| Also under threat are the cirl buntings known to frequent Kerswell Downs. |
| The introduction of winter-sowing has thus been inimical to both cirl buntings and skylarks, leading to the loss of overwinter stubbles and dense cereal swards. |
| From autumn through to early spring large flocks of cirl buntings may be seen in the hedgerows. |
| The cirl bunting in Devon is one example, along with the marsh fritillary butterfly which is returning to parts of the West Country. |
| A trial release in Devon proved successful, with cirl buntings surviving the winter and joining the wild population. |
| It also pointed out that some species of farmland birds, including cirl buntings, stone curlews, goldfinch and whitethroat, have increased. |
