Bennett’s Cross to Challacombe, 20th June 2026

It was good to welcome some visitors in the 14 strong group which met at the little car park near Warren House Inn on Dartmoor on a pleasant morning.

Walking down towards the valley we were thrilled to have good views of Whinchat flitting between some small trees. In the same area a Tree Pipit delighted us with his parachuting display flight. We also had a brief view of a Cuckoo in flight. An excursion into the forest at Soussons produced several species of the small birds which one might expect in this habitat, such as Coal Tits and Siskins. We could hear many more than we could see, as was particularly the case with Willow Warbler which we heard frequently during the walk but which proved elusive to see.

Surprisingly little was seen as we walked around Challacombe Down, but things livened up as we approached the farm. We stopped for lunch by the little pond where Swallows and House Martins were flying low over the water just in front of us. We were joined by some rather pretty hens, no doubt used to sharing some picnic goodies!

Interestingly, we noted that the House Martins were using both natural and artificial nests on the farmhouse, also that battens were affixed to the house wall to give support for the natural nests, thereby making them more secure.

As we continued our walk from the farm a Raven gave a display of ‘barrel rolling’ above us. Again, more bird song than sightings until we neared Headland Warren when Abbie spotted a white arse! No, not human, but a Wheatear. As many of you will know, the old English name referred to the white rump, very noticeable in flight. Whilst having expected to see this species earlier, we now saw several feeding on the ground.

We headed uphill from Headland Warren, returning to the car park across moorland on a section of the Two Moors Way, accompanied by the songs of Skylark.

Many thanks to Steve for leading this very enjoyable excursion, during which we saw or heard 38 species. Thanks also to Dave, who identified the butterflies, dragonflies, etc which we saw and to Jonathan for co-leading.

Pat Thomson

38 species identified (H – heard only)

Swift, Cuckoo, Woodpigeon, Herring Gull, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, House Martin, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff (H), Blackcap, Goldcrest (H), Wren (H), Song Thrush (H), Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Whinchat, Stonechat, Wheatear, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Tree Pipit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin.