MON 28 NOV Eric reports 2 WOODCOCK at South Efford Marsh   SUN 27 NOV Just arrived in Lanzarote , rec'd an email from Nick to confirm 10 Barnacle GEESE on South Huish Marsh this morning . This is no 199 for the patch this year , only 1 more needed to reach the target of 200 . Also on Leasfoot Beach, the DESERT WHEATEAR and 2 BLACK REDSTART   SAT 26 NOV 100% cloud cover , light f2/3 E breeze On Leasfoot Beach the DESERT WHEATEAR continues to perform for the increasing number of visitors , one birder had driven down from Worcester. When I left the carpark at 12.50 it was on the roof of the block of flats. Also on the Beach a nice male BLACK REDSTART An hour seawatch from the carpark from 09.20 produced - 50 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 2 GREAT N DIVER, 1 SHELDUCK, 1f PINTAIL , 16 TEAL and 1m 5f SHOVELER ( on sea then east ) - first this autumn , 62 COMMON SCOTER - east ( largest flock -30), 11 WIGEON, 28 AUKS - east On South Huish Marsh - 3m 4f GADWALL, 80 TEAL, 11 WIGEON, 8 SNIPE, 5 LAPWING, 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 REED BUNTING On the rocks - 10 TURNSTONE, 8 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 WATER RAIL, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 200+ TEAL, 150+ WIGEON, 8 WATER PIPIT . Large numbers of Thrushes around   FRI 25 NOV A clear morning but still the cold E F6/7 wind Most interesting birds through the garden first thing were - 450 WOOD PIGEON, 40 GOLDFINCH, 12 CHAFFINCH, 4 GREENFINCH, 2 RAVEN, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 3 MISTLE THRUSH Joined by Doug Stannard this morning At 09.00 the DESERT WHEATEAR was still showing well on Leasfoot Beach . On South Huish Marsh - 2 DUNLIN, 1 REDSHANK, 60 TEAL, 4 WIGEON All this mornings action was offshore - a 2hour seawatch produced - 110 WIGEON ( 2 flocks on the sea ) 16 TEAL,  1 GREAT N DIVER ( on sea ), 18 DUNLIN and 5 GREY PLOVER flew in off the sea and straight up the valley. On the rocks - 16 TURNSTONE and 6 RINGED PLOVER     THURS 24 NOV A day with less cloud but a cold ENE f5/6 wind ,. The DESERT WHEATEAR continued to show well on Leasfoot Beach, now present for 17 days , probably the longest stay of any of the Devon records A 45 min garden watch from 07.55 this morning produced 30 species - nothing really interesting apart from - 47 GOLDFINCH ( 1 flock of 30 ), 2 SONG THRUSH, 8 CHAFFINCH, 7 MIPIT, 2 TEAL. On South Huish Marsh - 6 DUNLIN, 1 REDSHANK, 1 LAPWING, 1 SNIPE, 70 + TEAL, 1 L.GREBE, 1 WATER PIPIT . A 90 min seawatch from the shelter of the flats  was good - on the rocks -  14 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 1f BLACK REDSTART. Offshore the bird of the day swimming with 2 SHELDUCK was a Female RED BREASTED MERGANSER ( 198 )-first this year . 2 more SHELDUCK flew west , 5 COMMON SCOTER flew east, 10 AUKS flew east , 2 WIGEON ( on sea )20 STARLING flew in off the sea , 2 GREAT N DIVER. Around Aveton Gifford and the tidal road Eric reports- 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 FIRECREST, 6 CHIFFY, 40 REDWING, 6 FIELDFARE, SPARROWHAWK . Waders on South Efford Mrash unchanged from Wednesday   WED 23 NOV A much brighter morning but a cool light NE wind . A 45 min Garden watch from 07.55 produced 27 species inc - 1 REED BUNTING, 1 BULLFINCH , 3 STONECHAT, 22 GOLDFINCH, 1 RAVEN and amongst 17 MEADOW PIPIT was a WATER PIPIT The DESERT WHEATEAR continued to show well on Leasfoot Beach . Off Warren Pt 12 COMMON SCOTER landed on the sea , a REDSHANK flew west , 75+ GANNET , a RED T DIVER flew east at 11.10  With Eric back on site he reports from South Efford Marsh -    35 CURLEW, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 150+ WIGEON, 200+ TEAL, 60 REDWING, 5 FIELDFARE . Last winter this was the best local site for WATER PIPIT - looks as though it will continue this winter , today not less than 12 watched Yesterday Rod Bone had 2 GREEN SANDPIPER on the north Marsh TUES 22 NOV Surprisingly a drty morning with 80% cloud and a brisk F6/7 NW wind The DESERT WHEATEAR continuse to pose for the photographers on Leasfoot Beach. On South Huish marsh this morning a flock of 38 LAPWING, 1 REDSHANK ( scarce bird at this site ), 1 DUNLIN . 