BEESANDS LEY - HIDE 

Nick Townsend has asked me to inform visitors Devon Birds have had to close access to the hide because of the access ramp becoming dangerous. When repairs have been approved and work completed a reopening date will be confirmed 

TUES 22 APRIL 

Sunny periods with a brisk W breeze

09.30 South Huish Marsh

10 TEAL, 6 MALLARD, 4 SHELDUCK, 1 F WIGEON , 1 WHIMBREL, 

6 SWALLOW, 5 MOORHEN, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 1 REED & 2 SEDGE WARBLER

Offshore/rocks -

5 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 3 CORMORANT, 3 BLACK HEADED GULL, 

2 WHIMBREL, 1 LITTLE EGRET

FRI 17 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh-

Richie reported at 07.30 WHIMBREL flying through the Bay, a BARNACLE GOOSE flew onto themarsh 

THurlestone House 

Arrived back from shopping to find a F MALLARD & 8 day old ducklings outside the front door- managed to guide them into our garden

WED 16 APRIL 

Sunny, dry , F5/6 SW wind 

South Huish Marsh reports of-

7 TEAL, 14 MALLARD, 6 SHELDUCK, 1 F WIGEON, 5 MOORHEN, 

1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 SWALLOW

90 min seawatch from 09.20

32GANNET, 2 GREAT N DIVER-SE @09.25, 2 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 

2 MANX SHEARWATER-NW @ 09.25, 5 FULMAR (3-NW, 2 SE )

11 AUKS, 2 DP ARC TIC SKUA -NW @10.35, 5 SWALLOW-N, 5 GREAT B B GULL -NW, 1 KESTREL 

ROCKS - 18 OYSTERCATCHER

08.30 Thurlestone Gdn - 1 WHIMBREL-N

TUES 15 APRIL 
heavy rain & strong WNW winds F7/8

South Huish Marsh 

reports of around 50 Hirundines- SWALLOW, SAND MARTIN, 1 HOUSE MARTIN . 1 COMMON SANDPIPER
 

MON 14 APRIL 

Clouidy morning dry, wind F3/4 S

09.30 South Huish Marsh - quiet !

7 TEAL, 2 WIGEON, 5 SHELDUCK, 8 MALLARD, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 1 WHIMBREL, 1 DUNLIN, 1 M BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY, 

1 REED WARBLER

BAY- 13 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 GANNET-SE, 1 COMMON GULL

SAT 12 APRIL 

South Huish Marsh 

10 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 1 M GADWALL, 2 WIGEON, 18 MALLARD, 

10 MOORHEN, 1 HERON, 1 M STONECHAT, SKYLARK, 2 CHIFFY, 7 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 11 CATTLE EGRET

Bay/Rocks -

15 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 1 SHELDUCK -SE, 2 AUKS -NW, 1 RAZORBILL - on sea, 1 GREAT N DIVER - on sea, 5 OYSTERCATCHER,

1 LITTLE EGRET , 4 GANNET

First WHIMBREL - 5 flew up valley, 1 on rocks 

 S M Ley -11.50

A CUCKOO reported by John , managed to both see & hear it-

not many Spring records, usually in Buckland Valley First Whimbrel.

10/11 APRIL

South Milton Ley- Alan ringing results - only 9 new birds - 

1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 1 JAY, 3 BLACKCAP, ,On site - 3 TEAL, SEDGE WARBLER, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 5 SWALLOW 2 SAND MARTIN 

Thurlestone Garden - GREEN WOODY, WHITETHROAT, BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY 

TUES 8 APRIL

18.30- South Huish Marsh - Pair of GARGANEY found by Alan D late afternoon, gave v good views

MON 7 APRIL 

A sunny dry morning, ESE F3/4 breeze

09.15 South Milton Ley- 

39 TEAL, 2 WIGEON, 1 SHELDUCK, 9 MALLARD, 6 MOORHEN, 

1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 RAVEN, 3 M WHEATEAR, 1 M BLACKCAPS, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 STOCK DOVE. 1 CHIFFY

