Trip to Devon, early to mid May 2025

The usual trip down to Seaton.  On the way down we tried for a Purple Heron at Shapwick, next to Ham Wall.  No luck but we did get a cameo appearance by a Bittern, a first for the year.


The big surprise was the Black-winged Stilt that stayed on the Black hole Marsh for multiple days.  Originally there was a male and female. Both flew off on the 8th but the female returned on the 10th May. 

The Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a striking wading bird with long pink legs, a slender black bill, and contrasting black-and-white plumage. It is a rare breeder in the UK, but sightings have become more frequent in recent years, especially in southern England, likely due to climate change and habitat creation in wetlands and nature reserves. Black-winged Stilts are migratory and typically do not remain in the UK for winter. Instead, they migrate south to warmer regions. Most European birds spend the winter in sub-Saharan Africa, although some may also overwinter in parts of southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East where suitable wetland habitats exist.



I visited Yarner Wood on Dartmoor, where there is an active breeding program to encourage Pied Flycatchers.  Spotted Flycatchers were also present, although they were heard but not seen on the day.

The Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) is a small migratory songbird. Males are distinctive with black-and-white plumage during the breeding season, while females are browner and less striking. These birds arrive in the UK in spring (April–May) to breed, favouring deciduous woodlands with plenty of tree holes for nesting. After the breeding season, Pied Flycatchers migrate to West Africa, where they spend the winter in tropical forests and savannas.




Other spots during the week included Siskin at Aylesbeare.


A Dipper on the river Coly between Colyton and Colyford.



Sand Martins at the Seaton Wetlands





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