55 TEAL  a further 15 flew in at 10.00 ,also 6 sat on the sea .6 WIGEON, 1 LITTLE GREBE. On the rocks 10 TURNSTONE . Offshore 1f COMMON SCOTER , 40 GANNET, 10 AUKS and 4 KITTIWAKE   MON 21 NOV Another night of heavy rain , this has resulted in some nice pools forming on what was Thurlestone Marsh - this morning they held - 90 CANADA GOOSE, 50 MALLARD, 20 TEAL, a GREEN WOODY flew through . Early this morning the South Milton Ley pool broke through into the sea . The DESERT WHEATEAR was on Leasfoot beach again this morning for the 13th day There was a short dry period from 09.20 which enabled me to do a 90min seawatch from the car park - 265 GANNET flew mainly east, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 AUK, 1 WIGEON, 2 PINTAIL, 6 TEAL , 1 m COMMON SCOTER flew through. at 10.40 a GREAT N DIVER flew east , also 47 GREAT B B GULL RINGING INFORMATION On 2 NOV  I saw a colour ringed WHEATEAR on the beach at South Huish Marsh , some great detective work by Alan Pomroy has confirmed the bird was ringed as a 1st w GREENLAND WHEATEAR. on Heligoland on 29 Sept 2016, unusually it stayed on the island and was last seen on 25 Oct 2016   CHIFFCHAFF - the ringing team ring a large number each yaer , although not one of our birds  a bird ringed at Littleton Brick Pits , South Glos on 28 Aug 2016 was controlled on 31 Oct 2016 at Calela del Sabo Lanzarote . A distance of 2648km in 63 days . Remarkable . SUN  20 NOV  Having been away for 2 days back on the patch this morning , after one of the stormiest nights and lots of rain . From 08.30 the DESERT WHEATEAR was showing well to the increasing number of visiting birders , still on show lunchtime. It must now be one of the most photographed birds ever on the patch . Nothing seems to disturb it and shows down to a few feet. On South Huish Marsh  the overnight rain has resulted in a large increase in the water levels, even the LITTLE GREBE was diving in the middle lake ( it was the only diving bird on the marsh ) , 65 TEAL, 18 WIGEON, 1 DUNLIN, 1 KINGFISHER, 8 SNIPE , 7 OYSTERCATCHER. On the roof of the nearby flats a f BLACK REDSTART Late afternoon through my garden - 2 GOLDCREST, 1 CHIFFY, 1 LONG T TIT Another night of gale force winds and heavy rain to come THURS 17 NOV A very wet and windy start to the morning, F8 WSW . The DESERT WHEATEAR showed well from 08.30 on Leasfoot Beach - its favorite spot was in the riht hand corner, with a high tide it was showing down to 15 feet .Birders who arrived late morning could not locate it. I went down at 15.00 to meet Graham & Martin again could not find it .   Managed a 90 min seawatch from 09.40- 60 GANNET, 52 KITTIWAKE, 1 RAZORBILL and 20 AUKS.On the rocks 17 TURNSTONE ( high count for here ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER and a total of 29 OYSTERCATCHER. South Huish marsh all blown out , 35 TEAL, 9 WIGEON, 1 LAPWING. WED 16 NOV Highlight of the day was the finding of the DESERT WHEATEAR on Leasfoot beach ( near the Golf Club ) around 12.00. Information was posted on both Devon Birds and Rare Bird Alert. It was showing well at lest until 14.30 so hopefully a number of birders who dipped on previous visits managed to add it to their Life/ Year lists.It has now been around the patch for 8 days . Earlier on T'stone Marsh another spell of overnight rain resulted in a flock of 17 CANADA GOOSE spending most of the day feeding, also 5 MALLARD. At 16.15  a STARLING roost of around a 1000 birds built up before flying off to South Milton Ley . On the Ley this morning a LITTLE GREBE - the water level is very high, hopefully the storms due later this week will not result in it breaking through On South Huish Marsh only - 35 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 20 SNIPE, 1 LAPWING, 1 WATER PIPIT  On the rocks today only 1 TURNSTONE compared with 9  and 8 RINGED PLOVER yesterday Offshore in a 90min seawatch - 110 GANNET, 24 KITTIWAKE , 3 AUKS and 6 SKYLARK flew N At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 WATER PIPIT, 1 FIRECREST, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER. A mixed flock of 25 LAPWING and 14 GOLDEN PLOVER flew down the river.,also 300+ TEAL, 200 WIGEON and 1 TUFTED DUCK Looks like a wet morning on Thurs with wsw f 9 winds around lunchtime , could be interesting   MON 14 NOV No sign of the DESERT WHEATEAR around my house this morning . Drove over to South Huish Marsh at 09.30, first bird seen on one of the fence posts at the far end of the carpark  was the bird, managed to photo it . On view for 15 Mins  before it flew onto the marsh. When I left at 10.15 could not relocate it . The rocks around the flats would be one area to look at , once the sun gets on them plenty of food available , also lots of seaweed full of bugs. Seems that only Tony M found the bird this morning , despite a large number of birders around the patch no further sightings . It did not come to our courtyard this afternoon On South Huish Marsh this morning - 11 LAPWING ( 8 flew NW ), 1 SHELDUCK, 35 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 12 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT . On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER Photos of the DESERT WHEATEAR 13 Nov 2016 from Alan Doidge SUN 13 NOV A fine sunny day , a good morning on the patch with a good sunday turnout of Graham, Martin , Bob and Chris . However the afternoon was much better- I was watching a FIRECREST and a m BLACKCAP in my garden when at 15.40 my wife ANNE found the DESERT WHEATEAR on our roof . The bird showed well down to 15 feet until the light faded at 16.50  Alan took some good photos which I will post later this evening or on Monday . So , where has this bird been since Tueday ?, Is it on a feeding circuit which brings it into our courtyard in the afternoon ? Will be looking first thing in the morning and after 13.30 - have to take the car to Rowes in Plymouth for 12.00 Offshore this morning - a GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.20, 25+ GANNET, 1 FULMAR ., 12 SKYLARK, . Overhead 25 STOCK DOVE ( 3 flocks ), 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 COAL TIT . On South Huish Marsh - 45 TEAL, 8 WIGEON, 10 SNIPE, 3 LAPWING, 3 DUNLIN , 2 LITTLE GREBE, . On the roof of the house / flats  2 juv / female  BLACK REDSTART. Around the copse - 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 2 CHIFFY, 1 GOLDCREST, 15 LONG T TIT, 1f BULLFINCH, 2 SONG THRUSH At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 5+ WATER PIPIT, 2 ROCK PIPIT, 230+ TEAL, 40+ WIGEON,2 SHELDUCK,  3 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 35 CURLEW, 2 FIELDFARE   SAT 12 NOV heavy overnight rain produced some pools on T'stone Marsh which attracted 37 MALLARD and 11 TEAL. Seen around the garden - 80 STARLING, 4 SKYLARK, 1 JAY. , 3 CHIFFY and a m BLACKCAP On South Huish Marsh - 70 TEAL, 25 MALLARD, 7 WIGEON, 2 LAPWING, 1 L GREBE, 1 WATER PIPIT. FRI 11 NOV Conditions looked very good for some WOOD PIGEON passage - calm with clear skies - Watched from 07.45 for 1 hour - 2300 in first 15 mins then only another 250 in 45 mins . Other sightings - 45 CHAFFINCH, 30 GOLDFINCH, 4 SONG THRUSH, 2 REDWING , 1 STONECHAT. Only 28 species this morning . On South Huish Marsh - 65 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 3 SNIPE, 2 DUNLIN, 1 LAPWING, 1 L GREBE Offshore - 2 GUILLEMOT and 10 WIGEON ( on sea ), amongst a flock of 125 BLACK H GULL was a 2w MED GULL.On the rocks 10 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING. Alan P ringed this morning -19 CHIFFY, 1 BLACKCAP, 2 GOLDCREST, 1 REED BUNTING, 2retrapped CETTIS WARBLER, a KINGFISHER on site . Eric this morning reported 1m 3f BRAMBLING ( in his garden ). On the marsh /river - 120 WIGEON, 200+ TEAL, 1ad MED GULL, 3 GREENSHANK, 4 REDSHANK, 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER 1 FIRECREST, 3 L GREBE . He also commented on 15+ SONG THRUSH around     THURS 10 NOV 5/8 cloud this morning with a NW wind f3 . A 90 min viz mig watch from 07.30 produced 36 species. 1000 WOOD PIGEON in the first 15min , but only155 in the next 75min . 65 GOLDFINCH, 46 CHAFFINCH were the main passage. 5 TEAL flew through, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 3 JAY, 3 CHIFFY and both GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODY. In fields near South Huish Marsh liquid manure was being sprayed, this brought a large increase in GULLS - 1000+ HERRING, 150/200 BLACK HEADED, 10 LESSER B B .On the Marsh only 35 TEAL , 7 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 DUNLIN Rod Bone walked along the R Avon and had 125 WIGEON , 1 TUFTED DUCK and 4 LITTLE GREBE WED 9 NOV A clear  early morning  with some heavy showers later . Went out in search of the DESERT WHEATEAR at 07.30, despite a couple of hours looking no trace , will have to wait and see if it returns. The overnight weather , heavy rain and strong NW winds did not help. A short visit to South Huish marsh - only 8 WIGEON and around 30 TEAL. On the rocks a visiting birder reported a PURPLE SANDPIPER, as the tide came in TURNSTONE increased to 12 also 2 RINGED PLOVER and a KINGFISHER Offshore an ad KITTIWAKE flew west ( first since Sept )7 AUKS , 25 + GANNET  . At 10.30 picked up a 1st W SABINES GULL ( 196 ) flying east ahead of a squall approx 250yds off . Good scope views obtained ( first record since Oct 2013 ) At South efford Marsh this afternoon Eric reports - 200+ TEAL, 27 WIGEON, 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 1 LAPWING, 1 KINGFISHER and a WATER PIPIT TUES 8 NOV  'Record shots of a bird found at 14.00 on the roof of my house! a 1st winter male DESERT WHEATEAR ( 195 ). Needless to say a patch life tick and a first for the patch .Bird on site until 14.40 Have now posted 3 record shots ,in. Flight one