Hayes Pig Farm, Yettington, Devon
A walk along the road and the public footpath at the farm after work. The place was quiet busy with bird activity. I guess the earlier dusting of snow in the area and the cold had brought them in towards the farm in search of food. There were circa 150 Common Chaffinch, a Female Brambling, several Common Reed Bunting, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Cirl Bunting, Circa 30 Redwing, several Fieldfare, 1 Grey Wagtail, a few Meadow Pipit, European Green Woodpecker and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
A Showy Yellow-browed Warbler
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A quick look at first light and the Yellow-browsed Warbler showed along the road opposite the hide. It was feeding in the ditch from the hide to the 20 mph sign. To say that this individual shows beautifully would be an understatement. It seems totally oblivious to people. Pity I was only armed with my phone camera and could only obtain this awful record shot. A couple of Eurasian Wren were in full on fight mode nearby. It’s such a strange thing to see such a small species being so ferocious!
A quick look at first light and the Yellow-browsed Warbler showed along the road opposite the hide. It was feeding in the ditch from the hide to the 20 mph sign. To say that this individual shows beautifully would be an understatement. It seems totally oblivious to people. Pity I was only armed with my phone camera and could only obtain this awful record shot. A couple of Eurasian Wren were in full on fight mode nearby. It’s such a strange thing to see such a small species being so ferocious!
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| Yellow-browed Warbler |
A Reservoir, A Lake And A Marsh
Cheddar Reservoir, Somerset
I had the day off so decided to pop to a few places I’ve not visited for a good while. This was my first stop, with my main target of Red-crested Pochard. After a good search I drew a blank but the following notable species were logged. Common Loon, Greater Scaup, Common Pochard, Grey Wagtail a Male Mandarin Duck and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Chew Valley Lake, Avon
I always struggle to bird this place, especially without a permit.
Targets here were the Lesser Scaup (not reported for a while but could still be on site) and Long-tailed Duck. I stoppped off at a couple of spots. The best I could muster were 4 Male Common Goldeneye, a Female Greater Scaup at the lay-by at Herons Green Bay, a few Mew Gull at the dam and several Common Pochard and a white Eurasian Coot at Herriotts Bridge. I always struggle with birding this place due to the size of the site so feeling a tad deflated, I moved on.
Steart Marshes, Somerset
A final site before heading home. The main target heat was Short-eared Owl. I started off at Otterhampton Marsh where 3 Eurasian Spoonbill showed distantly. I moved to Steart Gate for the target species and wasn’t disappointed, with 2 individuals on show. Also a major surprise was a Twite. I had heard that there had been a few reports of this bird but I wasn’t expecting to see it. It was rather flightly and skulking (not surprising with 2 Short-eared Owls on the prowl.
I had the day off so decided to pop to a few places I’ve not visited for a good while. This was my first stop, with my main target of Red-crested Pochard. After a good search I drew a blank but the following notable species were logged. Common Loon, Greater Scaup, Common Pochard, Grey Wagtail a Male Mandarin Duck and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
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| Greater Scaup (Male) |
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| Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male) |
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| Mandarin Duck (Male) |
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| Common Loon |
I always struggle to bird this place, especially without a permit.
Targets here were the Lesser Scaup (not reported for a while but could still be on site) and Long-tailed Duck. I stoppped off at a couple of spots. The best I could muster were 4 Male Common Goldeneye, a Female Greater Scaup at the lay-by at Herons Green Bay, a few Mew Gull at the dam and several Common Pochard and a white Eurasian Coot at Herriotts Bridge. I always struggle with birding this place due to the size of the site so feeling a tad deflated, I moved on.
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| Goldeneye (Male) |
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| Mew Gull |
A final site before heading home. The main target heat was Short-eared Owl. I started off at Otterhampton Marsh where 3 Eurasian Spoonbill showed distantly. I moved to Steart Gate for the target species and wasn’t disappointed, with 2 individuals on show. Also a major surprise was a Twite. I had heard that there had been a few reports of this bird but I wasn’t expecting to see it. It was rather flightly and skulking (not surprising with 2 Short-eared Owls on the prowl.
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| Short-eared Owl |
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| Short-eared Owl |
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| Short-eared Owl |
Pied Avocet And Common Eider
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A morning visit on Monday didn’t give up the Yellow-browed Warbler but from the hide was a single Ruff and few Dunlin in amongst the many Black-tailed Godwit flock and a nice raft of Pied Avocet.
