All About The Thrushes

Emsworthy Mire, Near Haytor, Devon
I had the afternoon and despite having pretty bad sciatica, I made the effort to go and have a little look around. Most of my time was spent sitting on walls to ease the pain. This worked rather well actually as I was able to watch a flock of around 60 Fieldfare and in amongst them were 2 Male Ring Ouzel and around 10 Redwing. I couldn't chase them down for a photo and they always remained distant. To back up the other Thrush species a few Song Thrush and Common Blackbird were on site. A Grey Wagtail was a nice surprise too. Also of note on site were 2 Eurasian Jay, Northern Raven and a Male Eurasian Bullfinch. A few Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Magpie and Carrion Crow made up the supporting cast.

Long-eared Owl

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I haven't done any birding for ages due to work and family commitments. So I was excited when Matt Knott texted me with news of a Long-eared Owl on Orcombe Point. I managed an early finish and got there to see it roosting in an Ash Tree in the field left of the entrance gate to the permissive path. This is only my second sighting of this species so it was great to get some decent views.

Long-eared Owl

Northern Wheatear

Woodbury Common, Devon 
I had a walk around the model aircraft field and surrounding area after work. A single Female Northern Wheatear was feeding on the main field. A few Meadow Pilots around and a European Stonechat were the best on offer

Dartford Warbler

Woodbury Common, Devon
After work I took advantage of the fact the rain had stopped and had a wander around Woodbury Castle and surrounding common. Not a great deal around but a nice Male Dartford Warbler making the most of the sun was a welcome sight. Circa 60 Meadow Pipit were about and a similar number of Barn Swallow came through.