WED 31 JAN
A bitterly cold day with some heavy showers , visited various sites with Alan , Eric & Graham - a good days birding .
Started at Matford Pool where the ad M AMERICAN WIGEON showed well ( nice to compare with the hybrid that has been at South Huish Marsh all winter ) , 20+ SHOVELER , 2 TUFTED DUCK , 20 SNIPE .
Next stop Exminster Marshes - large numbers of WIGEON , TEAL , BRENT GOOSE ( at least 1 pale bellied ) 100 + SHOVELER , 4 PINTAIL , 1000+ LAPWING , 500 GOLDEN PLOVER , 150 BLACK T GODWIT .
Then on to Exwick Cemetery- Found 4 HAWFINCH ( possibly another 8 in flight ) , GREEN WOODY ,
Rest of the day spent at Exmouth - offshore , GREAT N DIVER ,
RED T DIVER , 3 EIDER, 6 COMMON SCOTER , 2 RED B MERGANSER ,
On Maer Rocks - 25 BRENT GOOSE , 6 PURPLE SANDPIPER ,
1 TURNSTONE
TUES 30 JAN
A cloudy morning , frost at dawn , calm conditions before rain and mist set in from 12.30 Joined by Graham this morning .
With a flat calm sea surprising to find only 5 GANNET and AUK offshore . On the rocks 5 TURNSTONE .
On South Huish Marsh - 87WIGEON, the Hybrid AMERICAN WIGEON /WIGEON , 35 TEAL , 1 SHELDUCK , 5 LAPWING , 2 SNIPE , 1 BLACK T GODWIT . 7 CATTLE EGRET & 4LITTLE EGRET moving between the Marsh and the cattle field . In the copse 2 SONG THRUSH , 1 GREAT SP WOODY . 5 STOCK DOVE flew over .
SUN 28 JAN
A cloudy morning with an F3 WNW wind .
Eric and I arrived at South Huish Marsh by 09.30 to find over 150 GULLS on the Marsh inc the 1W CASPIAN found by Alan yesterday , also an ad MED GULL , LITTLE GREBE STILL together with WIGEON & TEAL .
Went over to the Dartington Estate to look through the large finch flock in the stubble field by Warren Lane - Doug Stannard who now lives in Kent would have really enjoyed searching through this flock - at least 200+CHAFFINCH , 4+BRAMBLING , 2 YELLOWHAMMER,
A CIRL BUNTING , LINNET, GOLDFINCH . 10 REDWING in nearby trees
FRI 26 JAN -
At last a dry ,sunny day with only a light NW breeze .
On South Huish Marsh - 87 WIGEON , 22 TEAL , 1 BLACK T GODWIT
5 CATTLE EGRET , 4 LITTLE EGRET , 1 MISTLE THRUSH and a CHIFFY. 1 2W YELLOW L GULL (116 )
Offshore a large feeding flock of 100+ GANNET accompanied by
30 + KITTIWAKE , 2 COMMON GULL -W , both GUILLEMOT & RAZORBILLS on the sea . Main interest were Divers with 6 . separate sightings - on the sea 1 RED THROATED , 2 BLACK THROATED , whilst in flight through the Bay - 1 RED THROATED
( 10.15 - w )
BLACK THROATED- 1W (10.30 ) , 1W ( 11.20 )
Surprisingly no GREAT NORTHERN .
On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 SPOONBILL , 70 LAPWING
100 WIGEON , 100 TEAL , 5 REDSHANK , 4 GREENSHANK , 2 COMMON SANDPIPER and a WATER PIPIT .
South Milton Ley - ringing - Alan trapped 47 birds this morning of which 21 were new - inc - 14 CHIFFY , 3 SIBERIAN CHIFFY ,
2 GOLDCREST .
RETRAPS WERE - 11 CHIFFY & 2 Controls , 4 FIRECRESTS .
