Devon Birds

Tragic news to report that Devon birder Ernie “Butch” Davis passed away overnight after a short illness-known to many from UK twitching since the 80’s & avid WP lister including his beloved visits to Corvo - he will be so greatly missed by all that knew him.

Devon birdwatchers - can you help with the @_BTO @woodcockwatch Woodcock Survey? Two-three evening visits required between now and end of June. All the blue squares are available. Thanks to everyone who has helped so far! bto.org/woodcock #0rnithology

Fantastic news from Lundy today, officially now the location of a Bird Observatory. Congratulations to all who worked hard to put this application together.

It is #BigGardenBirdwatch weekend! Be sure to take part in this incredible piece of citizen science. You never know what you might see? And even if you don't see as much as expected, or maybe nothing at all, that is still important data.

Our brand new website is now LIVE including the new-look daily bird sightings blog: devonbirds.org There is so much to see on the new website that it won't all fit in one Tweet, so please take the time to have a browse and see for yourself! #birding #birdwatching #devon

Sadly no sign so far today of this absolute stunner. But well done Angus on such a fantastic find.

@AJHFworldwide Hi Alex, great pictures allowing identification as Marsh Tit. The pale area on the bill is a key feature.

Any thoughts on this Marsh or Willow much appreciated. North Devon today (a couple of pics to follow) @DevonBirds

At Godborough Castle owned by @DevonBirds the bumblebee-friendly Yellow rattle and Eyebright seeds sown last year to help restore meadow habitats are blooming, with generous support from @Teemillstore and @WillBeesBespoke alongside pond plants from @BuzzingDevon @BumblebeeTrust

Terribly sad news to report that Dave Hopkins passed away this morning - an absolute legend of Devon birding and national twitches from Scilly to Shetland -he will be greatly missed - photo (courtesy of Dave B) of his last visit to his beloved Exminster Marsh earlier this spring

Birders - help is needed in East Devon (and elsewhere) with fieldwork for the @_BTO Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey this spring. Three visits between mid April and the end of June. These are the priority sites for coverage. Thank you! bto.org/our-science/pr…

Visiting two great Devon Birds reserves in a great location in great weather

Time is running out to object to a solar farm on Chelson Meadow, & back an alternative delivering solar panels while conserving the best wildlife habitat. Please object by 22 March. Details: docs.google.com/document/d/19B… @DevonBirds @CBWPS1 @BirdGuides @RareBirdAlertUK plse RT

Male Wheatear and c80 Redwing, some singing, on Crownhill Down, Dartmoor, this morning. @DevonBirds @wildlife_devon #TwitterNatureCommunity #LocalBigYear #BirdsSeenIn2022

A pristine Male Wheatear on Torcross Beach this morning. Spring has officially Sprung in the South Hams @DevonBirds @FSCSlaptonLey

We have another free BirdTrack online virtual training event coming up on 23-02-2022. We will guide you through adding your first records to BirdTrack and answer any questions you might have. You can sign up here bto.org/civicrm/event/…

Two male Brambling seen on the feeders this morning at Haldon Forest. @DevonBirds

@SeaSkywatch Whilst the deadline has passed, all records are welcome and will still make the 2021 report if submitted soon. Any later submissions will still form part of the Devon Birds database, with notable records published in DBR2022.

Don't forget to take part in the #rspb #BigGardenBirdWatch this weekend! Full details: rspb.org.uk/get-involved/a…

Many thanks to all who have submitted their 2021 sightings, either via @BirdTrack or direct, so far 199K records have been received. Please send in any outstanding records asap to Data.manager@DevonBirds.org devonbirds.org/birdwatching/r…