In Search of the Pied Flycatcher

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from the East Devon area are invited to take part in a day of exploration of Dartmoor, with the East Devon branch of Devon Birds.

Meldon Reservior car park, near Okehampton is the venue for the group’s visit on 17 June.

“We arrange at least one visit to Dartmoor every year, to catch up with species we don’t get on the local patch,” event organiser for the branch, David Jannaway explained. “This visit normally looks to find ring ouzel, but with the poor year they are having we have altered the route slightly and we will be exploring the woodland area around Meldon for redstarts and pied flycatchers.”

The East Devon branch of Devon Birds is a very active group and field trips and guided walks are arranged throughout the year for anyone interested in learning more about the fantastic birds of the county.

Non members are welcome to attend, and all interested should meet in the car park outside Meldon for a 10am start.

“Audrey Wise will be our guide for the day,” said David “a local birder who knows the area very well and has been leading our walks to this area for many years.”

Pied flycatchers are a beautiful woodland bird, however its current conservation status is listed as Amber. They migrate thousands of miles to breed here from sub-saharan Africa each year and Devon Birds is heavily involved in a project to learn more about the species. The Society has provided funding for a considerable number of nesting boxes in the Meldon area to aid in the recording and ringing of this species.