THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

DECEMBER 2012

Another very wet month with water levels on both marshes reaching heights not previously seen in the last 10 years.   Only 1 short cold spell of 3 days in the month, winds recorded up to F10 on 29^th almost always with a westerly direction.

With a female GOLDENEYE arriving on the 1^st taking the years total to 198 expectations were high that 200 would be achieved for the first time – it was not to be, however even 198 is very good for the habitat that makes up the patch – there is no estuary.

Total species recorded for the month were 101 (c/f 2011 – 100)

Species that we missed out on in 2012 – EGYPTIAN GOOSE, VELVET SCOTER, CORYS SHEARWATER, SPOONBILL, RED-NECKED GREBE AVOCET, ICELAND and GLAUCOUS GULL, YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, GREY PHALAROPE, WOOD WARBLER, TREE CREEPER, SNOW BUNTING.

Significant sightings for the month:-

BRENT GOOSE – the juv spent up to the 29^th with the CANADA flock

SHELDUCK  - single in the Bay on 1^st and 2 on Thurlestone Marsh on 21^st.

WIGEON - With good feeding conditions numbers built up to a max of 150 on 29^th.

TEAL - peaked at 215 on both 12^th and 27^th.

GADWALL - numbers built up towards the end of the month to 22 on 28^th (a patch record for me).

SHOVELER - Good totals exceeding 10 all month with a max 16 on 29^th.

PINTAIL - Another good month – recorded on 6 dates, although 2 was the max these were female on 2^nd with a pair on 6^th and 28^th.

GOLDENEYE - female present from 1^st to 3^rd.

EIDER - female flew east on 21^st.

COMMON SCOTER   - Only 2 records, max only 3 on 3^rd.

RED THROATED DIVER - Singles on 17^th, 20^th and 21^st.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - recorded on 4 days, singles on 3 with a max of 3 on 20^th.

FULMAR - First returning bird on 17^th.

LITTLE GREBE - With high water levels 1 bird all month moved between the 2 marshes.

HEN HARRIER - A male flew over fields near Huxton Cross on 1^st – this was my first male on the patch.

WATER RAIL - Difficult to know how many winter on the marshes, a total of 12 on 18^th was the highest of the year.

WADERS - Nothing out of the ordinary:-

OYSTERCATCHER - peaked at 44 on 16^th.

RINGED PLOVER - max 12 on 1^st.

GOLDEN PLOVER - 35 over the fields on 7^th.

LAPWING - good totals even though no really cold spell with a max of 100 on 7^th.

SANDERLING - 3 on the beaches on 16^th and 18^th.

DUNLIN - recorded on 3 days max 2 on 9^th.

JACK SNIPE - AJL had 1 on 15^th.

SNIPE - good feeding conditions produced a max of 150 on 11^th.

WOODCOCK - 1 flushed at South Milton Ley on 12^th.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - only 1 record but it was a flock of 14 on South Huish Marsh on 2^nd.

TURNSTONE - present all month with a max of 12 on 16^th.

GULLS -   KITTIWAKE – a total of 55 moving east on 17^th,

An adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL on 9^th.

CHIFFCHAFF - wintering flock of up to 40 at South Milton Ley included several abietinus and at least 1 tristis (SIBERIAN) on 12^th.

BLACKCAP – 3 in a local garden on 2^nd and a male on 19^th.

CETTIS WARBLER - Several on South Milton Ley.

BRAMBLING - 2 attracted to the feeding station at South Milton Ley on 2^nd.

SISKIN - 2 overflying the Ley on 2^nd and 8^th.

BLACK REDSTART - Recorded on 7 dates – all singles, at least 3 different birds.

WATER PIPIT - Singles on 3 dates.  

REED BUNTING - up to 10 on the feeders.

STARLING - Roost started to build up again with 7.500 on3rd reaching a max of 175.000 on 12^TH – All departed by 18^th.

THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

NOVEMBER 2012

A very wet month particularly from 21^st with both marshes reaching the highest level

of water for many years.   Very few sunny days and only 2 days with SE winds 14^th/16^th.   On 29^th and 30^th the first frost of the winter.

Four species were added to the year list – SHORT-EARED OWL, BRAMBLING, SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF and BITTERN taking the total to 197 which equals the 2011 total. If December turns out to be cold as predicted 200 species for the year becomes distinctly possible – as I write this report GOLDENEYE now added with a female on South Huish Marsh.

Total species recorded on the patch was only 108 (cf 2011 122) due to the lack of wader passage.

Significant sightings for the month:-

BRENT GOOSE - 1 Juv spent all month in with the CANADA flock passage birds were 3 on 5^th, 2 on 14^th, 1 on 27^th and 30^th – all DB.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - the 4 birds from October last seen on 3^rd.

SHELDUCK - first since the juveniles departed in July were 2 flying west on 30^th.

WIGEON - numbers built up significantly towards the end of the month with 80 on the marshes on 30^th when a further 60 flew west in small flocks.

TEAL - numbers increased with the marshes flooding with a max of 145 on 25^th..

GADWALL - Never more than 2 all month.

PINTAIL - 3 on South Huish Marsh on 25^th increased to 8 (3 males) on 27^th.

SHOVELER - Increased from 6 on 1^st to 10 on 26^th/27^th.

EIDER - A female in the Bay on 11^th and 26^th.

COMMON SCOTER - Only recorded on 5 days with a max of 7 flying east on 30^th.

RED-BREASED MERGANSER – 2 flew east on 15^th also a male on 30^th.

RED-THROATED DIVER - Singles on 1^st and 27^th.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - first was a single on 5^th also one recorded on 6 other days.

BITTERN - bird of the month, seen on South Huish Marsh on 29^th gave good views from only 50 yards.

LITTLE GREBE - single on 5^th.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE - singles in the Bay on 6^th and 29^th.   On 27^th 1 watched diving on South Huish Marsh – a first record for that site.   Illustrates how much water the floods produced.

A MERLIN on 28^th and a SHORT-EARED OWL over the Golf Course on 4^th (reported by a visiting birder) were the only raptors of note

WADERS – A relatively poor month with no distinct passage, maximum were :

OYSTERCATCHER 26 on 8^th, RINGED PLOVER 12 on 15^th LAPWING – 41 on 17^th, DUNLIN 9 on 15^th, JACK SNIPE – 1 on 14^th, SNIPE – 75 on 11^th and 65 on 29^th , CURLEW – 1 on 26^th, TURNSTONE – 12 on 25^th.

WOODCOCK – Bob B had one on the road near South Milton Ley on 11^th.

KITTIWAKE – 120 east on 9^th was one of the highest totals for the year.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL – 2 on 5^th.

WOOD PIGEON - Early Nov on a clear morning is when the birds start moving through. On 3^rd 10.000 smaller numbers on 4^th/5^th with the max of 27.000 on 6^th - all flying SE.  

Last SWALLOW were 2 at South Milton Ley on 7^th (Bob B and Vic T)

AJL found a MARSH TIT in Mallards Lane on 1^st ( a scarce bird on the patch)

South Milton Ley is one of the premier sites for wintering CHIFFCHAFF – numbers built up to 30+ on 28^th.   Several Tristis types were seen (and ringed) whilst on 14^th Bob B had a SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF which was in full song.

BRAMBLING – 2 on 5^th were the years first, recorded on3 more days with 3 coming to the feeding station on 29^th.

CROSSBILL -   Bob B had 2 over South Milton Ley on 8^th.