shows the Black tail. Both Alan and Eric arrived in time to catch a glimpse of the bird before it flew off towards the Golf Club . Despite a thorough search it could not be relocated before dark . The last record for Devon was the Mansands adult male in NOV 2011, probably the 6th record for Devon . Certainly the best garden tick since I moved into Thurlestone in July 2008. The day had started with a 90min viz mig watch from my garden, 34 species inc - 8 LAPWING ( 7 west , 1 up the valley )1 GREY WAGTAIL, 25 CHAFFINCH, 15 SKYLARK, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT, 21 GOLDFINCH, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 JAY  Offshore -  1 GREAT N DIVER ( on sea), 8 COMMON SCOTER, 1 TEAL ( flew east with a SCOTER ) 2 WIGEON in off , 5db BRENT GOOSE ( flew west, then returned ,circled the Bay before returning east ), 20 GANNET . With a flat sea picked up a pod of at least 8 DOLPHIN . By the footbridge - 2 REED BUNTING,1 CHIFFY, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 SONG THRUSH . On South Huish Marsh -  55 TEAL, 7 WIGEON , 10 MALLARD, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 1 KINGFISHER, 7 SNIPE, 3 DUNLIN, 1 LAPWING, 1 CHIFFY and the first WATER PIPIT of the winter. On the rocks - 7 RINGED PLOVER, 5 TURNSTONE, 1 GREY WAGTAIL . Over at South Efford Marsh  Eric reports - 2 WATER PIPIT, 1 YELLOW B WARBLER (. Heard only ) 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 28 CURLEW, 150+ TEAL, 1 FIRECREST, 6 CHIFFY, 7 BULLFINCH, 4+ SONG THRUSH . A very memorable day for a local patch birder !  MON 7 NOV A cold clear morning with  a N breeze from 08.30. Started with a viz mig watch from my garden at 07.30 for 1 hour 34 species recorded. Main passage was WOOD PIGEON, mainly small flocks with only 2 at 1000, total logged 5410 Also-  29 CHAFFINCH, 25 STARLING, 2 SONG THRUSH, 2 REDWING, 1 REDPOLL, 11 STOCK DOVE, 4 CHIFFY, 1 BULLFINCH, 4 SKYLARK . This afternoon - 4 CHIFFY, 3 GOLDCREST, 6 LONG T TIT Joined this morning by Graham who had a F MERLIN in the lanes  entering the village, also a report of a F BLACK REDSTART on a house roof . Offshore the surprise was a SLAVONIAN GREBE ( 194 ) drifting west , also 4 COMMON SCOTER on the sea and 18 east, 75 + GANNET, a few AUKS east and 2 WIGEON . On South Huish Marsh early morning Paul Bouldon reported a CATTLE EGRET which then flew into the field containing the CANADA GOOSE flock .Also 45 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 1 DUNLIN, 4 SNIPE On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE , 1 RINGED PLOVER.and a SNIPE Whilst I was away Eric had at South Efford Marsh - 1 FIRECREST, 3 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, GREENSHANK, REDSHANK, with WIGEON increasing to 30 WED 2 NOV  A 90 min viz mig watch produced 38 species. , including the first large WOOD PIGEON MOVEMENT WITH 4300 logged flying S/SE. also100 CHAFFINCH, 7 CHIFFY, 2 FIELDFARE, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 3 JAY,30 GREENFINCH, 1 SISKIN, SINGLES OF GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, 62 STARLING , 1 STOCK DOVE  A SHORT VISIT TO THE BAY - OFFSHORE 16 WIGEON, 5 TEAL, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE ( ON THE SEA THEN LATER FLEW EAST ) . On the rocks -6 RINGED PLOVER, 6 TURNSTONE, 1 colour ringed WHEATEAR ( rt leg  Red white blue, left leg red , blue.) Anyone with info as to who might have been colour ringing these would be welcome . On South Huish Marsh- 50 TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 3 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN., 3 REED BUNTING . Alan ringed at the sewage works this morning 26 new birds- a very late REED WARBLER, 16 CHIFFY, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 WATER RAIL ( 5 on site ), also on site - 2 REDWING, 2 BULLFINCH, SPARROWHAWK with a CURLEW over . Currently in Malta for a family celebration, back on the patch on Monday TUES 1 NOV. A cloudy and misty start to the day , which once again proved how rewarding local patch birding can be - An hours watch from my garden at 07.35 produced 33 species the highlight being a year tick - at 08.25 a WOODCOCK (193 ) flew down the valley., very few birds flying over - 20 CHAFFINCH, 5 SKYLARK, 1 SONG THRUSH, 4 JAY. In the bushes - 3 CHIFFY, 1 GOLDCREST . Late morning John King saw from his garden a GREAT WHITE EGRET feeding in one of the channels on Thurlestone Marsh. Offshore only 1 GANNET ( Nick also had 1 this pm ), 3 COMMON SCOTER and 9 db  BRENT GOOSE flew east . On the rocks were 4 RINGED PLOVER, 8 TURNSTONE and a PURPLE SANDPIPER, 1ad MED GULL , 1 KINGFISHER. 