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Devon

Dipper Cinclus cinclus ©Nigel Blake Website

The recording area of Devon (areas 3 & 4 in the Watsonian system) is co-terminus with the ceremonial county of the same name. Devon, historically known as Devonshire is in the southwest of England bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north, Somerset and Dorset to the east, Cornwall to the west and the English Channel to the south. The city of Plymouth is the largest settlement followed by the county town Exiter and the resorts of Torquay and Paignton. It has an area of 6,700 km2 (c. 2,600 square miles) and a population of around 1.2 million people.

Devon has a varied geography. It contains Dartmoor and part of Exmoor. These moors are the source of most of the county’s rivers, including the Taw, Dart, and Exe. The longest river in the county is the Tamar, which forms most of the border with Cornwall and rises in the Devon’s northwest hills. Apart from these areas of high moorland the county has attractive rolling rural scenery and villages with thatched cob cottages. It is a popular holiday destination and its position make it excellent for surfing. The southeast coast is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and characterised by tall cliffs which reveal the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous geology of the region. Devon’s Exmoor coast has the highest cliffs in southern Britain, culminating in the Great Hangman, a 318m (1,043 ft) ‘Hog’s-back’ Hill with a 250m (820 ft) cliff-face, located near Combe Martin Bay. The county gives its name to the Devonian geologic period, which includes the slates and sandstones of the north coast. Dartmoor and Exmoor have been designated National Parks, and the county also contains, in whole or in part, five National Landscapes.

Devon is a large county which is mostly rural and straddles a peninsula and so, uniquely among English counties, has two separate coastlines. The South West Coast Path runs along the entire length of both, around 65% of which is named as Heritage Coast. The island of Lundy and the reef of Eddystone are also in Devon. The county has more mileage of road than any other county in England.

In January 2024, plans were announced to plant over 100,000 trees in northern Devon to support Celtic rainforests, which are cherished yet at risk ecosystems in the UK. The project aims to create 50 hectares of new rainforest across three sites, planting trees near existing rainforest areas along the coast and inland. Among the tree species to be planted is the rare Devon whitebeam, known for its unique reproduction method and once-popular fruit. Led by the National Trust and with the assistance of volunteers and community groups, the initiative will focus on locations in Exmoor, Woolacombe, Hartland, and Arlington Court.

Birding Devon

Devon has a wide variety of habitats, fertile estuaries break up the rugged coastline North and South, there is heathland in the East, both coniferous and deciduous woodland, hilly farmland and of course high moorland. Rarities can and do, turn up in any of these habitats, such as a Spectacled Warbler found on Dartmoor. More often than not, however, the major rarities turn up in the most inaccessible places, and that of course means an Island, in Devon’s case; Lundy. (Lundy’s impressive firsts for Britain list includes: American Robin, Common Yellowthroat, Sardinian Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Bimaculated Lark, Rufous-sided Towhee, (Eastern Towhee) Spanish Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe and Ancient Murrelet.)

The county’s wildlife is protected by several wildlife charities such as the Devon Wildlife Trust, which looks after 40 nature reserves. The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society (founded in 1928 and known since 2005 as “Devon Birds”) is a county bird society dedicated to the study and conservation of wild birds.[39] The RSPB has reserves in the county, and Natural England is responsible for over 200 Devon Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves,[40] such as Slapton Ley.

For resident birds, Devon is best known for its population of Cirl Buntings, whose stronghold is the South Hams. Peregrine, Raven, Dipper, and Pied Flycatcher are all relatively easy birds for visiting birders. Sea watching, mainly from the South coast, may provide Sabine`s gull, Sooty shearwaters etc, under the right conditions. Devon also has all six native reptiles and a growing population of Beaver, especially in the River Otter.

