SAT 30 SEPT A cloudy morning with light showers , SW wind F4 On the rocks - 30 RINGED PLOVER, 5 DUNLIN, 4 TURNSTONE , 1 KINGFISHER. On South Huish Marsh - 25 TEAL , 2 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 2 DUNLIN ( over ), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER . Amongst a flock of 70 BLACK H GULL were 2 ad and 4 1stw MED GULL ( largest number this autumn ) A CATTLE EGRET is still being reportedusually in the afternoon   2ad MED GULL ON SOUTH HUISH MARSH 30,Sept 2017  FRI 29 SEPT A cloudy morning with aF 4 W wind Offshore 45 GANNET, by the footbridge 8 BLACKBIRD and 6 DUNNOCK in one bush also a SKLARK over as well as MIPITS . On South Huish Marsh - 2 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER ( flew in 11.00 ), a LITTLE STINT this afternoon .15 TEAL, 5 MALLARD and 4 LITTLE EGRET., 1 WHEATEAR, 2 CHIFFY A flock of 15 RINGED PLOVERand 2 RUFF flew down the valley at 10.05. On the rocks 9 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN , 4 TURNSTONE , a further 14 RINGED PLOVER flew west at 11.30 At South efford Marsh Eric reports it is still quiet - 5 GREENSHANK, 3 BAR T GODWIT, 1 DUNLIN, 1ad MED GULL RUFF - SOUTH HUISH MARSH 28 Sept 2017 THURS 28 SEPT A cloudy start to the morning clearing to provide sunny periods . a light W breeze .After yesterdays heavy rain most of the small waders and the SPOONBILL moved on Through my garden this morning - 45 min from 07.45 28 species inc - 6 CHIFFY, 34 GOLDFINCH , both GREEN and GREAT SP WOODY, At South Huish Marsh - 20 TEAL , the LITTLE GREBE , 1 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 KINGFISHER , at 11.00 a RUFF flew in stayed until 11.25 before flying off W. In the copse a SONG THRUSH , 1f BULLFINCH On the rocks 7 RINGED PLOVER and 2 WHEATEAR WED 27 SEPT A cloudy morning with rain arriving at 12.00, A brisk SSE F4/5 wind Started with a 90 min seawatch from Warren Pt at 08.30 - 50 GANNET, 8 COMMON SCOTER - E , 1 SANDWICH TERN -E , 13 AUKS - E , 1 GREY WAGTAIL - E . Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 10.45 to find - 20 TEAL,  1 LITTLE GREBE, 3 MALLARD , 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER,  1 LITTLE STINT, 9 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN , 1 SNIPE , 1 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT . 20 SWALLOW . At 11.00 a RUFF flew over the marsh before continuing S . At 12.05  ajuv SPOONBILL flew in - this bird is unringed .( 2nd patch record this year ) On the beaches / rocks - 15 TURNSTONE , 6 RINGED PLOVER . Went back at 16.30 only the SPOONBILL still present , I watched it fly off NW but at 16.50 Nick confirmed it was still on the marsh  SPOONBILL- South Huish Marsh 27 Sept 2017 TUES 26 SEPT Another calm and sunny morning A 30 min Garden watch from 08.05 produced 28 species inc- 4 CHIFFY, 5 LONG T TIT , 5 DUNNOCK, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 STOCK DOVE , 15 SWALLOW , 1 SAND MARTIN . at 08.15 picked up a flock of 12 GREY PLOVER flying in off the sea, went straight up the valley At South Huish Marsh joined by Terry , John , James and 2 visitors from Yorkshire Brian and Chris Lee . 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER , 1 juv LITTLE STINT ( seen early , returned at 11.30 ) 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 14 TEAL, 8 WIGEON flew round  before continuing south , 1 LITTLE GREBE ., 2 HOBBY flew over . 120 + SWALLOW On the beach 7 RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN , 1ad MED GULL. On Yarmer Beach Nick reported - 8 TURNSTONE, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 WHEATEAR At South Efford Eric noted the only change  to yesterday was a juv LITTLE STINT   Yesterday Alan ringed 58 birds at South Milton Ley inc- 8 GOLDCREST, 5 BLACKCAP, 21 CHIFFY, 12 MIPIT, 2 REED BUNTING, 1 SONG THRUSH . Also on site the first 2 WATER RAIL of the autumn   CURLEW SANDPIPER, BAR TAILED GODWIT, LITTLE STINT All on South Huish Marsh 26 Sept 2017 MON 25 SEPT Felt like summer was back - almost cloudless sky, light breeze and warm joined By Graham this morning . A flock of waders on the beach were 25 RINGED PLOVER, 1 juv LITTLE STINT , most of these later settled on the Marsh - the STINT having been recorded yesterday afternoon by Alan . Also on the Marsh - 1 CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 2 SNIPE, 35 SWALLOW ,  a KINGFISHER 14 TEAL and 6 WHEATEAR. At South efford Marsh Eric reports - 10 GREENSHANK, 4 REDSHANK , 5 COMMON SANDPIPER., 32 CURLEW , 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT,1 DUNLIN, 1 CATTLE EGRET Record shots of LITTLE STINT on the beach and CURLEW SANDPIPER on the Marsh 25 Sept 2017 SUNDAY 24 SEPT A cloudy morning with drizzle and poor viz offshore . A few GANNET flew east, on the beach a TURNSTONE . Between the car park and the copse - 5 BLACKBIRD, 16 ROBIN, 3 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 8 STONECHAT , 65 MIPIT, 32 GOLDFINCH 7 RINGED PLOVER flew up the valley, 22 SWALLOW - S , 1 HOUSE MARTIN On the Marsh - 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER., 2 SNIPE, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 2 SANDWICH TERN flew in and joined the flock of 75 BLACK H GULL- this is the first time i have seen TERNS land on the Marsh Eric reports the only change to yesterdays report was a SNIPE ( no sign of the WRYNECK ) A rare sight - a juv SANDWICH TERN on South Huish Marsh 24 Sept 2017  A Wasp Spider and egg sac at South Efford Marsh 23 Sept 2017 SAT 23 SEPT A fine and sunny morning with a F3 S breeze. An hours Garden watch from 07.50 produced 32 species  inc - 54 GOLDFINCH, 21 LINNET, 19 GREENFINCH, 2 CHAFFINCH, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 SKYLARK, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 41 SWALLOW 11 MIPIT, 5 LONG T TIT. At South Efford Marsh Eric flushed a WRYNECK ( 198 ) at 08.30. ,  close to the hide , flew off to the far side of the Marsh and was not relocated.Also 9 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 5 COMMON SANDPIPER, 16 CURLEW, 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 DUNLIN , 60+ TEAL. At South Huish Marsh Barry Rankine reports - 1 BAR T GODWIT, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 1 MED GULL , 1 CATTLE EGRET, 20 TEAL   FRI 22 SEPT A sunny morning with increasing cloud, brisk F4/5 SW wind Viz Mig watch from the high ground behind the Church 2hours from 07.30 28 species logged - 126 MIPIT flew S , at 07.35 picked up a MERLIN chasing some of the MIPIT across the Golf Course. 