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2011 No. 2 April Reg. Charity No.228966

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SATURDAY 21st MAY 2011 The Ley Arms, Kenn, Exeter, 2.30pm A G E N D A 1. Apologies 2. Minutes of the 2010 AGM 3. Officers‟ Reports 4. Treasurer‟s Report 5. Election of Officers 6. Election of Council Members 7. Amendment to Constitution – Clause 6 (i) amend to read – “There shall be an Executive Committee comprising ………”

There will be a break for tea/coffee followed by an Ilustrated Talk on Bird Ringing in Tanzania entitled “Birds, Masai, Water and Lions of Tanzania” given by Peter Robinson

All welcome – come along and bring a friend and enjoy an illustrated talk

Newsletter of the Devon Birdwatching & Preservation Society

1 DIARY DATES Field Meetings EAST DEVON 27th April Thurlebear Wood, Great Boles – meet ST274213 10.00am 6th May Trenchford & Tottiford Reservoirs – meet c/p SX804823 10.00am 16th May Dartmoor Kings Oven/Challacombe – meet Kings Oven SX676811 10.00am 26th May Venford Reservoir – meet north c/p SX686713. 9.30am 5th June Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels – meet Ashcott Corner ST448396 10.00am PLYMOUTH 26th April Yarner Woods – meet Trendlebeer Down SX783795 9.30am 9th May Dartmoor – meet Kings Oven c/p SX675811. 10.00am TAW & 17th April Woody Bay SS676486 – meet lower car park. 10.00am TORRIDGE 15th May Umberleigh SS615222 – meet Brightley Cottage 10.00am. Leaders: Stephen & Rosemarie Cooke Indoor Meetings SOUTH DEVON Held at Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswill at 7.30pm 18th April Birding in South Island New Zealand Dave Norman 16th May Broome or Bust (NW Australia) Nik Ward TAW & Held at Park Community School, Barnstaple at 7.30pm TORRIDGE Admission £2.50 including refreshments. 12th April Galapagos and The Amazon Gill & Phil Marlow No Meetings – May, June, July and August All Members are welcome at any meeting organized by the Society or branches. Field Meetings may be cancelled in bad weather, if in doubt, please contact the appropriate organizer – details in the Programme. Organisers and Leaders of field meetings need to take all possible precautions to ensure that the area to be visited is safe and that there are no hazards that could possibly lead to accidents. If possible, walk the route beforehand and report any problems to the appropriate authority.

LUNDY EXCURSION SUNDAY 8th MAY 2011 ADULTS - £25 CHILDREN (under 16) £16 Sailing from – 8.00am prompt If you have not already booked please contact Mark Humfrey, Morada, St. John‟s Lane, Barnstaple EX32 9DD Tel: 01271 344556

2 BARNACLE GEESE – the SCOTTISH/US CONNECTION As well as a flurry of Northern Lapwing in NE Canada/US during Nov-Jan 2010/11 (see April issue of Devon Birds) and a number of other European species (Common and Jack Snipe, Chaffinch and Redwing) in Newfoundland/Labrador, there were also regular winter sightings of Barnacle and Greater White-fronted Geese and the very occasional Pinkfeet and Snow Geese in among the many thousands of migrant Canada Geese in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Every winter there are small numbers (10-20) with single Barnacles and Whitefronts, often keeping close to each other, embedded in a number of the Canada Goose flocks. Every year there is considerable discussion as to whether they are truly wild birds from Greenland or just from a local collection. A not unfamiliar problem here in the UK. During the December 2010 winter, a single colour-ringed Barnacle Goose held the key to this conundrum. With a plain white ring over a metal ring (1291347) on the right leg and an engraved white ring (VUB) on the left leg, this was a bird ringed on Islay on 13 February 2002 and seen there regularly every winter up to March 2005 along with one of its parents and a sibling. This was one of many from the Greenland population ringed on Islay over the years. This information spread rapidly through the Connecticut/Massachusetts/New York birding communities and “Barnie” soon became one of the most watched and photographed birds in Connecticut – only eclipsed by a long-stay Fork-tailed Flycatcher and White-tailed Kite! “Barnie” was first recorded at Orchard Beach in The Bronx, New York City (NYC) on 30 November 2010 some 5204 km from where it was ringed on Islay. “Barnie” later moved over the state border to the SE coastal area of Connecticut where it was seen regularly from 4 December at a number of locations but primarily at Stratford and Westport just 50 miles NE of The Bronx. The last sighting was 23 December. “Barnie” featured prominently on the BTO Ringing Blog – btoringing.blogspot.com/2010/11/first-barnie-causes-twitch.html – when first sighted. It was the first evidence that Barnacle (and, by association, Greater Whitefronts) regularly seen among the Canada Geese flocks throughout the NE US are truly wild birds from the Greenland breeding populations. Such is the value of colour ringing! Heavy snowfall along the US east coast (up to two feet with NYC very badly affected) just after Christmas saw most of the Canada Geese already gone south and undoubtedly taking the Barnacles, Whitefronts, Pinkfeet and Snow Geese with them. There were several similar snowfalls in the New Year leading to up to 4-5 feet overall in places and NYC with its worst snowfall on record. Birds in NE North America, like those in N Europe/Scandinavia earlier in the winter, have had their toughest winter for several decades. Dennis Elphick, Chillington .

