Tuesday 29 January 2019

Tuesday 29th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

No sign of the Velvet Scoter offshore but ten Red-throated Diver flew south early morning. Elsewhere the Slavonian Grebe, two Eider, two Goldeneye and a Kingfisher were off Cockwood and nine Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Monday 28 January 2019

Monday 28th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter remains offshore with the Slavonian Grebe, three Eider, two Goldeneye and a Great Northern Diver off Cockwood.


Sunday 27 January 2019

Sunday 27th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was off the seawall with 16 Great-crested Grebe, six Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver. Elsewhere 117 Brent Geese, at least one Greenshank and the Slavonian Grebe were in the estuary.
 
Wildlife News: A bull Grey Seal was offshore.
 

Saturday 26 January 2019

Saturday 26th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Black-necked Grebe remains off John's Watch with the Velvet Scoter and 42 Great-crested Grebe also on the sea. Early morning 48 Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver flew south with 70+ Kittiwake, 30+ Gannet and six Fulmar flew south.

Counts from the estuary included 1550 Dunlin, 180 Grey Plover, 85 Knot, 47 Bar-tailed Godwit, 32 Wigeon, seven Greenshank, just six Brent Geese, three Eider, three Mediterranean Gull, a hybrid Black-headed/Mediterranean Gull and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere nine Shoveler, at least seven Cirl Bunting and two Coal Tit were on site.

Cirl Bunting - Alan Keatley
 


Cirl Bunting - Lee Collins

Wildlife News: At least one Harbour Porpoise was offshore.

Friday 25 January 2019

Friday 25th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

Wader counts over the high tide included 960 Dunlin, 190 Grey Plover, 85 Knot, 34 Sanderling, eight Bar-tailed Godwit and a Lapwing with three Eider and a Mediterranean Gull also in the estuary. Elsewhere the Velvet Scoter, 65 Great-crested Grebe and eight Red-throated Diver were offshore and nine Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Dunlin - Lee Collins


Thursday 24 January 2019

Thursday 24th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Slavonian Grebe was in Shutterton Creek with 60 Snipe in the estuary and offshore late afternoon seven Great-crested Grebe and a Red-throated Diver.

Wednesday 23 January 2019

Wednesday 23rd January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was offshore late afternoon with 92 Great-crested Grebe, 38 Gannet and two Red-throated Diver earlier in the day. The 11 Cirl Bunting remain on site.

Wildlife News: At least three Common Dolphin were offshore.

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Tuesday 22nd January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The first Black-necked Grebe of the year was off John's Watch this morning with a Black-Throated Diver also reported offshore along with two Red-Throated and a Great Northern Diver, 80+ Great Crested Grebe and two Common Scoter. Elsewhere 11 Cirl Bunting were along the Back Path and three Eider, a Great Northern Diver and the Slavonian Grebe were off Cockwood.

Monday 21 January 2019

Monday 21st January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was off the seawall with 74 Great-crested Grebe and two Red-throated Diver. Elsewhere a Firecrest was on the north side of the Main Pond.


Sunday 20 January 2019

Sunday 20th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

A late afternoon visit saw the immature Velvet Scoter off the seawall with 26 Great-crested Grebe, the Cetti's Warbler by the Dune Pond, eight Shoveler at the Main Pond and a roost of 80 Pied Wagtail in the Golf Course Pond.

Saturday 19 January 2019

Saturday 19th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was again offshore this morning with three Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver. Counts from the estuary included 283 Teal, 160+ Brent Geese (in to roost), 87 Wigeon, two Eider, a Greenshank and the Slavonian Grebe.

Elsewhere the two Firecrest were again present early morning, with a Coal Tit, a Redwing, 79 Goldfinch, eight Cirl Bunting and a Siskin on site and seven Shoveler on the Main Pond.

