A Joint Meeting with East Devon Birds 

By Mike Tyler, Thursday 28^th October 2010

In the first half Mike, as author of the book 'Birds of Devon’ gave an illustrated talk about the complete avifauna of Devon, an updated version of a book published over 40 years ago. He mentioned that a number of species have declined significantly in the county in recent years, others like the Little Egret & Cetti's Warbler have colonised & the benefits of conservation efforts can clearly be shown with increased numbers of the cirl bunting.

Situated close to the western fringe of the country a number of rare vagrants reach Devon with Lundy & the Prawle Area particularly prominent.

The county species list stands at 422, which are all included in the systemic list, amply illustrated with photographs & line drawings. Copies of the book are available from Devon Birds.

After coffee Mike spoke about Bird Ringing on the Axe Estuary. The Axe Estuary although relatively small in comparison with other Devon Estuaries does hold a wide variety of birds, especially wildfowl & waders. Ringing first commenced in 2004 & 2 years later the Axe Ringing Group was formed.  Specialist ringing involves catching many ducks each year, including colour ringing of shelduck. More than 60 species have been ringed including waders, gulls & passerines. Ringing takes place in the Axe Estuary Wetlands which includes Seaton Marshes & Colyton Common, & is dependent on weather & tides.