3 The AXE ESTUARY WETLANDS PROJECT – new Field Studies Base I had the pleasure recently of using the facilities at the newly completed circular Field Studies Base that forms part of the Axe Estuary Wetlands Project to which the Society has allocated £7,500. Not only is it a base for studies on the Wetlands, it also doubles as a hide. The public hide overlooks lagoons and beyond and a balcony extends around three-quarters of the building enabling birdwatching over new lagoons and reed beds constructed last year. This balcony can be closed at various points to restrict access where appropriate. Access to the combined Studies Base and hide is wheelchair friendly. Parking has been provided at the rear of Seaton Cemetery and a pathway has been constructed enabling access to the building along a lane to Black Hole Marsh, with its hide and viewing platform. Pedestrian access is also open from the Colyford Common entrance in Seaton Road. The building has reinforced glass windows giving ample light to those working within and allows where appropriate viewing facilities to the public during studies and bird ringing sessions. The windows can be opened to enable face to face communication with the public. The building is environmentally friendly with the use of solar panels fitted into the roof providing power to the building. A kitchen and toilet has also been provided. The working area is well thought out with wide working benches fitted along the windows, taking advantage of natural light. Storage facilities are provided within and underneath the building for the various organisations that have booked the use of the Studies Base. The Society‟s financial input will be recognised with an appropriately worded plaque to be affixed to the main door of the Studies Base and on the interpretation boards. I do recommend members when visiting the new Wetland area including, Black Hole Marsh and adjoining areas to also take a look at the building. Michael Tyler (Chairman)

SOUTH MILTON LEY / RESERVES – Winter News In recent years the area has seen an upsurge in coverage with several active birdwatchers now living in the vicinity, and more visitors supplying records. This resume only covers the Society‟s reserves, however, among the wider environs the sea and so-called Thurlestone Marsh consistently provide interesting birds, so much so that a monthly list is now being produced by Mike Passman – for details contact Mike on mikepassman@.me.uk The weather in the early part of November was typical but towards the end of the month it became very cold with snowfall in the county, not reaching the South Coast. Up to 100 Teal and Wigeon gathered on South Huish Reserve (SHR), at least one Jack Snipe among many Common Snipe. At Ley (SML) at least 180 Pied Wagtails roosted in the reeds. Winter time Chiffchaffs are an important feature at the Ley and also in a county context; at this time birds continue to migrate but stopping off for variable periods allowing 21 to be ringed. Two eastern race birds were present.

