SUN 26 JUNE
Late start due to last nights Glastonbury !
Seawatch from 09.25- 11.10
GANNET -16NE, 15SE ( inc first juvenile) FULMAR 2-NW,
3 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 70 HERRING GULL ,
3 BLACK H GULL, 1 L B B GULL, 3 GB B GULL 1 L EGRET, 1 HERON -N, 2 RAZORMOT. At 10.25 picked up a GREAT SKUA flying SE- showing white wing flashers ( 162 )- this is not only a year tick it is the first June record I can remember.
THURS 23 JUNE
Through my garden this morning a GREEN WOODY .
At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 64 new birds inc-
20 CHIFFY, 9 BLACKCAP, 4 REED WARBLER, 1 SEDGE WARBLER,
1 CETTIS WARBLER, 1 LINNET
Wed 22 june
Report of a Red Kite over South Milton Ley today
TUES 21 JUNE
This afternoon in my garden , 2 CHIFFY, 2M BLACKCAP and a GREEN WOODY
MON 20 JUNE
A morning of sunny periods with a strong NE F6/7 wind
Seawatch from 08.55- 11.25
23 GANNET-NW, 5 FULMAR, 126 MANX SHEARWATER-NW,
1 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 7 RAZORMOT-NW, 27 CORMORANT, 2 SHAG,
90 HERRING GULL, 1 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 GREAT B B GULL,
1 SHELDUCK, 1 DUNLIN-NW, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 SWIFT-N,
1M STONECHAT, 3 LINNET
Late afternoon a juv TAWNY OWL flew out of a lime tree chased by 2 MAGPIE
SUN 19 JUNE
No moths trapped overnight due to the weather conditions, managed to visit South Huish Marsh this morning- rained all morning!
Surprised to find a pair of TUFTED DUCK - they were diving , confirming the Marsh is still blocked. , also - 1SHELDUCK, 16 MALLARD + 1JUV . 1 MUTE SWAN, 18 CANADA GOOSE + 5 Goslings ,
1 COOT, 2 MOORHEN , 1HERON, 22 HERRING GULL , 10 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW, 6 SWIFT, 2 STONECHAT + 3 juv, 5 PIED WAGTAIL
Photo added
SAT 18 JUNE
John reports a RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE near Horswell House this morning
FRI 17 JUNE
Report from John of a GREY PARTRIDGE in field by Primrose Cottage
this morning . He also has 2 juv GREAT SP WOODY visiting his feeders
WED 15 JUNE
Ringing at South Milton Ley Alan had 60 new birds , of these 48 were juveniles - nice confirmation of a good breeding season .
15 CHIFFY, 8 ROBIN, 6 BLACKBIRD, 1 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 REED WARBLER, 1 BULLFINCH, 10 BLACKCAP .
After a w/end away celebrating a family birthday, watched at least 30 RED KITE , not very many SWIFT around Wallingford .
'Very busy with moths at the moment - getting to bed around 00.30
then at least 2.5 hours a morning recording and identifying them .
Recent birds around my garden - CHIFFY, BLACKCAP, GREENFINCH, CIRL BUNTING, BUZZARD, KESTREL, SPRAWK
WED 8 JUNE
Managed to find time for a morning visit to South Huish Marsh -
with the milder nights the Moths have increased significantly I had 3 consecutive nights with over 100 to process , can take up to 3 hours
On South Huish Marsh no change from last week - 22 MALLARD - JUST 1 Duckling surviving , 2 SHELDUCK - still with 8 rapidly growing ducklings , 2 MUTE SWAN, 8 CANADA GOOSE with 12 goslings - looks like 3 family parties , 3 MOORHEN , 2 COOT, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 10 LINNET, 1 STOCK DOVE, 3 RAVEN , 1 M STONECHAT , 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 HERRING GULL
On the beach - 5 ROCK PIPIT, 2 AD 5 JUV PIED WAGTAIL
Offshore - 1 GANNET, 1 AUL -SE
THURS 2 JUNE
A morning of sunny periods with a light ENE breeze .
Spent 2 hours walking around South Milton Ley - highlight of the
morning was A HOBBY (161) flying over the East end of the Marsh .
All species logged- 2 BUZZARD, 1 SPRAWK, 1 JESTREL, 8 WREN,
7 BLACKCAP (1 juv ), 4 SWALLOW, 2 SWIFT, 1 F REED BUNTING
11 CHIFFY, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 4 ROBIN, 6 BLACKBIRD, 1 SKYLARK
5 GREAT TIT, 6 MAGPIE, 3 REED WARBLER, 3 SEDGE WARBLER,
3 CHAFFINCH, 2 STOCK DOVE , PHEASANT, ROOK C CROW &
JACKDAW.
WED 1 JUNE
Nice sunny & calm morning but only 42 species recorded- highlights , Walk from Golf Club to South Huish Marsh -
7 SWIFT, 12 SWALLOW, 9 HOUSE MARTIN , 2 WHITETHROAT,
SEDGE WARBLER, REED WARBLER, 4 STONECHAT, 2 SHELDUCK ( still have 8 ducklings ) 9 MALLARD, 1 LITTLE EGRET, COOT , MOORHEN , 2 MUTE SWAN KESTREL,
Offshore - 2 FULMAR, 24 CORMORANT, on the rocks 15 OYSTERCATCHER
Around my garden - CHIFFY, BLACKCAP, GREENFINCH , CHAFFINCH
MON 31 MAY
After a period of rain this morning there were 10 SWIFT flying N over the fields near Thurlestone, also a F YELLOWHAMMER along the lanes .
RINGING INFORMATION FOR MAY
Alan carried out 3 ringing sessions on 5th 14th & 28th -
New birds - Blackbird -4. Retraps - 9
Blackcap- 3 &6
Blue Tit -0 & 4
Great Tit- 1 &1
Cettis Warbler- 0 & 3
Chiffy- 4 &5
Dunnock - 6 &4
Goldfinch 3 &0
Great Sp Woody -1 & 0
Jay -1 &0
Long Tailed Tit -7 &1
Reed Warbler -2 & 5
Robin -6 &5
Sedge Warbler- 2 &3
Wren 5 &5
Total of 96 birds
Eric reports a family party of 2 ad + 3 young TREE CREEPER IN
Aveton Gifford
MON 30 MAY
Fine sunny morning after a cool night , little breeze .
Spent the morning walking the Buckland Valley , managed 32 species - very noticeable reduction in Hirundines , Tit species and
BLACKCAP .
10 ROBIN, 4 SONG THRUSH, 13 BLACKBIRD, 7 WREN , 7 CHAFFINCH,
3 SWALLOW, 5 HOUSE MARTIN , 3 SWIFT , 11 CHIFFY, 1 COAL TIT, 2 GREAT TIT, 5 BLUE TIT, 3 DUNNOCK, 2 LONG TAILED TIT,
4 GREEN WOODY, 2 GREAT SP WOODY, 1 F BULLFINCH ,
4 GOLDFINCH ,4 BUZZARD, 1 KESTREL, 1 SPRAWK, 6 MAGPIE,
1 JAY, 4 HOUSE SPARROW, 1 MISTLE THRUSH, 2 WHITETHROAT,
3 BLACKCAP,
Present but not counted - PHEASANT, HERRING GULL , CORVIDS,
WOOD PIGEON
Not many butterflies- Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood,
Large & Small White
Only day flying moth recorded was a Mother Shipton (NFY)
THURS 26 MAY
After a few hectic days managed to get out on the patch this morning- really wasn't worth the effort .
Seawatch for 45 min from 08.45 with a F4/5 W wind and cloudy only produced - 20 CORMORANT, 25 HERRING GULL, 1 AUK-SE and a KESTREL .
On the rocks - 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET.
At South Huish Marsh - 18 HOUSE MARTIN , 2 SWALLOW, 4 SWIFT ,
2 MUTE SWAN , 10 MALLARD ( only 2 duckling ) , 2 SHELDUCK
( 7 duckling) , 10 CANADA GOOSE ( 9 gosling ), 1 COOT, 5 MOORHEN , 1 HERON .
MON 23 MAY
Garden records only this morning- 1 GREEN WOODY, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 BLACKCAP, SEDGE WARBLER, CHIFFY
SUN 22 MAY
Lovely sunny warm morning - walked over to South Huish Marsh ,
flooded again with the outflow pipe blocked.
Family parties were the main interest-
CANADA GOOSE - 4AD + 10 goslings , 2SHELDUCK + 8 ducklings
12 MALLARD + 6 ducklings .also 2 MUTE SWAN, 1 LITTLE EGRET,
1 HERON, 1 COOT, 6 MOORHEN,
6 LINNET, 1 JUV ROBIN, 2 M STONECHAT 2 SWALLOW, 10 HOUSE MARTIN , 2 WHITETHROAT
Over my garden a SPRAWK , another garden at South Milton a M BULLFINCH
Yesterday at 10.50 Eric had 2 RED KITE. drifting over Aveton Gifford
THURS 19 MAY
Sunny morning , went over to Hatch Bridge looking for SPOTTED FLYCATCHER- unfortunately failed to locate at at previous breeding sites .
Did manage to see- 8 SAND MARTIN, 6 SWALLOW, 2 CHIFFY, 2 M BLACKCAP, 3 CHAFFINCH, 3 BUZZARD, 1 TREE CREEPER ( only aware of 2 sites on the patch for them )
Thurlestone Lanes - 2 SWIFT
WED 18 MAY
Thick mist from 08.00 , partially cleared by -9.00 light breezes
Seatwatch from car park 09.15 for an hour - offshore viz poor
GANNET - 23 SE, 4 NW, 1 FULMAR-SE, 3 KITTIWAKE, 2 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 2W MED GULL ( on sea ), 1 AUK ( on sea )
At 09.25 picked up a dp ARCTIC SKUA flying SE close inshore - Skuas have been very scarce this spring
1 SWALLOW -S , 1 BUZZARD -N
On rocks at high tide 15 OYSTERCATCHER
MON 16 MAY
Cloudy morning with showers , wind S F4/5
On South Huish Marsh - 2 MUTE SWAN, 2 HERON, 20 MALLARD, 3 SHELDUCK ( 8 ducklings ) 6 MOORHEN, 2 COOT, 16 CANADA GOOSE , 2 SWIFT, 14 HOUSE MARTIN 4 SWALLOW, 2 SEDGE WARBLER,
1 CHIIFY
Early evening a PEREGRINE reported
Rocks - 7 OYSTERCATCHER
Offshore - 11 GANNET, 2 SANDWICH TERN
SUN 15 MAY
Started with bright periods then showers , wind ESE F4/5
Seawatch from car park 08.30-11.00
GANNET - 23 NW, 16SE, 2 FULMAR, 1 MANX SHEARWATER-NW,
GREAT B B GULL -7, LESSER B B GULL-2, KITTIWAKE- 2,
OYSTERCATCHER-10, WHIMBREL -4, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON ,
6 SWALLOW-N , 1 HOUSE MARTIN -N
At -9.35 picked up a RED KITE flying N over the car park
Report from Yarmer Beach of 5 SANDERLING.
At 21.15 a reeling GROPPA on Thurlestone Marsh
SAT 14 MAY
A report this morning of an EGYPTIAN GOOSE on S H Marsh this morning ., also 4 SWIFT by the Thurlestone Hotel
Also on the Marsh 8 DUNLIN, 1 WHIMBREL.
Report from South Milton village of a CUCKOO calling - early morning , SPRAWK in a village garden
FRI 13 MAY
A sunny morning with a brisk F5 SW wind
Seawatch from Warren Pt 09.00- 11.00 - very quiet until 10.25
No GANNET logged !, 9 KITTIWAKE, 2 RAZORMOT, 1 SHELDUCK , At 10.28 picked up a SPOONBILL flying NW close inshore - went across Bigbury Bay ( 160 ) . On rocks 3 OYSTERCATCHER.
On coast path - 2 WHITETHROAT, 2 ad & 3 juv STONECHAT,
4 SWALLOW
THURS 12 MAY
Sunny early cloudy from 09.30, wind SW F3
Seawatch from 08.30- 10 .00 =yet another disappointing morning
6 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 16 KITTIWAKE, 10 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 RAZORMOT, 7 SWALLOW
Report from Yarmer Beach - 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 SANDERLING
WED 11 MAY
Cloudy with showers , heavy rain from 10.00, poor offshore visability, wind SSW F7/8
Seawatch from car park , 08.30- 10.00
Only birds logged - GANNET -4 NW, 6 SE , 6 CORMORANT, 1 GUILLEMOT- on sea, 14 MANX SHEARWATER-SE
Drove over to South Huish Marsh -nothing to report, surprisingly no Hirundines.
