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THURS 30 APR

A fine sunny day with a cool WNW f3 wind. The month closed more as a damp squib , again almost no passage to talk of .

A pair of TEAL on both marshes. 11 WHIMBREL and a F WHEATEAR at South Huish marsh. Offshore a feeding party of 70+ GANNET

Some favourable winds over the next 2 days should produce some passage of Waders, Skuas and Terns ., unfortunately I am going to miss them . Please email me with any interesting sightings / movements .

Next update will be Sat 9 May.

WED 29 APR

Heavy rain upto 10.15 then cloudy . WNW wind F4/5

On South Huish Marsh- 9 WHIMBREL, 1m WIGEON, 1m TEAL, 1 DUNLIN, 1m YELLOW WAGTAIL, ,2 SEDGE WARBLER, 2m BLACKCAP. Hirundines - 50+ SWALLOW, 25 SAND MARTIN, 20 HOUSE MARTIN.

At 13.40 Eric rang to say the HUDSONIAN GODWIT had returned to Shapwick Heath, picked him up at 14.00., arrived on site at 16.00 and spent an 1hour watching the bird downto 150 yards , good views and some in flight showing the black underwing. , also 2 GREAT WHITE EGRET and 4 HOBBY

TUES 28 APR

A relatively quiet day - on South Huish Marsh a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER was a new arrival. TEAL now only 4, 7 WHIMBREL ( an0ther 5 on the rocks )5 SHELDUCK

At South Milton Ley - a nice range of Warblers - CETTIS, SEDGE , REED, WILLOW, CHIFFCHAFF and BLACKCAP also a GREAT Sp WOODY

Buckland Valley held a singing GARDEN WARBLER at least 5 BLACKCAP males , 2 JAY and a GREAT Sp WOODY

MON 27 APR

Back to a sunny morning until 11.15 when cloud cover rolled in. Cool in a NW wind

Only 2 SANDWICH TERN and a few GANNET offshore.

On the beach / rocks were - 41 WHIMBREL, 9 SANDERLING, 7 DUNLIN.

On South Huish Marsh - 6 TEAL, RUDDY SHELDUCK, 1m WIGEON,

1 WHEATEAR, 1m WHINCHAT, 2 WHITETHROAT

In the Copse - a GROPPA, 1 WHITETHROAT and a SEDGE WARBLER

All 3 species of Hirundines over the Marsh totalling in all 60 birds

SUN 26 APR

After yesterdays long period on the patch this morning was just a brief visit to make sure no waders had arrived. Seemed to be less birds on South Huish Marsh than yesterday except for a LAPWING.

Nothing offshore , WHIMBREL totalled 14.

Good numbers of SWALLOW and HOUSE MARTIN

Late news from Gary of a female WHINCHAT near the footbridge late pm .

BIRD RACE DAY SAT 25 APR REPORT

After what seems several weeks of fine sunny days the weather started to break down on Friday, however forecasts for Saturday were for sunny periods up to 13.00 and a few light showers thereafter - which turned out to be completely incorrect.

Starting at 06.15 from my house with a 45 minute Garden Watch in cloudy conditions by 08.30 the sea fog rolled in with visibility at times down to less than 250 yards - great seawatching weather. Heavy showers from 13.00 to 16.00 meant everyone getting wet, a brief clear spell until 17.30 when the mist and rain returned.

A total of 11 observers took part with most staying until late afternoon.

Paul Bouldon did the early morning 06.15 visit to South Huish Marsh with the rest of the observers starting around 07.30.

By 8.30 the total had reached 65 and by 12.00 - 74.

Whilst we achieved by late evening a respectable total of 89 it was a case of what might have been with normal seawatching conditions.

Last September the total was 81 so at least we achieved a higher count.

Some of the highlights

A male WIGEON was a good late spring record. A mail PINTAIL flying up the valley at 19.45 was the first for some weeks and the last specie at no. 89. Our resident RUDDY SHELDUCK made the list.