1 CURLEW in off . On South Huish Marsh - 60 TEAL, 14 MALLARD, 1f WIGEON 2 CHIFFY,  1 LITTLE GREBE, 8 SNIPE, 20 GREENFINCH, 1 REDWING, 3 SONG THRUSH , 25 SKYLARK flew over  MON 28 NOV Eric reports 2 WOODCOCK at South Efford Marsh   SUN 27 NOV Just arrived in Lanzarote , rec'd an email from Nick to confirm 10 Barnacle GEESE on South Huish Marsh this morning . This is no 199 for the patch this year , only 1 more needed to reach the target of 200 . Also on Leasfoot Beach, the DESERT WHEATEAR and 2 BLACK REDSTART   SAT 26 NOV 100% cloud cover , light f2/3 E breeze On Leasfoot Beach the DESERT WHEATEAR continues to perform for the increasing number of visitors , one birder had driven down from Worcester. When I left the carpark at 12.50 it was on the roof of the block of flats. Also on the Beach a nice male BLACK REDSTART An hour seawatch from the carpark from 09.20 produced - 50 GANNET, 15 KITTIWAKE, 2 GREAT N DIVER, 1 SHELDUCK, 1f PINTAIL , 16 TEAL and 1m 5f SHOVELER ( on sea then east ) - first this autumn , 62 COMMON SCOTER - east ( largest flock -30), 11 WIGEON, 28 AUKS - east On South Huish Marsh - 3m 4f GADWALL, 80 TEAL, 11 WIGEON, 8 SNIPE, 5 LAPWING, 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 REED BUNTING On the rocks - 10 TURNSTONE, 8 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 WATER RAIL, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 200+ TEAL, 150+ WIGEON, 8 WATER PIPIT . Large numbers of Thrushes around   FRI 25 NOV A clear morning but still the cold E F6/7 wind Most interesting birds through the garden first thing were - 450 WOOD PIGEON, 40 GOLDFINCH, 12 CHAFFINCH, 4 GREENFINCH, 2 RAVEN, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 3 MISTLE THRUSH Joined by Doug Stannard this morning At 09.00 the DESERT WHEATEAR was still showing well on Leasfoot Beach . On South Huish Marsh - 2 DUNLIN, 1 REDSHANK, 60 TEAL, 4 WIGEON All this mornings action was offshore - a 2hour seawatch produced - 110 WIGEON ( 2 flocks on the sea ) 16 TEAL,  1 GREAT N DIVER ( on sea ), 18 DUNLIN and 5 GREY PLOVER flew in off the sea and straight up the valley. On the rocks - 16 TURNSTONE and 6 RINGED PLOVER     THURS 24 NOV A day with less cloud but a cold ENE f5/6 wind ,. The DESERT WHEATEAR continued to show well on Leasfoot Beach, now present for 17 days , probably the longest stay of any of the Devon records A 45 min garden watch from 07.55 this morning produced 30 species - nothing really interesting apart from - 47 GOLDFINCH ( 1 flock of 30 ), 2 SONG THRUSH, 8 CHAFFINCH, 7 MIPIT, 2 TEAL. On South Huish Marsh - 6 DUNLIN, 1 REDSHANK, 1 LAPWING, 1 SNIPE, 70 + TEAL, 1 L.GREBE, 1 WATER PIPIT . A 90 min seawatch from the shelter of the flats  was good - on the rocks -  14 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 1f BLACK REDSTART. Offshore the bird of the day swimming with 2 SHELDUCK was a Female RED BREASTED MERGANSER ( 198 )-first this year . 2 more SHELDUCK flew west , 5 COMMON SCOTER flew east, 10 AUKS flew east , 2 WIGEON ( on sea )20 STARLING flew in off the sea , 2 GREAT N DIVER. Around Aveton Gifford and the tidal road Eric reports- 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 FIRECREST, 6 CHIFFY, 40 REDWING, 6 FIELDFARE, SPARROWHAWK . Waders on South Efford Mrash unchanged from Wednesday   WED 23 NOV A much brighter morning but a cool light NE wind . A 45 min Garden watch from 07.55 produced 27 species inc - 1 REED BUNTING, 1 BULLFINCH , 3 STONECHAT, 22 GOLDFINCH, 1 RAVEN and amongst 17 MEADOW PIPIT was a WATER PIPIT The DESERT WHEATEAR continued to show well on Leasfoot Beach . Off Warren Pt 12 COMMON SCOTER landed on the sea , a REDSHANK flew west , 75+ GANNET , a RED T DIVER flew east at 11.10  With Eric back on site he reports from South Efford Marsh -    35 CURLEW, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 150+ WIGEON, 200+ TEAL, 60 REDWING, 5 FIELDFARE . Last winter this was the best local site for WATER PIPIT - looks as though it will continue this winter , today not less than 12 watched Yesterday Rod Bone had 2 GREEN SANDPIPER on the north Marsh TUES 22 NOV Surprisingly a drty morning with 80% cloud and a brisk F6/7 NW wind The DESERT WHEATEAR continuse to pose for the photographers on Leasfoot Beach. On South Huish marsh this morning a flock of 38 LAPWING, 1 REDSHANK ( scarce bird at this site ), 1 DUNLIN . 