Friday 31st May

At sea, 130 Common Scoter was by far the largest count of the year so far; c20 Kittiwake (from the Straight Point colony), 11 Canada Goose flew east very distantly, three Great Northern Diver (one flew high up the estuary), a Red-throated Diver, single-figures of Gannet, Shag and Fulmar.

On the ponds, a second brood of tiny Little Grebe chicks were being monitored by a Grey Heron, as were the three remaining Mallard ducklings, though the five Canada Goose goslings seem safe enough in the company of their ever vigilant parent birds.

The high tide supported 61 Sanderling, 30 Dunlin, only 22 Oystercatcher, 12 Ringed Plover, 11 Great Black-backed Gull and six Sandwich Tern, one with a lime-green coded colour ring (could be Dutch).  Also three Black-headed Gull and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull flew in off to the estuary.  Six Swallow passed overhead.

 Cirl Bunting - Simon Thurgood

Wildlife News: The first Large Skipper of the year were on the wing.

Large Skipper - Simon Thurgood

Thursday 30th May

On the evening neap high tide, 55 Ringed Plover, 54+ Sanderling, 51 Dunlin, just 13 Oystercatcher, four Great Black-backed Gull, two Little Egret and a Lesser Black-backed Gull.  The sea was very quiet with some of the ten Sandwich Tern present on site out there as the only birds of note. 

Recently fledged or nidifugous young on site today included a family of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat and Little Grebe.  Quiet overhead too with just four Swallow and two Swift.

Wildlife News: the hot sunshine brought out the invertebrates with Broad-bodied Chaser, five species of bumblebee and six butterfly species including a Red Admiral and a few Brown Argus.

Wednesday 29th May

At sea early morning, 36 Manx Shearwater, 23+ Kittiwake commuting to the Straight Point colony; eight Great Northern Diver of which three twice flew high into the estuary only to double-back out to sea; seven Common Scoter, the immature Red-throated Diver again, five Gannet, four auk sp., three Sandwich Tern, single Fulmar, Common Gull and an Arctic Tern flew south.

In the estuary, 76 Dunlin, 66 Ringed Plover, 28 Sanderling, just 23 Oystercatcher, eight Great Black-backed Gull, five Cormorant, of four Mute Swan, two Shelduck and a Little Egret.

On the Main Pond, two independent first brood Little Grebe and three tiny chicks calling from the emergent Mare's-tail were from another brood; a pair of Canada Goose shepherded their five goslings, three female Mallard shared maternal instincts leading three ducklings through the reeds. A Grey Heron watched on with interest. A day-or-so-old Moorhen chick calling loudly from its perch on a part submerged log was relatively safe in advertising its location on the enclosed Entrance Pond. Reed Warbler have been heard singing from four ponds on site recently.

Reed Warbler singing on Dune Pond - Lee Collins

Two Swift and two House Martin passed overhead. Four Jackdaw continued their regular commutes from fixed dune grassland areas with food to nests on the mainland. Two mobile Stonechat fledglings from the 'boardwalks pair' ventured to the Buffer Zone. The bushes supported the usual two to a few territories of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat.

Sunday 26th May

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 175 Dunlin, 121 Sanderling, 34 Ringed Plover, four Turnstone, three Whimbrel and three Grey Plover.

Wildlife News: A Grey Seal was close inshore feasting on a large Plaice.

Saturday 25th May

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 pair of Tufted Duck offshore before heading up the estuary were unseasonal, also offshore four Common Scoter and two Sandwich Tern. Counts from the estuary included 279 Dunlin, a large increase but yesterday's colour-ringed bird was still present, 89 Sanderling, 20 Ringed and four Grey Plover. Elsewhere a male Wheatear was on Warren Point and a late Sand Martin flew through.

Goldfinch - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: Two Broad-bodied Chaser were the first of the year, as were single Sharp-tailed Bee Coelioxys conoidea and Large Pied Hoverfly Volucella pellucens. Butterflies on the wing included at least three Brown Argus, quite a few Common Blue and Small Copper and single Orange-tip, Small and Green-veined White.

Broad-bodied Chaser - Alan Keatley

 

 

Friday 24th May

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 increase in waders saw counts from the estuary included 149 Dunlin,77 Ringed Plover, 76 Sanderling and four Grey Plover. Elsewhere 18 Swift and six House Martin flew through.

 Ringed Plover - Lee Collins

Dunlin - Lee Collins This bird was probably ringed at Ynyslas, Wales, details to follow

Thursday 23rd May

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 85 Sanderling, 76 Dunlin, 41 Ringed and five Grey Plover and a Whimbrel. Elsewhere a Spotted Flycatcher by the Crocus Compound, two Wheatear were on Warren Point and six Sandwich Tern offshore were the first for several days.

Wildlife News: Single Red Admiral and Brown Argus were on the wing along with at least five bumblebee species. Also flying Cinnabar, Yellow Belle and the first Common Tubic Alabonia geoffrella and Bumblebee Hoverfly Volucella bombylans of the year.