4 Larger numbers than usual of Reed Buntings were in the area. Of 45 ringed several proved to be long winged birds of N. European origin. December proved to be the coldest in the SW for over 100 years. SHR was often partially iced over; completely so for 8 days. Fortunately the main stream running through SML never froze over enabling vital sustenance for our now beleaguered birds. Star bird here was a Bittern, amazingly only the third recorded at the Ley in almost 40 years! Another species present in higher than usual numbers was Woodcock – 7 together. In arable fields adjacent the Ley 600 Skylarks massed, while Redwing and Fieldfare were in hundreds. Up to 10 Chiffchaffs toughed it out, and at SHR over 100 Snipe gathered. January‟s weather was also mostly cold and unsettled, but again lacked snow in this area. The extreme weather produced 2 Bitterns unfortunately one died. Harsh weather also produced a Pink footed Goose at SHR. Now largely ice free the staple duck of SHR Teal and Wigeon returned – 228 and 195 respective highest counts, also 17 Gadwall several Shoveler and a Pintail. By the end of January certainly 3 male Cetti‟s Warbler had survived at the Ley but probably suffered some losses. At nearby Thurlestone Marsh another 3 males were evident. A further 24 Reed Buntings which included several retraps from previous years, proving a returning wintering site fidelity, also a UK control - an estimated 60 present. Three Firecrests arrived with 2 being ringed. A huge Starling roost built up in the area estimated exceeding 200,000 – most ever recorded here drawing many locals to watch their displays. February was generally quieter weatherise with welcome milder temperatures, triggering inevitable departures of many species especially winter birds and the Starlings for instance. Probably the month‟s best bird was an adult female Marsh Harrier known not to be the resident Slapton bird as that is in moult – not so this one, which remained for about a month. A small but important piece of land at SML, which we wrongly assumed the Society owned was, following incredibly drawn out legalities finally purchased No ringing was undertaken during the harshest weather. Vic Tucker

NEW EDITOR – „HARRIER‟ With effect from the June edition of the „Harrier‟ the editor will be – Jack Aldous, 3 Cox Tor Close, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6BH. Tel: 01822 854483. E-mail: [email protected] Please note that all articles and items for inclusion in future editions of the „Harrier‟ should be sent to him with immediate effect.

5 „The Birds of Devon‟ It is pleasing to be able to report that after only 4 months since publication, all expenses involved in the production of our book have been covered, and future income will be to the benefit of our Conservation fund. We have had good book reviews in „ Birdwatch „ and „British Birds‟ publications, and further County and national magazine reviews are promised. There are still plenty of books available at £45 less £5 members discount, so if there is anyone who does not yet have a copy and would like one, please contact me on 01237 475325 or [email protected] Roger Doble

HOUSE MARTINS If any member, not previously involved, would like to join the group who send in information about local house martin nests, please contact me – Tel: 01626 773933 It is not too late for this year and we do need more help with a survey that has been going on for the last 20 years. Eileen Marsh

TAW & TORRIDGE BRANCH – March Field Meeting 14 members met at Gerald and Teresa Nicholas at Beara Charter farm near West Down. The day was bright and we set off to the sound of lambs and bird song, full of enthusiasm for what we might see. Standing on a sunny slope amongst sweet smelling gorse we heard and saw Chiffchaff and then Yellowhammer. Crossing over a stream we headed up the valley with a pair of Ravens calling as they flew over and as the stream widened into a pond, four pairs of Canada geese took to the water until we passed by. A Treecreeper was then seen picking its way up a trunk as we re-crossed the stream and headed up hill to Pippicot Wood. Entering the wood a huge nest was seen and as we watched a Buzzard flew in with more nesting material! Further into the wood a Green woodpecker was inspecting a suitable nest hole, whilst a Nuthatch worked its way along a nearby branch. Once out of the wood with distant estuary views and three Buzzards mewing overhead, a Peregrine was spotted soaring and then plummeting into a steep dive, a fitting end to a very good morning‟s birding. 28 species seen.We extend thanks to Teresa and Gerald. Maria Fernandes / Jackie Boseley

MY LAST HARRIER! I have enjoyed the last six years or so editing and preparing the Harrier for publication, and hope that the newsletter has been of interest to some of you. The Harrier is intended to keep you up-to-date with interesting pieces of information. I would like to thank all those who have sent in articles and items for inclusion. Please continue to send in items to the new Editor – Jack Aldous. Joy Vaughan