BAY- 5 COMMON SCOTER, 10 RAZORMOT, 15 GANNET, 1 SHELDUCK-NW

11.30 South Milton Ley-

1 WILLOW WEARBLER, 4 CHIFFY, 2 STOCK DOVE, 1 GREEN WOODY

SAT 5 APRIL

Sunny dry morning, F7/8 E wind -Seawatch 90min from Bob's car park 

5 GANNET, 3 CORMORANT , 9 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 1 MIPIT-N, 

24 LINNET-N

FRI 4 APRIL 

Overcast morning until 11.00, brisk F 5/6 ENE wind

South Huish Marsh - 09.45

30 TEAL, 4 SHELDUCK, 2 WIGEON, 2 SHOVELER, 2 DUNLIN, 1 REDSHANK, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 + SWALLOW, 3 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SAND MARTIN, 5 WHEATEAR.

Bay- 4 Gannet, 8 Common Scoter, 1 AUK, 1 BLACK H GULL 

South Milton Ley -

A visiting birder reported a CETTIS WARBLER & 2 BULLFINCH 

THURSDAY 3 APRIL

South Huish Marsh- 08.40

30 TEAL, 10 SHELDUCK, 2 WIGEON, 12 MALLARD, 2 SHOVELER,

1 REDSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 SNIPE, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 4 WHITE WAGTAIL, 10 PIED WAGTAIL, 8 LINNET, 1 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN, 6 WHEATEAR, 1 RAVEN 

BAY-

14 COMMON SCOTER, -SE, 2 SANDWICH TERN -SE, 1 BLACK T DIVER -SE , 15 GANNET, 10 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 12 AUK-SE, 17 SWALLOW-N, 2 SAND MARTIN -N, 41 MIPIT-N, 4 CROW ( in off sea , all singles )

ROCKS - 5 OYSTERCATCHER.

WED 2 APRIL

Sunny morning, F8/9 E NE wind .

08.40 -South Huish Marsh

35 TEAL, 9 SHELDUCK, 2 WIGEON, 8 MALLARD, 2 REDSHANK, 

10 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 SWALLOW, 3 MIPIT, 1 M REED BUNTING 

Late morning- 2 SAND MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW 

Mid afternoon- 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

Seawatch 08.50-11.00

Noticeable passage of COMMON SCOTER- 15 flocks flew SE totalling

160, largest flocks 35 & 30 -95% had flown through by 10.20.

A pair of TUFTED DUCK  flew NW at 09.45, they returned in a flock of C Scoter at 10.10

1 SANDWICH TERN -SE, 5 AUKS -SE, 6 CORMORANT, 1 SHSG, 

2 KESTREL -NW, 15 LINNET, 5 MIPIT-NW,

Few Gulls 1 1w BLACK HEADED came in off sea

TUES 1 APRIL

Sunny day with a F7/8 ESE wind

Afternoon visit - South Huish Marsh

35 TEAL, 8 MALLARD, 6 SHELDUCK, 2 SHOVELER, 2 WIGEON, 

3 REDSHANK, 8 MOORHEN, 2 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON ,13 CATTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 

BAY-

COMMON SCOTER - 9-SE + flock on sea built up to at least 60 ,

SHOVELER -6 + 14 -SE, flock on sea of15

2 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 1 MIPIT-N, 1 SAND MARTIN -N , 

10 CORMORANT, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET,

9 GANNET

MON 31 MARCH 

Sunny morning brisk F 4 E wind 

08.45 South Huish Marsh 

Another YELLOW WAGTAIL in field behind cafe- with a greyish head this was a CHANNEL WAGTAIL- , after submission of photos by Richie this has been identified as a M BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL.

3 WHITE WAGTAIL

2 SHOVELER, 7 SHELDUCK, 35 TEAL, 2 WIGEON,6  MALLARD, 

1 HERON , 13 CATTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 10 MOORHEN, 

1 M CIRL BUNTING 1 CHIFFY

4 SAND MARTIN , 3 SWALLOW around 11.30

offshore-

10 OYSTERCATCHER - rocks with 1 LITTLE EGRET, 

15 GANNET, 1 GREAT N DIVER-SE @09.55, 4 MALLARD, 7 AUKS -SE

2 CORMORANT , 1 KESTREL, 

10.00-10.15- 3 SAND MARTIN-N, 2 SWALLOW-N 

Late news for Sunday at 15.30 a PURPLE HERON reported over Aveton Gifford towards the marsh.

