Ottery St Mary Area, Devon
The whole family went for a long walk after home schooling. We followed public footpaths from the bottom of Butts Road. Through the farm fields towards Fairmile Lane to the Otter River. We then followed the Ottery up to Cadhay Bridge and back home.
So added to my lockdown list were the following species.
Coal Tit
Little Egret
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Barn Swallow
Stock Dove
Mistle Thrush
Eurasian Teal
Showing posts with label Barn Swallow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barn Swallow. Show all posts
Dartford Warbler
Woodbury Common, Devon
After work I took advantage of the fact the rain had stopped and had a wander around Woodbury Castle and surrounding common. Not a great deal around but a nice Male Dartford Warbler making the most of the sun was a welcome sight. Circa 60 Meadow Pipit were about and a similar number of Barn Swallow came through.
After work I took advantage of the fact the rain had stopped and had a wander around Woodbury Castle and surrounding common. Not a great deal around but a nice Male Dartford Warbler making the most of the sun was a welcome sight. Circa 60 Meadow Pipit were about and a similar number of Barn Swallow came through.
European Nightjar
Undisclosed Site, Near Exmouth, Devon
I popped to a local common this evening to see if any European Nightjar have returned. At least 4 birds churning and one seen in flight. Also a few Barn Swallow and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Summer Migrants
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I checked the dung field and immediate area very quickly first thing but it was rather misty and there wasn't much about apart from a few Willow Warbler.
Exminster Marsh, Devon
As the roads are quiet due to half term, the lure of yesterdays Garganey got the better of me so I popped here before heading to the office. I walked from the middle car park to the fisherman's car park and back. The first bird of note was a singing Sedge Warbler that also showed itself briefly at close range. This was followed by cracking views of a Cetti's Warbler. Near the fisherman's car park were 2 Barnacle Goose, a Eurasuan Whimbrel in among the Eurasian Curlew and a Male Common Reed Bunting but alas, no Garganey. As I arrived back at the middle car park, a number of Sand Martins were feeding and a single Common House Martin was in amongst them.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I went for another look around after work and was rewarded with a Male Northern Wheatear along the coastal path. A few Willow Warbler were dotted about but I was surprised to see a Red-legged Partridge whilst checking out the dung field before leaving. It was sat on the fence to the left of the field but dropped down into the old dung field to quickly for a photo. I checked the other field without success. Also a few Barn Swallow were pottering about.
I checked the dung field and immediate area very quickly first thing but it was rather misty and there wasn't much about apart from a few Willow Warbler.
Exminster Marsh, Devon
As the roads are quiet due to half term, the lure of yesterdays Garganey got the better of me so I popped here before heading to the office. I walked from the middle car park to the fisherman's car park and back. The first bird of note was a singing Sedge Warbler that also showed itself briefly at close range. This was followed by cracking views of a Cetti's Warbler. Near the fisherman's car park were 2 Barnacle Goose, a Eurasuan Whimbrel in among the Eurasian Curlew and a Male Common Reed Bunting but alas, no Garganey. As I arrived back at the middle car park, a number of Sand Martins were feeding and a single Common House Martin was in amongst them.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I went for another look around after work and was rewarded with a Male Northern Wheatear along the coastal path. A few Willow Warbler were dotted about but I was surprised to see a Red-legged Partridge whilst checking out the dung field before leaving. It was sat on the fence to the left of the field but dropped down into the old dung field to quickly for a photo. I checked the other field without success. Also a few Barn Swallow were pottering about.