Shelly Beach, Exmouth, Devon
A quick look after work in the hope of a Black Redstart was unsuccessful. I guess it was hunkered down due to the presence of a Eurasian Sparrowhawk. On the estuary were a few Common Eider, with one individual at rather close range.
A morning visit on Monday didn’t give up the Yellow-browed Warbler but from the hide was a single Ruff and few Dunlin in amongst the many Black-tailed Godwit flock and a nice raft of Pied Avocet.
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| Pied Avocer |
Shelly Beach, Exmouth, Devon
A quick look after work in the hope of a Black Redstart was unsuccessful. I guess it was hunkered down due to the presence of a Eurasian Sparrowhawk. On the estuary were a few Common Eider, with one individual at rather close range.
A Bird Friendly Farm
Otterton Sewage Works, Devon
A look around before work gave a female Cirl Bunting, Male Common Reed Bunting and several Common Chiffchaff feeding bear the car park. Unfortunately the Cirl Bunting flew off whilst I was setting up the scope and didn’t return, so no photos. I have to say that the work that Stantywell farm is putting in to make it a bird friendly environment is doing something. Also on site were a few Eurasian Skylark.
Hayes Barton Pig Farm, near Yettington, Devon
A grey and wet after work visit didn’t produce much but a Grey Wagtail brighttened up the visit.
A look around before work gave a female Cirl Bunting, Male Common Reed Bunting and several Common Chiffchaff feeding bear the car park. Unfortunately the Cirl Bunting flew off whilst I was setting up the scope and didn’t return, so no photos. I have to say that the work that Stantywell farm is putting in to make it a bird friendly environment is doing something. Also on site were a few Eurasian Skylark.
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| Common Chaffinch (Female) |
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| Common Reed Bunting (Male) |
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| Common Chaffinch (Male) |
A grey and wet after work visit didn’t produce much but a Grey Wagtail brighttened up the visit.
Red-throated Loon
Stantywell Farm And Otterton Coastal Path
A quick look after work. I started at Stantywell Farm in the hope of Cirl Bunting and Yellowhammer but I was not successful. Things picked up from the coastal path near the Sewage Treatment Works with a single Red-throated Loon, several Northern Gannet and Circa 30 Eurasian Skylark in the fields. As I was leaving around the area there were circa 30 Fieldfare looking to roost in a tree. Also of note is the fact that there is a healthy House Sparrow population around the farm.
A quick look after work. I started at Stantywell Farm in the hope of Cirl Bunting and Yellowhammer but I was not successful. Things picked up from the coastal path near the Sewage Treatment Works with a single Red-throated Loon, several Northern Gannet and Circa 30 Eurasian Skylark in the fields. As I was leaving around the area there were circa 30 Fieldfare looking to roost in a tree. Also of note is the fact that there is a healthy House Sparrow population around the farm.
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| Fieldfare |
Barnacle Goose And Some Dire Birding
Exmouth Cricket Club, Devon
A quick look at first light for the Common Firecrest was unfortunately fruitless.
Exminster Marsh, Devon
A flying visit at lunchtime today along the railway path. The 4 Barnacle Goose were on show. Good numbers of Northern Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit and was pleased to see a few European Golden Plover.
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
A walk around after work both yesterday and today was very dire indeed. I was looking for Lesser Redpoll and Yellowhammer and on both occasions saw next to nothing. This place can be a bit hit and miss.
A quick look at first light for the Common Firecrest was unfortunately fruitless.
Exminster Marsh, Devon
A flying visit at lunchtime today along the railway path. The 4 Barnacle Goose were on show. Good numbers of Northern Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit and was pleased to see a few European Golden Plover.
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| Barnacle Goose |
A walk around after work both yesterday and today was very dire indeed. I was looking for Lesser Redpoll and Yellowhammer and on both occasions saw next to nothing. This place can be a bit hit and miss.
Velvet Scoter
Dawlish Warren, Devon
A quick look after work from the sea wall near the lifeguard hut for the Velvet Scoter was very successful. The bird was rather distant but nice to see. Also 6 Common Scoter that were even more distant and a scattering of Great Crested Grebe.
A quick look after work from the sea wall near the lifeguard hut for the Velvet Scoter was very successful. The bird was rather distant but nice to see. Also 6 Common Scoter that were even more distant and a scattering of Great Crested Grebe.
