Somerset Wild Walks: Devon 22/2 - American Wigeon, Cirl Buntings, Brambling

An early start to the day as we head down the motorway to Devon. Lovely blue skies but very cold as we arrived at our destination of Matford Marsh near Exeter. We were hoping to see the American Wigeon that has been seen for the past week or so. We parked up in a small lay-by, crossed the road and found the reserve. We just arrived when the whole flock of Wigeon took off from the field but fortunately they all landed in the flooded area nearby. As luck would have it it was now far easier to spot the American Wigeon and wow it didn't disappoint, a lifer for us and bird 134 for the year.

After about 10 minutes the Wigeon flock made their way from the water back to graze in the field and from here it made it more difficult to spot the 'American'. Also seen here were Teal, Shoveler, Tufted, Cormorant and Mute Swan

We left the flock to their grazing and decided to drive onto Labrador Bay near Torquay to try and see the Cirl Buntings. We took our usual path around the fields and it wasn't long until we spotted a few in the hedgerow. On closer inspection there were a good number in the hedge and unfortunately they didn't come to the top too often. The flock flew across the fields a couple of times and there must have been at least 20 birds great to see them thriving here and get some nice views of both male and females.

Leaving Labrador Bay behind we traveled on to Haldon forest in hope of seeing some Crossbills. We scanned the conifers around the carpark for some time but didn't find any. After lunch in the car we decided to take the 3 mile Raptor trail in the forest. Eyes looking everywhere we got lucky with 3 Crossbills at the top of a tall conifer. They stayed here a while the male looking quite stunning in the sun. To our surprise the Crossbills and the occasional Robin were the only birds we would see on our trek. However, at the end of the trek there is a little area set aside with bird feeders and this despite continual disturbance provided us with some great birds.

For about 45 minutes we watched this area and the comings and goings of various birds. Many people passed and did not even notice the following appear Nuthatch, Siskin, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Song Trush, Yellow Hammer, & Bramblings. Its amazing just how many folk seem to be blinkered to the nature around them!

A brilliant day out in Devon with 3 new birds for the year bring our total up to 136!

Matford Marsh