovery in Portugal
FRI 22 MAR
11.30 over Thurlestone Marsh-
2 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN
By my garden - 1 mBLACKCAP, 1 CHIFFY
THURS 21 MAR
Cloudy cooler morning, wind WNW F3
South Huish Marsh
7 SHELDUCK, TEAL, MALLARD , 11 CATTLE EGRET, 3 LITTLE EGRET,
2 HERON , 1 M REED BUNTING
Ofshore -
1 GANNET, 1 BLACK T DIVER ( on sea 09.35 ), 8 RAZORMOT - ON SEA
ROCKS -
4 TURNSTONE, 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET
WED 20 MAR
Bright periods ,mild with a light Sw breeze
09.30- South Huish Marsh - Big reduction in wildfowl
11 CATTLE EGRET , 8 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 30 TEAL,
1 SHELDUCK, 6 MALLARD, 4 SNIPE, 10 MOORHEN, 2 COOT , 2 CHIFFY, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 SPARROWHAWK
On sea -
3 COMMON SCOTER, 1M 1F SHOVELER, 1M GADWALL, 3 GUILLEMOT
4 SHAG
On rocks -
2 TURNSTONE, 3 LITTLE EGRET
TUES 19 MAR
Cloudy , poor visability due to mist and drizzle, wind SW F3/4
09.30- South Huish Marsh
50 TEAL, 5 SHOVELER (3 m) , 1 F WIGEON, 2 SHELDUCK, 6 MALLARD, 2 HERON, 10 CATTLE EGRET, 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 COOT, 6 MOORHEN, 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 CHIFFY
Brief Seawatch 10.40-11.15 - poor visibility
20 GANNET-SE, 2 FULMAR-SE, 2 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG,
8 GUILLEMOT - on sea + 17 RAZORMOT ( too far out for id )
MON 17 MAR
Sunny periods with light showers , wind SW F4
Offshore - just a feeding flock of 150 + GANNET
South Huish Marsh - left 11.30
50 TEAL, 2 F WIGEON, 2 SHELDUCK, 9 SHOVELER ( 5m 4 f )
9 CATTLE EGRET, 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 1 CHIFFY, 2 STARLING,
20 OYSTERCATCHER
Between 10.45 - 11.10 a pulse of Hirundines-
14 SWALLOW, 5 SAND MARTIN
My garden -
1F CIRL BUNTING, 1 CHIFFY
SUN 17 MAR
Sunny periods this morning, SW breeze F 3/4
Seawatch 09.00- 09.50-
3 SHAG, 9 CORMORANT ( 3 &4-se ) , 34 GANNET-SE, 1 FULMAR - NW
7 RAZORMOT ( 2-SE, 5 on sea, ) 1 GREAT N DIVER -SE @ 09 25
Rocks - 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET South Huish Marsh-
Big reduction in wildfowl from Friday !
25 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 9 SHOVELER, 3 SHELDUCK, 11 MALLARD,
11 CATTLE EGRET , 4 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 3 COOT, 5 MOORHEN
1 WHITE WAGTAIL ( 119 )
15.30 - Thurlestone Marsh- outside my garden -
2 SWALLOW (120 ) - still present at 16.25
Report from Nick who walked through South Milton Ley-
GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, CETTIS WARBLER
In his garden - 1 F BLACKCAP
SAT 16 MAR
Reports received today -
Richie @ South Huish Marsh - 3 SAND MARTIN (118) ,
1 M REED BUNTING
John @ Yarmer Beach -
8 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 3 DUNLIN
FRI 15 MAR
Overcast morning with rain from 09.45, wind SW F7
Seawtch- 0840 -09.40
GANNET - Large feeding flock of over150 , 20-SE, 1 FULMAR-SE,
2 KITTIWAKE-SE, 5 CORMORANT, 1 SHSG
3 GUILLEMOT - on sea, 5 RAZORMOT-SE
25 BLACK HEADED GULL -SE ( 1 flock )
-9.45-10.45 - South Huish Marsh
40 TEAL, 30 WIGEON, 1 F PINTAIL, 18 SHOVELER, 3 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD ( all males ) , 3 COOT, 5 MOORHEN, 4 MUTE SWAN,
8 CATTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 22 OYSTERCATCHER,
1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 2 CHIFFY
Lanes - 12 -00 12 STARLING, 1 MISTLE THRUSH
THURS 14 MAR
A cloudy morning , showers and a brisk SSW F5 wind .
Seawatch from the flats 09.20- 10.45
Largest GANNET total this year - 150 flew SE plus a feeding flock of at least 80 birds.
12 COMMON SCOTER - 1 F on sea , 10-SE, 1 NW , 2 PINTAIL - SE @ 10.12 , 1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea @ 10.22, 5 CORMORANT , 2 SHAG
At 10.25 picked up a SANDWICH TERN ( 116 ) in the Bay, 10 min later there were 2 feeding together
On rocks 20 OYSTERCATCHER
On South Huish Marsh - 10.45-11.45 -
70 TEAL, 28 WIGEON, 16 SHOVELER, 1 F PINTAIL, 1 SHELDUCK,
4 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 9 CATTLE EGRET, 5 LITTLE EGRET,
3 COOT, 7 MOORHEN , 22 OYSTERCATCHER.
At the back of the marsh a BLACK TAILED GODWIT ( 117 )
Late afternoon- Eric had a male BLACK REDSTART in Aveton Gifford
WED 13 MAR
A cloudy morning with a brisk F5 WSW wind
09.15 South Huish Marsh
Highlight this morning was a pair of TUFTED DUCK ( 115 ) - still present when I left at 12.00
Also - 50 + TEAL, 35 WIGEON, 2 SHELDUCK, 1 F PINTAIL, 18 SHOVELER, 12 MALLARD , 1 LITTLE GREBE, 4 COOT, 5 MOORHEN
4 LITTLE EGRET, 11 CATTLE EGRET, 2 MUTE SWAN , 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 STONECHAT, 10 GOLDFINCH
GULLS - - 85 BLACK HEADED, 18 GREAT B B , 6 LESSER B B
70 HERRIING
On rocks - 1 TURNSTONE 1 LITTLE EGRET, 3 OYSTERCATCHER ,
1 RAVEN
Bay- 8 GANNET, 1 RED T DIVER -NW, 20 BLACK HEADED GULL -SE, 1 1W MED GULL,
SERIN - PHOTOS from Richie Moore
MON 11 MAR
A sunny morning with a light WNW f2/3 breeze , cloudy afternoon
Highlight of the year so far was found by a Plymouth birder ( my apologies I am terrible with names - must be an age thing ! ) I got the call at 14.00 and dashed off to South Huish Marsh - a SERIN (114 ), found in the overflow car park, initially very difficult to pick up, however between 15.00- 15.35 gave superb views down to 50 feet -a patch tick for me- no 268 .