BLACK REDSTART – Singles recorded on 4 days, 2 on 3 days and a record 5 on 5^th.

FIELDFARE – Only notable numbers were 50 on 3^rd, 20 on 4^th and 30 on 11^th.

WATER PIPIT – Singles on Thurlestone Marsh on 4 days from 11^th.

STARLING ROOST – Max of 210.000 on 2^nd had reduced to 10.000 by 9^th and then down to 75 by 16^th.   At the end of the month, Bob B had 20.000 going to roost at South Milton Ley.

By the end of the month WAXWING were being reported in small numbers in Devon, hopefully they may find one of the very few red berry bushes/trees on the patch.   Could this be a fitting end to a fantastic year

mikepassman@modbury.me.uk

thurlestonebaybirds .co.uk



THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

OCTOBER 2012

A relatively cold month with some periods of heavy rain with very few sunny clear days.   Winds with an easterly element both at the beginning of the month and towards the end again emphasised how important this is to bringing birds into the Bay.

Although I spent 10 days in Majorca (13th-23^rd) only appeared to have missed one really good stormy day.   Five days produced those “rare” occasions which make you realise what a fantastic site the Bay is

1^st – PECTORAL SANDPIPER still on Thurlestone Marsh, at 9.30 a group of 3 EGRETS flew over the Marsh towards South Huish marsh – 2 of them were relocated in a field with a herd of cattle – Yes 2 CATTLE EGRET – only stayed for a few minutes before flying west.

6^th and 7^th were the Hirundine movement days with a patch tick of a Juv RED RUMPED SWALLOW watched for 30 minutes from 9.10 on 6^th from the footbridge in a feeding flock of over 200 SWALLOWS and HOUSE MARTIN.   Next day in still conditions Hirundine started moving through in a continuous passage from 10.00 until 11.30 and again for an hour from 15.00 all moving west along the coast.   Final estimate totalled in excess of 50.000 birds of which 90% were HOUSE MARTIN 10% SWALLOW – only a single SAND MARTIN.

Friday 26^th was cloudy with some drizzle and brisk 5/6 ENE wind – between 9.30 and 16.30 a noticeable passage of BRENT GOOSE, DUCK – and particularly waders with 12 species recorded. Apart from OYSTERCATCHER and TURNSTONE all the waders flew in off the sea and continued straight up South Huish Valley.   Finally on 29^th 4 GREENLAND WHITE- FRONTED GOOSE found on South Huiish Marsh .

A total of 130 species (c/f 122-2011) recorded during the month – this is the highest monthly total since I started doing these monthly reports in October 2010.

5 new species for the year – CATTLE EGRET, RED RUMPED SWALLOW, WOODLARK, BARNACLE GOOSE, GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Bringing the total to 193 for 2012 (c/f 184 -2011)

Significant sightings for the month:-

MUTE SWAN – A pair on both marshes all month with a further 6 on the sea on 24^th.

BRENT GOOSE - On 25^th AJL had 6 PALE BELLIED fly into the Bay. On 26^th a total of 56 DARK BELLED were seen – largest flock 17.   According to Bob B this is a site daily record. A juv remained until 31^st visiting both marshes BARNACLE GOOSE – One flew in with some CANADA’S on 28^th – although unlikely to be a “wild” bird – this is the first for 5 or 6 years.

GREENLAND WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE – At 12.00 on 29^th received a call from Mike Miller to say he had picked up 4 GREY GEESE flying into the back of South Huish Marsh – unable to fully ID with binoculars, went straight over and found 4 adult GEESE feeding on the marsh. At 13.30 they flew off later found by Bob B in a stubble field by South Milton Ley.   They returned daily until the month end to South Huish Marsh – flying in around 10.30 – 11.00. Classified as a very rare winter visitor to Devon.   Only 2 previous site records – 2 in January 1990 and a single in January 2004.

WIGEON – Small numbers on the marshes – passage of 24 on 6^th and 42 on 26^th.

TEAL – Around 70 on the marshes all month increased with passage birds to 105 on 26^th.

GADWALL – 3 on the sea on 24^th.

PINTAIL – 5 flew through on 26^th.

SHOVELER – first returning bird a female on 7^th by 26^th 6 on the marsh with a further 4 east.

POCHARD – Unusual to find a 1^st w male on the sea on 24^th with the GADWALL.

COMMON SCOTER – Recorded on 6 days with 16 on 11^th and 46 on 26^th.

RED-BRESTED MERGANSER – A male flew east late on 26^th.

GREAT-NORTHERN DIVER – first for the winter an imm on 29^th with 2 on 31^st.

SOOTY SHEARWATER – Singles on 5^th and 31^st.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER – 6 flew west on 3^rd.

GANNET – An estimated 700+ through the Bay on 17^th with 370 on 31^st.

LITTLE GREBE – Single on Thurlestone Marsh throughout the month.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE – Single on the sea on 9^th.

CATTLE EGRET – 2 in field with cattle on 1^st – only previous site records were 25^th-29^th May max 3.

HEN HARRIER – Ringtails in off the sea on 10^th and 27^th.

OYSTERCATCHER – Max 50 on 7^th.

RINGED PLOVER – Max 8 on 8^th with 5 on 26^th.

GOLDEN PLOVER – A single on 18^th with 13 on 26^th.

GREY PLOVER – A total of 7 on 26^th.

LAPWING – First a single on 7^th with 27 on 26^th and a max of 30 on 30^th.

KNOT – A total of 13 on 26^th.

SANDERLING – 2 on 26^th.

DUNLIN – Small numbers (up to 12) on 5 days with an incredible total of 141 on the magical 26^th.

JACK SNIPE – A single watched doing the “bobbing” feeding action on South Huish Marsh on 11^th.

SNIPE – Small numbers throughout – max 12 on 11^th and 26^th.

WOODCOCK – John King flushed 1 beside South Milton Ley on21st.

BLACK- TAILED GODWIT – Surprisingly only a single on Thurlestone Marsh on 9^th for less than 15 minutes.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT – 3 flew in off the sea on 26^th.

COMMON SANDPIPER – A single bird on 31^st.

REDSHANK – A single on 10^th with 3 on 26^th.

TURNSTONE – 5 on 10^th, 1 on 26^th and 2 on 31^st.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER – Bird from September last seen feeding on Thurlestone Marsh at 18.40 on 1^st.

ARCTIC SKUA – Bob B had 1 through the Bay on 26^th, also 3 SKUA sp same day.

KITTIWAKE – Over 200 on 17^th and 90 on 31^st.

BLACK-HEADED GULL – Over 500 was a large count for the Bay on 6^th.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL – Recorded on 13 days with 8 on 3rd, 6 on 13^th, 10 on 18^th and 8 on 25^th. – the count of 10 is a site record.

YELLOW- LEGGED GULL – An adult on South Huish Marsh on 29^th.

SANDWICH TERN – Recorded on 3 days max 2 on 7^th – last a single on 11^th.

ARCTIC TERN – 2 flew east on 2^nd.

BARN OWL – Single birds on 9^th and 29^th.

JAY – Some indication of movement through the patch with 3 on 2^nd, 6 on 4^th, 3 on 10^th max of 7 on 12^th.

FIRECREST – Nick T had one in his garden with GOLDCREST on 23^rd.

WOODLARK – 2 flew N over Huxton Cross on morning of 27^th.

