For those who take an interest in this bi-annual event i thought i'd make a start on the passage and arrival of birds seen off and around Exmouth on there way north or to stay with us for the breeding season.
I'll try not to bore you with every bird! but hopefully once something different is seen in the south we could see how quickly the country is populated with different species i.e. Swallows, Martins, and Swifts. Some migrants will travel over night where they won't be seen until they drop in further north or first seen at their breeding grounds, which would be good to mention them to.
Some of our winter visitors have started to move on. Last week our Avocets numbered 200+ down from 600+ in January, yesterday an observer counted only 30+ so birds are on the move.
The first Sandwich Tern was seen fishing over the sandbars off of Exmouth yesterday morning.
If this is of interest to you and want a day by day account of what is arriving or moving then the Portland Bird Observatory and field centre Dorset may be worth a visit. http://portlandbirdobs.blogspot.co.uk/search they get some great birds passing through. They also trap Moths on the Bill which will be of interest to some of our bloggers. There is alway a good photo or two on this website to.
I'll do it just for fun!
We are just a few miles further North from you EB and they arrived at a similar time to yours,we have heard them but they seem to be keeping their heads down in these strong winds.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Late Osprey (31st May) seen moving up the Exe Estuary on Sunday night. Caught it's supper and headed for Powderham Estate, not seen since...still heading north?!
Nice to see the locals gave the Osprey the escort it deserves. I wonder if it is a young non breeder that is scouting the area for future reference.We had two birds hanging around in the next dale the year before last and it was presumed they were on a scouting expedition as they stayed most of the summer but we found no sign of breeding.
Always nice to see these great birds. Several pop in and stay for a few days on their way back to Africa around the end of September. Last year we had three stay for a week fattening up on Grey Mullet before heading south. They certainly know the area well, where to fish and where to roost. I guess they need to know certain areas for refuelling for the long haul flight to Africa.... Amazing.