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The Devon Atlas Contact us: in SS by phoning Paul on 01271 812617; in SX, Julia on 01822 853785; in ST/SY, Roger on 01803 732776; or anywhere on 01822 890520; by email at [email protected], or click on the Contact Us link on the Devon Atlas website. http://www.devonatlas.co.uk/

I was surprised to find that somehow Kingsbridge Estuary and the areas around Kingsbridge appear to have been neglected so far, and I‟m hoping we can put that right. Below is a list of tetrads in the Kingsbridge area that require coverage. This involves ideally four x two hour visits over the course of a year. Two visits in the winter period and two in the breeding season. If you are interested in the tetrads listed below please get in touch.

Tetrad Grid (2k x 2k) Ref * Rough description of area Visits required either side of A381 above Summer & winter SX74A SX7040 Marlborough SX74C SX7044 to Huxton Cross Summer & winter SX74F SX7240 Gerston Farm, Blanksmill Bridge Summer & winter SX74G SX7242 West Alvington Summer & winter SX74H SX7244 Kingsbridge N to A381 Summer & winter SX74L SX7442 Kingsbridge Est/West Charlton Summer & winter SX74M SX7444 E Kingsbridge, Bearscombe Summer & winter SX74P SX7448 A381 The Mounts & Woodley Summer only SX74W SX7842 A379 Chillington Summer only * This refers to the bottom left-hand corner of the tetrad

Roving Records The BTO Atlas website is very comprehensive if you log on and look at Roving Gaps for Devon this shows "missing species" in particular areas. Don‟t forget to check the

7 breeding status too, there are still very many areas that do not show the most common species as having bred.

For example; according to the records gathered so far the Starcross area has no breeding Magpies, Woodpigeon or Collared Dove, thrushes, warblers or Chaffinch! Crediton is devoid of Song Thrush, Jay and Bullfinch.

North of the Crediton – line (SS grid squares): This northern half of the county “suffers” from too few people, even fewer committed bird surveyors – so there is plenty of scope for YOU to become involved! “North Devonians” are working away at this, but even if you live SOUTH of that line, do visit us, once you have completed the surveying in your area – we need your help!

We have covered most of the coastal and estuary areas, and Exmoor – this still leaves large swathes of inland country with about half the tetrads still to survey.

Much of this lies in the area known as “Culm” – where there can be some “good birds” hiding away – there ought to be breeding Grasshopper Warblers around, for instance. The present map for “Groppers” shows few records in this area, but a good number up on Exmoor – the opposite picture was shown by the previous Devon Atlas (Sitters, 1988). Is this a REAL change in their distribution? – or just a case of not enough surveying of the Culm region to date? Please help us to try to find out!

Lapwing nested in many parts of the area in the late 70s / early 80s – but already decline was evident. Are any still here? So far only one tetrad on the edge of Exmoor is shown with “Possible” breeding.

Cuckoos, from the present state of our tetrad maps, seem now to be restricted to Exmoor and Dartmoor, with just a very thin scatter elsewhere, as against 80% of tetrads county- wide in the 1988 Atlas – so ANY calling Cuckoo needs to be recorded, anywhere – just make sure you‟re not fooled by Collared Doves or small boys!

Even if you can‟t get out and about much, there are still big gaps in the breeding records for common garden birds such as Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Blue Tit – these surely ARE still “everywhere” in this northern part of the county? We need YOU to help us prove whether this is so – at present it would seem that there has been a dramatic decline in these species as well – surely not?

As Julia indicates above, you can help in this big venture either by taking on Timed Tetrad Visits (TTVs) in specific tetrads – the BTO Atlas website will show which still need doing, and tell you how to do it – or by submitting Roving Records for any tetrad.

