Isabelline Wheatear

Colyford Common, Seaton, Devon 

Having been a birder for many years, lifers are few and far between. So last weeks Olive-backed Pipit was a welcome but to get 2 in a week is unheard-of for me of late.  So when news broke of an Isabelline Wheatear yesterday, I was annoyed that I couldn't get there and hoped it would stick around. Lady luck was on my side as the ping from Birdguides this morning and a WhatsApp message meant I knew where I was going. I arrived to find numerous onlookers enjoying fantastic views. The bird didn't seem fazed by the admiring crowd and was happy pottering about and feeding. 

Isabelline Wheatear

Isabelline Wheatear

Olive-backed Pipit

Phear Park, Exmouth, Devon 

Having never seen an Olive-backed Pipit, I had to pop along to my old patch area to take a look. The bird showed ridiculously well feeding under an oak tree circa 100m up from the entrance gate. What a cracking bird and it just goes to show that anything can turn up anywhere!

Olive-backed Pipit

Olive-backed Pipit

Olive-backed Pipit

Olive-backed Pipit

Olive-backed Pipit

Olive-backed Pipit

Purple Sandpiper

Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon 

I had the afternoon off and needed to pop to Exmouth. As it happens that coincided with low tide so I had to swing by to look for Purple Sandpiper. I wondered around the edge of the rocks for a while only to find several Ruddy Turnstone busily feeding amongst the rocks. Then I heard the calls and sure enough 8 Purple Sandpiper dropped in. I wondered slowly out on the rocks and was gutted I was only on binoculars as they came very close as I stood freezing but still. So some great photo opportunities but no equipment! 

Glaucous Gull and Yellow-browed Warbler

Cricklepit Bridge, Exeter Quay, Devon 

In was working in the city and had half day leave planned so it seemed rude not to look for the Glaucous Gull. I had seen pictures and reports that said it can be a very showy bird and they weren't wrong. I soon as I arrived it was right by the Bridge, floating around happily. In fact it was so close I had to move back up the bank to get it in my scope! I did worry whether it was an ill bird but it seemed to be rather happy and well. I always loge seeing this species and this Juvenile didn't disappoint.

Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)

Glaucous Gull (Juvenile)

Ottery Estuary, Devon

Having enjoyed the Glaucous Gull I decided to go closer to home and look for a Yellow-browed Warbler that had been reported by Terry Smith. It was supposed to be in the area of the bend as you just start to go along South Farm Road. I hung around for a while with no joy so I walked up to the White Bridge. At the Bridge was a lovely Grey Wagtail and a Little Grebe. On the way back down there were a few Meadow Pipit. I got back to the bend and bumped into Chris Townsend. It was nice to catch up and have a chinwag. We both separated for a bit in the hope one would pick up on it and after a little while a mixed Tit flock came through. With them was a female Eurasian Blackcap and a cracking Common Firecrest. Soon after Chris spotted the Yellow-browed Warbler in the top of a tree and I just managed a fleeting view of it as it dropped back down. I had to leave not long after but I think it will stick around to have another crack at it. 

On another note I couldn't believe how much the restoration project had come on since my last visit. I am truly excited to see the site finished and equally excited to see it develop and what species that could entice.

Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

Due to work and family commitments. I haven't been out as much this October as I would have liked. I had a few hours off this afternoon and not having to be on call for my kids, I took the opportunity to catch a few species. I do like Peak Hill so the chance of a Ring Ouzel was mouthwatering. I headed straight to the north end of the valley and within minutes I was enjoying great views. Shame I was on bins only as I was viewing down to around 30 metres. I also had a distant bird that gave off Ring Ouzel but couldn't confirm or relocate.

Seaton, Devon 

Having not caught up with a Black Redstart this year and news of 5 in the town. I had to pop along to take a look. As luck would have it, I got on to two females in the housing estate behind the Premier Inn. I walked around a bit more and looked at the yacht club but couldn't locate any more individuals. 

Skuas

Berry Head, Devon 

I had the day off so I headed to Torbay in the hope of a decent seawatch. I knew there was little chance of Wednesdays spectacular show of Great Shearwater but having not picked up any Skua species I hoped this place would deliver. And deliver it did with 5 Parasitic Jaeger. One reasonably close in and a very close in Great Skua harassing a Black-legged Kittiwake. A supporting cast of 8 Common Scoter was welcome also.

