MON 31 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk F5 W wind A 40 min Garden Watch from 07.30 produced 26 species inc. - 2 CHIFFY, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 PIED WAG, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, at 16.00 a SWIFT over Offshore interest a juv YELLOW L GULL, 8 KITTIWAKE , 1m COMMON SCOTER On South Huish Marsh more mud produced more waders - 1 LITTLE STINT ( 3rd day ), 2 SANDERLING, 7 RINGED PLOVER, 19 DUNLIN,1ad CATTLE EGRET, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAG  In the copse - 5 CHIFFY, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 STONECHAT At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER and a F WIGEON   SUN 30 JULY A sunny morning with a F5 SW wind At 17.30 last night Alan had 32 DUNLIN on the Marsh , this morning there were 15 together with - 1 LITTLE STINT, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 8 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 WHIMBREL,   1ad CATTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 2 GREENSHANK , 1 DUNLIN SAT 29 JULY An overcast morning with rain arriving by 09.00, light breeze . Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 07.30 to check the mud areas for waders, my first July LITTLE STINT ( 188 )in amongst 3 DUNLIN , later they increased to 12, also 1 SANDERLING, 1 RINGED PLOVER and 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 YELLOW WAGTAILand an adult CATTLE EGRET ( still in breeding plumage ), REED WARBLER on the rocks 3 WHIMBREL . Offshore afeeding flock of 25 + GANNET and 20 MANX SHEARWATER. On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK 4 COMMON SANDPIPER, KINGFISHER On North Marsh 2 GREEN SANDPIPER Before the heavy rain Alan P was ringing at South Milton Ley - 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 CHIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 29 SEDGE WARBLER, 4 WILLOW WARBLER FRI 28 JULY Woke up to a cloudy morning with a strong F 6 SW wind and prospect of rain  which started around 10.30 . Decided to go straight down to the car park , very good passage for 2hours from 08.00, when the GANNET 200 are moving usually so are others . 340 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( 1e @09.40 , 1 landed on sea @ 10.00 ) 65 KITTIWAKE -E , 1ad MED GULL , 1 SANDWICH TERN, 4 COMMIC TERN, 1 m COMMON SCOTER ( on sea ) 2 POMARINE SKUA ( chasing Kittiwakes @ 08.15 )  4 ARCTIC SKUA ( 3 together @ 08.30 , 1 E 08.35 ) After Nick dropped the drain level at SOUTH HUISH MARSH a good area of mud now which should prove attractive to waders - 9 DUNLIN flew in around 11.00 fed for 15mins then flew off south. , also 5 SWIFT , 2 SAND MARTIN , 30 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SPARROWHAWK Went back down to South Huish Marsh at 16.30 with the wind increasing to F7/8 poor offshore viz , very rough seas with rain from 17.30 . On the marsh another 5 DUNLIN , 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GREENSHANK. In 1.5 hours seawatching had the best July movement in the last 12 years, birds pouring through - estimated totals - GANNET 390 , 680 MANX SHEARWATER, 21 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 10 SOOTY SHEARWATER , 3 CORY'S SHEARWATER , 10 KITTIWAKE , 3 dp ARCTIC SKUA The patch day totals are one of the best on record . Pity the wind is going to calm down overnight . THURS 27 JULY Initially a cloudy morning with a F5/6 WSW wind . An hours seawatch from the carpark from 08.45 produced - 145 GANNET, 210 MANX SHEARWATER, 1ad MED GULL, 4 KITTIWAKE , 1 LITTLE GULL ( flew west at 09.25 ) 1 m COMMON SCOTER on the sea also 3 flew west On South Huish Marsh - 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL Over at South Efford Marsh Eric had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, , 1 GREENSHANK , a GREEN SANDPIPER on north marsh WED 26 JULY With a forecast of strong winds and rain Eric and I decided to pay a visit to Start Point , weather conditions did not fit the forecast, thick fog until 10.00 , heavy rain and sea fog from 11.45 . Offshore passage quite good - 100 GANNET, 135 MANX SHEARWATER , 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 LITTLE TERN being harassed by 2 dp ARCTIC SKUA , 5 KITTIWAKE 2 FULMAR 15 COMMON SCOTER ., 1 REDSHANK flew over calling . Most interesting bird of the morning was a juv PIED FLYCATCHER in the garden area along with 5 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY and 2 WHITETHROAT At South Efford Marsh Dave P had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET( he had 4juv on Monday ) and a GREENSHANK Yesterday Alan P ringing at South Miton Ley caught 44 new birds inc - 4 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 10 REED WARBLER, 7 SEDGE WARBLER, 12 WILLOW WARBLER     TUES 25 JULY Another sunny morning with a light WNW breeze. Offshore from Warren Pt - 8 GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 GUILLEMOT , 4 COMMON SCOTER, 1 ad MED GULL, 2 MUTE SWAN flew west, raft of 50+ MANX SHEARWATER on the sea , 2 WHIMBREL with 15 OYSTERCATCHER on the rocks . At South Huish Marsh an ad COMMON GULL, 4 LITTLE EGRET . In the copse 4 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY , 2 STONECHAT in the field , 2 RINGED PLOVER flew through. At South Efford Marsh Eric reports 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, 1 WHIMBREL, 1 GREENSHANK. In an hour from 16.15 Hirundine passage over my garden - 125 + SWIFT , 115 SWALLOW, 30 HOUSE MARTIN. A SPARROWHAWK over and a WILLOW WARBLER in the bushes MON 24 JULY A fine sunny and warm day with a brisk F4 NW wind An hours Garden watch produced 32 species with  a good range of Warblers - 5 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1juv WILLOW WARBLER, WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER , also 1m REED BUNTING , 2 CIRL BUNTING, 17 SWIFT, 10 SWALLOW , GREAT SP WOODY, 5 CHAFFINCH inc juv's, SPARROWHAWK , BUZZARD . The quietest morning this year - offshore a feeding flock of 75 + GANNET and a FULMAR Nothing on South Huish Marsh- looks as though the CATTLE EGRET have moved to South Efford Marsh   SUN 23 JULY A sunny morning with a F3/4 WNW wind . Offshore - 7 GANNET, 10 MANX SHEARWATER, 3 WHIMBREL flew over calling . On South Huish Marsh - 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 m WIGEON - first July record apart from last year when a male over summered . At last evidence of breeding MOORHEN with a pair feeding 2 juv . At South Efford Marsh Eric and Dave P had 2juv CATTLE EGRET, 3juv YELLOW WAGTAIL and 27 CURLEW  Alan P caught 46 new birds this morning, including - 2 BLACKBIRD , 7 BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY, 8 REED WARBLER, 9 SEDGE WARBLER, 7 WILLOW WARBLER , 1 REED BUNTING . Also on site a SPARROWHAWK and a GREEN WOODY FRI 21 JULY After a stormy night started an expectant seawatch at 07.45 from Bob's carpark - rain early , SSE wind f6-8 poor viz , very rough seas . Results were poor particularly compared with some of the main headland spots of Berry Head and Start Pt . Over 4hours totals were - 185 GANNET, 55 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 1 BONXIE. 