Red Kite And Pink-footed Goose
Roadford Lake, Devon
I had the afternoon off so I decided to have a look for the Pink-footed Goose. This visit was only my second after a really awful previous trip. It was a few years ago to see a Red Phalarope. It belted down with rain and I got lost and was up to my neck in mud. However, today’s trip was far moreenjoyable. As I neared the site a Red kite flew low in front of me just at the A30 turning for the reservoir. I got some advice before going and was advices to park in the lay-by near the bridge. Thanks Rob Murphy for the directions. I walked the short distance to the bridge and looked into the bay area and first noted a Bar-headed Goose that’s a hybrid with something but I am not sure what? Then at the far end was the target Pink-footed Goose that showed rather nicely. I checked the other side of the bridge to find circa 20 Brambling in with a large flock of Common Chaffinch feeding not far from the shoreline
Lower Tamar Lake, Devon / Cornwall
As I was only 20 minutes or so from this site I felt it rude not to pop in to look for Willow Tit. Surprisingly, this is the first time I have visited the site and I was impressed by the amount of activity on the feeders. I knew I only had 30 minutes here so I staked out these feeders. However, no Willow Tit put in an appearance. I quickly looked at the lake and got my first Barn Swallow of the year hawking over the water. Also on the lake were a couple of Great Crested Grebe. I did have a scan for the Female Ring-necked Duck that hadn’t been reported for a while but I couldn’t pick it out. So it could still be there or moved on. As I returned to the car this nice Male Great Spotted Woodpecker was at the feeders but again no Willow Tit.
I had the afternoon off so I decided to have a look for the Pink-footed Goose. This visit was only my second after a really awful previous trip. It was a few years ago to see a Red Phalarope. It belted down with rain and I got lost and was up to my neck in mud. However, today’s trip was far more
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| Pink-footed Goose |
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| Pink-footed Goose |
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| Bar-headed Goose (hybrid) |
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| Brambling (Male) |
As I was only 20 minutes or so from this site I felt it rude not to pop in to look for Willow Tit. Surprisingly, this is the first time I have visited the site and I was impressed by the amount of activity on the feeders. I knew I only had 30 minutes here so I staked out these feeders. However, no Willow Tit put in an appearance. I quickly looked at the lake and got my first Barn Swallow of the year hawking over the water. Also on the lake were a couple of Great Crested Grebe. I did have a scan for the Female Ring-necked Duck that hadn’t been reported for a while but I couldn’t pick it out. So it could still be there or moved on. As I returned to the car this nice Male Great Spotted Woodpecker was at the feeders but again no Willow Tit.
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| Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male) |
Quiet On Orcombe
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
A quick look after work produced a single Northern Wheatear in the dung field along with a few Meadow Pipit. In the opposite field were a largish flock of Meadow Pipit and circa 20 Barn Swallow. Other than that, it’s was very quiet.
A quick look after work produced a single Northern Wheatear in the dung field along with a few Meadow Pipit. In the opposite field were a largish flock of Meadow Pipit and circa 20 Barn Swallow. Other than that, it’s was very quiet.
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| Northern Wheatear |
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| Northern Wheatear |
Orcombe Point
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I had an half an hour scam around the top fields area. A nice mixed feeding flock hung around the old dung field for a little while. After scrutinising the flock, nothing special revelled itself. The flock contained mainly Long-tailed Tit with a few Common Chiffchaff, Eurasian Blue Tit and Great Tit. The top field opposite the current dung field held a flock of Common Linnet, the most I’ve seen up there for a while with around 20 birds. A dozen or so Meadow Pipit and I had a flyover, calling Western Yellow Wagtail. Only heard as I was looking into the sun to try to locate it. A few Barn Swallow around but apart from that not a lot else to report.
I had an half an hour scam around the top fields area. A nice mixed feeding flock hung around the old dung field for a little while. After scrutinising the flock, nothing special revelled itself. The flock contained mainly Long-tailed Tit with a few Common Chiffchaff, Eurasian Blue Tit and Great Tit. The top field opposite the current dung field held a flock of Common Linnet, the most I’ve seen up there for a while with around 20 birds. A dozen or so Meadow Pipit and I had a flyover, calling Western Yellow Wagtail. Only heard as I was looking into the sun to try to locate it. A few Barn Swallow around but apart from that not a lot else to report.
FINALLY...A Water Rail
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I decided to give the area another go after last weeks dog incident. It could be luck or perhaps my point was proved as there was no dog splashing around and I had a very productive 30 minutes. I hung around the white bridge and didn’t need to move as there was a lot on offer. A Common Sandpiper was distant south of the bridge, Common Swift, Common House Martin and Barn Swallow were flying over head and hawking over the water. A Male Common Reed Bunting showed and sang nicely and the visit was topped off with a Water Rail (amazingly my first of the year) it was literally just south of the bridge and was busily taking worms back into the reeds. No doubt to feed young. Another reason why I had my dog rant the other day as these are shy creatures at the best of times and disturbance could be devastating.