Red Phalarope

Charmouth, Dorset

I've not seen a Red Phalarope for a few years, so a Juvenile just 30 minutes or so away was too tempting. I arrived at the Bridge near the mouth of the River Char to a crowd of non birders. A lot of questions later (I think I had managed to tell half the people in the area) admirers were aware of what it was, where it was from and where it was going. I didn't mind one bit as it was lovely to get people who were genuinely interested and appreciated the little grey bird. The bird was rather showy and a times was just a few feet away. 

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Red Phalarope (Juvenile)

Curlew Sandpiper

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, 

I had some time to kill after lunch, so I decided I would see if I could find the Osprey or a Curlew Sandpiper. I stated off at the viewing platform but the wind had really picked up and I think the Osprey was probably hunckering down. There were a good number of waders on the far left side though. Mainly Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Redshank and a few EurasianWhimbrel. I decided to get out of the wind and next popped in to the hide. There was a Red Knot in with the again numerous waders but I was pleased to get a Curlew Sandpiper pottering at the far right back of the reserve. Other notable species wereca Common Redshank and Northern Pintail. I decided to check the viewing platform again before leaving and noted 5 Red Knot with a group of Dunlin but still no sign of the Osprey.

Ruff And Mediterranean Gull

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had to pop the Exeter for a check up on my back issues so I thought I would pop in to have a lightening look from the hide. The Ruff was asleep towards the back but a Mediterranean Gull was a bit more showy in front of the hide.

Ruff

Mediterranean Gull

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I had a quick lunchtime jaunt around ans it was a bit quiet apart from 5 Western Yellow Wagtail that were with the cows near the coastal path before flying in land due to it being rather busy up there. 

Back out again

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I haven't done much birding over the last month due to severve back and shoulder issues that I need an operation on. But today I felt mobile enough to get out so I opted for this site as its nice and flat and easy. There wasn't anything to talk about from the island hide apart from a fly through Eurasian Sparrowhawk. However, the tower hide was a bit more productive with numerous Common Ringed Plover, a single Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Grebe and a sleepy Common Greenshank.

Common Greenshank 

Mediterranean Gull

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

I had to drop one of the daughters off to stage school in Exmouth so I had a few hours to kill before needing to pick her up. I had a look off Mudbank Lane and was pleased to get what I hoped for in the form of a Mediterranean Gull.

Mediterranean Gull 

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 

Despite having seen 10 species of Butterfly in my garden, I have missed seeing a few species so I popped here. It didn't fail as I spotted White Admiral, Marbled White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Skipper, Large Heath, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Common Blue. Dragonfies where great too with Common Blue Damselfly, Small Red Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Migrant Hawker, Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Common Darter. 

Large Skipper 

Keeled Skimmer 

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I had heard from a local birder of a Rose-ringed Parakeet literally round the Corner from me. So I decided to take a stroll around and sure enough, a single bird was happily sitting on the telephone cables on Chineway Road. Also a few Common Swift overhead. Bad photo as I only had binoculars and phone.

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Sooty Shearwater

Otterton Coastal path, Devon 

I had the afternoon off for a hospital appointment that was cancelled so I had the urge to do some sea watching. No this place will never compare with the likes of Start Point, Berry Head and Porthgwarra but I was pleased to get 74 Manx Shearwater plus extremely delighted with a Sooty Shearwater. 

Tundra Bean Goose

Darts farm, Topsham, Devon 

I saw a report of an unseasonal Tundra Bean Goose and as I needed to pop to Exmouth I thought I would drop by. The bird showed from the main viewing area within a few minutes of me being on site. I wonder where this bird has originated from as it shouldn't be here right now! 

Tundra Bean Goose

Manx Shearwater

Otterton Sewage works, Devon 

As the weather seemed like a possible good seawatch was on the cards I headed to my go to site at the coastal path near the Sewage works. It wasn't a bad shout as after 10 minutes had seen a steady flow of 50 Manx Shearwater. The Weather dipped in and out of good and bad visibility but I stuck with it for 1 and a half hours. I was glad I did as my final count was c 150 Manx Shearwater, 3 Razorbill, 4 Common Murre, 8 unidentified Auk and 7 Black-legged Kittiwake. As I was leaving there were singles of Yellowhammer and Cirl Bunting at the Sewage works.