SAND MARTIN – Only record 1 on 7^th.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW – Bob B picked up a Juv feeding on the pool by the footbridge from 9.10 to 9.40 on 6^th – with 75+ HOUSE MARTIN and 150+ SWALLOW.   Only the 3^rd site record ( previously April 1996 and 6^th May 2006).

REDWING – First a single on 13^th with a max of 10 on 24^th.

BLACK REDSTART – first a female on 10^th, almost daily from 24^th with 2 on 26^th and 4 on 27^th included 2 stunning males.

WHEATEAR – Only significant passage 10 on 6^th and 9 on 7^th Last were 2 on 26^th.

REDSTART - Up to 2 1^st w males in the Copse on 8^th 9^th and 10^th.

YELLOW WAGTAIL – A single over the Copse on 9^th.

ALBA WAGTAIL – Noticeable roosts at Thurlestone marsh were 100 on 6^th and 42 on 23^rd.

SISKIN – Small numbers passed through max 50 on 13^th.

LESSER REDPOL – A single on 7^th.

CROSSBILL – A single over my garden on 3^rd.

STARLING – Roost at Thurlestone Marsh rapidly built up from 5.000 on 24^th to 250.000 on 30^th – both SPARROWHAWK and PEREGRINE

in attendance.

Will November produce another series of outstanding records to match 2011 – all will be revealed in next months review.



THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

SEPTEMBER 2012

Surprising for the start of Autumn a month without any real gales only towards the equinox did we have winds above force 6.   Overcast conditions seemed to be recorded more than any other.

At long last a drier start to the month enabled the maintenance work to be carried out on South Huish Marsh, with the sluice opened in time for the rain on 23^rd this site is now looking in pristine condition and produced the bird of the month on 29^th.

September is generally the wader month of the year, this year a total of 20 species recorded with a site record of 14 species in one day on 23^rd.   Also some significant wader records from fields around Huxton Cross.

During the month a total of 122 species were recorded (cf. 120 – 2011).

6 new species for the year – MARSH TIT, BRENT GOOSE – pale bellied, LITTLE STINT, SPOTTED REDSHANK, CURLEW, SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Taking the total to 188 for 2012 (cf. 179 -2011)

Significant sighting for the month:-

BRENT GOOSE – PB – Bob B picked up 4 flying through the Bay on 23^rd.   Earliest date for the site by quite a few weeks.

WIGEON – Built up during the month to a max of 18 on 30^th. Several small flocks of up to 5 birds through the Bay.

TEAL – From 21 on 1^st a max of 85 on both marshes on 26^th.   Good numbers returning to South Huish marsh.

COMMON SCOTER – Only one record – 7 flying east on 23^rd.

MANX SHEARWATER – One sighting of 6 flying west on 2^nd.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER – 2 flew west on 26^th.

LITTLE GREBE – One on Thurlestone Marsh throughout the month with 2 from 21^st.

OSPREY – Singles observed in the Bay on 8^th and 27^th.

MERLIN – First of the autumn in the Huxton Cross fields on 7^th.

HOBBY – Singles attacking the SWALLOW roost on 4^th, 13^th and 16^th.

WATER RAIL – First returning bird on 1^st with 2 on 19^th.

OYSTERCATCHER – Max of 50 on 7^th and 10^th.

RINGED PLOVER – At Huxton Cross fields 70 on 2^nd, 120 on 3^rd, 60 on 5^th and 28 on 12^th.   On the beaches max of 27 on 7^th.

GOLDEN PLOVER – 17 flew across the bay on 23^rd.

GREY PLOVER – A single in off the sea and up the valley on 23^rd.

KNOT – Single on 5^th, with 2 on 23^rd.

SANDERLING – Only 4 records with a max of 9 on 23^rd.

LITTLE STINT – One amongst the DUNLIN at Huxton Cross on 2^nd and 2 on the beach on 23^rd.

CURLEW SANDPIPER – A juv on the beach on 21^st and 23^rd.

DUNLIN – At Huxton Cross , 35 on 2^nd, 175 on 3^rd and 120 on 5^th compared to a max of 26 on the beaches on 23^rd.   The 175 could well be a site record for the last 10 years.

JACK SNIPE – A very early record of a single on 23^rd which flew up the valley accompanied by a SNIPE – good for size comparison.

SNIPE – A exceptional 11 flew up the valley on 23^rd otherwise up to 2 on the marshes.

BLACK TAILED GODWIT – Up to 7 on several dates, however on the morning of the 5^th a flock of 28 flew into Thurlestone Marsh which also included the KNOT.

BAR TAILED GODWIT – A single flew on South Huish Marsh with 2 KNOT on23rd.

WHIMBREL – 9 flew up the valley on 4^th (NT) and 2 calling at 22.00 hours on11th.

CURLEW – 1 over South Milton Ley calling on 1^st.

SPOTTED REDSHANK – 1 on Thurlestone Marsh briefly on the morning of 17^th.

GREENSHANK – 1 flew into South Huish marsh on 23^rd.

REDSHANK – Singles in the Bay on3rd and 4^th.

TURNSTONE – Only 2 records, single on 2^nd and 4 on 23^rd.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER – Juv picked up flying into South Huish marsh on 29^th then moved to Thurlestone Marsh for 30^th and 31^st.

GREAT SKUA – Only two records, singles on 10^th and 26^th.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL – Recorded on 4 dates with 2 on 11^th and 24^th.

SANDWICH TERN – 2 on 15^th and 23^rd with 6 on 24^th.

COMMON TERN – Singles on3 dates with 2 on 23^rd.

ARCTIC TERN – 3 flew east during the exceptional morning of 23^rd.

TURTLE DOVE – First autumn record for a few years – 1 flying across Huxton Cross fields on morning of 4^th.

SWIFT – Honour of recording the latest bird goes to Bob B with 1 over South Milton Ley on 4^th.

MARSH TIT – A very rare bird on the patch (only 3 records in last 6 years). One caught and ringed on 1^st.

WARBLERS – Good numbers mentioned in the Ringing Report, no understanding passage, however a GROPPA reported on 18^th.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER – 3 at South Huish Marsh on 3^rd and single on 7^th.

WHINCHAT – Singles on 4 dates with 3 on 27^th.

WHEATEAR – In comparison with previous years a poor autumn passage, 6 on 1^st, 5 on 12^th and 7 on 27^th were the only counts above 3.

SWALLOW – Roosts of 7500 on 3^rd and 10.000 on 4th.   Passage highlight was 1250 on 21^st.

HOUSE MARTIN – Several days with 100’s passing through, months max was on 21^st when 4350 was probably an underestimate.

SAND MARTIN – Very few birds on passage with a max of 5.

TREE PIPIT – Light passage with a max of 3 on 13^th.

GREY WAGTAIL – Passage noted on several days with 10 on 9^th and 6 on 21^st.

ALBA WAGTAIL – Numbers build up during the month, roosts at Thurlestone marsh max of 110 on 12^th and 250 on 13^th.

YELLOW WAGTAIL – Small number on many days, max 5 on 13^th.

SISKIN – Autumn passage started with 1 on 17^th and 3 on 19^th.

The most outstanding days birding was the 23^rd – a morning with very heavy rain and force 6/7 E wind.   Whilst we missed out on the SHEARWATER and SKUA passage reported from Berry Head and Start Point the Waders will be recounted on many a winters day.

With 3 months of the year to go.   October kept the year list ticking over . 2 CATTLE EGRET on 1^st taking it to 189.

THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

AUGUST 2012

Another month with some strong winds and heavy rainfall – very few days of sunshine. Some good sea passage days with a strong S wind gusting to F8 on 15^th in particular.