I decided to give the area another go after last weeks dog incident. It could be luck or perhaps my point was proved as there was no dog splashing around and I had a very productive 30 minutes. I hung around the white bridge and didn’t need to move as there was a lot on offer. A Common Sandpiper was distant south of the bridge, Common Swift, Common House Martin and Barn Swallow were flying over head and hawking over the water. A Male Common Reed Bunting showed and sang nicely and the visit was topped off with a Water Rail (amazingly my first of the year) it was literally just south of the bridge and was busily taking worms back into the reeds. No doubt to feed young. Another reason why I had my dog rant the other day as these are shy creatures at the best of times and disturbance could be devastating.
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| Water Rail |
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| Water Rail |
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| Water Rail |
Just Trying To Do The Right Thing
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I aimed to take a walk from the white bridge to the hide. On arrival I noted a Cetti’s Warbler a few Eurasian Reed Warbler gathering grubs and several Barn Swallow hawking over the water for insects. Things were rather enjoyable on the bridge until I heard a splash and someone saying “Go find it boy” and a dog duly jumped in the river from the reed bed area (on the right hand side, looking towards the mouth of the Estuary) where Eurasian Reed Warblers possibly have nests. I was annoyed by this but the dog returned to the path and it stopped. I carried on enjoying the views etc from the bridge when from path (where the bench is) the same dog splashed into the river. All the mentioned birds flew off (the Warblers probably leaving young unattended!) I walked round I noted an elderly chap throwing stones in to the river and repeatedly saying “Go find it boy”.
I arrived at the bench to find that it was actually an elderly couple. I want it known that I have nothing against dogs but do have an issue with irresponsible owners. I politely said “I’m not wishing to be awkward here but your dog really shouldn’t be in the river. It does say on the information boards to keep dogs on the path”. The chap sort of acknowledged this and said “Ok”. I was happy to leave it there when the lady chirped up in an aggressive voice “everyone else does it so why shouldn’t we?” I could feel my anger rising (more so in this heat) but kept my cool and said “I would tell anyone the same thing. This is an SSSI Nature Reserve that holds important breeding species!”. The chap then decided to air his opinions “My dog is hot, he needs to cool off.”. I responded with “I appreciate that and I do care but I really dont think this place is appropriate. Do you?” They both then mumbled something in tandem which I didn’t catch. I decided I wasn’t going to get anywhere with these and walked away saying. “You need to respect others that want to enjoy the area!”.
So I preceded on my walk but came back within five minutes to find that they had moved on. Perhaps my words had made a deference? Now I do appreciate that they had just as much right to be there and enjoy the place but they seemed to have no respect for anything apart from the dog. Again, please don’t think I have it in for dogs. In fact it’s the opposite as I have been a dog owner. However I would personally take my dog to a more appropriate place if I wanted it to be able to cool off and I would respect any notices placed at sites that involved dog control.
I aimed to take a walk from the white bridge to the hide. On arrival I noted a Cetti’s Warbler a few Eurasian Reed Warbler gathering grubs and several Barn Swallow hawking over the water for insects. Things were rather enjoyable on the bridge until I heard a splash and someone saying “Go find it boy” and a dog duly jumped in the river from the reed bed area (on the right hand side, looking towards the mouth of the Estuary) where Eurasian Reed Warblers possibly have nests. I was annoyed by this but the dog returned to the path and it stopped. I carried on enjoying the views etc from the bridge when from path (where the bench is) the same dog splashed into the river. All the mentioned birds flew off (the Warblers probably leaving young unattended!) I walked round I noted an elderly chap throwing stones in to the river and repeatedly saying “Go find it boy”.