Family Holiday

Mamaris, Turkey 23rd May to 6th June 

It seems like an eternity since our last family holiday. Covid put a stop to them since our last on in 2019. So we were all excited to get back to our favourite family holiday County of Turkey for our 6th time. We arrived at dusk and the first birds I saw was 2 Sand Martins followed by a flyby Purple Heron.

Sat at the balcony was often very productive. And throughout the stay I saw Hooded Crow, Red-rumped Swallow, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Eurasian Jay (sub species), Common Swift, Barn Swallow, Common House Martin, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Eurasian Collared Dove, Song Thrush, Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blue Tit, European Robin, Song Thrush and Eurasian Goldfinch simply having a morning coffee. And one evening I was treated to a Tawny Owl.

The pool area produced much the same except one day whilst taking a break from swimming and sat around the pool an Eleanor's Falcon flew low over the resort.

We spent a few days around the beach and the only species of note were Yellow-legged Gull.

A boat trip during the first week produced OK numbers of Yellow-legged Gull plus singles of Great Cormorant and Pygmy Cormorant as we were leaving Marmaris. We stopped at Turunc there was a pair each of Eurasian Crag Martin and Red-rumped Swallow and there were good numbers of Sand Martin and Barn Swallow. Also noted were a few possible Spanish Sparrow but I am aware that there are many hybrids with House Sparrow so they could have been a mishmash. 2 Rock Dove, more Eurasian Collared Dove a single Laughing Dove and a Mallard.

I had a few walks around some farmland lanes near the hotel a various times during the trip. This produced a Helmeted Guineafowl, Sardinian Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler plus a Sombre Tit.

We spent one day at a Water park and the only new species added to the trip was White Wagtail

On our second week we took a Jeep safari.  And at our meet up point with other jeeps were lots of Alpine Swift and 1 Little Ringed Plover. We had lunch at Turgut Selalesi Waterfall and I saw 2 Common Nightingale, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Wren, Grey Wagtail and a Monarch Butterfly.

Towards the end of the holiday I wanted to check out the Mills Park at Günnücek as its a good wooden area and part of the National nature reserve. For some unknown reason it was closed but not deterred I took a walk along the road out of Marmaris and then back down to the marina and managed to get me my target bird a Krupers Nuthatch. Also Eurasian Jay, Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blue Tit, Eurasian Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

A 2 hour coach transfer from the hotel to the airport forced a bathroom stop off for several other travellers. We stopped at a remote service station that overlooked farmland and orchards. It was a productive 30 minutes stop as I saw Calendra Lark and European Bee-eater plus more Red-rumped Swallow.

Moth species 

Helmeted Guineafowl 

Barn Swallow (Young)

Blue-tailed Damselfly 

European Nightjar

Near Exmouth, Devon 

A visit this evening to a common just outside Exmouth produced 4 European Nightjar. Lots of wing clapping and churring. Also 1 Dartford Warbler. 

Eurasian Otter and Eurasian Beaver

River Otter, Devon 

After I told my 2 daughters about the Eurasian Beaver they were desperate to see then so we all popped there this evening. We were first treated to outstanding views of a Eurasian Otter feeding. We moved on and after a short wait, we were watching a Female Eurasian Beaver and 2 kits. The look on my daughters faces were priceless. They had a real nice time and we were treated to a Tawny Owl too.

Eurasian Beaver

River Otter, Devon 

Tonight I went on a mission to find Eurasian Beaver. And was lucky enough to find a female with a kit. Outstandingly close views as the female tore off bark and nice views of a kit on the opposite bank. Also a Grey Wagtail on site.

Eurasian Beaver (Female)

Eurasian Beaver (Female)

Eurasian Beaver (Kit)

Grey Wagtail

Yellow-legged Gull, Red Kite

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I had to drop my daughter to rehearsals so I thought I would take a walk around. Not much happening bar a few Common Whitethroat and Eurasian Skylark. 

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

I decided to take a look here as the tide was out and Matt Knott was already there. He pointed out a cracking 1st Summer Yellow-legged Gull quite close in. There were also a few Eurasian Whimbrel dotted about. Mostly in the heat haze. Matt moved on but it was great to catch up with him. He did say that there were some Northern Wheatear up on Orcombe Point this morning so I popped back.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon

Having chatted with Matt I decided to give it a go again and after a little wait I spotted 2 Northern Wheatear in the now ploughed dung field. They were at the far end and very hard to pick out in the heat haze. 