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| Velvet Scoter (Juvenile) |
Possible Water Pipit And A Mystery Stint
Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon
I was alerted to a possible Stint species that was spotted very distantly from the hide so I couldn’t resist calling in on the way home. After a search I couldn’t locate a wader that resembled a Stint but I did get what I am 95% sure was a Water Pipit. The bird was always at the far end of the channel, light wasn’t great and the tussocks obscured view a lot. However, the bird was a plumper looking bird, it had a purple tone, a very bright breast and very little streaking. I couldn’t make out a supercilium though, which I would have liked to help clinch the ID. Also on site were a good number of Common Reed Bunting and Common Chaffinch.
I was alerted to a possible Stint species that was spotted very distantly from the hide so I couldn’t resist calling in on the way home. After a search I couldn’t locate a wader that resembled a Stint but I did get what I am 95% sure was a Water Pipit. The bird was always at the far end of the channel, light wasn’t great and the tussocks obscured view a lot. However, the bird was a plumper looking bird, it had a purple tone, a very bright breast and very little streaking. I couldn’t make out a supercilium though, which I would have liked to help clinch the ID. Also on site were a good number of Common Reed Bunting and Common Chaffinch.
Dorset Delivers Again
A cracking “fill your boots” day out in Dorset.
Portland Harbour, Dorset
First stop off in search of Loons and Grebes. It was rather quiet here but eventually a Black-throated Loon showed distantly. The only other bird of note was a Common Murre.
Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset
My next stop proved better with a Common Loon, Horned Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Black-necked Grebe.
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
My main targets here were the Ring-necked Duck and Bearded Reedling. After two circuits of the Buddleia Loop I was giving up hope of the later but just near the visitor centre I heard the distinctive call and there were a Male and Female at real close quarters. They were often slightly obscured and due to the breeze, never ventured right to the top of the reeds. I absolutely adore this species and wish I could see them more often. A quick look of the pontoons along the main road gave me the other target bird. Mission complete! Also on site were good numbers of Common Pochard, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. I was surprised not to get a Mediterranean Gull though!
Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Next stop off was for the Lesser Yellowlegs. I got straight on to this cracking bird and had nice close views for a few minutes but it flew off before a photo opportunity. Also onsite was a Male Western Marsh Harrier, Ruff and good numbers of Common Snipe.
Maiden Castle, Dorchester, Dorset
I couldn’t resist stopping off here for Corn Bunting and the place didn’t disappoint as I got straight on to a group of circa 20 birds.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
A final stop off to look for the apart showy Common Eider and boy is it showy. The bird was outside the harbour and gave nice views. I couldn’t locate any Purple Sandpiper or the earlier reported Black Redstart in the Bowling Green area.
Portland Harbour, Dorset
First stop off in search of Loons and Grebes. It was rather quiet here but eventually a Black-throated Loon showed distantly. The only other bird of note was a Common Murre.
Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset
My next stop proved better with a Common Loon, Horned Grebe, 6 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Black-necked Grebe.
Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
My main targets here were the Ring-necked Duck and Bearded Reedling. After two circuits of the Buddleia Loop I was giving up hope of the later but just near the visitor centre I heard the distinctive call and there were a Male and Female at real close quarters. They were often slightly obscured and due to the breeze, never ventured right to the top of the reeds. I absolutely adore this species and wish I could see them more often. A quick look of the pontoons along the main road gave me the other target bird. Mission complete! Also on site were good numbers of Common Pochard, Gadwall and Tufted Duck. I was surprised not to get a Mediterranean Gull though!
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| Bearded Reedling (Male) |
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| Bearded Reedling (Female) |
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| Bearded Reedling (Female) |
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| Bearded Reedling (Female) |
Next stop off was for the Lesser Yellowlegs. I got straight on to this cracking bird and had nice close views for a few minutes but it flew off before a photo opportunity. Also onsite was a Male Western Marsh Harrier, Ruff and good numbers of Common Snipe.
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| Ruff |
I couldn’t resist stopping off here for Corn Bunting and the place didn’t disappoint as I got straight on to a group of circa 20 birds.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
A final stop off to look for the apart showy Common Eider and boy is it showy. The bird was outside the harbour and gave nice views. I couldn’t locate any Purple Sandpiper or the earlier reported Black Redstart in the Bowling Green area.