Also on site at least 30 CHIFFY , 1M REED BUNTING , 3+ WATER RAIL , 1F SPRAWK , 1 GREY WAGTAIL
THURS 25 JAN
A day trip off the patch and into Cornwall . Started at Wacker Quay
where - 35 AVOCET , 120 SHELDUCK , 100 WIGEON , 30 TEAL ( the target bird - Green W Teal was further downriver )
Off Hannafore ( Looe ) 2 SLAVONIAN GREBE , 2 GREAT N DIVER , 1 RED T DIVER .
At Lower Porthpean 3 SURF SCOTER & a F VELVET SCOTER showed well together not too far offshore , along with 5 GREAT N , 2 BLACK T &a RED T DIVER . Lots of GANNET , FULMAR ., KITTIWAKE and AUKS in the Bay
Final visit was to Dozmary Pool where the mLESSER SCAUP was with 50 TUFTED DUCK , 10 POCHARD , 2 SHOVELER .
Only local news was of a GREEN SANDPIPER on North Marsh
WED 24 JAN
Yet another stormy night with heavy rain until 14.00
On Thurlestone Marsh @ 08.10 11 EGRETS- 8 CATTLE & 3 LITTLE
Brief visit this afternoon to South Huish Marsh - same Ducks as on Tues , in the cattle field were 7 CATTLE &3 LITTLE EGRET .
TUES 23 JAN
A morning of rain &drizzle with very poor offshore visibility.
Joined by Graham this morning . Offshore 60 GANNET , 1 FULMAR ,
on the sea a GREAT N DIVER @ 09.10 . Flying around the Bay for 15mins @ 09.00 3 BRENT GOOSE (114 & 115 as there were 2 Dark B & 1 Pale B )
On South Huish Marsh - 80 WIGEON , The Hybrid AM WIGEON / WIGEON , 35 TEAL ,1 LITTLE GREBE , 1 LAPWING , . IN THE GLOOM WE COULD ONLY FIND 7 CATTLE EGRET & 3 LITTLE EGRET .
This afternoon on T'stone Marsh - 20 Mallard , 8 TEAL , whilst in the garden a m GREEN WOODY , 2 REED BUNTING , 1 SPARROWHAWK
MON 22 JAN .
A cloudy start after another night of heavy rain , light W wind .
A 45min garden watch from 08.15 produced 29 species which included 2 year ticks and a garden life tick - a 1w m YELLOWHAMMER (112 - landed in top of nearby tree then flew off NW , my 160th garden tick ), followed by 2 LINNET flying NW ( 113 ) , also 3 REED BUNTING , 2 CIRL BUNTING ., 25 CHAFFINCH ,
25 MALLARD , 9 TEAL . At 09.00 a CATTLE EGRET FLEW IN .
Late morning at South Huish Marsh - 65 WIGEON , HYBRID AM W /W , 35 TEAL , 2 SHELDUCK , 5 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 LAPWING .in the field with the cattle were - 8 CATTLE EGRET & 5 LITTLE EGRET.
At South Milton Ley Dave P reports - 1 FIRECREST , 1 GOLDCREST , 20+ CHIFFY , 1 REDWING .
Afternoon visit to the Tidal Road - 4 REDSHANK , 2 GREENSHANK ,
3 COMMON SANDPIPER , 1 LITTLE GREBE . Viewed South Efford Marsh from top of Rock Hill - 100 + LAPWING , 175 WIGEON , 150 +TEAL , 2 MISTLE THRUSH , 60 + LINNET
SUN 21 JAN
A wet morning with low cloud and misty conditions .
At 08.00 on T'stone Marsh - 3CATTLE EGRET , 2 HERON , 8 SNIPE ,
10 TEAL ,22 MALLARD .
Bird of the month found by Terry Goddard on Beesands Ley late Sat afternoon - A male RING NECKED DUCK - showed well this morning amongst 70+ TUFTED DUCK , also 5M POCHARD , 1M GADWALL,
1 LITTLE GREBE .
SAT 20 JAN
Another morning with showers .AT 08.10 on T'stone Marsh a flock of 7 CATTLE EGRET - flew off by 08.30 towards South Huish Marsh .
Also in my garden a FIRECREST , 2 REED BUNTING , with a Raven over .