SAT 29 MARCH 

Sunny morning , dry, WSW F3 breeze

10.45 South Huish Marsh

32 TEAL, 3 WIGEON, 7 SHELDUCK,8 MALLARD, 2 SNIPE, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 10 MOORHEN, 2 HERON, 1 M REED BUNTING , 9 CATTLE EGRET ( in field with cattle )

Garden 

1 M BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY 

TUES 25 MAR

Sunny periods , WNW wind F3

13.50- South Huish Marsh

No sign of any Blue Headed Wagtails.

28 WIGEON, 60 TEAL, 7 SHELDUCK, 12 MALLARD , 1M 1F SHOVELER ( flew in at 15.45), 3 MUTE SWAN, 12 CATTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 10 MOORHEN, 1 COOT, 1 SNIPE, 1OYSTERCATCHER, 1 WATER PIPIT, 10 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 CHIFFY

Bay- 1 LITTLE EGRET, 5 COMMON SCOTER-on sea, 1 RED T DIVER- on sea

MON 24 MARCH

South Huish Marsh - report from Richard A

5 BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL still on, 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 WATER PIPIT,1 SWALLOW, 13 CATTLE EGRET 

Offshore seawatch- James K 

11.35-12.25- an credible count of 44 DIVERS- largest flock of 16 plus 3 groups of 4 and singles - GREAT NORTHERN , RED THROATED (5 On sea) 5 COMMIC TERN, 2 COMMON SCOTER, KITTIWAKES 

Another short watchat12.30 - 2 GREAT N DIVER-SE, 3 MED GULL, 1 COMMIC TERN , 9 KITTIWAKES 

This is probably the largest passage of Divers for years 

SAT 22 MARCH

Reports confirm 7 BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL still on the marsh 

Late news from Friday 2 reports of COMMON TERN in the Bay a single and a flock of 5

FRI 21 MARCH 

Cloudy morning with F5/6 E wind.

11.00 South Huish Marsh 

An incredible sighting of 7 BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL- Found 2 at 11.00 by 11.15 they had been joined by a further 5- i am not aware of any previous DEvon (or UK ) record for a single flock of this size.

A noticeable increase to 15+ PIED WAGTAIL & 1 WHITE

In nearby fields amongst cattle were 10 CATTLE EGRET.

DUCKS - 80+ WIGEON , 25 TEAL, 4 SHELDUCK 

WATER RAIL, 7 SNIPE

15.00- Blue H Wagtails still present, also 2 SWALLOW , 1 SAND MARTIN

Just spoken with Rob & Steph- they had 7 BLUE HEADED & 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL 

IN the find a total of 12 CATTLE EGRET

THURS 20 MAR 

Late morning a report of a HOOPOE in a garden at Churstow.

17.00 South Huish Marsh

Report from Richie of a BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL, 4 CATTLE EGRET,

1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER

WED 19 MAR

Cloudymorning,brisk Ewind

10.30 Thurlestone Marsh

Whist at my desk 2 SAND MARTIN flew 

Late afternoon South Huish Marsh- report from Richie

2 SWALLOW, GREAT WHITE, LITTLE & CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN

TUES 18 MAR

Sunny, cool,dry, ESE F6 wind 

10.30 South Huish Marsh

110WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 16 MALLARD 3M 2F SHOVELER, 2 M GADWALL, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 HERON,1 LITTLE EGRET,8 SNIPE, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 COOT, 2 CHIFFY

BAY - All on sea- 14 TEAL, 7 COMMON SCOTER, 4 BLACK T DIVER, 2 GUILLEMOT, 2 RAZORBILL

ROCKS- 1 1W M BLACK REDSTART

MON 17 MAR 

Report from Richard A - South Huish Marsh 

121WIGEON , 22 TEAL, 16 MALLARD, 5 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT.