Whilst a first for the site there are historical records of pairs breeding in the grounds of Thurlestone Hotel in 1978., 1981/82
Another spring migrant arriving with the SE gales on Thursday /
Friday of last week
Earlier in the morning birds on the Marsh were-
55 TEAL, 25 WIGEON, 14 SHOVELER ( 8 males ) , 1 F PINTAIL,
1 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD, 4 MUTE SWAN, 3 COOT, 7 MOORHEN ,
6 CATTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 SNIPE, 1 REDSHANK, ,
14 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 CHIFFY, 20 MIPIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 LINNET
1 KESTREL
GULLS - 45 HERRING, 6 GREAT B B , 5 LESSER B B , 5 BLACK HEADED, 1 ad MED.
On rocks - 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET
OFFSHORE -
1 GANNET -SE, 3 SHAG, 7 RAZORMOT - on sea, 1 SE
Late afternoon - 16.00
Whilst watching the SERIN Nick had 3 WHIMBREL fly in off the sea
SUN10 MAR
Reports received for South Huish Marsh-
3 WHEATEAR, 1 RUFF, 1 REDSHANK, 11 CATTLE EGRET
My garden late afternoon/ evening-
1 PEREGRINE - over, 2 CHIFFY, 1 LONG TAILED TIT, SONG THRUSH,
2 SNIPE, 2 TAWNY OWL
SAT 9 MAR
Another cloudy morning with light showers and a F5 E wind
Another very interesting morning
First late news for Tuesday 5 Mar late afternoon - Nick T had some WHIMBREL (110 ) flying over South Huish Marsh calling
Seawatch 09.05- 10.45
3 BRENT GOOSE flew in from west and flew straight up The Valley.
At 09.25 a M GOLDENEYE( 111) . flew in from SE and eventually landed on sea in front of the flats . This is only the 3rd record in last 10 years. Last seen 09.45
1 F COMMON SCOTER on sea, 18 GANNET, 21 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG ,
3 RAZORBILL & 1 GUILLEMOT - on sea, 3 RAZORMOT-SE
On rocks - 2 LITTLE EGRET, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 M STONECHAT
1 RAVEN - over
SOUTH HUISH MARSH 10.45-12.00
2 SHELDUCK, 18 SHOVELER ( highest marsh count for some years)
1 F PINTAIL, 22 WIGEON, 60 TEAL, 4 MUTE SWAN, 2 COOT, 4 MOORHEN, 1 RUFF ( 112 ) , 1 SKYLARK, 10 PIED WAGTAIL, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1BUZZARD
At 11.50 aM WHEATEAR (113) in the overflow car park- an early date - the first summer visitor
FRI 8 MAR
Spent the morning at South Huish Marsh , cloudy with an E F7/8 wind , from the shelter of the flats a 90 min Seawatch with first passage of ducks
On South Huish Marsh , still very flooded -
30 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 12 MALLARD , 1 F PINTAIL, 5M 3F SHOVELER
50 CANADA GOOSE, 3 MUTE SWAN, 3 COOT, 4 MOORHEN, 1 HERON,
8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RAVEN , 4 PIED WAGTAIL,
GULLS - 20 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED, 6 LESSER BLACK BACKED
Seawatch - 09.40- 11.15
14 TEAL - flew in from SE , landed on sea still present at 12.00
COMMON SCOTER - 2F -on sea, 7 &2 -SE, 4NW
SHOVELER - 2M 2F flew into Bay , landed on sea , 2 FULMAR -NW ( 109 ) , 1 GANNET -NW, 1 GUILLEMOT & 2RAZORBILL - on sea
5 RAZORMOT-SE , 6 CORMORANT, 1SHAG
10 MIPIT-N
On rocks - 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 OYSTERCATCHER
Very few Gulls - 15 HERRING, 1BLACK HEADED, 1 GREAT B B ,
2 LESSER B B
PAPHOS DAY 10 TUES 5 MAR
After dropping the car off walked the PAPHOS Headland- not that many birds -
4 STONECHAT, 2 CORN BUNTING, 4 RED THROATED PIPIT, 1 MIPIT,
2 GREY PLOVER (110 ) 1 GREATER SAND PLOVER
Walked around the mosaics site - again limited birds-
5 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 HUMES LEAF WARBLER, 4 CHIFFY,
2 F BLACKCAP, 1 F BLACKBIRD , 1M 2F BLACK REDSTART, 2 GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO, 4 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR .
With just one addition finished the trip on 110 species , considering most of spring passage has not yet started a good total
PAPHOS DAY 9 MON 4 MAR
Last day with the car decided the main area to visit would be Akrotiri
Ladies Mile/ ponds -
55 BLACK H GULL, 2 AD MED GULL, 16 SLENDER BILLED GULL,
5 YELLOW LEGGED GULL, 1 BALTIC GULL, 1 CASPIAN GULL (102)
11 KENTISH PLOVER ( 103 ) 3 LITTLE STINT ( 104 ) 2 FLAMINGO
Akrotiri Marsh -
Stll plenty of TEAL & SHOVELER, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 4 CATTLE EGRET
5 GREAT WHITE EGRET
5 RUFF (105 ) , 3 SPOTTED REDSHANK (106 ), 1 MARSH SANDPIPER
(107 ), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 GREENSHANK, 1 BLACK WINGED STILT , 6 SNIPE, 9 SPOONBILL ( 108 ) 1 WOOD SANDPIPER
2 MARSH HARRIER, BLACK FRANCOLIN, 25 STARLING, 100'S SWALLOW, 1 HOUSE MARTIN ( 109 )
16.00- Mandria-
6 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 1 NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 1M DESERT WHEATEAR, 2 SERIN, 12 WHITE WAGTAIL, 60 GREENFINCH
Flock of 14 BLACK WINGED STILT flew west towards Timi Beach
PAPHOS DAY 8 SUN 3 MAR
Short visit to Mandria this morning to see if the o/night rain brought any new migrants -
2 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 2 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 1 NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 1 E BLACK EARED WHEATEAR (100 ), 10 WHITE WAGTAIL
Drove over to Latchi for lunch- at Theletra watched a M SISKIN ( 101 ) and a pair of BONELLI'S Eagles
At Evretu Dam on way home just a F BLACK REDSTART
last day with the car on Monday off to Akrotiri Marsh area to try and find some waders
PAPHOS DAY 7 SAT 2 MAR
Hotel car park - 1 M BLACK REDSTART
09.30 - Timi Beach
9 YELLOW L GULL -E , 1 BALTIC GULL-E, 2 CHUKAR , 1 F BLACK REDSTART, 1 LONG LEGGED BUZZARD ( 93 ) drifting E
Mandria -
Larks Corner - Field
1 TAWNY PIPIT (94 ) , 2 SERIN, 5 STONECHAT, 20 SHORT TOED LARK ( 95 ) , 30 SPANISH SPARROW, 30 WHITE WAGTAIL,
2 MIPIT, 8 RED THROATED PIPIT, 2 SKYLARK, 1 NORTHERN WHEATEAR (96 ), 2 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 1 F DESERT WHEATEAR (97 )
Nata - 2 BONNELLIS EAGLE
Anarita - 1 HOOPOE (98 )
Agia Varvara-
1 LITTLE OWL , 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER ( 99 ) - village res
Paphos Sewage Works
26 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 4 CHIFFY, 4 CATTLE EGRET
PAPHOS DAY6 FRI 1 MARCH
Quieter day this morning walking around the PAPHOS Headland
Highlight was the HUMES LEAF WARBLER(90) been present for 3 days - a Cyprus tick for me
Also - 1 ROBIN, 6 STONECHAT, 2 STARLING, 20 GREENFINCH,
3 F BLACK REDSTART, 1M BLUE ROCK THRUSH, 1 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (91), 1 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, BARN SWALLOWS
Afternoon in the Bay a SHAG ( 92 )
PAPHOS DAY 5 THURS 29 FEB
LONG drive today over to the Larnaca area - very enjoyable
10.45 - Menoue Pools
200 FLAMINGO, 2 GREY HERON, 1 F MARSH HARRIER, 1 SPECTACLED WARBLER (74 )
Larnaca Sewage Works lakes -
300 SHOVELER, 20 MALLARD 2M FERRUGINOUS DUCK (75),
20 LITTLE GREBE, 5 RED CRESTED POCHARD (76), 2 CURLEW (77 )
1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT ( 78 ) 150 TEAL, 2 SPUR WINGED PLOVER
Spiros Pool -4 AVOCET (79 ) , 2 LITTLE EGRET,
Larnaka Salt Lake- 200 SHOVELER, 250 SHELDUCK (80 ), 200 Flamingo , many SLENDER BILKED GULL & BLACK HEADED GULL
OROKLINI Beach - 4 SANDWICH TERN (81), 10 BLACK H GULL ,
1 ADD MED GULL (82 )
Jumbo Drain Channel - 1 COMMON SANDPIPER (83 ) , 8 TEAL,
2 SPUR WINGED PLOVER
Oroklini Marsh - both hides
500 SHOVELER, 20 MALLARD, 150 TEAL, 2 RED C POCHARD,
5M 2F PINTAIL ( 84 ), 2 FERRUGINOUS DUCK, 2 GADWALL (85 )
3 SNIPE (86 ) 4 GOLDEN PLOVER ( 87 )1 KINGFISHER ( 88 )
22 FLAMINGO, 15 LITTLE GREBE, 11 GREAT CORMORANT,
5 BLACK H GULL, 1 ADD MED GULL, 10 BLACK WINGED STILT (89 )
3 CHIFFY, 2 STONECHAT , 4 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 2 MARSH HARRIER
WED 28 FEB - PAPHOS Holiday Day 4
Another sunny and warm day ,
10.20- AGIA Varvara
2 Cyprus Warbler, 1 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 3 STONECHAT,
1 LITTLE OWL (69 ) 10 SERIN, 1 ROBIN (70 ) 2 SONG THRUSH ,
1 BLACKBIRD (71 ), 20 CHAFFINCH
Anarita Park -
10 STONECHAT, 10 MAGPIE, 2 WOODLARK (72), 1 M BLUE ROCK THRUSH ( 73) 6 CORN BUNTING
Mandria - 1 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR
Paphos Sewage Works - 25 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 3 CHIFFY
TUES 27 FEB
Anothersunny day with a brisk breeze
10.30 Ladies Mile pools
2 COMMON SWIFT (46), 10 SLENDER BILLED GULL (47 ) , 75 BLACK HEADED GULL ( 48 ) 1 BALTIC GULL (49 ) 2 ARMENIAN GULL (50 )
2 FLAMINGO (51 ) 3 GREAT WHITE EGRET (52)
Akrotiri Marsh
100 TEAL ( 53 ) , 20 SHOVELER (54 ), 6 MALLARD ( 55 ), 10 SPUR wINGED PLOVER, 5 CATTLE EGRET (56 ), 6 GREAT WHITE EGRET,
LITTLE EGRET, 100 BARN SWALLOW, 2 MARSH HARRIER (57 )
3 WATER RAIL (58), 3 LITTLE GREBE ( 59 ), 1 GREEN SANDPIPER (60), 2 GREENSHANK (61), 2 REDSHANK ( 62 )3 GLOSSY IBIS (63)
1 SONG THRUSH (64)
Kensington Cliffs @ 15.15 - 10 GRIFFON VULTURE (65 ) - in flight
2 ROCK DOVE ( 66 )
Aspro Dam @ 16.00
1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE (67) 1 GREY HERON ( 68 ), 1 CORMORANT
MON 26 FEB
Another sunny day more of a breeze
Started off at Timi Picnic site
1 Kestrel (18) 1 SARDINIAN Warbler (19 ) , 1 Bonnellis Eagle- N (20
1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 2 GOLDFINCH (21), 1 Quail - flushed (22),
1 ZITTING CISTICOLA
Mandria -
1 F BLACK REDSTART (23 ), 3 CHIFFY (24 ), 2 GOLDFINCH, 9 WHITE WAGTAIL, 4 BARN SWALLOW , 45 STARLING (25), 2 SERIN ( 26 ),
1 M BLACKCAP (27 ), 6 LAUGHING DOVE (28), 2 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR (29 ) 65 GREENFINCH ( 30 ), 10 SKYLARK (31),
SPANNISH SPARROW (32 ), 2 KESTREL, 4 CORMORANT, 5 YELLOW LEGGED GULL-W , LINNET (33)
4 STONECHAT
Secret Valley
8 COOT (34 ) 1 MOORHEN ( 35 ) 3 LITTLE EGRET (36 ) 3 CORMORANT, 1 CETTIS WARBLER (37 ) 1 STONECHAT
Aspro Dam -
1 BUZZARD (38 ) 20 JACKDAW ( 39 ), 2 MARPIE ( 40 ) , CHUKAR (41 )2 CETTIS WARBLER
Paphos Sewage Works
35 SPUR WINGED PLOVER (42), 30 CHAFFINCH (43), 2 MIPIT (44)
1 m BLACK FRANCOLIN (45 )
SUN 25 FEB - PAPHOS CYPRUS
Arrived late last night-car being delivered on Monday.
had a walk along the coastal path from town centre to Paphos Headland in warm and pleasant sunshine - what a change from Thurlestone
managed to log 17 species inc-
4 GREATER SAND PLOVER, 4 BARN SWALLOW, 2 CORN BUNTING,
2 ZITTING CISTICOLA, 6 CRESTED LARK, 4 STONECHAT, 1 CYPRUS WARBLER, 4 RED THROATED PIPIT, 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 GREAT TIT. 7 CORMORANT on the rocks 5 YELLOW LEGGED GULL
THURS 22 FEB
Those of you who hav been very observant will have realised no birding reports from me this week - unfortunately Ann& I wentdown with flu like symptoms on Sun/Mon . Compounded by the fact we should be flying to
Cyprus on Sat
Hopefully we will have improved to make the long walk down the terminal at Bristol
TUES 20 FEB
Driving through the lanes late morning a flock of 30+ FIELDFARE flew over
information from Carol B- South Huish Marsh -
11 CATTLE EGRET, 21 WIGEON, 2 MED GULL, 1 WATER PIPIT
On the rocks a F BLACK REDSTART
MON 19 FEB
News received from Richie the ringed REDSHANK- NXN is the same bird that present from 20 Nov 2022 to 27 Dec 2022 on South Huish Marsh - it also appears to be fitted with a transmitter.
it was originally ringed Dublin Ireland last seen there on 26 Oct 2022
SUN 18 FEB
After a very wet night South Huish Marsh flood level increased.
Cloudy dry morning, WNW wind F 4/5
09.30 -
47 TEAL, 35 WIGEON, 20 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 3 MUTE SWAN,
10 CATTLE EGRET, 6 LITTLE EGRET, 5 MOORHEN, 1 COOT, 2 HERON
1 LAPWING, 1 REDSHANK, 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 14 SNIPE
1 SPRAWK, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 1W. BLACK REDSTART
GULLS -
75 HERRING, 40 LESSER B B , 10 GREAT B B , 20 BLACK HEADED, 2 AD MEDITERRANEAN
Thurlestone Garden
1 JAY, 1 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREY WAGTAIL
SAT 17 FEB
After a call from Richie went over to South Huish Marsh at 13.45
when I arrived there were still 10 CATTLE EGRET ( 107 ) - he had at least 12 earlier . Very poor visibility and a well flooded marsh , another new arrival - COOT ( 108 )
An interesting REDSHANK with a white darvic ring ( - NXN also a yellow flag on right leg above knee )
Other species logged - WIGEON, TEAL, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON,
3 MUTE SWAN, 30 SNIPE, 1WATER PIPIT
Early Morning John had a Peregrine .
Fri 16 Feb
On Thurlestone Marsh 08.00-
9 MALLARD, 5 TEAL , 20 REDWING - O/NIGHT 3 TAWNY OWL calling , 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 1 LONG T TIT
John reported a GREAT WHITE EGRET ( 106 ) flying down The Valley towards South Huish Marsh at 08.00.By the flats a BLACK REDSTART, along the coast path a RAVEN
WED 14 FEB
Cloudy damp morning- poor viz offshore
09.35 Sou Huish Marsh -
50 TEAL, 44 WIGEON, 7 MALLARD, 1 F SHOVELER, 2 MUTE SWAN,
5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 7 MOORHEN,1 LAPWING, 25 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 STONECHAT
GULLS - 30 HERRING, 1 BLACK HEADED, 2 GREAT B B , 3 LESSER B B
MON 12 FEB
A sunny dry day!, dawn frost
08.00- Thurlestone Marsh
1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 8 MALLARD.