Top Sites

Bennets Cross, Dartmoor
Information Satellite View
Not far away from Yarner Wood, you can find Ring Ouzel and Whinchat in summer, and often a Great grey shrike or Hen harrier (roosting) in winter.
Braunton
Webpage Satellite View
The area behind the sands is good for Barn owl amongst others and Dartford Warblers have been reported on the path above the road that runs from Braunton to Croyde in North Devon. This is the path that is almost opposite the Saunton Sand Hotel.
Dawlish Warren/Exe Estuary
Website Satellite View
Consisting of a sand spit across part of the estuary mouth with a variety of habitats, the Warren has seen such goodies as Great spotted cuckoo, Cream coloured courser, Greater sand plover and recently the first mainland Semi-Palmated Plover. The nearby RSPB reserves of Exminster and Bowling Green Marsh are also worth a visit. The only Great Black Headed Gull accepted for the UK was recorded opposite the Warren at Exmouth – but that was in 1859!
Haldon Forest Bird of Prey Viewpoint
Information Satellite View
Though the Honey buzzards haven't shown as consistently here as of late, presumably like the Goshawk, they have shifted territory. It is still a good site for Nightjar and occasionally in winter, Hawfinch.
Lundy
Webpage Satellite View
As far as rarities go, this Island off the North Coast of Devon is it. UK Firsts include Bimaculated Lark, Sardinian Warbler, Spanish Sparrow, Yellowthroat, and Rufous-sided Towhee. Most astonishingly of all was the much twitched Ancient Murrelet, a tiny auklet from the North Pacific, which was discovered on approach to the Island in 1990. Other major rarities include Veery, Ruppel's Warbler, Bobolink, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the UK's second Yellow-rumped warbler (the first was also in Devon).
Plym Estuary
Information Satellite View
Gull hotspot, with Kumlien's, Bonaparte's, Franklin's, Laughing and Ross's recorded as well as annual occurrences of Ring-Billed, Iceland etc. Birds often commute to Chelson Meadows rubbish tip, or the sewage out-fall as West Hoe.
Prawle Point
Information Satellite View
One of the best sites for Cirl Bunting in Devon, Prawle with its prominent position and the funnel effect of Pigs Nose Valley is also a good site for migrants. Most notable recent rarity was the Chestnut-sided Warbler, which frustrated many birders with the brevity of its stay! Other American vagrants have included Blackpoll Warbler, Black and White Warbler and Red-eyed Vireo.
Slapton Ley
Website Satellite View
Not far from Prawle, Slapton Ley is a freshwater lagoon separated from the sea by a shingle ridge. Cetti's Warblers are resident and the quarry is a good place to check for passerine migrants. Rarities have included Little swift, and Whiskered Tern. The record of Eastern Pheobe from this site predates the officially accepted Lundy bird by a few days.
Yarner Wood
Information Satellite View
This is the best woodland site in Devon, with breeding Pied flycatcher and Redstart. As the site is within Dartmoor, moorland species can be found nearby.

Contributors

Matt Prince
Exeter | saker@eclipse.co.uk
Stephen Welch
| steve_extra@yahoo.com

County Recorder

Kevin Rylands
recorder@devonbirds.org

Number of Species

Number of bird species: 423

County Bird - Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus

Checklist

Devon Birds List
Checklist
All BOU Category A, B & C taxa that have been recorded (and accepted) in Devon are listed below...

Useful Reading

Devon Bird Atlas 2007-2013

| Edited by Stella D Beavan & Mike Lock | Devon Birdwatching and Preservation Society | 2016 | Hardback | 508 pages, colour photos, colour illustrations, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780955602894 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Devon Bird Reports

| The annual county report for Devon from Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society - Series: DEVON BIRD REPORTS: For the latest details of all current publications: http://www.devonbirds.org or sales@devonbirds.org | ISBN: 9780955602863 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Secrets of a Devon Wood

| My Nature Journal | By Jo Brown | Short Books | 2020 | Hardback | 112 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9781780724379 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of Devon

| By Michael Tyler | Devon Birdwatching & Preservation Society | 2010 | Hardback | 750 pages, 200 colour photos & illustrations, tables | ISBN: 9780955602832 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of Lundy

| By Tim Davis & Tim Jones Harpers Mill Publishing | 2007 | Paperback | 319 pages, 100 line drawings, 20 photos, maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780954008871 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Where to watch birds in Cornwall and Devon - including the Isles of Scilly and Lundy

| By David Norman & Vic Tucker | Christopher Helm | 2009 | Paperback | 384 pages, B/w illustrations, maps | ISBN: 9780713688146 Buy this book from NHBS.com

