Canonteign Falls, a family day out.

Wednesday 10th August 2023.

The Falls which was surrounded by so much greenery and wildlife. Photo by Sinead Townsend.

It was Day 5 of our trip down Dawlish Warren and today I took the family to Canonteign Falls, which is situated in Dartmoor National Park, near Exeter. It was roughly half an hour away from where we were situated and though I took a few wrong turns, we eventually got there around 11am. It is the highest man made waterfall in England standing at 220 feet tall and although Becky and I never reached the top of the waterfall (Becky has a very bad hip and could not walk too far), both Sinead and Isabelle did manage to get to the top and took some awesome photos. Though overcast at first, the sun did break through the clouds and at times, it was quite warm indeed.

Several of these Toadstools, Charcoal Burners, were seen along the footpath.

At base camp where there were a few lakes, there were plenty of dragonflies on the wing, including at least two Emperor’s, Common Darters and a few distant Damselflies and there were also a good number of butterflies on the wing. Red Admiral, Peacock, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper were all seen in good numbers, but as we took the footpath up to the first part of the waterfall, I could see a few Silver-washed Fritillaries fluttering about in the woodland as well as a few Speckled Woods.

Film footage of the Falls.

Becky managed to get to the main area where we could sit down on a bench and admire the waterfall in all its glory. I always keep an eye out for anything of note as I pointed out an inquisitive Migrant Hawker dragonfly that flew just above our heads, down the footpath and back again. As both Sinead and Isabelle carried on to the summit, Becky and I turned back through the woodland path and to the eating area below. On the way down, some Toadstools were noted and I believe they were called Charcoal Burner (Russula cyanoxantha). Even Sinead noticed some on her way up to the summit and took a photo for me.

Away from Devon, back in nearby Dorset, the long-staying Forsters Tern was off Shipstal Point, Arne RSPB Reserve again. Photo by Andy Tew.

There were very few birds seen apart from the Mallards on one of the lakes and a few Moorhens. On the way back to Dawlish Warren, we drove along the B3193 and adjacent to this road was the River Teign. I saw a parking area on the left hand side and fortunately, a bridge going over the river looked good for picking off a Dipper on the river itself. However, I spent a good ten minutes to a quarter of an hour checking both sides of the River, but all I found was a Grey Wagtail feeding alongside the river. Sometimes you get lucky, but quite often you don’t. Never mind.

Manx Shearwater added to year list.

Wednesday 9th August 2023.

Another dawn start for a good 'seawatch' over Lyme Bay.

It was back to Dawlish Warren again this morning for another dawn ‘sea-watch’ and this time, I met up with fellow ‘Lazee’ John Manley, who was staying in nearby Chudleigh. Though the weather forecast was for a light west south-west wind with overcast conditions, the sea was flat calm and in all honesty, not the ideal conditions for a reasonable ‘seawatch’. How wrong we were.

I met up with fellow 'Lazee', 'Northern John' aka John Manley.

A lovely sunrise gave way to overcast conditions as expected and it didn't take long for us to take note of plenty of Gannets out over Lyme Bay. Both adults and the brown & white juveniles graced the skies over the sea, occasionally diving down to catch their breakfast within the calm water. Common Scoter flocks were all too visible over the sea and with several flocks close in too (I’m starting to really miss my camera now!) of which I estimated we must have seen at least 30+ birds all told this morning.

The Oak Bush Cricket in our Lodge last night.

John picked up two interesting distant seabirds heading west low over the sea and through the scope, I was very pleased to announce that they were my first Manx Shearwaters of the year, though the only ones we saw this morning. John had seen this species earlier in the year at Portland Bill. Those birds puts me on 195 species for the year, slowly creeping up to the magic 200. After yesterday's sightings of the Storm Petrels, I kept my eyes vigilant for this species and eventually I spotted one, though it was very distant and not easy to get John onto the bird. Thankfully, we came across two more much closer in and through the scope, we watched one individual fly back and forth over the sea and then hover and patter the sea close to a resting Gull on the water. Arguably, that's the longest I have viewed this species in many a year. Great stuff.

