Lots Of Wagtails

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I popped up for an hour this afternoon to discover a lot of Wagtails around the dung heap. The vast majority being Pied with a number of Meadow Pipits and a solitary Grey Wagtail. A decent flock of Common Linnet were also around this area. Around 20 Eurasian Skylark flew overhead as did a Common Kestrel. I only managed 1 Cirl Bunting though.

Woodlark

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon

Today’s after work yomp was a walk along the road from the farm to the Sewage treatment plant. Just down from the farm was a decent sized group of House Sparrow. I checked through the flock in the hope of a Bunting. No Bunting but I noted a call I hadn’t heard for a while and with that I scanned and got onto a Woodlark! No sooner as I had got onto it the bird took of and flew over me towards the football pitch. I watched it until it was out of sight and a later search to relocate the bird was unsuccessful. 

The next field held a group of 6 Red-legged Partridge. I assume the same group I saw there last week. They pottered about at rather close range and I enjoyed watching them for quite a while. The same field held circa 300 Common Linnet that kept flying off in large groups then coming back to perch on the overhead wires that go through the field. Again I carefully scanned the flock for anything unusual but nothing jumped out as being anything other than Common Linnet. There was not much else of note apart from the White Common Pheasant and a Common Kestrel but I came away pleased to see a Woodlark. My first sighting for well over a year. 

Red-legged Partridge 

Common Linnet (flock)

Common Pheasant (Female)

On the way home I stopped to say hello to Sir Raleigh 

Sir Walter Raleigh statue East Budleigh 

Grey Catbird

Treve Common, Near Lands End, Cornwall
Today, me and my good friend Pete headed off in the hope of the UK’s 2nd recorded Grey Catbird. After our Brown Shrike dip a few weeks ago I for one was a nervous wreck in case it had moved on. So once news broke as we were driving passed Whiddon Down on the A30, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Despite getting caught up with 3 broken down vehicles near Hayle we made it to site in reasonably good time.

We parked the car in the field that has been negotiated with the land owner and noted 2 crowds. One had congregated on the other side of the common and some at the bottom of the car park. We decided that the car park option seemed as good as any so made the short walk to the gathered onlookers. We had basically timed it to perfection as the bird was showing nicely and we both got rather good views. PHEW! pressure off and job done.

We stuck around for around an hour and half and the bird showed a few times with some very nice views even though the bird was rather mobile. It didn’t sit up enough for me to both enjoy good views and to take a decent phone scoped photo. I did manage a few but they are poor even to my crappy standards. Also on site were a Northern Wheatear that kept us on our toes as it was popping up where the Grey Catbird was favouring, a Male Eurasian Blackcap, Common Kestrel and Eurasian Skylark.

Grey Catbird 

Northern Wheatear 

After filling our boots we had a brief look at Cape Cornwall for Red-billed Chough. Apparently they had been on site all morning but moved on in the Botallack direction. We called in here briefly too but had no joy. I was pushed for time as it was parents evening for 2 of my kids so I knew I had to leave Cornwall earlier than I normally would. On the way home we were a tad disappointed that late news came out about a Red-breasted Flycatcher and Richard’s Pipit within earshot of the Grey Catbird but we soon reflected on the mega sighting we had observed and forgot about what we missed.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
After I had dropped Pete off I decided I had enough time for a quick blip from Gore Lane to the coastal path and back. On arrival I was treated to great close views as a Female Peregrine Falcon flew over Gore Lane. There was a small flock of Common Linnet but nothing else of note. On leaving I noted that Matt Knott has arrived and was off doing his round. I got home and received a call off him asking if I was still on site as he had a Short-eared Owl. I advised I wasn’t and thanked Matt for the call and information, its always appreciated. Parents evening over ran so I didn’t get a chance to look but time permitting I may have a look before work but there is also he lure of Red-breasted Flycatcher in Sidmouth and a Barred Warbler at Dawlish Warren. Decisions, descisions. I think its safe to say that Autumn has kicked off!

Isabelline Shrike

Thurlestone, Devon
I got up later than planned this morning so missed my chance at a dawn attempt at the Thurlestone Shrike. I did however have the afternoon off as I had an appointment and just had enough time to have a go at it this afternoon. I have to say the bird was easy to get on to as it was busily feeding and perching on a bush (as I would expect a Shrike to be doing) near the coastal path a little way down from the green hut that’s mentioned in all the reports.

I had really good views and can confidently say it’s an Isabelline Shrike or as BOU call it Daurian Shrike. For it to be Red-tailed or BOU name Turkestan, I would have expected a more contrasting bird with darker upper parts and cleaner underparts.

It was a welcome relief to actually connect with a Shrike this year after dipping on the Soapy Cove Brown Shrike (that still hurts) only the other week and a reported Red-Backed Shrike a little while ago on East Budleigh Common. I’m hoping a Great Grey Shrike will turn up on Colaton Raleigh Common soon (one normally has by now). As I do like that species.

