Blog

11 September 2025

Bowling Green Marsh

Went today to catch the early high tide, quiet at first with me and just one other until the Exeter Birding group turned up and the hide was full, glad I got there early!

Unfortunately the sun was in your eyes and making photography difficult as it was just silhouettes.

Did see some good stuff though with Curlew, Godwits, Knot, Ruff, Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks, Lapwing and a surprise for here a Turnstone!

Other water birds, the usual Gulls, Teal, Widgeon, Shoveler, Mallard, Grey heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Shelduck, Canada Geese,, Sand Martins.

Other birds, Wood pigeon, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Robin, Blue Tit and on leaving a Sparrowhawk completed a good morning out. pics to come

09 September 2025

Powderham to Turf

Text and pics to follow

06 September 2025

Yarner and Dartmoor

Started off today at Yarner to see if the feeders were up but no, a bit early.

Some action on the Reservoir with lots of female ducks, mainly Mallard but a couple of Mandarin.

Not many other birds seen, Blackbird, Woodpigeon Wren, Robin and a Spotted Flycatcher which was nice to see.

Autumn coming with Berries and nuts about as well as a few Butterflies in the sun such as red Admiral and Large White. Noticed the wardens had been hard at work and plenty of Bat and Rodent nest Boxes.

Usual route around Dartmoor and all the usual stuff with Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Magpie, Rook, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Robin, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Kestrel and groups of House Martins and Swallows hawking close to trees and water. pics to follow

04 September 2025

Bat Detector

Yesterday after work I went to the RSPB shop at Darts Farm and bought a Bat Detector, its a Magenta Bat5 and cost me £120 not including batteries, 4 x AAA, another £14 but think its going to be worth it!

I went to the rd by Powderham at dawn and could already see some Bats flying, I got a range of Frequency's but after chatting with some people who know more than me I need to get sound right, so clearly need to learn more and get out to keep trying. Must admit I enjoyed it!

Also could hear other stuff like Owls so plenty to look into.

Sunday 7th I went back to Powderham for several reasons, one being trying out the detector along the footpath by the River Kenn which was successful, got some good call of Pips flying around. Probably the last time for a while as the weather looks crap and the Bats staying in the warm and dont blame them!

02 September 2025

Devon International Bat night

Over the weekend I picked up from Facebook there was a Bat night/survey.

I had noted over the years I had lived in Dawlish that plenty of Bats had been over the Brook but unfortunately the local council had taken a lot of lights down so very difficult to see, but after walking around after dark you could still see bats flying around but I have no idea what species they are.

Still an enjoyable experience and has motivated to learn more and get a bat detector which iam looking into now, hopefully have some more news soon on the matter!

© Simon Thurgood 2025
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