I arrived at the bench to find that it was actually an elderly couple. I want it known that I have nothing against dogs but do have an issue with irresponsible owners. I politely said “I’m not wishing to be awkward here but your dog really shouldn’t be in the river. It does say on the information boards to keep dogs on the path”. The chap sort of acknowledged this and said “Ok”. I was happy to leave it there when the lady chirped up in an aggressive voice “everyone else does it so why shouldn’t we?” I could feel my anger rising (more so in this heat) but kept my cool and said “I would tell anyone the same thing. This is an SSSI Nature Reserve that holds important breeding species!”. The chap then decided to air his opinions “My dog is hot, he needs to cool off.”. I responded with “I appreciate that and I do care but I really dont think this place is appropriate. Do you?” They both then mumbled something in tandem which I didn’t catch. I decided I wasn’t going to get anywhere with these and walked away saying. “You need to respect others that want to enjoy the area!”.
So I preceded on my walk but came back within five minutes to find that they had moved on. Perhaps my words had made a deference? Now I do appreciate that they had just as much right to be there and enjoy the place but they seemed to have no respect for anything apart from the dog. Again, please don’t think I have it in for dogs. In fact it’s the opposite as I have been a dog owner. However I would personally take my dog to a more appropriate place if I wanted it to be able to cool off and I would respect any notices placed at sites that involved dog control.
East Devon Commons
Lympstone Common
A morning visit near the top of Bystock reserve produced a few Yellowhammer but little more. Near Yettington I spotted a few Barn Swallow resting on a wire.
Woodbury Common
A before work visit. I’m not going to give exact location details but I parked at the model aircraft car park. A Spotted Flycatcher and a daytime churring European Nightjar were the best on offer and both within a few meters of each other. I had another look after work and had the European Nightjar churring again but no sign of the Spotted Flycatcher. Both trips produced a Eurasian Jay, a few Common Linnet, Coal Tit, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Goldfinch.
Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon
After visiting Woodbury Common after work I popped here for a quick look. Lots of Brimstone on the wing and a Eurasian Hobby came through at speed but rather quiet otherwise.
Woodbury Common, Devon
An evening walk from the model aircraft car park. Again European Nightjar churring and also a Garden Warbler. Also a Willow Warbler (well that was what call it was kind of giving) with black legs.
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
A good evening with at least 6 European Nightjar. Churring, calling and wing clapping.
A morning visit near the top of Bystock reserve produced a few Yellowhammer but little more. Near Yettington I spotted a few Barn Swallow resting on a wire.
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| Barn Swallows |
A before work visit. I’m not going to give exact location details but I parked at the model aircraft car park. A Spotted Flycatcher and a daytime churring European Nightjar were the best on offer and both within a few meters of each other. I had another look after work and had the European Nightjar churring again but no sign of the Spotted Flycatcher. Both trips produced a Eurasian Jay, a few Common Linnet, Coal Tit, European Greenfinch and Eurasian Goldfinch.
Uphams Plantation, Yettington, Devon
After visiting Woodbury Common after work I popped here for a quick look. Lots of Brimstone on the wing and a Eurasian Hobby came through at speed but rather quiet otherwise.
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| Scarlet Pimpernel |
An evening walk from the model aircraft car park. Again European Nightjar churring and also a Garden Warbler. Also a Willow Warbler (well that was what call it was kind of giving) with black legs.
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| Willow Warbler with black legs |
Undisclosed site, near Exmouth, Devon
A good evening with at least 6 European Nightjar. Churring, calling and wing clapping.
What A Difference An Angle Makes
The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I had a bit of time to spare after work so I though I would look around the White Bridge area of the Otter. When I arrived a few Barn Swallow were feeding over the water and field. 3 Common Buzzard were soaring above and I kept an eye out for a Red Kite without success. Along the path to the hide were a few Eurasian Blackcap, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Eurasian Reed Warbler. Then I spotted a really stand out bird. It was giving off a very pied plumage appearance. I got on to it with my bins initially but decided it deserved a look at with the scope as it was a tad distant. With the scope I could easily see it was a Bunting and the default would be Common Reed Bunting but in the lighting conditions and with the angle it looked completely different. The bird duly changed angle to reveal its true identity as a Common Reed Bunting. It just goes to show how easy it can be to get confused.
