Late in 2015, a really uncommon bird to the UK showed up at Colyford Common, part of Seaton Wetlands. For just the 2nd time in documented history, the isabelline wheatear has actually been seen in Devon. The very first time it was ever seen on mainland Britain was on Lundy Island in October 2019 for a single day.
The isabelline wheatear is a thrush-sized bird, carefully associated to the northern wheatears which can be seen on Seaton Wetlands every spring and fall. However, this wheatear ought to be on mountainous slopes in between Turkey and the Gobi Desert, so it was a long method off course.
Cllr Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Countryside and Environment, said:
When the recognition was verified, it triggered something of a stir among bird watchers to state the least!
The bird revealed for a number of days and on New Year’s Day it was seen once again on the nature reserve, apparently unconcerned to the bird watchers and professional photographers who gathered to see this rarity. It was frequently seen darting from posts to the boardwalk going through the website and was apparently feeding well regardless of the cold and damp weather condition of early January. Being seen continuously up till Saturday 14th January, this was the very first isabeline wheatear to ‘overwinter’ in Britain!
The shortage of this bird appearing in the British Isles, not to mention Devon, suggested that a great deal of individuals took a trip to see the bird. When the reserve parking area ended up being complete, some individuals parked on the roadside at the entryway to Colyford Common at Popes Lane. Unfortunately, this triggered some blockage and East Devon District Council’s countryside group put out signs asking individuals not to park there and recommended options, in addition to requesting it through social networks. Overall, the centers of the nature reserve stood well to the pressure and outstanding views were taken pleasure in by those who made the journey without the larger nature reserve sensation crowded or hectic.