Along the lanes a M YELLOWHAMMER (158 )
TUES 10 MAY
Started cloudy with light rain , cleared to sunny periods, wind
SW F3/4
08.30-11.00 Seawatch from car park - Yet another disappointing morning -
GANNET - 26 N, 18 S, 5 FULMAR, 5 RAZORMOT-SE, 3 SHELDUCK,
1 WHIMBREL, 2 SWALLOW-N , 1 WHITETHROAT.
Steady NW passage of HERRING GULL - 210 logged in flocks of up to 30 birds
MON 9 MAY
High cloud this morning, no breeze resulted in almost no birds -all the SKUAS were reported fro Sussex & Kent
08.25-10.15
'BAY - 3 GANNET & a GUILLEMOT on the sea , sums it up .
On the rocks - 5 OYSTERCATCHER
'On the Marsh - 2 SHELDUCK, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 RAVEN , 4 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN .
DIRE TOTALS FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR!
Late news from Alan Doidge of a TURTLE DOVE (158 ) HE photographed near Upton Cross this evening - this is the first record for at least 5 years - what a record - photo added
SUN 8 MAY
Started cloudy with mist and drizzle- brighter later, ESE F3 wind
Seawatch from car park 08.50-11.20.
Another disappointing morning highlighted by 2 GREAT N DIVER
both NW 1-09.25, 1- 09.37 and a SWIFT -N at 11.00, other entries in the log -35 GANNET, 4 FULMAR, 4 BLACK H GULL, 5 SWALLOW
On rocks - 3 OYSTERCATCHER
Report from South Huish Marsh - 8 WHIMBREL, 1 WHEATEAR
FRI 6 MAY
A morning of bright periods with a cool F3 W breeze.
Warren Pt/ Yarmer beach 08.20- 10.40
4 GANNET -NW, 1 FULMAR, 5 GREAT B B GULL, a steady passage of HERRING GULL totalled 365 ( flocks of 40, 35 ,35, 75, 40, 40 ), NW
21 BLACK HEADED GULL- NW 29 Cormorant, 4 TURNSTONE,
3 SANDERLING, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 DUNLIN, 5 SWALLOW,
1 WHITETHROAT, 2 WHEATEAR, 1AD 3 JUV STONECHAT .
At Aveton Gifford Eric had a CUCKOO calling in an Ivy bush behind his garden .
'On South Huish Marsh Nick found a GREAT WHITE EGRET (157 ) at 10.00 , it was still present this afternoon at 16.40, also 3 WHIMBREL, 1 M WHEATEAR, 2 SAND MARTIN
Record shot of the Egret on photos page
THURS 5 MAY
A sunny morning with a light W breeze- only downside very few birds - when you log a single flock of25 HERRING GULL flying NW
gives you some idea of how dire seawatching has become
08.30-09.15 - 3 GANNET - NW, 2 SHELDUCK-on sea , 2 RAZORMOT,
6 SWALLOW, 1 WHITETHROAT.
09.30-10.30 Warren Pt/ Yarmer Beach
3 GANNET, 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 WHIMBREL, 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 6 TURNSTONE, 3 SANDERLING (156) briefly , 5 STONECHAT, 2 WHITETHROAT, 1 MIPIT, 2 SKYLARK,
South Milton Ley - last night a BARN OWL , today Alan ringed 10 new birds -3 BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY, 1 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 JAY,
1 GREAT SP WOODY , retaps - BLACKCAPS, CHIFFY, REED & SEDGE WARBLER, 2 CETTIS WARBLER
WED 4 MAY
Almost constant mist/fog offshore so poor visability.
08.15-09.30 South Huish Marsh - 9 BAR TAILED GODWIT,
11 WHIMBREL, 1 DUNLIN, 6 SHELDUCK, 2 WHEATEAR, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 10 SWALLOW, 8 HOUSE MARTIN.
On rocks / beaches - - 1 COMMON SANDPIPER , 8 TURNSTONE,
1 BAR TAILED GODWIT
In my garden - GREAT SP WOODY, 1 M CIRL BUNTING, 1 F REED BUNTING.
Due to the fog decided to go to Slapton where I had great views of the NIGHT HERON for around 30 mins , then over to Beesands where again good views of the HOODED CROW
At a sunny South Efford Marsh Eric had a reeling GROPPA ( 155 ) ,
KINGFISHER, 6 WHIMBREL, 3 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 16 SHELDUCK, 250 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE ( a site tick for him )
Photos added
TUES 3 MAY
South Huish Marsh -07.30- 10.00
21 WHIMBREL, 16 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 3 DUNLIN, 4 SHELDUCK,
3 WHEATEAR, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER,
1 BLACKCAP , 3 STONECHAT, 1 STARLING, 18 SWALLOW, 4 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SAND MARTIN , 1 HERON, 1 LITTLE EGRET
On the rocks - 1m BLACK REDSTART, 1 OYSTERCATCHER ,
Report from South Milton Ley
1 WHITETHROAT, SEDGE WARBLER, 1 F REED BUNTING
MON 2 MAY
Reports received-
South Huish Marsh - 15 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER, 3 WHEATEAR ,
WHIMBREL, BAR TAILED GODWIT
On the rocks a M BLACK REDSTART
SUN 1 MAY
Whist I am walking along the Thames at Wallingford looking at Kingfisher, Common Tern , WHITETHROAT and Blackcap receive a call to say there is an OSPREY ( 154 ) flying west over Hope Cove
.
First spring records for a few years .At least 15 RED KITE along with 2 GREY PARTRIDGE at Wallingford
News from South Huish Marsh - afternoon - 1 M BLACK REDSTART,
Evening - 6 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 12 WHIMBREL, 6 DUNLIN, 1 SWIFT , mixed flocks of SWALLOW, HOUSE MARTIN, SAND MARTIN ,
1 SWIFT
At Hatch Bridge /Aveton Gifford- 1 GOOSANDER, 1 GREENSHANK
FRI 29 APRIL
A sunny morning with calm conditions- again very little sea passage
Seawatch 08.20-09.40-
21 GANNET, 2 FULNAR, 4 KITTIWAKE, 2 SHELDUCK, 11 RAZORMOT,
5 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 WHIMBREL, 3 BAR TAILED GODWIT,
1 WHITETHROAT, 6 SWALLOW -N
At South Huish Marsh
3 WHEATEAR, 1 M WHINCHAT, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, 4 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL, 1 SPRAWK .
Between 10.20-11.40 a steady passage of Hirundines-
15 SAND MARTIN , 5 HOUSE MARTIN , 200+ SWALLOW
Late afternoon yesterday - 1 WHEATEAR, 1M WHIBCHAT, 2 WHIMBREL.
Eric reports from Aveton Gifford- 1 GARDEN WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, small passage of SWALLOW
Away for a family celebration this w/end - next report on TUES .
THURS 28 APRIL
NE F5 winds continue, a cloudy cold morning - offshore passage is definitely missing the south west - another poor morning .
55 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 5 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 COMMON SCOTER -NW, 7 RAZORMOT-SE , 5 WHIMBREL , 3 OYSTERCATCHER,
at 09.35 4 GREY PLOVER flew SE across the Bay, 1 WHITETHROAT,
2 HOUSE MARTIN, 1 SWALLOW-N. At 08.25 picked up a SWIFT flying in off the sea- there were also 2 at Aveton Gifford this morning .
At South Huish Marsh ( from the car )- 4 SHELDUCK, 2 TEAL,
2 HERON , 3 STOCK DOVE, 1 F WHEATEAR, 15 HOUSE MARTIN ,
35 SWALLOW -N
WED 27 APRIL
Sunny periods generally clouding over - wind F5 ENE
08.30-09.40 Seawatch - again disappointing.
15 GANNET, 7 FULNAR, 7 MANX SHEARWATER, 8 COMMON SCOTER
15 RAZORMOT, 4 KITTIWAKE, 3 BLACK H GULL .
Waders - 3 WHIMBREL, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER
1 WHITETHROAT, 2 WHEATEAR -N
A visiting birder reported a SWIFT ( 152 ) over the footbridge at
08.20
At South Huish Narsh - more Hirundines
35 SWALLOW -N , 10 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SAND MARTIN, 2 TEAL,
3 SHELDUCK, 3 SEDGE WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 5 WHIMBREL .
Singing at the top of a tree at the copse - a GARDEN WARBLER (153.
TUES 26 APRIL
Another lovely sunny morning feeling cold in the F 4/5 E wind
Seawatch 08.20-09.40
40 GANNET, 11 FULMAR , 20 MANX SHEARWATER, At 08.28
picked up 3 SCOTER flying SE - 2 were Velvet ( 151 ) the other a M
COMMON , 1 GREAT N DIVER drifting S across the Bay , 4 SANDWICH TERN -SE , 85 RAZORMOT-SE, 3 WHIMBREL, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RAVEN ( 2 juv's ), 9 BLACK H GULL ( in off ) ,
1 WHITETHROAT.
On South Huish Marsh - 5 SWALLOW , 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SHELDUCK, 7 TEAL, 2 WHIMBREL
Warren Point - 11.00-12.00
20 WHIMBREL, 4 BAR T GODWIT, 4 ARCTIC TERN -SE , 2 SHELDUCK, 2 SWALLOW, 1 WHITETHROAT
16.20 - South Huish Marsh - Richie reports a LITTLE RINGED PLOVER., 1 DUNLIN (sp ) , 2 BAR TAILED GODWIT
MON 25 APR
Sunny morning with a F4/5 ENE wind - Seawatch 08.20-09.30
40 GANNET, 7 FULMAR, 15 MANX SHEARWATER, 8 COMMON SCOTER, 2 SHELDUCK, 28 RAZORMOT, 2 PUFFIN - SE ( 08.37 & 09.05 ) 1 SANDWICH TERN, 1 WHITETHROAT
-9.45-10.45 - South Huish Marsh
9 TEAL, 4 SHELDUCK, 4 SKYLARK, 1 PEREGRINE, 2 LITTLE EGRET,
1 HERON , 1 CHIFFY, 4 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW, 1M 2F WHEATEAR, 2 SEDGE WARBLER
NO sign of any WAGTAILS other than PIED this morning
A report from a local resident of 2 GREY PARTRIDGE ( 150 ) in a field behind his house near South Milton Ley
SUN 24 APRIL
Action all centered on South Huish Marsh this morning - there have been some comments on what's app groups regarding the BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL - having spent some time looking at photos I took yesterday I now agree that it is more likely a CHANNEL WAGTAIL which is an interbreed between YELLOW & BLUE HEADED
more commonly seen in France
The YELLOW WAGTAIL still present along with 4 WHITE WAGTAIL,
A F WHINCHAT, 2 SEDGE WARBLER, 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 WHEATEAR,
1 SPRAWK. , 3 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 SWALLOW
The outflow pipe has been unblocked again , hopefully there will be some muddy fringes around the marsh which will attract passage waders
SAT 23 APRIL
Richie started Seawatch at 06,30, I joined him at 08.15 -another poor morning ,cloudy with a F5. NE Wind
8 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 2 SANDWICH TERN, 1 KITTIWAKE, 4 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 1 BUZZARD, 1 SWALLOW, 23 WHIMBREL
On the rocks - 5 WHINBREL, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 TURNSTONE
South Huish Marsh - 09.15-10.15
2M 2F WHEATEAR, 2M YELLOW WAGTAIL (147 ), 1 M BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL (148) , 3 WHITE WAGTAIL , 5 HOUSE MARTIN, 2 SWALLOW , 1 WHITETHROAT, 2 SHELDUCK
Cropped photos of the WAGTAILS added on photos page
Afternoon visit -1M 1F WHINCHAT (149 ) , YELLOW & BLUE HEADED WAGTAIL still, 9 BAR TAILED GODWIT, 1 WHIMBREL, 8 + WHEATEAR, 6 TEAL , 2 SWALLOW
FRI 22 APRIL
Another morning that started well but just fizzled out from 10.30.
Started sunny, clouded over from 10.00, ENE wind F5/6
Seawatch 08.25-11.40 -
30 GANNET, 10 MANX SHEARWATER, 4 FULMAR, 2 WIGEON -NW, 2 SHELDUCK, 65 COMMON SCOTER ( 25 NW, 40 SE ), 2 RAZORMOT,
2 SANDWICH TERN, 1 WHEATEAR ( Warren Point, 1 WHITETHROAT
( 146 ) , 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 WHIMBREL, 2 SWALLOW, 1 SKYLARK-N , 2 STONECHAT
THURS 21 APRIL
Started cloudy sunny later , ENE F2 increasing to F4/5 BY 11.00
Despite the favorable conditions the result of a 3hour Seawatch from 08.30 were disappointing-
40 GANNET -SE, 11 MANX SHEARWATER- SE, 4 FULMAR,
4 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 1 SHELDUCK, 5 WHIBREL, 1 SKYLARK-N ,
8 SWALLOW-N .
4 Raptors picked up coming in off the sea and flying straight up the valley , they were just 2 BUZZARD & 2 KESTREL
Stronger winds on Friday
Early evening S H Marsh report from Richie - 2 HOUSE MARTIN , 4 SWALLOW
WED 20 APRIL
A fine sunny day - light breezes.
