East Devon, April 2026

There have been a couple of fleeting sightings of Osprey on the Axe this Spring. Let's hope that is prelude to a few birds staying longer in the Autumn to feed up for the migration. 

Of note, for me, was the Hoopoe at Waggs Plot, just north of Axminster.  


The Hoopoe is one of the most exotic-looking birds to grace British soil. In the UK, the Hoopoe is technically classified as a scarce passage migrant. It does not have a permanent resident population in the UK. Instead, most sightings occur when birds migrating from Africa to mainland Europe "overshoot" their destination and land on the British coast. On average, approximately 100 birds are recorded in the UK each year.

Cirl Bunting at Stantyway Farm. 

The Cirl Bunting is one of the UK’s most celebrated conservation success stories. A close relative of the yellowhammer, this small, sparrow-sized bird is distinguished by its striking facial markings—the males sporting a bold black chin and eye-stripe set against yellow and green plumage.  Once widespread across southern England and Wales, the species suffered a catastrophic decline due to changes in farming practices, nearly reaching extinction in the late 20th century.

Currently the UK population is estimated to be approximately 1,100 breeding territories mostly in the Southwest.



Singing Wren at Beer Head



Dunnock at Beer Head



Dartford Warbler at Aylesbeare





Cattle Egret at Seaton Down Hill





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