The Cirl Bunting is a very rare Bunting related to the Yellow Hammer. “Cirl” is a medieval word meaning “Plump”. Fortunately they have a foothold in South Devon and they are relatively easy to locate once you know where to look. They are the subject of much work by the RSPB and you can read more about their work with this species here. There is also a very interesting BBC article here.I travelled there this afternoon specifically to see if I could find a small flock and was successful. I am not sure of the present numbers but I think the population is approximately 1000 pairs or less. Males are particularly attractive with a striking facially pattern and brick red backs. The females are much duller and quite inconspicuous.
The small flock of around 10 birds was feeding amongst the bushes and brambles at the edge of a stubble field which I am led to believe is the preferred winter habitat. It was hard to imagine as I watched and photographed them, just how rare they are as a British Bird existing as they do in just this one small area of Devon.

As you can see they are an extremely pretty bird and very photogenic. The light was just perfect as I took theses shots the sun was low in the sky as we approached dusk and the birds were having a last feed before finding a roost.

Females are much duller with an almost striped chest. This one was feeding on “Old Mans Beard” Clematis vitalba.

As well as the Cirl Buntings I took photos of Purple Sandpipers feeding in the Breakwater at Brixham and I will post photos of that species in my next post.