Part-time Birding: 2021

Egyptian Goose and Common Goldeneye

Powderham, Devon

I had to run an errand in Exeter so I decided to add in a bit of birding. I popped here due to hearing there were seven Egyptian Goose seen in the stubble field next to the church. As reported, there were seven Egyptian Goose showing rather well.

Cockwood, Devon

While in the area I thought I would go to the steps and see if I could spot any Common Goldeneye. After a bit of a search a single female gave herself up.

Egyptian Goose

Tundra Bean Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose and Whooper Swan

Exminster Marsh, Devon

I needed a break from moving house and sorting stuff, so I popped over late afternoon to catch up with the wildfowl currently on offer. I firstly walked up to the lock cottage and after song helpful directions I had decent views of the Greater White-fronted Goose but better still the Tundra Bean Goose. The views were a bit obscure but is was nice to see my one in Devon.

Back at the Fisherman's carpark, the 3 Whooper Swans were showing, albeit a bit distant. Light was fading by this point so I failed to locate the Pink-footed Goose.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Lower Otter, Budleigh Salterton, Devon

We moved house on Friday, still in Ottery but getting everything set has meant no birding for a few weeks. I had to pop round Exmouth this morning to drop my daughter off for her dress rehearsal for today's performances at the Pavilion. So, while out I decided to pop over to see the Greater White-fronted Geese. They were showing very well from South farm road and I enjoyed prolonged views of 34 birds.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Black Redstart

Shelly Beach, Exmouth, Devon

I had to pop to Exmouth to drop my daughter to rehearsals this afternoon so I had a few hours to look around. I popped here and was straight on to a cracking Male Black Redstart on the apartment rooftops.

Black Redstart (Male)

Recycling centre, near Rugby club, Exmouth, Devon

I walked the short distance to look for the Yellow-legged Gull. This wasn't as easy. I was onsite until I had to leave to pick up my daughter when I finally got on to it. I couldn't manage a picture though.

Little Auk and Black-necked Grebe

Harbour, Weymouth, Dorset

Another day off and another lure. Little Auk is not a species you really get to enjoy down south. They are usually flybys or a distant speck on the sea. So I had to give this bird a go. I opted to set up opposite the lifeboat station. There were a number of birders on both sides eagerly waiting. After around 20 minutes a Whistle came from the opposite side and signals pointing a little further up the harbour. I walked the couple of hundred metres and could see the tiny thing in-between 2 yellow boats. Quick bin views confirmed and I was soon getting great scope views. The best views I have ever had and what a buzz.

Little Auk

Sandsfoot, Weymouth, Dorset

With the Little Auk safely in the bag. I decided to see if I could spot the Black-necked Grebes from the sailing club. I did one scan with no luck and another birder turned up and on his first scan picked them up. I assume they had popped up from a feeding session. Non the less, we enjoyed pretty decent views of 4 birds. Also on site were numerous Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe. All done by lunchtime, I decided to head home. One happy chap.

Black-necked Grebe

Snow Bunting and Ring-necked Duck

Haldon Forest, Devon

I popped here as soon as I had dropped the kids off at school to see Hawfinch. Despite a few hours on site I failed to see a single one.

Slapton Sands, Devon

It's been a few years since I have seen a Snow Bunting, so I headed to Slapton. This isn't a site I've ever stopped at (driven through for work) but I must say it's a cracking area. I was treated to a Eurasian Jay on arrival and a Cetti's Warbler as I passed the east part of the Ley. However, the star bird was a little way past the beach car park and boy was it a star. This male comes amazingly close if you stay still. I've seen this species close up before but not as close as this. What a corker.

Snow Bunting (Male)

Beesands, Devon

While I was in the area, it seemed rude not to pop over to see the male Ring-necked Duck. I didn't go to the hide but walked along the beach side of the pool and managed to sneak a look through the reeds and the bird was distantly viewable. Views would have been more difficult from the hide though. Also on site was a Black Swan.

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ruff

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon

I visited the hide over the morning high tide. As I turned up I was advised there had just been a Little Gull reported off the goat walk. So I popped along but there was no sign. At the hide, the highlights were 3 Ruff, 1 Common Snipe and circa 20 Common Greenshank. A good number of Dunlin were on offer to scrutinise a single Stock Dove popped in and a few Northern Pintail andBar-tailed Godwit were dotted about.