I had a bit of time to spare after work so I though I would look around the White Bridge area of the Otter. When I arrived a few Barn Swallow were feeding over the water and field. 3 Common Buzzard were soaring above and I kept an eye out for a Red Kite without success. Along the path to the hide were a few Eurasian Blackcap, a Cetti’s Warbler and 2 Eurasian Reed Warbler. Then I spotted a really stand out bird. It was giving off a very pied plumage appearance. I got on to it with my bins initially but decided it deserved a look at with the scope as it was a tad distant. With the scope I could easily see it was a Bunting and the default would be Common Reed Bunting but in the lighting conditions and with the angle it looked completely different. The bird duly changed angle to reveal its true identity as a Common Reed Bunting. It just goes to show how easy it can be to get confused.
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| Common Reed Bunting |
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| Crosswort |
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| Meadow Buttercup |
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| Red Valarian |
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| Hyacinth Orchid |
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| Blue Flag Iris |
A Decent Fall And I Was Late To The Party
Crealy Adventure Park, Devon
The usual outing with the kids during which I managed to escape and walk around the pond. Quite a few Barn Swallow about.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I was busy all day but hearing from Matt this morning meant I really wanted to have a look around. However, I wasn’t able to until late evening. There was still some evidence of this mornings fall in migrants in the form of several Northern Wheatear. Not a lot else so it seems I was very late for the party.
The usual outing with the kids during which I managed to escape and walk around the pond. Quite a few Barn Swallow about.
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| Barn Swallow |
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| Barn Swallow |
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| Barn Swallow |
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I was busy all day but hearing from Matt this morning meant I really wanted to have a look around. However, I wasn’t able to until late evening. There was still some evidence of this mornings fall in migrants in the form of several Northern Wheatear. Not a lot else so it seems I was very late for the party.
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| Northern Wheatear (Female) |
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| Northern Wheatear (Female) |
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| Bluebells |
Red Knot Or Not?
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A pre work visit to the hide early morning. There wasn't a great deal about but on my first scan of the waders on the spit I was drawn to this smaller wader. It was sleeping when I first saw it so I couldn't be sure what it was. It woke up to preen itself for a moment or two and I could only manage a few of my rubbish photos. At the time it was sleeping, I did think Red Knot. However when it was preening etc. the neck looked to long for a Red Knot (picture 1 kind of capture this). The light was awful (as it can be at this site when the sun is low) but the bird was a medium sized wader and looked a dull brown / grey on the back, wings and head (almost like a non breeding Godwit plumage). The chest and belly were white but the chest had some faint barring on it. It was short billed and the supercilium stood out a mile (picture 2 shows this). I had a proper look at the pictures during my lunch break and conferred with my trusty Collins App and the only suitable candidate was a Red Knot. Although it didn't quite sit well with me (me and my curiosity again!).
I returned to the site after work to have another look. There were plenty of Waders about. Mainly Black-tailed Godwit but a couple of Dunlin and several Red Knot were in the mix. I was glad there were Red Knot about as it gave me a chance to do a compare and contrast on the bird from this morning. And in honesty, looking at the Red Knot has made me think my bird from this morning didn't quite fit with how these birds looked. However I cant seem to tag it to anything else at the moment! Also on site was a Ruff, a few Sand Martin and a Male Eurasian Blackcap on the road near Goosemoor.
The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I had time for a quick look before heading home. The Cetti's Warbler was in song near the white bridge. No sign of the Lesser Whitethroat but to be fair I wasn't on site long. Still no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail! A few Barn Swallow were about but apart from that the site was very quiet.
A pre work visit to the hide early morning. There wasn't a great deal about but on my first scan of the waders on the spit I was drawn to this smaller wader. It was sleeping when I first saw it so I couldn't be sure what it was. It woke up to preen itself for a moment or two and I could only manage a few of my rubbish photos. At the time it was sleeping, I did think Red Knot. However when it was preening etc. the neck looked to long for a Red Knot (picture 1 kind of capture this). The light was awful (as it can be at this site when the sun is low) but the bird was a medium sized wader and looked a dull brown / grey on the back, wings and head (almost like a non breeding Godwit plumage). The chest and belly were white but the chest had some faint barring on it. It was short billed and the supercilium stood out a mile (picture 2 shows this). I had a proper look at the pictures during my lunch break and conferred with my trusty Collins App and the only suitable candidate was a Red Knot. Although it didn't quite sit well with me (me and my curiosity again!).
