Events in 2023
October Trip
Yesterday 8 of us went on a lovely summer walk from Powderham Church towards the Turf Inn on the embankment facing the estuary. Of course, it shouldn't have been a summery walk because it was October, but as the temperature was over 20 degrees, how else can I describe it.
We saw
Rook Crow Jackdaw Wood Pigeon Starling (two flocks loudly calling in the hedgerows) Oyster catcher Curlew Little Egret Black-headed Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed GullCormorant (including one that had more white than dark feathers underneath, confusing us by looking like a large grebe, until it took off) Black Swans (probably not native!) Dunlin (70+ just beneath us) Water Pipit (at least according to the Merlin phone App)
It is far more likely that the pipit was a Rock Pipit as they are native, but the Water Pipit is a rare visitor, but seen in Devon this year. However, Brian did note the eye stripe, which is more distinct on the Water than the Rock, so the App, which analysed its call, may be correct. If so, it is a big tick. I have a blurry photo, but only of the back, which isn't helpful.
March Trip
Good trip. About 7 members attended. Sorry about the quality of the photo of the heron. Good number of birds seen at Topsham hide, viridor viewing platform and the Goat Walk. Dull weather, so not the best conditions to view the birds.
Feb Trip
Birding group met on Friday for a trip to Dawlish Warren 7 folks in all. 14 species were seen as far as I can remember, the highlight being 2 flights of Velvet Scoters. Unfortunately the hide is still inaccessible but was too far to visit anyway.
Previous visits
November
Very good day with 9 people in all and sunshine all day . Visited Bowling Green marsh again for winter migrants and we were not disappointed . Loads of birds and also had a good view of a kestrel and a fly pass of Pintail ducks from the Viridor viewing platform later on .
September
The second visit was was a rather unproductive event to Exminster marshes therefore we went on to Powderham where we saw Shell duck, Canada geese and various gulls. Very high tide which wasn't helpful
The first visit was to Topsham Hide and we shared transport as much as possible.
August 22
On Friday last 8 people turned up at Crediton station car park to travel to Aylesbeare common where we met up with a further 2. Unfortunately there was a paucity of bird life, none of the hoped for species, but we did see several buzzards and pigeons. Other items of interest were a slow worm and a fox moth caterpillar plus a large fungus. Quite hot weather and brilliant company, so a good day despite the lack of birds.The warm weather and the beautiful countryside made it a great trip.