2 large SHEAWATERs - 1 CORY'S (186 ) flew east at 10.25 , 1 probable GREAT ( 187 ) also east at 10.50 ( landed on the sea ) Returned for another 1.5 hours at 16.00 just as the rain stopped and the horizon cleared, almost no breeze- only 50 GANNET and 4 MANX SHEATWATER THURS 20 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk W F4/5 wind . At 07.50 2 juv CATTLE EGRET flew over T'stone Marsh towards South Huish Marsh followed at 08.05 by the sub adult. At 09.30 they were on this Marsh along with 2 LITTLE EGRET and 3 HERON, 2 REED WARBLER and a WHITETHROAT Offshore - 27 GANNET, 2 KITTIWAKE , 1 FULMAR , 1 juv YELLOW L GULL , 2 SANDWICH TERN . On the rocks 15 OYSTERCATCHER. Some interesting weather for Friday .   WED 19 JULY A cloudy morning with coastal mist and almost constant drizzle Yesterday evening at 19.15 3 CATTLE EGRETS flew onto T'stone Marsh and landed in a dead tree 150 yards from my garden . Surprisingly they were still there at 07.15 this morning before flying off towards  South Huish marsh   On South Huish marsh 5 BLACK TAILED GODWIT until 10.30 when 3 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN flew south calling and followed them . A CURLEW also flew over . The 3 CATTLE EGRET still there - the sub adult flew off at 10.45 towards Bantham . 12 SWIFT flew south. On the rocks 1ad MED GULL and a report of 5 SANDERLING on the beach .   TUES 18 JULY A morning that started with sunshine , cloud gathered and by 12.00 Thunderstorms . A strong F 6/7 E wind . First an update on the breeding of CATTLE EGRET - Last night Eric and Rod Bone visited the site on the Avon where we suspected the breeding took place- They found a full breeding plumage adult and 2 juv's , also at this site 25+ LITTLE EGRET inc Juvs . Spent the morning sea watching from the car park from 08.15 - 12.40 , birds logged - 245 GANNET,  300 MANX SHEAWATER ( passage petered out at 11.15 ) 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew east @ 09.05 ) , 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( flew west @ 12.08 ) 1 FULMAR, 4 KITTIWAKE , 42 BLACK H GULL , 1ad MED GULL ,11 SANDWICH TERN, 28 DUNLIN ( flew in off thesea in small flocks ) 8 SWIFT 100 COMMON SCOTER ( flocks of 50, 10, 40 ) At 15.45 went over to South Huish Marsh - 3 CATTLE EGRET ( 2juv and the non breeding adult ) 4 LITTLE EGRET, 5 DUNLIN , 3 SAND MARTIN MON 17 JULY A morning of sunny periods with a ENE F 3/4 wind Offshore 6 COMMON SCOTER -E , 7 GANNET, 1ad MED GULL , 30 BLACK H GULL . A RED L PARTRIDGE near the footbridge On South Huish Marsh - a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over . There were 3 CATTLE EGRET - 2juv , 1 ad ( non breeding plumage ) The 2 ads on Sunday were different to this one . At South Efford Marsh Eric had an ad MED GULL and 6 COMMON SANDPIPER SUN 16 JULY A very quiet morning with the only records being a family party of REED WARBLERand the 4 CATTLE EGRET at South HUISH MARSH . The 2 adult EGRETS were in full breeding plumage including orange legs - they flew off towards Bantham at 11.30. SAT 15 JULY - Juv CATTLE EGRET UPDATE An hours seawatch from the carpark from 07.00- 40 GANNET ( inc 1 flock of 15 ads ), 1ad MED GULL , 24 BLACK H GULL ( 1 juv ) 2 KITTIWAKE , 5 MANX SHEARWATER . Waders on the beach - 3 SANDERLING , 1 RINGED PLOVER Watched South huish marsh for an hour from 08.15- 1 REDSHANK , 1 DUNLIN , 4 SWIFT , 5 SAND MARTIN , 1 COOT . In the middle of the Marsh there were 2ad & 2 juv CATTLE EGRET definately a family party - adults still in full breeding plumage . At 13.00 /13.30 Roger Blackway photographed 1 juv At 14.25 2 CATTLE EGRET flew west over T'stone Marsh THURS / FRI 13/14 JULY Also on South Efford Marsh -1 WHIMBREL, 12 CURLEW , 2 GRRENSHANK , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER This morning on Warren Pt rocks 14 OYSTERCATCHER , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER An hours Garden Watch from 07.15 produced 31 species inc - 5 juv BLACKCAP, 1juv WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER, BULLFINCH, REED BUNTING , 2 SAND MARTIN 20 SWALLOW , 16 SWIFT , 1 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SONG THRUSH, 1 SPARROWHAWK . CATTLE EGRET - BREEDING IN DEVON ? They have been on the patch all year , numbers dropped off with 2 regularly seen , sometimes 3 . Birds have been watched flying over T'stone Marsh to/from Bantham / Avon Est. Visits to the LITTLE EGRET colony on the Avon Est found birds on site but no nest was located . On 13 JULY Eric found a juv along with 2 adults on SOUTH EFFORD MARSH - hopefuuly I will be able to post photos fron Alan Doidge later. This morning I had 2 adults flying over T'stone Marh at 07.45 towards Bantham , at 07.55 1 returned and landed on the back of a bullock , it was then joined by another . A visit to South Huish Marsh this morning 2 adults were feeding amongst the Highland Cattle I am not aware of any other sites near us reporting them . Whilst we cannot provide conclusive evidence to prove they bred locally it must go down as probable RINGING at SOUTH MILTON LEY Whilst I was in Majorca Alan held 3 rining sessions - THURS 13 JULY 13 CHIFFY, 13 REED WARBLER, 4 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 STONECHAT. The first returning WILLOW WARBLER was a retrap around the same date as last year Both GREEN and GREAT SP. WOODY on site   SAT 8 JULY 2 BLACKCAP, 9 CHIFFY, 5 REED WARBLER, 6 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 SONG THRUSH   THURS 6 JULY 23 CIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP   MAJORCA TRIP - 6-13 JULY A brief report on our latest trip with Graham & Daphne Daw . Stayed at the Picafort park Hotel at C'an Picafort in the noth west of the island . Very hot all week above 34c . Hired a car for 3 days . Managed a total of 82 species - highlights were - WED 12 July - late afternoon walk Graham had 4 AUDOINS  GULL and 2 CORY'S SHEARWATER in the Bay TUES 11 JULY Drove to the FORMENTOR area - 3 ELANORAS FALCON, 3 RAVEN, PEREGRINE , 3 CRAG MARTIN , PALLID SWIFT , At one of the large lakes near Alcudia 30 + COMMON TERN , 1 MARSH HARRIER , 1 PURPLE HERON . Near POLLENCA a m RED B SHRIKE Afternoon visit to the Depudora Works at the back of Albufera Marsh - 4 WOOD SANDPIPER, 3 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 90 + BLACK WINGED STILT, 4  COMMON TERN, 10 YELLOW WAGTAIL, ,6 MARSH HARRIER , 1 OSPREY, 1 PURPLE SWAMPHEN, , 3 BEE EATER, 5 HOOPOE   MON  10 JULY Drove to the Cuber Reservoir- at Sa Pobla a BOOTED EAGLE . Around the Res - 10 BLACK VULTURE , 1 EGYPTION VULTURE , 2 RAVEN , 2 SERIN SUN 9 JULY Drove to the SALINAS De LEVANTE in the south of the island - enroute 2 THELKLA LARK , 2 RED KITE At the Salt Pans at least 200 + breeding AVOCET( we could only see 30% of the water , 25 BLACK W STILT, 50 KENTISH PLOVER, 4 REDSHANK , 1 RUFF , 1 CURLEW, 1 SPOONBILL , 1 OSPREY , 50+ SHELDUCK At Porto Colom - 5 PALLID SWIFT   SAT 8 JULY - a morning visit to ALBUFERA MARSH , water levels very low but still interesting 2 RED C POCHARD , 1m GADWALL,  a very active heronry contained - 10 SQUACCO HERON , 50+ LITTLE EGRET,35+ CATTLE EGRET, 3 NIGHT HERON , 6 GLOSSY IBIS , 1 PURPLE HERON , several GREY HERON . 10 PURPLE SWAMPHEN . 30 + BLACK W STILT , 1 STONE CURLEW , 1 WHIMBREL, 30 + KENTISH PLOVER , 10 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 5 AVOCET. Warblers were - GREAT REED , MOUSTACHED , CETTIS ,NIGHTINGALE , CITTING ZISTICOLA 1 WOODCHAT SHRIKE , 5 BEE EATER,  YELLOW WAGTAIL Early evening atthe Hotel 300 + SWIFT , 4 AUDOINS GULL FRI 7 JULY - around the Hotel and a small nearby lagoon - 1 LITTLE GREBE , BEE EATER , SARDINIAN WARBLER, HOOPOE , FIRECREST , SPOTTED FLY .     THURS 6 JULY Another sunny morning with a light NE wind . An hours Garden watch from 08.00 produced 32 species inc - JAY, SPARROWHAWK, HERON , 50 + LINNET, GREAT SP and GREEN WOODY , 4 BLACKCAP , 1 CHIFFY . 4 LONG T TIT Noticeable Hirundine movement to NW - 85 SWALLOW, 7 HOUSE MARTIN and 66 SWIFT - no large flocks just steady parties of up to 5 birds WED 5 JULY A nice warm and sunny morning with a light E breeze . A 45min Garden watch from 07.30 produced 28 species inc - 2 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, REED BUNTING , 6 BLACKCAP , 4 CHIFFY , 14 SWIFT  A short visit to South Huish Marsh - 1 CATTLE EGRET. 1ad MED GULL , 8 BLACK H GULL , 3 GANNET flew east Along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford - 18 CURLEW , 3 COMMON SANDPIPER , 2 SPOTTED FLY , MISTLE THRUSH, NUTHATCH Off on our travels on Thurs with Graham and Daphne Daw .  Next patch update will be 14 July TUES 4 JULY An early morning garden watch at 07.15 only lasted 45 mins due to mist and steady drizzle=- 23 species inc juv CIRL BUNTING , 8 CHIFFY, 4 juv BLACKCAP, REED and SEDGE WARBLER, SONG THRUSH Started at South Huish Marsh at 08.45 - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 20+ SWALLOW, 30+ HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SAND MARTIN, 4 SWIFT.At 11.30 a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over the Marsh Settled down for a 2.5 hrs seawatch at 10.00 as the mist and light rain had moved on - very rewarding for early July - 3 ad MED GULL, 17 BLACK H GULL, 15 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 3 LITTLE TERN ( flew west at 10.55 ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER, a mixed flock of 22 DUNLIN and SANDERLING flew through , 4 COMMON SCOTER - E and only 1 GANNET , 2 KITTIWAKE MON 3 JULY Whilst I was away at the Ampthill music festval last w/end reports rec'd were - South Huish Marsh - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 WHIMBREL, Eric - South Efford marsh - 8 CURLEW , 2 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK, SPARROWHAWK, NUTHATCH, BULLFINCHWill be out on the patch in the mMON 31 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk F5 W wind A 40 min Garden Watch from 07.30 produced 26 species inc. - 2 CHIFFY, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 PIED WAG, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, at 16.00 a SWIFT over Offshore interest a juv YELLOW L GULL, 8 KITTIWAKE , 1m COMMON SCOTER On South Huish Marsh more mud produced more waders - 1 LITTLE STINT ( 3rd day ), 2 SANDERLING, 7 RINGED PLOVER, 19 DUNLIN,1ad CATTLE EGRET, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAG  In the copse - 5 CHIFFY, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 STONECHAT At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER and a F WIGEON   SUN 30 JULY A sunny morning with a F5 SW wind At 17.30 last night Alan had 32 DUNLIN on the Marsh , this morning there were 15 together with - 1 LITTLE STINT, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 8 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 WHIMBREL,   1ad CATTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 2 GREENSHANK , 1 DUNLIN SAT 29 JULY An overcast morning with rain arriving by 09.00, light breeze . Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 07.30 to check the mud areas for waders, my first July LITTLE STINT ( 188 )in amongst 3 DUNLIN , later they increased to 12, also 1 SANDERLING, 1 RINGED PLOVER and 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 YELLOW WAGTAILand an adult CATTLE EGRET ( still in breeding plumage ), REED WARBLER on the rocks 3 WHIMBREL . Offshore afeeding flock of 25 + GANNET and 20 MANX SHEARWATER. On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK 4 COMMON SANDPIPER, KINGFISHER On North Marsh 2 GREEN SANDPIPER Before the heavy rain Alan P was ringing at South Milton Ley - 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 CHIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 29 SEDGE WARBLER, 4 WILLOW WARBLER FRI 28 JULY Woke up to a cloudy morning with a strong F 6 SW wind and prospect of rain  which started around 10.30 . Decided to go straight down to the car park , very good passage for 2hours from 08.00, when the GANNET 200 are moving usually so are others . 