A single GREAT NORTHERN DIVER in the Bay late afternoon.

Small flocks of MANX SHEARWATER flying east from 16.15 - 17.30 totalled 42.

RAPTORS included, BUZZARD, SPARROWHAWK, MERLIN, KESTREL and PEREGRINE.

WADERS comprised - OYSTERCATCHER, RINGED PLOVER, DUNLIN, SNIPE (1 late record), BAR TAILED GODWIT, WHIMBREL, COMMON SANDPIPER. 2 dark phase ARCTIC SKUA late afternoon. The surprise of the day was a site day record of 25 GREAT SKUA including a single flock on the sea of 15. All of them picked up close inshore due to the fog.

Only TERN recorded was SANDWICH and then only 9 in total.

Walking through the Buckland Valley a CUCKOO was a great patch record, also GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS, JAY, MISTLE THRUSH, STARLING, COAL TIT and GOLDCREST.

Only the second record this year of SWIFT and in the lanes a male YELLOWHAMMER.

WARBLERS recorded were - CETTIS, GRASSHOPPER, CHIFFCHAFF, WILLOW, WHITETHROAT, BLACKCAP, SEDGE and REED.

A single YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 WHEATEAR, 1 BULLFINCH plus some REED BUNTING.

At least anothe 5 species would have been on everyones certainty list and guess what first bird on South Huish Marsh Sunday morning was a LAPWING.

Many thanks to everyone who took part, despite the weather a very enjoyable days birding - at least no one left to go to see the HUDSONIAN GODWIT in Somerset.

At the time of posting this report I have not received any information on how many species the other sites taking part achieved, BELVIDE RES, GRIMLEY GRAVEL PITS, MIDDLETON LAKES RSPB, SANDWELL VALLEY RSPB, UPTON WARREN - all inland reserves in the Midlands.

BIRD RACE DAY - SAT 25 APRIL

We have been invited to participate in the next race day. If anyone wants to join us for all or part of the day please let me know,

Late evening update - terrible weather most of the day- from 08.30 - 13.00 viz was down to under 250 yds. Despite this a really hard worked day has produced a total of 89 species- must listen for a TAWNY OWL later .

Full report on Sunday - one highlight is a new patch day record for GREAT SKUA - a total of 25 recorded with a single flock on the sea of 15.

Thanks to everyone who took part and to Anne and Karen for food supplies

FRI 24 APR.

Change in weather conditions this morning , very low cloud/ sea mist until after10.30 poor viz .

On South Huish marsh - 30 + SWALLOW, 25 SAND MARTIN, 2 HOUSE MARTIN, only 5 WHIMBREL, 12 TEAL, RUDDY SHELDUCK, 4 DUNLIN

4 WHEATEAR, 1 TREE PIPIT 2 SNIPE 2 WHITHROAT.( Arthur )

Offshore - 1 GREAT SKUA ( Bob ) , 38 COMMON SCOTER -E , 10 MANX SHEARWATER, 8 SANDWICH TERN, 1 BAR T GODWIT.

All ready for an early start on Sat for the Bird Race - looks like we will have a team of 8 working the patch, hopefully there will be more birds around than today .

The Telford Birders are returning home with a trip list of around 86 which included a visit to Slapton and late this morning to Topsham Bridge for Dipper and Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch etc . They enjoyed their first visit to this part of Devon

THURS 23 APR

More cloud around today , whilst the wind still E only F3/4. Another morning with the Telford crew.

Around South Huish marsh -61 WHIMBREL1 DUNLIN, 1 f RUFF, 20 TEAL, 1 m WIGEON, 19 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL,

1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 20+ SWALLOW, 6 SAND MARTIN , 2 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 SWIFT (152 ) 1 WHITETHROAT

Offshore a little more activity . With one flock of WHIMBREL in off was a GREY PLOVER, 4 DUNLIN, 46 COMMON SCOTER - E , 17 MANX SHEARWATER - E12 SANDWICH TERN, 1 GREAT N DIVER ( on sea ) 1 RED T DIVER - w ,and at 11.45 a dp ARCTIC SKUA (153 ) flew east.