Rocks- 1 BLACK REDSTART

Bay- 1 sp BLACK T DIVER 

Fields - 40 LINNET

SAT 15 MAR

sSunny cold morning brisk NE WIND

First spring migrant found by TIM PHILLIPS-a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER-showed well all morning, also 1 WHITE WAGTAIL & 

1 CATTLE EGRET 

On the rocks a 1W M BLACK REDSTART .Confirmed by Richie &Barry

there are2 BLACK REDSTARTS

IN the Bay a GREAT N DIVER

FRI 14 MAR

LATE AFTERNON-SOUTH HUISH MARSH

Eric reports at least 15 CATTLE EGRET, 1 WATER PIPIT

H

THURS 13 MAR 

Sunny cold morning, NE F2/3 breeze - o/night frost 

09.30 - South Huish Marsh 

73 WIGEON, 55 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 4 MUTE SWAN, 

2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 60 CANADA GOOSE, 14 MOORHEN, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 7 SNIPE, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 

2 STONECHAT, 1 CHIFFY 

BAY- 

8 COMMON SCOTER - on sea, 1 BLACK T DIVER - on sea, 1 G N DIVER - SE @ 10.35 8 CORMORANT, 5 GANNET 

Rocks - 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 OYSTERCATCHER 

Late afternoon- Richie reported 17CATTLE EGRET

TUES 11 MAR

Cold with F4/5 NE wind , overcast 

Aveton Gifford- tidal road 

20 REDSHANK , 6 GREENSHANK, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 CURLEW 

2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 SHELDUCK, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 5 MUTE SWAN 

MON 10 MAR 

Bright periods, dry , brisk NE breeze

South Huish Marsh -

85 WIGEON , 45 TEAL, 12 MALLARD , 11 SHELDUCK ( 9 flew in off sea @ 10.45 ) , 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 50 CANADA GOOSE, 

3 MUTE SWAN, 1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT, 12 MOORHEN, 

9 SNIPE , 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 STONECHAT, 40 LINNET 

Rocks - 1 KINGFISHER, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 TURNSTONE 

BAY - 2 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 2 AUKS -SE, 1 GANNET, 4 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG 

SAT/SUN 8/9 MAR 

Thurlestone marsh/garden 

GREEN WOODY, KESTREL, BUZZARD, TAWNY OWL, 2 SHELDUCK, 

2 MUTE SWAN, CANADA GOOSE, SNIPE , JAY, 3 CHIFFY 

WED 5 MAR 

Another sunny spring morning - not as interesting as yesterday 

10.30 South Huish Marsh 

75 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 12 MALLARD ( just 3 ducklings ), 8 SHELDUCK, 60 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 1 GREYLAG GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON, 8 MOORHEN, 

1 WATER RAIL 

2 COOT, 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 30 SNIPE , 1 CHIFFY, 1F REED BUNTING, 10 PIED WAGTAIL 

GULLS -

5 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B , 25 HERRING 

Rocks - 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 

BAY -hazy offshore , only 3 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG, 1 GANNET

TUES 4 MAR

Sunny morning After/night frost , light E breeze 

Best morning of the year - evidence of spring migration .

09.30 South Huish Marsh 

90 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 10 MALLARD ( inc first brood of 5 ducklings ) 

16 SHELDUCK, 60 CANADA GOOSE, 2 DB BRENT GOOSE, 1 GREYLAG GOOSE (not a hybrid ) 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 40 SNIPE , 4 CURLEW, 

1 CATTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 10 MOORHEN, 2 COOT

1 WATER RAIL, 3 CHIFFY, 40 HERRING GULL 

Offshore - First week in March is when we can expect GREBES -A

surprise this morning - first GREAT CRESTED also a RED NECKED GREBE - Yellow base of bill seen, must be over 10 years since last patch record. 2 RED T DIVER- on sea + 1 se @ 11.00, 1 BLACK T DIVER - on sea, 7 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 8 RAZORMOT-on sea with them a LTTLE GULL still in WP. Only 1 GANNET ., 9 CORMORANT 

2 SHAG 

Rocks - 13 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 HERON , 1 LITTLE EGRET 

MON 3 MARCH 

Sunny morning after frost o/night , light NE bteeze .

