Monday 9 October 2017

Clifden Nonpareil!


I thought I'd missed the chance to see one of these this year. There's been a record number seen in Devon this autumn. Ten I think. John Gale trapped this one in Underdown, his second in recent weeks, and very kindly allowed me to go and see it after work. A large and spectacular species, it certainly didn't disappoint. This species seems to be expanding in range and I reckon it's only a matter of time before I get one here in Exmouth. Here's hoping. A big thank you John!

4 comments:

  1. Nice one Matt. Sure I had one of these many years ago on the wall of my old house. It was massive. I got a ladder out but spooked it and it went off in the darkness.Poor field technique i'm afraid. If you speak to John again tell him i'll pay his boys bus fare to come and spend the rest of the month birding down here, what a star !

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Perry - it would have been much, much rarer many years ago. It's still pretty rare now. Nearly as big, and more common are Red Underwing and Old Lady so I suspect it was one of those but you never know! Tom Gale is off North Ron now and will be on the Scillies soon. Wouldn't bet against him getting something good on there too. You'll have to find the 'biggie' on Start yourself mate! All the best. Matt

    ReplyDelete
  3. Red underwing or Old Lady it is ( or was ) then Matt ! Think we are going to struggle down here with the current weather, I reckon if there is a biggie in south Devon this autumn it will be the last week of October.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Perry - that would suit me it's half-term. Trouble is it will probably be on Lu's birthday. Right now I'd be quite happy with something rarer than a Reed Bunting on Orcombe!

    ReplyDelete