WED 22 APR

The good weather just continuesbut still very little offshore passage. 4 visitors joined me today from Telford area, their first visit to the patch .

On South Huish Marsh this morning - a female RUFF (150 ) was a new arrival. Amongst the Pied Wags was at least 1 WHITE WAG , 2 YELLOW WAGS ,3 WHEATEAR. TEAL increased to 30, 14 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK. 36 WHIMBREL. Arthur had a male WIGEON ( first record for some weeks )2 WHITETHROAT.

2 short seawatches came up with - 25 + GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 1 DUNLIN, 12 SANDWICH TERN , 1 COMMON TERN and feeding close in 3 ARCTIC TERN ( 151 ).

TUES 21 APR

Another cloudless sky , NE wind F 4/5. Very little activity offshore - only 12 WHIMBREL today., 2 SANDWICH TERN

On South Huish Marsh - 21 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK still, 15 TEAL,

1 DUNLIN, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER ( 148 ), 1m YELLOW WAG and 1 WHITE WAG, 3 WHITETHROAT, 6 WHEATEAR and a singing GARDEN WARBLER ( 147 )

At 18.00 Alan D had a F MARSH HARRIER ( 149 ) over South Milton village

MON 20 APR

The sunny weather just continues , sill an ENE F3 /4 wind .

Offshore - 3 SANDWICH TERN, 15 COMMON SCOTER, a few GANNET,

1 KITTIWAKE and 2 FULMAR.Good passage of WHIMBREL - 65 ( max flock 18 )also in with them 3 BAR TAILED GODWIT. 2 COMMON GULL and a 1stw MED GULL flew up the valley

On South Huish Marsh - 3 SAND MARTIN, 15 SWALLOW , 14 HOUSE MARTIN,2 DUNLIN. , RUDDY SHELDUCK .

This afternoon at 16.45 a HOBBY (146 ) flew through T'stone Marsh.

Last nights roosts here were 20+ SWALLOW, 40 + PIED WAGTAIL and

2 YELLOW WAGTAIL

SUN 19 APR

Not as windy this morning , met up with Graham in the car park at 09.00

- he should come more often, something good usually turns up on his visits .

Largest totals for a while of GANNET 110 and COMMON SCOTER 80. One of the flocks of SCOTER also included a female EIDER (143 ) ,the flock landed on the sea so views both in flight and on sea obtained . In recent years only a single record offshore. Also 17 SANDWICH TERN, 8 FULMAR, , 9 MANX S'WATER, 3 RAZORBILL and a GUILLEMOT on sea. On the rocks a WHIMBREL and 5 RINGED PLOVER

At South Huish Marsh - 10 WHIMBREL, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 3 DUNLIN , 2 HOUSE MARTIN, 6 SAND MARTIN, 6 WHEATEAR, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL

At the back of the Marsh Graham had a WHINCHAT ( 144 ).

Still few large waders or Skuas moving through. NE winds to continue until at least Thurs.

Despite a good search the Hoopoe could not be relocated

19.00- Just had a call from Nick T to report a F PIED FLYCATCHER (145) in the hedgerow at the bottom of his garden ,. I cannot remember a Spring record in the last 10 years - will need to speak to Bob B. Nick is named the Pied Fly man - he saw the only in hi s village last year.

SAT 18 APR

Limited time this morning, however plenty of Terns through from 08.30-11.00- Seawatching from the carpark - 50 GANNET, 35 SANSWICH TERN , 1 COMMON TERN + 2 seen by Arthur, 3 LITTLE TERN (142 ) flew into the bay with a small group of SANDWICH at 08.50 moved on in less than 5 mins . Usually we only record singles so nice toget 3 .

