Seeking Locations in Devon

[STEinGUZZ]

Hello Everyone,

I live in Plymouth, just thought I'd post a thread that could maybe give us people in the SouthWest a chance to share information. Hopefully this may come in handy for people who travel down here for their holidays.

I have only just taken up the photography side of things and my main interest would be birds, but I'm always open to any suggestions or reccomendations. Just wondering if anyone can reccomend any of their favourite locations in Devon, which are a must visit location. All information will be appreciated (times to visit, what to look for, etc).

I have lived in Plymouth for nearly 8 years and have been out and about during this time. If any one has any questions for me, I am more than happy to answer them.

Yours aye Ste

[GuyF]

I've lived in Devon before, and my favourite spot is Wembury beach. The rockpooling there is amazing, lots of Edible Crabs, Cornish Sucker fish, Cushion Stars, Pipefish. I'm hoping to visit next summer to try and get some macro shots of some of the rock pool inhabitants. Also, the cliffs nearby are good for Cirl Bunting apparently, although I didn't know that at the time unfortunately!
One quick question from me, have you ever had any luck with the moorland birds on Dartmoor, I only realised they had things like Ring Ouzel, Red Grouse and Golden Plover breeding there once I moved away!

Thanks,
Guy

[STEinGUZZ]

Hi Guy,

I was down Wembury a few weeks back, when I first bought my camera unfortunately I only had a 17-85 lens at the time. Your right about the rock pools, I didn't take a look myself but there was a lot of birds feeding in them which would indicate plenty of life in them. I was based at HMS Cambridge before it was closed, and I think I can remember seeing Cirl Buntings back then (8 years ago). I seen plenty off bird life last week but nothing out the ordinary. I am planning on purchasing a wide-angle lens soon, Wembury will be first on my list to try some scenic shots.

Reference your question, I have not seen any of the mentioned moorland birds. Allthough I was out by Two Bridges near Princetown, not too long back and the habitat looked perfect for Ring Ouzels. Allthough plenty of people visit Dartmoor, on the OS map it shows plenty of remote areas away from the roads. I will keep an eye out as I intend on spending plenty of time on the moors during the Spring.

Ste

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by STEinGUZZ

Hi Guy,

I was down Wembury a few weeks back, when I first bought my camera unfortunately I only had a 17-85 lens at the time. Your right about the rock pools, I didn't take a look myself but there was a lot of birds feeding in them which would indicate plenty of life in them. I was based at HMS Cambridge before it was closed, and I think I can remember seeing Cirl Buntings back then (8 years ago). I seen plenty off bird life last week but nothing out the ordinary. I am planning on purchasing a wide-angle lens soon, Wembury will be first on my list to try some scenic shots.

Reference your question, I have not seen any of the mentioned moorland birds. Allthough I was out by Two Bridges near Princetown, not too long back and the habitat looked perfect for Ring Ouzels. Allthough plenty of people visit Dartmoor, on the OS map it shows plenty of remote areas away from the roads. I will keep an eye out as I intend on spending plenty of time on the moors during the Spring.

Ste

Thanks for that information and good luck finding them when you're out in the spring. I think those species are mostly confined to the quieter areas of Dartmoor, and I think they're scarcer there than they are up North.
Guy

[DuncanE]

Living in Plymouth you are certainly in a reletivley central position.
I grew up around Liskeard so know a few places near...

Of course the first place is the Tamar Valley there is bound to be waders all over the estuary. (Or you could head up to the river exe.)

Wembury, as you said. of course is a must - last time I was there was when it was still a gunnery school for the navy- watching them replace a deck gun, so it must have changed a lot since.

Not Devon, but a short hop across the border and the Lyner Valley will have waders also, and egrets and shell ducks. (Looe also but probably obvious.)

And of course there is Darmoor for animals and birl life alike. Ivybridge has dippers along the river, if that interests you.