Thursday 28th February

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 highlights on another warm spring-like day were both overhead; the first February record of Red Kite drifting north at 8.15am and the third Warren record of Glossy Ibis high east at 10.30. Elsewhere a Sandwich Tern and a Red-throated Diver were offshore, a Chiffchaff was at the Main Pond and the first four Ringed Plover of the year(!), 99 Common Gull and three Black-tailed Godwit were in the estuary.

 

Long-tailed Tit - Alan Keatley

 

Red Kite - Alan Keatley

 

Wildlife News: Despite the weather still no butterflies or solitary bees were seen , however there were a couple of hoverflies with an Eristalis tenax and an early, no doubt migrant, Eupeodes corollae - the fifth species of the year. 

 

 Eupeodes corollae - Alan Keatley 

Eristalis tenax - Alan Keatley

 

 

Tuesday 26th February

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.

Counts from the estuary included 215 Curlew, 77 Turnstone and 50 Brent Geese. Elsewhere seven Shoveler and four Little Grebe were on the Main Pond with a Great Northern Diver and 23 Great-crested Grebe offshore. Overhead three Raven but a late report from last week concerns a total of 26 birds, if correct the second highest site record.

 Cirl Bunting (male) - Lee Collins

Cirl Bunting (female) - Lee Collins

 

 

Saturday 23rd February

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.

Counts from the estuary included 213 Brent Geese, 143 Grey Plover, 95 Curlew, 77 Common and an adult Mediterranean Gull, 49 Redshank, 39 Knot, 26 Bar-tailed Godwit, seven Greenshank, three Eider and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere a Great Northern Diver was off the seawall and four Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

 Dunlin, Grey Plover, Knot & Sanderling - Alan Keatley

Great Northern Diver - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: The first butterfly of the year, a Red Admiral, flew past the seawall.

Thursday 21st February

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 the Velvet Scoter and 16 Great-crested Grebe still offshore, the Cetti's Warbler and four Shoveler on the Main Pond and eight Snipe and a Coal Tit also on site.

Reed Bunting - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: Despite the unseasonal weather still no reports of any butterflies on site and flying insects limited to a few Buff-tailed Bumblebee on the wing. Elsewhere a Field Vole was along the Back Path.

Tuesday 19th February

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.

Four Red-throated Diver and 33 Great-crested Grebe were offshore early morning with three Eider in the estuary, six Shoveler on the Main Pond and single Rook and Siskin overhead.

Monday 18th February

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.

An hour seawatch first thing saw 37 Red-throated Diver head south with 99 Gannet, 91 Kittiwake, 51 auk sp and five Red-breasted Merganser with 27 Great-crested Grebe.

Ringing News: A further Oystercatcher recovery with the news that H7 moved overnight on Saturday from the Warren to Larne Harbour, Co. Antrim.

Sunday 17th February

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 Whimbrel was a surprise early migrant roosting in the Bight with 206 Curlew, also in the estuary the Slavonian Grebe, 76 Common Gull, 69 Brent Geese, four Greenshank and two Eider. Elsewhere the Velvet Scoter flew south offshore with 16 Red-throated Diver and 23 Great-crested Grebe.

Ringing News: With Spring already underway several of the Warren's colour-ringed Oystercatcher have already arrived back on their breeding grounds. Two have been resighted in The Netherlands, but the first was M7 which was back at Carsington Water, Derbyshire on 1st February, nine days earlier than last year.

Saturday 16th February

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.

Counts from the estuary included 1515 Dunlin, 675 Oystercatcher, a winter high 269 Brent Geese, 124 Grey Plover, 77 Turnstone, 30 Teal, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, five Greenshank and three Eider.

Early morning 48 Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver flew south, with a dozen of the former offshore in the afternoon along with 24 Great-crested Grebe. Elsewhere six Shoveler were on the Main Pond, three Raven were overhead and seven Cirl Bunting and two Coal Tit were onsite.

Wildlife News: A Grey Seal was in the estuary.

Friday 15th February

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.

Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese and four Greenshank were in the estuary on the rising tide with at least six Cirl Bunting and three Stonechat on site, a Raven overhead and five Shoveler and three Little Grebe on the Main Pond.

Wildlife News: Despite the continuing sunny conditions the cold and foggy start seems to be keeping insects in hibernation but at least a dozen Seven-spot Ladybird were emerging from a cut pile of Gorse on Warren Point.  