On South Huish Marsh - 4 WHIMBREL, 1 BLACK T GODWIT.

Late evening around 20.00 roosts at T'stone Marsh 40 SWALLOW, 30 PIED WAGTAIL and 3 YELLOW WAGTAIL.

Returning from Bristol at 19.00 a RED KITE over the A38 near ASHBURTON - quite a few seen over the last few days.

On getting home a call from Andy Woodward to report a Hoopoe on the lane to Woolston ( outside the patch )near Oldaway Cottage.

FRI 17 APR

All the action took place at South Milton Ley where Alan Pomroy was ringing . Prior to that I had a NUTHATCH ( 140 ) off my balcony .

Alan had 2 RED KITE ( 141 ) fly up the valley- first at 11.30, second at 12.20. ( earier in the morning Eric had 1 over Aveton Gifford , and Alan had another at Ermington when driving home ) He also ringed - 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 4 WILLOW WARBLER, 7 BLACKCAP, 2 SEDGE WARBLER. Retraps were 2 CETTIS WBLR, 4 CHIFFCHAFF ( inc a Tristis ) , 1 REED WARBLER ( first ringed here as a juv in 2013

News from South Huish Marsh - 1 LAPWING, 3 WHIMBREL, offshore - 3 WHIMBREL , 8 SANDWICH TERN, 40 GANNET.

Early evening news rec'd of a CHIFFCHAFF calling in trees near the entrance to Morrisons Supermarket in Kingsbridge which was probably IBERIAN - further info to follow

THURS 16 APR

Late start again this morning . for 1st time in 10 years had to go to the Quacks, i can tell you seawatching and Bronchitis dont go together, inbed all afternoon

In just over 2hrs with a F4/5 ENE wind the Bay produced - 25 SANDWICH TERN, 14 GANNET, 8 COMMON SCOTER -E, 1 RINGED PLOVER over, 3 WHIBREL -in off with another 7 on the Marsh. Passage of Hirundines came to 65 + SWALLOW, 50+ SAND MARTIN, 14 HOUSE MARTIN

Repots from the Marsh confirm a DUNLIN, 17 SHELDUCK , RUDDY SHELDUCK, WHITE WAGTAIL with BOB having the first WHITETHROAT ( 139 ) by the toilet block

WED 15 APR

Another fantastic summers day with only a light breeze, offshore viz poor.

Drove over to South Huish Marsh for 10.30 no change to yesterdays report for birds on the Marsh.However I did have the first large flock of WHIMBREL, first at 10.50 when 40 flew in and went straight up the valley, 20 mins later aflock of 35 landed on the rocks , rested for 10 mins and then contiued up the valley. later 2 singles flew east , also 3 COMMON SCOTER flew east.

With the increasing E winds this should result in some good large wader passage with the possibility of Terns , Skuas and Scoter.

TUES 14 APR

If you were on holiday in the Med you would be texting home to say how fabulous the weather was- unbroken sunshine, warm and only a gentle breeze.

The best bird of the day was off the patch, reported this morning from near the Bolberry car park - a Woodchat Shrike , still viewable at 18.00. at present not able to walk that far.

Spent 30 mins on a Garden watch at 07.45 , whist only 25 species they did include the first singing REED WARBLER, ( 136 ) 3 BLACKCAP.,

4 CHIFFCHAFF. At 17.00 SEDGE WARBLER singing

Offshore from the car park - a CUCKOO ( 137 ) flew in , over the Golf Club and up the valley at 09.20, on the sea both GREAT N DIVER and BLACK T DIVER, a few GANNET, at least 6 SANDWICH TERN . Later by the flats a GREENSHANK ( 138 ) flew over calling

On South H Marsh - 16 TEAL, 17 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK,

1 HOUSE MARTIN, c10 SWALLOW

At South Milton Ley Vic reported 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 12 + BLACKCAP,

1 BULLFINCH . Yesterday Dave S also retrapped one of the SIB CHIFFCHAAF first ringed in the winter.

Eric also had the Kumlien's Gull over his house !