1 GOLDCREST, 2 CHIFFY, 18 SKYLARK -S, 14 GOLDFINCH, 3 CHAFFINCH, 9 PIED WAGTAIL . A quiet morning at South Huish Marsh - 1 BAR T GODWIT flew in at 11.00 only stayed 10 min before flying off south , 12 TEAL, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 50+ MIPIT, 30 GOLDFINCH  5 STONECHAT. Offshore 55 GANNET, 1ad MED GULL flew E At 14.00 a short visit to the Tidal Rd at Aveton Gifford where Dave and Alan had a KNOTT , 5 GREENSHANK, 4 BAR T GODWIT and a COMMON SANDPIPER . A PEREGRINE made 2 attempts to drown a BAR T GODWIT  which managed to survive both attempts but certainly spent some time underwater    Record shots of Grey Heron and Bar T Godwit at South Huish Marsh /Beach 22 Sept 2017 THURS 21 SEPT After a night with some heavy rain the morning started cloudy with sunny spells from 10.15 . Initially a F4 W wind backed NW Offshore the GANNET total today was 100, also 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew W at 08.56 ) , 7 KITTIWAKE Some evidence of viz mig - 90 GOLDFINCH ( flocks of 50, 25,20 flew NW ) 10 SISKIN - NW, 110 SWALLOW and 7 SAND MARTIN all NW On South Huish Marsh - 16 TEAL, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 15 MIPIT and a juv WHINCHAT . At 10.25 a KNOT flew around the marsh before flying off NW. At South efford Marsh Eric reports - 7 GREENSHANK, 3 DUNLIN, 12 WIGEON , 20 TEAL, 3 CATTLE EGRET, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL and a juv WHINCHAT   WED 20 SEPT An overcast morning with a F 5 S wind, rain holding off until 13.00 Started with an hours seawatch from Bobs car park at 08.25 which resulted in one of the largest movement of GANNET this year - 602 logged ( 95 % flying west - largest flock 20 ), a further 55 logged up to 11.45 . Surprisingly only other birds logged were 4 G B B GULL and 4 COMMON SCOTER ( flew east ). At  least 38 CORMORANT noted and 1 juv SHAG On South Huish Marsh - 19 TEAL, 1 RINGED PLOVER ( flew over ) 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL , 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 2 WHEATEAR, 30 + MIPIT, 10 SWALLOW and 3 STONECHAT Message from Nick Townsend - the new ditch work at South Milton Ley is due to start this week, area being dug out is on the south side of the footpath by the sewage works , likely to take 2 weeks . TUES 19 SEPT Another fine sunny morning with a light W breeze Started with an hours Garden Watch from 07.20 - 32 species recorded inc -1 SPARROWHAWK. , 2 BUZZARD , 3 GREAT SP WOODY, 1 GREEN WOODY , 5 CHIFFY, 1 juv CIRL BUNTING, 5 PIED WAGTAIL, 8 CHAFFINCH, 8 MIPIT, 10 GOLDFINCH, 20 SWALLOW A surprise was to find a GREY PHALAROPE swimming in the Bay off Leasfoot Beach at 09.30, last sighting was at 10.00.Otherwise a very quiet morning - 2 REED WARBLER , 1 SEDGE WARBLER ( by the footbridge ) , 1 WHEATEAR, 2 CHIFFY , on the Marsh - 3 TEAL, 2 MALLARD , 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 RINGED PLOVER , 5 MIPIT . Passage of Hirundines upto 10.30 - 250 + SWALLOW, 15 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 SAND MARTIN. At South Efford Marsh Eric and Dave report - 5 GREENSHANK, 1 BAR T GODWIT, CURLEW , 45 TEAL, 3 CATTLE EGRET MON 18 SEPT A sunny morning with only a light breeze Decided to do my first Viz Mig survey - covering an area behind Thurlestone Church and the footpath leading to the top of the Golf Course overlooking Bantham . Between 07.30 and 09.00 33 species logged inc - 6 CHIFFY, 11 CHAFFINCH, 19 GOLDFINCH, 51 MIPIT, 11 STONECHAT, 15 SKYLARK ( first this month )7 LINNET, 8 ALBA WAGTAIL, 7 RAVEN, 10 SWALLOW and a GROPPA Spent from 10.00 with Eric at South Efford Marsh - 5 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 8 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 4 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 7 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, CURLEW, 3 CATTLE EGRET, 6 LITTLE EGRET, 1 KINGFISHER Photos taken 18 Sept 2017 at South Efford Marsh of  BAR T GODWIT, REDSHANK, GREENSHANK , CATTLE EGRET  SUN 17 SEPT A morning with sunny periods and a NNE F 3 wind Very quiet at South Huish Marsh only 3 TEAL, 5 MALLARD 1 LITTLE GREBE , 2 WHITE WAGTAIL , 4 WHEATEAR . Passage of Hirundines - 150+ HOUSE MARTIN , 55 SWALLOW, 3 SAND MARTIN At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 CATTLE EGRET, 1 juv LITTLE STINT, 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT , ,5 GREENSHANK, 4 DUNLIN, 18 CURLEW , 1 RINGED PLOVER 54 TEAL, 16 + WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 WHINCHAT, 2 SPOTTED FLY SAT 16 SEPT At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 56 new birds inc - 23 BLACKCAP, 13 CHIFFY, 3 REED WARBLER, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 REED BUNTING and a MARSH TIT ( 197 ) . This is very scarce on the patch, last recorded Nov 2012   On South Huish Marsh 2  1w YELLOW L GULLS , 3 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING FRI 15 SEPT A morning of sunny periods to start with then cloud and showers .Wind NNW F3/4 Quiet morning at South Huish marsh with 3 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE . 3 RINGED PLOVER flew through . From 09.00 - 09.45 a steady passage of Hirundines all moving NW- totals logged - 370 SWALLOW, 50 HOUSE MARTIN , 25 SAND MARTIN ( single flock ) also 30+ ALBA WAGTAIL , a GREAT SP WOODY. MIPITS through in small flocks  toalled 95 . Amongst the reeds a SEDGE WARBLER and in the copse 5 CHIFFY On the rocks a CURLEW. All the action this afternoon was at South Efford Marsh where  Dave P picked up the days star bird at 17.00 an OSPREY ( 196 ) flew down river . Also on the Marsh - 1 GREEN SANDPIPER ( north side ) 8 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 3 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 9 DUNLIN, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, CATTLE EGRET still there Late news for Thurs. Alan had a SWIFT over South Milton village early evening - a late date for the patch THURS 14 SEPT A sunny morning initially with increasing cloud and by 11.15 some squally showers , wind increased from a F5 to F7 WNW  . Started with an hours Garden watch from 07.25 - 31 species logged inc - 50 + GANNET, 4 BUZZARD ( family party )3 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 BLACKCAP, 1 SONG THRUSH , 6 SWALLOW , 2 REED BUNTING, 5 MIPIT flew N Decided to look at Yarmer Beach at 09.00 - only  20 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 DUNLIN, 1 TURNSTONE . A short seawatch off Warren Pt very quickly turned into a 3hour stay with 2 patch year ticks another PHALAROPE and the highest number of TERNS logged this autumn 85 GANNET, 70 GREAT B B GULL all flying W , 8 RAZORBILL, 6 AUKS - W, 4 ad KITTIWAKE . At 09.30 a flock of 9 COMMIC TERNS flew W followed shortly by 4 COMMON TERN , later another 8 COMMIC also flew W . At 09.45 a GREY PHALAROPE flew E across the Bay .2 MANX SHEARWATER flew E . Just before the squalls stated , at 10.50 2 Juv SABINE'S GULL(194 ) flew W together close inshore . At 10.55 a DP ARCTIC TERN flew W then at 11.05 a juv LONG TAILED SKUA ( 195 ) flew E. First noticeable small passarine passage - 26 MIPIT, 3 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 PIED WAGTAIL, 7 SWALLOW . No report on what might have been on either Marshes so far WED 13 SEPT A morning with some sunny periods with showers following a stormy night South Efford Marsh was the place to be - at 12.00 Dave Pakes found a GREY PHALAROPE- a site first , last seen 14.50. Also 9 GREENSHANK, 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 8 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, KINGFISHER 35 TEAL and the CATTLE EGRET On South Huish Marsh - 3 MALLARD , 3 TEAL, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 CHIFFY . Offshore - 200+ GANNET, 2 KITTIWAKE , 3 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 WIGEON flew E , of interest 33 CORMORANT flew E ( flocks of 16 & 10 , 4 ) Over South Milton Village Bob had a HOBBY   Photos from my new P900 camera - GREY PHALAROPE at South Milton Sands and on South Huish Marsh on 12 Sept 2017 TUES  12 SEPT A sunny morning with a strong F5/6 NW wind . A GREY PHALAROPE (193 )morning !