Common Snipe

Pectoral Sandpiper

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon

News broke of a Pectoral Sandpiper on site so I decided to take a look. I have seen this species once before at Exminster Marsh years ago but the views were dreadful. That was not the case today. The bird was on view to the right side of the hide and what views they were. A cracking juvenile and a cracking record for the site.

Pectoral Sandpiper

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon

I had the day off so popped to the point. I remember how hard work it used to be at times birding that place but wow do I miss it now I've moved from Exmouth.

I started off watching the dung field and a wader flew over me and landed in the long weeds opposite the gate. First thought was Curlew but bill was shorter so then Whimbrel came to mind. However, its underwing gave off a distinct black armpit. The only wader that springs to mind then is Grey Plover. However, the jizz seemed wrong. The bird was never seen again despite a long watch so it will go in the "What was that pile?"

A walk from Gore Lane to the coastal path flushed a Northern Wheatear that flew towards the geoneedle and many Meadow Pipit. I then walked along the coastal path towards Sandy Park and in amongst the cows were 2 Western Yellow Wagtail.

On the Butterfly front were numerous Small Copper.

Eurasian Dotterel

Dawlish Warren, Devon

I've been on a family visit to Wales this weekend so when news broke yesterday of a Eurasian Dotterel I was gutted. Gutted, because despite the many species I've seen. I've never seen this species. It's a species I remember seeing in my first bird book as a young lad and saying to myself "I really want to see one of those!' Despite several attempts at this species I've never got the opportunity. So, I was gutted as this is a species that never tend to stick around and I resigned myself to that fact I'd missed a cracking opportunity. Imagine my face when I heard it was still there today. Hmmm, there's still a chance.

I left Wales as planned after lunch and it took 3 hours to get back to Ottery. I was tired to say the least but knew I couldn't miss this chance. Due to other family things we had to do on returning home I didn't set off until 5:45pm. However, that did coincide with the tide being right. I walked (rather fast) to the bight and was put straight on to the bird by a helpful chap. To say I was giddy would be an understatement as the views were incredible. I enjoyed the views for a while (pinching myself). Now I've seen much rarer birds but this as I've mentioned this was special as its been years of waiting to see. I walked back along the beach and was treated to a lovely group of Sanderling. I do love watching these birds dart in and out around the surf. They are comical at times.

One knackered but extremely happy chap.

Eurasian Dotterel

Sanderling

Eurasian Spoonbill

Exminster Marsh, Devon

I had the day off so I popped here for a quick look around this afternoon in the hope of seeing the Eurasian Spoonbills that have been hanging around the Exe. As luck would have it they were viewable from Station Road. They were a tad distant and the heat haze was dreadful but it was nice to finally catch up with these birds.

Eurasian Spoonbill

No Ortorlan Bunting

Axe Cliff, Axmouth, Devon

I had a few hours look around Axe cliff this afternoon for the Ortorlan Bunting. Despite there being good numbers of Yellowhammer, me and a few others couldn't locate the bird. I did see a Whinchat, several Northern Wheatear and a Common Whitethroat though.

I've never explored this site but I have to admit, it's a cracking place that has so much potential.

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon

I had to pop to Exmouth early evening and had an hour to spare. So, it seemed very rude not to visit one of my favourite old patch sites. I parked at foxholes as Maer Lane was closed (wasn't sure if there was access to Gore Lane). As it happens, it worked out to be the best option as I wanted to see Western Yellow Wagtail. As luck would have it a group were in the first field you get to. As I entered the field, I first noticed 3 Northern Wheatear. But also caught the call of the Western Yellow Wagtail. Within seconds I was on to several birds. They were hard to keep track of in-between the cows and they were flighty as there were a few people around but I reckon 16 or 17 birds. I also managed to pin down 6 Northern Wheatear.

Northern Wheatear

Western Yellow Wagtail

Little Stint

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

I have been on holiday in North Devon all week. In Watermouth. Disappointingly, not a lot to talk about to be honest. Best on offer were Grey Wagtail, Marsh Tit, Northern Raven and Eurasian Rock Pipit. So it was nice to get to a familiar site and see a Little Stint this evening. It spent most of its time sleeping with a few Dunlin until a couple of Common Moorhen trampled through and disturbed the lot. It then gad to show (although distantly).

Little Stint (Middle bird)

Common Kingfisher

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

I thought I would take an evening look from the tower hide in the hope the Osprey was still around. It was a no show and I believe it flew out to sea a bit earlier on. Oh well, there's always time for another. There was this stunning Common Kingfisher on show, which I always enjoy.