Weather for wed/thurs is looking good for us

MON 13 APR

Unable to get out onto the patch today ,News rec'd Dave Scott ringing visit to South Milton Ley produced thr first 2 SEDGE WARBLER (134 ) and a GROPPA ( 135 )

After the fog cleared around 17.00 over T'stone marsh 10 SAND MARTIN and 2 SWALLOW

SUN 12 APR

A sunny morning with a brisk SSW wind , somewhat disappointing in the end -

Offshore 70 GANNET, 50 SANDWICH TERN all east, 3 KITTIWAKE, 2 FULMAR,3 MANX SHEARWATER, 8 AUKS

On South Huish Marsh - 27 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK, only 7 TEAL, 1 WHIMBREL.

A flock of over 200 HERRING GULL in fields being ploughed by T'stone Marsh did not include any other species

SAT 11 APR

Restricted time this am , however the surprise was looking out of the bedroom window at 08.15 to find a GREEN SANDPIPER ( 133 ) on the back pool, very few spring records over the last 5 years, also 8 TEAL and a m REED BUNTING.

An hours seawatch from the car park produced, 2 FULMAR, 15 GANNET, 2 COMMON TERN, 5 SANDWICH TERN

No news rec'd from any other observers- Late news from Nick - WHIMBREL, YELLOW WAGTAIL and LITTLE RINGED PLOVER recorded

FRI 10 APR

A fine morning which by 11.00 was total cloud cover.

A 30 min Garden Watch was unproductive, however at 09.00 found

2 SNIPE feeding on T'stone Marsh plus 10 TEAL.

Only birds offshore were a lone GANNET, FULMAR , 4 SANDWICH TERN and a BLACK THROATED DIVER which flew east., along with 10 COMMON SCOTER.

On South Huish Marsh 14 TEAL, 12 SHELDUCK , RUDDY SHELDUCK, BLACK T GODWIT, 2 WHITE WAGTAIL , 30 SWAL:LOW and a HOUSE MARTIN . In 30 min from 11.20 a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER a cracking male YELLOW WAGTAIL (132 )and 2 WHIMBREL

All we need now is for some of the Cornish Hoopoe to start moving east !

THURS 9 APR

Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 08.05 ,later news rec'd that I had already missed the bird of the day - a GREAT WHITE EGRET (130 ). found by Paul B at 07.00, he could not relocate it at 07.25.

Seawatching in poor viz until 10.45 produced -

95 GANNET, 3 GREAT N DIVER ( 2 E -1in sp, & 1 on sea ) 3 FULMAR,

4 MANX SHEARWATER, ,5 RAZORBILL + 2 AUKS, 27 SANDWICH TERN

( largest flock 8 ), 4 COMMON TERN (131 ), 20 COMMON SCOTER, 5 BLACK H GULL -E+ 1ad MED GULL,

On the beach/ marsh - 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 LAPWING, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 4 WHEATEAR, 30+ LINNET -N, 1 WHITE WAG, 1 WILLOW WARBLER 55 + SWALLOW, 6 SAND MARTIN, Up to 26 SHELDUCK

At Aveton Gifford Eric had a F Redstart in his garden

WED 8 APR

A fine sunny day with a nice E wind F3 but did not turn out as good as expected

The KUMLIENS GULL was located in a field on the outscurts of SOUTH MILTON giving some good views , this morning.

The main action of the day was Hirundines - a steady flow of birds moving north during the morning from 9.00 totals logged - SWALLOW 125 + , SAND MARTIN 20, HOUSE MARTIN 3 in just over 2 hours, a few LINNETS and MEADOW PIPIT also moving north.