Also on site were a few Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit, European Stonechat and a Common Kestrel

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike 

Isabelline Shrike

Isabelline Shrike

Common Kestrel At Close Range

Bicton Common, Devon
After work I had a mooch around the area opposite the Uphams Plantation car park. On arrival I noted a large mixed flock feeding around the car park. I scanned for anything unusual but the flock consisted of Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest. I continued on my way and had 2 flyover Red Crossbill, several mobile Meadow Pipit and some Common Linnet were flitting about. Then everything went quiet so I turned around to move on only to discover the reason for everything ducking for cover. A close (around 20 metres) range Female Common Kestel was surveying the area from the top of a small pine tree. It’s always nice to be able to appreciate a bird close up.

Common Kestrel (Female)

Common Kestrel (Female)

Common Kestrel (Female)

One Hell Of A Dip

Soapy Cove, Kynance, Cornwall 
So the day had finally come to have a go at the Brown Shrike. Me and my mate Pete made the journey in good time and even got from Kynance National Trust car park to the birds prefered site in good time. So we found a good vantage point and started the waiting game. We were soon joined by Steph and Rob Murphy and it was a pleasure to chat and swap stories. A few species kept us entertained, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit and European Stonechat. After what seemed an eternity we all decided to call it a day having not seen the bird which would have been lifer for all involved apart from Pete. Nevertheless I had an enjoyable time on site.

View of valley that leads to Soapy Cove

The Lizard, Cornwall
Me and Pete popped here for a rather late lunch in the lighthouse car park in the hope of salvaging the day with a Red-billed Chough but even they didn’t want to play ball.

Helston Boating Lake, Helston, Cornwall 
On the way home, with a deflated feeling I felt I needed to see something decent. So we popped along to the boating lake to see the questionable Male Ferruginous Duck. On arrival we noted the pool was virtually drained for repairs. However, the bird showed and it was nice to appreciate the bird at close range as normally these birds are shy and distant.

Ferruginous Duck (Male)

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon

When nearly home I received a text from Matt Knott about a Red-crested Pochard at Mudbank Lane. I decided to have a super quick look but there was no sign. Apparently someone had fired a shot at them and everything had gone up. So by the time I got there the numbers of Eurasian Wigeon (which the bird was associating with) had dropped as they had understandably moved on. 

Pallid Harrier

Colaton Raleigh Common, Devon
I’ve not been able to get out this week as I’ve had a case of man flu (there worse type of flu there is of course) so I was pleased to get a text late yesterday afternoon  from Matt Knott advising that had amazingly found a Pallid Harrier but I wasn’t able to have a look. So I popped to site as soon as I had dropped the kids to breakfast club only to be told it had been seen not too long ago. I could only spare 30 minutes before I had to drag myself to work (my first day back after snot fest). As I still wasn’t feeling to great my boss agreed to a very early finish but I couldn’t resist spending some more time looking for the Pallid Harrier. It’s not a lifer bird for me but it would constitute only my second individual in the UK. So it seemed worthwhile putting the time in.

Halfway to the grenade range  I got excited by a largish raptor heading towards me only to be quickly deflated to see it was a Common Buzzard. The second bird I spotted also got me excited but I again quickly realised its true identity as a Female Common Kestrel. That was quickly followed by a Male Common Kestrel. Whilst on site both Common Kestrels were rather active and I started to worry that I would start ignoring them and in turn end up ignoring the Pallid Harrier. Unfortunately I came away not seeing the bird in question. I wonder if it is still in the area and being elusive or it has indeed moved on? With today’s wind direction I actually favoured it still being in the area rather than moving on but who knows?

Also on site during both visits were European Green Woodpecker, Several Meadow Pipits (which I hoped would be pursued by the Harrier), Common Linnet and European Stonechat. Even though I didn’t see it I must admit it was nice to be back in the field after being ill. Again I would like to congratulate Matt on an absolutely wonderful find and for getting the news out quickly.

Another Go At Sea Watching

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I popped up to the point early evening to see if there were any straggler Shearwaters in the bay. No luck this time around. The only birds on offer were a few Northern Gannet and Sandwich Tern. I was though kept entertained by a hunting female Common Kestrel and a very close range European Badger.

Common Kestrel (Female) 

European Badger

Both Whitethroats In One Day

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I spent a little over an hour on site this morning from 7:20 to 8:30. Birding was a tad more rewarding today with at least 3 Common Whitethroat. There may have been a forth but I couldn’t be sure as 2 birds in particularly were rather mobile and ranging around the top orchid field and coastal path whilst 1 bird was routed to the vegetation in the north east corner of the same field but I seemed to be getting 4 lots of song. In the electric fence field was a smart Male Northern Wheatear and a Female Common Kestrel stopped for a moment. A look around the dung field and possibly the same Male Northern Wheatear along with a Female were on offer. Also in the dung field were the 2 White Wagtail.