10.30- South Huish Marsh 

70 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 MUTE SWAN, 

1 LITTLE EGRET, 28 SNIPE, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 MOORHEN, 

2 COOT, 1 STONECHAT 

Bay - on sea - 2 RED T DIVER, 1 BLACK T DIVER, 1 GREAT N DIVER& 

1 SE , 3 COMMON SCOTER, 8 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG, 2 GANNET 

Rocks -

2 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON 

1 & 2 March 

Thurlestone Marsh -

2 SHELDUCK, 7 MALLARD, CANADA GOOSE, 4 MUTE SWAN 

Garden - Great Sp & GREEN WOODPECKER, GREENFINCH, GOLD FINCH, CHAFFINCH , SONG THRUSH 

John - S M LEY 

2 LONG T TIT, 50 LINNET, 50 GOLDFINCH, 2 GREAT SP WOODPECKER, 1 SPRAWK 

FRI 28 FEB 

Lovely sunny morning for the last day of winter, cloudless sky , 

light E breeze 

09.30 - South Huish Marsh 

90 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 5 SHELDUCK, 10 MALLARD , 2 MUTE SWAN, 

10 MOORHEN, 2 COOT, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CATTLE EGRET , 25 SNIPE, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON, 2 RAVEN 

GULLS -

40 HERRING, 1 LESSER B B , 1 BLACK HEADED 

BAY -

2 RED THROATED DIVER, 2 SHAG, 5 CORMORANT, 1 FULMAR-SE 

20 BLACK HEADED GULL-SE 

ROCKS - 

7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET 

Alan was ringing this morning at South Milton Ley - at least 50 CHIIFFY present with 1 unringed SIBERIAN CHIIFY .

Also 3 FIRECREST AND a GOLDCREST 

Present on site 7 BUZZARD, 2 TEAL, 50 LINNET 

TUES 25 FEB 

08.15 Thurlestone Marsh -m

sunny coolmorning , recent rains have produced some good water level, resulting in-

3 SHELDUCK, 9 MALLARD, 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 LITTLE EGRET 

MON 24 FEB 

After yesterdays gales and driving rain surprised to find this morning sunny , mild with a brisk F5 W wind .

09.40 - South Huish Marsh 

As expected the Marsh was flooded, birds distributed everywhere .

125 WIGEON, 60 TEAL, 25 MALLARD, 2 SHELDUCK, 3 MUTE SWAN, 

60 CANADA GOOSE , 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 SNIPE, 12 MOORHEN, 

14 CATTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE EGRET 10 MIPIT 

GULLS - 90 BLACK HEADED, 35 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER 

B B 

'Nice to add CATTLE EGRET to the year list 

SAT 22 FEB 

At last a sunny day- had lunch with friends at Beesands , made time for a visit to Beesands Ley - what a surprise with so few birds on the Ley 

6 TUFTED DUCK, 1 MALLARD, 5 COOT, 5 MUTE SWAN, 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 3 CORMORANT, 4 CANADA GOOSE 

Offshore - 1 GREAT N DIVER 

A Report of a BARN OWL late afternoon at South Milton Ley 

Recent reports from Aveton Gifford of a BLACK REDSTART in the carpark and a F BLACKCAP in a garden 

TUES 18 FEB 

morning of bright periods, still cool with a brisk F5 SE wind 

09.30 - South Huish Marsh 

140 WIGEON, 55 TEAL, 7 SHELDUCK, 8 MALLARD, 3 MUTE SWAN, 

100 + CANADA GOOSE, 10 DB BRENT GOOSE, 5 SNIPE, 1 LAPWING, 

2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 21 OYSTERCATCHER, 17 MOORHEN, 

