Arrived at Yarner Woods on the edge of Dartmoor at about 10:30 and the small car park was almost full on this lovely sunny morning. Just in the wooded car park we had our first sighting of a flighty male Pied Flycatcher. Little did we know that this would be the first of many sightings on our walk. On the stream near the hide we had great views of a Mandarin pair looking at home on the fallen logs.
Our walk took us over the heathland with its fantastic moorland views and Stonechats etc.
Back into the woods for the rest of the trail which saw more Pied Flycatchers and just one Redstart. One of the highlights was seeing Wood Warblers and hearing their song a lifer for us, however they tended to spend their time in the canopy so no great photo this time. Further along our path we came to another hide which had some feeders outside. We stayed here sometime watching the comings and goings of Coal Tits, Siskins, Nuthatches etc a brilliant place to observe them.
The woodland walk is indeed magical with everything greening up and alive with birdsong and activity. After the time we spent here and with what we saw we couldn't help leaving with a spring in our step.
Top sightings for the day were Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Blackcap, Wood Warbler, Willow Tit, Mandarin Duck, Sparrowhawk, Willow Warbler, Stonechat, Raven, Nuthatch, Siskin and Bank Vole.
Mandarin Ducks
Jumping for joy a Willow Warbler
Redstart - only one seen deep in the woods on our visit
Setting up home
Wood Warbler a lifer for us and a bird that kept to the canopy
Song Thrush
Female Siskin
Nuthatch
Taking advantage of fallen seed from the feeders
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