Report from Eric at Sourth Efford Marsh - 4 WHIMBREL,
3 GREENSHANK , 1 SWALLOW, 2 WIGEON, 4 TEAL, CIRL BUNTING
Recent visits to Hatch Bridge produced - DIPPER, EGYPTIAN GOOSE,
12 SAND MARTIN , 5 SWALLOW, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 2 BLACKCAP,
2 CHIFFY, 1 GREAT SP WOODPECKER
On Mon 18/4 a local resident heard a CUCKOO (145 ) in Buckland Valley
Easterly winds for a few days hopefully will produce some interesting seawatching
TUES 19 APRIL
A very quiet morning offshore- 08.25-09.30
11 GANNET-SE, 29 MANX SHEARWATER, 1 FULMAR, 2 COMMON SCOTER-SE, 1 GREAT N DIVER -SE @09.30, 2 WHIMBREL.
After the holiday w/end went over to South Huish Marsh -
3 SHELDUCK, 1 M 2 F TEAL, 2 COOT, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON ,
2 MUTE SWAN, 1M BLACKCAP, 2 CHIFFY , 3 SEDGE WARBLER,
2 REED WARBLER ( 144) , 2 LESSER B B GULL.
A short period of rain at 10.30 resulted in over 50 SWALLOW
fly through - the first significant total of the month
MON 18 APRIL
A sunny morning until 11.00 when light rain started
Seawatch from 08.25- 11.10- another relatively quiet morning .
43 GANNET, 142 MANX SHEARWATER-SE ( only 11 after 09.15 ) 8 FULMAR, 1 KITTIWAKE-SE, 4 BLACK H GULL , 3 RAZORMOT-NW ,
5 COMMON SCOTER - ON SEA, 1 GREAT N DIVER - SE @ 09.12 ,
8 CANADA GOOSE -NW from marsh , 2 SWALLOW-N , 2 TREE PIPIT
N ( 143 )
On rocks / beach - 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 TURNSTONE.
SUN 17 APRIL
Bright periods this morning- hazy offshore , light SSE breeze .
Seawatch - 08.30-11.45
A shoal of sprats found 200+ HERRING GULL and 60 BLACK HEADED GULL feeding well - 2 more flocks of B H GULL 14 & 17 flew in and went straight up The Valley .
Steady passage of GANNET - 140 ( largest flock 10 ), 48 MANX SHEARWATER-SE, 6 FULMAR . 2 PB BRENT GOOSE (141 ) flew into the bay then continued SE , 2 Canada Goose -nw , 12 COMMON SCOTER - 8NW, 4 SE, 3 SANDWICH TERN-SE, 1 ARCTIC TERN -SE
@10.30 (142) 2 WHIMBREL , 6 BAR TAILED GODWIT-SE @11.25 ( some showing signs of summer plumage ), 3 KITTIWAKE-SE
4 SWALLOW-N
On the rocks 6 OYSTERCATCHER
FRI 15 APRIL
Spell of overcast but calm settled weather continues- any Offsore passage migrants missing the Bay
Seawatch this morning 08.30- 10.45 - very poor
20 GANNET ( sat on sea ), 4 NW , 24 MANX SHEARWATER-SE,
2 COMMON SCOTER-SE , 1 SHELDUCK, 1 M TUFTED DUCK -NW (140)
3 FULMAR, 21 RAZORMOT- on sea
THURS 14 APRIL
An overcast misty morning , no wind.
Short Seawatch 08.30-09.15- 17 GANNET, 4 MANX SHEARWATER, 3 GUILLEMOT - on sea, 5 RAZORMOT-0n sea, 1 SHELDUCK,
On the rocks 7 OYSTERCATCHER
On South Huish Marsh - 2 SAWLLOW, 10 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 1 COOT, 2 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 1 M BLACKCAP.,
1 SEDGE WARBLER (139 ) - singing by the copse gate , 1 SONG THRUSH , 2 STOCK DOVE, 1 RAVEN .
Short visit to South Milton Ley - 1 WILLOW WARBLER, 3 CHIFFY,
1 M BLACKCAP, 2 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 JAY, LONG T TIT
WED 15 APRIL
Another o/cast morning with a very light breeze -
Seawatch from carpark -8.30-10.20
7 SANDWICH TERN ( 4 on rocks ) , 9 MANX SHEARWATER-SE,
1 FULMAR, 1 KITTIWAKE, 8 GREAT B B GULL, 5 GANNET -SE,
1 ARCTIC SKUA -LP , SE @09.28, 1 GREATN DIVER -NW@09.25, 2 RED T DIVER -NW @ 09.15, 1 HERON -SE, 20 RAZORMOT-ON SEA,
On Rocks/Beach - 3 OYSTERCATCHER, 12 TURNSTONE, 1 RINGED PLOVER ,
At South Milton Ley Alan ringed 11 new birds - 8 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFY - not any sign of migration
At South Milton Ley - 14 TEAL, 3 SHELDUCK, 2 MUTE SWAN,
1 LITTLE EGRET, 2 SWALLOW -flew through ( I managed to miss them !)
TUES 14 APRIL
An overcast morning with a light SSE breeze- not as much activity as yesterday.
Seawatch from carpark 08.25-10.15
23 BLACK H GULL ( flocks of14 & 9) 3 ad MED GULL with them ,
35 GANNET -SE, 7 FULMAR-SE, 8 MANX SHEARWATER-SE,
1 KITTIWAKE, 18 COMMON SCOTER-SE , flocks of3, 4 , 11- in with the 3 were a pair of LONG TAILED DUCK @09.35, in with the 11 a F PINTAIL . 21 RAZORMOT-SE,
Almost a continuous SE passage of SANDWICH TERN - total of 65 logged - largest flocks were 13 & 10. Only 1 COMMON TERN logged
At South Huish Marsh my first Hirundine a single HOUSE MARTIN (138), 23 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 2 COOT, 1 MALLARD with 9 ducklings
3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 CHIFFY, 1 WILLOW WARBLER
At Aveton Gifford a KINGFISHER .
Seen from a bus near the Chilly farm yesterday Eric had 3 RED KITE , although outside the patch an interesting sighting
MON 11 APRIL
After testing negative last 2 days , still feeling rough , with SE winds forecast, it was time to resume my patch birdwatching- a very good morning sat in the boot of the carin Bobs carpark - -8.25- 12.00
Big passage of Duck and my first SKUAS & WHIMBREL
67 GANNET -SE, 2 MANX SHEARWATER, 2 FULMAR,
4 BLACK T DIVER ( landed on sea @ 08.42 then se ), 1 RED T DIVER ( on sea @11.46), 22 SANDWICH TERN, 4 ARCTIC SKUA ( dp @09.25, 10.15 , 1lp, 1dp attacking a sTERN @ 11.40 )
DUCKS - 267 COMMON SCOTER -SE ( largest flock 55), in a flock of 25 @ 11.45 was a F LONG TAILED DUCK (136).
9 PINTAIL (2, 4, 3 ), 10 GADWALL (8 on sea , 2 ), 10 SHOVELER (2 4 4 )2 GARGANEY - pair on sea 09.15 ), 1 SHELDUCK,
23 WHIMBREL (135 ) - flocks of 8, 6, 5, 3 1 ) landed on rocks
Atn09.00 this morning john had 2 WHEATEAR BY THE 12TH GREEN
Late afternoon visit- 16.25- 17.15 -14 MANX SHEARWATER-SE
4 GANNET, 1 COMMON TERN (137)-se , 3 SANDWICH TERN -NW
Quick visit to South Milton Ley - no Hirundines!, 2 m WILLOW WARBLER, 6 CHIFFY, 2M BLACKCAP, 1 CETTIS WARBLER,
1 SONG THRUSH
TUES 5 APRIL -
Richie reports from South Huish Marsh/Rocks-
2 TURNSTONE, 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 SNIPE
From my garden a m BLACKCAP & 2 CHIFFY -
Where are the Hirundines?
Because of very poor wi-fi in Cyprus I was unable to post some of my photos , today I have posted them on the bird photos page ,
worth a look
MON 4 APRIL
I am going to be isolating until at least the w/end , however James at Hope was seawatching this morning- at 09.08 a dp ARCTIC SKUA
(133), also 1 RED T DIVER , 1 GREAT N DIVER AND 18 COMMON SCOTER- alles . 1 MANX SHEARWATER-NW .
ON Sat 2 April he had 109 MANX SHEARWATER-SE between 19.00- 19.30
At Aveton Gifford SWALLOWS reported over the bridge this morning
LOCAL PATCH NEWS - SAT 2/4 DAVE P reported 4 EGYPTIAN GOOSE
( 132) with the CANADA flock near the Venn Wear - N MARSH , also a GREEN SANDPIPER and a REED BUNTING
Sun 3 APRIL - NICK T reports the pair of GARGANEY back on the South Milton Pool
SAT 2 APRIL
Last day before returning the hire car at 17.30
mainly spent around the Mandria area - first big fall of WAGTAILS
By the football field over 50 inc-30 BLACK HEADED, 10 WHITE ,
3 BLUE HEADED (137), 2 GREY HEADED ( 138 ) , 1 SUPERCILARIUS
( 139 )
In the bowl area -12 N WHEATEAR, 6 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR,
3 TAWNY PIPIT, 10 SHORT TOED LARK , 1 HOOPOE
In the fields - 12 RUFF, 1 GOLDEN PLOVER (140) & on the fence a M BLACK EARED WHEATEAR (141)
A final total of 141 species in 9days is the best of our many visits to this fantastic birding island - to wake this morning to receive the news a big fall of migrants today was not what I wanted to hear as both Anne & I have tested positive for Covid on our return
My local patch activities are going to be curtailed until next weekend at the earliest- having spent the last 2 years being very careful and limiting contacts at our hotel t0 the restaurant areas
it just shows what can be caught
FRI 1 APRIL
Last full day before returning home - very hot, Spent from 10.15- 14.15 at PAPHOS Headland . Firs birds we saw on arrival were a flock of 10 B C NIGHT HERON(132) trying to roost in some tall trees .
5 HOOPOE, 2 TAWNY PIPIT, 14 CRETZSCHMARS BUNTING,
4 ORTOLAN BUNTING, 4 SHORT TOED LARK, 2 CHIFFY, 1 RUPPELLS WARBLER, 5 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 COMMON WHITETHROAT (133)1 TREE-PIPIT, 3 BLACKCAP, 1 GREY HERON , 1 CATTLE EGRET,
1 M SUB ALPINE WARBLER 134 ), 1 MASKED SHRIKE (135)
14 N WHEATEAR, 6 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 1 CYPRUS WHEATEAR
30 YELLOW WAGTAIL
Late afternoon a SQUACCO HERON ( 136 ) watched trying to find a roosting tree
THURS 31 MARCH
Not as productive as recent days , still some good bird
Kensington Cliffs- 1 GRIFFON VULTURE in flight at 09.30 (128)
Akrotiro Salt Lake - Many FLAMINGO, 20 BLACK WINGED STILT,
40 SLENDER BILLED GULL, 3 MED GULL, 2 MARSH SANDPIPER,
20 SHOVELER, 2 PINTAIL .
Bishops Pool - 2 FERRUGINOUS DUCK.
Akrotiri Chapel- 1 SHORT TOED EAGLE ( 129)- distant in flight views
2 m ORTOLAN BUNTING, 3 N WHEATEAR, 10 CHIFFY, 1 F REDSTART
Akrotiri Marsh -
1 WOOD SANDPIPER (130 ), 4 SNIPE, 120 TEAL, 5 GARGANEY,
5 SHOVELER, 3 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 4 PURPLE HERON, 10 GLOSSY IBIS, 3 SPOONBILL, 2 SPOTTED REDSHANK, 6 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 2 BLACK WINGED STILT, 4 CATTLE EGRET, 20 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 3 BLACK WAGTAIL,1 WATER RAIL, 1 HOOPOE
Rabbit Shed Pools- -1 GREEN SANDPIPER, 8 RUFF, 6 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACK WINGED STILT, 1 SHORT TOED LARK, 1 LITTLE
RINGED PLOVER, 2 N WHEATEAR
Over the motorway driving back a BONNELLIS EAGLE ( 131 )
WED 30 MARCH
FIRST really warm day - 4.5 hours walking round Papho Headland/ Lighthouse area produced some good birds .
First bird we saw was a GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (122 ), 1 F REDSTART, 10 + BLACKCAP, 2 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 2 RUPPELLS WARBLER, 2 CHIFFY, 8 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 NIGHTINGALE (123), 1 SONG THRUSH, 2 F BLUE ROCK THRUSH, 23 N WHEATEAR,
6 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 10 RED THROATED PIPIT, 1 RICHARDS
PIPIT(124 ), 2 STONECHAT, 10 HOOPOE, 1 QUAIL, 1 WRYNECK (125), 4 ORTOLAN BUNTING ( 126 ) , 7 CRETZMARS BUNTING (127)
30 BLACK HEADED WAGTAIL, Best of all 2 M CITRINE WAGTAIL (128 ), 1 WHITE WAGTAIL
At 14.45 a line of 95 CORMORANT flew N past the Hotel
Hopefully Will. E adding to the trip lst with another visit to Akrotiri
TUES 29 MARCH - CYPRUS
Migration still very slow today a visit to Mandria which did provide some new birds , although I missed out on a Dotterel !