Warblers started moving through mid month but numbers caught by the ringing team were significantly lower than 2011.   Even the SWALLOW roost only reached 6000 at the end of the month.   Something must have happened to SAND MARTIN as we only had 2 records with a max of 5 on 11^th.   Waders numbers generally below 2011.

A total of 124 species were recorded (C/F 2011 117) which is only 1 below the years max of 125 in April – bearing in mind we could not find SKYLARK, GOLDCREST or COOT!

There were 11 additions to the year list which has now reached an exceptional 182 – these were SABINES GULL, BLACK TERN, ROSEATE TERN, AQUATIC WARBLER, CROSSBILL, KINGFISHER, OSPREY, PIED FLYCATCHER, WRYNECK, RUFF and RED KITE.

Significant sightings for the month:-

WIGEON – a female on 10^th joined by a male on 21^st, still present at the end of the month.

TEAL – Numbers on the marshes built up from a single on 4^th, 18 by 21^st and a max of 31 on 26^th.

SHOVELER – Not normally recorded until end of October, so 2 Juv on Thurlestone Marsh on 10^th were a surprise.

COMMON SCOTER – Recorded on 5 days with a max of 7 on 10^th.

FULMAR – 29 flew through during the 15^th.

MANX SHEARWATER – A flock of over 500 feeding on the sea on 4^th with 600 passing through on 5^th. 200 also recorded on 19^th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER – Recorded on 7 days – mostly singles except for 4 on 1^st, 3 on 15^th and at least 12 feeding with the MANX on 4^th.

GANNET – Recorded almost daily, 250 on4th, 290 on 17^th and the highest daily total this year of 980 on 15^th.

RAPTORS – First RED KITE over AJL’s house on 27^th, Vic T had on OSPREY near South Milton on 18^th, first Autumn MERLIN flew through on 30^th.   Single HOBBY on 5 days usually causing mayhem with the roosting SWALLOW flocks. Vic T had a second summer bird over South Huish on 18th. An increase in number of SPARROWHAWK with up to 4 on some days.   KESTREL, PEREGRINE and BUZZARD all recorded.

WADERS – Apart from DUNLIN, numbers on the beaches well below previous years.

OYSTERCATCHER – max 32 on 10^th, RINGED PLOVER 26 on 15^th, 22 on 24^th and max of 27 on 28th.   SANDERLING – gradually built up from 5 on 4^th to 36 on 22^nd with 30 on 28^th,   KNOT – a flock of 11 flew in off the sea and up the Valley on 13^th with a single on 26^th.

DUNLIN in small numbers with an exceptional influx on the afternoon of 28^th – a flock of 24 over Thurlestone Marsh and then another 86 on the edge of the South Milton Ley Pool – holiday makers were swimming within 10 feet and they did not move.

A total of 112 is a site record (well broken on 3^rd September with 175).

2 RUFF on South Huish Marsh on 30^th.   First returning SNIPE were 3 on 11^th, 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT on 21^st with a max of 8 on South Huish Marsh ON 30^TH and 31^st.  

Only record for BAR TAILED GODWIT were 2 on the beach on 11^th.   WHIMBREL max was 10 on 1^st reducing to 1 on 22.   Only 2 records of CURLEW flying over singles on 4^th and 22^nd.   Single COMMON SANDPIPER on 5th and 9^th. 3 GREEN SANDPIPER on 4^th with singles on 5 other days. GREENSHANK – Singles on the marshes/flying over on 4 days.

A WOOD SANDPIPER on South Huish Marsh on 22^nd stayed until 28^th.

REDSHANK are recorded infrequently so 1 on 12^th and 2 on the rocks on 31^st were welcome. Finally TURNSTONE – recorded on 9 days with a max of 6 on 21^st.   A total of 17 species of waders recorded during the month.

Offshore – Some poor weather and strong winds made seawatching worthwhile even if very wet at times.   This year SKUA’s have been recorded more often than in recent years, whilst we don’t see the large numbers recorded at Berry Head/Prawle Point we managed – POMERINE – sub adults on 4^th and 27^th, GREAT singles on 3 days with 2 on both 17^th and 19^th and a nice light phase adult ARCTIC on 2^nd.

The weather also resulted in a sub adult SABINES GULL flying east close inshore on 2^nd, LITTLE GULLS on 6^th (Juv) and 15^th.

Single MEDITERRANEAN GULL on 4 days with 2 on 13^th.

TERN passage also very good with 5 species recorded (only LITTLE missing) As usual SANDWICH were most regular – seen on 14 days with 12 on 5^th, 11 on 13^th and 8 on 24^th – these included some juvs. COMMON TERN recorded on 6 days with 10 on 1^st and also on 17^th.   Single ARCTIC on 5^th and 30^th (Juv)   AFD had a ROSEATE in the Bay on the evening of 5^th whilst a single BLACK flew east on 15th.

SWIFT - 15 on 2^nd and a few stragglers thereafter with finally 3 on 31^st.

KINGFISHER – A Juv on Thurlestone Marsh early on 14^th was the first of the year.

WRYNECK - One in John Kings garden on the evening of 26^th.

HIRUNDINES – SAND MARTIN continue to be scarce only 2 records with a max of 11 on 5^th.   SWALLOW roost still below last year only 200 on 2^nd but increased to 6000+ on 28^TH and 30^TH HOUSE MARTIN up to 50 on the patch.

WARBLERS – Again the ringing team numbers were lower than 2011 – 2 GROPPA,1 LESSER WHITETHROAT – 1 AQUATIC on 10^th at South Milton Ley – Bob B, 40 SEDGE and 18+ REED on 12^th WHITETHROAT still on the patch – 6 on 7^th and a GARDEN WARBLER.    WILLOW – max 38 on 12^th.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER – the pair at South Milton failed with their second brood, however 2 Ad + 4 fledged young were on Thurlestone Marsh on 6^th.

PIED FLYCATCHER   - Singles at the sewage works on 19^th and 23^rd.

WHEATEAR   - Single on 3^rd numbers increased with 7 on 11^th and a max of 15 on 31^st.

YELLOW WAGTAIL - First returning bird a juv on the Golf Course on 27^th with a flock of 30 Alba’s.

CROSSBILL - Singles overhead on 11^th and 30^th.

A very enjoyable months birding for the patch.



THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

JULY 2012

A month of contrasting weather with some of the heaviest rainfall of the year particularly the weekend of 7^th/8^th with from 21^st a really hot and sunny spell up to 29^th.   No significantly strong winds.

Concerns for the breeding marsh warblers continued, very few young reported some territorial singing indicated an attempt at second broods.

At the end of the month the SWALLOW roost failed to reach the four figure mark.

During the month a total of 107 species recorded (c/f 113 2011) with only a single new specie for the year SOOTY SHEARWATER taking the total to 171.

Some evidence of returning waders, from early in the month – could indicate failed breeders.

Significant sightings for the month –

MUTE SWAN – the female took the cygnets round to South Milton Ley and soon after to the Avon Estuary.   Only 4 appeared to survive.

SHELDUCK – The 3 young all fledged and together with their parents had left the marsh by the end of the month.

TEAL – first returning was a male on 5^th, 3 on 8^th increasing to 4 on 24^th.

COMMON SCOTER – recorded on 5 days with a max of 45 on 5^th.

MANX SHEARWATER – recorded on 6 days with 125 on 5th, 90 on 15^th and 100+ on 29^th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER – only dates when more than 1 were 2 on 5^th and 5 on 16^th.