On South Huish Marsh - 11 SHELDUCK, RUDDY SHELDUCK, 15 TEAL,

2 GADWALL, 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 3 WHEATEAR, 2 WILLOW WARBLER and late this aft. Nick reported 2 RINGED PLOVER and a DUNLIN.

Offshore a GREAT N DIVER , a few GANNET and FULMAR, 1 SANDWICH TERN.Notable for coming in off the sea were a LAPWING and a SPARROWHAWK

TUES 7 APR

Time costraints meant I had to have an early start ( for me ! ) Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 07.40 to find a flock of Gulls in the field behind the cafe - about 20 HERRING, 20 BLACK HEADED and an ad MED GULL, a few minutes later they were joined by another small flock of HERRING GULL which to my surprise included the ad KUMLIENS GULL ( a life tick for me ), at that moment Robert the Farmer came across the field on his

quad bike so off went the Gulls - the KUMLIEN'S was last seen going towards the high ground and Hope Cove . At 12.00 Arthur and Bob walked along the coast path where a field was being ploughed and there it was again. , could not be relocated this PM.

At 08.25 I picked up 2 ducks flying in off the sea- a pair of GARGANEY - the second record this spring, they landed and went straight into the reeds, relocated at 12.15 and showed well all afternoon. Other new arrivals were a pair of GADWALL and late pm a BAR T GODWIT ( 129 )

. Athur had a WHIMBREL fly in and up the valley. The BLACK T GODWIT and RUDDY SHELDUCK still on the Marsh along with 11 SHELDUCK and 10 TEAL. 15 SWALLOW and 3 SAND MARTIN over, 1 WHEATEAR in the field- Offshore 80 GANNET, 5 SANDWICH TERN, 16 COMMON SCOTER and a brief BLACK T DIVER

Easterly winds again WED - could be good

MON 6 APR

Summer weather arrived before the main influx of migrants, not a cloud in the sky little breeze and car parks overflowing, someone even flying a drone over the beach - thats a first!

Seawatching for an hour produced 30 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 6 SANDWICH TERN and 2 MANX SHEARWATER ( 127 ), 3 RAZORBILL, 5 BLACK H GULL

On South Huish Marsh a pair of SHOVELER were new arrivals, The BLACK T GODWIT and RUDDY SHELDUCK still, todays SHELDUCK were 22- these are the highest reguler totals for this duck , 15 TEAL, 4 WHEATEAR, 2 WHITE WAGTAIL, . In the copse / gardens - 4 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 LINNET and an early TREE PIPIT ( 128 )

Over T'stone Marsh at 17.00 2 SWALLOW and 4 CURLEW, earlier at least 3 WILLOW WARBLER singing.

Managed to meet up with Tom Mabbett before he went back to his desk at Nature Trek's,. Also heard about a recent illness suffered by Tom Sleep- he and his wife Jane were frequent visitors from Bere Alston , hope you are soon on the road to recovery Tom- best wishes from the Thurlestone Birders

Sun 5 APR

Another interesting day, cloudy early sunny periods later,only a light E breeze. At least 12 birders on the patch .

Around my garden a JAY and a singing male BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFCHAFF.

Offshore a GREAT N DIVER on the sea, 2 RAZORBILL, 3 FULMAR, 1 f COMMON SCOTER, at 10.05 2 WHIMBREL (125 )flew around the Bay before continuing east.

On South Huish Marsh - 20 SHELDUCK, the RUDDY SHELDUCK, 27 TEAL, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 3 CURLEW ( early )1 WHEATEAR ( also 3 on Golf Course ), 1 SAND MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW

Alan Pomroy was ringing this morning - 7 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WILLOW WARBLER. Also on site 30 LINNET, 2 REDWING, 1 HOUSE MARTIN ( 126 )

Light E winds to continue this week with high pressure. Should produce some migrants