- sightings of 4 birds but may only relate to 3 individuals . At 09.55 picked up 1 flying east over the Bay , then at 10.02 another flew east , this was further out , then at 10.10 one landed on the beach probably only 30 feet from me . At 10.20 one was on the front pool of South Huish Marsh. Still there when I left at 10.35.Will post photos later this evening Otherwise a very quiet morning - offshore 100+ GANNET,   35 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 RAZORBILL, 2 GREY WAGTAIL flew N . On South Huish Marsh 1 RINGED PLOVER, 60+ CANADA GOOSE ( flew in at 09.00 )1 MOORHEN , 2 LITTLE EGRET and 1 HERON . In 15 years of visiting the Marsh this is my first visit when I did not record any MALLARD Early evening update following a call from Nick - The days total for GREY PHALAROPE is at least 5 ( a patch record ) . At 13.30 there were 2 on South Huish Marsh, 1 on South milton Ley by the footbridge  and later in the day 1 on Yarmer Beach ( AJL ) MON 11 SEPT Avisit to Start Point with Eric, Graham and Terry. Although W/ WNW gale F8 winds we were sheltered down by the Lighthouse and surprisingly only 1 shower of rain Although we had a very good morning the SKUA'S apart from 3 BONXIE were absent . From 08.30 - 12.40 we logged - 1500 + MANX SHEARWATER- lots of large flocks off the point both flying and sitting on the sea , lots of glare made it difficult  to separate any BALEARIC at least 3 but probably lots more . 800 + GANNET with some spectacular diving displays . 7 FULMAR. 15 KITTIWAKE ( inc 3 Juv )1ad MED GULL , 1 RAZORBILL, 3 STORM PETREL flew E and at 10.50 picked up a CORY'S SHEARWATER sat on the sea SUN 10 SEPT A cloudy morning with heavy showers from 12.30 , an increasing F 5-8 W Wind , rough seas . Seawatching from 09.00- 12.20 from the car park produced - 340 GANNET, 80+ MANX SHEARWATER, at least 8 BALEARIC and 2 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( flew W at 09.10 ) , 3 FULMAR, 7 KITTIWAKE ( 1juv ) 1 juv MED GULL, , 6 SHELDUCK flew W . On the beach - 4 DUNLIN, 11 RINGED PLOVER On South Huish Marsh - 1 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WHEATEAR - no Waders ! Over at South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 10 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 5 BAR T GODWIT , 30 CURLEW, 10 DUNLIN, , 1 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, the CATTLE EGRET still Some strong winds on the menu for Mon / Tues . SAT 9 SEPT Initially a sunny early morning with some heavy showers by lunch time . For the time of the year a very quiet day First late news for last night when James at 17.00 had a RUFF on South Huish Marsh ,. This morning at 07.30 there were only 9 DUNLIN, 4 RINGED PLOVER and a LITTLE GREBE . Amongst a number of ALBA WAGTAILS were 2 WHITE . Offshore  30+ GANNET, 25 FULMAR, 5 DUNLIN ( flew west well out )1 AUK . 2 GREY WAGTAIL flew over At 12.15 following a heavy shower, through my garden were 20 SWALLOW, 30 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 WILLOW WARBLER and a small party of LONG T TIT At South Efford Marsh Eric had 9 BLACK T GODWIT, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 WHIMBREL and the CATTLE EGRET A late afternoon visit to South Huish Marsh only provided 1 DUNLIN , 1 WHEATEAR and 2 GREY WAGTAIL over   FRI 8 SEPT A day of cloud with frquent heavy showers , a W F7+ wind with some rough seas . Late yesterday news from both Alan and James of 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER on South Huish Marsh .Made 2 visits today - first at 09.20 The 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER showing well, 42 DUNLIN, 14  RINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 TEAL . 2nd visit at 14.20 - 12 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER , the 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER flew in at 25.35 , 5 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WHEATEAR . At 16.15 a PEREGRINE and a SPARROWHAWK flew through resulting in all the waders flying off A brief seawatch produced 25 GANNET, 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( w at 15.50 ) 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew east at 16.00 ) On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 4 WIGEON , 30 TEAL, 1 CATTLE EGRET, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 8 RINGED PLOVER, 30 CURLEW With todays rain the Marsh is filling back up nicely just ready for the next wader passage THURS 7 SEPT A cloudy morning with some light rain showers , a brisk F5 W wind The front pool at South Huish Marsh had to be drained yesterday to complete the mainteance work , hopefully with the rain expected this w/end it will soon fill up . On the Marsh - 8 RINGED PLOVER, 7 DUNLIN, 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 LITTLE GREBE . On the beach 20 DUNLIN,Offshore 50 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 1 AUK, a few KITTIWAKE. 20 SWALLOW flew west and a PEREGRINE flew through On South Efford Marsh - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 5 GREENSHANK 20 + TEAL and 2 WIGEON WED 6 SEPT 33 species from my garden in an hour from 07.30 inc - CIRL BUNTING, 16 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 CHIFFY, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 JAY At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 CATTLE EGRET, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 5 GREENSHANK, 1 DUNLIN, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 STONECHAT Over South Milton Village Alan had a HOBBY From his hose in Hope Cove James had a COMMIC TERN, and a probable lp ARCTIC SKUA TUES 5 SEPT A cloudy morning with periods of light rain, a brisk F4/5 SW wind , at times poor offshore viz The maintenance work started today so little on South Huish Marsh- 11 TEAL, the CATTLE EGRET still. On the beach 7 YELLOW WAGTAIL with 3 RINGED PLOVER on the rocks . Some good offshore passage - 3hours from 08.50- 700+ GANNET, 300+ MANX SHEARWATER , 4 BALEARIC SHEARWATER and a FULMAR , all flew east. In my garden this afternoon a GREEN WOODPECKER and a RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE At South Efford Marsh a WOOD SANDPIPER still , 3 SNIPE and a YELLOW WAGTAIL MON 4 SEPT A cloudy morning with at times some light drizzle. An interesting morning with 13 species of Waders recorded At 09.00 offshore 105+ GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN -W , 1 AUK, , 2 GREY WAGTAIL - W , 1 PEREGRINE and a WHITETHROAT by the footbridge . 