 Common Tubic - Alan Keatley

 Bumblebee Hoverfly - Alan Keatley

Marram Weevil Philopedon plagiatum - Alan Keatley

Wednesday 22nd May

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 hide included 110 Oystercatcher, 70 Dunlin, 65 Sanderling, 36 Ringed Plover, 19 Bar-tailed Godwit, seven Turnstone, seven Whimbrel, three Grey Plover, a Dark-bellied Brent Goose and the Slavonian Grebe.

Away from the estuary migration was limited to a Yellow Wagtail heading NE early morning presumably a late spring migrant, whilst the single Mistle Thrush heading the same way was presumably the first autumn migrant. Elsewhere a Red-throated Diver and seven Common Scoter were offshore and fledged Stonechat were near the Visitor Centre.
 

Tuesday 21st May

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 over the high tide included 213 Oystercatcher, 50 Sanderling, 40 Dunlin, 31 Ringed Plover, nine Turnstone, five Bar and a Black-tailed Godwit.

Monday 20th May

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 summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood but no other news was received.

Sunday 19th May

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 Spotted Flycatcher in the Entrance Bushes was a lone arrival with 20 Swallow, six Swift, five House and a Sand Martin passing through. Elsewhere the Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood with 40 Sanderling, 36 Dunlin, 33 Ringed Plover, four Whimbrel, three Turnstone, two Bar-tailed Godwit and a Grey Plover also in the estuary.

Wildlife News: A couple of Brown Argus were on the wing with Orange-tip, Common Blue, Small Copper, Speckled Wood and Green-veined White also on the wing.

 Fox - Alan Keatley

Common Malachite Beetle - Alan Keatley

 

Saturday 18th May

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 Cattle Egret flew east offshore early morning, only the fourth site record, also offshore two Great Northern Diver and a Great-crested Grebe. It was otherwise quiet though with wader numbers almost identical to counts last night with 64 Sanderling, 30 Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin and seven Whimbrel, also in the estuary three Dark and a Pale-bellied Brent Geese. Elsewhere 80 House Martin, 17 Swallow, six Swift flew through and Cirl Bunting were feeding young in the nest in the Buffer Zone.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: Another two new species for the Warren were found today, Median Wasp Dolichovespula media and the hoverfly Cheilosia impressa, the 600th fly for the Recording Area. Also recorded today Striped-legged and Dune Robberflies, the first Blue-eyed Grass of the year and a confiding Fox on Warren Point.

 Median Wasp - Alan Keatley

Stripe-legged Robberfly Dioctria baumhaueri - Alan Keatley

Friday 17th May

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 Avocet of the year was briefly in the Bight this morning with other waders including a Little Ringed Plover, 87 Sanderling, 30 Ringed Plover, 18 Dunlin, seven Whimbrel, two Bar-tailed Godwit and single Redshank and Turnstone.

Elsewhere a flock of seven Eider (a drake, four females & two immature drakes) arrived offshore and seven House Martin and six Swift flew through.

Wildlife News: The first Cockchafer of the year was on the wing with two new beetles added to the Recording Area list, Knotgrass Leaf Beetle Chrysolina polita and the ground beetle Dromius quadrimaculatus.

Thursday 16th May

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 over high tide included 60 Oystercatcher, 51 Sanderling, 12 Ringed Plover, 10 Dunlin, eight Sandwich Tern, seven Whimbrel, five Turnstone and a Grey Plover. Elsewhere six Swallow and two House Martin flew through and two broods of Long-tailed Tit have joined up with at least 20 in Dead Dolphin Wood.

Long-tailed Tit - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: A Tooth-thighed Hoverfly Tropidia scita was another new species for the recording area. Also on the wing Azure & Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and Peacock.   

Tooth-thighed Hoverfly Tropidia scita - Alan Keatley

Tuesday 14th May

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 the estuary with six Whimbrel, five Curlew, three Black and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Elsewhere 20 Sanderling and two Dunlin were on the beach, a Red-throated Diver was offshore and the first fledged Greenfinch were on the wing.

Wildlife News: The first Brown Argus of the year were on the wing along with several Common Blue.

 Brown Argus - Simon Thurgood

Common Blue - Simon Thurgood

Monday 13th May

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 off Cockwood with four Common Scoter offshore and the first brood of Long-tailed Tit in Dead Dolphin Wood.

Sunday 12th May

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.

Migration continues at a slow pace but a female Whinchat was in the Wryneck Plain and 117 Swallow flew through, the highest number this year, also overhead five Swift and five House Martin. Elsewhere counts over the high tide included 120 Dunlin, 15 Sanderling, four Whimbrel and four Ringed Plover with an Arctic Skua, just two Sandwich Tern and a Red-throated Diver offshore.

Saturday 11th May

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 Little Ringed Plover was a brief visitor over high tide with 46 Dunlin, 43 Whimbrel, 18 Sanderling, nine Turnstone, two Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Elsewhere a Great Northern Diver and migrants included a single Wheatear, 31 Swallow and a House Martin.