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

Whilst I was in Exmouth, I received a message from Ben that a Red Kite was heading over and I would get it from my house. But as luck would have it, I got home from Exmouth (2 hours after the message) and looked up from my garden and there was a Red Kite. A rather tatty looking bird with missing primaries. Ben confirmed that his was tatty too and so was an individual I saw last week. So I presume it to be the same bird. 

Common Cuckoo

East Budleigh Common, Devon 

I had to pop to Exmouth this evening on parenting taxi duties and having read Matt Knotts blog of a Common Cuckoo in the area I decided to drop by. I started in Bystock Pools and as I headed towards the common I heard the bird it sounded rather near but as it happens the bird was rather mobile, possibly due to the number of dog walkers at that time of day (no I'm not against dog walkers.... well ones that are responsible anyway). It kept moving around and calling and I ended up at the top end of the common (actually near the road by Blackhill Quarry) when I finally got onto it. Very brief views before it moved back towards Bystock Pools. A great record and would be awesome if it sticks around.

White Stork and Garganey

Matford Marsh, Exeter, Devon 

I had to pop to Exeter this morning so I couldn't resist looking as the White Stork. It's a rather showy bird and despite it being a released bird from the Knepp project, its always nice to see. 

White Stork

Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon 

I had time for an hours walk around so I started from the middle car park and walked to the new scrap area. There were good numbers of Sedge Warbler and Eurasian Reed Warbler on the walk. Plus a few Commo  Reed Bunting and Cetti's Warbler. The star bird though was the Male Garganey that was showing on and off between the reeds at the new scrap. Also back at the middle car park 2 Common Swift flew over.

Garganey (Male)

Sedge Warbler

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

Early evening I took my daughter to rehearsals in Exmouth and had an hour or so to spare, so I walked around Orcombe Point. It was so nice to see my first Common Whitethroat of the year with a few on territory. 

Common Whitethroat (Male)

Whinchat and European Pied Flycatcher

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

I saw a report of a Ring Ouzel and 2 Western Yellow Wagtail on site but I couldn't get out early. I guessed that both species may not stay but I had a good optimistic walk around the site with no joy. I was though, treated to 2 Whinchat.

Whinchat

Whinchat

Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon 

I had an itch to see European Pied Flycatcher so I set off her to take a look around. I also love this site and enjoy wandering around here. I always stop at the second car park at Trendlebere Down and enter the reserve. I got on to a Male as soon as I was by the entrance. I then looked for Common Redstart a bit into the reserve and after a bit of a wait a manged brief views of a Male. Whilst waiting I was treated to another Male European Pied Flycatcher  There are quite a few Eurasian Blackcap on site too.

Trendlebere Down, Bovey Tracey, Devon 

While I was here it seemed rude not to look for Tree Pipit. For a good while I couldn't find any sign but I was finally rewarded with views of 3 individuals. Also one Willow Warbler and more Eurasian Blackcap.

Black Kite and Red Kite

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I had to pop to Sainsbury's to pick up a few bits early evening but I couldn't resist a 30 or so minutes blip around the River Otter south of St Saviours Bridge. I was first treated to a Cetti's Warbler literally by the Bridge. I walked over the footbridge and through the first gate. All the while hoping for a Common Whitethroat as I did have one stop off here this time last last year.

No sooner had I walked through the gate, I picked up a raptor through the trees to my right. It was obscured but I got Red Kite vibes. Boy, was I wrong. The bird came reasonably low over the treeline and I had one of those heart stopping moments as I realised I was tracking a Black Kite. It veered on and off over the treeline heading rather quickly south. I got the news out straight away in the hope someone further south could get on to it. 

10 minutes or so later I picked up a Kite that was heading north. I hoped that it was the the Black Kite doing a u turn but this time I was on to a Red Kite. I got the news out again and did manage to get another local birder on to the bird as it drifted over his house. I'm still in awe at having a two Kite day in such a short period. 

Also on site, were numerous Sand Martin, Common House Martin, Barn Swallow, Eurasian Blackcap, Eurasian Treecreeper and Grey Wagtail. 

I went shopping with a real spring in my step and forgot all about the fact I didn't see a Common Whitethroat!