1 WATER RAIL, 1 M STONECHAT 

GULLS - 60 HERRING, 25 BLACK HEADED, 6 GREAT B B , 2 LESSER B B 

Rocks - 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 SANDERLING 

BAY - 2 RED T DIVER, 2 BLACK T DIVER - on sea then all flew SE @

10.00, 2 CORMORANT, 1 GANNET -SE, 1 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 GREAT B B GULL -SE

MON 17 FEB 

Cloudy morning , SE F3/4 wind 

Report from Richard Archer at South Huish Marsh-

10 DB BRENT GOOSE , 146 WIGEON, 25 TEAL, 23 OYSTERCATCHER 

1 WATER PIPIT 

SAT 15 FEB 

AFTER 2 DAYS OF RAIN Thurlestone Marsh had plenty of water -

8 MALLARD , 7 TEAL, 250 BLACK HEADED GULL 

THURS 13 FEB 

Cloudy morning cold in an F3/4 SE breeze 

10.00- Aveton Gifford tidal road & park 

4 GREENSHANK, 13 REDSHANK, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 CURLEW, 

4 MUTE SWAN , 3 LITTLE GREBE , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 SHELDUCK , 5 REDWING, 2 BULLFINCH 

Amongst the GULLS - 4 LESSER B B 

WED 12 FEB 

Cloudy cool morning with a light E breeze - Feb winter bird count for Buckland Valley - disappointing morning only 20 species recorded

a- Grove corner circular walk 

11 BLACKBIRD, 2 FIELDFARE, 6 BLUE TIT, 6 GREAT TIT, 8 ROBIN, 

31 GOLDFINCH ( 1 flock of 25 ), 1 CHAFFINCH, 4 DUNNOCK, 1 MAGPIE, 2 HOUSE SPARROW, 4 DUNNOCK, 2 WREN, 1 TAWNY OWL 

B - Upper valley - few birds 

7 BLACKBIRD, 8 BLUE TIT, 2 GREAT TIT, 2 LONG T TIT, 1 DUNNOCK, 3 ROBIN, 3 CHAFFINCH, 2 WREN, 1 GREY WAGTAIL 

TUES 11 FEB 

Cloudy cold morning with a light NE breeze

10.00 South Huish Marsh - water levels have dropped 

135 WIGEON, 45 TEAL, 14 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 MUTE SWAN, 80 CANADA GOOSE, 2 HERON, 22 MOORHEN, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 

1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 M STONECHAT, 10 HERRING GULL 

Rocks -

1 ad MED GULL, 1 HERON , 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 OYSTERCATCHER 

Bay-

1 GREAT N DIVER -on sea, 3 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG 

Lanes - 5 REDWING, 10 GOLDFINCH 

SAT 8 FEB 

South Milton Ley - reports of a small flock of birds that included male CIRL BUNTING & YELLOWHAMMER 

At Aveton Gifford Eric had the BLACK REDSTART around his flat .

On 15 January a neighbour had a GREAT WHITE EGRET on Thurlestone Marsh 

WED 5 FEB 

Nice early spring morning, sunny periods , light breeze.

-9.40 South Huis Marsh 
125 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 40 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 100 CANADA GOOSE, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE, 3 MUTE SWAN, 25 OYSTERCATCHER, 

40 SNIPE, 2 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 20 MOORHEN, 2 COOT, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 CHIFFY, 25 MIPIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 SKYLARK

GULLS - 35 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED ( SP ), 40 HERRING GULL 

Rocks - 

5 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING , 3 RINGED PLOVER

Village -

COLLARD DOVE, SONG THRUSH
 

MON 3 FEB 

Great to back out , nice sunny morning with a light breeze.

09.30 South Huish Marsh - plenty of duck

135 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 40 MALLARD, 1 SHELDUCK, 1 F PINTAIL, 

100 CANADA GOOSE, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE, 3 MUTE SWAN, 

12 MOORHEN, 2 COOT, 3 HERON, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 50 SNIPE ,

24 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RAVEN, 1 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 

2 WATER PIPIT, ,1 CHIFFY, 3 STONECHAT 

GULLS - 100 HERRING, 30 BLACK HEADED, 10 LESSER B B , 6 GREAT B B 

BAY - VERY quiet, 

100 + Herring Gull -SE - in small flocks of 20 , 1 KITTIWAKE-SE 

1 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 CORMORANT, 1 SHAG 

South Milton Ley-

John reports - FIRECREST. & several JAY

Aveton Gifford - report of a GREAT WHITE EGRET  NEAR THE TOP WEIR 

THURS 30 JAN 

Met up with Richard Archer this afternoon at South Huish Marsh who is taking over from me to do the WEBS counts for the Marsh and the Bay .