Other birds noted included around a handful of Kittiwakes flying west (John's first of the year) , a single Fulmar flying low east and plenty of Sandwich Terns again flying much closer in over the sea. Both a Shelduck and a Mute Swan were seen flying east over the sea and waders included at least two Sanderling flying west and a Dunlin east. The (probable) Risso’s Dolphins were seen in various pods and locations throughout the two hours we were there, but all were very distant and at least a mile or mile and a half out to sea. Still, a great couple of hours in good company and with another species added to my year list, happy days.

Farlington Marshes, yesterday, not only hosted 2 Little Stint, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Golden Plover, but also this juvenile Black Redstart. Photo by Andy Tew.

Yesterday, a juvenile Green Woodpecker was ‘anting’ on one of the greens by a nearby Lodge where we were staying and showed very well as we slowly drove by. I noticed a large number of Swifts late in the afternoon / early evening flying over the Holiday camp and a Willow Warbler, lacking tail feathers, called and flew over our Lodge into nearby trees. The guys here told me that a ‘green bug’ was in the Lodge and on closer inspection, it was an Oak Bush Cricket, which I eventually potted and released back outside.  

Stop press: while writing this update to my blog, a Whimbrel has just flown high over our Lodge (I heard it calling)!

This afternoon, we took a boat ride into Lyme Bay from the jetty near the train station in Dawlish. Though I didn't expect to see that much, as we got a guided tour of the Coves, there were still a lot of Gannets offshore and on the nearby rocks, that held good numbers of both Cormorants and Shags as we got reasonably close to them. 

The Common Dolphins were filmed by the side of the boat. 

The sea state was calm and as we got around the main bay heading west, the ‘Captain’ of the boat took us a little further into the next bay and there we encountered a pair of Common Dolphins swimming some 30 yards away from us. All of us got some great views of the Dolphins and they powered their way slowly westbound, of which I managed to get some film footage of these magnificent animals. I believe that was money well spent as we made our way back into Dawlish for a spot of afternoon tea and cake (a milkshake and a toasty in my case)!

The Jersey Tiger Moth on our neighbours Lodge.

While relaxing in the hot tub by our Lodge late this afternoon, I saw my second Jersey Tiger moth of the holiday fly in and perch up on our neighbours window. I did manage to grab a photo of it later on for the record. Other sightings this afternoon included the juvenile Green Woodpecker again, searching for ants on the lawns below the Lodges.

Storm Petrels in Lyme Bay.

Tuesday 8th August 2023.

The beach to my left from where I was 'sea-watching'. Even the Metal Detectorists were out early this morning! Exmouth is in the background.

This morning, I made the effort to get up at first light and make my way down to the Dawlish Warren car park near the nature reserve. I already had the ‘gen’ in not having to pay in the car park till 8am which left me with a good couple of hours to do a spot of ‘sea-watching’. Though overcast, there was a moderate southerly wind blowing and as recommended by the local birders, I watched from the Lifeguard Station. I then spent the next hour and a half enjoying a really good sea-watch where I notched up another ‘year-tick’, which puts me on 194 species for the year. Though I had no coat, it was not too bad warmth-wise, though I did have my fleece on.

The Boathouse Pub behind me had erected ‘bird scarers’ in the audio sound of calling raptors, which made me laugh, especially with all the Gulls sitting on the roof totally ignoring it. This was the background noise I had for the next 90 minutes and arriving at the site around 5.45am, I virtually had the whole place to myself. Or so I thought, when I noticed a couple of Metal Detectorists on the beach and a group of ladies off for their morning ‘float’ in the sea!

Langstone Rock to my right. I could see several Cormorants and a few Great Black-backed Gulls resting on this outcrop of rocks.

Now for the birds. I have to say, I thought it was going to be a bit quiet after the strong winds had abated, but how wrong I was going to be. There was virtually a stream of Gannets going through, with plenty more fishing offshore in Lyme Bay and mostly adults from what I could see through the scope. On the sea, a Great Crested Grebe swam and then a small group of Common Scoter flew in and also landed on the sea; two males and a female. Two more flocks of Common Scoter were also seen a while later; a group of four then a group of 5 flying low distantly over the sea.