SOOTY SHEARWATER – A single bird flew west at 11.25 on the 18^th – gloomy conditions with restricted horizon viz.

GANNET – fishing parties daily with largest passage 330 on 3^rd and 385 on 5^th.

HOBBY – On 26^th 1 causing mayhem in the SWALLOW roost.

OYSTERCATCHER – numbers gradually increased during the month with a max of 23 on 29^th.

LAPWING – Unusually 2 records – a single on Thurlestone Marsh on 4^th ( H. & J. Huggins) with 4 in off the sea and up the valley on 21^st.

RINGED PLOVER – first a single on 16^th with a max of 5 on 29^th.

SANDERLING – 2 on 4^th, max of 12 on 21^st and 8 on 29^th.

DUNLIN – 5 on 7^th and 15^th with a max of 6 on 22^nd.

BLACK TAILED GODWIT – Single on Thurlestone Marsh on 1^st, 9 briefly on 3^rd 2 on 6^th and 8^th and 3 on 16^th.

WHIMBREL – 2 on rocks on 8^th, max of 7 on 20^th.

CURLEW – flyover recorded on 2 dates.

GREEN SANDPIPER – traditionally the first returning wader but not this year – 3 on Thurlestone Marsh on 21^st, 26^th and 28^th.

REDSHANK – Nick Townsend had the only record, a single on 7^th.

GREENSHANK – 1 flushed from Thurlestone Marsh at 07.15 on 7^th following a very stormy night.

TURNSTONE – 2 on 4^th and 1 on 22^nd.

ARCTIC SKUA – A single l/p flew through on 13^th.

POMARINE SKUA – A sub adult d/p flew east on 18^th.

PUFFIN – One flew west on 18^th.

BLACK HEADED GULL – First Juv on South Huish Marsh with 6 Ad on 9^th.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL – A 1^st s flew through on 5^th.

SANDWICH TERN – Recorded on 3 dates, 3 on 22^nd incl 1 Juv.

COMMON TERN – A single in the Bay on 18^th.

SAND MARTIN only recorded on 2 days – 2 on 19^th and 1 on 30^th. (this compares with 220 in 2011).

SWALLOW – Largest roost 500 on 24^th – this compares with 5000+ IN 2011.

SWIFT – Moving through in small numbers at the end of the Month.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER – A pair bred in South Milton Village – 3 young died due to wet and cold weather and lack of suitable food.   2^nd brood attempted.

WHEATEAR – first Juv found by AFD on evening of 19^th.

REED/SEDGE WARBLER – Almost total failure of birds to reach fledgling status – only 15 and 18 birds caught and ringed.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER – One at South Milton Ley on 30^th.

YELLOW WAGTAIL – An early returning male on Thurlestone Marsh on 26^th.

Mike Passman – thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk



THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS     

JUNE 2012

A remarkably wet and cool month with some days providing gale force winds – not usual to have force 9+ at this time of the year.   The Marshes hold more water than they did in winter

Breeding Warblers on the marshes have lost all their first broods there are very few staking out territories for a second attempt.   Even our WHITETHROATS have all disappeared by the end of the month.

During the month a total 103 species recorded (C/f 2011 – 100) with 3 new species for the year – BLACK-NECKED GREBE, NIGHTJAR and STORM PETREL taking the total to 170.

June is traditionally the quietest month of year so I went off to visit La Brenne in France from 20^th -29^th. I do not appear to have missed anything apart from some diabolical weather.

Significant sightings for the month were:-

MUTE SWAN – Pair on Thurlestone Marsh produced 5 cygnets – all survived to the end of the month.

GREYLAG GOOSE – One on Thurlestone Marsh on 2^nd was a surprising summer record.

SHELDUCK – One pair successfully raised 3 young on Thurlestone Marsh.

GADWALL – A pair on Thurlestone Marsh on 8^th.

TEAL – A female on Thurlestone Marsh on 13^th was either a very early returning bird or one who had stayed over from May and been in the reeds.

COMMON SCOTER – Only one record – a single in the Bay on 9^th.

MANX SHEARWATER – Recorded on five days with high numbers of 88 on 4^th and 27 on 13^th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER – 2 moved east on 13^th.

STORM PETREL – Overnight gales on 7^th/8^th produced 1 feeding only 20 yards off the car park on morning of 8^th.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE – Found in the Bay on 16^th still in partial summer plumage last seen on morning of 30^th. A summer first for the patch.

GANNET – Significant movements through the Bay were – 155 on 7^th, 200 on 12^th, 272 on 13^th and a max of 295 on 15^th.

PUFFIN – One flew east on 15^th (part of the best seawatching movement for some time.

MARSH HARRIER – A female over both marshes from 12^th until 20^th.

Only waders recorded were:-

SANDERLING – 1 on 1^st, WHIMBREL 7 on 1^st with the last a single on 7^th.

This year the first returning wader was a BLACK-TAILED GODWIT on Thurlestone Marsh on 13^th.   TURNSTONE - 4 on 12th and 2 on 18^th.   33 OYSTERCATCHER on 1^st must have included birds still migrating as our summer residents rarely above 10.

Our good year for SKUAS continues with sightings of 3 species on 15^th.

ARCTIC SKUA – 3 on 15^th and 2 on 29^th, GREAT SKUA 1 on 5^th and 2 on 15^th, POMARINE SKUA – a single on 15^th.

First returning MEDITERRANEAN GULL were 2 1^st summer on 29^th and 2 ad and 1 1^st summer on 30^th.   Adults still looked outstanding in their full summer plumage.

TERNS were few and far between – SANDWICH TERN 3 on 13^th and 1 on 15^th. COMMON TERN – 12 east on 15^th.

FULMAR – 22 on 15th along with 11 KITTIWAKE..

A most remarkable record was a male NIGHTJAR which flew in off the sea on 13^th – passed within 20 feet at a height of 30 feet whilst seawatching at Warren Point.

On 4^th several flocks of SWIFT flew over Thurlestone Marsh at least 135.

Very few SWALLOW and SAND MARTIN compared with previous years, HOUSE MARTIN numbers have been maintained.

Walking through the West Buckland Valley has provided some good breeding records:-

BLACKCAP – 11 on 11^th (included 3Juv) CHIFFCHAFF 16 on 11^th (4 juv).

GOLDCREST – 5 on19th (plus 5 Juv) GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER – 3 nests with young calling on 11^th, SONG THRUSH 6 on 19^th, MISTLE THRUSH 3 plus 4 Juv on 19^th and most interestingly 3 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER territories.

NUTHATCH – Mid month reports of an adult and Juv on feeders in local gardens, also calling in the Valley on 19^th

GREEN WOODPECKER – Has become scarce on the patch – one in a local garden on 27^th.

Warblers breeding on the marshes have lost all their first broods numbers of REED/SEDGE well down on recent years.

If you need confirmation of how bad the weather has been the total birds ringed this month was 4 – CHIFFCHAFF 3 and REED WARBLER – 1.

No controls or recoveries to report this month.



THURLESTONE BAY BIRDS

MAY 2012

A mixed month weather wise – cool wet and windy particularly between 6^th and 11^th (I managed to miss being away in sunny Corfu). Only warm spell was towards the end of the month.

Warblers in particular appear to be well down on numbers compared with recent years.