55 TEAL  a further 15 flew in at 10.00 ,also 6 sat on the sea .6 WIGEON, 1 LITTLE GREBE. On the rocks 10 TURNSTONE . Offshore 1f COMMON SCOTER , 40 GANNET, 10 AUKS and 4 KITTIWAKE   MON 21 NOV Another night of heavy rain , this has resulted in some nice pools forming on what was Thurlestone Marsh - this morning they held - 90 CANADA GOOSE, 50 MALLARD, 20 TEAL, a GREEN WOODY flew through . Early this morning the South Milton Ley pool broke through into the sea . The DESERT WHEATEAR was on Leasfoot beach again this morning for the 13th day There was a short dry period from 09.20 which enabled me to do a 90min seawatch from the car park - 265 GANNET flew mainly east, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 AUK, 1 WIGEON, 2 PINTAIL, 6 TEAL , 1 m COMMON SCOTER flew through. at 10.40 a GREAT N DIVER flew east , also 47 GREAT B B GULL RINGING INFORMATION On 2 NOV  I saw a colour ringed WHEATEAR on the beach at South Huish Marsh , some great detective work by Alan Pomroy has confirmed the bird was ringed as a 1st w GREENLAND WHEATEAR. on Heligoland on 29 Sept 2016, unusually it stayed on the island and was last seen on 25 Oct 2016   CHIFFCHAFF - the ringing team ring a large number each yaer , although not one of our birds  a bird ringed at Littleton Brick Pits , South Glos on 28 Aug 2016 was controlled on 31 Oct 2016 at Calela del Sabo Lanzarote . A distance of 2648km in 63 days . Remarkable . SUN  20 NOV  Having been away for 2 days back on the patch this morning , after one of the stormiest nights and lots of rain . From 08.30 the DESERT WHEATEAR was showing well to the increasing number of visiting birders , still on show lunchtime. It must now be one of the most photographed birds ever on the patch . Nothing seems to disturb it and shows down to a few feet. On South Huish Marsh  the overnight rain has resulted in a large increase in the water levels, even the LITTLE GREBE was diving in the middle lake ( it was the only diving bird on the marsh ) , 65 TEAL, 18 WIGEON, 1 DUNLIN, 1 KINGFISHER, 8 SNIPE , 7 OYSTERCATCHER. On the roof of the nearby flats a f BLACK REDSTART Late afternoon through my garden - 2 GOLDCREST, 1 CHIFFY, 1 LONG T TIT Another night of gale force winds and heavy rain to come THURS 17 NOV A very wet and windy start to the morning, F8 WSW . The DESERT WHEATEAR showed well from 08.30 on Leasfoot Beach - its favorite spot was in the riht hand corner, with a high tide it was showing down to 15 feet .Birders who arrived late morning could not locate it. I went down at 15.00 to meet Graham & Martin again could not find it .   Managed a 90 min seawatch from 09.40- 60 GANNET, 52 KITTIWAKE, 1 RAZORBILL and 20 AUKS.On the rocks 17 TURNSTONE ( high count for here ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER and a total of 29 OYSTERCATCHER. South Huish marsh all blown out , 35 TEAL, 9 WIGEON, 1 LAPWING. WED 16 NOV Highlight of the day was the finding of the DESERT WHEATEAR on Leasfoot beach ( near the Golf Club ) around 12.00. Information was posted on both Devon Birds and Rare Bird Alert. It was showing well at lest until 14.30 so hopefully a number of birders who dipped on previous visits managed to add it to their Life/ Year lists.It has now been around the patch for 8 days . Earlier on T'stone Marsh another spell of overnight rain resulted in a flock of 17 CANADA GOOSE spending most of the day feeding, also 5 MALLARD. At 16.15  a STARLING roost of around a 1000 birds built up before flying off to South Milton Ley . On the Ley this morning a LITTLE GREBE - the water level is very high, hopefully the storms due later this week will not result in it breaking through On South Huish Marsh only - 35 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 20 SNIPE, 1 LAPWING, 1 WATER PIPIT  On the rocks today only 1 TURNSTONE compared with 9  and 8 RINGED PLOVER yesterday Offshore in a 90min seawatch - 110 GANNET, 24 KITTIWAKE , 3 AUKS and 6 SKYLARK flew N At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 WATER PIPIT, 1 FIRECREST, 4 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER. A mixed flock of 25 LAPWING and 14 GOLDEN PLOVER flew down the river.,also 300+ TEAL, 200 WIGEON and 1 TUFTED DUCK Looks like a wet morning on Thurs with wsw f 9 winds around lunchtime , could be interesting   MON 14 NOV No sign of the DESERT WHEATEAR around my house this morning . Drove over to South Huish Marsh at 09.30, first bird seen on one of the fence posts at the far end of the carpark  was the bird, managed to photo it . On view for 15 Mins  before it flew onto the marsh. When I left at 10.15 could not relocate it . The rocks around the flats would be one area to look at , once the sun gets on them plenty of food available , also lots of seaweed full of bugs. Seems that only Tony M found the bird this morning , despite a large number of birders around the patch no further sightings . It did not come to our courtyard this afternoon On South Huish Marsh this morning - 11 LAPWING ( 8 flew NW ), 1 SHELDUCK, 35 