10 OYSTERCATCHER on the rocks On South Huish Marsh -10 BLACK T GODWIT, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 6 DUNLIN, 1 SNIPE, 6 TURNSTONE, 1 RUFF ( flew S at 12.15 ), 1 CATTLE EGRET still, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 juv MED GULL, 9 TEAL, 5 WHEATEAR, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 6+ COMMON SANDPIPER, 20 + CURLEW, 6 DUNLIN, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 5 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 1 SNIPE , 30 + YELLOW WAGTAIL, 5 + WHITE WAGTAIL SUN 3 SEPT Autumn really arrived today - very heavy rain , poor viz and a F6 SSW wind . On South Huish Marsh in the morning - 11 BLACK T GODWIT, 1 DUNLIN, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 5 TEAL, CATTLE EGRET still . Late afternoon visit at 16.00 I found the Marsh completely flooded 11 BLACK T GODWIT still, 41 DUNLIN ( flew through ), 1 RINGED PLOVER, 60+ SWALLOW, 25 HOUSE MARTIN, 15 SAND MARTIN . In the Bay I watched a BLACK TERN ( 192 ) feeding from 09.45 - still there when I left at 11.00- first time I have seen one feeding , all my other records were of birds flying through with other Terns , also 1 SANDWICH TERN, a BONXIE ( E at 10.15 ). On the rocks 2 WHIMBREL. Maintenance work was due to start on Monday ( will take around 2 weeks ), however with the Marsh flooded unlikely to start as expected An interesting report from John who lives near the road leading down to the sewage works at South Milton Ley - up to 6 SISKIN on his feeders daily since last Thurs. SAT 2 SEPT Reports rec'd for South Efford Marsh - 6 GREENSHANK, 8 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 juv SHELDUCK, 1 WHEATEAR. At South Huish Marsh - 11 BLACK T GODWIT, 5 DUNLIN, 1 CATTLE EGRET, 2 WHEATEAR, 1 WHINCHAT, 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL AR South Milton Ley Alan P ringed -4 TREE PIPIT, 16 BLACKCAP, 13 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 SEDGE WARBLER, 3 CHIFFY, 2 REED WARBLER. In my garden at 19.00 a juv m CIRL BUNTING FRI 1 SEPT A pleasant day for the start of a new month , sunny periods and a light N breeze . A Garden Watch at 07.00 for 45 mins produced 30 species inc - 4 BLACK T GODWIT ( flew in off the sea and went up the valley ) 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 CHIFFY, 2 BLACKCAP 70+ SWALLOW A quiet morning at South Huish Marsh - a CATTLE EGRET still ( this has now been recorded in every month of this year ) 10 YELLOW WATAIL, 2 WHITE WAGTAIL, 3 TEAL, 3 RINGED PLOVER , 10 DUNLIN , 1 PEREGRINE ( moved the waders on ) 4 STONECHAT , 1 WHITETHROAT, 1m BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 4 SAND MARTIN, 2 LITTLE EGRET On the beach - / offshore -45 GANNET, 2 MANX SHEARWATER, 4 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING, 1 MED GULL At South Milton Ley - 1 WHEATEAR , BULLFINCH, REED WARBLER, SEDGE WARBLER , GREAT Sp WOODY A total of 62 species recorded on the patch today     YELLOW WAGTAILS AT SOUTH HUISH MARSH 26 Aug 2017 Photos from James K of - REDSHANK, RUFF and DUNLIN at South Huish Marsh 24 AUG 2017 Record shots of BLACK SWAN ( lots of glare ) and LITTLE EGRET Avon Estuary  18 Aug 2017 [BLACK SWAN - 18 AUG 2017]Have retained a lot of photos  from the last 3 years at the  at the bottom of this page Photo of PEC SANDPIPER taken by Alan Doidge Sept 2016 Some more of the fab photos from Alan Doidge of the bird of the year for Thurlestone- they are superb A nice record shot from James K of a BRAMBLING at Huxton Cross on 24 January 2017 2 more photos from Alan D - BARNACLE GOOSE at South Efford Marsh and a CATTLE EGRET in a field near Horswell House taken last weekend 2 more photos from Alan D of a WHITE FRONTED GOOSE and a 1w ICELAND GULL taken at the end of Feb at South Huish Marsh 2 more photos of the GLAUCOUS GULL taken by Alan D at South Huish Marsh 3 APRIL 2017  Photos of the SPOONBILL and CATTLE EGRET from James K and SPOONBILL by Steve Hopper at South Huish Marsh on 5 April Record shot of the PURPLE HERON on South Huish Marsh on 11 May 2017 - taken by James K 2 photos of CATTLE EGRETS at South Efford Marsh 13 July 2017 taken by Alan Doidge 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 Nice shot of a Scandinavian Rock Pipit on South Milton beach 20 March 2017 Record shot of the GARGANEY on South Huish Marsh on 16 March by Alan Doidge  A nice close up of the bill of the WHITE FRONTED GOOSE at South Huish Marsh taken by James K Whist waiting for auditions for the remake of Last of the Summer Wine our photographic agent Steph Murphy took this publicity shot at Broadsands this morning of Eric Tony and myself Record shot of the CATTLE EGRET at SOUTH HUISH MARSH 23 JAN 2017 by Alan Doidge Photos of the DESERT WHEATEAR 13 Nov 2016 from Alan Doidge YELLOW BROWED WARBLER at South Milton Ley 19 Oct PURPLE HERON - Some more photos from Alan Doidge PURPLE HERONS at South Huish Marsh 2 photos from Alan Doidge  taken 24 April 2016 Some stunning photos of  SQUACCO HERON by Alan Doidge SQUACCO HERONS. Consensus of opinion is there is at least 2 birds in the South Hams area . Confirmed by simultaneous sights last night of birds at Beesands Ley and at Prawle Point . Still one bird on the Scillies. Until comparison of photos  can be made the jury will have to be out on whether the South Milton bird on Wed was another one !Record shot of male Red Backed Shrike South Huish Marsh 9 JulyWILLOW WARBLER and ACREDULA WARBLER Not often in Devon that an opportunity arises to compare these 2 species . ACREDULA is a sub specie of WILLOW breeding mostly in Scandanavia usually  above 63o North , studies have confirmed that they winter in different habitats in Africa Have received these photos from Roger and Helen of a bird ringed on the 11 August at South Milton Ley, whilst I missed this, I was fortunate to see one that Bob ringed a few years ago . You really do need to see them in the hand to appreciate them.GLOSSY IBIS - South Huish Marsh 19 Nov 2015 - Alan Doidge ISABELLINE SHRIKE ISABELLINE SHRIKE - SOUTH HUISH MARSH 14 OCT 2015- photos by Alan Doidge and Richard StaffordPhotos below of the BEE-EATERS at Aymer Cove 30 MAY  taken by Alan Doidge 2014 Record shot of the GLOSSY IBIS taken at 16.00 Sat 27 Dec- Alan DoidgeWHOOPER SWAN family- T'stone Marsh on 19 OCT 2014 Crane at South Huish Marsh 20 Oct 2014- Alan DoidgeTUES 16 SEPT Some Recent photos from Alan Doidge Photos from Alan Doidge at South Huish Marsh News Since 2003 my  patch list totals 250latest- BLACK SWAN 18 AUG 2017 Visitor Counter Reset 10th September 2013 (previously 55000+) Links  Alderney Bird Observatory   Avon Birds   Devon Birds   Birds of the Heath   Axe Birding   Birding Exmouth   Christchurch Harbour   Teesmouth Bird Club   Portland Bird Observatory   Cornwall Birding   Belvide Birding   Jersey Bird News   Thurlestone Weather   The Birds of South Gloucestershire   MBS Trophies ( part sponsor  with time )[Print] Print | Sitemap © Michael