Sand Martins

Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I took a walk along the river Otter this evening. I started at St Saviours Bridge and headed south for a mile or do and back. I was first treated to a few Sand Martins pottering about. These were accompanied by several Barn Swallow and Common House Martins making thier way north. There were a few Eurasian Blackcap and Common Chiffchaff singing. The one bird that entertained me the most though was a Great Spotted Woodpecker that was completing a nest hole. 

Great Spotted Woodpecker 

Great Spotted Woodpecker 

Common Redstart

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

I had a stroll around this area late afternoon / early evenibg, hoping for an earlier reported Western Yellow Wagtail with no joy. The were 2 Mistle Thrush and a Willow Warbler on offer though. 

Mutters Moor, Sidmouth, Devon 

I then spent the rest of my time at this lovely location. I was treated to a female Common Redstart not far from the carpark. It was the briefest of sightings and despite staking the place out for 20 minutes it never reappeared. Further into the Moor I managed to see my first Red Crossbill of the year. First picked out on alarm call and after a Little wait, it showed briefly  There were several Yellowhammer dotted around and calling. On my way back to the car, a lovely pair of Dartford Warbler kept me entertained for a while. Phone scoping is tricky at times and the only picture I managed of a Dartford Warbler was when my phone decided to auto focus but not on the bird!

European Stonechat (Male)

Yellowhammer (Male)

 Dartford Warbler (Male)

Barnacle Goose, Western Cattle Egret and Little Ringed Plover

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had to pop to Sowton for a morning meeting so I decided to pop into the hide for 30 minutes pre meeting. I was hoping for the Ruff and Spotted Sandpiper but no luck. I think I was a little off with the timing of high tide and couldn't stick around. It was nice to see a Pied Avocet though.

Bridge Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I took an early evening trip here to look for the reported Barnacle Geese that have been frequenting the Marsh. A couple of scans drew a blank but after around 10 minutes 4 individuals flew from the south and landed to allow good views. 

Colyton, Devon 

There have been 3 Western Cattle Egrets hanging around the fields to the north of the village so I followed some directions given and soon found the birds. Unfortunately, they always remained behind a tree line but I could make them out but not get a photo.

Blackhole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

The last stop in fading light was to look for a Little Ringed Plover. I got straight onto the bird that was always distant. It was also nice to see a couple of showy Common Snipe.

Pied Avocet 

Barnacle Goose

Barnacle Goose 

Firecrest and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

Mudbank, Exmouth, Devon 

I had the day off today and was keen to get out in the sun. I wanted to visit a few old haunts so I popped here first. Not a great deal on offer but I was pleased to see my first Red-breasted Merganser of the year. I realised how much I miss some of my old local spots. Also a few Great Crested Grebe around too. 

Bystock Pools, Exmouth,Devon 

On to one of my favourite places. I quickly got on to a Yellowhammer and some Eurasian Siskin but the star bird was a very showy Common Firecrest. Unfortunately I only armed myself with bins for this and was annoyed with a lost fabulous photo opportunity. It was also pleasing to see a few Butterfly species with Brimstone, Peacock and Comma.

Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon 

I decided I had the urge to see Lesser Spotted Woodpecker so I made the trip up to the best spot in Devon. As soon as I arrived at the top car park, I heard the unmistakable drumming and after just popping into the reserve, a got on to an individual. Only a brief view before it moved on. Down at the pond hide was a pair of Mandarin Duck. That again put in a brief show before hiding in the undergrowth.

Water Pipits

Lower Otter, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 

I had the day off and had big plans to go bird watching but the rain spoiled my plans. So I spent the day with my wife and her mother in Exmouth. However, I did manage a brief visit to the lower Otter restoration project. I've not been here for a while and it's changed a bit. My target species was the Water Pipits that have been onsite a little while. I looked in the first field from the path heading north of the White Bridge  At first all I could pick out were numerous Pied Wagtail but after a short wait, I managed to find the Water Pipits on the opposite side of the field. I located 6 birds before it started raining again and I called it a day. 

Ring-necked Duck

Blackhill Quarry, Exmouth, Devon 

I was at my mum in laws when I heard news of 2 male Ring-necked Duck at the Quarry. I set off with no bins and hoped someone would be there. As luck would have it a chap was there and had one in his scope and he kindly let me take a peak. As we got chatting I discovered he was half Welsh and was a fellow Swansea City supporter and we had a brief footie chinwag. Hope to see him around again. 