10 SERIN, 1 TAWNY PIPIT ( 118 ) 1 CYPRUS WHEATEAR ( 119 )
3m 3f N WHEATEAR, 3 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 14 SHORT TOED LARK ( 120 ), 2 RED THROATED PIPIT, 15 MIPIT, 3 BLACK HEADED WAGTAIL, 16 RUFF, 1 LITTLE STINT, 1 SNIPE, 3 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 1 BLUETHROAT - white spot ( 121), 1 MARSH HARRIER.
Aya Varvara- 1 GREAT WHITE EGRET
Paphos Sewage Works - 18 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 6 RUFF
TUES 29MARCH
First recent reports for South Huish Marsh
28 MARCH -SWALLOW , 3 SAND MARTIN .4 MED GULL , 3 M SHOVELER
29 MARCH - 5 WHEATEAR, PAIR OF GARGANEY, 1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER
MON 28 MARCH
Round trip of 245miles to the Larnaca/Oriklini area- well worth the effort- due to very poor wi-fi highlights were-
SHOVELER - Over 500 in total, 11 PINTAIL, 450 TEAL, 30 GARGANEY
Waders - 400 RUFF (1flock ) 1 LITTLE STINT, 2 TEMMINCKS STINT , 2 L.RINGED PLOVER 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT,1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 MARSH SANDPIPER, 41 BLACK WINGED STILT.2 SNIPE
DUCKS - 2 FERRUGINOUS DUCK, 1 M RED CRESTED POCHARD
2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE , 10 LITTLE GREBE
GULLS - 54 MED GULL ( one flock -Cyprus record total ), 1 LITTLE GULL, 4 BALTIC GULL , 2 HEUGLINS GULL, many ARMENIAN, YELLOW LEGGED , SOME CASPIAN
3 SANDWICH TERN,
WARBLERS - 6 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 ORPHEAN, 5 BLACKCAP, 1 WILLOW, 1 SEDGE
Best of the day - 7RUDDY SHELDUCK, 1 EURASIAN BITTERN
Trip list now 117
SUN 27 MARCH
Unbroken sunshine and warm , coastal walk this morning sun bed afternoon .
1M BLACK FRANCOLIN, 5 CHIFFY, 1 SHAG , 1 COMMON SANDPIPER.
Trip list 99.
Off to the Larnaca area on Monday
SAT 26 MARCH
Morning visit to Paphos Headland - not as many migrants as expected .
2M 7 F BLACK REDSTART, 6 STARLING, 10 CORN BUNTING, 10 LINNET, 2M 1 F STONECHAT, 3 M BLACKCAP, 5 CHIFFY, 2M 1F SARDINIAN WARBLER, 1 M BLACKBIRD, 1 SONG THRUSH,
2 TREE PIPIT, 1 RUPPELLS WARBLER, 1 M BLUE ROCK THRUSH,
2 QUAIL, 1 M N WHEATEAR, 1 ROBIN, 1 F WHINCHAT .
Afternoon visit to Anarita Park - surprisingly a M FINCH'S WHEATEAR still around , most years they depart by mid March ,
1M N. WHEATEAR, 1 SPARROWHAWK, 1 LITTLE OWL, 25 CORN BUNTING ( inc 1 flock of 18 ), 50 GOLDFINCH, 2 LONG LEGGED BUZZARD .
Trip list-96
FRI 25 MARCH
Report of 3 SAND MARTIN this afternoon at South Huish Marsh
CYPRUS visit day2 - another superb day out
Zakaki Marsh -1 m MARSH HARRIER, 1 COMMON BUZZARD, REED WARBLER , many CETTIS WARBLER
Ladies Mile and pool - 75 BLACK HEADED GULL, 26 SLENDER BILLED GULL, 2 CASPIAN GULL, 20 YELLOW L GULL, 80 FLAMINGO,
28 BLACK WINGED STILT , 1 KENTISH PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN,
Akrotiri Salt Lake - 200 FLAMINGO, 50 BLACK WINGED STILT,
5 M SHOVELER, 2 M BLACKCAP
Agios Georios Chapel - 1 F COMMON REDSTART, 1M RUFOUS TAILED ROCK THRUSH - bird of the trip so far - only my second ever ,
Akrotiri Marsh - in size around 10 times South Huish Marsh plenty of water this winter great 2.5 hours of watching,
4 SPOONBILL, 2 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 10 LITTLE EGRET, 7 CATTLE EGRET, 16 GLOSSY IBIS , 1 LITTLE GREBE , 10 MALLARD , 60 TEAL, 2 GARGANEY, 12 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 40 RUFF, 5 BLACK WINGED STILT , 1 GREENSHANK, 1 REDSHANK, 1 SPOTTED REDSHANK, 2 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 4 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER
7 SNIPE , 2 GREEN SANDPIPER, 3 RED THROATED PIPIT, 1 HOOPOE, 7 GULL BILLED TERN feeding close , 6 STARLING
Final stop at Kensington Cliffs - unfortunately no GRIFFON VULTURE
however - 2 ALPINE SWIFT, 20 COMMON SWIFT, 3 LITTLE SWIFT , 2 JACKDAW
Trip list now 86
Lots of photos to down load will try and post them on SAT
THURS 24 MARCH
Weather for Cyprus cold - showers today -visited some of the local main sites - managed 50 species - highlights
Hotel balcony - 1 M BLACK REDSTART
Mandria- 20 SERIN, 1M 3 F NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 1 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, 7 BALTIC GULL-N , 1 SPUR WINGED PLOVER,
1 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER, 5 BLACK HEADED WAGTAIL, YELLOW WAGTAIL, 2 LAUGHING DOVE, 4 MIPIT.
'ASPRO Dam - 6 SWIFT, 2 ALPINE SWIFT, 1 PURPLE HERON, 1 RED RUMPED SWALLOW, 110. YELLOW L GULL.
Agia Varvara- 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 LONG LEGGED BUZZARD ,
2 WATER PIPIT, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 ZITTING CISTICOLA, 4 LINNET, 1 GREY HERON ,
Paphos Sewage Works - 20 SPUR WINGED PLOVER,1 M BLACK FRANCOLIN, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 50 CHAFFINCH, 5 CHIFFY
Mandria -16.00- 4 NORTHERN WHEATEAR, 1 SARDINIAN WARBLER, 100 SPANISH SPARROW, 1 BLACKBIRD , 2 CHUKER.
WED 23 MARCH
Reports received-
South Milton village pond - 1 pair GARGANEY
South Milton Ley - small pool 1 pair of GARGANEY.
Alan ringed 3 CHIFFY, 1 CIRL BUNTING, 1 SPRAWK, 1 COAL TIT
also retrapped 3 SIBERIAN CHIFFY .
South Huish Marsh- 1 SANDWICH TERN
TUES 22 MARCH
Sunny morning with a brisk F4/5 SE wind
Seawatch from car park 08.20-09.45, flats 11.30- 12.00
65 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 5 MANX SHEARWATER- SE 09.00,
50 RAZORMOT, 5 TEAL - on sea , 9 PINTAIL -SE
Rocks - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 LITTLE EGRET
A report of a m BLACK REDSTART (128)
GULLS - flocks feeding in the Bay - 250 BLACK HEADED, 220 HERRING, 6 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON , 5AD 1 2W 1 1W MED,
4 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B
On South Huish Marsh- 1 F GARGANEY, 19 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK,
1M 2F SHOVELER, 2 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT - looks fantastic in summer plumage, 2 LITTLE EGRET
Late afternoon a flock of 12 REDSHANK on the Marsh - a very good count for here
GULLS - 70 BLACK HEADED, 4 AD MED, 10 HERRING, 1 LESSER B B
Eric reports on South Efford Marsh - 40 TEAL, 8 SHELDUCK,
1 WATER PIPIT
Last patch post for a while we are off to Cyprus in the morning.
MON 21 MARCH
Lighter wind today SE F4 overcast early then sunny periods .
The influx of GARGANEY continued today - 1 pair on the sea @09.00
later flew NW @09.20, 4 flew in from west @09.42, 2m 1 f flew SE @
11.20 . There was also a pair on South Huis Marsh at 11.00 ( still present at 17.00 ) - that makes a total for the patch so far of 44.
Seawatch from car park 08.25- 10.00 and from the flats from 11.15-12.00 - 80 GANNET, 2 FULMAR , 2 RED THROATED DIVER- on sea @08.40 also 1 flew SE @ 09.35 ( these are my first DIVERS this month ). 1
BLACK THROATED DIVER- on sea @11.40 .
6 COMMON SCOTER- SE, 4 RAZORMOT-SE, 11 RAZORBILL- on sea,
GULLS - 80 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD MED -SE, 20 HERRING, 5 GREAT B B , 1 LESSER B B
9 OYSTERCATCHER- on rocks with 2 LITTLE EGRET.
On South Huish Marsh-
37 TEAL, 4 SHELDUCK, 1M 2 F SHOVELER, 1 SNIPE , 3 COOT,
1 WHITE WAGTAIL, 1 WATER PIPIT
Added some new photos
Report from Richie of a RED L PARTRIDGE on the lane from the marsh , GARGANEY & SHOVELER still on the Marsh at 17.30
SUN 20 MARCH
Sunny morning with an F5/6 SSE wind - not as good as yesterday
First an update on yesterday after receding photos from Richie of a flock of 8 duck - these show at least 2 pairs of SCAUP (127 ) and a male WIGEON - SCAUP is a rare visitor here only 3 records in last 25 years
Seawatch from car park 08.15- 12.00 - joined by Richie, Rob & Steph and Roger
25 GANNET, 1 FULMAR, 4 KITTIWAKE, 1 AD MED GULL, 5 GUILLEMOT- on sea, 9 RAZORMOT-SE,
DUCKS - Flock of 8 PINTAIL ( 4 pairs ) flew into the bay at 09.00,
landed briefly , tried to get round Bolt Tail twice , finally flew up Hope Valley .5 TEAL - on sea, 16 COMMON SCOTER ( 3 flocks of
4, 5, 7)
Waders - 1 DUNLIN, 1 CURLEW , 9 OYSTERCATCHER.
On South Huish Marsh -27 TEAL, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 KINGFISHER,
2 CURLEW, 1 WATER PIPIT
SAT 19 MARCH
E winds overnight increasing to gale force8/9 during the morning
resulted in one of the best days on the patch for awhile , with 5 patch year ticks and significant numbers of duck and waders .
Seawatch from 08.30 - 13.15 , started in the car park then moved to the shelter of the flats , joined by Nick & Richie .
55 GANNET , 8 FULMAR, 12 RAZORBILL - on sea, 23 RAZORMOT-SE,
GULLS - 26 BLACK HEADED, 10 HERRING, 2 GREAT B B .
First sign of any duck we're 6 TEAL - NW @09.00, thereafter my log was -
09.40 - 14 GARGANEY (122 ) flew in from west, landed on sea
10.15 - 2 flocks of TEAL flew in from west and landed on sea - 13
only 3 males .
10.20 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE on th sea
11.20 - 8 GARGANEY ( 4 males ) landed on sea
11.45 a flock of 20 TEAL / GARGANEY flew SE - I managed to pick out 4 m GARGANEY ( could have been som females )
11.45 - Flock of 35 SHOVELER -123 ( 11 males ) flew in from west , landed on sea , by 13.00 this flock had increased to 42.