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 12 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT . On the rocks 4 RINGED PLOVER Photos of the DESERT WHEATEAR 13 Nov 2016 from Alan Doidge SUN 13 NOV A fine sunny day , a good morning on the patch with a good sunday turnout of Graham, Martin , Bob and Chris . However the afternoon was much better- I was watching a FIRECREST and a m BLACKCAP in my garden when at 15.40 my wife ANNE found the DESERT WHEATEAR on our roof . The bird showed well down to 15 feet until the light faded at 16.50  Alan took some good photos which I will post later this evening or on Monday . So , where has this bird been since Tueday ?, Is it on a feeding circuit which brings it into our courtyard in the afternoon ? Will be looking first thing in the morning and after 13.30 - have to take the car to Rowes in Plymouth for 12.00 Offshore this morning - a GREAT N DIVER flew east at 09.20, 25+ GANNET, 1 FULMAR ., 12 SKYLARK, . Overhead 25 STOCK DOVE ( 3 flocks ), 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 COAL TIT . On South Huish Marsh - 45 TEAL, 8 WIGEON, 10 SNIPE, 3 LAPWING, 3 DUNLIN , 2 LITTLE GREBE, . On the roof of the house / flats  2 juv / female  BLACK REDSTART. Around the copse - 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 2 CHIFFY, 1 GOLDCREST, 15 LONG T TIT, 1f BULLFINCH, 2 SONG THRUSH At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 5+ WATER PIPIT, 2 ROCK PIPIT, 230+ TEAL, 40+ WIGEON,2 SHELDUCK,  3 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 35 CURLEW, 2 FIELDFARE   SAT 12 NOV heavy overnight rain produced some pools on T'stone Marsh which attracted 37 MALLARD and 11 TEAL. Seen around the garden - 80 STARLING, 4 SKYLARK, 1 JAY. , 3 CHIFFY and a m BLACKCAP On South Huish Marsh - 70 TEAL, 25 MALLARD, 7 WIGEON, 2 LAPWING, 1 L GREBE, 1 WATER PIPIT. FRI 11 NOV Conditions looked very good for some WOOD PIGEON passage - calm with clear skies - Watched from 07.45 for 1 hour - 2300 in first 15 mins then only another 250 in 45 mins . Other sightings - 45 CHAFFINCH, 30 GOLDFINCH, 4 SONG THRUSH, 2 REDWING , 1 STONECHAT. Only 28 species this morning . On South Huish Marsh - 65 TEAL, 4 WIGEON, 3 SNIPE, 2 DUNLIN, 1 LAPWING, 1 L GREBE Offshore - 2 GUILLEMOT and 10 WIGEON ( on sea ), amongst a flock of 125 BLACK H GULL was a 2w MED GULL.On the rocks 10 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING. Alan P ringed this morning -19 CHIFFY, 1 BLACKCAP, 2 GOLDCREST, 1 REED BUNTING, 2retrapped CETTIS WARBLER, a KINGFISHER on site . Eric this morning reported 1m 3f BRAMBLING ( in his garden ). On the marsh /river - 120 WIGEON, 200+ TEAL, 1ad MED GULL, 3 GREENSHANK, 4 REDSHANK, 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER 1 FIRECREST, 3 L GREBE . He also commented on 15+ SONG THRUSH around     THURS 10 NOV 5/8 cloud this morning with a NW wind f3 . A 90 min viz mig watch from 07.30 produced 36 species. 1000 WOOD PIGEON in the first 15min , but only155 in the next 75min . 65 GOLDFINCH, 46 CHAFFINCH were the main passage. 5 TEAL flew through, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 3 JAY, 3 CHIFFY and both GREEN and GREAT SPOTTED WOODY. In fields near South Huish Marsh liquid manure was being sprayed, this brought a large increase in GULLS - 1000+ HERRING, 150/200 BLACK HEADED, 10 LESSER B B .On the Marsh only 35 TEAL , 7 WIGEON, 4 SNIPE, 2 DUNLIN Rod Bone walked along the R Avon and had 125 WIGEON , 1 TUFTED DUCK and 4 LITTLE GREBE WED 9 NOV A clear  early morning  with some heavy showers later . Went out in search of the DESERT WHEATEAR at 07.30, despite a couple of hours looking no trace , will have to wait and see if it returns. The overnight weather , heavy rain and strong NW winds did not help. A short visit to South Huish marsh - only 8 WIGEON and around 30 TEAL. On the rocks a visiting birder reported a PURPLE SANDPIPER, as the tide came in TURNSTONE increased to 12 also 2 RINGED PLOVER and a KINGFISHER Offshore an ad KITTIWAKE flew west ( first since Sept )7 AUKS , 25 + GANNET  . At 10.30 picked up a 1st W SABINES GULL ( 196 ) flying east ahead of a squall approx 250yds off . Good scope views obtained ( first record since Oct 2013 ) At South efford Marsh this afternoon Eric reports - 200+ TEAL, 27 WIGEON, 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 1 LAPWING, 1 KINGFISHER and a WATER PIPIT TUES 8 NOV  'Record shots of a bird found at 14.00 on the roof of my house! a 1st winter male DESERT WHEATEAR ( 195 ). Needless to say a patch life tick and a first for the patch .Bird on site until 14.40 Have now posted 3 record shots ,in. Flight one shows the Black tail. Both Alan and Eric arrived in time