Blog

11 September 2025

Bowling Green Marsh

Went today to catch the early high tide, quiet at first with me and just one other until the Exeter Birding group turned up and the hide was full, glad I got there early!

Unfortunately the sun was in your eyes and making photography difficult as it was just silhouettes.

Did see some good stuff though with Curlew, Godwits, Knot, Ruff, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks, Lapwing and a surprise for here a Turnstone!

Other water birds, the usual Gulls, Teal, Widgeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Grey heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Shelduck, Canada Geese,, Sand Martins.

Other birds, Wood pigeon, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Robin, Blue Tit and on leaving a Sparrowhawk completed a good morning out. pics to come

09 September 2025

Powderham to Turf

I had a bit of time this morning and decided to walk up to Turf, the timing wasnt great because the tide was in and very high so no mud banks available in the time i was here.

There was though a few waders on the sea wall but always being moved on by humans walking the footpath, in these small groups of birds there was Dunlin, Ringed Plover and a Little Stint, plenty of the usual Gulls, Cormorants, Mute Swans and I heard a Tern but couldn't see it.

There was also a large flock 100+ birds of Starlings enjoying the Blackberries.

Also here there was guys doing drilling, apparently they are going to move the sea wall and allow the fields to flood?- pics to follow

06 September 2025

Yarner and Dartmoor

Started off today at Yarner to see if the feeders were up but no, a bit early.

Some action on the Reservoir with lots of female ducks, mainly Mallard but a couple of Mandarin.

Not many other birds seen, Blackbird, Woodpigeon Wren, Robin and a Spotted Flycatcher which was nice to see.

Autumn coming with Berries and nuts about as well as a few Butterflies in the sun such as red Admiral and Large White. Noticed the wardens had been hard at work and plenty of Bat and Rodent nest Boxes.

Usual route around Dartmoor and all the usual stuff with Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Magpie, Rook, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Robin, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Kestrel and groups of House Martins and Swallows hawking close to trees and water. pics to follow

04 September 2025

Bat Detector

Yesterday after work I went to the RSPB shop at Darts Farm and bought a Bat Detector, its a Magenta Bat5 and cost me £120 not including batteries, 4 x AAA, another £14 but think its going to be worth it!

I went to the rd by Powderham at dawn and could already see some Bats flying, I got a range of Frequency's but after chatting with some people who know more than me I need to get sound right, so clearly need to learn more and get out to keep trying. Must admit I enjoyed it!

Also could hear other stuff like Owls so plenty to look into.

Sunday 7th I went back to Powderham for several reasons, one being trying out the detector along the footpath by the River Kenn which was successful, got some good call of Pips flying around. Probably the last time for a while as the weather looks crap and the Bats staying in the warm and dont blame them!

02 September 2025

Devon International Bat night

Over the weekend I picked up from Facebook there was a Bat night/survey.

I had noted over the years I had lived in Dawlish that plenty of Bats had been over the Brook but unfortunately the local council had taken a lot of lights down so very difficult to see, but after walking around after dark you could still see bats flying around but I have no idea what species they are.

Still an enjoyable experience and has motivated to learn more and get a bat detector which iam looking into now, hopefully have some more news soon on the matter!

26 August 2025

Hiya

Hi all, been away from here in a while, nothing wrong other than trying to sort my computer out and trying to make a decision about this computer. Should I fix the problem and upgrade it or buy a new one?

I took it to Teign Geeks, they said it needed a new RAM and a total bill to upgrade to windows 11 would cost £110, defiantly cheaper than a new one and I wouldn't have to transfer everything, no brainer!

There has been an issue with the picture library as the 11 does it different so still getting my head around that!

I have still been going out, on Dartmoor a lot, along the River Otter looking for Beaver, plenty of signs but no actual sightings and tonight down by the Brook looking for Bats for the Devon Survey coming up, sadly only saw one and not sure what it was, there used to be loads here!

29 July 2025

Dunsford Woods

After a night shift I went for a nice walk along the River Teign at Steps Bridge into Dunsford Woods.

The river was down to a level I hadn't seen in a long time, the water was very clear and in the pools you could see plenty of fish fry but I couldn't tell you what species they were. A few trees had fallen across the river causing the odd dam which I expect will move when the river has more water moving.

Saw Dipper and Grey Wagtail but very little else on the bird front, little or no bird song, but I suppose its that time of year.

Did see quite a few Grey Squirrels after the Hazel Nuts as well as half eaten nuts around the Dormice Boxes in the wooded area.

Only a Gatekeeper was seen on the Butterfly front and a Toad hopped in front of me was a different and funny couple of minutes.

Apart from a few free running dogs a lovely walk!

26 July 2025

Dartmoor

Supposed to be a nice day today but when I got on the Moor it was raining and mist was around, but after awhile thankfully it lifted and sun appeared.

In turn this brought out insects and loads of small birds, especially around an area of Xmas Trees. Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff, Blue and Great Tits, Robin, Dunnock, Pied and Grey Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Yellow Hammers, Stonechats, Reed Buntings, Martins and Swallows, Blackbirds, Linnet, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven and a couple of Buzzard completed the day.

Very few humans about so had the place to myself.

25 July 2025

Seaton Marshes

Went to Seaton Marshes today after reports about Waders which there was plenty.

Lots like the Godwits were still in Summer plumage looking stunning! Also seen were Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Redshank, Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, Common and Wood Sandpiper, Mallard, Moorhen and chicks, Grey Heron, all the usual Gulls, Water Rail seen and heard, Cettis and Reed Warblers, Blackcaps, Robin, Blackbird, Reed Buntings, Sand Martins and Swallows, Great-spotted Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon and Magpie.

Lots of friendly humans about which made a good day out even better!

22 July 2025

Around the fields

With harvest on the go the countryside has a new feel to it although in previous years there has been quite a few Corvids, Woodpigeons and Pheasants on the stubble but not this year? Perhaps the ground is too hard and nothing to find??

A few Fallow Deer about as well as Butterflies, mainly White sp and Gatekeepers.

Seen a mixture of small birds with Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Robin, Yellowhammer and Swallows and Martins hawking over the fields.

A couple of Buzzards but that's all on the Raptor front.

Some trees look a little stressed with all the heat and leaves dropped so looking forward to the Autumn and see what that brings.

© Simon Thurgood 2025
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