11.45 4 GADWALL (124) 2m 2F joined the SHOVELER flock
WADERS - 5 OYSTERCATCHER-on rocks , 2 SNIPE - on rocks
12.20 12 BAR TAILED GODWIT (125 ) flew in off the sea straight up The Valley . From photos taken by Richie found three were 2 GREY PLOVER with them
RINGED PLOVER - 9. & DULIN 4 flew onto the rocks at 13.00
On South Huish Marsh- 2 M GARGANEY at 12.00, 26 TEAL, 3 LITTLE EGRET, GULLS - 60 BLACK HEADED, 3 MED (2 2W, 1 1w )
40 HERRING
Meanwhile ERIC reported from South Efford-2m 1 f GARGANEY ,
40 TEAL, 14 SHELDUCK, 2 WATER PIPIT , 2 SAND MARTIN (126)
From 09.00 4 GAGANEY ( 2 pairs ) were on a small pond in South Milton Village - still present at 15.00
The total of GARGANEY AT 35 is the second largest day total for the patch - still in first place is the 65 on 1 April 2005 - that passage did not start until around 12.00 in light SE winds
Winds are due to drop this evening but will still be E in the morning
could be another interesting day
FRI 18 MARCH
A sunny morning with a E wind increasing F3-5
Seawatch from car park 08.40- 09.50
27 GANNET , 7 FULMAR, 40 MANX SHEARWATER- 25 NW @ 09.10
15 NW @ 09.40 , 12 RAZORMOT-NW, 6 RAZORBILL- on sea,
3 COMMON SCOTER-NW,
GULLS - 6 KITTIWAKE, 110 HERRING, 33 BLACK HEADED, 9 GREAT B B
Rocks - 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 LITTLE EGRET
On South Huish Marsh - 24 TEAL, 1 MUTE SWAN, 2 COOT, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 WATER PIPIT, 1 WHITE , WAGTAIL(121 )
GULLS - 35 BLACK HEADED, 6 HERRING
THURS 17 MARCH
Sunny morning after a frost, wind SW3
Seawatch 08.30-0915 _-38GANNET-SE, 1 FULMAR, 6 RAZORBILL-on sea, 7 RAZORMOT- SE
GULLS - 65 HERRING, 36 BLACK HEADED, 2 KITTIWAKE, 2 MED - 1 AD , 1 1W- SE
1 STONECHAT
On South Huish Marsh - 10 TEAL, 1 F WIGEON, 4 LITTLE EGRET,
1 HERON , 2 COOT, 1 SNIPE, 1 KESTREL, 1 WATER PIPIT.
GULLS - 40 BLACK HEADED, 20 HERRING, 5 MED - 2AD, 2 SW, 1 1W.
South Efford Marsh - Eric reports- 2 GREENSHANK, REDSHANK,
2 WATER PIPIT, 1 LITTLE GREBE
WED 16 MAR
Despite several weather forecasts the morning was wet- spent 3 hours in the car watching South Huish Marsh - no change to recent days .
28 TEAL, 5 WIGEON , 2 COOT, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 4 SNIPE ,
4 OYSTERCATCHER.
GULLS -75 BLACK HEADED, 11MED ( 6 ad, 3 2W, 2 1w )
31 HERRING, 2 1W GREAT B B
Along the lanes 2 MISTLE THRUSH
TUES 15 MAR
Spell of settled weather continues , wind this morning just F2 SSE
Brief Seawatch only produced 1 RAZORMOT-SE , 1 RAZORBILL-on sea .
On South Huish Marsh- 24 TEAL, 5 WIGEON ( 2 m, 3 f ) , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 COOT, 3 LINNET, 2 CHIFFY
GULLS - 105 BLACK HEADED ( 42 1W ), 7 MED ( 3 ad, 1 2W, 3 1w )
5 HERRING.
Late afternoon report from Richie - 120 BLACK HEADED GULL, large flock of HERRING GULL, 6 MED GULL.
South Milton Ley- walking down to the sewage works a flock of 50+
CHAFFINCH , feeding in stubble field ( largest flock on the patch this year ), 25 CHIFFY, 2 WATER RAIL, GREENFINCH, BULLFINCH .
MON 14 MAR
Sunny periods only a light breeze with a flat calm sea- very poor birding today .
Highlight were a pair of BULLFINCH in the garden at 08.00
An hours Seawatch from 08.30- just 8 GANNET -SE, 3 RAZORMOT-NW, GULLS - 30 BLACK HEADED - on rocks also 3-NW, 120 HERRING
- included 40 on sea others SE
On South Huish Marsh- 20 TEAL, 1 M WIGEON ( other 16 departed overnight ), 3 SNIPE, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HEON , 3 WATER PIPIT, 3 STONECHAT
GULLS - 35 BLACK HEADED, 6 MED ( 4 ad, 1 2W, 1 1w ) 8 HERRING.
SUN 13 MARCH
Sunny periods and showers this morning- Seawatch from car park 08.45- 09.45 -
14GANNET, 22 KITTIWAKE, 50 BLACK HEADED GULL, , 16 HERRING GULL, 6 GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL, 6 MED GULL -SE ( 4 ad , 2 1w )
5 RAZORMOT-SE
On the rocks - 5 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER
On South Huish Marsh - 17 WIGEON , 25 TEAL , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT, 9 MOORHEN, 7 WATER PIPIT.
GULLS - 95 BLACK HEADED, 13 MED - 2 1W, 3 2W, 8AD ,
36 HERRING, 2 LESSER B B , 1AD COMMON .
SAT 12 MARCH
A sunny morning with a light SW breeze
Short visit to South Huish Marsh - -8.30- 10.15
17 WIGEON , 17 TEAL, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 6 WATER PIPIT
GULLS - 70 BLACK HEADED, 10 MED ( 8 ad, 2 1W )
On the rocks - 1 KINGFISHER, 40 BLACK HEADED GULL, 7 MED GULL
(6 ad, 1 1w ), 2 OYSTERCATCHER.
FRI 11 MARCH
Cloudy morning with heavy rain until 10.30 , showers thereafter.
Spent from 08.30-12.00 watching South Huish Marsh - joined by Richie from 08.45, this is the first time I have spent all morning just watching the marsh - highlight today were GULLS , they kept arriving in flocks about every 45 mins ranging from 25 upto 70 .
A day record for MED GULLS
BLACK HEADED -total 215- 6 flocks logged ranging from 20 to 70
HERRING -11, GREAT B B -2 , LESSER B B -33- inc 1 flock of 30
MED GULL - 66 logged - 2 1W, 5 2W 59 AD - 9 separate counts with a max 16 & 28
Also 55 TEAL, 16 WIGEON, 1 DUNLIN, 3 SNIPE, 3 LITTLE EGRET,
9 WATER PIPIT
new photos added
THURS 1O MARCH
Cloudy morning with light showers- sunny from 10.30 , wind SSW F4 .Seawatch from car park 08.30-09.30 - very poor just 10 GANNET
On the sea a flock of 90 BLACK HEADED GULL with 8 MED GULL ( 6 ad, 2 2w )
on the rocks and beaches - 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 TURNSTONE,
2 RINGED PLOVER .
On South Huish Marsh - 56 TEAL, 17 WIGEON , 2 SHELDUCK ,
2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , JUST 3 WATER PIPIT, 1 DUNLIN, 2 SNIPE, 10 MIPIT,
GULLS - 12 BLACK HEADED , 1 AD MED , 2 HERRING.
WED 9 MARCH
Started sunny but clouded over by 09.30, wind SSE F6/7
Seawatch from car park 08.25-10.15 - joined by Stuart L from 09.15
56 GANNET -SE, 60 KITTIWAKE-SE, 3 FULMAR, 1 SANDWICH TERN -SE @ 09.35 (120 ), 1 BRENT GOOSE -SE, 4 COMMON SCOTER -SE ,
37 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 PEREGRINE-NW
GULLS -70 BLACK HEADED ( on sea)+ 5 SE, 2 AD MED GULL - on sea , 50 HERRING , 7 GREAT B B
On rocks - 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE.
On South Huish Marsh- Big reduction in Teal from yesterday afternoon- only 26, 17 WIGEON, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 1 DUNLIN,
GULLS - 60 + BLACK HEADED ( assume most of the flock on the sea earlier ), 1 ad MED , 1 LESSER B B .
Big surprise were a total of 12 WATER PIPIT - feeding in the middle of the marsh ( only 1 yesterday afternoon)
TUES 8 MARCH
Light cloud this morning with a SSE F6 WIND . Seawatch from car park 08.25-10.20
195 GANNET , 15 KITTIWAKE, 1 AD MED GULL, 6 FULMAR - all SE ,
At 08.50 picked up 4 MANX SHEARWTER -SE ( 118 ) , another at 09.12 - all SE - this is my earliest spring record
6 COMMON SCOTER-SE ( 4, 2 ) , 10 TEAL -SE ( sat on sea resting for a while ), 2 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 RAZORBILL - on sea
GULLS - 6 GREAT B B , 3 BLACK HEADED, 25 HERRING
On Beach/rocks - 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER.
Afternoon visit to South Huish Marsh- 55 TEAL, 17 WIGEON , 1 SHELDUCK, 2 COOT, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 SNIPE, 1 DUNLIN, 1 CHIFFY, 1 WATER PIPIT,
GULLS - 45 BLACK HEADED, 1 AD 1 2W MED GULL, 5 HERRING,
11 LESSER B B
Report from Aveton Gifford of a DIPPER on the river ( 119 )
MON 7 MARCH
First morning back on the patch, interesting plus a patch year tick
Cloudy with a brusk F7 S wind - Seawatch 08.40- 10.00- car park
170 GANNET -SE, 2 M COMMON SCOTER-SE, 2 SHELDUCK-SE,
2 FULMAR, 3 KITTIWAKE-SE, 7 RAZORMOT-SE, 12 LINNET-S
On sea 25 BLACK HEADED GULL, 4 GREAT BLACK BACKED GULL,
30 + HERRING GULL
On beach/rocks - 9 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER
Village Garden - Pair of CIRL BUNTING visiting feeders regularly
South Huish Marsh- 17 WIGEON, 16 TEAL, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 COOT, 1 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 CURLEW, 1 M STONECHAT, 1 RAVEN
GULLS - 25 HERRING, 3 BLACK HEADED, 1 LESSER B B
Along the tidal road - 4 GREENSHANK, 8 REDSHANK, 1 KNOT (117 )
CURLEW , 1AD COMMON GULL, 2 SHELDUCK , 2 TEAL
Photo added on photo page
SUN 6 MARCH
Afternoon report from South Huish Marsh -
1 ad MED GULL, 6 DUNLIN, WIGEON , TEAL, 1 WATER PIPIT
SAT 5MAR
Sat at the airport for our fight home - nothing to add for Cyprus report , however Alan was ringing 30 birds at South Milton Ley
inc-2 BLACKCAP, 17 CHIIFY, 1 FIRECREST(116 ), 3 GOLDCREST . Also on site 1M CETTIS WARBLER, 2 WATER RAIL , 1 BULLFINCH
FRI 4 MARCH
A cool and cloudy day , spent almost 4 hours at the Mosaics site at Paphos Headland ,.
2 LESSER WHITETHROAT, 1 CHIFFY, 5 SARDINIAN WARBLER,
3 ZITTING CISTICOLA, 26 GOLDFINCH, 8 GREENFINCH, 1 SERIN ,
3 LINNET, 1 CHAFFINCH, 1 ROBIN, 12 STONECHAT, 15 BLACK REDSTART, 1 SKYLARK, 4 CRESTED LARK, 2 MEADOW PIPIT,
2 RED TTHROATED PIPIT, 3 CORN BUNTING, 7 GREAT TIT,
2 KESTREL, 5 SWALLOW, many HOODED CROW , 1 ISABELLINE WHEATEAR, .At 14.50 a flock of 60+ CORMORANT flew NW .
Meanwhile back at HOPE COVE a RED KITE reported by James
THURS 3 MARCH
Heavy rain and gale force winds restricted any birding until the afternoon when we drove over to Mandria, few birds around , the flock of SPANISH SPARROW increased to 150, 30 SKLARK, a few LINNET & GREENFINCH , 10 WHITE WAGTAIL .
At PAPHOS SEWAGE WORKS the only bird we saw was a SPARROWHAWK.
WED 2 MAR
Showers early, first stop AGIA Varvara- SONG THRUSH, 10 HOUSE MARTIN , 1 BLACK REDSTART
Aspr Dam - 4 WOODLARK, 2 CORN BUNTING, 1 STONECHAT , 4 ALPINE SWIFT
NATA - 1 BONELLI'S EAGLE, 10 SWALLOW, 3 LINNET, 2 CORN BUNTING, 1 BLACK FRANCOLIN, 2 STONECHAT
AT MANDRIA -1 BLACK REDSTART, 1 ROBIN, BLACK FRANCOLIN,
100 SKYLARK, 100SPANISH SPARROW, RED THROATED PIPIT ,
3 MIPIT, 2 LAUGHING DOVE, 2 SPUR WINGED PLOVER
Finally Paphos Sewage Works - 8 SPUR WINGED PLOVER,
1 BLACK WINGED STILT
Photos from our Akrotiri visit - 1 March
TUES 1 MAR
Having problems with internet connection!
The WHITE CROWNED WHEATEAR continues to show well to an increasing number of birders .
Spent today in the Akrotiri area - very enjoyable day .
Started at Lake Makria ( Zakaki Marsh ) only LITTLE GREBE, MOORHEN CETTIS WARBLER , 1 F MARSH HARRIER , SWALLOWS MOVING NW
Looking over the sea picked up a single flock of 8 GREY HERON &
6 GREAT WHITE EGRET flying overhead followed by a flock of over 1000 BLACK HEADED GULLS -those that landed and could be scanned about 250 included 3 SLENDER BILLED GULL, 6 AD MED GULL, 1 BALTIC GULL , A FEW YELLOW LEGGED GULL,
Ladies Mile water levels high only 2 waders - GREEN SANDPIPER , KENTISH PLOVER , several STONECHAT , BLACK REDSTART,
40 FLAMINGO
Spent a good hour scanning Akrotiri Marsh-1 BUZZARD, 3 F MARSH HARRIER, 20 CATTLE EGRET, 10 LITTLE EGRET, 4 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 4 GREEN SANDPIPER, 2 WOOD SANDPIPER, 1 SNIPE, 1 GREENSHANK,
2 GLOSSY IBIS, 6 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, MALLARD, 60 TEAL, Overhead 100's of SWALLOW, 1 SAND MARTIN , 60 +SWIFT
On the way back called in at Kensington Cliffs- 1 LONG LEGGED BUZZARD and 6 (possibly 8) GRIFFON VULTURES- 2 pairs on nesting ledges !
