Aylesbeare Common is one of he heathlands of East Devon comprising beds of rounded pebbles and a red sandstone. They extend northwards towards the Somerset border. They were deposited by a large northward flowing desert river which crossed this area during the early Triassic, some 235 million years ago. At that time southern Britain was almost in the centre of a large continental area and lay just north of the equator. The climate was hot, with the winds coming from the east across a wide expanse of desert sand, inland salt lakes and inhospitable uplands. Now the East Devon Commons are an almost unique habitat for birds and reptiles.
I have a quest to see and photograph the Dartford Warbler and Aylesbeare Common is a breeding area for these birds. The area is also well known for reptiles being the home to 2 species of snake and 2 species of Lizards. Having never seen an adder, Britains only venomous snake then I could have hardly expected to encounter one in this trip. How wrong I was! After discovering a Slowworm and getting this photograph, I was stunned to discover an Adder sunning himself on a west facing bank. Surprise and a small amount of caution led to me missing the photo opportunity but I assume I will be able to return and find another.
Birds were difficult to see in this habitat but I hunted for a Wren–Troglodytes troglodytes for a while after getting a good sight of it.
On my return to the City and home I walked along my local River to catch a glimpse of 5 House Martins. Then in the corner of a filed close to the public area I paused at Dusk to photograph the young Rabbits that were very attractive and photogenic. While I stood stock still a Song Thrush appeared on the grass and continued to show, and I managed to get this great photo of a bird that is in such decline that I have hardly seen one in five years, whereas in years gone by they were as common as any garden bird and encountered constantly.
Again, being very quiet and still this Song Thrush was joined by another and then another and then a hen Blackbird. I could hardly contain my excitment and surprise when suddenly they were joined by a Redwing-Turdus ilacus. This species is one I associate with deep mid-winter and cold extreme temperatures. We have had them here in the garden before but only briefly to
feed on berries. This species breeds in Scandinavia and comes south as the winter worsens and they move to areas where there is better feeding opportunities. I must admit to being staggered at the sighting, not because they are particularly rare in the UK but I do not see them even annually here in Devon. They are an absolutely stunningly smart bird!
I am making an assumption that the Redwing seen here, and the other Thrushes were in a small migrating flock.