Shoveler - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: The sunny weather brought the warmest day of the year so far and with it the first hoverflies of the year, Eupeodes luniger and Marmalade Hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus as well as several Honey Bee and a Buff-tailed Bumblebee. Elsewhere seven Common Dolphin were offshore early afternoon and in the estuary there were two Grey Seal, an adult and an immature. 

Eupeodes luniger - Alan Keatley

Honey Bee - Alan Keatley

Friday 18 January 2019

Friday 18th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The first Fulmar of the year, four Great Northern Diver and 120 Gannet flew south early morning with 19 Great-crested Grebe, two Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver on the sea.

Counts from the estuary included 145 Teal, 130 Wigeon, just 37 Brent Geese and three Greenshank. Elsewhere five Shoveler were on the Main Pond and the Coal Tit was again on the feeders.

Thursday 17 January 2019

Thursday 17th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

No sign of the Velvet Scoter in a brief look off the seawall this afternoon with 54 Great-crested Grebe and a Common Scoter.

Wildlife News: At least seven Common Dolphin were distantly offshore.

Wednesday 16 January 2019

Wednesday 16th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter remains offshore with 24 Great-crested Grebe, seven Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver. Elsewhere three Shoveler and a Water Rail were at the Main Pond.

Tuesday 15 January 2019

Tuesday 15th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

A brief look off the seawall saw the Velvet Scoter sat offshore with five Red-throated Diver, five Common Scoter and 38 Great-crested Grebe.

Monday 14 January 2019

Monday 14th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was again offshore early morning with a single Great Northern Diver. Also present first thing at least one Firecrest, with five Cirl Bunting also on site. In the estuary an Eider in the Bight and the Slavonian Grebe off Cockwood.

Sunday 13 January 2019

Sunday 13th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter was offshore until 10am before relocating to Teignmoth late morning, also present 17 Great-crested Grebe.

The low high tide lead to many species roosting offsite with counts including 160 Wigeon, 113 Grey Plover, 106 Knot, 51 Redshank, 50 Teal, 32 Curlew, 27 Brent Geese, six Greenshank and two Black-tailed Godwit. An unseasonal pale phase Arctic Skua flew down river and out to sea.

Elsewhere a Woodcock was flushed from the small roundabout just inside the railway tunnel(!), six Shoveler were on the Main Pond and two Redwing and a Coal Tit were in the bushes.  

Wildlife News: At least four Common Dolphin were offshore with two Fox in Dead Dolphin Wood and a Stoat in the Buffer Zone.

Saturday 12 January 2019

Saturday 12th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter remained offshore with 24 Great-crested Grebe, four Common Scoter and two Red-throated Diver. In the estuary the three Eider were on Finger Point at high tide, with counts including 1160 Dunlin, 166 Wigeon, 153 Grey Plover, 78 Curlew, 73 Knot, 51 Redshank, 47 Teal, 46 Brent Geese, 12 Sanderling and two Greenshank.

Elsewhere two Firecrest were again in the Car Park early morning, four Shoveler were on the Main Pond and two Redwing and a Coal Tit were in the bushes.  

Friday 11 January 2019

Friday 11th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The Velvet Scoter remains off the seawall, mostly feeding on its own but sometimes with at least eight Common Scoter also in the bay. Also offshore 19 Great-crested Grebe. Elsewhere two Eider and the Slavonian Grebe were off Cockwood.

Thursday 10 January 2019

Thursday 10th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

A Velvet Scoter was offshore later afternoon but no other news was received.

Wednesday 9 January 2019

Wednesday 9th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

Early morning at least one Firecrest was in the brambles by the Car Park, five Redwing were near the Visitor Centre and five Shoveler were on Main Pond.

Monday 7 January 2019

Monday 7th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The two Firecrest were again around the Car Park early morning with 14 Long-tailed Tit and a Goldcrest. From the seawall 25 Great-crested Grebe and a Red-throated Diver, elsewhere the first Mallard of the year was on the Main Pond with five Shoveler and at least one Water Rail.

