18th May 2022: Berry Head and Labrador Bay

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 We headed off the moor to Berry Head near Brixham in search of some sea birds for Andy. Living by the sea we obviously have plenty of opportunities to observe many seabirds offshore from the coast, but Andy was in need of a few ticks in this category.

From the car park we walked through some scrubby vegetation and noted a few common species such as Chiffchaff and Whitethroat. Hirundines were chattering overhead and it was just a short walk to a viewpoint over the cliffs, carpeted in stunning wild flowers. We set up the scopes and looked down to the turquoise sea below, where we were soon able to pick out clusters of Guillemots and a few Razorbills bobbing on the water. 

Berry Head
Guillemots

Andy picked out a Shag, with a thin, yellow bill and glossy back and a couple of Kittiwakes and a few Fulmars swooped across the sea. All new ticks for him, so a worthwhile morning. 

Shag

Next we headed towards Labrador Bay. Unfortunately the weather was beginning to deteriorate, so by the time we arrived there was a steady drizzle. However, after lunching in the car, it began to ease off and with the window down I thought I could hear the distinctive song of the Cirl Bunting, our target species. We set off and it was not long before we found a bird perched on a post singing loudly and staying put long enough for a few photos. 

Cirl Bunting


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