Made my annual visit to Gara Bridge , found 3 DIPPER , 8 SISKIN , 2 NUTHATCH , 1 MARSH TIT .
Late afternoon on Stover C Park lake - 6m 21 f GOOSANDER , 1M
POCHARD , on the walkway a TREE CREEPER .
late news from Andy Smith - the SPOONBILL flew into South Huish Marsh late afternoon
FRI 19 JAN
A morning of sunny periods and showers with a WNW F6-8 wind .
A 90 min sea watch from 09.20 produced - 60 GANNET , 40 AUKS
( flying E the few which were identified were RAZORBILL )
21 KITTIWAKE , 2 FULMAR , 1 GREAT N DIVER -E@ 09.40 ,
1BLACK T DIVER -On sea then E @10.40. 2 SANDERLING (110 ) FLUSHED FROM THE BEACH
On South Huish Marsh- 70 Wigeon , 10 TEAL ,2 SHELDUCK, 1 L. GREBE , 5 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 LAPWING ..
Along the Tidal Rd - 3 GREENSHANK , 4 REDSHANK , 3 COMMON SANDPIPER, GREY WAGTAIL , NUTHATCH , JAY , GREAT SP WOODY ,
TREE CREEPER ( 111 ) calling , whilst on South Efford Marsh Eric had - 200 WIGEON , 120 TEAL ,
2 WATER PIPIT , 1 GREEN SANDPIPER.
THURS 18 JAN
Showery morning , F6W wind .Another surprise this morning at 08.00 on Thurlestone Marsh - 2CATTLE EGRET , 3 LITTLE EGRET ,
22 MALLARD , 5 TEAL .Around the garden-1m BLACKCAP , 1 GREAT SP WOODY , 1 KESTREL .
BIRDS on South Huish Marsh disturbed by a party of 6 shooters firing at the CANADA GOOSE flock in nearby fields( at least 1 dead corpse ) , all the duck and gulls took flight ,only a small number returned .Before the mass departure - 75 WIGEON , THE HYBRID , 40 TEAL , 5 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 LAPWING, 1 SNIPE , 2 WATER PIPIT. At 12.15 a disturbed flock of 11 EGRETS flew in - 10 CATTLE & 1LITTLE .
At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - 2 FIRECREST , 1M 1F BLACKCAP ,
FLOCK OF 32 LONG T TIT , 1 KINGFISHER ( 109 )
Seawatching from his house James logged 2RED T DIVER ,
1 FULMAR AND A FLOCK OF KITTIWAKE
WED 17 JAN
After a cloudy start , some sunny periods with a F7/8 WNW wind .
On Thurlestone Marsh at 08.00 in addition to the spoonbill were -
2 HERON , 3 LITTLE EGRET , 12 MALLARD , 9 TEAL . Around the garden - 2 REED BUNTING , 1M CIRL BUNTING , 1M BLACKCAP
On South Huish Marsh - 75 WIGEON , THE Hybrid AMERICAN Wigeon/WIGEON, 35 TEAL , S1 SHELDUCK , 5 BLACK T GODWIT ,
3 SNIPE , 1 LAPWING , 1 WATER PIPIT , 1 GREY WAGTAIL ,
SPARROWHAWK ( over )
On the Marsh and nearby field 8 CATTLE EGRET & 8 LITTLE EGRET
A short sea watch only produced 3 GANNET , 2 KITTIWAKE and the first FULMAR ( 108 ) of the year .
TUES 16 JAN
Not a day for trying to use a scope - F8+ WNW wind, heavy showers .
On the small pool on Thurlestone Marsh @08.15 - 2LITTLE EGRET ,
10 MALLARD , 4 TEAL , on my feeders 2 REED BUNTING .
Offshore 23 GANNET flew W in 30 mins , whilst on South Huish Marsh - 75 WIGEON , 10 TEAL , 5 BLACK T GODWIT , 5 LAPWING , SPARROWHAWK ( flew over )
Along the tidal road at Averton Gifford - 3 REDSHANK , 2 GREENSHANK , 4 COMMON SANDPIPER , COAL TIT , NUTHATCH , JAY
At HuxtonCross 150+FILDFARE , along the lanes a GREEN WOODY
( 107 ) flew over
Nick had the SPOONBILL late afternoon on South Huish Marsh - by the time I arrived it had departed - still trying to catch up with it this year
MON 15 JAN
A MORNING OF HEAVY SHOWERS WITH A F8 W WIND - not a day for birding .
