Siberian Chiffchaff

 Exwick, Exeter, Devon 

I popped to the flood relief area to look for the Dusky Warbler. It was a no show unfortunately. I did pick up on the Siberian Chiffchaff though. First one I've seen in a while. Also a Grey Wagtail and White-throated Dipper were on site. 

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

 Steart Marsh, Somerset

I had the day off so I popped here for the morning. I first went to Stockland Marsh in search of the Eurasian Penduline Tits. When they say Wellies are essential, they mean it. The trudge there and back though was worth it for views of male and females birds. On route I also had a fly over Female Hen Harrier and on site a Male Western Marsh Harrier.

I then moved on to Steart Gate and after a bit of a search the Eastern Yellow Wagtail showed at very close range.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail 

Eastern Yellow Wagtail 

Sociable Lapwing

Crows an Wra, Cornwall (4th December)

I had the day off and the lure of a mega lifer was too great. I know some will say I shouldn't have gone but you if you read the guidance it clearly says you can travel from tier 2 to tier 1 as long as you still abide by tier 2 restrictions. The only ones that cannot travel are unfortunately tier 3 residents. I didn't stop anywhere on the journey there and back and I socially distanced from all on site. In fact, social distancing was adhered to by all of the small ensemble there. 

Anyway, the bird showed superbly straight on arrival. I couldn't believe I was seeing such a class bird and I totally enjoyed the views. Also on site were numerous Northern Lapwing and European Golden Plover.

I stayed for 30 minutes and left for home. 

Sociable Lapwing

Tundra Bean Goose

Apex leisure park, Burnham on sea, Somerset 

A belated post from Wednesday (2nd December). I have been desperate to see the Tundra Bean Goose as it was a lifer bird for me. I have see Tiaga Bean Goose. 

I have been waiting for the national lock down to be over to travel. And as guidance says you can travel within tier 2 areas, I thought I would go for it. Due to the location I wore a face mask at all times (even though it was outside) as there were a number of people on site so I played it safe.

The bird shows ridiculously close, almost tame and I was able to enjoy great views of the bird. The two juvenile Greater White-fronted Geese (of Russian origins) showed and behaved equally as well.

Tundra Bean Goose

White-fronted Goose (Russian)

Trushes Galore

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I walked around the farmland areas near my house this afternoon. Sticking to the PROW's.  The order of the day was Thrushes. Plenty of Common Blackbird about, Several Song Thrush, and 4 Mistle Thrush. However, the main event was a mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare. The flock was circa 250 birds. Mainly Redwing but good numbers of Fieldfare. 

One of my photos captured 3 species and it's a shame I couldn't get both nearby Song Thrush and Common Blackbird in the shot. Well, I could of but they would have been dots.

Mistle Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare 

Mixed flock of Redwing and Fieldfare 

Fieldfare 

American Wigeon

Exmouth, Devon 

Popped to Exmouth today in hope of seeing the eclipse plumage drake American Wigeon. I popped to Mudbank first. I scanned the large Eurasian Wigeon flock for around an hour until he gave himself up. First one I've seen for nearly 2 years and was great to see.

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

This week around my estate I have taken a few very short walks and not ventured more than half a mile from my home. I've noticed a nice flock of circa 30 Redwing in the area which was nice to see. Also the following of note. Mistle Thrush, a big increase in European Greenfinch, European Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Nuthatch, Tawny Owl and Goldcrest. A total of 34 species on my doorstep, which just goes to show what you can see if you keep and eye open.

Ring Ouzel and Lesser Yellowlegs

Avon Dam, Shipley Bridge, Devon 

I had the day off and was desperate to see Ring Ouzel. I turned up and started the walk from Shipley Bridge to the dam and the heavens opened. I arrived at the dam soaking wet with only seeing 4 Ring Ouzels but in distant flight. 

On the way back down and not too far from the dam in noticed some activity in some trees on the opposite side of the river. At first I noted Fieldfare. With several birds feeding on the Rowan berries. Then, a female Ring Ouzel followed by a male and then more and more. I counted 10 individuals all within 2 trees next to one another.

I looked like a drowned rat by this point but I didnt care. I do love seeing this species and I enjoyed watching them for a good while. I managed a record photo (as dismal as the weather).