8 If you don‟t use the Internet, then we can let you know what needs doing in YOUR area, and supply paper copies of recording forms. Julia Harris & Paul Madgett, March 2011

SS 75 SS SS SS SS SS 14 44 54 64 74 SS SS SS SS SS 43 53 63 73 83 SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS ST 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92 02 SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS ST ST 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 01 11 SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS ST ST ST ST 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 00 10 20 30 SX SX SX SX SX SX SX SX SY SY SY SY 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99 09 19 29 39 SX SX SX SX SX SX SX SY SY SY SY 38 48 58 68 78 88 98 08 18 28 38 SX SX SX SX SX SX SX SY 37 47 57 67 77 87 97 07 SX SX SX SX SX SX 46 56 66 76 86 96 SX SX SX SX SX SX 45 55 65 75 85 95 SX SX SX SX SX SX 44 54 64 74 84 94 SX SX SX 63 73 83

10x10km Grid Squares containing one or more Devon tetrads.

In Bold Italics are squares with 10 or more tetrads still needing surveyors.

Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Thanks to Mel and Gwen Lucas for taking on the Fossend Bridge to Lowdswell section of the Grand Western Canal (see Box 3 on p.75 in DBR 2009), and to Dale Cooper for providing cover on the Teign Estuary since November.

A new counter is still needed for the Exeter River Valley Park, one of the main sites in the county for Mute Swans. This should appeal to someone in Exeter, happy to spend a couple of hours each month counting the swans and other water birds along this very accessible site. Peter Reay (01364 73293 or [email protected]).

9 BIRD NOTES Most of these records are unchecked and as yet unauthenticated. Birds present for more than one day are only mentioned on their first day. For the very latest Devon bird news visit: http://devonbirdnews.blogspot.com

Please send your bird sightings to either:

County Recorder Assistant County Recorder. Steve Waite Julia Harris 38 Durley Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2HW 6 Clonway, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6EG T: 01297 20326 T: 01822 853785 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

February 1 Red-necked Grebe and Long-tailed Duck (still) Torbay; Surf Scoter (still) Dawlish Warren; White-fronted Goose (7 still) Exminster Marshes; Snow Bunting Whitehorse Hill, Dartmoor. 2 Smew Topsham and (2) Barnstaple; Long-tailed Duck (still) Exmouth; Tristis Chiffchaff and Firecrest Broadsands; Lapland Bunting River Caen; Great Northern Diver Lundy. 3 Goosander (35) Lower Tamar Lakes; Scaup (3) Kingsbridge Estuary; Velvet Scoter (8) Seaton; Bewick‟s Swan (still) Axmouth; Hen Harrier Aylesbeare Common. 4 Water Pipit and Firecrest Point. 5 Manx Shearwater Prawle Point; Pink-footed Goose Beesands Ley; Scaup (7 still) Exe Estuary. 6 Red-necked Grebe Pottington and Dawlish Warren; Spoonbill (7 still) Isley Marsh; Black-throated Diver (2) and Snow Bunting Hope‟s Nose. 7 Pink-footed Goose (2) Pottington; Pomarine Skua Hope‟s Nose; Bittern Exminster Marshes; Great Grey Shrike Yarner Wood; Ruff Taw Estuary. 8 Great Grey Shrike Aylesbeare Common. 9 Smew Exeter Canal; Hawfinch Ide. 11 Black-throated Diver Broadsands. 12 Pomarine Skua and Black-throated Diver Dawlish Warren; Velvet Scoter (12) Seaton. 13 Black-throated Diver (3) and Manx Shearwater Prawle Point; Scaup Goodrington, Water Pipit (2) Prawle Point. 14 Goosander (48) Burrator Reservoir; Great Grey Shrike Cold East Cross; Water Pipit (3) Exminster Marshes. 16 Red-necked Grebe Berry Head; Cattle Egret and Pink-footed Goose (2) Bishop‟s Tawton.

10 17 Bittern Lower Tamar Lakes; Great Grey Shrike Fernworthy Reservoir. 18 Yellow-legged Gull Otter Estuary. 19 Glaucous Gull Exe Estuary. 20 Marsh Harrier Thurlestone Marsh; Hen Harrier Exe Estuary; Spoonbill Exminster Marshes; Firecrest South Milton Ley. 22 Osprey Powderham; Merlin Bursdon Moor; Black Redstart (2) and Firecrest Slapton Ley. 23 Sand Martin and Bittern (2) Double Locks Wetland. 24 Black-necked Grebe Hollicombe; Water Pipit (4) and Firecrest Thurlestone. 25 Whooper Swan . 26 Black-throated Diver Prawle Point. 27 Velvet Scoter (5) Ilfracombe; Whimbrel (2) Barnstaple; Jack Snipe Princetown. 28 Wheatear Brixham; Red Kite Whiddon Down.