On South Huish Marsh - 35 WIGEON , THE HYBRID AMERICAN WIGEON / WIGEON , 30 + TEAL , 8 BLACK T GODWIT , 5 LAPWING , 6 SNIPE , 32 OYSTERCATCHER . A PEREGRINE FLEW THROUGH , CATTLE AND LITTLE EGRET STILL IN THE FIELD .
SUN 14 JAN .
First news from Alan for Sat - on South Huish Marsh the SPOONBILL , also 3 Med Gull & CATTLE EGRETS .
This morning on South Huish Marsh - 8 BLACK T GODWIT , 10 SNIPE
2 LAPWING , 2 RINGED PLOVER , 45 TEAL , 35 WIGEON , 3AD 1 1W
MED GULL, 2 COMMON GULL , 8 CATTLE EGRET , 3 LITTLE EGRET. OF interest at least 10 SONG THRUSH around the copse / gardens
On my feeders at 12.30 - 1M1F CIRL BUNTING , 2M 2F REED BUNTING , 30 + MIPIT over the marsh .
At South Efford Marsh - reports from Eric , Dave & Rod - a flock of 200+ LAPWING ( largest flock on the patch for some years ) 1 WATER PIPIT , 2 FIELDFARE , 1 PEREGRINE (106 ), this afternoon the SPOONBILL ( last 2 sightings coincided with high water )
FRI12 JAN
An overcast morning , slight frost early , cool NE breeze
Managed a garden watch for 45 min from 08.00 - 29 species recorded, inc - 2 CIRL BUNTING , 3 REED BUNTING , 8 REDWING ,
2 FIELDFARE , LITTLE EGRET , SONG THRUSH , KESTREL , GREAT SP WOODY .
On South Huish Marsh - 7 BLACK T GODWIT , 5 LAPWING , 20 SNIPE , 35 TEAL , 20 WIGEON , 3 MED GULL ( 2ad , 1 1w ) . CATTLE EGRET difficult to count - at least 8 with 4 LITTLE EGRET .
At Huxton Cross - 4 SKYLARK ( 103 )
Along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford - 4 REDSHANK , 3 GREENSHANK , 3 COMMON SANDPIPER . Around the pl acing fields a F BLACKCAP , FERAL PIGEON (104) 1m BULLFINCH . This afternoon Eric had 1m 3f SISKIN (105 ) on his feeders
THURS 11 JAN
Another sunny morning with a cold NEwind F3/4 . Significant reduction in the number of Duck
Offshore - 4 WIGEON &a BLACK T DIVER , BOTH ON THE SEA .On the
e rocks - 8 TURNSTONE , 8 RINGED PLOVER
On South Huish Marsh - 45 TEAL , 25 WIGEON , 1 LITTLE GREBE ,
7 BLACK T GODWI T , 1 LAPWING , 10 SNIPE .
An increase in CATTLE EGRET to at least 10 ( could be 12 ) along with 4 LITTLE EGRET THEY ARE STILL IN THE FAR FIELD WITH THE CATTLE .Farmer has opened up another section of the kale field , this makes it more difficult to pick up all of them .
At Huxton Cross only a MISTLE THRUSSH , FIELDFARE &
2 RED L PARTRIDGE ( 102 )
on roof of my house @13.00 a F BLACK REDSTART
WED 10 JAN
A very JAN day , lots of sun and very little wind . Not so many birds today ,joined by Graham & Dave this mo rning .
Offshore - 5 GREYLAG GOOSE ( flew E at 08.50 ) (100) , 20 KITTIWAKE , 20 GANNET,2 SHELDUCK -E , 6 WIGEON - ON SEA , 2 GREAT N DIVER - 1ON SEA , 1 W@11.27 .45 AUKS -E ,
On the rock s just 1 RINGED PLOVER .
