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 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

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 

Eurasian Dotterel 

Sanderling 

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