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 wet and windy weather saw 82 Ringed Plover, 27 Redshank, 14 Dunlin, 14 Bar-tailed Godwit, four Greenshank, three Sanderling and three Grey Plover over the high tide with an Osprey, three Eider and the Slavonian Grebe also in the estuary.
Elsewhere two Wheatear were on site with 60 Gannet, 30 Kittiwake, 21 Sandwich Tern, two Red-throated Diver and a Fulmar offshore.
Thursday, 4 April 2019
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Wednesday 3rd 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.
There were big increases to 53 Ringed Plover and 35 Sandwich Tern with other counts from the estuary including 145 Curlew, 25 Turnstone, 20 Redshank, eight Bar-tailed Godwit, three Sanderling and a Dunlin. Elsewhere three Wheatear and two Willow Warbler were on site with nine Sand Martin and three Raven overhead.
Wildlife News: The mix of sunshine and showers reduce insect activity but several Cheilosia pagana, an early Spring hoverfly were on the wing, the first site record.
There were big increases to 53 Ringed Plover and 35 Sandwich Tern with other counts from the estuary including 145 Curlew, 25 Turnstone, 20 Redshank, eight Bar-tailed Godwit, three Sanderling and a Dunlin. Elsewhere three Wheatear and two Willow Warbler were on site with nine Sand Martin and three Raven overhead.
Red-rumped Swallow - David Land. Taken yesterday, as expected there was no sign today.
Wildlife News: The mix of sunshine and showers reduce insect activity but several Cheilosia pagana, an early Spring hoverfly were on the wing, the first site record.
Cheilosia pagana - Alan Keatley
Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Tuesday 2nd 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.
The highlight was the fourth Red-rumped Swallow for the Warren, the first since May 2012. Unlike the previous fly through records this bird lingered and fed around the Main Pond for nearly six hours before moving on ahead of a heavy squall around 3pm. Other migrants included a male Redstart in Dead Dolphin Wood, seven Sand and the first two House Martin of the year, at least four Willow Warbler, three Swallow and a Wheatear.
An Osprey caught a fish in the estuary early afternoon, with it or a second, over the Bight early evening; both headed north upriver. Wader counts included 11 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Grey Plover and a Whimbrel on the morning tide with 29 Ringed Plover, 29 Redshank, 10 Dunlin and two Sanderling in the evening. Other records included the Slavonian Grebe off Cockwood, 12 Sandwich Tern and a female Eider were offshore and the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond.
The highlight was the fourth Red-rumped Swallow for the Warren, the first since May 2012. Unlike the previous fly through records this bird lingered and fed around the Main Pond for nearly six hours before moving on ahead of a heavy squall around 3pm. Other migrants included a male Redstart in Dead Dolphin Wood, seven Sand and the first two House Martin of the year, at least four Willow Warbler, three Swallow and a Wheatear.
Red-rumped Swallow - Lee Collins
Red-rumped Swallow - Simon Thurgood
An Osprey caught a fish in the estuary early afternoon, with it or a second, over the Bight early evening; both headed north upriver. Wader counts included 11 Bar-tailed Godwit, five Grey Plover and a Whimbrel on the morning tide with 29 Ringed Plover, 29 Redshank, 10 Dunlin and two Sanderling in the evening. Other records included the Slavonian Grebe off Cockwood, 12 Sandwich Tern and a female Eider were offshore and the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond.
Kestrel - James Learmouth
Red-rumped Swallow - Lee Collins
Monday, 1 April 2019
Monday 1st 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.
An Osprey heading up river early morning, two Little Ringed Plover dropping briefly into the Bight late afternoon and a Whimbrel in the Railway Saltmarsh were the pick of the day's sightings with passerine migrants in short supply. Also in the estuary eight Ringed Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwit, three Eider, three Dunlin, two Sanderling, two Greenshank and the Slavonian Grebe.
Elsewhere a Red-throated Diver and nine Sandwich Tern were offshore.
Sunday, 31 March 2019
Sunday 31st March
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 smart male Redstart in the Entrance Bushes was the pick of the migrants with at least three Wheatear and a couple of Willow Warbler also on site. Overhead five Swallow and four Sand Martin and the year's first Osprey, which flew over the spit and up the estuary late afternoon, being seen off Exminster 20 minutes later.
Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and counts from the estuary included 16 Turnstone, eight Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, two Greenshank and a Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Wildlife News: The Sand Crocus flowered briefly during a sunny period early afternoon with four Peacock and a Comma also enjoying the rays.
A smart male Redstart in the Entrance Bushes was the pick of the migrants with at least three Wheatear and a couple of Willow Warbler also on site. Overhead five Swallow and four Sand Martin and the year's first Osprey, which flew over the spit and up the estuary late afternoon, being seen off Exminster 20 minutes later.
Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and counts from the estuary included 16 Turnstone, eight Ringed Plover, two Dunlin, two Greenshank and a Dark-bellied Brent Goose.
Wildlife News: The Sand Crocus flowered briefly during a sunny period early afternoon with four Peacock and a Comma also enjoying the rays.
Saturday, 30 March 2019
Saturday 30th March
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 Willow Warbler of the year were welcome migrants with three Blackcap and a Wheatear on site, with two Sand Martin and two Siskin overhead. Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond, six Sandwich Tern were offshore and counts from the estuary included 136 Oystercatcher, eight Ringed Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwit, two Sanderling and single Dunlin and Greenshank.
The first two Willow Warbler of the year were welcome migrants with three Blackcap and a Wheatear on site, with two Sand Martin and two Siskin overhead. Elsewhere the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond, six Sandwich Tern were offshore and counts from the estuary included 136 Oystercatcher, eight Ringed Plover, four Bar-tailed Godwit, two Sanderling and single Dunlin and Greenshank.