Kittiwakes were in good numbers too, with possibly up to 30+ birds going through over the sea, although distantly. Without doubt the best sighting of all were the two Storm Petrels. Though both quite distant, I could clearly identify what they were with their distinctive flight and small size. I think the last Storm Petrel I saw was off Hayling Island many years ago about the same time of the year. So, this really whetted my appetite as I picked up a second bird pattering across the sea, but it was soon lost to view. I was then hoping for a Shearwater or a Skua to add to my already impressive list of sightings, but it wasn't to be and I had to depart once the rain started coming in.

A map of the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve near the beach.

Other sightings included a reasonably close Fulmar heading west and a Guillemot also heading in the same direction. Both Little Egret and Grey Heron were seen flying west, which was a little unexpected and a small flock of three Shags went low west over the sea. Sandwich Terns were passing through constantly throughout my stay, including quite a few juvenile birds. Shortly after the second Storm Petrel sighting, a pod of Dolphins, which were most likely Risso’s judging by the size and shape of them, swam distantly heading east (my first of the year). 

That was 90 minutes very well spent and I am very tempted to do it all again tomorrow. I am hoping to go back to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve later today if the weather improves to check out if any migrants are in and also the Estuary for the waders.        

A superb trip to Powderham Castle.

Monday 7th August 2023.

My family making its way up to the Castle courtyard.

On Day 3, I took the family to Powderham Castle, near the village of Kenton and as being a member of English Heritage, we did get a bit of a discount on our entrance fee and with the five of us getting in for £70, I have to say, it was worth every penny. That might sound a little steep but the grounds are amazing and the guided tour by a chap called Peter was simply excellent. The owners of the Castle and grounds are the Courtney family and we got to listen on how they came to be from the 17th century onwards. Of course, it also had its typical Castle ghost! Ha ha!

You can just make out the House Martins settling in on the eaves of the Castle and also a few flying birds.

We were lucky with the weather too with some high clouds and then plenty of sunshine where it came out quite warm at times. However, the weather closed in later in the afternoon and rain arrived for a short time. The warm weather brought out the Wasps too, which was a bit of a pain in the Courtyard while my wife was trying to eat her Scone and Jam! 

A Grey Heron by the large pond near the Castle grounds. Photo by Russ Smith.

As expected, the grounds had plenty of wildlife to keep me entertained and probably the most notable sighting was the large gathering of House Martins on the roof of the front entrance to the Castle. There were at least a 100+ birds resting on the walls and roof of the Castle and occasionally, they all took off at once over the grounds, but always returned to the same roof top. Several Swallows also flew over the main courtyard as well as a couple of Swifts.

Some of the Fallow Deer within the grounds. Again, all these photos were taken only using my mobile phone.

Before our guided tour through the Castle, we had a quick drink from the cafe and then took a walk around the Castle garden, admiring not only the gorgeous Roses and other plants, but the Deer park opposite that held several large herds of Fallow Deer. In the distance was the northern end of the Exe Estuary and a large lake nearer the Castle held a large herd of Canada Geese and both Grey Heron and Little Egret on the lakes edge. Before we checked out the Castle Chapel, the beautiful gardens held a Hummingbird Hawk-moth of which I managed to grab some film footage from my mobile. A Silver Y moth was seen later in the day in the gardens of the Farm Shop.

I found this Queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee near the Farmshop.

There was a variety of butterflies on the wing around the gardens that included a female Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Large & Small White, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and best of all, my first Green-veined White of the year. After the guided tour, we took a walk to the Animal Park where I saw several Migrant Hawker dragonflies on the wing, with one individual somehow just missing my head. Just glad I ducked in time. Finally, I got to see my first Buzzards of the trip down here with at least two seen soaring low overhead. We passed some nice bit of woodland and meadows within the grounds and the potential for wildlife here is immense. I would love to work in a place like this, but I would be too busy looking at the wildlife. 