At Secret Valley pools - 13 COOT , 1 CORMORANT, CHUKER,
SARDINIAN WARBLER
FEBRUARY 2022
MON 28 FEB
The WHITE CROWNED WHEATEAR still showing well from 07.00-16.45 to an increasing number of admirers .
Also along the coastal rocks a M BLUE ROCK THRUSH, several BLACK REDTART , LAUGHING DOVE, 1 GREY HERON , SWALLOWS flying north .
At Macro Dam - 2 GREY HERON , CORMORANT, 12 SERIN , CETTIS WARBLER, 3 KESTREL, JACKDAW, CHUKER.
At Larks corner Mandria, large flock of birds comprising-
100 SPANISH SPARROW, 60 LINNET, 40 GREENFINCH , many CRESTED LARK, CHAFFINCH, 6 RED THROATED PIPIT, 30 WHITE WAGTAIL, WOODLARKS, 8 LESSER SHORT TOED LARK- TURKMENISTAN sub species ( according to local birders recently split from Mediterranean)
In bushes near the village M BLACKCAP, SWALLOWS flying over .
At Paphos Sewage Works - 15 SPUR WINGED PLOVER, 1 BLACKBIRD
FABULOUS CYPRUS!
Sun 27 FEB
No car until Monday so just walking near the hotel - at 15.30 found an unusual WHEATEAR on the rocks just outside our hotel - just been confirmed as the 12th record for Cyprus of a White-crowned Wheatear- obviously a lifer for me .
Only 20 species today best were SWALLOW, BLACK REDSTART and a few of the local species - it can't get better than this
FRI 25 FEB
A sunny morning with a light breeze SW . Still,little moving offshore- 10 GANNET, 4 KITTIWAKE, 50 RAZORMOT-on sea also7 SE
2 LINNET-N
On rocks / beaches - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 20 TURNSTONE
On South Huish Marsh- 19 TEAL, 24 WIGEON, 1 SHELDUCK,
1 MUTE SWAN, 2 SNIPE, 1 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 LITTLE EGRET,
1 HERON , 2 CORMORANT, 2 RAVEN , 4 STONECHAT.
Poor count of GULLS - only 20 BLACK HEADED and 3 HERRING .
Last local patch post until 6 March- off to Cyprus in the morning,
THURS 24 FEB
Started sunny wind NW F6/7 - a severe squall at 10.00 wind gusting F9 heavy hail shower
On South Huish Marsh- 32 WIGEON , 30 TEAL, 1 MUTE SWAN,
7 MOORHEN, 1 CORMORANT, 1 HERON , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 KESTREL, 1 SPRAWK .
GULLS - 40 BLACK HEADED , 60 HERRING, 20 LESSER B B ,
5 GREAT B B
WED 23 FEB
A calmer day only a SW F3 wind , overcast , sunny later .
Offshore - 30 min Seawatch - 5 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 4 KITTIWAKE,
5 RAZORMOT-SE
On the rocks - 12 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 TURNSTONE.
On South Huish Marsh- big reduction in Teal only 30 today,
56 WIGEON, 12 CABADA GOOSE, 1 MUTE SWAN, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 SNIPE,1 COOT, 5 MOORHEN.
SOME LIGHT PASSERINE movement - SE -4 LINNET, 8 MIPIT ,
2 SKYLARK, 5 BLACKBIRD , 2 SONG THRUSH, 1 CHIFFY .
Along the lanes a JAY & a KESTREL
A lot less GULLS today - 65 BLACK HEADED, 6 HERRING,
1 GREAT B B
TUES 22 FEB
Wind still F7/8WSW , Cloudy with light rain from 10.30
Nothing off shore . On South Huish Marsh-
90 TEAL, 63 WIGEON, 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 CORMORANT,
2 LITTLE EGRET, 5 MOORHEN, 1 COOT, 1 MUTE SWAN, 2 CANADA GOOSE .
GULLS - 55 BLACK HEADED, 60 HERRING, 3 LESSER B B , 2 GREAT B B
Copse - 7 BLACKBIRD, 2 SONG THRUSH, 3 CHAFFINCH, ,
1 GREENFINCH
VILLAGE - 1 JAY
SUN 20 FEB
Now storm Franklyn arrives . Some damage to properties on the coast , wind this morning WSW 8/9 , CLOUDY WITH LIGHT SHOWERS - no Seawatch due to the conditions.
On South Huish Marsh- still flooded , 42 WIGEON , 27 TEAL, 30 MALLARD, 1 MUTE SWAN, 1 CORMORANT, 1 LITTLE EGRET,
30 CANADA GOOSE, 12 OYSTERCATCHER
GULLS - 75 BLACK HEADED, 16 GREAT B B , 10 LESSER B B ,
115 HERRING
SAT 19 FEB
After storm Eunice yesterday , heavy rain this morning . Spent the morning clearing up the storm damage . Hopefully back,out in the morning
THURS 17 FEB
Sunny periods turning cloudy with light showers later, wind WSW F7 .
Offshore nothing in 30 mins. On the rocks -11 OYSTERCATCHER,
8 TURNSTONE, 3 LITTLE EGRET.
On the Beach - 40 BLACK HEADED GULL, 3 GREAT B B GULL
South Huish marsh- 45 WIGEON, 40 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 1 CORMORANT, 2 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 SNIPE , 30 STOCK DOVE .
GULLS - 35 HERRING, 60 BLACK HEADED , ,10 LESSER B B ,
1 GREAT B B , 2 AD MED GULL ( 1 almost in summer plumage )
Have added new photos - check the page
WED 16 FEB
Another cloudy morning with light showers , SW F7 wind - poor offshore visibility.
In the gloom only managed to pick up 4 GANNET . On the rocks -
18 TURNSTONE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER
On South Huish Marsh- 70 TEAL, 60 WIGEON , 5 SNIPE, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 CORMORANT, 1 MUTE SWAN
GULLS - 120 HERRING, 30 LESSER B B . 5 GREAT B B. 5 COMMON ,
30 BLACK HEADED.
Regular followers of the blog will have realised I am spending time looking through the GULLS both on the marsh and in the Bay, each year they have produced some very good records , hopefully this will continue. So far this year 8 different species recorded.
TUES 15 FEB
A spell of windy and wet weather started this morning - poor visability, SW F7 .
Seawatch from the flats 09.05- 10.00
Highlight were 2 F EIDER (115 ) flying SE , only 7 GANNET and 2 RAZORMOT.
On rocks - 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER,
GULLS - feeding flock of 100 BLACK HEADED , 3 GREAT B B
On beach a washed up corpse of a Harbour Porpoise
On South Huish Marsh- 71 WIGEON ( 40 male, 31 female) ,
35 TEAL, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 MUTE SWAN
GULLS - 40 BLACK HEADED, 20 LESSER B B , 15 HERRING
MON 14 FEB
Nice to be back on the patch today, sunny periods light showers,wind WNW F3 .
After a JCB cleared the Marsh outlet pipe on Friday it was blocked again after the w/end storms
Offshore - very poor - 70 GANNET, 4 SHAG, 6 CORMORANT
On the rocks- 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER.
On South Huish Marsh - 45 TEAL, 51 WIGEON, 1 M PINTAIL,
10 SNIPE , 1 WATER PIPIT, 3 SONG THRUSH.
GULLS - 50 BLACK HEADED, 30 HERRING, 5 LESSER B B, 4 GREAT B B.
Short visit to South Milton Ley - 20+ CHIFFY, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY,
1 M CIRL BUNTING, 1 GREAT SP WOODY.
Late last week 2 separate reports of a RED KITE over North Marsh .
FRI 11 FEB
After a frosty start a sunny calm morning.
Seawatch from 09.00-10. 00 - very quiet - No GANNET !
85 WIGEON- on sea, 3 COMMON SCOTER -SE, 18 RAZORBILL - ON SEA , 1 GUILLEMOT- ON SEA ( another found dead ) 18 CORMORANT
5 SHAG
Gulls - 5 KITTIWAKE, 3 BLACK HEADED, 50 HERRING , 2 GREAT B B .
On rocks - 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 TURNSTONE, 5 RRINGED PLOVER,
1 LITTLE EGRET.
On South Huish Marsh- 60 TEAL, 2 SHELDUCK, 5 WIGEON , 1 COOT, 16 SNIPE, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 JAY
GULLS - 60 BLACK HEADED, 5 HERRING.
South Milton Ley- Alan ringed 7 new birds - 5 CHIFFY , 1 MAGPIE
( first he has ringed since 2013 ). Also on site - 3 CETTIS WARBLER,
3 WATER RAIL, 2 FIELDFARE, 5 REDWING, 25 SKYLARK,
1 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY .
At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - NUTHATCH, BLACKCAP, GREAT SP WOODY.
Bird of the year ( so far ) reported watched between 15.00- 1530
at a local site - DARTFORD WARBLER ( 113 )
THURS 10 FEB
Started cloudy with light showers , wind NW F3 .
Disappointing Seawatch 09.15-10.10 -
25 GANNET-NW, 5 KITTIWAKE-NW, 1 GREAT N DIVER - NW @ 09.25, 14 RAZORBILL- ON SEA, amongst 20 BLACK H GULL on sea was an adult MED GULL .
On rocks - 6 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER
On South Huish Marsh - 55 TEAL, 85 WIGEON, 1 COOT, 6 SNIPE,
19 OYSTERCATCHER, 9 GOLDFINCH, 3 LITTLE EGRET
GULLS - 50 HERRING, 1 LESSER B B , 125 BLACK HEADED, 1 2W
MED GULL
WED 9 FEB
Started sunny before cloud moved in around 10.30, wind SW F3
Seawatch -9.00-10.30
19 GANNET-NW, 10 RAZORMOT-SE, 40 RAZORBILL-on sea,
2 RED THROATED DIVER- NW @ -9.32.
Lots of GULLS feeding across the Bay- 500+ HERRING, 250 BLACK
HEADED, 10 KITTIWAKE, 6 GREAT B B , 1 AD MED GULL
On the rocks - 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 15 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER.
On South Huish Marsh- 87 WIGEON , 100 TEAL, 10 OYSTERCATCHER
2 SNIPE, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SPRAWK, 1 WATER PIPIT.
GULLS - 135 BLACK HEADED, 40 HERRING, 2 LESSER B B , 1 AD MED GULL .
TUES 8 FEB
Another cloudy morning with a F3 INC 5 WSW wind.
Seawatch 08.50- 10.20
165 GANNET , 17 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR, 35 RAZORMOT-SE,
20 RAZORBILL-on sea , 21 CORMORANT, 5 SHAG
On the rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 TURNSTONE
On South Huish Marsh-
83 TEAL, 90 WIGEON , 1 M PINTAIL, 4 LITTLE EGRET, 2 SNIPE, 7 STOCK DOVE
GULLS - 60 HERRING, 14 LESSER B B , 6 GREAT B B , 110 BLACK HEADED
MON 7 FEB
An overcast morning with a light W breeze.
Seawatch/ South Huish marsh-
9 GANNET -NW, 25 KITTIWAKE-NW, 1 COMMON SCOTER-NW ,
2 RED THROATED DIVER & 1 GREAT N DIVER- NW @10.25 followed 2 mins later by another GREAT N DIVER.
2 GUILLEMOT-on sea , 90 WIGEON-on sea ( flew onto the marsh @ 10.35
On Beach/ rocks - 12 TURNSTONE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER
On South Huish marsh-
61 TEAL, 22 SNIPE, 17 OYSTERCATCHER, 3 SKYLARK, 1 SPRAWK, 3 LITTLE EGRET
GULLS - 125 BLACK H, 35 HERRING, 4 LESSER B B , 1 GREAT B B ,
1 AD COMMON
SUN 6 FEB
No Seawatch this morning due to the WNW F 9 + and cloudy conditions.
On South Huish Marsh - flooded again ( outlet pipe must be blocked )
WIGEON & TEAL ( not counted ) , 3 MUTE SWAN, 1 SNIPE, 1 WATER PIPIT, 2 SONG THRUSH,.
GULLS - 150 + HERRING , 15 LESSER B B , 6 GREAT B B , ,
40 BLACK HEADED.
On the rocks - 24 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 TURNSTONE
SAT 5 FEB
Overcast morning with a F6 WSW wind
Seawatch 09.00- 10.30
125 GANNET, 12 KITTIWAKE, 3 FULMAR, 17 RAZORMOT,
2 RED THROATED DIVER- SE @09.35
On beaches - 22 OYSTERCATCHER, 11 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER.