On the way back down I also bumped into a White-throated Dipper. 

Ring Ouzel (Male) with Fieldfare above

Ring Ouzel (Male)

South Eford Marsh, Averton Giffard, Devon 

Whilst in the area, it felt rude to not pop here and take a look for the lesser Yellowlegs. I didnt have too long here but I didnt need it. I was able to view the bird very nicely from the entrance gate. I love seeing this species. A very nice bird. Again, a rather awful photo.

Lesser Yellowlegs

Pink-footed Goose

Bridge Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I've been suffering with my sciatica so I've not been out a lot of late. It felt better today so I saw my opportunity to go and look for the Pink-footed Goose. I only had about 30 minutes of daylight but I was in luck as it was on show as soon as I arrived. I do like this Goose species and I stuck around until dark and enjoyed watching it. Not much else on offer but that didnt matter.

Pink-footed Goose

Spotted Redshank

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I hadn't planned on going out birding but a message from Tim Wright on Twitter about Spotted Redshank. Gave me the inspiration I needed get out for a quick walk. The bird showed well in scope views from the tower hide but wasn't quite close enough for a phonescoped picture. The fading light didnt help. Nice to see my first one of the year though. Thanks Tim for putting the news out. 

Eurasian Beaver

Ottery River, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I had a walk this evening from St saviours bridge in Ottery to halfway to Tipton St John. I was treated to several Grey Wagtail, White-throated Dipper and Common Kingfisher. My first Cetti's Warbler in Ottery boundary and more Little Egret than I could count. I thought back to when I first started birdwatching (late teens) and the later 2 species I mentioned were a real rarity (Living in Wales, even more so) and now they are relatively easy species to enjoy. It also got me thinking of all the species that I would see in plentiful numbers that are now hard to see and enjoy. How time changes things? Best of all though was the briefest view of an Eurasian Beaver. I dont seem to have much luck when looking for these amazing creatures so I was extremely pleased to finally catch up with one again.

Beer Head, Devon 

Last Wednesday I spent an afternoon getting to know this site in more detail. Not a great deal about but did enjoy 5 Northern Wheatear, a fly over Western Yellow Wagtail and Lots of Meadow Pipit. I was treated to Small Copper and Clouded Yellow on the Butterfly front.

Meadow Pipit 

Northern Wheatear 

Spotted Flycatchers Galore

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 

Saw Dave Boults twitter report of 12 plus Spotted Flycatcher on Bystock Pools reserve. So was itching to have a look as I've not seen one this year. As it happened, I had to run an errand in Exmouth so had 30 minutes there this evening. I didn't quite get the results Dave had but did get on to 6 individuals.  As the saying goes "it's like waiting for a bus, then they all come at once." I also note plenty of Common Chiffchaff, at least 7 individuals. A good number of Tit species noted too. It was great to see the place buzzing with bird life and I wish I could have spent longer there.

Ice Cream And Northern Wheatear

Ottery Valley Ice Cream, Monkton, Devon 

Despite the rain, the family popped here for an ice cream. It had stopped raining when we got there so I was able to check the fields. Plenty of Pied Wagtail where about but in amongst them was a single Northern Wheatear. Just goes to show, you can see great things in the most unlikely of places. 

Common Redstart

Beer Head, Devon 

A late post from a visit yesterday evening. I was rather late getting to site but was hopefully of seeing some migrants. I caught up with a male Common Redstart that showed very briefly before dropping into the undergrowth and didnt show again. A few Western Yellow Wagtail were rather mobile and didnt settle down. On the headland south of the barn I picked up a call I've not heard before. The only way to describe it was a "Hew up" with the Hew being rather slow and the up quick. Its difficult to describe calls. I searched the area with no luck and only heard the call 3 times. I've checked Xeno canto, for things I think it could have been with not luck. All I can say is I've never heard that call before so just playing guess work at what to listen to. This will go down as a "oh I wish I knew what that was" bird. 