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| Mystery Wader - Longer neck than I would expect for Red Knot |
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| Mystery Wader - Look at that Supercilium! |
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| Mystery Wader - Short bill |
I returned to the site after work to have another look. There were plenty of Waders about. Mainly Black-tailed Godwit but a couple of Dunlin and several Red Knot were in the mix. I was glad there were Red Knot about as it gave me a chance to do a compare and contrast on the bird from this morning. And in honesty, looking at the Red Knot has made me think my bird from this morning didn't quite fit with how these birds looked. However I cant seem to tag it to anything else at the moment! Also on site was a Ruff, a few Sand Martin and a Male Eurasian Blackcap on the road near Goosemoor.
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| Red Knot in amongst Black-tailed Godwit |
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| Dunlin in amongst Black-tailed Godwit |
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| Black-tailed Godwit |
The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I had time for a quick look before heading home. The Cetti's Warbler was in song near the white bridge. No sign of the Lesser Whitethroat but to be fair I wasn't on site long. Still no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail! A few Barn Swallow were about but apart from that the site was very quiet.
Little Gull And Geese
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
This morning I was up early so I popped along to the point in the hope of any migrants. It was extremely quiet in the top field apart from 2 White Wagtail on the dung heap. The fields from Gore Lane to the coastal path didn’t hold anything apart from a Common Chiffchaff so I decided to check out the coastal path. It’s no too muddy now so it wasn’t as much as a slog as my last visit. With nothing of interest I decided to look out to sea. A few Northern Gannet were feeding with a couple of Sandwich Terns and there were a few Gull species. Manly European Herring Gull and a few Great Black-backed Gulls. Then as I was about to drag myself away and head to work, a solitary Little Gull flew swiftly past heading east. I was able to get it in my scope a tad too late for a photo opportunity. My first Little Gull if the year.
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
After work I needed to pop to Exminster on an errand so I thought it rude not to have a quick stroll along the railway path. The Greater White-fronted Goose showed better than yesterday (but my photos aren’t much better though), a single Greylag Goose and plenty of Canada Goose. I’m still yet to see Barnacle Goose or Egyptian Goose this year! I heard the call of a Western Yellow Wagtail but couldn’t locate the bird. A Willow Warbler was calling on the Powderham side of the rail tracks. There were a descent amount of Barn Swallow, with some lingering and others flying straight through. With the recent luck the Lizard in Cornwall has had, I checked them out for a hopeful Red-rumped Swallow but alas there weren’t any.
This morning I was up early so I popped along to the point in the hope of any migrants. It was extremely quiet in the top field apart from 2 White Wagtail on the dung heap. The fields from Gore Lane to the coastal path didn’t hold anything apart from a Common Chiffchaff so I decided to check out the coastal path. It’s no too muddy now so it wasn’t as much as a slog as my last visit. With nothing of interest I decided to look out to sea. A few Northern Gannet were feeding with a couple of Sandwich Terns and there were a few Gull species. Manly European Herring Gull and a few Great Black-backed Gulls. Then as I was about to drag myself away and head to work, a solitary Little Gull flew swiftly past heading east. I was able to get it in my scope a tad too late for a photo opportunity. My first Little Gull if the year.
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
After work I needed to pop to Exminster on an errand so I thought it rude not to have a quick stroll along the railway path. The Greater White-fronted Goose showed better than yesterday (but my photos aren’t much better though), a single Greylag Goose and plenty of Canada Goose. I’m still yet to see Barnacle Goose or Egyptian Goose this year! I heard the call of a Western Yellow Wagtail but couldn’t locate the bird. A Willow Warbler was calling on the Powderham side of the rail tracks. There were a descent amount of Barn Swallow, with some lingering and others flying straight through. With the recent luck the Lizard in Cornwall has had, I checked them out for a hopeful Red-rumped Swallow but alas there weren’t any.