March 2 Spotted Redshank Kingsbridge Estuary. 3 Short-eared Owl Northam Burrows; Black-throated Diver and Red- necked Grebe Thurlestone Bay. 5 Bittern Thurlestone Marsh. 7 Osprey Bowling Green Marsh; Firecrest (2) Mansands. 8 Ring-billed Gull Pottington; Hen Harrier and Merlin Exminster Marshes; Slavonian Grebe (2) Wembury; Bittern Slapton Ley 9 Great Grey Shrike Gittisham Common. 10 Swallow Dawlish Warren. 11 Firecrest Branscombe. 12 Tristis Chiffchaff Clennon Valley; Spoonbill (2) Bowling Green Marsh. 13 Red-necked Grebe, Short-eared Owl and Woodlark Dawlish Warren. 15 Little Ringed Plover Thurlestone Marsh. 17 Velvet Scoter (2) and Sandwich Tern (4) Dawlish Warren; Little Ringed Plover Bowling Green Marsh. 20 Great Grey Shrike Gittisham Common; House Martin Bay. 21 Hoopoe Axmouth; Black-throated Diver Thurlestone Marsh; Great Grey Shrike West Down; Water Pipit Bowling Green Marsh. 22 Red Kite Sidmouth and Dawlish Warren. 23 Ring Ouzel Beer Head; Purple Sandpiper (21) Brixham Breakwater. 24 Garganey Powderham Marsh; Red-crested Pochard Slapton Ley; Red

11 Kite Budleigh, Beer Head and Seaton; Little Ringed Plover (2) Burrator Reservoir; Spoonbill (2) Plymouth; Firecrest Beer Head. 25 Great White Egret Slapton Ley; Marsh Harrier Exminster Marshes; Garganey Thurlestone Marsh; Little Ringed Plover Black Hole Marsh; Ruff Axe Estuary; Black Redstart West Alvington and ; Willow Warbler Velator Reserve. 26 Pink-footed Goose and Common Sandpiper (3) Totness; Black Guillemot Dawlish Warren; Hoopoe Slapton Ley and Wembury; Hen Harrier Start Point; Common Redstart and Black Redstart (2) Beer Head; Black Redstart (3) Wembury and (2) Berry Head; Firecrest Budleigh Salterton. 27 Hoopoe Lundy; Balearic Shearwater and Common Redstart Dawlish Warren; Red Kite Thurlestone Bay and Beer Head; Black Redstart (4) Prawle Point; Pied Flycatcher (2) Yarner Wood. 28 Red Kite Seaton; Tree Pipit Beer Head. 29 Iceland Gull Axe Estuary; Great Skua Torbay; Ring Ouzel Uplyme. 30 Sedge Warbler Velator Reserve; Sand Martin (150+) Exminster Marshes. 31 Common Tern (12) Thurlestone Bay; Great Skua and Black Redstart Exmouth; Water Pipit (2) Otter Estuary; Brambling (120) Princetown

SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT by DIRECT DEBIT is coming! The Treasurer is in the process of setting up a system for payment of subscriptions in the future by Direct Debit. Further details will be sent to members shortly and we would ask that the appropriate form, when received, is completed without delay. This should reduce the workload for the Treasurer in the coming years and make paying your subscriptions easier.

News items, short articles and photos for www.devonbirds.org to Ian Farrell, Bridge Farm, Bridge Reeve, , Devon EX18 7BD Tel: 01769 581211 Email: [email protected] Articles for The Harrier should be submitted by 31st May 2011 to Jack Aldous, 3 Cox Tor Close, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6BH Tel: 01822 854483 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Please send items (preferably by email) though clearly written copy will be accepted

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