Highlight of the month (and one to add to a memorable year so far) was the sighting on Thurlestone Marsh of a first summer GREAT WHITE EGRET at 10.00 a.m. on 24^th May by Harry and June Huggins. A long anticipated site first.   Thankfully the EGRET stayed until I could get back from Caversham on the Saturday evening. Last sighting was 21.00 on Monday 28^th.

During the month a total of 112 species recorded (of 113 – 2011).   The year total increased to 167 with the addition of GREY PLOVER, GARGANEY, LESSER WHITETHROAT, GREENSHANK (June Huggins again). SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, POMARINE SKUA, KNOT, TURTLE DOVE and the GREAT WHITE EGRET.

Significant sightings for the month were:-

Duck numbers well down this month as they move back north to their breeding grounds:-

WIGEON – a male on 2^nd and TEAL in female on 13^th both on Thurlestone Marsh.

GADWALL a pair on 5^th and 12^th.

TUFTED DUCK are a scarce visitor so a pair on South Huish Marsh on 13^th were unexpected (R.Bu) as was a female POCHARD on Thurlestone Marsh from 28^th – 30^th.

GARGANEY are annual spring visitors but not this year until evening of 3^rd with a male found by Bob.Bu. on South Huish Marsh another male spent a short time resting on rocks off Warren Point on 13^th.

COMMON SCOTER were recorded on 4 days with 45 on 17^th, 50 on 18^th and 30 on 27^th.

Another unexpected find were 2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE in the Bay on 2^nd.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER coming into summer plumage make a lovely sight so 2 on 1^st, 1 on 2^nd and 3 on 3^rd were most welcome.   On the latter date a single RED THROATED DIVER flew west.

MANX SHEARWATER only recorded on 2 days with 5 on 15^th and 25 on 18^th.

RAPTERS (apart from the resident birds) were a single HOBBY on 27^th and an adult female MARSH HARRIER from 13^th – 17^th and again on 30^th.

Latter bird was thought to be different to the former as it had a full tail.

Wader passage continued throughout the month which produced 3 additions to the year list. Species maxima were:-

RINGED PLOVER 4 on 18^th, GREY PLOVER 2 on 2^nd and 1 on 27^th, KNOT 2 on 24^th (1 in full summer plumage until 27^th). SANDERLING – 13 on 18^th, DUNLIN 20 on 17^th, WHIMBREL 185 on 1^st, 170 on 2^nd, 140 on 3^rd with small numbers to the month end.  

BAR TAILED GODWIT 75 on 2^nd, GREENSHANK a single on 6^th, TURNSTONE 7 on 27^th and WOOD SANDPIPER 2 on 18^th.   See comments in the ringing report about a colour flagged SANDERLING.

Single ARCTIC SKUA in the Bay on 2^nd and 7^th.   An early evening passage on 18^th produced 3 POMARINE SKUA flying east.

SANDWICH TERN as 4 days with a max of 24 on 7^th during a spell of poor weather.

Both REED AND SEDGE WARBLER numbers down on previous years.   Bob B had a LESSER WHITETHROAT at South Milton Ley on 6^th.   2 GARDEN WARBLERS held singing territory from the 18^th onwards.

The 1^st saw a small fall of passerines with 7 WHINCHAT, 34 WHEATEAR, GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, LESSER REDPOLL and CUCKOO (also one heard on 28^th)

SPOTTED FLYCATYCHER- single birds on 12^th and 20^th whilst Bob B had a TURTLE DOVE over the car park on 27^th.

First big hirundine movement occurred during first few days – SWALLOW 400+ on 1^st, HOUSE MARTIN – 125 on 2^ND, SAND MARTIN 100+ on 3^rd.   First SWALLOW roost on 14^th with over 500 over the Marsh.

A walk through West Buckland Valley 31^st produced a GREEN WOODPECKER (scarce this year) 3 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER nests, and 8 BLACKCAP.   Will be trying to make more regular visits during the breeding season, some good looking sites.



April is always the month when Spring migration dominates with new arrivals of our summer visitors and offshore migration of seabirds.   This year the month seemed to stutter rather than get into full flow, whilst some migrants appeared early the main arrivals were much later and in less numbers particularly Hirundines and Warblers – probably due to the weather conditions.

Weather for the month could be summed up as Cool and Wet 17^th and 18^th were stormy with NW winds F8 gusting 9, with 29^th and 30^th producing gales of 8+.

Some very good seawatching days – particularly 17^th, 18^th, 23^rd, 25^th, 26^th and 30^th.

Whilst the Wader passage was reasonable this year it was SKUAS that stood out with a highest daily total for some years of 28 ARCTIC SKUA. On 30^th.

The LITTLE BUNTING was last reported on 16^th at least 100 visitors came to the patch and almost all of them connected with it even if it took several hours of patient waiting.

During the month a total of 125 species were recorded (c/f 124 in 2011) the total for the year increased by 20 to 156 (C/F 153 in 2011) notable firsts for the year were HOOPOE, LITTLE GULL, LITTLE TERN, WOOD SANDPIPER and CUCKOO.

Significant sightings for the month:-

BRENT GOOSE (DB) – a single on 25^th and 2 on 30^th were the only records (further along the coast large numbers of light bellied were recorded flying east unfortunately none flew through the Bay).

WIGEON in April are unusual a female this year on the Marshes until the 18^th and then a male arrived on 23^rd – still present at the end of the month.

SHELDUCK max was 23 on 14^th.   COMMON SCOTER still only small numbers recorded on 7 days with a max of 31 on 23^rd (many Aprils would record daily totals of 200+)

DIVERS again thin on the ground.   RED-THROATED 2 on 4^th with singles on 3 further dates, GREAT NORTHERN singles on 10^th and 25^th – latter in summer plumage also singles 29^th and 30^th.

FULMAR don’t normally get special mention – 74 on 18^th is my largest total.

First MANX SHEARWATER arrived on 8^th with 65 recorded, maxima 240 on 30^th.

Largest GANNET movement days were 18^th – 320 and 30^th – 470.

GREAT CRESTED GREBES on the sea in April are irregular 2 on 5^th and a single on 29^th.

An early HOBBY over South Milton Ley on 4^th and a female MARSH HARRIER in off the sea on 28^th were the only migrant raptors

Wader passage in April is always something to look forward to, although we did’nt get the numbers compared with last year it was still very enjoyable.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER – singles on 3 dates, RINGED PLOVER only one record a single on 23^rd, even DUNLIN were sparse with a max of 3 on 30^th.

A single SANDERLING on 1^st whilst PURPLE SANDPIPER recorded on 3 dates with 2 on 6^th.

A single WOOD SANDPIPER flew through on 29^th.

Last SNIPE reported on 24^th.   TURNSTONE present throughout with a max of 14 on 5^th WHIMBREL and BAR TAILED GODWIT are the main migrants, this year because the marshes were still very wet some of the flocks stayed for more than 1 day so it has been difficult to difficult to calculate the totals passing through.   WHIMBREL passage commenced with 3 on 17^th and gradually built up to 63 on 25^th and a max of 92 on 30^th.

BAR TAILED GODWIT commenced with 3 on 20^th with the only large daily total on 30^th with 75 (many of which in summer plumage). Only BLACK TAILED GODWITS were 5 which flew into Thurlestone Marsh on the evening of 28^th with 1 still present on 29^th.

First COMMON SANDPIPER arrived on 24^th with another on South Huish marsh on 30^th.

With some good gale force winds it was the SKUA passage that was the highlight.

GREAT SKUA recorded on 7 dates with a patch record of 11 on the 25^th the latter included 2 groups of 4 – total logged 21 (3 or 4 would be a good year.

