Exmoor birds of a feather...

We have now been at St Vincent’s Guest House for almost four years and every day are more and more impressed with the beauty, sounds and sights of the wildlife of Lynton, Lynmouth and Exmoor, especially the birds. Many of our guests come for the walking and to look at the scenery and animal inhabitants and we know they give a great deal of pleasure, especially to town and city dwellers who have very different kinds of wildlife.

On the radio recently, there was a feature from a young naturalist who “tweets” under the name @BirdgirlUK and the National Trust, talking about the importance of walking and listening to nature. Well worth a listen (1 42 30 in). This made us think of the wonderful naturalists and photographers in the area and the fact we have been admiring Jenny and John Elvin’s facebook posts for a while now, wishing a) we could take such good photos and b) we could gain such expert knowledge!

We contacted Jenny to see if they would send us five of their favourite feathered friends with a description. Jenny told us that together with her husband John who does most of the bird photos, they just enjoy their Exmoor home and the wonderful wildlife they come across on their travels.

So here is their top five (cue Top of the Pops opening credits).




 At number 5. Kestrel. This is quite common and a resident and its ability to hover in often gale force winds over the coast, combined with grace and beauty, make this a special bird.




Number 4. Dipper. Our master of the rivers, astonishing ability under the fast-flowing Exmoor waters.





Number 3. Long-tailed Tit. Well what can you say about this bundle of cuteness? Actually a tough survivor, winter feeding in family groups, descending on mass onto convenient feeders. Attitude, so I love that.!!!!!




At number 2. Redstart. Relative of our Thrush family, a summer visitor and gets to be on my favourite five list because of its startling beauty and enjoying our woodland and streams.




And in at the number 1 spot. Wheatear. Summer visitor, winters in the Sahara. Breeds here on Exmoor, near the coast and up on the moors. My number one favourite. That's it now, says Jenny, spring is nearly here and we will once again follow natures beautiful course on Exmoor and beyond.
 


We are very much looking forward to doing the same!

Thanks to Jenny and John Elvin for these beautiful photographs.