Somerset Marshes

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I woke up to this amazing garden tick. A Northern Wheatear on my neighbours roof

Northern Wheatear 

Shapwick, Somerset

Had the day off so had a few hours around the marshes. I was treated to a Great Egret almost straight way on the way to Noah's Lake. At the hide at Noah's lake I just caught sight of the Osprey as it circled over the lake and out of sight. The Black-necked Grebe showed well, if not distantly. 3 Western Marsh Harrier gave pretty good views too. Back at the main path, another 2 Great Egret. 

Great Egret

Black-necked Grebe 

Ham Wall, Somerset 

A quick walk up to the first viewing platform. All rather quite on the birding front with the best bird being a Common Kingfisher at the bridge. On the Dragonfly front there were loads of Southern Hawker plus a nice Migrant Hawker. Disappointingly no Eurasian Bittern seen on either sites.

Curlew Sandpiper and Garganey

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had an evening look around. I've not been here for some time since moving from Exmouth to Ottery St Mary. So it was nice to be on Familiar territory. I was hoping for my first Eurasian Whimbrel and Garganey of the year. The first species was easy with a few birds on site. The hide was frustratingly closed, so I had to make do with views from the road. 

The next species on offer was Curlew Sandpiper. A Few birds were frustrating to get views of but I did manage some half okay views. The Greater Scaup put in a brief appearance. As did a Common Pochard. With really fading light I just managed a Garganey before heading off. As always, lots of waders on offer with Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Common Redshank. It looks like yesterday's Spotted Redshank has cleared out though. Unless its elsewhere on the Exe.

Curlew Sandpiper

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

An evening look around produced a Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover, a Red Knot, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Plenty of Dunlin and eventually a single Curlew Sandpiper. 

Whinchat and Northern Wheatears

Beer Head, Devon 

Yesterday evening I took another walk around. The main bird on offer was Northern Wheatear. With at least 15 birds on site in the fields near the old Coastguard building. I went in hope of Whinchat and after a few walks up and down this area, 1 gave itself up briefly. I did look for some Spotted Flycatcher that had been seen earlier in the day but no joy.

Northern Wheatear

Western Yellow Wagtail

Beer Head, Devon 

All the years I've lived in East Devon, I have never managed to get to this site. Got some info off Kevin Hale today though and had an evening visit. A joy of a site with lots of great habitats. And an amazing migration drop in area. 

I wanted to have a look for Western Yellow Wagtail and was not disappointed. Within minutes I had got nice views of 4 birds. I normally see this species hanging about with Cows, so to see them dodging sheep feet was a bit of a novelty.  

On leaving, there was a Red-legged Partridge by the barn near the entrance gate and nice views of a European Green Woodpecker. 

I will definitely be spending more time here now that I live nearer the site than I was in Exmouth. 

European Storm Petrel

Otterton Coastal Path, Devon

I had the afternoon off as it was perfect sea watching conditions. So I headed here as it's the nearest descent location to pitch up. It all started very quiet with the commoner species of Northern Gannet, Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake and Common Scoter. After about 30 minutes I picked out a cracking European Storm Petrel. And literally 5 minutes later a Sooty Shearwater. Hmmm, this could be a good session I thought. As it happens I was right. A further 2 European Storm Petrel but better still a Leach's Storm Petrel. I didn't put the news out as I've only ever seen one before and not very well, so I had to be sure. So refreshing myself with the species, I am now confident. It was rather close. It was longer winged, looked larger, no covert band on underwing and had a stronger more veering flight pattern. As, I was getting ready to leave a Great Shearwater went by and topped off an enjoyable afternoon. Also making the notepad was a single Red-legged Partridge on the lane down to the Sewage works and a Cirl Bunting on the feeder.

Sea Watching

Berry Head, Devon 

I had the day off especially to do some sea watching. I was tempted to venture to Porthgwarra (wish I had now as good counts of Great Shearwater and Cory's Shearwater). However, I still had an enjoyable time with great company at Berry Head. It was slow going but a trickle of Manx Shearwater and Balearic Shearwater was a welcome site. As was a Pomerine Jaeger, a few Parastic Jaeger and a Great Skua. Lots af Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar and Northern Gannet to make up the supporting cast. Also great amount of Harbour Porpoise sightings. 