Museums & Universities

Exeter University
University
We are a rapidly expanding centre of internationally excellent research and education across the entire spectrum of the biological sciences. We provide a stimulating, inspirational and multidisciplinary environment that brings out the very best in our students and staff.

Organisations

Axe Estuary Ringing Group
Website
The Group, which now has over 40 members, was set up in November 2006, with the aims and objectives being:To monitor and study the breeding, wintering and migration patterns of birds along the Axe Estuary and;To gather data to help the development of the Axe Estuary Wetlands and its environs.
Devon Birds
Website
Devon Birds is a county bird society with a long and distinguished history dating back to 1928. Originally known as Devon Birdwatching & Preservation Society, the name was shortened to 'Devon Birds' in 2005. Contact: The Secretary, Devon Birds, 16 Erme Drive, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9BN - 01752 690278 - secretary@devonbirds.org
Devon Birds - East Devon
Webpage
The present East Devon branch of Devon Birds was formed in 1977 and represents the County east of the River Exe. This includes the pebblebed heathland of East Devon Commons, an important and rare heathland habitat, as well as the coastland and estuaries of the Exe, Otter and Axe.
Devon Birds - Mid Devon
Webpage
The Mid Devon Group aims to cover an area of Devon that stretches from the Cornwall border across central Devon. The aim is to hold field and occasional indoor meetings at different locations so that the needs of as many members as possible are met.
Devon Birds - Plymouth
Webpage
The Plymouth Branch was re-formed in 2013 after a period of inactivity. We now have an active programme of both field and indoor meetings. Field meetings are held most months and indoor meetings every couple of months at Mutley Baptist Church.
Devon Birds - South Devon
Webpage
Our branch covers the Teignbridge, Torbay and South Hams members’ areas and we welcome all birders to our monthly meetings which are held on the third Monday of the month in January, February, March, April, September, October and November. All indoor meetings are held at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot, TQ12 2QA, which has its own car park and full disability access.
Devon Birds - Taw & Torridge
Webpage
The Taw/Torridge branch of Devon Birds was formed in 1986 and represents the northern half of the county, stretching from the Somerset border in the east to the Tamar Lakes in the west. The Society owns and manages several reserves in the area the largest Godborough, on the edge of Bideford, has two ponds with reedbed, pasture land and planted hillsides of mixed woodland, with access restricted to Devon Bird members through a combination gate lock.
Devon Wildlife Trust
Website
The Devon Wildlife Trust is the only independent organisation devoted solely to the conservation and care of wildlife and wild places throughout Devon. A registered charity (number 213224); DWT was established over 30 years ago and has a current membership of around 5,000. With nature reserves throughout Devon totalling over 2,500 acres, the Devon Wildlife Trust is closely involved in land management, scientific survey, policy formulation, marine conservation and education. [Includes an entry on Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve]
Lundy Field Society
Webpage
The LFS was founded in 1946 and for many years had its headquarters in the Old Light on the island. Originally concentrating on the study of birds, the society is now a charity that has as its aims the study of Lundy, in particular its history, natural history and archaeology, and the conservation of its wildlife and antiquities.
RSPB Exeter & District Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Exeter & District Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Plymouth Local Group
Webpage
This is the website of the Plymouth Local Group. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
RSPB Torbay And South Devon Team
Webpage
This is the website of the Torbay And South Devon Team. RSPB local groups are a great way to meet friendly, like-minded people in your area while learning more about birds and wildlife.
Topsham Birdwatching & Naturalist Society
Website
A Society for those interested in the natural world around them, and in particular this area of Devon. A mix of indoor illustrated talks and fieldtrips sets the basis for the Society's activities. We endeavour to keep a balance between local and worldwide natural history, equally we try to look at a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.

Reserves

Abbreviations Key

*Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves
Website Satellite View
Visit one of our 59 nature reserves across Devon.
Braunton Burrows Countryside Centre
Website Satellite View
Braunton Burrows and over 3000 hectares of the North Devon landscape have been formally recognised by UNESCO as Britain's first new-style Biosphere Reserve…
LNR Colyford Common
Webpage Satellite View
Lying to the north of Seaton Marshes LNR, Colyford Common Local Nature Reserve has a permissive boardwalk to a viewing platform overlooking the Axe esutary. A good site for passage waders, an winter waterfowl…
LNR Exmouth Nature Reserve
Webpage Satellite View
The Exmouth Local Nature Reserve covers some 218 hectares of intertidal mud and sand at the southerly end of the Exe estuary. Internationally important numbers of dark-bellied brent geese over winter here, amongst hoards of other waterfowl and waders…
LNR Lower Bruckland Farm
Webpage Satellite View
Lower Bruckland Farm is an area of natural beauty situated just off the A3052 near Boshill Cross, Musbury, near Axminster, Seaton and Lyme Regis, on the border of East Devon and Dorset. It commands striking views over the beautiful Axe Valley…
LNR Maer Local Nature Reserve
Webpage Satellite View
The Maer Local Nature Reserve is Exmouth's worst-kept secret, a fantastic green space so close to the famous seafront. Ideal for a quiet stroll just away from the busy beaches and a secret haven for wildlife.
LNR Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust
Webpage Satellite View
Offwell Woodlands is a Forestry Commission Enterprise site In the Parish of Offwell. This 50 acre site is managed by the Offwell Woodland and Wildlife Trust and consists of a wide variety of restored habitats rich in wildlife. The Trust works with environmentalists and teachers and it is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
LNR Seaton Marshes Local Nature Reserve
Webpage Satellite View
Seaton Marshes LNR is an area of grazing marsh on the west side of the Axe estuary. A bird hide provides excellent views across the estuary, and surrounding grazing marsh, which is allowed to flood seasonally to attract winter waders and waterfowl. Permissive paths lead around the reserve, and there is wheelchair access to disabled facilities in the hide…
Lundy
Webpage Satellite View
Lundy is famous for its birds. It is for ever associated with the Puffin which inspired the name - Lund -ey is Norse for Puffin Island. Serious bird watchers will be up before dawn to see rarities, particularly during the spring and autumn passage. Walkers can focus their binoculars on everything from a melodious warbler or firecrest to a tree pipit or dotterel. About 35 species breed on the island every year and 280 different species have been seen. Lundy recorded the first British sighting of the Sardinian warbler and American Robin and the first European sighting of the ancient murrelet. The warden often notes on the Tavern blackboard when and where interesting birds can be seen.
NNR Black-a-Tor Copse
Webpage Satellite View
Black-a-Tor Copse is one of three high altitude woodlands on Dartmoor, offering views across the West Okement River Valley. English oak trees have grown through large granite boulders or ‘clitter’ to create a woodland which is nationally important for rare lichens and mosses. Twenty species of breeding birds have been recorded in the woodland and surrounding habitat, including ring ouzel and redstart.
NNR Dawlish Warren
Website Satellite View
This site is dedicated to the wildlife of Dawlish Warren recording area, based around the Teignbridge District Council NNR and Devon Wildlife Trust reserve. This area is situated at the mouth of the River Exe in South Devon. Here you can find information about the recording area and the species that can be found on the Warren…
NNR East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths
Webpage Satellite View
East Dartmoor consists of 3 joined but distinct areas: Yarner Wood, Trendlebere Down and the Bovey Valley Woodlands. Together they provide an excellent example of internationally important western oakwood with its associated bird and lower plant communities. Look out for pied flycatchers, woodpeckers and wood warblers in the woods, Dartford warblers, ponies and fritillary butterflies around the moorland, and dippers along the River Bovey.
NNR Pebblebed Heaths
Webpage Satellite View
The diversity of the site results an excellent habitat for over 70 breeding bird species including nightjar and Dartford warbler along with 21 breeding dragonfly species
NNR Slapton Ley
Website Satellite View
Slapton Ley is the largest natural lake in south-west England. Although it is only separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar, it is entirely freshwater. The lake is surrounded by reedbeds, marshes and woodland habitats.
NP Dartmoor National Park
Website Satellite View
Dartmoor was designated one of the National Parks of England and Wales in 1951. It is a beautiful moor-land landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors. 369 square miles (954 sq. km.) in area, with about 31,000 people living in it, and where about 10 million visits are made each year. All the land is owned by someone and the public is able to roam freely on un-enclosed, open moor-land on both foot and horseback. There are also about 600 miles of public rights of way. Dartmoor is a rich habitat for wildlife and has a wealth of archaeological remains.
RSPB Aylesbeare Common
Webpage Satellite View
This quiet area of East Devon heathland is important for Dartford warblers, nightjars and stonechats. Its sheltered wooded fringes, streams and ponds abound with butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies…
RSPB Bowling Green and Goosemoor
Webpage Satellite View
Wander the wending waterways at Bowling Green Marsh and watch Little Grebes, Pintails, and Black-tailed Godwits, while the occasional Peregrine sends the flocks scattering.
RSPB Chapel Wood
Webpage Satellite View
This small reserve is a mixed woodland with the remains of an old hill fort and an historic chapel with a well. The nature reserve is in a remote location…
RSPB Darts Farm
Webpage Satellite View
Darts Farm nature reserve, Exeter is a blend of farmland and wetland habitat where rolling fields are dotted with ponds that teem with wildlife. There are flocks of Linnets, Fieldfares and Redwings during the winter, and dragonflies, Skylarks and Kingfishers dart around in the summer. A haven on the outskirts the city, our shop overlooks the Clyst Valley towards RSPB Goosemoor, where we have recreated valuable saltmarsh and mudflat for waterbirds.
RSPB Exe Estuary
Webpage Satellite View
This reserve has two separate areas of coastal grazing marsh on opposite sides of the estuary – Exminster Marshes and Bowling Green Marsh. In spring, look for breeding lapwings and redshanks…
RSPB Isley Marsh
Webpage Satellite View
Isley Marsh is made up of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the southern edge of the Taw Torridge estuary. It’s an important haven for undisturbed feeding and resting birds, especially the wintering flocks of ducks and waders. A good day here can see significant numbers of Curlew, Greenshank and Dunlin. Spoonbills can also be spotted during the cold winter months.
RSPB Labrador Bay
Webpage Satellite View
Explore along the top of the reserve and enjoy the fantastic views out to sea, keeping your eyes sharp for dolphins in the waves, while Cirl Buntings flit between bushes on shore.
RSPB Matford Marshes
Webpage Satellite View
This small site, located halfway between Exeter and Exminster, is an excellent place to watch wildfowl and waders. Cyclists, walkers and joggers regularly use the track that leads to it, sharing this quiet reserve with Green and Common Sandpipers, Mallards and Mute Swans.