Garden- GREEN WOODY noe a daily regular , REDWING
09.30 - South Huish Marsh
38 TEAL, 50 WIGEON, 3 MALLARD , 1 SHELDUCK, 2 MUTE SWAN, 65 CANADA GOOSE, 10 MOORHEN, 1 LAPWING, 15 OYSTERCATCHER,
16 SNIPE, 1 JACK SNIPE ( 105 ) 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 WATER PIPIT,
2 STONECHAT
GULLS - 35 BLACK HEADED, 30 HERRING, 6 GREAT B B , 8 LESSER B.B
Rocks/ Bay
5 SHAG , 6 CORMORANT, 1 LITTLE EGRET , 5 OYSTERCATCHER
6 GANNET, 6 RAZORMOT
FRI 9 FEB
After another night of heavy rain an almost dry period from 09.30
allowed me to do a 1 hour Seawatch from car park -
14 GANNET, 5 KITTIWAKE, 2 GREAT B B GULL, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL, 100+ HERRING GULL ( 90% 1W birds ) , 2 CORMORANT,
1 RAZORMOT, 1 F COMMON SCOTER - on sea , 1 GREAT N DIVER -SE @ 10.12
More water on Thurlestone Marsh than throughout the winter resulted 10 20 MALLARD on the flood this morning. At 12.30
a GREEN WOODY feeding on the lawn
Late News from Eric - 1 BLACK REDSTART , local farmer reports 2 BARN OWL regularly flying around his farm
THURS 8 FEB
After a very wet night dry morning with a F6 SW wind
09.30- South Huish Marsh
17 MALLARD, 60 TEAL, 50 WIGEON, 9 MOORHEN, 2 MUTE SWAN,
2 LITTLE EGRET, 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LAPWING, 2 SNIPE
4 STONECHAT, 2 RAVEN, 20 STARLING
Bay/ rocks
2 DB BRENT GOOSE circled Bay 3 times before continuing SE ,
8 GANNET-SE, 1 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 F COMMON SCOTER- ON SEA,
4 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 10 KITTIWAKE-SE
3 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET
Yarmer Veach - John reports - 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 20 TURNSTONE
WED 7 FEB
Carol reported a SANDERLING ( 104 ) on the car park,pool this afternoon . Eric had a MISTLE THRUSH at Aveton Gifford
TUES 6 FEB
Cloudy morning with a brisk WSW F5 wind . Spent the morning at Aveton Gifford
09.30- 11.00 Tidal Road -
14 TEAL, 10 WIGEON, 13 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 DUNLIN
1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 20 REDSHANK , 3 GREENSHANK ,
2 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 CURLEW, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 10 LESSER B B GULL, 1GREAT SP WOODY, 1 SONG THRUSH
11.00-12.20 Car park , playing field , Icy Park
1 GOLDCREST, 1 SONG THRUSH, 25 REDWING, 30 CHAFFINCH,
3 SISKIN, 5 GOLDFINCH, 4 GREENFINCH, 1 M BLACKCAP, 4 CHIFFY, 1 COAL TIT
MON 5 FEB
Dismal morning, low cloud and showers, wind WSW F5
09.40- South Huish Marsh -
33 TEAL, 50 WIGEON, 11 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 LAPWING,
5 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 MOORHEN, 4 LITTLE EGRET
Arrival of GULLS @ 11.45-
160 BLACK HEADED, 5AD 1 2W 1 1W MED , 100 HERRING,
8 LESSER B B , 5 GREAT B B
Rocks/ Bay-
19 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 AD MED GULL,
1 GREAT B B GULL, 8 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 5 GANNET-NW,
On sea - 3 RAZORBILL, 4 RAZORMOT
At Aveton Gifford Eric reported a F REED BUNTING
THURS 1 FEB & FRI 2 FEB .
Overcast morning with low cloud and light drizzle.
09.40- South Huis Marsh
24 TEAL, 80 WIGEON, 4 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 60 CANADA GOOSE, 5 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 10 SNIPE, 1 LAPWING,20 OYSTERCATCHER.
1 F STONECHAT, 5 MIPIT, 4 MOORHEN, 2 CHIFFY, 1 PEREGRINE
GULLS - 50 HERRING, 40 BLACK HEADED, 2AD 1 2W MED ,
1 LESSER B B, 3 GREAT B B
Bay/rocks - 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG
Thurlestobe Garden -1 GREEN WOODY
Yarmer Beach- 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 TURNSTONE
Yesterday - Aveton Gifford - Eric reports-
1 KINGFISHER, NUTHATCH, COAL TIT, GREAT SP WOODY, SONG THRUSH, 1 SPRAWK , 1 BLACK REDSTART
Thurlestone Garden - 1 JAY, 4 SNIPE ( over )
WED 31 JAN
Cloudy morning , light rain later , wind F4 inc6
Unexciting end to the month .
09.20 South Huish Marsh
72 WIGEON, 22 TEAL, 20 MALLARD , 2 MUTE SWAN, 65 CANADA GOOSE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 5 MOORHEN, 8 OYSTERCATCHER
1 LAPWING, 12 SNIPE, 1 F STONECHAT , 10 STARLING
GULLS - 50 HERRING, 22 BLACK HEADED, 8 GREAT B B , 3 LESSER B B
Rocks - 18 OYSTERCATCHER
Bay- 21 GANNET -NW , 7 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 GUILLEMOT-ON SEA ,
1 RED T DIVER SE @ 09.45, 1 GREAT N DIVER - SE @09.57
2 SHAG, 7 CORMORANT
TUES 30 JAN
Sunny cool morning, medium sw breeze .
-9.40- 12.30 South Efford Marsh, Aveton Gifford car park and tidal road .
6 TEAL, 18 WIGEON, 12 MUTE SWAN, 5 LITTLE EGRET. 1 HERON,
22 CURLEW, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 9 REDSHANK, 4 GREENSHANK,
1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 M BULLFINCH,
1 F BLACKCAP, 2 COAL TIT, 2 LONG T TIT, 20 REDWING,
1 MISTLE THRUSH
Watched a STOAT moving along the wall of the Marsh at the far end of the tidal road
One of the GREENSHANK has a yellow Darvic ring above the knee of its right leg - unfortunately flew off before I could get the scope on it
MON 29 JAN
Cloudy morning with a SW F5/6 wind .
09.40- South Huish Marsh
49 TEAL, 13 MALLARD, 70 WIGEON, 2 MUTE SWAN, 3 MOORHEN,
50 CANADA GOOSE, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 14 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN,
2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 F STONECHAT,
20 PIED WAGTAIL ( 1 flock 17 ), 1 KESTREL.
GULLS - 110 HERRING, 40 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED,
8 LESSER B B , 6 GREAT B B
Rocks/ Bay -
17 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 6 GANNET -SE, 2 SHAG ,
3 CORMORANT.
LANES - 8 FERAL PIGEON-N
Garden - 1 RAVEN -S
SUN 28 JAN
Aveton Gifford - Erichad the BLACK REDSTART near the pub .
A JAY in my garden
On Kingsbridge Est - Alan D reports 2 BLACK NECKED GREBE &
3 GREAT N DIVER
FRI 26 JAN
Sunny morning with a W F3/4 wind
09.35 - 11.45
South Huish Marsh -
22 TEAL, 105 WIGEON ( 2 flocks ), 2 MALLARD, 1 M SHELDUCK ,
2 MUTE SWAN , 30 CABADA GOOSE, 5 MOORHEN, 10 SNIPE,
1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 WATER PIPIT, 6 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 F STONECHAT,
20 STARLING
GULLS - 20 AD + 30 1W HERRING, 15 BLACK HEADED
Bay/rocks -
2 AD GANNET-SE, 1 RAZORMOT-SE, 6 CORMORANT-SE, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET,
GULLS - 20 HERRING-SE, 25 BLACK HEADED
Late news - 1 dead PUFFIN ( 103 ) and2 reported dead on South Milton Sands
Aveton Gifford - Eric had 4 SISKIN in the village
THURS 25 JAN
A cloudy morning with a light breeze .
An hours visit to Kingsbridge Estuary viewed from the Bowcombe
Creek slipway -
2M 2F RED BREASTED MERGANSER, plenty of WIGEON,
70 BRENT GOOSE - DB , 2 GREAT N DIVER, 1 SPOONBILL,
Waders - 500 DUNLIN, 100 REDSHANK, 20 CURLEW, 20 OYSTERCATCHER
Surprisingly no SHELDUCK
WED 24 JAN
Not as stormy as forecast overnight , sunny periods this morning with a SW F3/4 wind
9.30- South Huish Marsh
85 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 50 CANADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 6 MOORHEN, 1 HERON, 11 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 MIPIT, 1 M STONECHAT
'GULLS - 120 HERRING, 20 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON, 10 LESSER B B , 2 GREAT B B
Offshore/rocks - very poor-
1 GANNET, 3 SHAG, 2 CORMORANT, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 BLACK HEADED GULL, 10 HERRING GULL,
1 GREAT B B GULL
TUES 23 JAN
One of those days when even the birds give up! Low cloud & rain with a WSW gale 8 wind .
Spent 2 hours from 09.45 sat in the car at South Huish Marsh -
60 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 30 CANADA GOOSE, 1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 5 MOORHEN, 4 SNIPE ,
7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 F STONECHAT.
15.00 @ Aveton Gifford- Eric had a flock of 30 LAPWING fly over his house
MON 22 JAN
A morning of bright periods , wind W F8 after stormy night - F10+
09.30- South Huish Marsh
45 WIGEON, 22 TEAL, 2 MUTE SWAN, 12 CANADA GOOSE, 4 MOORHEN, 4 SNIPE
GULLS - 60 HERRING, 30BLACK HEADED, 1 LESSER B B , 6 GREAT
B B
Bay-1 GREAT N DIVER-SE @10.00, 1 GUILLEMOT- ON SEA , 1 AD
MED GULL -SE, 45 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG
Rocks/ Beach - 20 TURNSTONE, 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 15 PIED WAGTAIL, 20 ROCK PIPIT
'Huxton Cross - 8 FIELDFARE
Aveton Gifford - 1 FIRECREST, 1 1W BLACK REDSTART, 1 JAY
SUN 21 JAN
Cloudy morning with an increasing SW wind up to F8
09.30- South Huish Marsh
80 WIGEON, 62 TEAL, 5 MALLARD , 2 SHOVELER, 8 MOORHEN, 1 WATER RAIL, 3 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 4 SNIPE, 3 DUNLIN, 26 LAPWING, 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 MUTE SWAN, 7 STARLING,
1 1W BLACK REDSTART
GULLS - 250 BLACK HEADED, 20 HERRING, 1 COMMON, 3 MEDITERANEAN.
At 11.10 a MERLIN (102) flew over - attacked by a CROW, flew off back up The Valley
Rocks /Beach-
17 OYSTERCATCHER, 24 TURNSTONE,
BAY-
3 F COMMON SCOTER, 2AD MED GULL, 2 GANNET, 3 KITTIWAKE, 1 PEREGRINE- SE @ 10.45
'Huxton Cross - flock of over 35 FIELDFARE / REDWING reported
Includes reports from Ritchie's 2 visits .
SAT 20 JAN
Visit to East Cornwall - unfortunately the high tide and gale force wind kept the number of birds low .
11.15 Wacker Quay
50 + AVOCET, 2 BLACK Tailed GODWIT, 60 TEAL, 70 SHELDUCK, 4 WIGEON.
12 .15 HANNAFORE- LOOE
Could only find 1 SLAVONION GREBE, 50+ CORMORANT/SHAG -on sea , 150 + GREAT B B GULL - on Looe island . Many GANNET & KITTIWAKE offshore
15.00- Millbrook Lake & Estuary
4 LITTLE GREBE, 12 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK, 2CURLEW
FRI 19 JUNE
Very cold night followed by a sunny morning, light N breeze .
South Huish Marsh still frozen over at 10.50- very few birds
09.40-10.50 -
14 WIGEON, 5 TEAL, 1 MOORHEN, 23 SNIPE, 15 LAPWING,
2 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFY, 1 M STONECHAT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 102 BLACK H GULL , 5 HERRING GULL.
'Rocks - 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 BLACK H GULL, 1 1W MED GULL,
5 HERRING GULL.
Late morning visit to West Buckland Valley - almost all birds at the Grove Corner area- not many
2 GOLDCREST, 10 GOLDFINCH, 5 CHAFFINCH, 1HERON, 10 REDWING, 2 SONG THRUSH.
My Garden - neighbour reported a GREY WAGTAIL ( 101 ) On the house roof , 1 LONG T TIT , 1 KESTREL.
John reported from around sewage works this morning-
1 WATER RAIL, 6 SISKIN, 1 MISTLE THRUSH
THURS 18 JAN
Sunny but cold morning, light N breeze .