A lovely couple from Stockport were on holiday and by chance ended up on Berry Head. It was a great pleasure getting them on to a number of lifers (Manx Shearwater Balearic Shearwater, Pomerine Jaeger,  Parasitic Jaeger and Harbour Porpoise). It was amazing to see the joy on their faces and made me think of all the times I've had those "get in there!" Moments. All too few and far between these days. But equally nice to see the true meaning of enjoying birdwatching. 

All in all a great day out. As Berry head always is.

Melodious Warbler

Dawlish Warren, Devon 

I couldn't resist a trip this evening to see the Melodious Warbler. Didnt have to wait to long either as the bird showed nicely for a minute or so. Sadly no photo as by the time I was confident in the ID (all I could see was its butt at first) and set up to snap it, it flew off and I didn't see again. It was still nice to see my first one in Devon though. Not much else of note apart from a female Common Whitethroat near the visitor centre. 

Finally A Northern Wheatear, Some Nice Waders And A YL Gull

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I was in Exmouth on an errand and had literally 10 minutes to spare. So I popped here for a quick look. Since moving and lockdown, I haven't been here in ages. It felt nice to be back on a familiar site. The target was Northern Wheatear and since a load had been seen at Beer Head. I thought there had to be some here. Anyway, I was able to see a single bird in my 10 minutes there. Amazingly, due to lockdown. This was my first of the year. 

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

A quick visit this evening produced the Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper and Ruff from the viewing area before the island hide. Lots of Dunlin and Common Ringed Plover about I also bumped into Steve Waite that let me know of an adult Yellow-legged Gull from the tower hide. I picked it out but the light wouldnt let me get a great photo with my equipment. Also a single Common Greenshank and lots more Dunlin from this hide. 

Little Stint

Yellow-legged Gull 

Long-tailed Blue

Seaton Harbour, Devon 

I had the day off today so wanted to go in search of Butterflies. I really wanted to photograph Dingy Skipper so I headed here first. A good number were about and I managed to get a photo. But, the star of the show was a stunning Long-tailed Blue. It showed rather nicely and  cracking lifer species.

Dingy Skipper

Long-tailed Blue

Broadcroft Quarry, Portland, Dorset

I moved on in search of more Butterflies. I really wanted a Lulworth Skipper, another lifer. And on arrival it was the first Butterfly I saw. Couldnt get a photo thought. Other great species on site were. Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Silver-studded Blue, Small Blue, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small Heath, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. 

Small Copper 

Common Blue

Adonis Blue

Small Blue

Small Heath

Wood White

Seaton Cliffs, Devon

I popped back to look for Dingy Skippers this evening again in the hope of a photo opportunity. None seen but I did get another lifer Butterfly in the form of a cracking Wood White.

Wood White

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

Whilst in the area, it seemed rude not to pop in to see my favourite Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper. The bird showed beautifully from the viewing section at the entrance path to the island hide. Also on site were several Common Sandpiper.

Wood Sandpiper 

 

Wood Sandpiper 

Wood Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper 

Ottery St Mary, Devon

Back at home in the evening. This handsome Common Toad was sat on my patio.

Common Toad

Dingy Skipper

Aylesbeare Common, Devon 

I popped to the commons last Wednesday (29th July) and got great views of a pair of Dartford Warbler. Unfortunately not much else about.

Seaton, Devon

Today after work I popped to the cliff area at the beach to look for Dingy Skipper. Strangely a Butterfly species I've never seen. A my luck was in with a single specimen seen. I know there are more there but it was rather late (8pm) and there was a breeze so I guess the rest were in hiding. Very pleased to finally catch up with this Butterfly. Couldnt get a picture though, so I feel another visit will be on the cards soon.

A Bit Of A Sea Watch

Otterton, Devon

I had a super quick look off the coastal path near the Sewage works this afternoon. Rather quite at first with only a few Northern Gannet and a raft of Common Scoter to keep my occupied. Then I picked up a lonely Balearic Shearwater going west. Not too shabby I thought. 

Common Scoter

Common Scoter

This lovely Holly Blue kept me company for around 15 minutes. 

Holly Blue

Holly Blue

Some Non Bird Related Stuff

Ottery St Mary area, Devon

I have seen much in the way of birds in the last week so I though I would post a few photos of some other wildlife I've seen over the last week or so.