Sunday 6 January 2019

Sunday 6th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The high pressure has kept the weather and birding static with little change on both fronts. A single Siskin around the alders was however new for the year. Also in the bushes two Redwing, two Chiffchaff and two Coal Tit with the Cetti's Warbler and eight Shoveler at the Main Pond.

Elsewhere four Red-throated Diver and 24 Great-crested Grebe were offshore, a Golden Plover flew over and three Eider, two Greenshank and the Slavonian Grebe were in the estuary.

Saturday 5 January 2019

Saturday 5th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The first two Black-tailed Godwit and Kingfisher of the year were feeding off Cockwood, along with the Slavonian Grebe and 11 Red-breasted Merganser. Also in the estuary 256 Wigeon, 208 Teal, 98 Curlew, 81 Brent Geese, 57 Redshank and five Greenshank.

Elsewhere seven Red-throated Diver and 20 Great-crested Grebe were offshore, four Shoveler were on the Main Pond and at least one Coal Tit remains in the bushes.

Wildlife News: The Grey Seal was again in the estuary.

Friday 4 January 2019

Friday 4th January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

News from a quick early morning visit included two Firecrest and two Cirl Bunting around the Car Park, a Coal Tit, five Shoveler on the Main Pond, 12 Great-crested Grebe offshore and the first two Rook of the year overhead.

Thursday 3 January 2019

Thursday 3rd January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

A low tide visit saw 45 Brent Geese, 26 Shelduck and two Greenshank on the mudflats and an Eider in the Main Channel. Elsewhere two Redwing were in Dead Dolphin Wood, two Red-throated Diver were offshore, a Firecrest was behind the Main Pond and a Coal Tit was in the Entrance Bushes.

Wednesday 2 January 2019

Wednesday 2nd January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

A higher afternoon tide brought a flock of 85 Bar-tailed Godwit to Finger Point after yesterday's absence, also in the estuary 116 Curlew, five Goldeneye, including one drake, and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was in Dead Dolphin Wood, a Coal Tit was in the Entrance Bushes and 33 Linnet roosted in gorse in the Buffer Zone. This species has been largely absent for the last month.

Wildlife News: The Grey Seal was hauled out on a barge in the estuary at high tide.

Tuesday 1 January 2019

Tuesday 1st January

Due to the significant erosion at Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge District Council is advising extreme caution when visiting. The dune path between groyne 10 – 18 is unsafe and a section of this path is completely closed with no access. Access to Warren Point and the bird hide is only possible via the beach with the risk of being cut off for a period either side of each high tide. The only access, up and back down, to these areas is along the beach at lower states of tide.

The continuing still, and at times, sunny weather saw a good start to the year with a total of 76 species recorded by dusk, the most notable absentees included Bar-tailed Godwit, Canada Goose and even Mallard.

Three Goldeneye off the seawall early morning were unusual as the species is rarely seen offshore, also on the sea 26 Great-crested Grebe, a single Common Scoter, a Great Northern and at least three Red-throated Diver, a further eight Red-throated Diver flew south.

On a low high tide wader counts from the estuary were much reduced around the hide with just 64 Grey Plover, 16 Knot and seven Sanderling amongst the Dunlin. a good total of 62 Turnstone were however feeding on the incoming tide, many eventually roosting in the Railway Saltmarsh. Also in the estuary 281 Wigeon, 103 Teal, 92 Brent Geese, 61 Common and a Mediterranean Gull, 29 Shelduck, seven Greenshank, three Eider, a Lapwing and the Slavonian Grebe.

Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was mobile between the first and Main Pond, at least one Firecrest roosted in the Entrance Bushes with three Chiffchaff and a Coal Tit, five Shoveler were on the Main Pond and a single Golden Plover flew over.

Wildlife News: A Grey Seal was in the estuary and a New Year Plant hunt saw a total of 34 species in flower including Sea Spurge, Sweet Violet and new for the Recording area, Winter Jasmine.