Above, film footage of the Hummingbird Hawk-moth in the Castle gardens. Below, one of two Little Stints on Farlington Marshes, Hampshire, today. Photo by Chris Geary.

 

 

 

A family day out to Dawlish.

Sunday 6th August 2023.

Black Swans on the Dawlish Water stretch of river. 

Day 2 of our trip here down at Dawlish Warren was more of a family day, as we took a trip into Dawlish town, which is situated by the coast. Yesterday’s wind had dropped considerably and though there was a northerly-westerly wind blowing, it was a bright sunny day and occasionally very warm when the sun came out behind the large clouds.

The Jersey Tiger moth I found on the Toilet Block in Dawlish.

Yes, I am still angry about my camera not working and so I had to take it on the chin and rely on some mobile phone photos and also my ‘chums’ on various media sites for their superb photos. Yesterday, I sent an email to the Dawlish Warren Latest Sightings website and they kindly gave me the exact area in where they seawatch from (I wasn't too far away on Saturday) and also where to watch the waders and Terns from the reserve overlooking the Estuary. Most helpful.

A pair of Moorhens were feeding their brood of 9 youngsters right between the river and the main road, which was attracting many admirers including Sinead who took this film footage from her mobile phone. 

This holiday camp is huge and as we are staying in one of the more luxurious Lodges, I did some exploring yesterday and couldn't believe how many tents, caravans and other accommodation is actually on the site. Huge is an understatement; but with that comes a price as there are so many people here and going for a ‘quiet’ walk was not going to be easy. The site is full of Herring Gulls and their persistant calling young birds; Carrion Crows, Magpies and the occasional Swallow buzzing over and Robin by the Lodge!

Another one of the Black Swans on the Dawlish Water.

However, from base camp (our Lodge), I have already noticed a few things that have kept me entertained. So, the trip into Dawlish was pleasant enough once we had parked the car and then taking a stroll into the main shopping area aligned with many gift shops and restaurants, it was nice to take a walk along the river (called Dawlish Water) where we encountered a variety of ornamental wildfowl including at least 8 Black Swans, which was a sighting ‘first’ for our Sinead (Isabelle’s mum). After a visit to the shops and nice coffee in one of the cafe’s, we took a stroll past the Railway Station and then overlooked Lyme Bay from the harbour wall. They run boat trips from here and so we might take them up on that later next week if the weather's good.

Sadly, not in Dawlish (yet!), but the Fishlake Meadows near resident Osprey is still entertaining the birders. Photo by Andy Tew.

On the way back to the car park, on the wall of the local Toilet Block, I found a Jersey Tiger moth and quickly took a few photos, while a lady waited patiently for me to take the photos before she entered. Oops! Back at Base Camp (our Lodge), as the sun set in the west leaving behind a very calm still evening, out came the Bats; in fact at least half a dozen of them with some even flying just above my head, which was most entertaining. I also saw a very late Swift heading low over the Lodges and heading west. I am not sure what time I woke up during the night, but I could definitely hear a male Tawny Owl calling!

Emma and Matt Parkes took a trip to Shipton Bellinger in Hampshire to get some nice photos of this male Brown Hairstreak butterfly.

Last night, I got a text from both Geoff and Andy about their sightings today as they both went down to Farlington Marshes. Andy got three more ‘year-ticks’ to add to his excellent Hampshire total, which included a Whinchat, Knot and the summer plumaged Little Stint, which was on the Deeps area. Andy is now on 190 species for the year in Hampshire. Geoff went on to say that he also saw a moulting adult Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpiper, 33 Greenshank, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and a Ruddy Darter dragonfly. The guys here at Dawlish also had a few good birds too, according the their website,  including 4 Arctic Skua, 2 Storm Petrel, 2 Manx Shearwater and a juvenile Pied Flycatcher, which was a first here since April 2019 and their 45th site record. What will Day 3 bring?       

Emma Parkes also found this Roesel's Bush-cricket at the same location.