Blackcap - Alan Keatley
Wildlife News: The Grey Seal was again on a pontoon in the estuary and the Sand Crocus flowers opened from 10.30. Butterflies included a Red Admiral, two Orange-tip and two Comma with a Green Longhorn moth also on the wing.Friday, 29 March 2019
Friday 29th March
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 foggy morning followed by clear blue skies and the same mix of birds. Four Sandwich Tern was the highest count so far this year with 52 Oystercatcher the peak on a low high tide. Elsewhere 12 Great-crested Grebe were offshore with two Shoveler on the Main Pond and a Green Woodpecker in Greenland Lake. The latter species have been audible offsite for most of the year but have rarely made it into the recording area.
Ringing News: This Turnstone on Warren Point on Wednesday had been ringed on the island of Jomfruland, Norway on 23/8/18, 1238 km NE of the Warren.
Another foggy morning followed by clear blue skies and the same mix of birds. Four Sandwich Tern was the highest count so far this year with 52 Oystercatcher the peak on a low high tide. Elsewhere 12 Great-crested Grebe were offshore with two Shoveler on the Main Pond and a Green Woodpecker in Greenland Lake. The latter species have been audible offsite for most of the year but have rarely made it into the recording area.
Ringing News: This Turnstone on Warren Point on Wednesday had been ringed on the island of Jomfruland, Norway on 23/8/18, 1238 km NE of the Warren.
Turnstone - Lee Collins
Thursday, 28 March 2019
Thursday 28th March
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 fog didn't lift until 10am but failed to drop in any influx of migrants, an early Yellow Wagtail was overhead with three Rook and a Siskin but again no hirundines. Elsewhere a low high tide saw 22 Turnstone, nine Ringed Plover, four Red-breasted Merganser, three Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Dunlin in the estuary, the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and two Blackcap were on site.
Wildlife News: Once it warmed up insects were again out in numbers with singles of Orange-tip and Comma on the wing with at least eight Peacock and four Speckled Wood. The first Painted Nomad Bee Nomada furcata of the year was at a large colony of Yellow-legged Bee Andrena flavipes on the Car Park roundabout, sadly the verge was cut today removing many of their nectar sources. Elsewhere a large bull Grey Seal in the estuary and at least 20 Barrel Jellyfish were washed up on the tideline.
The fog didn't lift until 10am but failed to drop in any influx of migrants, an early Yellow Wagtail was overhead with three Rook and a Siskin but again no hirundines. Elsewhere a low high tide saw 22 Turnstone, nine Ringed Plover, four Red-breasted Merganser, three Dark-bellied Brent Geese and a Dunlin in the estuary, the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and two Blackcap were on site.
Teal - Alan Keatley
Wildlife News: Once it warmed up insects were again out in numbers with singles of Orange-tip and Comma on the wing with at least eight Peacock and four Speckled Wood. The first Painted Nomad Bee Nomada furcata of the year was at a large colony of Yellow-legged Bee Andrena flavipes on the Car Park roundabout, sadly the verge was cut today removing many of their nectar sources. Elsewhere a large bull Grey Seal in the estuary and at least 20 Barrel Jellyfish were washed up on the tideline.
Comma - Luke Harman
Sand Crocus - Alan Keatley
Painted Nomad Bee - Alan Keatley
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Wednesday 27th March
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 quiet day with clear blue skies, almost June like except for the chilling northerly wind. Counts from the estuary were disappointing but birds were regularly disturbed by visitor traffic to a second boat moored in the Saltmarsh all ignoring the voluntary exclusion zone. Totals included 48 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, 24 Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, five Greenshank, three Bar-tailed Godwit, a Knot and an Eider.
Elsewhere two Sandwich Tern were offshore, the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and migrants were limited to six Wheatear on site and single figures of Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit overhead.
Wildlife News: Another great day for the Sand Crocus and spring invertebrates, the highlight being the first Black Oil Beetle for the Recording Area. Other records included three Dark-edged Beefly, a Comma, a steady eastwards passage of dispersing queen bumblebees along the Dune Ridge and a Tree Bumblebee investigating a new nestbox.
Another quiet day with clear blue skies, almost June like except for the chilling northerly wind. Counts from the estuary were disappointing but birds were regularly disturbed by visitor traffic to a second boat moored in the Saltmarsh all ignoring the voluntary exclusion zone. Totals included 48 Curlew, 28 Turnstone, 24 Redshank, 12 Ringed Plover, five Greenshank, three Bar-tailed Godwit, a Knot and an Eider.
Elsewhere two Sandwich Tern were offshore, the Cetti's Warbler was at the Main Pond and migrants were limited to six Wheatear on site and single figures of Chaffinch and Meadow Pipit overhead.
Chiffchaff - Lee Collins
Wildlife News: Another great day for the Sand Crocus and spring invertebrates, the highlight being the first Black Oil Beetle for the Recording Area. Other records included three Dark-edged Beefly, a Comma, a steady eastwards passage of dispersing queen bumblebees along the Dune Ridge and a Tree Bumblebee investigating a new nestbox.
Dark-edged Beefly - Lee Collins
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Tuesday 26th March
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 Barnacle Goose remained in the saltmarsh with 16 Dark-bellied Brent Geese with 280 Oystercatcher, 24 Turnstone, 15 Ringed Plover, five Sanderling and three Eider also in the estuary. Elsewhere three Pale-bellied Brent Geese flew in off with a Wheatear and Goldcrest on site.
Wildlife News: The sunny weather saw five butterfly species on the wing; Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and the first Comma and Orange-tip of the year. Also on the wing four bumblebee species including the first Common Carder of the year. In Greenland Lake two Snake's-head Fritillary were in flower with Sand Crocus continuing to bloom.
Snake's-head Fritillary
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