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| Greylag Goose |
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| Greylag Goose |
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| Greater White-fronted Goose |
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| Greater White-fronted Goose |
The Otter Again
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I took another look around the white bridge area of the Otter Estuary after work. Again no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail. These are definitely my bogey birds of the year! A Cetti’s Warbler again called and showed briefly right by the bridge. A bit further north of the bridge I heard the briefest of calls of a Common Whitethroat. I couldn’t however locate it and it didn’t call again. South of the bridge I glimpsed a mating pair of Eurasian Reed Warbler. Also around the area were 2 Barn Swallow, 2 European Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
I took another look around the white bridge area of the Otter Estuary after work. Again no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail. These are definitely my bogey birds of the year! A Cetti’s Warbler again called and showed briefly right by the bridge. A bit further north of the bridge I heard the briefest of calls of a Common Whitethroat. I couldn’t however locate it and it didn’t call again. South of the bridge I glimpsed a mating pair of Eurasian Reed Warbler. Also around the area were 2 Barn Swallow, 2 European Green Woodpecker and 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Eurasian Whimbrel And Common House Martin
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
I had to visit to the marsh today. This morning produced 2 year ticks. From the hide was a lovely Eurasian Whimbrel, from the road going from the hide to the viewing platform gate was a Male Eurasian Blackcap and on the path to the viewing platform a Female Eurasian Blackcap. There wasn’t much else from the hide except a pair of Northern Pintail and a pair of Gadwall and from the platform a Common Greenshank. Of note off the Goat Walk though was a single Pied Avocet and a flock of around 100 European Golden Plover. No Osprey, that I had hoped for.
This afternoons visit was only a quick one to the hide and I got my first Common House Martin fly through with a few Sand Martin and a few Barn Swallow lingered. Again not much else of note.
I had to visit to the marsh today. This morning produced 2 year ticks. From the hide was a lovely Eurasian Whimbrel, from the road going from the hide to the viewing platform gate was a Male Eurasian Blackcap and on the path to the viewing platform a Female Eurasian Blackcap. There wasn’t much else from the hide except a pair of Northern Pintail and a pair of Gadwall and from the platform a Common Greenshank. Of note off the Goat Walk though was a single Pied Avocet and a flock of around 100 European Golden Plover. No Osprey, that I had hoped for.
This afternoons visit was only a quick one to the hide and I got my first Common House Martin fly through with a few Sand Martin and a few Barn Swallow lingered. Again not much else of note.
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| Whimbrel |
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| European Golden Plover |
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| Common Greenshank |
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| Common Greenshank |
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| Eurasian Curlew |
Great Crested Grebe And Western Cattle Egret
Imperial Ground, Exmouth, Devon
Due to the high winds first thing this morning. I decided to take a look off the Imperial ground that looks into Exmouth Nature Reserve. I was hoping that things may have been seeking refuge. Not a lot about except for a group of Great Crested Grebe. They came in close on a few occasions. A very overlooked bird but I personally enjoy watching them.
Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon
After work I aimed to have a look on Powderham Marsh but on route an alert came out about 3 Western Cattle Egret on Exminster Marsh. So I popped there and was treated to nice views of the birds from Station Road, just up from the industrial estate. Also around the marsh were the 2 Snow Goose and my first Barn Swallow of the year, flying through with some Sand Martin. A small group had assembled to view the Egrets and it was nice to catch up with Terry Smith and Dave Stone. I’m not sure what it is about Western Cattle Egrets but I just can’t seem to ever get a decent picture.
Due to the high winds first thing this morning. I decided to take a look off the Imperial ground that looks into Exmouth Nature Reserve. I was hoping that things may have been seeking refuge. Not a lot about except for a group of Great Crested Grebe. They came in close on a few occasions. A very overlooked bird but I personally enjoy watching them.
 |
| Great Crested Grebe |
 |
| Great Crested Grebe |
After work I aimed to have a look on Powderham Marsh but on route an alert came out about 3 Western Cattle Egret on Exminster Marsh. So I popped there and was treated to nice views of the birds from Station Road, just up from the industrial estate. Also around the marsh were the 2 Snow Goose and my first Barn Swallow of the year, flying through with some Sand Martin. A small group had assembled to view the Egrets and it was nice to catch up with Terry Smith and Dave Stone. I’m not sure what it is about Western Cattle Egrets but I just can’t seem to ever get a decent picture.
 |
| Western Cattle Egret |
 |
| Western Cattle Egret |
 |
| Western Cattle Egret |
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