THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

Because of a number of factors including COVID-19 and the number of visitors very little birding undertaken this month.  A very shortened report.

A total of only 87 species recorded (c/f 2020 - 105, 2019 - 125).  No new species for the year were recorded leaving the total at 178 (c/f 2020 - 169, 2019 - 168).

Highlights

DUCKS, DIVERS and SHEARWATER

SHELDUCK - Bred on  both South Huish Marsh, South Efford Marsh and also along the coast path in rabbit burrows.

MALLARD - Not many ducklings survived on South Huish Marsh.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - On 4th an adult in full summer plumage on the sea by Thurlestone rock.

MANX SHEARWATER - Very little passage - a max of 31 on 11th.

RAPTORS

RED KITE - At Aveton Gifford 1 on 4th and 3 on 15th.

HOBBY - Reported from 2 sites around the patch.

WADERS - Only 3 species logged

OYSTERCATCHER - Small numbers of non breeding birds over summer - max of 9 on the rocks on 11th.

SANDERLING - 1 on the beach on 8th.

REDSHANK - first returning bird on the Avon Estuary on 26th.

SWIFT and HIRUNDINES

SWIFT - Build up noted with 40 over Thurlestone Marsh on 19th and a max of 47 on 28th.

SAND MARTIN - 1 breeding population still around - this year at least 20 birds on 3rd.

HOUSE MARTIN - Reduction in breeding numbers noted - only 5 nests at Aveton Gifford, main breeding site now is South Milton area with up to 12 pairs.   Only 1 pair this year in the West Buckland Valley.

SWALLOW - Lower numbers generally around known breeding sites.

WARBLERS

CHIFFCHAFF - Seem to be everywhere - a good breeding season with 20 Juv’s ringed at South Milton Ley on 23rd.

CETTIS WARBLER - At least 3 males calling at South Milton Ley on 23rd.

WILLOW WARBLER - Only 1 record of a bird singing by Hatch Bridge on 3rd.

BLACKCAP - Up to 5 singing males at 4 sites around the patch.

GARDEN WARBLER - 1 at South Efford Marsh on 4th.

WHITE THROAT - At least 5 birds singing around South Huish Marsh.

SEDGE WARBLER - Breeding confirmed at 3 sites.

REED WARBLER - Breeding confirmed at 3 sites.

MISCELLANEOUS

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Very few birds on breeding sites this year numbers have totally crashed in the last 5 years, could be less than 5 this year (over 60 only 5 years ago)

DIPPER

Pair watched building a nest at Hatch Bridge.

BULLFINCH

Several pairs bred on the patch this year.

CIRL BUNTING- Reported from 3 sites during the breeding season.

During the remaining summer months the birdwatching can hopefully only improve.

Mike Passman