Plenty of water on the Marsh , no accurate counts made , estimates were-

140 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 10 MALLARD, 20 SNIPE, 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SPRAWK 

MON 27 JANUARY 

AFTER a storm of biblical proportions overnight with a period of thunderstorms I took some photos of Thurlestone Marsh - this is the most standing water for years 

SAT 25 JAN 

My birdwatching activities have had to be put on hold for the time being after Anne had fall last Sunday and very badly twisted her ankle & knee , very badly bruised . She has had great difficulty putt ing weight  on it so I cannot leave her on her own .

Recent reports received -

Aveton Gifford - a BARN OWL watched feeding by the bridge.

Thurlestone Marsh / garden -

24 MALLARD , 1 TEAL, 3 HERON , GREEN WOODPECKER, 6 GREENFINCH , 1 M SISKIN 

THURS 16 JAN 

Cloudy morning, no breeze, dry, mild 

-9.30 South Huish Marsh -

100 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 12 MALLARD, 10 MOORHEN, 2 MUTE SWAN 

175 CANADA GOOSE, 4 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 21 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 CHIFFY, 30 LINNET 

GULLS -

Lagest flocks of Gulls for a long time - liquid fertiliser being put on surrounding fields - in excess of 900

550+ BLACK HEADED, 350 HERRING, 12 COMMON ( probably a site record ), 4 ad MED, 1 LESSER B B 

Rocks -

14 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING, 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 HERON 1 LITTLE EGRET 

Bay - Gulls ( in additIon to Marsh ) 

120 BLACK HEADED, 8 AD MED, 2 COMMON, 25 HERRING 

2 CORMORANT. 

At 11.30 WIGEON flock had moved onto the sea 

Late afternoon a report from R Avon at Bantham of a GREAT WHITE EGRET 

TUES 14 JAN 

Brighter day, light W breeze , dry !

09.15 South Huish Marsh 

62 CABADA GOOSE, 2 MUTE SWAN, 11 MALLARD, 100 WIGEON, 

45 TEAL, 2 HERON, 15 MOORHEN, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 SNIPE, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 REDWING, 1 WATER PIPIT, 5 MIPIT, 

2 STONE CHAT, 1 KESTREL , 1 M REED BUNTING 

GULLS - 60 HERRING,  70 BLACK HEADED, 1 COMMON, 1 GREAT B B 

Rocks- 

16 TURNSTONE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 4 SHAG 

BAY-

2 GREAT N DIVER-NW @09.36, 1 GANNET-SE, 5 CORMORANT-SE

8 RAZORMOT-on sea, 2 SE, 1 GUILLEMOT-on sea, 1 RAVEN -SE 

GULLS - 

35 HERRING, 2 BLACK HEADED, 1 LESSER B B , 1 GREAT B B 

Aveton Gifford - late morning 

Eric had a M GOSHAWK over garden, 1 F BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY 

SUN 12 JAN

Visit to Gara Bridge -

1SPRAWK, 3 NUTHATCH, 8 COAL TIT , 2 LONG TAILED TIT, 

1 MARSH TIT, 1 TREE CREEPER

Huxton Cross - Late Morning -2 RED KITE

Aveton Gifford - 1 F BLACK CAP - on garden feeders 

SAT 11 JAN 

Cloudy morning, dry, 

Aveton Gifford- tidal road 

7 REDSHANK, 3 GREENSHANK, 3 CURLEW, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 

1 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 LITTLE GREBE , NUTHATCH, 

GREAT SP WOODPECKER 

FRI 10 JAN 

Cloudy, light showers, cold - morning visit to _-

Kingsbridge Est - pumping station slip 

60 SHELDUCK, 150 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 4 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 