Cirl Bunting

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon 

A late blog from Friday 11th. Ive been struggling with a bad back so I had a gentle couple of hours walk around the farm up to the Sewage works. The first bird I saw was a Common kestrel. I bumped into Dave Boult pretty much straight away amd he got me on to 2 Red-legged Partridge. Soon after I picked up a nice mixed Finch and Bunting flock that held a few Reed Bunting and Cirl Bunting. Further up the lane were Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. There were also good numbers of Common Linnet and Common Starling. 

Common Kestrel 

Reed Bunting (Male)

Cirl Bunting (Male)

Song Thrush 

Baikal Teal

Greylake, Somerset 

Having only fluked some flight views of the Baikal Teal. I decided to give the bird one more go. I arrived at the left hide and was told it had not long been flushed but looked to drop to the left. After a little bit of scanning I stumbled upon the bird with it in full view. I excitedly shouted "Got it" and panic ensued with many in the hide. It was difficult to give directions with the hundreds of birds on view but with a bit of help from Dave Boult. We managed to get people on to the bird. It slept pretty much all the time we were on it bar another quick lift of the head so pretty rubbish record shots. However, if you look carefully (especially the second photo), you can see the vertical white strip on its breast and the darker head colour can be seen in both pictures.. Also on site were Western Marsh Harrier, Great Egret, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Snipe. 

Baikal Teal 

Baikal Teal 

Big Garden Birdwatch

 Ottery St Mary, Devon

As I now live in an area with decent bird activity I decided I would take part in the RSPB big garden birdwatch. I opted for early morning on Saturday. I have seen all of these species at different times since moving in but I've been so busy with the house and work that I haven't really spent a good amount of time simply sat enjoying the wildlife. So it was really nice to fully appreciate what's on offer. This is my full list of birds just in the boundary of my garden in an hours watch. 

• Common Wood Pigeon (31)
• Eurasian Collared Dove (1)
• European Herring Gull (1 in the garden and 28 in adjacent field)
• Eurasian Sparrowhawk (1)
• Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
• European Green Woodpecker (1)
• Eurasian Jay (1)
• Eurasian Magpie (1)
• Carrion Crow (2 plus 16 flyovers)
• Coal Tit (5)
• Eurasian Blue Tit (5)
• Great Tit (3)
• Long-tailed Tit (6)
• Eurasian Nuthatch (1)
• Eurasian Treecreeper (1)
• Common Goldcrest (1)
• Common Chiffchaff (1)
• Eurasian Wren (1)
• Common Starling (11)
• Common Blackbird (3 male and 2 female)
• Redwing (6)
• Fieldfare (2 plus 3 in adjacent field)
• Song Thrush (1)
• European Robin (2)
• House Sparrow (6 male and 7 female)
• Dunnock (3)
• Common Chaffinch (10 male and 6 female)
• Eurasian Bullfinch (2 male and a female)
• European Greenfinch (1)
• Eurasian Goldfinch (5)

Not on the British list 

• Indian Peahen (2 male and a female)

Not counted as they were flyovers 

• Canada Goose
• Northern Raven

Baikal Teal

Greylake, Somerset 

I finally saw the Baikal Teal on my 4th attempt yesterday. Only a brief and very lucky to pick out flight view but a view non the less. Also good views of Western Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Great Egret, European Golden Plover and Common Snipe.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Coastal path near Otterton, Devon 

I had a few hours to spare this morning so I visited a few old haunts. I started at the sea watching ledge near the Sewage works. As it was high tide, my thought was possibly a good chance of some Loons. Not great quantity but singles of Common Loon and Red-throated Loon were enjoyed. A few Common Murre and Northern Fulmar plus a hunting Peregrine Falcon were also enjoyed. Unfortunately I didn't see any Common Scoter or Cirl Bunting.

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 

Next I visited one of my old favourite areas when I lived in Exmouth. It was rather quite, with no sign of a Common Firecrest but a solo Lesser Redpoll was a nice consolation. 

Shelley Beach, Exmouth, Devon 

I had a lightening quick look for the Black Redstart with no success. 

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

Finally, a look off here. As it was hight tide, it was nice to see a few Common Greenshank, Ruddy Turnstone and a single Dunlin close up. Out in the estuary were a few Great Crested Grebe but I couldn't locate the 2 Black-necked Grebe. The star bird was initially sleeping on arrival but a short wait meant great views of the Eurasian Spoonbill.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Eurasian Spoonbill