340 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( 1e @09.40 , 1 landed on sea @ 10.00 ) 65 KITTIWAKE -E , 1ad MED GULL , 1 SANDWICH TERN, 4 COMMIC TERN, 1 m COMMON SCOTER ( on sea ) 2 POMARINE SKUA ( chasing Kittiwakes @ 08.15 )  4 ARCTIC SKUA ( 3 together @ 08.30 , 1 E 08.35 ) After Nick dropped the drain level at SOUTH HUISH MARSH a good area of mud now which should prove attractive to waders - 9 DUNLIN flew in around 11.00 fed for 15mins then flew off south. , also 5 SWIFT , 2 SAND MARTIN , 30 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SPARROWHAWK Went back down to South Huish Marsh at 16.30 with the wind increasing to F7/8 poor offshore viz , very rough seas with rain from 17.30 . On the marsh another 5 DUNLIN , 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GREENSHANK. In 1.5 hours seawatching had the best July movement in the last 12 years, birds pouring through - estimated totals - GANNET 390 , 680 MANX SHEARWATER, 21 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 10 SOOTY SHEARWATER , 3 CORY'S SHEARWATER , 10 KITTIWAKE , 3 dp ARCTIC SKUA The patch day totals are one of the best on record . Pity the wind is going to calm down overnight . THURS 27 JULY Initially a cloudy morning with a F5/6 WSW wind . An hours seawatch from the carpark from 08.45 produced - 145 GANNET, 210 MANX SHEARWATER, 1ad MED GULL, 4 KITTIWAKE , 1 LITTLE GULL ( flew west at 09.25 ) 1 m COMMON SCOTER on the sea also 3 flew west On South Huish Marsh - 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL Over at South Efford Marsh Eric had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, , 1 GREENSHANK , a GREEN SANDPIPER on north marsh WED 26 JULY With a forecast of strong winds and rain Eric and I decided to pay a visit to Start Point , weather conditions did not fit the forecast, thick fog until 10.00 , heavy rain and sea fog from 11.45 . Offshore passage quite good - 100 GANNET, 135 MANX SHEARWATER , 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 LITTLE TERN being harassed by 2 dp ARCTIC SKUA , 5 KITTIWAKE 2 FULMAR 15 COMMON SCOTER ., 1 REDSHANK flew over calling . Most interesting bird of the morning was a juv PIED FLYCATCHER in the garden area along with 5 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY and 2 WHITETHROAT At South Efford Marsh Dave P had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET( he had 4juv on Monday ) and a GREENSHANK Yesterday Alan P ringing at South Miton Ley caught 44 new birds inc - 4 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 10 REED WARBLER, 7 SEDGE WARBLER, 12 WILLOW WARBLER     TUES 25 JULY Another sunny morning with a light WNW breeze. Offshore from Warren Pt - 8 GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 GUILLEMOT , 4 COMMON SCOTER, 1 ad MED GULL, 2 MUTE SWAN flew west, raft of 50+ MANX SHEARWATER on the sea , 2 WHIMBREL with 15 OYSTERCATCHER on the rocks . At South Huish Marsh an ad COMMON GULL, 4 LITTLE EGRET . In the copse 4 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY , 2 STONECHAT in the field , 2 RINGED PLOVER flew through. At South Efford Marsh Eric reports 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, 1 WHIMBREL, 1 GREENSHANK. In an hour from 16.15 Hirundine passage over my garden - 125 + SWIFT , 115 SWALLOW, 30 HOUSE MARTIN. A SPARROWHAWK over and a WILLOW WARBLER in the bushes MON 24 JULY A fine sunny and warm day with a brisk F4 NW wind An hours Garden watch produced 32 species with  a good range of Warblers - 5 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1juv WILLOW WARBLER, WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER , also 1m REED BUNTING , 2 CIRL BUNTING, 17 SWIFT, 10 SWALLOW , GREAT SP WOODY, 5 CHAFFINCH inc juv's, SPARROWHAWK , BUZZARD . The quietest morning this year - offshore a feeding flock of 75 + GANNET and a FULMAR Nothing on South Huish Marsh- looks as though the CATTLE EGRET have moved to South Efford Marsh   SUN 23 JULY A sunny morning with a F3/4 WNW wind . Offshore - 7 GANNET, 10 MANX SHEARWATER, 3 WHIMBREL flew over calling . On South Huish Marsh - 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 m WIGEON - first July record apart from last year when a male over summered . At last evidence of breeding MOORHEN with a pair feeding 2 juv . At South Efford Marsh Eric and Dave P had 2juv CATTLE EGRET, 3juv YELLOW WAGTAIL and 27 CURLEW  Alan P caught 46 new birds this morning, including - 2 BLACKBIRD , 7 BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY, 8 REED WARBLER, 9 SEDGE WARBLER, 7 WILLOW WARBLER , 1 REED BUNTING . Also on site a SPARROWHAWK and a GREEN WOODY FRI 21 JULY After a stormy night started an expectant seawatch at 07.45 from Bob's carpark - rain early , SSE wind f6-8 poor viz , very rough seas . Results were poor particularly compared with some of the main headland spots of Berry Head and Start Pt . Over 4hours totals were - 185 GANNET, 55 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 1 BONXIE. 2 large SHEAWATERs - 1 CORY'S (186 ) flew east at 10.25 , 1 probable GREAT ( 187 ) also east at 10.50 ( landed on the sea ) Returned for another 1.5 hours at 16.00 just as the rain stopped and the horizon cleared, almost no breeze- only 50 GANNET and 4 MANX SHEATWATER THURS 20 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk W F4/5 wind . At 07.50 2 juv CATTLE EGRET flew over T'stone Marsh towards South Huish Marsh followed at 08.05 by the sub adult. At 09.30 they were on this Marsh along with 2 LITTLE EGRET and 3 HERON, 2 REED WARBLER and a WHITETHROAT Offshore - 27 GANNET, 2 KITTIWAKE , 1 FULMAR , 1 juv YELLOW L GULL , 2 SANDWICH TERN . On the rocks 15 OYSTERCATCHER. Some interesting weather for Friday .   WED 19 JULY A cloudy morning with coastal mist and almost constant drizzle Yesterday evening at 19.15 3 CATTLE EGRETS flew onto T'stone Marsh and landed in a dead tree 150 yards from my garden . Surprisingly they were still there at 07.15 this morning before flying off towards  South Huish marsh   On South Huish marsh 5 BLACK TAILED GODWIT until 10.30 when 3 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN flew south calling and followed them . A CURLEW also flew over . The 3 CATTLE EGRET still there - the sub adult flew off at 10.45 towards Bantham . 