Sanderling - Alan Keatley

 
Wildlife News: The first Common Blue butterfly of the year was out in the Back Meadow with a Brimstone in the Car Park. Also on the wing the first Wasp Beetle of the year and a Small Spotty-eyed Dronefly Eristalinus sepulchalais.

Brimstone - Alan Keatley 

Wasp Beetle - Alan Keatley

Friday 10th May

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.

Anther quiet day with counts from the estuary limited to 28 Sanderling, 21 Dunlin, 18 Curlew, 14 Whimbrel, five Sandwich Tern and a Bar-tailed Godwit. Elsewhere two Wheatear were on Warren Point and the Red-throated Diver.

Wildlife News: A new spider for the Recording Area was found today, a single Bleeding Heart Spider Nigma puella, also noted several Gorse Orb-weaver Agalenatea redii. Other records included Grey and Speckled Bush-cricket nymphs, with a single Wall butterfly and ten Spurge Bug Dicranocephalus agilis on Warren Point.

Thursday 9th May

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 news for several days suggests little was missed with a Hobby south offshore the highlight on a quiet day, also south offshore 25 Manx Shearwater and six Great Northern Diver. Elsewhere a Common Sandpiper was at the seawall and the Slavonian Grebe was off Cockwood but there were disappointingly low wader numbers on high tide with just 16 Whimbrel, 15 Dunlin, five Sanderling and a Turnstone.  

Dunlin - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: Butterflies included male and female Orange-tip, Small Copper, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Bees included several Fork-jawed Nomad, Yellow-legged Mining, Sandpit Mining and a Red Mason bee. Also noted a Dark-bush Cricket nymph and several Bramble Sawflies.

 Dark Bush-cricket - Alan Keatley

 Bramble Sawfly - Alan keatley

Green Longhorn - Alan Keatley

Monday 6th May

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 Spotted Flycatcher of the year was around the Main Pond with a male Whinchat briefly in Greenland Lake; other migrants were limited to 21 Swallow and two Wheatear. Elsewhere counts from the estuary included 276 Oystercatcher, 60 Dunlin, 29 Sanderling, 20 Whimbrel, eight Ringed Plover, two Bar-tailed Godwit and the Slavonian Grebe.

Wildlife News: A Grey Seal was hauled up on one of the mussel barges.  

Small Copper - Lee Collins

Sunday 5th May

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 frosty start revealed migration remains almost at a standstill, with just two Willow Warbler on site and 21 Swallow, a Swift and a Sand Martin overhead. Elsewhere single Pale and Dark-bellied Brent Geese were in the estuary with 41 Dunlin, 22 Sanderling, 20 Whimbrel, three Sandwich Tern and a Turnstone.

Wildlife News: The first Blue-tailed Damselfly of the year was on the wing and a Fox was successfully chasing Rabbit on Warren Point.

 Blue-tailed Damselfly - Lee Collins

Fox - Lee Collins

Saturday 4th May

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 female Whinchat in Greenland Lake was a lone new arrival although the Cuckoo and two Wheatear remained on Warren Point. Overhead 12 Swallow, five House Martin and a single Swift. Elsewhere counts from the estuary included 115 Oystercatcher, 60+ Dunlin, 42 Whimbrel, 28 Sanderling, nine Ringed Plover and single Curlew, Grey Plover and Redshank.

Little Grebe - Alan Keatley

Wildlife News: The weather saw good numbers of insects again on the wing, including the first Wall Brown and Azure Damselfly of the year. An Orange-belted Hoverfly Xylota segnis in the Entrance Bushes was new for the Recording Area.

Orange-belted Hoverfly Xylota segnis - Alan Keatley

Friday 3rd May

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 Cuckoo on Warren Point was a surprise on a day of few migrants with three House Martin and two Wheatear the only other arrivals noted. There was more movement in the estuary with c90 Whimbrel, 62 Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plover, 12 Bar-tailed Godwit and 12 Sanderling. Elsewhere a Great Northern Diver and 11 Sandwich Tern were offshore.

 Sanderling & Dunlin - Lee Collins

Whitethroat - Lee Collins

Ringing News: Two-colour ringed Whimbrel were noted today both ringed on passage in Wales. One of these birds, D63, was also on the Warren in April 2016, April 2017 & Aug 2017. It was also seen in Exmouth in April 2017 but hasn't been recorded anywhere else outside the Exe, a great account of migratory site fidelity. It was ringed at Llansantffraed, Cardigan Bay in May 2015.

Whimbrel D63 - Lee Collins

Thursday 2nd May

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 304 Oystercatcher, c80 Dunlin, 60+ Whimbrel, 30 Sanderling, 15 Ringed Plover and three Dark-bellied Brent Geese. A single Swift flew through with 20 Swallow and three House Martin. Elsewhere there were 11 Great Northern Diver, the first two at 6 am high, flying up estuary, six south and three on the sea. Also offshore 11 Sandwich Tern, five Manx Shearwater, two Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver.

Wednesday 1st May

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 Swift of the year flew through with two Sedge Warbler also recorded. No other news was received.