Sightings, News & Forums

Dawlish Warren Latest Sightings
Website
This is the website of the Dawlish Warren Recording Group, dedicated to the wildlife of Dawlish Warren. This area is situated at the mouth of the River Exe in South Devon.
Devon Bird News
Sightings
Devon Bird Sightings
Devon Wildlife Sightings
Website
This site is intended to provide information and ideas for bird watchers in (or visiting) Devon. If you have found the website useful, please support it by sending any interesting sightings

Guides & Tour Operators

Guided Birdwatching Cruises on the River Exe
Webpage
Our Guided Bird Watching Cruises are ideal for anyone who would like to see the many thousands of birds that migrate to the area during the autumn and winter months.

Trip Reports

2010 [06 June] - David & Amanda Mason
Report
…As we had not seen Dartford Warbler in this country since 1994 and had never previously seen Cirl Bunting in the UK, we decided to spend a few days in Dorset and Devon with two specific birding targets in mind…

Places to Stay

Gardeners Cottage - Kingsbridge
Information
A 19th century grade II listed cottage close to Kingsbridge Quay on the Salcombe Estuary in South Devon
Langstone Cliff Hotel
Website
The wonderful situated of the Langstone Cliff overlooking the sea and red cliffs means you can almost taste the fresh air. The expansive lawns are sunlit from morning till night, a sunbathers paradise, but the large Victorian veranda offers shade when required and is also a favourite spot for after dinner coffee - our mild West country climate often enables guests to enjoy the sea view across to the twinkling lights of East Devon long after the sun has gone down.
Sidmouth Holiday Cottages
Webpage
A charming seaside resort at the start of the Jurassic Coast

Devon

Birding Devon

Bennets Cross, Dartmoor

Braunton

Dawlish Warren/Exe Estuary

Haldon Forest Bird of Prey Viewpoint

Lundy

Plym Estuary

Prawle Point

Slapton Ley

Yarner Wood

Matt Prince

Stephen Welch

Kevin Rylands

Number of bird species: 423

Devon Birds List

Devon Bird Atlas 2007-2013

Devon Bird Reports

Secrets of a Devon Wood

The Birds of Devon

The Birds of Lundy

Where to watch birds in Cornwall and Devon - including the Isles of Scilly and Lundy

Exeter University

Axe Estuary Ringing Group

Devon Birds

Devon Birds - East Devon

Devon Birds - Mid Devon

Devon Birds - Plymouth

Devon Birds - South Devon

Devon Birds - Taw & Torridge

Devon Wildlife Trust

Lundy Field Society

RSPB Exeter & District Local Group

RSPB Plymouth Local Group

RSPB Torbay And South Devon Team

Topsham Birdwatching & Naturalist Society

*Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves

Braunton Burrows Countryside Centre

LNR Colyford Common

LNR Exmouth Nature Reserve

LNR Lower Bruckland Farm

LNR Maer Local Nature Reserve

LNR Offwell Woodland & Wildlife Trust

LNR Seaton Marshes Local Nature Reserve

Lundy

NNR Black-a-Tor Copse

NNR Dawlish Warren

NNR East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths

NNR Pebblebed Heaths

NNR Slapton Ley

NP Dartmoor National Park

RSPB Aylesbeare Common

RSPB Bowling Green and Goosemoor

RSPB Chapel Wood

RSPB Darts Farm

RSPB Exe Estuary

RSPB Isley Marsh

RSPB Labrador Bay

RSPB Matford Marshes

Dawlish Warren Latest Sightings

Devon Bird News

Devon Wildlife Sightings

Guided Birdwatching Cruises on the River Exe

2010 [06 June] - David & Amanda Mason

Gardeners Cottage - Kingsbridge

Langstone Cliff Hotel

Sidmouth Holiday Cottages

Birds of South Devon

Devon Biodiversity Action Plan

Lundy Birds

Natural History Bookstore - Totnes

Nature & Wildlife

North Devon Bird of Prey Centre

Soar Mill Seeds

Wildlife Watching Supplies

Yarak Birds of Prey Centre

Chris Townend - Cream Tea Birding

Dave Stone - Dave's Birding Diary

Devon and Cornwall Police Wildlife Crimes Group

Gavin Haig - Not Quite Scilly