Saturday 20th April

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.

Continuing hot and sunny conditions were not ideal for dropping in migrants but three Whitethroat, three Reed, three Willow and a Sedge Warbler were on site with two Yellow Wagtail, 21 Swallow, three Sand Martin and a Collared Dove through along with 49 Wood Pigeon, continuing the slight passage of recent days.

Willow Warbler - Alan Keatley

Elsewhere four Mediterranean Gull, two adults and two first summer came in off the sea and headed north up the estuary, 11 Sandwich Tern, two Red-throated and two Great Northern Diver were offshore, counts from the estuary included 27 Dunlin, 22 Whimbrel, three Sanderling, the two Brent Geese and single Greenshank, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey and Ringed Plover. Four Cattle Egret avoided the Recording Area just to the north flying towards Cockwood Marsh mid morning.

Wildlife News: Two Brimstone butterfly were on site, possibly the first multiple occurrence, the first Green-veined White of the year were also on the wing and no Sand Crocus was seen in flower in a quick search.

Southern Cuckoo Bumblebee Bombus vestalis - Alan Keatley