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| Common Eider (Male) |
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Maer Farm, Exmouth, Devon
A quick look around the back of the farm finally gave me the Rose-ringed Parakeet. The bird was sat in the trees behind the farm.
A quick look around the back of the farm finally gave me the Rose-ringed Parakeet. The bird was sat in the trees behind the farm.
Sandpipers In The City
Woodwater Lane, Exeter, Devon
I stopped at the bridge in this area before work and got 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail. It’s still amazes me to find these in a City.
Powderham Sawmills, Devon
I popped here at lunchtime in the hope of the Marsh Tit that was found on a Yellow-browed Warbler stakeout. Saw Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit but no Marsh Tit. No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler either but a couple of Common Reed Bunting were nice to see.
Joney’s Cross Car Park, Aylesbeare Common, Devon
After work I had a look in this area for a reported Lesser Redpoll. No luck but a nice pair of Eurasian Bullfinch were a nice sight.
I stopped at the bridge in this area before work and got 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper and a Grey Wagtail. It’s still amazes me to find these in a City.
Powderham Sawmills, Devon
I popped here at lunchtime in the hope of the Marsh Tit that was found on a Yellow-browed Warbler stakeout. Saw Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit but no Marsh Tit. No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler either but a couple of Common Reed Bunting were nice to see.
Joney’s Cross Car Park, Aylesbeare Common, Devon
After work I had a look in this area for a reported Lesser Redpoll. No luck but a nice pair of Eurasian Bullfinch were a nice sight.
Lots Of Wagtails
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I popped up for an hour this afternoon to discover a lot of Wagtails around the dung heap. The vast majority being Pied with a number of Meadow Pipits and a solitary Grey Wagtail. A decent flock of Common Linnet were also around this area. Around 20 Eurasian Skylark flew overhead as did a Common Kestrel. I only managed 1 Cirl Bunting though.
I popped up for an hour this afternoon to discover a lot of Wagtails around the dung heap. The vast majority being Pied with a number of Meadow Pipits and a solitary Grey Wagtail. A decent flock of Common Linnet were also around this area. Around 20 Eurasian Skylark flew overhead as did a Common Kestrel. I only managed 1 Cirl Bunting though.
Some Good Birds In Exeter
Northbrook, Ludwell Valley, Exeter
A walk along the brook from Ludwell Lane to Topsham Road after work was well worth it. On site were 1 Water Rail, 1 White-throated Dipper and a minimum of 6 Grey Wagtail. I’ve said this before but it amazes my that such good birds survive here. I couldn’t find any Green Sandpiper though.
Woodbury Common, Devon
A quick look until dusk in the hope of the Hen Harrier was unsuccessful but I unintentionally flushed a single Jack Snipe and had 3 Eurasian Woodcock in flight at dusk.
A walk along the brook from Ludwell Lane to Topsham Road after work was well worth it. On site were 1 Water Rail, 1 White-throated Dipper and a minimum of 6 Grey Wagtail. I’ve said this before but it amazes my that such good birds survive here. I couldn’t find any Green Sandpiper though.
Woodbury Common, Devon
A quick look until dusk in the hope of the Hen Harrier was unsuccessful but I unintentionally flushed a single Jack Snipe and had 3 Eurasian Woodcock in flight at dusk.
FINALLY A Yellow-browed Warbler!
Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot, Devon
As I was going to go to Stover I decided to pop here to look for the Common Loon. After a decent search, there was no sign. I bumped into Charlie Fleming. I’ve seen many of his excellent photos over the years but we have never chatted before. It was a pleasure getting to know him and we had a very good chinwag. I hope to bump in to him again sometime.
Stover Country Park, Stover, Devon
I wanted to pop here as I love to see the Common Merganser and it didn’t disappoint with 4 pairs on site. Eurasian Siskin was about the best at the feeder and 2 pairs of Mandarin Duck were a nice addition too.
Cockwood
My next stop off to look for Common Eider and Common Goldeneye and both species showed (if not distantly).
Powderham Sawmills
I gave the area another go for the Yellow-browed Warbler and within 10 minutes the bird showed beautifully in the willows to the right of the concrete area outside Poppy’s Flower studio. I’m glad I have finally caught up with this lovely species as I was beginning to think I would never see another one again!
Powderham Corner
A final stop off to check through the Brant Goose. Nothing of interest that I could pick out as they were always distant. However, on the Estuary was a close Grey Plover and good numbers of Northern Pintail. In the fields on the way back to the main road were 2 Eurasian Sparrowhawk co hunting Thrushes (I think Redwing). They were both unsuccessful.