Passman This website was created using 1&1 MyWebsite. Login SAT 30 SEPT A cloudy morning with light showers , SW wind F4 On the rocks - 30 RINGED PLOVER, 5 DUNLIN, 4 TURNSTONE , 1 KINGFISHER. On South Huish Marsh - 25 TEAL , 2 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 2 DUNLIN ( over ), 1 COMMON SANDPIPER . Amongst a flock of 70 BLACK H GULL were 2 ad and 4 1stw MED GULL ( largest number this autumn ) A CATTLE EGRET is still being reportedusually in the afternoon   2ad MED GULL ON SOUTH HUISH MARSH 30,Sept 2017  FRI 29 SEPT A cloudy morning with aF 4 W wind Offshore 45 GANNET, by the footbridge 8 BLACKBIRD and 6 DUNNOCK in one bush also a SKLARK over as well as MIPITS . On South Huish Marsh - 2 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER ( flew in 11.00 ), a LITTLE STINT this afternoon .15 TEAL, 5 MALLARD and 4 LITTLE EGRET., 1 WHEATEAR, 2 CHIFFY A flock of 15 RINGED PLOVERand 2 RUFF flew down the valley at 10.05. On the rocks 9 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN , 4 TURNSTONE , a further 14 RINGED PLOVER flew west at 11.30 At South efford Marsh Eric reports it is still quiet - 5 GREENSHANK, 3 BAR T GODWIT, 1 DUNLIN, 1ad MED GULL RUFF - SOUTH HUISH MARSH 28 Sept 2017 THURS 28 SEPT A cloudy start to the morning clearing to provide sunny periods . a light W breeze .After yesterdays heavy rain most of the small waders and the SPOONBILL moved on Through my garden this morning - 45 min from 07.45 28 species inc - 6 CHIFFY, 34 GOLDFINCH , both GREEN and GREAT SP WOODY, At South Huish Marsh - 20 TEAL , the LITTLE GREBE , 1 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 KINGFISHER , at 11.00 a RUFF flew in stayed until 11.25 before flying off W. In the copse a SONG THRUSH , 1f BULLFINCH On the rocks 7 RINGED PLOVER and 2 WHEATEAR WED 27 SEPT A cloudy morning with rain arriving at 12.00, A brisk SSE F4/5 wind Started with a 90 min seawatch from Warren Pt at 08.30 - 50 GANNET, 8 COMMON SCOTER - E , 1 SANDWICH TERN -E , 13 AUKS - E , 1 GREY WAGTAIL - E . Arrived at South Huish Marsh at 10.45 to find - 20 TEAL,  1 LITTLE GREBE, 3 MALLARD , 5 LITTLE EGRET, 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER,  1 LITTLE STINT, 9 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN , 1 SNIPE , 1 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT . 20 SWALLOW . At 11.00 a RUFF flew over the marsh before continuing S . At 12.05  ajuv SPOONBILL flew in - this bird is unringed .( 2nd patch record this year ) On the beaches / rocks - 15 TURNSTONE , 6 RINGED PLOVER . Went back at 16.30 only the SPOONBILL still present , I watched it fly off NW but at 16.50 Nick confirmed it was still on the marsh  SPOONBILL- South Huish Marsh 27 Sept 2017 TUES 26 SEPT Another calm and sunny morning A 30 min Garden watch from 08.05 produced 28 species inc- 4 CHIFFY, 5 LONG T TIT , 5 DUNNOCK, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 2 STOCK DOVE , 15 SWALLOW , 1 SAND MARTIN . at 08.15 picked up a flock of 12 GREY PLOVER flying in off the sea, went straight up the valley At South Huish Marsh joined by Terry , John , James and 2 visitors from Yorkshire Brian and Chris Lee . 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER , 1 juv LITTLE STINT ( seen early , returned at 11.30 ) 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 14 TEAL, 8 WIGEON flew round  before continuing south , 1 LITTLE GREBE ., 2 HOBBY flew over . 120 + SWALLOW On the beach 7 RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN , 1ad MED GULL. On Yarmer Beach Nick reported - 8 TURNSTONE, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 WHEATEAR At South Efford Eric noted the only change  to yesterday was a juv LITTLE STINT   Yesterday Alan ringed 58 birds at South Milton Ley inc- 8 GOLDCREST, 5 BLACKCAP, 21 CHIFFY, 12 MIPIT, 2 REED BUNTING, 1 SONG THRUSH . Also on site the first 2 WATER RAIL of the autumn   CURLEW SANDPIPER, BAR TAILED GODWIT, LITTLE STINT All on South Huish Marsh 26 Sept 2017 MON 25 SEPT Felt like summer was back - almost cloudless sky, light breeze and warm joined By Graham this morning . A flock of waders on the beach were 25 RINGED PLOVER, 1 juv LITTLE STINT , most of these later settled on the Marsh - the STINT having been recorded yesterday afternoon by Alan . Also on the Marsh - 1 CATTLE EGRET, 2 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, 2 SNIPE, 35 SWALLOW ,  a KINGFISHER 14 TEAL and 6 WHEATEAR. At South efford Marsh Eric reports - 10 GREENSHANK, 4 REDSHANK , 5 COMMON SANDPIPER., 32 CURLEW , 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT,1 DUNLIN, 1 CATTLE EGRET Record shots of LITTLE STINT on the beach and CURLEW SANDPIPER on the Marsh 25 Sept 2017 SUNDAY 24 SEPT A cloudy morning with drizzle and poor viz offshore . A few GANNET flew east, on the beach a TURNSTONE . Between the car park and the copse - 5 BLACKBIRD, 16 ROBIN, 3 BLACKCAP, 6 CHIFFY, 8 STONECHAT , 65 MIPIT, 32 GOLDFINCH 7 RINGED PLOVER flew up the valley, 22 SWALLOW - S , 1 HOUSE MARTIN On the Marsh - 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER., 2 SNIPE, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 2 SANDWICH TERN flew in and joined the flock of 75 BLACK H GULL- this is the first time i have seen TERNS land on the Marsh Eric reports the only change to yesterdays report was a SNIPE ( no sign of the WRYNECK ) A rare sight - a juv SANDWICH TERN on South Huish Marsh 24 Sept 2017  A Wasp Spider and egg sac at South Efford Marsh 23 Sept 2017 SAT 23 SEPT A fine and sunny morning with a F3 S breeze. An hours Garden watch from 07.50 produced 32 species  inc - 54 GOLDFINCH, 21 LINNET, 19 GREENFINCH, 2 CHAFFINCH, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 SKYLARK, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 41 SWALLOW 11 MIPIT, 5 LONG T TIT. At South Efford Marsh Eric flushed a WRYNECK ( 198 ) at 08.30. ,  close to the hide , flew off to the far side of the Marsh and was not relocated.Also 9 GREENSHANK, 3 REDSHANK, 5 COMMON SANDPIPER, 16 CURLEW, 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 2 DUNLIN , 60+ TEAL. At South Huish Marsh Barry Rankine reports - 1 BAR T GODWIT, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 1 MED GULL , 1 CATTLE EGRET, 20 TEAL   FRI 22 SEPT A sunny morning with increasing cloud, brisk F4/5 SW wind Viz Mig watch from the high ground behind the Church 2hours from 07.30 28 species logged - 126 MIPIT flew S , at 07.35 picked up a MERLIN chasing some of the MIPIT across the Golf Course. 