ARCTIC SKUA first were 2 on 9^th, with 9 on 25^th, 12 on 26^th and an incredible 28 on 30^th.   Again groups of 4/5 not unusual and included all 3 phases.   Almost all these continued their migration by going overland up the Valley.   A monthly total of 51 compared with 3 in 2011.

In poor visibility 2 large flocks of COMMON TERN of 200+ and 150+ passed through in the morning of 23^rd with a daily total of 400, on the 25^th the total was 115.   During the month 550 birds were logged.

Whilst SANDWICH TERN were recorded almost daily only significant totals were 46 on 23^rd and 77 on 25^th.   ARCTIC TERN only recorded on 3 days with 6 on 26^th the max.   Highlight for the month were 2 single LITTLE TERN on 23^rd 1 early morning (MBP) the other late afternoon (RBur) my first spring record.

A single LITTLE GULL on 19^th was the first for the year.

HIRUNDINE passage very poor giving cause for concern – first HOUSE MARTIN were 5 on 14^th with only reasonable numbers of 50 on 30^th.   SAND MARTIN scarce until 8 on 13^th with a max of 70 on 30^th.   First notable SWALLOW movement was 75 on 12^th, 135 on 14^th and 200+ on 30^th.

First SWIFT arrived on 25^th and a max of 30 on 29^th.

A CUCKOO (R.Bur) on 3^rd was the earliest site record.   With 2 REDSTART on 6^th the expected arrival of passerines just dried up.   With a single REED WARBLER on 7^th no more than 5 singing by 30^th.   First SEDGE WARBLER on 15^th but again very few by 30^th holding territory.   WHITETHROAT were very scarce – a single on 19^th with only another on 28^th.

WHEATEAR numbers low with a max of 6 on 25^th.   First WHINCHAT were 2 on the evening of 30^th (AFD)

Only 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL recorded, both males – singles on 23^rd and 30^th.

Last WATER PIPIT sighting was on 7^th on Thurlestone Marsh.

Finally a LESSER REDPOLL flying over car park on 15^th was an unusual Spring record.



Month commenced with 2 days of fog/mist.   Only heavy rain was overnight 3/4^th and 7^th.

Fog again 11/12^th.

Only 1 day of F6 + wind – 4^th.   High pressure dominated with E winds from 23^rd until 31^st.

Very poor migrant passage – particularly after 25^th.

Excellent sea passage on 24^th/25^th.

The month will be long remembered as a BUNTING Bonanza.

On 19^th Bob B ringed a LITTLE BUNTING – the first record since 1997.

Remarkably on 28^th a second one was caught and ringed.   These became only the 10^th and 11^th mainland record for Devon.   One bird still showing through to 31^st with up to 50 visitors leaving very satisfied.

Colin Mills of Soar Mill Seeds had very generously provided Bob with a supply of Bird Food – it was at this food source that both birds were caught and the only place where they could be seen.

Many thanks to Colin and Venessa for their food sponsorship.

During the month a total of 115 species were recorded (compares with 113 in 2011).

The year list increased to 136 (2011 -128) with site firsts of CASPIAN GULL (MBP) and LAPLAND BUNTING (Vic T and Nick T).

Significant sightings for the month;:-

The BEWICKS SWAN which has overwintered at Aveton Gifford started to move to Slapton – on a return journey accompanying 3 MUTE SWAN it was picked up flying over South Milton Ley and across the Bay towards the Avon Estuary.   An noticeable increase of MUTE SWAN movement – there are 3 pairs holding territory, on several days a further 5 to 7 were recorded.

A single DB BRENT GOOSE in the Bay briefly on 25^th.

SHELDUCK started moving through from 8^th with a max of 9 on 25^th.   WIGEON gradually reduced from 46 on 1^st to a pair on SH Marsh on 31^st.                   

TEAL peaked at 60 on 4^th with still 20 on 30^th.   AJL had 5 EIDER in the Bay on 5^th as well as a female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

POCHARD is not an annual bird here so a pair on 15^th on Thurlestone Marsh were a welcome sight.

A male PINTAIL was on South Huish Marsh on 1^st with 1m 2F flying east on 28^th.   With single SHOVELER on the marshes it was movement offshore on24th with 5 east and 25^th 24 east including one flock of 17.   GADWALL again on 24^th with 5 on the sea before flying east, otherwise 2 on the marshes on 5 days.

COMMON SCOTER still only recorded in small numbers – max 17 east on 24^th.

DIVERS and GREBES have been scarce this winter – Single RED-THROATED DIVER on 6^th and 11^th with a single GREAT NORTHERN DIVER ON 20^TH.   A single SLAVONIAN GREBE on 6^th was the first this winter.   Singles of GREAT CRESTED GREBE in the Bay on 8^th, 9^th and 15^th.

Only raptor outside the usual resident birds was a female MERLIN on 18^th.

Small numbers of AUKS recorded on several dates,   on 25^th they included a single PUFFIN.

15 species of Waders recorded – main highlights were:-

First LITTLE RINGED PLOVER from 24^th – 27^th on South Huish Marsh.   RINGED PLOVER recorded on 8 days with a max of 12 on 1^st.   A single LAPWING on 6^th.

SANDERLING – probably the best winter for many years -7 on the beach from 1^st to 14^th and still 4 on 25^th.   DUNLIN only on 3 days max 5 on 14^th.

1 PURPLE SANDPIPER on 10^th with 3 on 11^th.   A single JACK SNIPE on Thurlestone Marsh on 12^th.  

Very few SNIPE recorded however when Vic T carried out his checks on South Huish Marsh on 28^th he flushed 30.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT recorded on 6 days all singles apart from 2 on 6^th and 7^th.   The BAR-TAILED GODWIT passage is usually from late April with 7 flying up the valley on 24^th this was an early start.   Also on the same date 4 WHIMBREL flew east.   Single CURLEW recorded on 4 days.

REDSHANK are few and far between (only 4 records throughout 2011) so to have 2 on 13^th and 4 on 14^th was a surprise.   Latter record is a recent site record!.

TURNSTONE continue to be seen on the rocks at high tide with 9 on 3^rd and 7 on 22^nd.

Whilst Thurlestone Marsh regularly has LITTLE EGRET (usually no more than 2) to see 5 on 30^th was a surprise.   Regular displaying seen but no hint of breeding.

During a light passage of BLACK-HEADED GULL towards the end of the month MEDITERRANEAN GULL also seen including some adults in full summer plumage – beautiful – max were 4 on 25^th.

First SANDWICH TERN were 2 on 17^th, with 14 on 14^th and 15 on 25^th

Hirundine passage very light – SAND MARTIN maintained its record of being the first migrants to arrive with 2 over Thurlestone Marsh on 13^th on 15^th the max of 13 recorded and then only small numbers through to 28^th.   First SWALLOW over South Huish marsh on 21^st then only recorded on 22^nd – 2, 23^rd – 3, 25^th -3.   No HOUSE MARTINS at all – where are they?

Only WARBLERS were – WILLOW singles on 25^th and 29^th, BLACKCAP 1 on 10^th and 4 on 27^th.   CHIFFCHAFF up to 8 singing by the months end.

My last record of FIELDFARE were 5 on 1^st whilst REDWING were 25 on same date with Bob B having 1 at South Milton ley on 29^th being the last.

A male WHEATEAR at South Huish marsh on 14^th was the first with ones and twos until 25^th and 26^th when 4 and then none up to the end of the month.