Common Kingfisher

Mandarin Duck

Cadhay Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon

I had a wander around the bridge area mid afternoon and the first bird I heard was a Common Kingfisher and within seconds I had nice views before it Spotted me and flew off down river. Oddly, my first sightings this year. Also around the Bridge were a few Sand Martin and a Little Egret. Near the entrance to the wooded area was a busy Southern Migrant Hawker and in the wooded area were Eurasian Treecreeper and Eurasian Nuthatch.

Gosford Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon

I moved on to this area and made my way north. Last year I saw Mandarin Duck at this location and after a patient wait they are still there. Also more Sand Martin and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull. Not a Common sight here.

Wood Sandpiper

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

I have been itching to get to site all week knowing that it's been a great place for Wood Sandpiper. So I was pleased to have an early evening walk out to the island hide today. I do love Wood Sandpiper, it's on of my favourite waders. The site didn't disappoint either with 4 individuals. I seem to have missed the Western Marsh Harrier by a few minutes though. Also on site 2 late Common Swift flyovers.

Wood Sandpiper

Cirl Bunting

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon

I've not been able to birdwatch for nearly 2 weeks due to contracting Covid. Despite being double vaccinated, it was still not a pleasant experience. Today was the day of my freedom after isolation and after obtaining a negative test I was keen to get out.

I decided to keep it simple and go somewhere very quite so I popped to Stantywell Farm. I gave the sea an optimistic look which drew a complete blank but I was entertained by a cracking Male Cirl Bunting along the footpath from the sewage works to the coastal path. Also in the fields was a nice Brown Hare.

Not a trip for quantity but it didn't matter as it was so nice to get back out into the field and in the fresh air.

I also had this cracking Silver Y moth in my garden the other day.

Silver Y

Lesser Emperor

Lower Bruckland Ponds, Devon

I had the day off today as needed an eye test mid morning (ouch, expensive). Afterwards, I decided to visit this long overdue site. All my time in Devon, I've never been here. Wow! what a site I've been missing. The place was alive with Dragonfly and Damselfly. This was the reason I popped here as there has been a Lesser Emperor hanging about. It took me a while to track it down as there are large numbers Dragonfly to look through but I eventually had decent flight views around the 3rd pond. A lifer Dragonfly for me so I was extremely pleased. I didn't manage a photo though as it wouldn't stay still and kept moving on to the 4th pond and back.

Other species on site were, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Scarce Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter, Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Beautiful Demoiselle.

I was so engrossed by the Dragonflies that I kept forgetting to look out for anything else. Bird wise seemed rather quite but Butterfly species I did manage to log were, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Large White and Small White.

Small Skipper

Common Blue Damselfly

Golden-ringed Dragonfly

Emperor Dragonfly (Female)

Purple Hairstreak

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

A great evening spent on site today. 3 Little Ringed Plover, a Male Ruff, Water Rail, several Mediterranean Gull from the island hide. Best of all though we're 2 Purple Hairstreaks in oak trees near the tower hide. Thank to Steve Waite for the heads up.

Little Ringed Plovers

Mediterranean Gull

Ruff (Male)

Cinnabar Moth

Ottery St Mary, Devon

No birdwatching today due to family commitments but had this lovely Cinnabar Moth in the garden today.

Cinnabar Moth

Sedge Warbler

Seaton Marshes, Devon

Now that my work loads have calmed down and the Euros are over, I decide I needed to get out. I popped here early evening and was treated to a few year ticks. A few Common Sandpiper and a single Green Sandpiper were seen from the island hide. Both being year ticks (what have I been doing this year?) Below the hide was a Small Tortoiseshell too. Along the path to the tower hide was a Sedge Warbler (also a year tick). Wow, have I been lazy this year. Also a nice Keeled Skimmer.

Sedge Warbler

Green Hairstreak

Bystock Pools, Devon

I decided to give the birds a rest today and focus on other winged critters. I do love Butterflies and Dragonfies so I popped to my best local place in search of some good species. This Small reserve never fails to deliver on both families I was targeting. My Butterfly species seen were, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Heath, Peacock and Common Blue.

Far more Dragonfly species were on offer with Black-tailed Skimmer, Keeled Skimmer, Emperor Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Beautiful Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly and Common Darter.

It was also nice to see numerous Common Spotted Orchids in the meadow area. I didn't have one good bird moment with a day churring European Nightjar. I couldn't locate it though.

White Bridge, Budleigh Salterton

I moved on to the River Otter as I haven't visited here for a while. I managed to add Red Admiral, Large White and Banded Demoiselle to the day list.