My Garden - 1 JAY, 2 GREENFINCH
South Milton Garden 5 GREENFINCH.
At Aveton Gifford - 1 REED BUNTING, SPRAWK , GREAT SP WOODY
GOLDFINCH.
FRI 4 FEB
Although a sunny morning a brisk F5 NW wind .
Seawatch -8.50-10.00 -
590 GANNET ( mostly SE ) 35 KITTIWAKE, 15 RAZORMOT,
1 RED T DIVER - on sea @ -9.30 .
On rocks - 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 17 TURNSTONE, 1 RAVEN (over )
On South Huish Marsh-
42 TEAL, 80 WIGEON , 1 M PINTAIL , 13 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 SNIPE
1 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
GULLS - 150 HERRING, 50 BLACK HEADED, 8 LESSER B B
5 GREAT B B
THURS 3 FEB
Another morning of bright periods, light showers and a WSW F 3 breeze .
Offshore- 08.45- 10.30
65 GANNET, 38 KITTIWAKE, 1 RAZORBILL-on sea, 3 COMMON SCOTER- NW
On the rocks-25 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 22 TURNSTONE.
On South Huish Marsh - 60 WIGEON , 30 TEAL, 1 SHELDUCK,
1BARNACLE GOOSE, 9 SNIPE. ,1 HERON, 2 LITTLE EGRET.
GULL flocks - 65 BLACK HEADED , 50 HERRING, 14 LESSER B B
8 GREAT B B , 1 AD MED .
2 RAVEN
At South Milton Ley- 30 + CHIFFY, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, GOLDCREST, GREAT SP WOODY, CETTIS WARBLER, GREY WAGTAIL
At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - 5 REDWING, NUTHATCH,
LITTLE GREBE , KINGFISHER
WED 2 FEB
An hour seawatching from 09.05- 100GANNET- SE, 5 KITTIWAKE,
1 FULMAR -SE, 3 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 RED THROATED DIVER-SE @ 09.43.
On Yarmer Beach- OYSTERCATCHER, 5 RINGED PLOVER
Drive by sightings - Aveton Gifford- KESTREL
Brixton - opposite Roger's Garage 12 + CATTLE EGRET.
16.45 - Rat Island - Torpoint - 1 SPOONBILL
TUES 1 FEB
Back to cloudy conditions with light drizzle, wind F5/6 NW
Short 30 min Seawatch only produced 24 GANNET .
On the rocks OYSTERCATCHER & TURNSTONE.
At South Milton Ley- 30+ CHIFFY, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, GREY WAGTAIL, MISTLE THRUSH, SONG THRUSH , CETTIS WARBLER,
LONG T TIT, 1 RAVEN , 10 REDWING.
On South Huish Marsh- 80 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 1M PINTAIL,
3 MUTE SWAN, 8 SNIPE , 50+ STOCK DOVE .
Short visit along the tidal road at Aveton Gifford - REDSHANK, GREENSHANK, CURLEW, LITTLE EGRET, GREY WAGTAIL, COAL TIT .
JANUARY 2022.
MON 31 JAN
Overcast with bright periods , WNW F5/6 wind .
Disappointing end to January- Seawatch 09.00-09.45 -
60 GANNET -NW, 245 RAZORMOT-SE, 3 FULMAR .
On South Huish Marsh- 75 WIGEON, 23 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 9 SNIPE
1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 1 JAY, 2 WATER PIPIT.
Despite over an hours drive around all the well known sites the only flock of winter Finches Buntings & Larks were 80 SKYLARK at Huxton Cross
SUN 30 JAN
Sunny morning with a hard frost, calm conditions.
A 30min Seawatch from 09.30 only produced 1 GUILLEMOT-on sea, 5 KITTIWAKE.
Short visit to South Milton Ley- 30+ CHIFFY, 2 SIBERIAN CHIFFY,
1 GOLDCREST, 1 GREY WAGTAIL .
On the river at Buckfastleigh a DIPPER
SAT 29 JAN
Cloudy morning with light drizzle, brisk wind -
Slapton - 09.30 - offshore , 2GREAT N DIVER, 1 RED T DIVER,
5 RAZORBILL, 1 GUILLEMOT.
Ley - 50 + GADWALL, 9 GOLDENEYE ( males displaying) 1 F POCHARD .Many TUFTED DUCK, WIGEON , GREAT C GREBE .
Kingsbridge Estuary- from Bowcombe -
10 RED BREASTED MERGANSER ( 5 pairs ) 80 BRENT GOOSE -DB,
2 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, many WIGEON & SHELDUCK .
FRI 28 JAN
After a hard frost asunny calm morning, unfortunately very few birds .
Seawatch from carpark 08.50- 10.00 only recorded -
12 GANNET-SE, 2 KITTIWAKE, 4 RAZORBILL- on sea, 19 RAZORMOT.
On rocks - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 TURNSTONE.
Decided on a visit to Haldon Forest - on and around the feeders -
2 BRAMBLING , 10 + SISKIN, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 1 SONG THRUSH, 1 NUTHATCH, many COAL TIT & CHAFFINCH.
Parked by the pylons near the Butterfly trail, eventually picked brief in flight views of 3 HAWFINCH
On the way home stopped at Stover Country Park - not a regular visitor to this site but cannot remember recording 8 specie of Duck before - 29 TUFTED DUCK, 2M 2F POCHARD, 6 WIGEON, 4M 1F GADWALL, 8 SHOVELER, 20 MANDARIN, many MALLARD , 1 F TEAL
New photos added.
THURS 27 JAN
CLOUDY MORNING with a W F4 wind, at 10.00 the poor weather moved in with light rain , offshore visibility very poor thereafter.
Seawatch from car park 08.45- 10.00 produced -
200 GANNET -NW, 3 RAZORMOT-SE, 2 BLACK THROATED DIVER - SE @ 09.00. at 09.30 picked up an adult ICELAND GULL ( 112 ) flying across the Bay on its own reasonably close inshore .
On the rocks /. Beach - 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 8 TURNSTONE.
In my garden mid morning a GREEN WOODY .
Went over to Gara Bridge and found 2 DIPPER underneath the old railway bridge .
WED 26 JAN
Another cloudy cold and calm morning.Seawatch from Bob's car park 09.05- 10.30
Only 1 GANNET today- on sea, 2 KITTIWAKE- on sea, 11 RAZORBILL
-on sea . From -9.25 a flock of DIVERS increased from 1 to 8@ 10.00
6 BLACK THROATED DIVER, 2 RED THROATED DIVER . Unfortunately 3 Paddle Boarders came across the bay from Bigbury and spooked them , couldn't relocate them !
2 DB BRENT GOOSE flew SE @ 11.55
On the beach/rocks - 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 RINGED PLOVER.,
29 TURNSTONE , 1 KINGFISHER.
On South Huish Marsh - 43 TEAL, 38 WIGEON , 1 M PINTAIL
3 MUTE SWAN, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON , 5 SNIPE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , the small CANADA GOOSE is back spends all its time with the BARNACLE GOOSE .
A large flock of 150 BLACK H GULL also included 7 ad MED GULL ,
10 COMMON GULL ( 6 ad ), one the MED GULL had a white Darrick ring on right leg - could only see letters YJ .
Eric had some interesting birds in his garden - a WATER RAIL ,
30 LONG TAILED TIT, 6 + GOLDCREST
New photos added.
TUES 25 JAN
Although another cloudy morning with little breeze what a difference compared with yesterday .
Seawatch from Bob's car park -9.00- 10.20
115 + GANNET -SE, 20 KITTIWAKE-SE, 85 BLACK HEADED GULL-SE
( in small flocks of upto 20 ), 1 MUTE SWAN - on sea , 7 COMMON
SCOTER-SE , 25 RAZORBILL- ON SEA . 1 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ( 109)- on sea drifting west , 3 DB BRENT GOOSE (110)- flew in from west- circled twice then flew back west, 1 BLACK T DIVER - flew in from west and landed off Hope 2 with 4 RED T DIVER - 1 SE (09.12) + 2 on sea, at 09.32 4 drifted in from west
On beach/rocks 18 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 RINGED PLOVER .
A short walk round Aveton Gifford produced - 2 NUTHATCH,
1 TREE CREEPER (111), 2 SONG THRUSH, 1 GREY WAGTAIL,
2 LONG T TIT
MON 24 JAN
Another cloudy morning with a light E breeze .
Quietest morning of the year - Seawatch from Warren Pt 09.00-10.30
150 GANNET, 2 WIGEON - on sea, 72 RAZORMOT-NW, 10 RAZORBILL - on sea , 3 SONG THRUSH - coast path
Spent an hour at Hatch Bridge - 1M 1F GOOSANDER ( 107 ) , talking to a local farmer he confirmed up to 4 RED L PARTRIDGE in a nearby field ( 108 ) .
SUN 23 JAN
A cloudy morning with a light E breeze .Great start to the day with 2 large feeding flocks of GANNET - off Warren Pt at least 700, off Bolt Tail ( at the same time 09.00 ) 400 .
The food offshore also responsible for over 110 RAZORBILL on the sea ( flocks of 30 + ) Another 50 RAZORMOT -SE .
On the sea 1 GREAT N DIVER , 15 CORMORANT, 8 SHAG
On the rocks / beach - 1 KINGFISHER, 21 OYSTERCATCHER,
23 TURNSTONE, 5 RINGED PLOVER.
On South Huish Marsh - 38 WIGEON, 30 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 3 MUTE SWAN , 60 CANADA GOOSE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 7 OYSTERCATCHER, 28 SNIPE , 2 JACK SNIPE ( 106 ) . Amongst the GULLS - 1 2W COMMON & 1 ad MED .2 LITTLE EGRET, 2 HERON .
In field at back of the Marsh - 60 STOCK DOVE.
At Aveton Gifford- 1 WATER RAIL ( in village stream )
FRI 21 JAN
Hard frost , marsh frozen over -sunny morning calm conditions.
Seawatch from 08.50- 10.20
25 GANNET, 2 FULMAR, 2 COMMON SCOTER-NW, 19 RAZORMOT- on sea , 1 RAZORBILL- on sea, 1 RED T DIVER - on sea.
On South Huish Marsh- 38 WIGEON, 20 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 14 SNIPE , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 80 CANADA GOOSE,
1 BARNACLE GOOSE.
West Buckland Valley, - 3 BULLFINCH, 1 KESTREL, 1 JAY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY, 2 REDWING
New photos added.
THURS 20 JAN
A morning of sunny calm conditions , only time for a Seawatch from Bob's carpark - 08.40-10.30
290 GANNET -NW apart from a feeding flock of 70. 4 KITTIWAKE NW, 1 ad MED GULL, 1 FULMAR -SE, 5 COMMON SCOTER ( 2 SE, 3 NW ), 160 RAZORMOT-NW, 40 on sea , 10 RAZORBILL -on sea .
1 CURLEW-NW
On rocks -23 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 TURNSTONE
Field near South Milton Ley- 2 SISKIN
WED 19 JAN
Cloudy morning with a period of heavy rain and poor visibility, clearing by 10.15 . Wind WNW 3 increasing 5
With shelter available spent seawatching from 09.00- 11.25
480 GANNET -NW, 22 KITTIWAKE-NW, 3 FULMAR-SE,
1 AD MED GULL -SE , 6 COMMON SCOTER- NW , 70 RAZORMOT-NW
On beach/rocks - 25 OYSTERCATCHER, 23 TURNSTONE, 3 LITTLE EGRET, 2 RAVEN
On South Huish Marsh - 15 SNIPE, 38 WIGEON, 52 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL
TUES 18 JAN
A cloudy morning with a light ENE breeze - interesting offshore passage - Seawatch from 09.00- 10.45
150 GANNET -SE , 250 KITTIWAKE-SE ( passage from -9.20)
2 adMED GULL SE , 72 RAZORMOT-SE , 4 RAZORBILL - on sea .
3 COMMON SCOTER-SE . At 10.10 picked up a RED NECKED GREBE on the sea which a few minutes later flew SE (104 ) . This is only my 2/3rd record over the last 20 + years . Because of the disturbance
from Kite Surfers and Paddle Borders Grebes in the Bay are a rare sighting .
On the beach/ rocks - 16 OYSTERCATCHER, 15 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 DUNLIN ( 105 ) , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
ON South Huish Marsh- 28 WIGEON , 45 TEAL , 22 SNIPE
Went over to Southdown Farm ( Soar ) found a mixed flock of 75 +
YELLOWHAMMER, CIRL BUNTING, CHAFFINCH.
A GREEN WOODY comes into our garden on a regular basis at around 12.40 for an ant feed
MON 17 JAN
After a frosty start a lovely sunny winters day .