Thursday 14th February

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 misty start clearing to bright sunshine saw clear signs of Spring with birdsong across the site including several Skylark and a Cirl Bunting. On the Main Pond the Little Grebe and up to six Shoveler were also displaying. Elsewhere five Gadwall, the first of the year, flew south offshore, the Velvet Scoter was off John's Watch, two Redwing were in Dead Dolphin Wood and two Siskin were in the Entrance Bushes.

Little Grebe - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: Despite warmer weather there was little insect activity with only a couple of Buff tailed Bumblebee and Honey Bee on the flowering Gorse, but a few overwintering Seven-spot Ladybird were coaxed out of hibernation. Disappointingly still no butterflies reported this year.

Seven-spot Ladybird - Alan Keatley

Wednesday 13th February

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.

Seawatching early morning saw 700 auk sp south with 45 Gannet and 28 Red-throated Diver, the Velvet Scoter and 16 Great-crested Grebe were also offshore. Elsewhere a Redwing was in Dead Dolphin Wood and four Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

 

Tuesday 12th February

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 offshore with 16 Great-crested Grebe and three Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Monday 11th February

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.

An early morning visit saw the Velvet Scoter offshore with 14 Great-crested Grebe and at least two Red-throated Diver. Elsewhere six Cirl Bunting were on site and five Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Sunday 10th February

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 John's Watch with 24 Great-crested Grebe, eight Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver also offshore.

Counts from the estuary included 192 Grey Plover, 125 Knot, 112 Brent Geese, 45 Shelduck, 21 Sanderling, three Eider, two Greenshank and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was in the Entrance Bushes, two Redwing and a Coal Tit were on site and four Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Saturday 9th February

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.

Seawatching during the morning saw 182 Kittiwake, 96 Gannet, 15 Fulmar, 43 Red-throated and a Great Northern Diver head south, most during the first couple of hours. Also offshore the Velvet Scoter and small groups of Black-headed and five Lesser Black-backed Gull heading north.

Counts from the estuary included 183 Grey Plover, 118 Brent Geese, 86 Knot, 49 Shelduck, 46 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Eider and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was in the Car Park, two Redwing and a Coal Tit were on site and five Shoveler were on the Main Pond.

Friday 8th February

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 quick evening visit showed 10 Kittiwake and a Common Scoter offshore with two Little Grebe, a Shoveler and a Water Rail at the Main Pond.

Thursday 7th February

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.

Seawatching saw 55 Red-throated and four Great Northern Diver head south early morning with the Velvet Scoter also offshore. Elsewhere counts from the estuary included 149 Grey Plover, 106 Knot, 29 Bar-tailed Godwit, 24 Turnstone, three Eider, a second winter Mediterranean Gull and the Slavonian Grebe.

Mediterranean Gull - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: A couple of queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee were on the wing during sunny spells this morning.

Buff-tailed Bumblebee - Alan Keatley

Wednesday 6th February

The Slavonian Grebe remains off Cockwood but no other news was received.

Sunday 3rd February

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.

Another cold clear start to the day but no evidence of any weather related movement. Counts from the estuary included 157 Curlew, 108 Wigeon, 55 Shelduck, 50 Teal, 48 Brent Geese, 32 Bar-tailed Godwit, three Greenshank, three Eider and the Slavonian Grebe. Elsewhere the Velvet Scoter and two Red-throated Diver were offshore, six Shoveler were at the Main Pond and a showy Water Rail was at the First Pond.

Saturday 2nd February

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 icy clear day with continuing cold weather movement with Lapwing the most visible refugee as 1856 flew west before midday. This is only the fourth large scale cold weather Lapwing movement over the Warren since 1980 - Dec 1981 (max 4,000), Jan 2010 (max 3,317), Dec 2010 (max 996) & Mar 2018 (max 9,180); it is also the eighth 4-figure day-count since 1967. With them were 81 Golden Plover - the seventh highest site count.

Lapwing - Alan Keatley

Once again the large numbers of thrush moving just to the east did not make the Warren with just 33 Redwing and 15 Fieldfare overhead. Elsewhere the Velvet Scoter and two Great Northern Diver were offshore, the Slavonian Grebe and an Eider were of Cockwood, seven Shoveler were at the Main Pond and two Coal Tit remain on site.

Friday 1st February

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 overnight snow delivered a cold weather movement, but in much lower numbers than only 20 miles further east. Heading west during the morning there were a minimum of 183 Skylark with 62 Fieldfare, 25 Meadow Pipit, 22 Redwing and single flocks of 17 Lapwing and 12 Golden Plover. Elsewhere the Velvet Scoter was off the seawall, the Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood and six Shoveler were on the Main Pond.