60DB BRENT GOOSE, 50 MUTE SWAN, 50 CURLEW, 1 WHIMBREL, 

10 DUNLIN, 25 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET.

BOWCOMBE CREEK -

30 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 20 SHELDUCK, 1 KINGFISHER, 

1 GREAT N DIVER, 5 COMMON GULL .

Wader numbers a lot lower than in previous winters 

Thurlestone Marsh-PM 

30 REDWING, MISTLE THRUSH, SONG THRUSH, 5 CHAFFINCH, 

10 GOLDFINCH, 6 GREENFINCH, 1 LONG T TIT, 1WATER RAIL, 

1 GREEN WOODY 

Aveton Gifford - 3 COAL TIT, NUTHATCH 

Churchstow - Report of a flock of GOLDEN PLOVER in flight 

THURS 9 JAN

No snow around Thurlestone, this morning a frost , sunny with a light NW breeze .

South Huish Marsh - Frozen until around 11.00 

110 WIGEON, 18 TEAL, 12 MALLARD , 2 MUTE SWAN, 110 CANADA GOOSE, 18 MOORHEN, 3 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 26 OYSTERCATCHER, 14 SNIPE, 5 MIPIT, 2 GREENFINCH, 

2 GOLDFINCH

ROCKS --

5 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 12 TURNSTONE , 

5 CORMORANT 

BAY - 

3 RAZORBILL - ON SEA, 6 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 RED T DIVER- SE @ 10.25, only 5 HERRING GULL

TUES 7 JAN 

Bright periods with some light showers , NW F2 wind- cold 

First walk around West Buckland Valley for 2025 , 25 species recorded , inc-

3 SONG THRUSH, 9 GREAT TIT, 15 BLUE TIT, 1 COAL TIT, 1 LONG TAILED TIT, 2 WREN, 3 DUNNOCK, 50 GOLDFINCH, 2 CHAFFINCH, 1 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 RAVEN, 2 GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, 2 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 12 BLACKBIRD 

Near Huxton Cross - flock of 35 CHAFFINCH

South Milton Ley - sewage works , still extensive rebuilding/ extension works going on which has impacted on the number of birds .

Only 25 CHIFFY, 8 BULLFINCH, 1 SONG THRUSH, 2 MISTLE THRUSH 

4 BLACKBIRD, 4 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 JAY, 1 MIPIT 2 FIRECREST

Despite some extensive searching I could not find any REDWING, FIELDFARE, SKYLARK or GOLDCREST.

IN my garden a nice Peacock butterfly

SAT 4 JAN 

Cloudy , wind SE 3 

SOUTH HUISH MARSH -

45 CANADA GOOSE, 50 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 2 MALLARD, 4 MOORHEN 

3 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 STONECHAT 

2 PIED WAGTAIL, 

GULLS - 125 HERRING, 10 BLACK HEADED, 2 GREAT B B 

ROCKS -

8 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 

BAY- 1 CORMORANT, 4 SHAG, 4 GANNET 

Aveton Gifford- 1 M BLACK REDSTART 

THURLESTONE GDN - 5 GREENFINCH, 2 CHAFFINCH 

FRI 3 JAN 

Report from South Huish Marsh -

50 WIGEON, 2 TEAL, 5 MOORHEN, 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 

10 SNIPE, 5 ROCK PIPIT, MEADOW PIPIT, 1 CHIFFY 

THURLESTONE MARSH -

6 MALLARD, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 

THURS 2 JAN 

An interesting start to 2025 with reports from -

South Huish Marsh -

Barry confirmed the SWALLOW was seen feeding over the rocks by his flat today - this is the first time one has " overwintered" - looks as though we are in for a cold spell of weather so hopefully it will Eric's​ garden at Aveton Gifford was attracting birds in the sunshine -

SONG THRUSH, 4 BULLFINCH, 8 GOLDFINCH, 6 CHIFFY, COAL TIT.

Hope to be back out in the field by Monday