As I was going to go to Stover I decided to pop here to look for the Common Loon. After a decent search, there was no sign. I bumped into Charlie Fleming. I’ve seen many of his excellent photos over the years but we have never chatted before. It was a pleasure getting to know him and we had a very good chinwag. I hope to bump in to him again sometime.
Stover Country Park, Stover, Devon
I wanted to pop here as I love to see the Common Merganser and it didn’t disappoint with 4 pairs on site. Eurasian Siskin was about the best at the feeder and 2 pairs of Mandarin Duck were a nice addition too.
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| Mandarin Duck (Male and Female) |
My next stop off to look for Common Eider and Common Goldeneye and both species showed (if not distantly).
Powderham Sawmills
I gave the area another go for the Yellow-browed Warbler and within 10 minutes the bird showed beautifully in the willows to the right of the concrete area outside Poppy’s Flower studio. I’m glad I have finally caught up with this lovely species as I was beginning to think I would never see another one again!
Powderham Corner
A final stop off to check through the Brant Goose. Nothing of interest that I could pick out as they were always distant. However, on the Estuary was a close Grey Plover and good numbers of Northern Pintail. In the fields on the way back to the main road were 2 Eurasian Sparrowhawk co hunting Thrushes (I think Redwing). They were both unsuccessful.
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| Grey Plover |
A New Year
A new year and a fresh list to complete. 1 popped to a few sites and managed 82 species. I won’t mention them all but the highlights were.
Matford Marsh, Exeter
I thought I would pop here in the hope of last years boggie bird (Yellow-browed Warbler). No joy but there was a Common Chiffchaff that got me excited for a second or so. Around the marsh were Black-tailed Godwit, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Peregrine Falcon, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Common Snipe.
Powderham Sawmill
Another go at last years boggie bird but again there was no Yellow-browed Warbler on offer but a group of 6 Red-legged Partridge were close by.
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham
A Little Gull off the Goat Walk was a welcome sight, also here were Pied Avocet, Red Knot, Grey Plover and Dunlin. Around the marsh were Redwing, Northern Pintail, Bar-tailed Godwit and Cetti’s Warbler. I didn’t stay long as it was far too overcrowded for my liking. I felt almost claustrophobic.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth
A quick visit produced Cirl Bunting, Northern Raven and Meadow Pipit.
The Seafront, Exmouth
What is it about “We must all go for a walk on New Year’s Day?!” As again this place was far too busy (it was busier than I have ever seen it in the summer) so I didn’t hang about but did manage a distant Red-throated Loon
The Quay and Imperial Grounds, Exmouth
Black Redstart, Common Eider, Mew Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser were the best on offer here.
Hayes Pig Farm, Yettington
A quick visit got me a Brambling at the farm and a European Green Woodpecker nearby. A quick return visit to a site near the farm at dusk got me a Eurasian Woodcock.
Matford Marsh, Exeter
I thought I would pop here in the hope of last years boggie bird (Yellow-browed Warbler). No joy but there was a Common Chiffchaff that got me excited for a second or so. Around the marsh were Black-tailed Godwit, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Peregrine Falcon, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Common Snipe.
Powderham Sawmill
Another go at last years boggie bird but again there was no Yellow-browed Warbler on offer but a group of 6 Red-legged Partridge were close by.
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham
A Little Gull off the Goat Walk was a welcome sight, also here were Pied Avocet, Red Knot, Grey Plover and Dunlin. Around the marsh were Redwing, Northern Pintail, Bar-tailed Godwit and Cetti’s Warbler. I didn’t stay long as it was far too overcrowded for my liking. I felt almost claustrophobic.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth
A quick visit produced Cirl Bunting, Northern Raven and Meadow Pipit.
The Seafront, Exmouth
What is it about “We must all go for a walk on New Year’s Day?!” As again this place was far too busy (it was busier than I have ever seen it in the summer) so I didn’t hang about but did manage a distant Red-throated Loon
The Quay and Imperial Grounds, Exmouth
Black Redstart, Common Eider, Mew Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser were the best on offer here.
Hayes Pig Farm, Yettington
A quick visit got me a Brambling at the farm and a European Green Woodpecker nearby. A quick return visit to a site near the farm at dusk got me a Eurasian Woodcock.
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