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