On South Huish Marsh - 500+ BLACK H GULL , 350 + HERRING GULL , 2 MED GULL ( ad+ 1w ) 2 COMMON GULL & Afew L B B GULL -all the result of liquid manure being sprayed on local fields .Also -
60 TEAL , 20 WIGEON , 2 SHELDUCK. 4 LAPWING , 35 SNIPE , 8 BLACK T GODWIT , 7 CATTLE EGRET , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 FIRECREST & 1 CHIFFY in the copse .
At South Milton Ley Alan Ringed - 5 CHIFFY , 3 FIRECREST, 2 GOLDCREST , 1 REED BUNTING , also on site - 20CHIFFY , 1 SIB CHIFFY , 2 REDWING , 1 SPRAWK , 5 WATER RAIL , 1 TAWNY OWL , 1 GREAT SP WOODY .
In local gardens - 1f BLACK REDSTART , 1M CIRL BUNTING
TUES 9 JAN
SEwinds continue to provide a good selection of birds , today offshore.
Highlight of a 2.75 hour seawatch from 09.15 was a winter plumage BLACK GUILLEMOT (97 ) sat on the sea with AUKS , FIRST PICKED UP FROM BOBS CAR PARK and later behind the flats - a patch life tick .
Also a BONXIE PICKED UP AT 10.30 harassing 12 KITTIWAKE , LATER SAT ON THE SEA FOR 45 mins . 3GREAT N DIVER on the sea , also 1 flew W @ 09.15 , 3 RED T DIVER ( 98 - 2 E @ 10.10 and 1 w @10.30 ) ,1BLACK T DIVER ( 99 - flew E with the 2 Reds at 10.10 )
85 WIGEON ( on the sea ), 3 SHELDUCK , 45 AUKS -E , 22 RAZORBILL & 11 GUILLEMOT - ON THE SEA , 8 GANNET ,
38 KITTIWAKE .6 COMMON SCOTER -E
On the rocks - 9 RINGED PLOVER , 11 TURNSTONE .
On South Huish Marsh - 7 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 DUNLIN , 3 LAPWING , 60 TEAL , 20 WIGEON ., 7 CATTLE EGRET , 3 LITTLE EGRET . Amongst a large Gull flock Terry had 4 COMMON GULL & an Ad MED GULL
MON 8 JAN
A cloudy morning with a cold SE F 5/6 WIND . An interesting morning .
A 2.5 hour seawatch
SUN 7JAN
Cold morning with F7/8 ENE WIND .
Before starting the Reed cutting , quick visit to South Huish Marsh
1m SHOVELER , 1M TUFTED DUCK ,WIGEON , TEAL , 6 SNIPE ,
2 DUNLIN , 2 LAPWING 7 CATTLE EGRET .
In Eric's garden FIRECREST, 1F BLACKCAP .
On the roof of my house at 09.00 a 1 w M BLACK REDSTART (90 )
- on the sea - 4WIGEON , 22 TEAL ,
2 GADWALL(93) 2 COMMON SCOTER , 3 G N DIVER (91) , 1 GREAT C GREBE (92 ) , 35 GANNET , 8 KITTIWAKE , 7 RAZORBILL , 3 GUILLEMOT . Flying east - 1 G N DIVER , 1M 3F PINTAIL (94 )
On the rocks - 11 TURNSTONE , 9 RINGED PLOVER
Big increase in birds on South Huish Marsh - 160+ TEAL , 120 WIGEON , 2 SHOVELER , 1 SHELDUCK , 1F PINTAIL , 60 LAPWING ,
7 BLACK T GODWIT , 3 DUNLIN , SNIPE , 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 LITTLE EGRET , 7 CATTLE EGRET
At South Milton Ley Dave flushed a WOODCOCK ( 95 )
Early afternoon James K had a BONXIE (96 ) fly south across the bay , also another G N DIVER
SUN 7JAN
Cold morning with F7/8 ENE WIND .