Seawatch 09.00-10.00
50 GANNET -NW plus a feeding flock off Bigbury Bay of at least 100,
35 RAZORMOT-NW, 1 M COMMON SCOTER- SE
On beach/rocks - 14 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 TURNSTONE, 25 PIED WAGTAIL
On South Huish Marsh- another reduction in birds - only 25 WIGEON
40 TEAL , 1 SHELDUCK, 1 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON , 8 SNIPE
At Hatch Bridge - no sign of any PINK F GOOSE , 2 SISKIN (103)
6 LONG T TIT, 1 COAL TIT , 3 GOLDCREST, 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 2 JAY, mixed flock of 25+ FIELDFARE/ REDWING, 3 MISTLE THRUSH.
At Aveton Gifford- 1 REED BUNTING , BULLFINCH
Information from another farmer of a pair of BARN OWL occupying a nest box
SUN 16 JAN
Cloudy morning with light showers, wind WNW F4
Limited tine this morning- 45 min Seawatch produced-
205 GANNET -SE , 1175 RAZORMOT-SE, 50 KITTIWAKE-SE ,
4 COMMON SCOTER-SE
South Huish Marsh- 60 WIGEON , 40 TEAL, 250 BLACK HEADED GULL, 1 AD MED GULL, 1 2W COMMON GULL, 10 SNIPE ,
1 PEREGRINE over ( 101 )
Report received of at least 2 BARN OWL ( 102 ) on the patch
Hatch Bridge - 4 PINK FOOTED GOOSE still present
SAT 15 JAN
A cloudy morning improved remarkably when at 10.15 I watched the 4 PINK FOOTED GOOSE in a field near Hatch Bridge ( same field the GLOSSY IBIS were in upto 2 JAN )-quite a few years since I last saw these on the patch.
3Photos added
Next stop Gara Bridge- still no sign of DIPPERS ( Richie had 1 late afternoon) , 3 MARSH TIT, 4 LONG TAILED TIT, 2 NUTHATCH
FRI 14 JAN
Another very sunny morning with a NNE F3 breeze.
offshore 09.00-10.15
230 GANNET, 140 KITTIWAKE, 815 RAZORMOT-SE , 1 RED T DIVER
on sea .
Water levels dropping on the Marsh , big reduction in Duck to -
42 WIGEON , 45 TEAL, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , FERAL PIGEON ( 99 )
In the top field off the lane to the sewage works - 3 REED BUNTING
( 100 )
At Aveton Gifford Eric reports - GOLDCREST, 3 CHIFFY, 5 FIELDFARE
1 BLACKCAP, GREY WAGTAIL , TAWNY OWL .
THURS 13 JAN
Nice sunny morning , calm conditions.
09.00-10.15- Offshore
195 GANNET ( feeding flock of 150 ), 550 RAZORMOT-se in 1 hour ,
70 WIGEON on sea at 09.55
On rocks - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 RINGED PLOVER
On South Huish Marsh
10 WIGEON , 80 TEAL, 12 SNIPE, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , 3 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 SONG THRUSH
No sign of the WHITE FRONTED GOOSE
Report from yesterday of 4 PINK FOOTED GOOSE at Hatch Bridge.
WED 12 JAN
Sunny, calm day - decided to go over to Exminster Marshes and Exe Est - lots of birds to see
Exminster Marshes- plenty of LAPWING , 50 SHOVELER , 30 PINTAIL, WIGEON , TEAL , TUFTED DUCK , SHELDUCK, 1 M GADWALL .2 F MARSH HARRIER .many CURLEW.
EXE Estuary from the Powderham bridge - 2 visits before &after high tide ( latter was best ) - 1200 GOLDEN PLOVER , 100'S AVOCET
1000'S DUNLIN , many REDSHANK , 20 GREY PLOVER , 3 RINGED PLOVER, 2 KNOT, 100 + PINTAIL , 5 RED BREASTED MERGANSER,
20 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 2 EGYPTIAN GOOSE, MANY BRENT GOOSE
On a pool near to Starcoss - 62 CATTLE EGRET , 1 GREENSHANK
Offshore at Dawlish Warren - 32 GREAT CRESTED GREBE ,
2 RED T DIVER, 1 GREAT N DIVER
Alan had his first ringing session at South Milton Ley - 65 new birds inc - 41 CHIIFY ( 2 uk controls ) 3 SIBERIAN CHIFFY, 6 GOLDCREST, 3 BULLFINCH. On site 2 CETTIS WARBLER ( 98 )
TUES 11 JAN
Fog rolling in throughout the morning , calm conditions.
Managed an hour seawatching from -9.15-
2 GANNET, 10 RAZORBILL -on sea, 2 GUILLEMOT-on sea ,
12 RAZORMOT-SE, 1 BLACK T DIVER ( on sea then SE @ 09.50 )(95)
On rocks 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 5 RINGED PLOVER, 6 TURNSTONE.
On South Huish Marsh - 105 WIGEON, 80 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL, 1 COOT, 15 SNIPE, 19 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE,
5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( RUSSIAN ) 3 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET,
1 SPRAWK
South Milton Ley - 25 CHIFFY, 1 SIBERIAN CHIFFY (96 ),
1 GREAT SPOTTED WOODY, 2 BULLFINCH, 1 GOLDCREST ,
6 CIRL BUNTING( 97 )
MON 10 JAN
Milder weather resulted in a lot of low cloud and mist with drizzle
too bad for any seawatching.
On South Huish Marsh-
5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE ( still feeding in field) with CANADA flock
85 WIGEON, 70 TEAL, 1 M PINTAIL , 1 AD MED GULL, 40+ SNIPE
24 TURNSTONE, 32 OYSTERCATCHER, 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 CHIFFY
1 SONG THRUSH
With no seawatching drove over to Gara Bridge - on the feeders
1 MARSH TIT , 2 NUTHATCH, 1 M SISKIN , 1 GREAT SP WOODY
SUN 9 JAN
Much better weather this morning- bright periods with a W F5 wind .
Offshore - -9.30-10.30
14 GANNET, 5 KITTIWAKE, 70 RAZORMOT, At 10.00 a GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - NW ( 90 )
On rocks - 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 8 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER,
1 GREY PLOVER ( 91 )
On South Huish marsh-
170 CANADA GOOSE, 5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 50 TEAL, 60 WIGEON, 1 M PINTAIL, 1 COOT, 2 LITTLE EGRET, 1 HERON, 5 SNIPE, 6 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 1 WATER PIPIT, 14 STOCK DOVE (92 ), 1 SPRAWK
ROD BONE reports from South Efford / North Marsh-
2 GREEN SANDPIPER ( 93 ) , 4 GREENSHANK, 13 REDSHANK, 4 LITTLE GREBE ( 94 )
New photos added
FRI 7 JAN
Not a morning for birdwatching- cloudy heavy rain from 10.15
gale force W wind
An hour seawatching from 09.10 only produced - 8 GANNET ,
2 KITTIWAKE, 1 RAZORMOT. A feeding flock of 120 BLACK H GULL also contained 3 MED GULL - ad, 2W , 1w
On the beach 4 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 TURNSTONE
On South Huish Marsh-
5 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 28 OYSTERCATCHER, 30 SNIPE , 1 COOT
100 WIGEON, 50 TEAL, 175 CANADA GOOSE , 5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, 7 GREYLAG GOOSE .
AT 10.30 a MERLIN ( 88) causing havoc
At Aveton Gifford - 1 KINFISHER ( 89 )
Thurlestone garden - 1 M BULLFINCH, GREEN WOODY
Photos added
THURS 6 JAN
Cloudy early , heavy rain from 11.00, wind W F5-7
08.45 South Huish Marsh-
5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, 7 GREYLAG GOOSE, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE
Small CANADA GOOSE, 75 WIGEON , 30 TEAL , 1 M PINTAIL
22 OYSTERCATCHER, 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 5 RINGED PLOVER
Offshore - large feeding flock of birds comprising-
150 KITTIWAKE, 75 BLACK H GULL, 60 HERRING GULL, 95 GANNET
10 RAZORBILL, 5 GUILLEMOT.
11 COMMON SCOTER -SE (86 ) , 1 RED T DIVER -SE ( 87 )
On the beach - 4 TURNSTONE
On Yarmer Beach - 11 OYSTERCATCHER, 14 TURNSTONE,
4 RINGED PLOVER.
WED 5 JAN
Asunny but cold day - Had a day out in nearby Cornwall picked up some good year ticks .
Off Marine Drive Torpoint - 1 SLAVONIAN GREBE , 1 RED - NECKED GREBE, 12 GREAT CRESTED GREBE, 3 LITTLE GREBE , plenty of waders inc - 1000+ DUNLIN, 75 TURNSTONE, 55 AVOCET .
Nice to meet up with Stuart Green
Next stop Hannafore - Looe- 6 GREAT N DIVER , 1 RED T DIVER,
2 SLAVONIAN GREBE, 2 COMMON SCOTER -W, 3M 1F EIDER ,
on the rocks 1 BAR TAILED GOWIT , 2 AD MED GULL
On the way back went along the estuary road between Millbrook and Cromwell- 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 6 BRENT GOOSE - PB
10 BRENT GOOSE - DB
Only disappointment couldn't locate any SPOONBILL tried 3 of their favourite locations
Reports of records on the patch - at South Huish Marsh-
5 WHITE FRONTED GOOSE , 7 GREYLAG GOOSE , 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , 1M 2F PINTAIL, 4 BLACK TAILED GODWIT, 15 SNIPE , WIGEON & TEAL
in my garden at 08.00 a KESTREL.
A remarkable start to the year with 6 species of GOOSE that is
unprecedented in all the years I have been recording on the patch .
A small flock of BRENTS would be very welcome
TUES 4 JAN
Sunny morning with a cold NW F4/5 wind - at last good offshore visability .
09.10- South Huish Marsh
4 ad 1 1w WHITE FRONTED GOOSE - on the small pool, this is th 5th specie of Goose recorded on the patch so far this year - unprecedented. Also 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 100 + TEAL, 50 WIGEON,
1 M PINTAIL, 15 OYSTERCATCHER, 1 RINGED PLOVER,
OFFSHORE -
66 GANNET -NW , 2 FULMAR, 45 KITTIWAKE, 30 RAZORMOT,
On the beach / rocks - 15 TURNSTONE, 1 RINGED PLOVER
HUXTON CROSS - 20 SKYLARK, 1 MISTLE THRUSH.
Thurlestone Garden - 1 GREEN WOODY, 1 TAWNY OWL.
MON 3 JAN
Another cloudy morning , heavy rain PM, Sw f 5 wind .
09.15 Bay
10 GANNET, , on beach/rocks - 19 TURNSTONE, 1 RINGED PLOVER,
3 OYSTERCATCHER.
On Yarmer Beach - 10 OYSTERCATCHER, 7 TURNSTONE, 4 RINGED PLOVER, 1 PUFFIN ( died )
On South Huish Marsh- 3 SHELDUCK, 60 WIGEON, 75 TEAL, 1 COOT
12 OYSTERCATCHER, 10 SNIPE., 1 BARNACLE GOOSE , 1 SMALL CANADA GOOSE , 1 AD MED GULL, 1 WATER PIPIT, 1 SONG THRUSH
2 HERON , 2 LITTLE EGRET.
Tidal Road & Aveton Gifford-
CURLEW, 5 REDSHANK, 3 GREENSHANK, 3 BLACK TAILED GODWIT,
1 COMMON SANDPIPER, 1 GREEN WOODY, 1 GREAT SP WOODY,
1 TAWNY OWL, 1 F BLACKCAP, 2 SONG THRUSH , 2 CHIFFY
Huxton Cross - flock of 50 LINNET
Thurlestone Gdn - 1 GREEN WOODY
GARA BRIDGE- although outside the patch it is one of the few places to see MARSH TIT , unfortunately not today - but did record
1M 1F GOOSANDER, 2 GREAT SP WOODY, 3 COAL TIT .
Patch species list - 78
New photos added
SUN 2 JAN
A cloudy morning, heavy showers, wind SW F5 .
09.30- South Huish Marsh-
75 TEAL, 55 WIGEON, 1 COOT, 1 1W COMMON GULL , 1 AD MED GULL, 1 BARNACLE GOOSE, 1 CACKLING GOOSE, 2 HERON , 3 LITTLE EGRET, 8 OYSTERCATCHER, 1RAVEN , 2 STONECHAT
Late afternoon - 1 M PINTAIL
HATCH Bridge - 6 GLOSSY IBIS , 1 M PINTAIL, 4 PINK FOOTED GOOSE( flew off 09.45)
Aveton GGifford- 1 f BLACKCAP.
SATURDAY 1 JAN
Hatch Bridge - 6 GLOSSY IBIS- Showed weir, mixed flock of 60
FIELDFARE & REDWING.
Huxton Cross - 15 SKYLARK, 200 STARLING,
T'Stone Gdn - SPRAWK, JAY, GREENFINCH, GOLDFINCH., CHAFFINCH, LONG T TIT, WATER RAIL
Aveton Gifford-NUTHATCH, BULLFINCH ., JAY