west country weekend

It  was an early start for Carol,Cheryl,Terry and I as we were soon on the 25 then the M4and M5.
a quick loo stop before arriving at Bovey Tracey,infact Bovey Castle where we had a spot of tea.
At 10.00 hrs a falconry display  was superb,a Golden eagle cross Steppe eagle was impressive.

Followed by a diminutive White faced Scops Owl ,I  had seen one a few years ago in
Brufut woods in the Gambia.Next up a pair of Harris Hawks and finally a Gyr Saker
cross which flew superbly.

Birds around the hotel included Cuckoo,Buzzard,Grey wagtail amongsts others.
The Gyr in flight was amazing.

We  left Bovey  castle and  headed across Dartmoor ,the scenery  was superb as we crossed the Dart
the bridges and moor in Spring was a delight.

Crossing  Dartmoor we passed the infamous prison and made our way to Falmouth where the

next installment can be read.

wet and windy May birding with Lewis

Well Croxley Moor has been good lately so Paul and I went there hunting migrants.
It  was mostly Wheatears as it had been earlier in April.

There were at least 5 probably 2 pairs and a single male,also of note were Whitethroat and

Lesser Whitetroat but these were rather elusive.Next stop was the Withey Beds in nearby
Tolpits lane on arrival a Garden warbler was singing and a Fox was opposite in the water
meadows. However a splendid view of a Roe Deer was superb.

Finally a pair of Bullfinch obliged which is not to be sneezed at nowadays.