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.