12 SWIFT flew south. On the rocks 1ad MED GULL and a report of 5 SANDERLING on the beach .   TUES 18 JULY A morning that started with sunshine , cloud gathered and by 12.00 Thunderstorms . A strong F 6/7 E wind . First an update on the breeding of CATTLE EGRET - Last night Eric and Rod Bone visited the site on the Avon where we suspected the breeding took place- They found a full breeding plumage adult and 2 juv's , also at this site 25+ LITTLE EGRET inc Juvs . Spent the morning sea watching from the car park from 08.15 - 12.40 , birds logged - 245 GANNET,  300 MANX SHEAWATER ( passage petered out at 11.15 ) 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew east @ 09.05 ) , 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( flew west @ 12.08 ) 1 FULMAR, 4 KITTIWAKE , 42 BLACK H GULL , 1ad MED GULL ,11 SANDWICH TERN, 28 DUNLIN ( flew in off thesea in small flocks ) 8 SWIFT 100 COMMON SCOTER ( flocks of 50, 10, 40 ) At 15.45 went over to South Huish Marsh - 3 CATTLE EGRET ( 2juv and the non breeding adult ) 4 LITTLE EGRET, 5 DUNLIN , 3 SAND MARTIN MON 17 JULY A morning of sunny periods with a ENE F 3/4 wind Offshore 6 COMMON SCOTER -E , 7 GANNET, 1ad MED GULL , 30 BLACK H GULL . A RED L PARTRIDGE near the footbridge On South Huish Marsh - a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over . There were 3 CATTLE EGRET - 2juv , 1 ad ( non breeding plumage ) The 2 ads on Sunday were different to this one . At South Efford Marsh Eric had an ad MED GULL and 6 COMMON SANDPIPER SUN 16 JULY A very quiet morning with the only records being a family party of REED WARBLERand the 4 CATTLE EGRET at South HUISH MARSH . The 2 adult EGRETS were in full breeding plumage including orange legs - they flew off towards Bantham at 11.30. SAT 15 JULY - Juv CATTLE EGRET UPDATE An hours seawatch from the carpark from 07.00- 40 GANNET ( inc 1 flock of 15 ads ), 1ad MED GULL , 24 BLACK H GULL ( 1 juv ) 2 KITTIWAKE , 5 MANX SHEARWATER . Waders on the beach - 3 SANDERLING , 1 RINGED PLOVER Watched South huish marsh for an hour from 08.15- 1 REDSHANK , 1 DUNLIN , 4 SWIFT , 5 SAND MARTIN , 1 COOT . In the middle of the Marsh there were 2ad & 2 juv CATTLE EGRET definately a family party - adults still in full breeding plumage . At 13.00 /13.30 Roger Blackway photographed 1 juv At 14.25 2 CATTLE EGRET flew west over T'stone Marsh THURS / FRI 13/14 JULY Also on South Efford Marsh -1 WHIMBREL, 12 CURLEW , 2 GRRENSHANK , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER This morning on Warren Pt rocks 14 OYSTERCATCHER , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER An hours Garden Watch from 07.15 produced 31 species inc - 5 juv BLACKCAP, 1juv WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER, BULLFINCH, REED BUNTING , 2 SAND MARTIN 20 SWALLOW , 16 SWIFT , 1 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SONG THRUSH, 1 SPARROWHAWK . CATTLE EGRET - BREEDING IN DEVON ? They have been on the patch all year , numbers dropped off with 2 regularly seen , sometimes 3 . Birds have been watched flying over T'stone Marsh to/from Bantham / Avon Est. Visits to the LITTLE EGRET colony on the Avon Est found birds on site but no nest was located . On 13 JULY Eric found a juv along with 2 adults on SOUTH EFFORD MARSH - hopefuuly I will be able to post photos fron Alan Doidge later. This morning I had 2 adults flying over T'stone Marh at 07.45 towards Bantham , at 07.55 1 returned and landed on the back of a bullock , it was then joined by another . A visit to South Huish Marsh this morning 2 adults were feeding amongst the Highland Cattle I am not aware of any other sites near us reporting them . Whilst we cannot provide conclusive evidence to prove they bred locally it must go down as probable RINGING at SOUTH MILTON LEY Whilst I was in Majorca Alan held 3 rining sessions - THURS 13 JULY 13 CHIFFY, 13 REED WARBLER, 4 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 STONECHAT. The first returning WILLOW WARBLER was a retrap around the same date as last year Both GREEN and GREAT SP. WOODY on site   SAT 8 JULY 2 BLACKCAP, 9 CHIFFY, 5 REED WARBLER, 6 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 SONG THRUSH   THURS 6 JULY 23 CIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP   MAJORCA TRIP - 6-13 JULY A brief report on our latest trip with Graham & Daphne Daw . Stayed at the Picafort park Hotel at C'an Picafort in the noth west of the island . Very hot all week above 34c . Hired a car for 3 days . Managed a total of 82 species - highlights were - WED 12 July - late afternoon walk Graham had 4 AUDOINS  GULL and 2 CORY'S SHEARWATER in the Bay TUES 11 JULY Drove to the FORMENTOR area - 3 ELANORAS FALCON, 3 RAVEN, PEREGRINE , 3 CRAG MARTIN , PALLID SWIFT , At one of the large lakes near Alcudia 30 + COMMON TERN , 1 MARSH HARRIER , 1 PURPLE HERON . Near POLLENCA a m RED B SHRIKE Afternoon visit to the Depudora Works at the back of Albufera Marsh - 4 WOOD SANDPIPER, 3 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 90 + BLACK WINGED STILT, 4  COMMON TERN, 10 YELLOW WAGTAIL, ,6 MARSH HARRIER , 1 OSPREY, 1 PURPLE SWAMPHEN, , 3 BEE EATER, 5 HOOPOE   MON  10 JULY Drove to the Cuber Reservoir- at Sa Pobla a BOOTED EAGLE . Around the Res - 10 BLACK VULTURE , 1 EGYPTION VULTURE , 2 RAVEN , 2 SERIN SUN 9 JULY Drove to the SALINAS De LEVANTE in the south of the island - enroute 2 THELKLA LARK , 2 RED KITE At the Salt Pans at least 200 + breeding AVOCET( we could only see 30% of the water , 25 BLACK W STILT, 50 KENTISH PLOVER, 4 REDSHANK , 1 RUFF , 1 CURLEW, 1 SPOONBILL , 1 OSPREY , 50+ SHELDUCK At Porto Colom - 5 PALLID SWIFT   SAT 8 JULY - a morning visit to ALBUFERA MARSH , water levels very low but still interesting 2 RED C POCHARD , 1m GADWALL,  a very active heronry contained - 10 SQUACCO HERON , 50+ LITTLE EGRET,35+ CATTLE EGRET, 3 NIGHT HERON , 6 GLOSSY IBIS , 1 PURPLE HERON , several GREY HERON . 10 PURPLE SWAMPHEN . 30 + BLACK W STILT , 1 STONE CURLEW , 1 WHIMBREL, 30 + KENTISH PLOVER , 10 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 5 AVOCET. Warblers were - GREAT REED , MOUSTACHED , CETTIS ,NIGHTINGALE , CITTING ZISTICOLA 1 WOODCHAT SHRIKE , 5 BEE EATER,  YELLOW WAGTAIL Early evening atthe Hotel 300 + SWIFT , 4 AUDOINS GULL FRI 7 JULY - around the Hotel and a small nearby lagoon - 1 LITTLE GREBE , BEE EATER , SARDINIAN WARBLER, HOOPOE , FIRECREST , SPOTTED FLY .     