Devon birding opportunities in Feb.

[Boddie]

Could anybody please suggest good birding and other wildlife locations for Devon in Feb?

Thanks

[vinnychameleon]

Hi Boddie. It might be worth checking out berry head at Brixham, torbay. I think the seabirds will just be returning from being out at sea and the heathland above contains a few good birds. Have you got any particular species in mind?

[Boddie]

Not really, a few of us members are planning to pop down for a weekend in Feb, perhaps if only for a bit of a recce for another trip later in the year, and are really just looking for some tips

[vinnychameleon]

Nice . Dartmoor is worth going to as at this time of the year there is a chance you could throw up a merlin, hen harrier or red grouse(if your lucky ). Stover CP is a brilliant place and I go there often. I see knigfishers there quite regularly as well as great crested grebes. other Species seen there are LSW, Water Rail and also lots of wildfowl on the lake.

[Blackdog]

There are always the Avocet cruises at Exmouth, run by the RSPB. Not 'back to nature' birding, but a good photographic trip I imagine.
I might have a go at this one next weekend

[vinnychameleon]

I dunno how i forgot this place but SLAPTON LEY. Last weekend there was a bittern reported there so it may still be there. Im goin to check on the 17th . Also great for the rarer grebes.

[aeshna5]

Wembury area for Cirl Bunting, Berry Head for Shag, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot + maybe Peregrine; Exmouth/ Topsham + various places on Exe for variety of birds such as Brent Geese, Wigeon, Pintail, Avocets, Black-tailed godwit, Little Egret,etc. Cetti's Warblers around canal. Eastbeare Common for Dartford Warbler, Stonechat.

Sometimes Plymouth area throws up a rare gull or two-anything possible from Iceland to Laughing to Bonaparte's, etc.

One of my favourite counties- have a good trip!

[James_Owen]

Actually, the last time I was at Berry Head the Cirl Bunting there were giving great views, albeit that was in the early summer.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by James_Owen

Actually, the last time I was at Berry Head the Cirl Bunting there were giving great views, albeit that was in the early summer.

I saw a pair there once, but it's not as reliable as Wembury. They can be found along the coastal strip from Teignmouth westwards to Prawle at least.