Black-throated Loon

Otterton Sewage works, Devon 

I had an hours look around the works and coastal path. At the works on arrival was a Male Cirl Bunting. Lots of singing Eurasian Skylark where a pleasure to listen to on the way to the coastal path. On the sea was a single Black-throated Loon and 2 Razorbill. Back at the works on my way back to the car was a Willow Warbler. 

Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Firecrest and Spotted Redshank

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon

I decided after the rain had stopped to pop over and catch up with the Eurasian Spoonbill. It was on show in the middle of the reserve. The Spotted Redshank was also on show in front of the hide. A Male Common Pochard was at the back of the reserve. Plus the usual waders and Wildfowl. At the top of the road near the Bridge was a vocal and showy Common Firecrest. Nice to bump into Rob and Steph and have a catch.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Spotted Redshank 

Cettis Warbler

St Saviours Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon

It's my birthday today so went for a good walk along the Otter. Near the water treatment area was several Eurasian Blackcap and Common Chiffchaff. A pair of Eurasian Bullfinch and a showy and noisy Cetti's Warbler. Further down river were 7 Common Merganser and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Common Merganser (Female)

Grey Wagtail

Alpine Swift

Cockwood, Devon.

Having not been able to get out and experience the current Alpine Swift influx. I was pleased to have time this morning to head over to Dawlish direction as 4 were on show over the country park. On route I thought they had moved on due to messages on WhatsApp but I decided to keep going and was pleased I did as when I was going through Starcross, a further message came out that 2 were viewable at the ridge West of Cockwood. So I headed to the steps and was straight on to the 2 birds. Strongly a UK first for me having seen hundreds abroad. On the estuary was a bonus Spotted Redshank and in a stubble field south of Kenton were 2 Red-legged Partridge. 


Garganey

Lower Otter Restoration Project, Devon 

I have been suffering with anxiety and depression for a few weeks but Ben Rowland got me out of the house for a few hours this morning. We were after yesterday's reported Male Garganey. We walked up the footpath from the White Bridge with no sign. Several others had also not see the bird. Whilst looking We spotted a few Water Pipit, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Common Snipe. Whilst up near the new viewing platforms a few people said that there were a few birders on the Garganey and they had been asked to let us know. So we promptly made our way back towards the White Bridge to be put straight on to the bird sleeping close to the path. 

And awesome morning as it really helped my mental health to be out in nature with great company. The Road to recovery is tough but I'm getting there. 

Garganey (Male)

Marsh Tit

Crowpits Covert, East Hill, Devon

I had a stroll along this area of East Hill this morning as another local birder Ben Rowland had seen Marsh Tit. I had to wait a little while but had awesome view if a few very vocal birds. Also on site were Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper and Redwing. Whilst I was waiting for the Marsh Tit I am sure I had a Lesser Redpoll call. It was rather distant and despite a bit of a search and wait and couldn't locate. 

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