Morning visit to Slapton Ley - not as many duck as I expected
1M 1F GOLDENEYE, 1 M LESSER SCAUP, 1M PINTAIL, plenty of WIGEON, GADWALL , COOT, 6 LITTLE GREBE, 10 GREAT CRESTED GREBE , 2 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 1 FIRECREST, 5 CHIFFY, 8 FIELDFARE, 10 REDWING, 3 SONG THRUSH, 5 LONG TAILED TIT,
2 CETTIS WARBLER .
Early afternoon Eric returning from a poor count at S H Marsh - near Huxton Cross a flock of 100 FERAL PIGEON - this brought up the 100 species for the patch
15.15 my garden - 2 MISTLE THRUSH
WED 17 JAN
Cloudy morning no frost, wind NE F4/5
09.30-11.00 South Huish Marsh & Bay
95 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 12 MALLARD, 1 1W MUTE SWAN, 5 MOORHEN, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 6 DUNLIN, 20 OYSTERCATCHER
2 RAVEN .
BAY -
1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 99 ) , 3 F COMMON SCOTER, 9 GANNET,
4 CORMORANT, 4 RAZORMOT -ON SEA .
11.15 -11.40 South Milton Ley- Lots of disturbance due works being carried out , unlikely to be finished before March .
Only 6 CHIFFY, 2 SPARROWHAWK, 2 SONG THRUSH, 1 WATER RAIL,
24 PIED WAGTAIL ( in field ) 2 LINNET , 1 LITTLE EGRET.
Afternoon visit to Aveton Gifford-
Tidal Road -3 TEAL, 6 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 4 GREENSHANK, 10 REDSHANK, CURLEW, 2 LITTLE EGRET.5 FIELDFARE.
South Efford Marsh - Hedgerows
15 REDWING, 1 JAY, 5 LONG T AILED TIT, 2 COLLARD DOVE, 2 BUZZARD, 1 COAL TIT
TUES 16 JAN
SUNNY morning after a v cold night - marsh still frozen at 12.00
South Huish Marsh 10.40- 12.30
80 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 5 MALLARD, 2F SHOVELER, 1AD 11W MUTE SWAN, 6 DUNLIN, 1LAPWING, 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 65 SNIPE
( highest day total this year ), 8 MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CHIFFY, 1 1W BLACK REDSTART , 1 WATER PIPIT
On rocks- 2RINGED PLOVER, 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET
'BAY - 1 GANNET-SE, 1 RED T DIVER -SE @11.35
Lanes - 1 JAY
My garden - 1 GREEN WOODY
Report from Aveton Gifford- Sunday evening a BARN OWL ( 98 ) observed, today- FIRECREST , NUTHATCH
MON 15 JAN
Sunnycold morning, light NNE breeze. Marsh still partially frozen at 09.40
South Huish Marsh - 09.40-1050
122 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 9 MALLARD, 140 CANADA GOOSE,
1 MUTE SWAN, 4MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 40 SNIPE,
3 LAPWING, 11 DUNLIN, 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 F STONECHAT,
2 CHIFFY
Rocks- 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 TURNSTONE
Bay- 10 CORMORANT, 3 GREAT N DIVER - SE @ 10.52, 1 RED T DIVER - NW @ 10.54 , 6 RAZORMOT - on sea .
Lane to South Milton sewage works-
2 CIRL BUNTING, 20 LINNET ( 95 ), 1 M YELLOWHAMMER ( 96 )
1SONG THRUSH . 1 CETTIS WARBLER - ( calling by the works )
South Milton Village - 1JAY ( 97 ), 1 GREEN WOODY .
Afternoon report - On beach a BLACK REDSTART , On Marsh
1 SHELDUCK
SUN 14 JAN
VISIT off patch this morning to Gara Bridge - probably the only local site for MARSH TIT - at least 3 watched, feeders difficult to see clearly thanks to local residents managed excellent views .
Also- 4 NUTHATCH, 8 COAL TIT, 1 TREE CREEPER, 10 REDWING,
2M 1F GOOSANDER.
On way home stopped by R Avon just up river from Hatch Bridge
1 M GOOSANDER ( 94 ) , 1 GOLDCREST
SAT 13 JAN
Cloudy morning , light NE breeze, 09.50-1050 Seawatch from car park ., very poor !
6 GANNET, 3 F COMMON SCOTER - on sea, 4 RAZORMOT-on sea 2 NW, 2 RAZORBILL - on sea, 6 Cormorant, 1 SHAG.
GULLS - just 6 HERRING , 2 BLACK HEADED .
11.15- 12.45 Aveton Gifford- tidal road-
5 REDSHANK, 4 GREENSHANK, 3 DUNLIN, 3 CURLEW, 2 SONG THRUSH, 25 REDWING, 10 FIELDFARE, 1 KESTREL
Lanes - 1 MISTLE THRUSH.
FRI 12 JAN
Overcast morning , cold NE F2/3 breeze - numbers of duck continue to increase ,.
09-40- 11.45 South Huish Marsh
110 TEAL, 140 WIGEON , 6 MALLARD, 5M 3F GADWALL, 1 SHELDUCK (88)
1M 3F SHOVELER, 4 MOORHEN, 1 HERON, 1 MUTE SWAN, 40 SNIPE,
8 DUNLIN, 1 LAPWING, 5 OYSTERCATCHER
1 PEREGRINE (89 ), 1 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 2 RAVEN, 1 M STONECHAT
1 REED BUNTING (90) reported by the footbridge.
On rocks / offshore
5 GANNET, 5 CORMORANT, 3 SHAG, 3 RED T DIVER + 4 high SE @ 10.47 , 3 F COMMON SCOTER - on sea, 50 WIGEON -on sea ( May be part of the marsh flock) 4 RAZORMOT - on sea , 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE
EGRET,
GULLS - 85 HERRING, 20 BLACK HEADED, 3 KITTIWAKE, 3 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B
In lanes - 15+ BLACKBIRD, 25 REDWING, 3 SONG THRUSH
Yesterday - first pod of 10 Dolphin off Beacon Point.
South Efford Marsh - visit by Stuart Logan
1 COMMON SANDPIPER (91 ), REDSHANK ( 92 ) , 2 GREENSHANK,
2 CURLEW (93 ), KINGFISHER, BULLFINCH, FIRECREST in car park
THURS 11 JAN
Another cold morning with a NE F2 breeze .