THURS 6 JULY Another sunny morning with a light NE wind . An hours Garden watch from 08.00 produced 32 species inc - JAY, SPARROWHAWK, HERON , 50 + LINNET, GREAT SP and GREEN WOODY , 4 BLACKCAP , 1 CHIFFY . 4 LONG T TIT Noticeable Hirundine movement to NW - 85 SWALLOW, 7 HOUSE MARTIN and 66 SWIFT - no large flocks just steady parties of up to 5 birds WED 5 JULY A nice warm and sunny morning with a light E breeze . A 45min Garden watch from 07.30 produced 28 species inc - 2 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, REED BUNTING , 6 BLACKCAP , 4 CHIFFY , 14 SWIFT  A short visit to South Huish Marsh - 1 CATTLE EGRET. 1ad MED GULL , 8 BLACK H GULL , 3 GANNET flew east Along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford - 18 CURLEW , 3 COMMON SANDPIPER , 2 SPOTTED FLY , MISTLE THRUSH, NUTHATCH Off on our travels on Thurs with Graham and Daphne Daw .  Next patch update will be 14 July TUES 4 JULY An early morning garden watch at 07.15 only lasted 45 mins due to mist and steady drizzle=- 23 species inc juv CIRL BUNTING , 8 CHIFFY, 4 juv BLACKCAP, REED and SEDGE WARBLER, SONG THRUSH Started at South Huish Marsh at 08.45 - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 20+ SWALLOW, 30+ HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SAND MARTIN, 4 SWIFT.At 11.30 a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over the Marsh Settled down for a 2.5 hrs seawatch at 10.00 as the mist and light rain had moved on - very rewarding for early July - 3 ad MED GULL, 17 BLACK H GULL, 15 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 3 LITTLE TERN ( flew west at 10.55 ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER, a mixed flock of 22 DUNLIN and SANDERLING flew through , 4 COMMON SCOTER - E and only 1 GANNET , 2 KITTIWAKE MON 3 JULY Whilst I was away at the Ampthill music festval last w/end reports rec'd were - South Huish Marsh - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 WHIMBREL, Eric - South Efford marsh - 8 CURLEW , 2 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK, SPARROWHAWK, NUTHATCH, BULLFINCHWill be out on the patch in the mMON 31 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk F5 W wind A 40 min Garden Watch from 07.30 produced 26 species inc. - 2 CHIFFY, 4 BLACKCAP, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 PIED WAG, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, at 16.00 a SWIFT over Offshore interest a juv YELLOW L GULL, 8 KITTIWAKE , 1m COMMON SCOTER On South Huish Marsh more mud produced more waders - 1 LITTLE STINT ( 3rd day ), 2 SANDERLING, 7 RINGED PLOVER, 19 DUNLIN,1ad CATTLE EGRET, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAG  In the copse - 5 CHIFFY, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 STONECHAT At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 REDSHANK, 2 GREENSHANK, 2 DUNLIN, 3 COMMON SANDPIPER and a F WIGEON   SUN 30 JULY A sunny morning with a F5 SW wind At 17.30 last night Alan had 32 DUNLIN on the Marsh , this morning there were 15 together with - 1 LITTLE STINT, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 8 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 WHIMBREL,   1ad CATTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 2 GREENSHANK , 1 DUNLIN SAT 29 JULY An overcast morning with rain arriving by 09.00, light breeze . Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 07.30 to check the mud areas for waders, my first July LITTLE STINT ( 188 )in amongst 3 DUNLIN , later they increased to 12, also 1 SANDERLING, 1 RINGED PLOVER and 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 1 YELLOW WAGTAILand an adult CATTLE EGRET ( still in breeding plumage ), REED WARBLER on the rocks 3 WHIMBREL . Offshore afeeding flock of 25 + GANNET and 20 MANX SHEARWATER. On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 4 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK 4 COMMON SANDPIPER, KINGFISHER On North Marsh 2 GREEN SANDPIPER Before the heavy rain Alan P was ringing at South Milton Ley - 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 CHIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 29 SEDGE WARBLER, 4 WILLOW WARBLER FRI 28 JULY Woke up to a cloudy morning with a strong F 6 SW wind and prospect of rain  which started around 10.30 . Decided to go straight down to the car park , very good passage for 2hours from 08.00, when the GANNET 200 are moving usually so are others . 340 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( 1e @09.40 , 1 landed on sea @ 10.00 ) 65 KITTIWAKE -E , 1ad MED GULL , 1 SANDWICH TERN, 4 COMMIC TERN, 1 m COMMON SCOTER ( on sea ) 2 POMARINE SKUA ( chasing Kittiwakes @ 08.15 )  4 ARCTIC SKUA ( 3 together @ 08.30 , 1 E 08.35 ) After Nick dropped the drain level at SOUTH HUISH MARSH a good area of mud now which should prove attractive to waders - 9 DUNLIN flew in around 11.00 fed for 15mins then flew off south. , also 5 SWIFT , 2 SAND MARTIN , 30 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SPARROWHAWK Went back down to South Huish Marsh at 16.30 with the wind increasing to F7/8 poor offshore viz , very rough seas with rain from 17.30 . On the marsh another 5 DUNLIN , 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GREENSHANK. In 1.5 hours seawatching had the best July movement in the last 12 years, birds pouring through - estimated totals - GANNET 390 , 680 MANX SHEARWATER, 21 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 10 SOOTY SHEARWATER , 3 CORY'S SHEARWATER , 10 KITTIWAKE , 3 dp ARCTIC SKUA The patch day totals are one of the best on record . Pity the wind is going to calm down overnight . THURS 27 JULY Initially a cloudy morning with a F5/6 WSW wind . An hours seawatch from the carpark from 08.45 produced - 145 GANNET, 210 MANX SHEARWATER, 1ad MED GULL, 4 KITTIWAKE , 1 LITTLE GULL ( flew west at 09.25 ) 1 m COMMON SCOTER on the sea also 3 flew west On South Huish Marsh - 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL Over at South Efford Marsh Eric had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, , 1 GREENSHANK , a GREEN SANDPIPER on north marsh WED 26 JULY With a forecast of strong winds and rain Eric and I decided to pay a visit to Start Point , weather conditions did not