A TREE PIPIT on 30^th was an early arrival with WATER PIPIT – 2 on 4^th and single on 8^th and 19^th.

Only 1 SISKIN recorded flying north on 23^rd.

At least 3 different female BLACK REDSTART recorded between 6^th and 30^th on of which was showing a ring.

Finally the BUNTING BONANZA – Already mentioned the 2 star species to which can be added a male CIRL BUNTING on 21^st, several YELLOWHAMMER and finally up to 30 REED BUNTING.



Another month of contrasting weather – the first two weeks providing the coldest nights of the winter with a low of -5C on 11^th with the Marshes frozen over on 5 days.   Later some of the warmest February days in years, and then towards the end thick sea fog and generally poor visibility.   Only windy day 22^nd SW 7.

A total of 106 birds recorded – compares well with 2011 when only 97.

A first patch recorded of CASPIAN GULL – a 1^st w. on 27^th with a total of 11 new birds for the year.

Still relatively few DIVER records and only LITTLE GREBE of that family.

GLOSSY IBIS seen daily usually on the back of the Marsh, last sighting 17.15 on 15^th.

GREYLAG GOOSE present until 27^th, on 15^th Mike Miller had 6 BRENT GOOSE fly onto South Huish Marsh.

Brief passage of SHELDUCK from 23^rd with a max of 4 on 24^th.   PINTAIL (particularly males)

are not annual so 2 on South Huish Marsh on 15^th were welcome with 1 staying to the end of the month.   A female TUFTED DUCK on the same marsh on 22^nd was a first of the year.

COMMON SCOTER recorded on 5 days with a max of 8 on 24^th.

Commoner duck maxima were – WIGEON 76 on 23rd, TEAL 5 on 17^th, GADWALL 5 on 9^th, SHOVELER 5 on 5^th.

Only DIVER record was a RED-THROATED flying east on 3^rd.   LITTLE GREBE 1 on Thurlestone Marsh on 13^th.

Strong winds on 27^th produced an early BALEARIC SHEARWATER flying west.

Unexpected raptors were a single HEN HARRIER mid month reported over South Milton Ley by a visiting birder and a MERLIN on 12^th.

4 new wader species for the year – 2 GOLDEN PLOVER on 3^rd, AJL had 60 over the marsh on 27^th.

Up to 3 PURPLE SANDPIPER between 4^th and 14^th and a WOODCOCK at South Milton Ley on 24^th, with a single REDSHANK at South Huish Marsh on 23^rd.

A GREEN SANDPIPER flew into Thurlestone marsh early on 10^th.   Only 1 JACK SNIPE recorded on 3^rd.   SNIPE peaked at 60 on 12^th.

On the beaches SANDERLING peaked at 12 on 15^th (a site winter record count), RINGED PLOVER 16 on 15^th, DUNLIN 3 on 3^rd, TURNSTONE 14 on 12^th.

CURLEW came into roost on Thurlestone Marsh with a single on 23^rd on 2 on 29^th.  

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT – a single bird until 29^th also LAPWING 2 all month with a max of 9 on 3^rd.

Only MEDITERRANEAN GULLS of the month were 2 on 28^th amongst a roosting flock of 200+ BLACK-HEADED GULL.   An adult YELLOW-LEGGED GULL recorded on 14^th and 23^rd.

BLACK REDSTART recorded in frequently with 3 different birds seen.

FIRECREST seen at South Milton Ley on 24^th, overwinter CHIIFFCHAFF peaked at 15 on 11^th and 28^th, several male BLACKCAPS recorded.

WATERPIPT on several dates on the Thurlestone Marsh flood meadows with a max of 3 on 11^th.

Finally the REED BUNTING continue to enjoy visiting my garden feeders – maxima 21 on 4^th with still 20 on 28^th.

A month of contrast – mild weather early month followed by some very strong westerly gales – up to force 10 at times then finishing off with the first cold spell of the winter.

A total of 106 species recorded during the month with a number of surprises among them.   The second ever record of GLOSSY IBIS first seen coming in to Thurlestone Marsh to roost at 16.45 on 12^th then seen almost daily until the months end.   Spent most of its feeding time at the back of the marsh making it difficult to see from the main road.

At least 4 BEARDED TIT stayed on South Milton Ley last being seen on 13^th.

Offshore my first January record of both SANDWICH TERN on 15^th and GREAT SKUA on 16^th both flying east.   Interesting SANDWICH TERN reported the same day at Dawlish Warren and following day at Penzance

Another first for the patch were 2 GREY PARTRIDGE flushed from a hedgerow near Upton Cross (South Milton) must be from an introduction scheme, probably falconers.

A GREYLAG GOOSE spent the whole month on the patch, sometimes feeding with the large CANADA flock.   AJL had the sole BRENT GOOSE record a DB on 7^th.

Duck numbers lower than expected probably due to the mild weather maxima were:

WIGEON - 100 on 1^st, GADWALL - 3 on 17^th, TEAL - 70 on 14^th, SHOVELER – 5 on 4^th, COMMON SCOTER – 12E on 4^th,       RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, AJL had a female on 28^th.   A male GOOSEANDER photographed by a visiting birder swimming across the bay on 15^th. I am fairly certain this is the first site record of a Male.

Diver records were all of singles viz:-

RED-THROATED on 1^st and 4^th, BLACK-THROATED on 1^st and 17^th, GREAT NORTHERN on 2^nd, 4^th and 19^th.

Raptors consisted of a ringtail HEN HARRIER on 12^th, a female MARSH HARRIER on 11^th to 16^th and 28^th, a female MERLIN on 8^th and 20^th.

AJL had a BARN OWL early one morning, TAWNY OWL calling at both South Milton Ley and Thurlestone Marsh.

11 species of WADER recorded with maxima of:   OYSTERCATCHER - 25 on 2^nd, RINGED PLOVER - 12 on 15, LAPWING - 75 on 12^th, SANDERLING - 2 all month,

GREEN SANDPIPER singles on 15^th and 23^rd, DUNLIN – 6 on 5^th, JACK SNIPE singles on 11^th and 17^th, SNIPE 60 on 11^th, CURLEW – 1 on 24^th, TURNSTONE – 10 on 15^th. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT – 1 all month joined by a second on 8^th.

Biggest day for sea passage was 16^th – GANNET - 152, KITTIWAKE – 130, AUKS – 80+.

MED GULL on 12^th, 17^th and 21^st also YELLOW-LEGGED GULL on 4^th and 17^th.

Bob B trapped a FIRECREST on 11^th (same bird on 20^th November 2011 – but not seen in between) whilst AJL had one in Mallards Lane on 29^th.

Male BLACKCAPS in local gardens on 1^st and 14^th, with a female BLACK REDSTART on 13^th.

A WATER PIPIT on Thurlestone Marsh on 1^st and 7^th.

Wintering STOCK DOVE flocks peaked at a total of 70 on 5^th.

Horswell House Wood provided the only record of NUTHATCH last year and again this year – a single bird feeding on 23^rd.

GREEN WOODPECKERS have become scarce – Bob B had one in the Hotel grounds on 28^th.

Winter thrushes REDWING a max of 35 with only a few FIELDFARE.   No big gathering of FINCHES although up to 3 YELLOW HAMMER at South Milton Ley.

Finally REED BUNTING – up to 40 at South Milton Ley with 14 on the feeders in my garden on 7^th.

So far birds most conspicuous by their absence are GREBES none

at all recorded.