Seawatch from carpark- 09.15- 10.30
10 GANNET , 1NGREAT N DIVER -NW@10.05, 21 RAZORMOT -SE
1 CORMORANT-NW, 7 COMMON SCOTER -SE
On sea- 62 WIGEON ( likely to be from the Marsh ), 2 MALLARD -SE,
4 COMMON SCOTER, 1 RED THROATED DIVER (86 )
Gulls - 90 HERRING, 40 BLACK HEADED, 1 MED, 1 KITTIWAKE, 2 COMMON
WED 10 JAN
After yesterday mornings light snow showers today sunny but very cold due to a NE F5 wind .Cold spell starting to produce more birds
South Huish Marsh - 10.30
1F STONECHAT (81), 1 CHIFFY, 1 GOLDCREST , 1 MUTE SWAN,
8 MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 120 CANADA GOOSE
Increase in Duck - 110 WIGEON, 80 TEAL, 1M 1F GADWALL (82 )
1 M PINTAL (83), 30 MALLARD .
Waders - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER,
30 SNIPE, 1 LAPWING.
GULLS - 30 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED, 5 GREAT B B
BAY -
On sea- 6 WIGEON ( flew in from se @ 11.15 ) , 3 F COMMON SCOTER, 3 RAZORMOT, 1 GREAT N DIVER (84 )
Rocks - 3 TURNSTONE, 2 OYSTERCATCHER
Offshore - 25 GANNET, 1 BLACK THROATED DIVER - SE @11.35 (85)
MON 8 JAN
A sunny but cold morning with an E F4 breeze- looking likely the cold spell will last the rest of this week.
1000-12.00 South Huish Marsh - water level dropping.
90 WIGEON ( highest total of the winter ) 55 TEAL, 20 MALLARD,
1 MUTE SWAN, 22 SNIPE, 2 LAPWING (75 ), 12 OYSTERCATCHER,
4 RINGED PLOVER (77 ) , 2 LITTLE EGRET ( 76 )1 HERON, 6 MOORHEN, 130 CANADA GOOSE , 1 SONG THRUSH , . A BLACK REDSTART reported .
GULLS - 20 HERRING, 15 BLACK HEADED, 3 LESSER B B (78 )
Offshore - 11 GANNET, 5 DB BRENT GOOSE ( 79 )- flew NW @ 11.15, later @11.35 flew SE , 3 KITTIWAKE -SE, 2 F COMMON SCOTER- on sea,
On rocks - 3 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 1 ROCK PIPIT, 7 TURNSTONE,
My garden @ 12.30 - 1 SPARROWHAWK (80 )
SUN 7 JAN
A sunny morning after a frosty start, light NE breeze.
09.40-11.30 - South Milton Ley
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODY (68 ), 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 MISTLE THRUSH (69 ) , 2 BLACKBIRD, 22 PIED WAGTAIL, 4 ROBIN,
30 + CHIFFY, 2 GOLDCREST, 20 CHAFFINCH, 2 GREENFINCH,
6 GOLDFINCH, 1 M BLACKCAP, 25 MIPIT, 30 SKYLARK,
2 STARLING (70 ), 1 BUZZARD, 1 WATER RAIL, 6 SISKIN, (71 )
Upton Cross-
1 FIELDFARE, 25 REDWING, 5 BLACKBIRD, 30 SKYLARK,
1 KESTREL ( 72 ), 9 STOCK DOVE (73 )
Thurlestone Marsh/ Garden-
1 HERON, 2 GREAT SP WOODY, 1 GREEN WOODY (74 ) 7 REDWING
SAT 6 JAN
News received today -
Aveton Gifford - Eric- KINGFISHER, 5 CHIIFFY, 1 1W BLACK REDSTART , 9 REDWING, 6 FIELDFARE, COAL TIT, NUTHATCH,
2 F BULLFINCH
South Milton Ley - RAVEN, WATER RAIL, CETTIS WARBLER,
BLACKCAP, 25 CHIFFY, GOLDCREST, FIRECREST
Thurlestone Marsh /my garden -
7 MALLARD, 1 HERON, 4 GREENFINCH, 7 REDWING, 2 CHAFFINCH ,
Last night - 2 TAWNY OWL
FRI 5 JAN
The first morning with almost sunny period and just a light NW breeze .
Seawatch from the car park - 09.35- 10.50
Surprise of the morning was a BLACK GUILLEMOT which flew NW at 10.35 - gave good scope views as it flew across the Bay. Only my second patch record in more than 25 years .
3 F COMMON SCOTER - on sea, 6 GANNET -NW , 18 RAZORMOT,
5 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG
GULLS - 70 HERRING, 35 BLACK HEADED
On the rocks - 2 OYSTERCATCHER
On Thurlestone Marsh-
9 MALLARD, 2 HERON, 3 SKYLARK, 5 HOUSE SPARROW
Thurs 4 JAN
With almost constant rain an attempt to drive out of the village at 11.30 failed due to roads being flooded .
Sightings limited to my garden , best were-
4 LONG TAILED TIT, 8 BLUE TIT , 3 GREAT TIT , 1 REDWING, ,
3 GREENFINCH, 2 BLACKBIRD , on the scrape - 7 MALLARD.
Hopefully the better weather will enable trips to be made to the marsh and coast
TUES 2 JAN
After a stormy night with heavy rain, the wind increased to SW f10
sea state very rough . With a break in the rain at 10.15 made a short visit to South Huish Marsh -
1 1w MUTE SWAN, 32 CANADA GOOSE, 15 TEAL, 20 MALLARD, 5 WIGEON, 3 MOORHEN , 26 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 DUNLIN, 6 SNIPE,
10 MIPIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 PIED WAGTAIL
GULLS we're good to watch -
75 HERRING, 25 GREAT B B , 55 BLACK HEADED, 1 1W COMMON, 2 AD MED, 4 KITTIWAKE ( 1 1W )
Surprise of the morning was an ad GANNET which flew around the Marsh before returning back over the sea . I am sure this is my first record in 25 years of one over the Marsh
MON 1 JAN
After a very late night spent most of today recovering .
22species recorded in my garden - REDWING, SONG THRUSH,
GREENFINCH, CHAFFINCH, GOLDFINCH , BUZZARD were the highlights .
Best record for the year was in Eric's garden at Aveton Gifford -
the 1W BLACK REDSTART still around