1 GOLDCREST, 2 CHIFFY, 18 SKYLARK -S, 14 GOLDFINCH, 3 CHAFFINCH, 9 PIED WAGTAIL . A quiet morning at South Huish Marsh - 1 BAR T GODWIT flew in at 11.00 only stayed 10 min before flying off south , 12 TEAL, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 50+ MIPIT, 30 GOLDFINCH  5 STONECHAT. Offshore 55 GANNET, 1ad MED GULL flew E At 14.00 a short visit to the Tidal Rd at Aveton Gifford where Dave and Alan had a KNOTT , 5 GREENSHANK, 4 BAR T GODWIT and a COMMON SANDPIPER . A PEREGRINE made 2 attempts to drown a BAR T GODWIT  which managed to survive both attempts but certainly spent some time underwater    Record shots of Grey Heron and Bar T Godwit at South Huish Marsh /Beach 22 Sept 2017 THURS 21 SEPT After a night with some heavy rain the morning started cloudy with sunny spells from 10.15 . Initially a F4 W wind backed NW Offshore the GANNET total today was 100, also 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew W at 08.56 ) , 7 KITTIWAKE Some evidence of viz mig - 90 GOLDFINCH ( flocks of 50, 25,20 flew NW ) 10 SISKIN - NW, 110 SWALLOW and 7 SAND MARTIN all NW On South Huish Marsh - 16 TEAL, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 15 MIPIT and a juv WHINCHAT . At 10.25 a KNOT flew around the marsh before flying off NW. At South efford Marsh Eric reports - 7 GREENSHANK, 3 DUNLIN, 12 WIGEON , 20 TEAL, 3 CATTLE EGRET, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL and a juv WHINCHAT   WED 20 SEPT An overcast morning with a F 5 S wind, rain holding off until 13.00 Started with an hours seawatch from Bobs car park at 08.25 which resulted in one of the largest movement of GANNET this year - 602 logged ( 95 % flying west - largest flock 20 ), a further 55 logged up to 11.45 . Surprisingly only other birds logged were 4 G B B GULL and 4 COMMON SCOTER ( flew east ). At  least 38 CORMORANT noted and 1 juv SHAG On South Huish Marsh - 19 TEAL, 1 RINGED PLOVER ( flew over ) 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL , 1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 2 WHEATEAR, 30 + MIPIT, 10 SWALLOW and 3 STONECHAT Message from Nick Townsend - the new ditch work at South Milton Ley is due to start this week, area being dug out is on the south side of the footpath by the sewage works , likely to take 2 weeks . TUES 19 SEPT Another fine sunny morning with a light W breeze Started with an hours Garden Watch from 07.20 - 32 species recorded inc -1 SPARROWHAWK. , 2 BUZZARD , 3 GREAT SP WOODY, 1 GREEN WOODY , 5 CHIFFY, 1 juv CIRL BUNTING, 5 PIED WAGTAIL, 8 CHAFFINCH, 8 MIPIT, 10 GOLDFINCH, 20 SWALLOW A surprise was to find a GREY PHALAROPE swimming in the Bay off Leasfoot Beach at 09.30, last sighting was at 10.00.Otherwise a very quiet morning - 2 REED WARBLER , 1 SEDGE WARBLER ( by the footbridge ) , 1 WHEATEAR, 2 CHIFFY , on the Marsh - 3 TEAL, 2 MALLARD , 1 LITTLE GREBE, 1 RINGED PLOVER , 5 MIPIT . Passage of Hirundines upto 10.30 - 250 + SWALLOW, 15 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 SAND MARTIN. At South Efford Marsh Eric and Dave report - 5 GREENSHANK, 1 BAR T GODWIT, CURLEW , 45 TEAL, 3 CATTLE EGRET MON 18 SEPT A sunny morning with only a light breeze Decided to do my first Viz Mig survey - covering an area behind Thurlestone Church and the footpath leading to the top of the Golf Course overlooking Bantham . Between 07.30 and 09.00 33 species logged inc - 6 CHIFFY, 11 CHAFFINCH, 19 GOLDFINCH, 51 MIPIT, 11 STONECHAT, 15 SKYLARK ( first this month )7 LINNET, 8 ALBA WAGTAIL, 7 RAVEN, 10 SWALLOW and a GROPPA Spent from 10.00 with Eric at South Efford Marsh - 5 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 8 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 4 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 7 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, CURLEW, 3 CATTLE EGRET, 6 LITTLE EGRET, 1 KINGFISHER Photos taken 18 Sept 2017 at South Efford Marsh of  BAR T GODWIT, REDSHANK, GREENSHANK , CATTLE EGRET  SUN 17 SEPT A morning with sunny periods and a NNE F 3 wind Very quiet at South Huish Marsh only 3 TEAL, 5 MALLARD 1 LITTLE GREBE , 2 WHITE WAGTAIL , 4 WHEATEAR . Passage of Hirundines - 150+ HOUSE MARTIN , 55 SWALLOW, 3 SAND MARTIN At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 3 CATTLE EGRET, 1 juv LITTLE STINT, 4 BAR T GODWIT, 1 BLACK T GODWIT , ,5 GREENSHANK, 4 DUNLIN, 18 CURLEW , 1 RINGED PLOVER 54 TEAL, 16 + WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 WHINCHAT, 2 SPOTTED FLY SAT 16 SEPT At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 56 new birds inc - 23 BLACKCAP, 13 CHIFFY, 3 REED WARBLER, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 REED BUNTING and a MARSH TIT ( 197 ) . This is very scarce on the patch, last recorded Nov 2012   On South Huish Marsh 2  1w YELLOW L GULLS , 3 RINGED PLOVER and a SANDERLING FRI 15 SEPT A morning of sunny periods to start with then cloud and showers .Wind NNW F3/4 Quiet morning at South Huish marsh with 3 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE . 3 RINGED PLOVER flew through . From 09.00 - 09.45 a steady passage of Hirundines all moving NW- totals logged - 370 SWALLOW, 50 HOUSE MARTIN , 25 SAND MARTIN ( single flock ) also 30+ ALBA WAGTAIL , a GREAT SP WOODY. MIPITS through in small flocks  toalled 95 . Amongst the reeds a SEDGE WARBLER and in the copse 5 CHIFFY On the rocks a CURLEW. All the action this afternoon was at South Efford Marsh where  Dave P picked up the days star bird at 17.00 an OSPREY ( 196 ) flew down river . Also on the Marsh - 1 GREEN SANDPIPER ( north side ) 8 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 3 BAR T GODWIT , 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 9 DUNLIN, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 CURLEW SANDPIPER, CATTLE EGRET still there Late news for Thurs. Alan had a SWIFT over South Milton village early evening - a late date for the patch THURS 14 SEPT A sunny morning initially with increasing cloud and by 11.15 some squally showers , wind increased from a F5 to F7 WNW  . Started with an hours Garden watch from 07.25 - 31 species logged inc - 50 + GANNET, 4 BUZZARD ( family party )3 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 BLACKCAP, 1 SONG THRUSH , 6 SWALLOW , 2 REED BUNTING, 5 MIPIT flew N Decided to look at Yarmer Beach at 09.00 - only  20 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 DUNLIN, 1 TURNSTONE . A short seawatch off Warren Pt very quickly turned into a 3hour stay with 2 patch year ticks another PHALAROPE and the highest number of TERNS logged this autumn 85 GANNET, 70 GREAT B B GULL all flying W , 8 RAZORBILL, 6 AUKS - W, 4 ad KITTIWAKE . At 09.30 a flock of 9 COMMIC TERNS flew W followed shortly by 4 COMMON TERN , later another 8 COMMIC also flew W . At 09.45 a GREY PHALAROPE flew E across the Bay .2 MANX SHEARWATER flew E . Just before the squalls stated , at 10.50 2 Juv SABINE'S GULL(194 ) flew W together close inshore . At 10.55 a DP ARCTIC TERN flew W then at 11.05 a juv LONG TAILED SKUA ( 195 ) flew E. First noticeable small passarine passage - 26 MIPIT, 3 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 PIED WAGTAIL, 7 SWALLOW . No report on what might have been on either Marshes so far WED 13 SEPT A morning with some sunny periods with showers following a stormy night South Efford Marsh was the place to be - at 12.00 Dave Pakes found a GREY PHALAROPE- a site first , last seen 14.50. Also 9 GREENSHANK, 4 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 8 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, KINGFISHER 35 TEAL and the CATTLE EGRET On South Huish Marsh - 3 MALLARD , 3 TEAL, 1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 2 CHIFFY . Offshore - 200+ GANNET, 2 KITTIWAKE , 3 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 WIGEON flew E , of interest 33 CORMORANT flew E ( flocks of 16 & 10 , 4 ) Over South Milton Village Bob had a HOBBY   Photos from my new P900 camera - GREY PHALAROPE at South Milton Sands and on South Huish Marsh on 12 Sept 2017 TUES  12 SEPT A sunny morning with a strong F5/6 NW wind . A GREY PHALAROPE (193 )morning !