fit the forecast, thick fog until 10.00 , heavy rain and sea fog from 11.45 . Offshore passage quite good - 100 GANNET, 135 MANX SHEARWATER , 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 LITTLE TERN being harassed by 2 dp ARCTIC SKUA , 5 KITTIWAKE 2 FULMAR 15 COMMON SCOTER ., 1 REDSHANK flew over calling . Most interesting bird of the morning was a juv PIED FLYCATCHER in the garden area along with 5 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY and 2 WHITETHROAT At South Efford Marsh Dave P had 2 juv CATTLE EGRET( he had 4juv on Monday ) and a GREENSHANK Yesterday Alan P ringing at South Miton Ley caught 44 new birds inc - 4 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 10 REED WARBLER, 7 SEDGE WARBLER, 12 WILLOW WARBLER     TUES 25 JULY Another sunny morning with a light WNW breeze. Offshore from Warren Pt - 8 GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN , 1 GUILLEMOT , 4 COMMON SCOTER, 1 ad MED GULL, 2 MUTE SWAN flew west, raft of 50+ MANX SHEARWATER on the sea , 2 WHIMBREL with 15 OYSTERCATCHER on the rocks . At South Huish Marsh an ad COMMON GULL, 4 LITTLE EGRET . In the copse 4 WILLOW WARBLER , 3 CHIFFY , 2 STONECHAT in the field , 2 RINGED PLOVER flew through. At South Efford Marsh Eric reports 2 juv CATTLE EGRET, 1 WHIMBREL, 1 GREENSHANK. In an hour from 16.15 Hirundine passage over my garden - 125 + SWIFT , 115 SWALLOW, 30 HOUSE MARTIN. A SPARROWHAWK over and a WILLOW WARBLER in the bushes MON 24 JULY A fine sunny and warm day with a brisk F4 NW wind An hours Garden watch produced 32 species with  a good range of Warblers - 5 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 1juv WILLOW WARBLER, WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER , also 1m REED BUNTING , 2 CIRL BUNTING, 17 SWIFT, 10 SWALLOW , GREAT SP WOODY, 5 CHAFFINCH inc juv's, SPARROWHAWK , BUZZARD . The quietest morning this year - offshore a feeding flock of 75 + GANNET and a FULMAR Nothing on South Huish Marsh- looks as though the CATTLE EGRET have moved to South Efford Marsh   SUN 23 JULY A sunny morning with a F3/4 WNW wind . Offshore - 7 GANNET, 10 MANX SHEARWATER, 3 WHIMBREL flew over calling . On South Huish Marsh - 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 m WIGEON - first July record apart from last year when a male over summered . At last evidence of breeding MOORHEN with a pair feeding 2 juv . At South Efford Marsh Eric and Dave P had 2juv CATTLE EGRET, 3juv YELLOW WAGTAIL and 27 CURLEW  Alan P caught 46 new birds this morning, including - 2 BLACKBIRD , 7 BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY, 8 REED WARBLER, 9 SEDGE WARBLER, 7 WILLOW WARBLER , 1 REED BUNTING . Also on site a SPARROWHAWK and a GREEN WOODY FRI 21 JULY After a stormy night started an expectant seawatch at 07.45 from Bob's carpark - rain early , SSE wind f6-8 poor viz , very rough seas . Results were poor particularly compared with some of the main headland spots of Berry Head and Start Pt . Over 4hours totals were - 185 GANNET, 55 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 1 BONXIE. 2 large SHEAWATERs - 1 CORY'S (186 ) flew east at 10.25 , 1 probable GREAT ( 187 ) also east at 10.50 ( landed on the sea ) Returned for another 1.5 hours at 16.00 just as the rain stopped and the horizon cleared, almost no breeze- only 50 GANNET and 4 MANX SHEATWATER THURS 20 JULY A sunny morning with a brisk W F4/5 wind . At 07.50 2 juv CATTLE EGRET flew over T'stone Marsh towards South Huish Marsh followed at 08.05 by the sub adult. At 09.30 they were on this Marsh along with 2 LITTLE EGRET and 3 HERON, 2 REED WARBLER and a WHITETHROAT Offshore - 27 GANNET, 2 KITTIWAKE , 1 FULMAR , 1 juv YELLOW L GULL , 2 SANDWICH TERN . On the rocks 15 OYSTERCATCHER. Some interesting weather for Friday .   WED 19 JULY A cloudy morning with coastal mist and almost constant drizzle Yesterday evening at 19.15 3 CATTLE EGRETS flew onto T'stone Marsh and landed in a dead tree 150 yards from my garden . Surprisingly they were still there at 07.15 this morning before flying off towards  South Huish marsh   On South Huish marsh 5 BLACK TAILED GODWIT until 10.30 when 3 RINGED PLOVER and 2 DUNLIN flew south calling and followed them . A CURLEW also flew over . The 3 CATTLE EGRET still there - the sub adult flew off at 10.45 towards Bantham . 12 SWIFT flew south. On the rocks 1ad MED GULL and a report of 5 SANDERLING on the beach .   TUES 18 JULY A morning that started with sunshine , cloud gathered and by 12.00 Thunderstorms . A strong F 6/7 E wind . First an update on the breeding of CATTLE EGRET - Last night Eric and Rod Bone visited the site on the Avon where we suspected the breeding took place- They found a full breeding plumage adult and 2 juv's , also at this site 25+ LITTLE EGRET inc Juvs . Spent the morning sea watching from the car park from 08.15 - 12.40 , birds logged - 245 GANNET,  300 MANX SHEAWATER ( passage petered out at 11.15 ) 2 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew east @ 09.05 ) , 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( flew west @ 12.08 ) 1 FULMAR, 4 KITTIWAKE , 42 BLACK H GULL , 1ad MED GULL ,11 SANDWICH TERN, 28 DUNLIN ( flew in off thesea in small flocks ) 8 SWIFT 100 COMMON SCOTER ( flocks of 50, 10, 40 ) At 15.45 went over to South Huish Marsh - 3 CATTLE EGRET ( 2juv and the non breeding adult ) 4 LITTLE EGRET, 5 DUNLIN , 3 SAND MARTIN MON 17 JULY A morning of sunny periods with a ENE F 3/4 wind Offshore 6 COMMON SCOTER -E , 7 GANNET, 1ad MED GULL , 30 BLACK H GULL . A RED L PARTRIDGE near the footbridge On South Huish Marsh - a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over . There were 3 CATTLE EGRET - 2juv , 1 ad ( non breeding plumage ) The 2 ads on Sunday were different to this one . At South Efford Marsh Eric had an ad MED GULL and 6 COMMON SANDPIPER SUN 16 JULY A very quiet morning with the only records being a family party of REED WARBLERand the 4 CATTLE EGRET at South HUISH MARSH . The 2 adult EGRETS were in full breeding plumage including orange legs - they flew off towards Bantham at 11.30. SAT 15 JULY - Juv CATTLE EGRET UPDATE An hours seawatch from the carpark from 07.00- 40 GANNET ( inc 1 flock of 15 ads ), 1ad MED GULL , 24 BLACK H GULL ( 1 juv ) 2 KITTIWAKE , 5 MANX SHEARWATER . Waders on the beach - 3 SANDERLING , 1 RINGED PLOVER Watched South