Before starting the Reed cutting , quick visit to South Huish Marsh
1m SHOVELER , 1M TUFTED DUCK ,WIGEON , TEAL , 6 SNIPE ,
2 DUNLIN , 2 LAPWING 7 CATTLE EGRET .
In Eric's garden FIRECREST, 1F BLACKCAP .
On the roof of my house at 09.00 a 1 w M BLACK REDSTART (90 )
SAT 6 JAN
A frosty start , plenty of sunshine , cold NE F 4 wind
Offshore 50+ GANNET , 10 RAZORBILL/GUILLEMOTS on the sea .
On South Huish Marsh - 9- WIGEON , 60 TEAL , 1M SHOVELER , 2 SHELDUCK ,5 BLACK T GODWIT , 1LAPWING , 2 WATER PIPIT ,
2 STOCK DOVE 2 SNIPE , 32 OYSTERCATCHER .
At South Milton Ley 1 MISTLE THRUSH , SOME REDWING .
At Aveton Gifford - COLLARD DOVE , NUTHATCH
Report of a GREEN SANDPIPER AT South Efford Marsh yesterday
Thanks to Eric & Dave for their information
FRI 5 JAN
A morning of sunny interval s with heavy showers , W wind F6/7
South Huish Marsh duck totals up - 60 TEAL , 75 WIGEON ,
1M TUFTED DUCK , 26 OYSTERCATCHER , 6 BLACK T GODWIT ,
1 DUNLIN ( 81 ) , 1 LAPWING , 3 SNIPE , 7 CATTLE EGRET , 1 LITTLE EGRET , 1 WATER PIPIT . PAUL B had a FIRECREST (82) in the copse .
Went over to Bowling Green Marsh at 12.30 - 40 PINTAIL ( only 5 were F ) 4 SHOVELER , 1M POCHARD , BLACK T GODWIT , CURLEW , GREYLAG GOOSE , at the viewing platform , AVOCET , REDSHANK , DUNLIN , KNOT .
Stopped off at Stover C Park on the way home - always a good selection of birds - 20 GOOSANDER ( only 2 were ad males )
1m POCHARD , 6 TUFTED DUCK , 1 GREAT C GREBE , 2 MARSH TIT , 1M SISKIN , 1 TREE CREEPER, 3 NUTHATACH , JAY , GREEN WOODY
WED 3 JAN
After yet another stormy and very wet night did not get out until 14.00- nothing offshore , on South Huish Marsh -
WIGEON, TEAL, 1M TUFTED DUCK , 1 LITTLE GREBE , 100 CANADA GOOSE , 2 BLACK T GODWIT .
In my garden - 1M 1F CIRL BUNTING , 1 GREAT SP WOODY
MON 1 JAN 2018
Heavy rain until 09.15 then a sunny day with a F8 WNW wind .
The early rain dampened the first garden watch of the year , an hour from 08.45 produced 27 species inc- 25 MALLARD , 3 HERON , 1M 2F CIRL BUNTING , 1F REED BUNTING , 30 MIPIT ,
2 STONECHAT, KESTREL , BULLFINCH .
On A FLOODED South Huish Marsh this afternoon - 80 WIGEON , THE HYBRID AMERICAN WIGEON / WIGEON , 30 TEAL , 1M TUFTED DUCK ,
3 SHELDUCK , 1 LITTLE GREBE , 26 OYSTERCATCHER , 1 LAPWING
5 SNIPE 6 BLACK T GODWIT
This morning Nick and Dave had a M GOOSANDER ( this could be a first for this site , need to check with Bob )
On the rocks -3 TURNSTONE , 4 RINGED PLOVER .
A quick visit to SouthMilton Ley in failing light found 10 CHIFFY , 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY , 8 REDWING , GOLDCREST , SPARROWHAWK .
On a flooded South Efford Marsh - Eric reports - 12 CURLEW , 130 WIGEON , 100+TEAL , 2 WATER PIPIT , 2 COMMON GULL , 1AD MED GULL.Also a report from a large house in the village of 2 HAWFINCH
this morning .
A total of 67 species logged
-
>
Print