- sightings of 4 birds but may only relate to 3 individuals . At 09.55 picked up 1 flying east over the Bay , then at 10.02 another flew east , this was further out , then at 10.10 one landed on the beach probably only 30 feet from me . At 10.20 one was on the front pool of South Huish Marsh. Still there when I left at 10.35.Will post photos later this evening Otherwise a very quiet morning - offshore 100+ GANNET,   35 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 RAZORBILL, 2 GREY WAGTAIL flew N . On South Huish Marsh 1 RINGED PLOVER, 60+ CANADA GOOSE ( flew in at 09.00 )1 MOORHEN , 2 LITTLE EGRET and 1 HERON . In 15 years of visiting the Marsh this is my first visit when I did not record any MALLARD Early evening update following a call from Nick - The days total for GREY PHALAROPE is at least 5 ( a patch record ) . At 13.30 there were 2 on South Huish Marsh, 1 on South milton Ley by the footbridge  and later in the day 1 on Yarmer Beach ( AJL ) MON 11 SEPT Avisit to Start Point with Eric, Graham and Terry. Although W/ WNW gale F8 winds we were sheltered down by the Lighthouse and surprisingly only 1 shower of rain Although we had a very good morning the SKUA'S apart from 3 BONXIE were absent . From 08.30 - 12.40 we logged - 1500 + MANX SHEARWATER- lots of large flocks off the point both flying and sitting on the sea , lots of glare made it difficult  to separate any BALEARIC at least 3 but probably lots more . 800 + GANNET with some spectacular diving displays . 7 FULMAR. 15 KITTIWAKE ( inc 3 Juv )1ad MED GULL , 1 RAZORBILL, 3 STORM PETREL flew E and at 10.50 picked up a CORY'S SHEARWATER sat on the sea SUN 10 SEPT A cloudy morning with heavy showers from 12.30 , an increasing F 5-8 W Wind , rough seas . Seawatching from 09.00- 12.20 from the car park produced - 340 GANNET, 80+ MANX SHEARWATER, at least 8 BALEARIC and 2 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( flew W at 09.10 ) , 3 FULMAR, 7 KITTIWAKE ( 1juv ) 1 juv MED GULL, , 6 SHELDUCK flew W . On the beach - 4 DUNLIN, 11 RINGED PLOVER On South Huish Marsh - 1 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WHEATEAR - no Waders ! Over at South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 10 GREENSHANK, 2 REDSHANK, 1 BLACK T GODWIT, 5 BAR T GODWIT , 30 CURLEW, 10 DUNLIN, , 1 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, the CATTLE EGRET still Some strong winds on the menu for Mon / Tues . SAT 9 SEPT Initially a sunny early morning with some heavy showers by lunch time . For the time of the year a very quiet day First late news for last night when James at 17.00 had a RUFF on South Huish Marsh ,. This morning at 07.30 there were only 9 DUNLIN, 4 RINGED PLOVER and a LITTLE GREBE . Amongst a number of ALBA WAGTAILS were 2 WHITE . Offshore  30+ GANNET, 25 FULMAR, 5 DUNLIN ( flew west well out )1 AUK . 2 GREY WAGTAIL flew over At 12.15 following a heavy shower, through my garden were 20 SWALLOW, 30 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 WILLOW WARBLER and a small party of LONG T TIT At South Efford Marsh Eric had 9 BLACK T GODWIT, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 WHIMBREL and the CATTLE EGRET A late afternoon visit to South Huish Marsh only provided 1 DUNLIN , 1 WHEATEAR and 2 GREY WAGTAIL over   FRI 8 SEPT A day of cloud with frquent heavy showers , a W F7+ wind with some rough seas . Late yesterday news from both Alan and James of 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER on South Huish Marsh .Made 2 visits today - first at 09.20 The 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER showing well, 42 DUNLIN, 14  RINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 TEAL . 2nd visit at 14.20 - 12 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER , the 2 CURLEW SANDPIPER flew in at 25.35 , 5 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WHEATEAR . At 16.15 a PEREGRINE and a SPARROWHAWK flew through resulting in all the waders flying off A brief seawatch produced 25 GANNET, 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER ( w at 15.50 ) 1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER ( flew east at 16.00 ) On South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 4 WIGEON , 30 TEAL, 1 CATTLE EGRET, 3 GREENSHANK, 2 COMMON SANDPIPER, 8 RINGED PLOVER, 30 CURLEW With todays rain the Marsh is filling back up nicely just ready for the next wader passage THURS 7 SEPT A cloudy morning with some light rain showers , a brisk F5 W wind The front pool at South Huish Marsh had to be drained yesterday to complete the mainteance work , hopefully with the rain expected this w/end it will soon fill up . On the Marsh - 8 RINGED PLOVER, 7 DUNLIN, 1 BLACK T GODWIT , 1 LITTLE GREBE . On the beach 20 DUNLIN,Offshore 50 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 1 AUK, a few KITTIWAKE. 20 SWALLOW flew west and a PEREGRINE flew through On South Efford Marsh - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 5 GREENSHANK 20 + TEAL and 2 WIGEON WED 6 SEPT 33 species from my garden in an hour from 07.30 inc - CIRL BUNTING, 16 PIED WAGTAIL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 CHIFFY, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 JAY At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 CATTLE EGRET, 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 5 GREENSHANK, 1 DUNLIN, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 STONECHAT Over South Milton Village Alan had a HOBBY From his hose in Hope Cove James had a COMMIC TERN, and a probable lp ARCTIC SKUA TUES 5 SEPT A cloudy morning with periods of light rain, a brisk F4/5 SW wind , at times poor offshore viz The maintenance work started today so little on South Huish Marsh- 11 TEAL, the CATTLE EGRET still. On the beach 7 YELLOW WAGTAIL with 3 RINGED PLOVER on the rocks . Some good offshore passage - 3hours from 08.50- 700+ GANNET, 300+ MANX SHEARWATER , 4 BALEARIC SHEARWATER and a FULMAR , all flew east. In my garden this afternoon a GREEN WOODPECKER and a RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE At South Efford Marsh a WOOD SANDPIPER still , 3 SNIPE and a YELLOW WAGTAIL MON 4 SEPT A cloudy morning with at times some light drizzle. An interesting morning with 13 species of Waders recorded At 09.00 offshore 105+ GANNET, 1 SANDWICH TERN -W , 1 AUK, , 2 GREY WAGTAIL - W , 1 PEREGRINE and a WHITETHROAT by the footbridge . 