This Large Yellow Underwing was hanging about in my Ottery garden yesterday. 

Large Yellow Underwing

This Comma is one of many that like to frequent the Otter river. Found anywhere from Cadhay Bridge to Fenny Bridge.

Comma

Plenty of these have been seen in the garden. 

Snipe Fly (Female)

In the same areas as the Comma are numerous Beautiful Demoiselle and Banded Demoiselle. I never get tired of seeing these stunning species.

 

Beautiful Demoiselle (Female)

Beautiful Demoiselle (Male)

This beauty was in my garden a little while back.

Common Green Shield Bug

European Nightjar

Exmouth Seafront, Devon
We went for a family walk and it was nice to finally catch up with a Sandwich Tern and Common Tern.

Beacon Fire Hill, Devon 2nd June
I took a walk around in the evening and saw a single male Dartford Warbler. Also on site were 2 Tree Pipit, 2 European Nightjar a few European Stonechat and Yellowhammer.

European Stonechat (Male)

Yellowhammer (Male) 

Yarner Wood, Devon 2nd June
One evening I went for a quick walk but didnt see much. However, a Male European Pied Flycatcher was a pleasant sight.

Tipton St John, Devon 30th May
I was alerted to a Marsh Warbler so it was rude not to make the 8 minute drive to take a look. I was asked not to blog it but the news is now out that it had moved on after a few days. I have seen one before but the views this gave were incredible.

Marsh Warbler

Marsh Warbler

No Golden Oriole

Squabmoor and Dalditch, Devon
I had a 2 hour stake out for the Golden Oriole this evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. No sight nor sound of the bird so I am a bit perplexed by a report that came out 2 minutes after leaving stating it's there singing!?

Anyway, an enjoyable evening with 2 Eurasian Hobby, 3 Eurasian Jay, numerous Yellowhammer and a single Dartford Warbler.

Yellowhammer (Male)

Yellowhammer (Male)

European Stom Petrel

Otterton, Devon
I went for my daily exercise from Stantywell Farm to the coastal path near the sewage works this evening. In one of the fields just down from the farm were, 2 Red-legged Partridge and 2 Brown Hare.

A further 2 Brown Hare were seen further along. At the feeder at the sewage works was a stunning male Cirl Bunting and along the path to the coastal path was a nice female Common Whitethroat.

At the coastal path I scanned the sea. A few Northern Gannet and Northern Fulmar were far out and then whilst tracking a Black-legged Kittiwake, I picked up a small black bird just above the surface. It was initially heading straight towards me so my initial thought was Common Murre. However, the jizz was all wrong. The bird then tracked west and it because immediately obvious I was watching a European Storm Petrel. Not too shabby for a lockdown tick.

European Bee-eater

White Bridge, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After seeing a report of 7 European Bee-eater in Exmouth. I hoped that they would be relocated. This species is a UK lifer for me and I've missed a few chances at seeing this superb species.

A text from Matt Knott advising me that they were at the white bridge on the river Otter. Got me off on a mad rush to get there. I parked the other side of the bridge and followed the path north on the east side of the river. Several birders advised they were mobile. I staked out a location with a few birders including Dave Boult and Dave Stone. 

I had my 11 year old daughter with me as this is her favourite bird from her book and she has longed to see one. She proved rather useful as her young eyes got us all on to a number of birds. The most I saw at one time was 6 bit there were numerous sightings.

On leaving, Dave Boult had come back to the bridge as he and others had counted 15 birds. I saw a further 2 birds as they went to roost near the bridge.

Nice Clear Water

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 
I had to run an errand to my in laws today so I had a cheeky stop off at Bystock pools on the way home.

A pair of Tufted Duck were on the main pool. I've not seen any here for ages and sounds wierd to be pleased to see as I've not seen any since way before lockdown. A pair of European Stonechat were about and a nice Yellowhammer.

A few dragonflies were out too with Common Darter and Large Red Damselfly

I was amazed at how clean the water was in the pool. I could see how deep it actually is and the fish were as clear as day. Perhaps this lockdown has had an effect with less air pollution? Any way, it was nice to visit a familiar site.

Nice clean water

Nice clean water