Greater Scaup

Sowden Lane, Lympstone, Devon 

I wanted to look for the female Greater Scaup that has been on the river Exe for some time. Having read Matt Knotts blog it was clear it prefers this area. I couldn't locate the bird for some time but finally it popped up rather close. Also 6 Red-breasted Merganser and 3 Great Crested Grebe.

Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon 

I moved on in hope of seeing the 2 immature Common Eider. Again I had to put some time in before I picked them out very distantly. Also a single Common Scoter.

Greater Scaup (Female)

White-throated Dipper and Common Merganser

Cadhay Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I decided to go to Cadhay Bridge for a late afternoon walk. In the wooded area was a Eurasian Treecreeper, a couple of Redwing were also about. On the river was a single female Common Merganser and 2 White-throated Dipper. 

Common Merganser

White-throated Dipper

White-throated Dipper

St Saviours Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I had a quick look around this area after work. 1 White-throated Dipper, 1 Common Kingfisher, 1 Stock Dove and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Hooded Crow

Teignmouth, Devon 

I had a few hours to spare late morning so decided I wanted to see the Hooded Crow. I've not seen one in the UK for a while so I was hoping all week it would stay whilst I was working and unable to go. I arrived at Lower Point and walked so I could look back across the estuary towards the bridge. I set up my scope and couldn't believe that I had set it up straight on the bird. What luck! I enjoyed for 10 minutes or so and managed a rubbish record shot as it was rather distant. 

Hooded Crow

Cirl Bunting

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon

I had an hour off work this pm as I needed a break. Having not seen Cirl Bunting for a while I thought this place would deliver. I walked down from the farm and staked out the usual field (with beehives in) with no joy. Loads of Common Linnet and Common Chaffinch around and Eurasian Skylark in the air. I had to start calling it quits and head home. At the first gate down front the farm I heard a familiar call. A bit of a scan and there was a Cirl Bunting, hiding rather well in the hedge. Just shows that despite their colour they can be well camouflaged when they want to. See if you can spot it.

Cirl Bunting (Male)