May 17th 2011

Dave offered me a lift down the south west as he had meetings in Plymouth which gave me a chance to visit Haldon Forest Park and Aylesbeare Common in Devon hoping for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and orchids.
The weather was not expected to be on my side and that’s how it turned out with low cloud turning to rain in afternoon but I was not going to pass on a chance to find see something different especially as the pond is so dire at the moment.
Birds
Crossbill 58 in small parties including young being fed and at least 15 males mostly around the visitor centre at Haldon Forest Park, Siskin 25 plus a pair feeding 3 recently fledge young, Stonechat, Whinchat male, Tree Pipit 3, Woodlark displaying, Nuthatch and a very bright summer plumage male Mealy Redpoll on Aylesbeare Common were the highlight of the few species seen.

Siskin
Moths
Speckled Yellow 3, Common Heath 30, Grey Pine Carpet + 2 micros to identify
Butterfly’s
Small Heath the only one seen all day
Orchids
Common Spotted Orchid on Aylesbeare Common plus one to confirm
Animals
Deer stalked for photo
Dragonfly’s
none


Those thinking why bother - well you might be right but!!!!

Richard