huish marsh for an hour from 08.15- 1 REDSHANK , 1 DUNLIN , 4 SWIFT , 5 SAND MARTIN , 1 COOT . In the middle of the Marsh there were 2ad & 2 juv CATTLE EGRET definately a family party - adults still in full breeding plumage . At 13.00 /13.30 Roger Blackway photographed 1 juv At 14.25 2 CATTLE EGRET flew west over T'stone Marsh THURS / FRI 13/14 JULY Also on South Efford Marsh -1 WHIMBREL, 12 CURLEW , 2 GRRENSHANK , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER This morning on Warren Pt rocks 14 OYSTERCATCHER , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER An hours Garden Watch from 07.15 produced 31 species inc - 5 juv BLACKCAP, 1juv WHITETHROAT, REED WARBLER, BULLFINCH, REED BUNTING , 2 SAND MARTIN 20 SWALLOW , 16 SWIFT , 1 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SONG THRUSH, 1 SPARROWHAWK . CATTLE EGRET - BREEDING IN DEVON ? They have been on the patch all year , numbers dropped off with 2 regularly seen , sometimes 3 . Birds have been watched flying over T'stone Marsh to/from Bantham / Avon Est. Visits to the LITTLE EGRET colony on the Avon Est found birds on site but no nest was located . On 13 JULY Eric found a juv along with 2 adults on SOUTH EFFORD MARSH - hopefuuly I will be able to post photos fron Alan Doidge later. This morning I had 2 adults flying over T'stone Marh at 07.45 towards Bantham , at 07.55 1 returned and landed on the back of a bullock , it was then joined by another . A visit to South Huish Marsh this morning 2 adults were feeding amongst the Highland Cattle I am not aware of any other sites near us reporting them . Whilst we cannot provide conclusive evidence to prove they bred locally it must go down as probable RINGING at SOUTH MILTON LEY Whilst I was in Majorca Alan held 3 rining sessions - THURS 13 JULY 13 CHIFFY, 13 REED WARBLER, 4 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 STONECHAT. The first returning WILLOW WARBLER was a retrap around the same date as last year Both GREEN and GREAT SP. WOODY on site   SAT 8 JULY 2 BLACKCAP, 9 CHIFFY, 5 REED WARBLER, 6 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 SONG THRUSH   THURS 6 JULY 23 CIFFY, 7 REED WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP   MAJORCA TRIP - 6-13 JULY A brief report on our latest trip with Graham & Daphne Daw . Stayed at the Picafort park Hotel at C'an Picafort in the noth west of the island . Very hot all week above 34c . Hired a car for 3 days . Managed a total of 82 species - highlights were - WED 12 July - late afternoon walk Graham had 4 AUDOINS  GULL and 2 CORY'S SHEARWATER in the Bay TUES 11 JULY Drove to the FORMENTOR area - 3 ELANORAS FALCON, 3 RAVEN, PEREGRINE , 3 CRAG MARTIN , PALLID SWIFT , At one of the large lakes near Alcudia 30 + COMMON TERN , 1 MARSH HARRIER , 1 PURPLE HERON . Near POLLENCA a m RED B SHRIKE Afternoon visit to the Depudora Works at the back of Albufera Marsh - 4 WOOD SANDPIPER, 3 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 90 + BLACK WINGED STILT, 4  COMMON TERN, 10 YELLOW WAGTAIL, ,6 MARSH HARRIER , 1 OSPREY, 1 PURPLE SWAMPHEN, , 3 BEE EATER, 5 HOOPOE   MON  10 JULY Drove to the Cuber Reservoir- at Sa Pobla a BOOTED EAGLE . Around the Res - 10 BLACK VULTURE , 1 EGYPTION VULTURE , 2 RAVEN , 2 SERIN SUN 9 JULY Drove to the SALINAS De LEVANTE in the south of the island - enroute 2 THELKLA LARK , 2 RED KITE At the Salt Pans at least 200 + breeding AVOCET( we could only see 30% of the water , 25 BLACK W STILT, 50 KENTISH PLOVER, 4 REDSHANK , 1 RUFF , 1 CURLEW, 1 SPOONBILL , 1 OSPREY , 50+ SHELDUCK At Porto Colom - 5 PALLID SWIFT   SAT 8 JULY - a morning visit to ALBUFERA MARSH , water levels very low but still interesting 2 RED C POCHARD , 1m GADWALL,  a very active heronry contained - 10 SQUACCO HERON , 50+ LITTLE EGRET,35+ CATTLE EGRET, 3 NIGHT HERON , 6 GLOSSY IBIS , 1 PURPLE HERON , several GREY HERON . 10 PURPLE SWAMPHEN . 30 + BLACK W STILT , 1 STONE CURLEW , 1 WHIMBREL, 30 + KENTISH PLOVER , 10 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 5 AVOCET. Warblers were - GREAT REED , MOUSTACHED , CETTIS ,NIGHTINGALE , CITTING ZISTICOLA 1 WOODCHAT SHRIKE , 5 BEE EATER,  YELLOW WAGTAIL Early evening atthe Hotel 300 + SWIFT , 4 AUDOINS GULL FRI 7 JULY - around the Hotel and a small nearby lagoon - 1 LITTLE GREBE , BEE EATER , SARDINIAN WARBLER, HOOPOE , FIRECREST , SPOTTED FLY .     THURS 6 JULY Another sunny morning with a light NE wind . An hours Garden watch from 08.00 produced 32 species inc - JAY, SPARROWHAWK, HERON , 50 + LINNET, GREAT SP and GREEN WOODY , 4 BLACKCAP , 1 CHIFFY . 4 LONG T TIT Noticeable Hirundine movement to NW - 85 SWALLOW, 7 HOUSE MARTIN and 66 SWIFT - no large flocks just steady parties of up to 5 birds WED 5 JULY A nice warm and sunny morning with a light E breeze . A 45min Garden watch from 07.30 produced 28 species inc - 2 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, REED BUNTING , 6 BLACKCAP , 4 CHIFFY , 14 SWIFT  A short visit to South Huish Marsh - 1 CATTLE EGRET. 1ad MED GULL , 8 BLACK H GULL , 3 GANNET flew east Along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford - 18 CURLEW , 3 COMMON SANDPIPER , 2 SPOTTED FLY , MISTLE THRUSH, NUTHATCH Off on our travels on Thurs with Graham and Daphne Daw .  Next patch update will be 14 July TUES 4 JULY An early morning garden watch at 07.15 only lasted 45 mins due to mist and steady drizzle=- 23 species inc juv CIRL BUNTING , 8 CHIFFY, 4 juv BLACKCAP, REED and SEDGE WARBLER, SONG THRUSH Started at South Huish Marsh at 08.45 - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 20+ SWALLOW, 30+ HOUSE MARTIN, 5 SAND MARTIN, 4 SWIFT.At 11.30 a F YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over the Marsh Settled down for a 2.5 hrs seawatch at 10.00 as the mist and light rain had moved on - very rewarding for early July - 3 ad MED GULL, 17 BLACK H GULL, 15 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR, 3 LITTLE TERN ( flew west at 10.55 ) , 1 RINGED PLOVER, a mixed flock of 22 DUNLIN and SANDERLING flew through , 4 COMMON SCOTER - E and only 1 GANNET , 2 KITTIWAKE MON 3 JULY Whilst I was away at the Ampthill music festval last w/end reports rec'd were - South Huish Marsh - 2 CATTLE EGRET, 2 WHIMBREL, Eric - South Efford marsh - 8 CURLEW , 2 REDSHANK, 1 GREENSHANK, SPARROWHAWK, NUTHATCH, BULLFINCHWill be out on the patch in the m