Possible European Serin

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

I had a walk around the field amd wooded areas this morning. In the Gorse was a cracking Dartford Warbler I only saw it briefly but it looked stunning in the sun. There were at least 2 Common Whitethroat in that area also. Giving some great views and song. A single Yellowhammer was seen briefly but the best was a possible and I must state possible European Serin. I caught a sight of a bird flying away from me at reasonable range and I noted a cracking yellow colour on its lower back. The whole jizz felt correct but it never called. I so wanted it to call to clinch the ID. I stuck around for another 45 minutes but I never saw it again. 

Common Whitethroat (Male)

Lesser Whitethroat

River Otter, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I took walk along west side of the river Otter, south of St Saviours Bridge this evening. 1 Cetti's Warbler, 10 Sand Martin collecting nesting materials and landing giving great views. I spent 10 minutes having awesome views of a White-throated Dipper. 1 Common Whitethroat put in a brief appearance as did a Lesser Whitethroat. 

Sand Martin 

White-throated Dipper 

White-throated Dipper 

Manx Shearwater

Otterton Sewage Works, Devon 

I had a 45 minute sea watching session from the cliffs near the Sewage works this evening. A bit of Manx Shearwater passage. All the groups totaled 36 birds. 2 Razorbill sat far out. 21 Common Scoter, 3 Sandwich Terns and 3 Northern Fulmar. Around the farmland were 8 Brown Hare and 2 Cirl Bunting.

Garganey

Undisclosed site near Lower Durlston, Somerset 

I had the day off today (well earned after an 11 hour shift yesterday). I have been longing to get to the levels so off I popped. I headed for Ham Wall but topped off at a place I know is good for Common Nightingale. After a bit of hanging around, it was obvious I wasn't going to get lucky today. 

Ham Wall, Somerset 

I walked up to the first viewing platform and was treated to Eurasian Reed Warbler, Eurasian Blackcap and Cetti's Warbler on the way. On arrival I was informed of a Male Garganey. The bird was sleeping but I enjoyed the views. 3 Western Marsh Harrier put in an appearance soon after arriving as did 3 Great Egret. I short wait produced a lovely flyby Eurasian Bittern. An equally nice flyby Eurasian Hobby and as I was leaving a Common Whitethroat popped up and treated me to a song. A few Orangetip Butterfly was also pottering about. 

Shapwick Heath, Somerset 

I took a walk up to Noahs lake and on the way up, bumped into a local that advised there were 3 Little Gull on the lake. You cant yet get into the hide but I did manage to see the 3 via various gaps. Also on site were, 1 Western Marsh Harrier and 3 Great Egret. On the Butterfly front there were a few Common Brimstone and a single Peacock. 

Garganey (Male)

Great Egret

Up Close And Personal

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

No birdwatching today as had to put in an 11 hour day at work to complete some important reports. However, I did get up close and personal with an Eurasian Goldfinch. I was working at my desk in the kitchen dinner, when *THUD* I looked through the patio doors to find the poor thing flat out on it back on the patio. I initially thought it was dead but quickly noticed some eye movement. It was clearly knocked out cold. I decided to bring it indoors as we have a lot of cats in out area. Popped it in a open cardboard box with a teatowel to keep it warm. I kept an eye on it for 10 minutes and it seemed to be coming back to its senses. I careful picked it up and placed it on the lawn and stood guard for a moment before it took flight. It had a stronge straight flight so I am confident it will be OK. It maybe me me but it Starred at me for a moment before it took off, almost as if it was saying "Thanks" 

Eurasian Goldfinch

Dartford Warbler

Fire Beacon Hill, Bowd, Devon 

An hours walk around site early evening rewarded me with 2 Northern Wheatear, 4 Yellowhammer, 1 Dartford Warbler and 1 Tree Pipit. It won't be long before the Eurasian Nightjars are back. 