Common Whitethroat

Common Whitethroat

Common Kestrel (Female)

Northern Wheatear (Male)

Northern Wheatear (Male)

Northern Wheatear (Female)

White Wagtail

Northern Wheatear (Female)

The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After work I was again drawn to the otter. I was pleased I did as there was a cracking Lesser Whitethroat on show near the white bridge. I enjoyed close prolonged views of a bird I don’t see to often.

Lesser Whitethroat

Lesser Whitethroat

Lesser Whitethroat

Exmouth Seafront, Devon 
A Text from Matt Knott alerted me to some Little Tern active on Exmouth seafront. I quickly headed off in pursuit. I arrived (around halfway along the seafront) just as Matt and Nick were leaving but they quickly gave me the low down on the birds. I was very quickly joined by Dave Stone and we both eagerly scanned the sea. There were some Sandwich Tern on offer along with a few Northern Gannet. We couldn’t however locate the birds we were hoping to see. I then picked out a smaller Tern on a sand bar that had appeared whilst waiting. It was distant but eventually I called it as a Common Tern and both Dave and myself were happy it was. Dave was happier as it was his first of the year. With no luck on the Little Tern I relocated to the Quay in the hope they had settled on Great Bull Hill or Warren Point but again there was no sign. Thanks as ever to Matt for the alert.

New Life

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After work I visited the Otter again. This site keeps calling to me lately. You know when you just get that though of “I need to be there” today’s theme was Raptors and Warblers. On arrival at the white bridge, the first bird was a Female Conmon Kestrel followed by a Cetti’s Warbler. A little north of the bridge was a Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk gliding through the trees on the east side of the river. Again no Common Kingfisher or Water Rail. Will I ever see these species this year!!

I decided to try the south of the bridge and was rewarded with my first Sedge Warbler of the year. First heard singing then the briefest of views. A further brief view of a Eurasian Reed Warbler followed. Out on a tree stump on the east side of the river was a Conmon Buzzard. So Raptors V Warblers ended at a 3 all draw.

To finish the visit, at the white bridge was a group of Mallard Ducklings. My first young seen of any species this year. I do love watching Ducklings discovering their surroundings and I watched for a while. Their mummy was never too far away and watching over them. She duly shuffled them into cover when any passerby came near. New life is well underway!

Mallard Ducklings 

Byron Way, Exmouth, Devon 
Back at home this Bumblebee was on my side entrance gate. I’m ok with Butterflies and Dragonflies but I’m not great with identifying Bees. My best attempt at this species is a Buff-tailed Bumblebee but I would happily be corrected by anyone with superior knowledge than me.

Buff-tailed Bumblebee ??

Cetti’s Warbler

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
After a rough day at work I had a walk along the Otter. I started at the white bridge and headed north.
On arrival I was treated to a Common Kestrel sat on the wires. It’s not that often I really get to appreciate this species as I normally see them in flight or hovering. So I enjoyed watching it for a while. Then I heard the unmistakable call of the Cetti’s Warbler. No matter how many times I hear it, the call still amazes me. It’s so powerful and loud for such a small bird. I have often jumped out of my skin when one calls right beside me.

The Cetti’s Warbler showed beautifully in the reeds by the bridge but in typical Warbler fashion it nipped into the undergrowth as soon as I was about to get a picture. Needless to say it never called or showed again.

I headed off up the path. Secretly hoping for a Common Whitethroat to start singing from the bushes. This is bizarre but I have yet to see a Common Kingfisher or Water Rail this year. So I also had high hopes of both these species today. Unfortunately my luck was out with all the mentioned species. It’s early days yet thought. There wasn’t much else of note apart from the sound of a few Common Chiffchaff and Song Thrush but it was nice to be out in the sunshine and it was a lovely walk.

Common Kestrel (Female)

Common Kestrel (Female)

Raptors And Finches

Uphams Plantation, near Yettington, Devon
I had a walk around the plantation after work and there were a few things on offer. At one point there was a group of 4 Common Buzzard flying low over head. Probably looking for some supper. A Common Kestrel wizzed through a bit later on. Then I noticed a lot of Finches coming in and starting to roost. I lost count but there were C100 Common Linnet, C150 Common Chaffinch and C20 Brambling. While I was watching this, a male Red Crossbill pottered about briefly before taking off. Also of note were 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Northern Raven, 2 Goldcrest, 7 Coal Tit and a single Meadow Pipit.

Brambling (Female)

Brambling (Female)

Finches And Buntings Part II

Stantyway Farm, Otterton, Devon 
Had another dawn look around the Farm area. Again a large flock of Common Linnet, Common Chaffinch and European Goldfinch. No Brambling or European Greenfinch. Bunting wise, again a single Cirl Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and C30 Conmon Reed Bunting. Couldn’t locate the odd looking one from yesterday, so perhaps it was just an odd looking Conmon Reed Bunting. Also a Mistle Thrush and Common Kestrel of note.

Yellowhammer

Common Linnet

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
An hour or so visit after work. From the goat walk and viewing platform. 4 Mew Gull, 5 European Golden Plover, numerous Pied Avocet, Eurasian Curlew, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank and 2 Little Egret.

Little Egret