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.