SAT 4 APR

Cloudy morning with sunny periods in the afternoon,light NNE wind

There were 2 reports of the KUMLIENS GULL both from arable fields around South Milton village , a fair number of watchers at South Huish Marsh were disappointed the bird did not put in an appearance.On the Marsh - 10 SHELDUCK, the RUDDY SHELDUCK, 1 LAPWING, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT (123 ) 21 TEAL 3 SWALLOW

Offshore a GREAT N DIVER ( on the sea ), `1 RED T DIVER and a COMMON SCOTER flew east. 3 GUILLEMOT ( on the sea ). Visitors repoerted 4 SANDWICH TERN ( 124 ) on the rocks

FRI 3 APR

A cloudy day with spells of light drizzle and a WNW f 3/4 wind. Some migrant arrivals .

On T'stone Marsh first thing a SWALLOW flew north , F BLACKCAP in my garden, 1 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 9 SHELDUCK . During the last few days a leucistic female REED BUNTING has been coming to my feeders .2 LINNET were the first for a while . In a flock of HERRING GULL was a COMMON GULL. Late afternoon a small passage of 5 SAND MARTIN and 4 SWALLOW, 15 TEAL , 1 MISTLE THRUSH.

Offshore 45 GANNET, 12 RAZORBILL, still no sign of any Terns

On South Huish Marsh 26 TEAL, 10 SHELDUCK , the RUDDY SHELDUCK. In the copse a WILLOW WARBLER in sub song.

Visiting RSPB members from Plymouth had a WHEATEAR and 3 SWALLOW . Late afternoon Vic Tucker had very good views of the KUMLIENS GULL in the field behind the cafe

Arthur had another WILLOW WARBLER in the bushes by the toilet block at T'stone Marsh

Late news from a visitor of a cracking record- near the footbridge a CORN BUNTING ( 123 ) flew over calling. This is the first site record for 15 - 20 years. If that visitor reads this blog can he contact me to verify the report

THURS 2 APR

Starting to see an improvement in the weather and at least today a trickle of migrants . They say 1 SWALLOW (121 ) doesn't make a summer- but it cetainly put a smile on my face when 1 flew over South Huish Marsh at 10.05 this morning, only other new arrival was a COOT. TEAL increased to 36, SHELDUCK 16, The RUDDY SHELDUCK still.

Offshore a GREAT N DIVER on the sea at 10.20, KITTIWAKE flew west.

At T'stone Marsh a CIRL BUNTING , 1 CETTIS WARBLER 2 CHIFFCHAFF and at 14.55 a SAND MARTIN .

Coming through Churhstow at 17.25 3 SWALLOW flew north

WED 1 APR

The only April fool this morning was me - thinking there would be an influx of migrants .Morning started bright and sunny but then the cloud rolled in and a cold W wind made it feel more like Feb than April

A 30 min Garden Watch at 08.00produced 30 species- highlights - CETTIS WARBLER, CHIFFCHAFF, REED BUNTING, WATER RAIL and TEAL .

Offshore a few GANNET, FULMAR, 10 RAZORBILL & 1 GUILLEMOT on the sea

At South Huish Marsh the undubted highlight was watching a large OTTER climb out of the water, run accross the grass, over the bank and down onto the rocks - just magic.

Birdwise- 20 SHELDUCK, The RUDDY SHELDUCK, 26 TEAL , 2 STONECHAT, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 WATER PIPIT and a LAPWING ( this is my first April record in 10 years, must be a winter visitor still hanging around ! )

A short visit to Buckland Valley produced , STOCK DOVE, GREEN and GREAT Sp WOODY, 2 COAL TIT , 1 GOLDCREST and 4 CHIFFCHAFF

In Nick's garden at South Milton - a JAY asnd a SPARROWHAWK

Total species recorded was a disappointing 56.

One change to the March records - Mike Langman has posted on Devon Birds that the ICELAND GULL he saw on 15 March was infact a KUMLIEN'S GULL . Comparison of his and Alan Doidge's photos conclusion they are the same bird .

ROCK PIPIT - Littoralis South Huish Marsh 28 March2015