to catch a glimpse of the bird before it flew off towards the Golf Club . Despite a thorough search it could not be relocated before dark . The last record for Devon was the Mansands adult male in NOV 2011, probably the 6th record for Devon . Certainly the best garden tick since I moved into Thurlestone in July 2008. The day had started with a 90min viz mig watch from my garden, 34 species inc - 8 LAPWING ( 7 west , 1 up the valley )1 GREY WAGTAIL, 25 CHAFFINCH, 15 SKYLARK, 5 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT, 21 GOLDFINCH, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 JAY  Offshore -  1 GREAT N DIVER ( on sea), 8 COMMON SCOTER, 1 TEAL ( flew east with a SCOTER ) 2 WIGEON in off , 5db BRENT GOOSE ( flew west, then returned ,circled the Bay before returning east ), 20 GANNET . With a flat sea picked up a pod of at least 8 DOLPHIN . By the footbridge - 2 REED BUNTING,1 CHIFFY, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 1 WATER RAIL, 1 SONG THRUSH . On South Huish Marsh -  55 TEAL, 7 WIGEON , 10 MALLARD, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 1 KINGFISHER, 7 SNIPE, 3 DUNLIN, 1 LAPWING, 1 CHIFFY and the first WATER PIPIT of the winter. On the rocks - 7 RINGED PLOVER, 5 TURNSTONE, 1 GREY WAGTAIL . Over at South Efford Marsh  Eric reports - 2 WATER PIPIT, 1 YELLOW B WARBLER (. Heard only ) 3 BLACK T GODWIT, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 28 CURLEW, 150+ TEAL, 1 FIRECREST, 6 CHIFFY, 7 BULLFINCH, 4+ SONG THRUSH . A very memorable day for a local patch birder !  MON 7 NOV A cold clear morning with  a N breeze from 08.30. Started with a viz mig watch from my garden at 07.30 for 1 hour 34 species recorded. Main passage was WOOD PIGEON, mainly small flocks with only 2 at 1000, total logged 5410 Also-  29 CHAFFINCH, 25 STARLING, 2 SONG THRUSH, 2 REDWING, 1 REDPOLL, 11 STOCK DOVE, 4 CHIFFY, 1 BULLFINCH, 4 SKYLARK . This afternoon - 4 CHIFFY, 3 GOLDCREST, 6 LONG T TIT Joined this morning by Graham who had a F MERLIN in the lanes  entering the village, also a report of a F BLACK REDSTART on a house roof . Offshore the surprise was a SLAVONIAN GREBE ( 194 ) drifting west , also 4 COMMON SCOTER on the sea and 18 east, 75 + GANNET, a few AUKS east and 2 WIGEON . On South Huish Marsh early morning Paul Bouldon reported a CATTLE EGRET which then flew into the field containing the CANADA GOOSE flock .Also 45 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 1 DUNLIN, 4 SNIPE On the rocks 6 TURNSTONE , 1 RINGED PLOVER.and a SNIPE Whilst I was away Eric had at South Efford Marsh - 1 FIRECREST, 3 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, GREENSHANK, REDSHANK, with WIGEON increasing to 30 WED 2 NOV  A 90 min viz mig watch produced 38 species. , including the first large WOOD PIGEON MOVEMENT WITH 4300 logged flying S/SE. also100 CHAFFINCH, 7 CHIFFY, 2 FIELDFARE, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 3 JAY,30 GREENFINCH, 1 SISKIN, SINGLES OF GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, 62 STARLING , 1 STOCK DOVE  A SHORT VISIT TO THE BAY - OFFSHORE 16 WIGEON, 5 TEAL, 1 DB BRENT GOOSE ( ON THE SEA THEN LATER FLEW EAST ) . On the rocks -6 RINGED PLOVER, 6 TURNSTONE, 1 colour ringed WHEATEAR ( rt leg  Red white blue, left leg red , blue.) Anyone with info as to who might have been colour ringing these would be welcome . On South Huish Marsh- 50 TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 3 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN., 3 REED BUNTING . Alan ringed at the sewage works this morning 26 new birds- a very late REED WARBLER, 16 CHIFFY, 4 GOLDCREST, 1 WATER RAIL ( 5 on site ), also on site - 2 REDWING, 2 BULLFINCH, SPARROWHAWK with a CURLEW over . Currently in Malta for a family celebration, back on the patch on Monday TUES 1 NOV. A cloudy and misty start to the day , which once again proved how rewarding local patch birding can be - An hours watch from my garden at 07.35 produced 33 species the highlight being a year tick - at 08.25 a WOODCOCK (193 ) flew down the valley., very few birds flying over - 20 CHAFFINCH, 5 SKYLARK, 1 SONG THRUSH, 4 JAY. In the bushes - 3 CHIFFY, 1 GOLDCREST . Late morning John King saw from his garden a GREAT WHITE EGRET feeding in one of the channels on Thurlestone Marsh. Offshore only 1 GANNET ( Nick also had 1 this pm ), 3 COMMON SCOTER and 9 db  BRENT GOOSE flew east . On the rocks were 4 RINGED PLOVER, 8 TURNSTONE and a PURPLE SANDPIPER, 1ad MED GULL , 1 KINGFISHER. 1 CURLEW in off . On South Huish Marsh - 60 TEAL, 14 MALLARD, 1f WIGEON 2 CHIFFY,  1 LITTLE GREBE, 8 SNIPE, 20 GREENFINCH, 1 REDWING, 3 SONG THRUSH , 25 SKYLARK flew over