10 OYSTERCATCHER on the rocks On South Huish Marsh -10 BLACK T GODWIT, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 6 DUNLIN, 1 SNIPE, 6 TURNSTONE, 1 RUFF ( flew S at 12.15 ), 1 CATTLE EGRET still, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 juv MED GULL, 9 TEAL, 5 WHEATEAR, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER At South Efford Marsh Eric reports - 1 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 6+ COMMON SANDPIPER, 20 + CURLEW, 6 DUNLIN, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 5 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 1 SNIPE , 30 + YELLOW WAGTAIL, 5 + WHITE WAGTAIL SUN 3 SEPT Autumn really arrived today - very heavy rain , poor viz and a F6 SSW wind . On South Huish Marsh in the morning - 11 BLACK T GODWIT, 1 DUNLIN, 1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 5 TEAL, CATTLE EGRET still . Late afternoon visit at 16.00 I found the Marsh completely flooded 11 BLACK T GODWIT still, 41 DUNLIN ( flew through ), 1 RINGED PLOVER, 60+ SWALLOW, 25 HOUSE MARTIN, 15 SAND MARTIN . In the Bay I watched a BLACK TERN ( 192 ) feeding from 09.45 - still there when I left at 11.00- first time I have seen one feeding , all my other records were of birds flying through with other Terns , also 1 SANDWICH TERN, a BONXIE ( E at 10.15 ). On the rocks 2 WHIMBREL. Maintenance work was due to start on Monday ( will take around 2 weeks ), however with the Marsh flooded unlikely to start as expected An interesting report from John who lives near the road leading down to the sewage works at South Milton Ley - up to 6 SISKIN on his feeders daily since last Thurs. SAT 2 SEPT Reports rec'd for South Efford Marsh - 6 GREENSHANK, 8 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 juv SHELDUCK, 1 WHEATEAR. At South Huish Marsh - 11 BLACK T GODWIT, 5 DUNLIN, 1 CATTLE EGRET, 2 WHEATEAR, 1 WHINCHAT, 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL AR South Milton Ley Alan P ringed -4 TREE PIPIT, 16 BLACKCAP, 13 WILLOW WARBLER, 8 SEDGE WARBLER, 3 CHIFFY, 2 REED WARBLER. In my garden at 19.00 a juv m CIRL BUNTING FRI 1 SEPT A pleasant day for the start of a new month , sunny periods and a light N breeze . A Garden Watch at 07.00 for 45 mins produced 30 species inc - 4 BLACK T GODWIT ( flew in off the sea and went up the valley ) 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 CHIFFY, 2 BLACKCAP 70+ SWALLOW A quiet morning at South Huish Marsh - a CATTLE EGRET still ( this has now been recorded in every month of this year ) 10 YELLOW WATAIL, 2 WHITE WAGTAIL, 3 TEAL, 3 RINGED PLOVER , 10 DUNLIN , 1 PEREGRINE ( moved the waders on ) 4 STONECHAT , 1 WHITETHROAT, 1m BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 4 SAND MARTIN, 2 LITTLE EGRET On the beach - / offshore -45 GANNET, 2 MANX SHEARWATER, 4 DUNLIN, 3 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING, 1 MED GULL At South Milton Ley - 1 WHEATEAR , BULLFINCH, REED WARBLER, SEDGE WARBLER , GREAT Sp WOODY A total of 62 species recorded on the patch today     YELLOW WAGTAILS AT SOUTH HUISH MARSH 26 Aug 2017 Photos from James K of - REDSHANK, RUFF and DUNLIN at South Huish Marsh 24 AUG 2017 Record shots of BLACK SWAN ( lots of glare ) and LITTLE EGRET Avon Estuary  18 Aug 2017 [BLACK SWAN - 18 AUG 2017]Have retained a lot of photos  from the last 3 years at the  at the bottom of this page Photo of PEC SANDPIPER taken by Alan Doidge Sept 2016 Some more of the fab photos from Alan Doidge of the bird of the year for Thurlestone- they are superb A nice record shot from James K of a BRAMBLING at Huxton Cross on 24 January 2017 2 more photos from Alan D - BARNACLE GOOSE at South Efford Marsh and a CATTLE EGRET in a field near Horswell House taken last weekend 2 more photos from Alan D of a WHITE FRONTED GOOSE and a 1w ICELAND GULL taken at the end of Feb at South Huish Marsh 2 more photos of the GLAUCOUS GULL taken by Alan D at South Huish Marsh 3 APRIL 2017  Photos of the SPOONBILL and CATTLE EGRET from James K and SPOONBILL by Steve Hopper at South Huish Marsh on 5 April Record shot of the PURPLE HERON on South Huish Marsh on 11 May 2017 - taken by James K 2 photos of CATTLE EGRETS at South Efford Marsh 13 July 2017 taken by Alan Doidge 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 Nice shot of a Scandinavian Rock Pipit on South Milton beach 20 March 2017 Record shot of the GARGANEY on South Huish Marsh on 16 March by Alan Doidge  A nice close up of the bill of the WHITE FRONTED GOOSE at South Huish Marsh taken by James K Whist waiting for auditions for the remake of Last of the Summer Wine our photographic agent Steph Murphy took this publicity shot at Broadsands this morning of Eric Tony and myself Record shot of the CATTLE EGRET at SOUTH HUISH MARSH 23 JAN 2017 by Alan Doidge Photos of the DESERT WHEATEAR 13 Nov 2016 from Alan Doidge YELLOW BROWED WARBLER at South Milton Ley 19 Oct PURPLE HERON - Some more photos from Alan Doidge PURPLE HERONS at South Huish Marsh 2 photos from Alan Doidge  taken 24 April 2016 Some stunning photos of  SQUACCO HERON by Alan Doidge SQUACCO HERONS. Consensus of opinion is there is at least 2 birds in the South Hams area . Confirmed by simultaneous sights last night of birds at Beesands Ley and at Prawle Point . Still one bird on the Scillies. Until comparison of photos  can be made the jury will have to be out on whether the South Milton bird on Wed was another one !Record shot of male Red Backed Shrike South Huish Marsh 9 JulyWILLOW WARBLER and ACREDULA WARBLER Not often in Devon that an opportunity arises to compare these 2 species . ACREDULA is a sub specie of WILLOW breeding mostly in Scandanavia usually  above 63o North , studies have confirmed that they winter in different habitats in Africa Have received these photos from Roger and Helen of a bird ringed on the 11 August at South Milton Ley, whilst I missed this, I was fortunate to see one that Bob ringed a few years ago . You really do need to see them in the hand to appreciate them.GLOSSY IBIS - South Huish Marsh 19 Nov 2015 - Alan Doidge ISABELLINE SHRIKE ISABELLINE SHRIKE - SOUTH HUISH MARSH 14 OCT 2015- photos by Alan Doidge and Richard StaffordPhotos below of the BEE-EATERS at Aymer Cove 30 MAY  taken by Alan Doidge 2014 Record shot of the GLOSSY IBIS taken at 16.00 Sat 27 Dec- Alan DoidgeWHOOPER SWAN family- T'stone Marsh on 19 OCT 2014 Crane at South Huish Marsh 20 Oct 2014- Alan DoidgeTUES 16 SEPT Some Recent photos from Alan Doidge Photos from Alan Doidge at South Huish Marsh News Since 2003 my  patch list totals 250latest- BLACK SWAN 18 AUG 2017 Visitor Counter Reset 10th September 2013 (previously 55000+) Links  Alderney Bird Observatory   Avon Birds   Devon Birds   Birds of the Heath   Axe Birding   Birding Exmouth   Christchurch Harbour   Teesmouth Bird Club   Portland Bird Observatory   Cornwall Birding   Belvide Birding   Jersey Bird News   Thurlestone Weather   The Birds of South Gloucestershire   MBS Trophies ( part sponsor  with time )[Print] Print | Sitemap © Michael Passman This website was created using 1&1 MyWebsite. 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