Blog

06 May 2025

Seaton Wetlands

There had been reports of a pair of Black winged Stilts at Seaton so traveled over hoping that they had stayed which they had and since my visit it has been announced that they have been seen mating, so hopefully they will breed here.

They put on quite a show both being close and far being mobile around the whole site.

They seemed to be in close contact with the Black-tailed Godwits which were also onsite, as well as Oystercatchers, single Dunlin Curlew and Greenshank. Other birds seen were Sand Martins, Blackbird, House Sparrows, Reed Warblers, Cetti Warblers,Robin, Wood and Feral Pigeons, Carrion Crows, Magpie, Moorhen, Shelduck and Mallard.

Saw 3 Raptors, Marsh Harrier, Red Kite and Buzzard all in flight, around the river there was Black-headed, Herring and both Great and Lesser black Backed Gulls, Cormorant, Little Egret and Mute Swans.

Great to see the Sand Martins in the nest Boxes and Swifts had also been reported using their boxes as well.

Met lots of humans and all seemed happy enough, great day out!

03 May 2025

Cuckoos on Dartmor

There seems to be plenty of Cuckoos on Dartmoor this year.

I haven't been to the circus that is Emsworthy yet but might visit soon.

This bird was further into the moor and heard several more so looks like a good year.

02 May 2025

Whinchats

Went up on Dartmoor today and the Whinchats have finally arrived back on the moor, this is my 3rd visit this year looking for them and they are a bit late compared with previous years.

Good to see them, 3 in total, 2 paired up and a single male.

© Simon Thurgood 2025
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