Yellowhammer (Male)

Cetti's Warbler

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

This evening, I took the same walk as my last past from Finnimores and along the east end of the river Otter south of St Saviours Bridge. There seemed to be a few more Eurasian Blackcap on territory than my last visit. It was the Cetti's Warbler that I wanted to see again though. The bird is a very showy individual that comes very close at times. I think there are now 2 birds on site as the bird I was looking at was staying close but at one point I heard a more distant call. I managed a few poor records shots through my bins.

Cetti's Warbler 

Cetti's Warbler 

My First Patch Cetti's Warbler

St Saviours Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I haven't managed to get out since Sunday due to a terrible bad back. Its still rough but a gentle walk seemed to help today. Enough of me. I started off by parking at Handsford Way and walked by the scrubland at Finnimores industrial estate. Good to see a healthy population of House Sparrow. What surprised me most though was the unmistakable call of a Yellowhammer. I couldn't locate the bird and despite me waiting for 10 minutes it didn't call again. What an usual place to come across one though. Also on the farm opposite, in the tree line that boarders the main B road (Barrack Road) was a Male Eurasian Blackcap singing his heart out.

I crossed St Saviours Bridge and headed south on the east side of the river Otter. Lots of Song Thrush in the area but not much else of note. On the path from the open grass area to the farmland things got more interesting. 3 Eurasian Bullfinch showed beautifully (1 Male and 2 Females). 3 more Male Eurasian Blackcap in full song plus 2 Females. Best of all though was that call that often makes me jump when heard at close range, the Cetti's Warbler. What a loud call that is. After a little wait, the bird showed beautifully at close quarters. Oddly enough, this is my first record of this species on patch. 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Yarner Wood, Bovey Tracey, Devon

I had a bit of free time today so fancied venturing a bit further. I arrived and for the first 30 minutes the place seemed dead. I was feeling like this was going to be one of those days. However,  I eventually came across a Male European Pied Flycatcher that showed ever so briefly but nicely. I then heard that unmistakable drumming of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker followed by an alarm call. They gave me a bit of a run around but after a little while a Male and Female gave themselves up near the top entrance gate and showed lovely around the car park for Trendlebere Down. I couldn't get a decent phone to scope photo but heres a find the birdie sort of picture. 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 

Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit and Yellowhammer

Mutters Moor, Sidmouth, Devon

I took a walk around this site early evening. I have never visited this site before but was very pleased with the amount of bird life. On arrival I was treated to several Yellowhammer. Further along a Male Dartford Warbler put in a nice but brief performance. A Tree Pipit put an equally brief show. Near the car park a Eurasian Blackcap was singing his little heart out. I will be making this a more regular haunt and will be adding Peak Hill part of that visit next time.

Yellowhammer (Male)

Common Merganser

Cadhay Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

An early evening walk from Cadhay Bridge to Taleford. At Cadhay Bridge were 3 Common Merganser (1 Male and 2 Females), 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Eurasian Nuthatch. Barn Swallow and Common  House Martin numbers are on the rise too. 

Common Merganser (Female)

Common Merganser (Male)

Stock Dove 

Ruddy Shelduck

Exminster Marsh, Devon 

An early evening walk around a place I dont visit as much as I used (and not been able to due to lockdown). The Ruddy Shelduck was viewable from the canal path south of Fisherman's car park. The sunlight was awful. Also in the same location were 3 Western Cattle Egret. I did obtain better lighting views from the road between the Fisherman's and middle car park but views were distant and obscure. 

Northern Mockingbird

Exmouth, Devon 

Popped to the in-laws to spend some time with them in the garden. As they live less than half a mile from the Northern Mockingbird, I took a walk to enjoy this bird one more time. The best place to view is from the opposite side of Exeter Road, looking across into the gardens between Iona Avenue and Cauleston Close. You can fully see the birds preferred Holly tree and avoid going down the footpath and drag a step ladder to (quite rightly) avoid standing on neighbours walls. The bird showed beautifully and I was able to get a better picture with my phone to scope. 

Northern Mockingbird