Curlew Sandpiper

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, 

I had some time to kill after lunch, so I decided I would see if I could find the Osprey or a Curlew Sandpiper. I stated off at the viewing platform but the wind had really picked up and I think the Osprey was probably hunckering down. There were a good number of waders on the far left side though. Mainly Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Redshank and a few EurasianWhimbrel. I decided to get out of the wind and next popped in to the hide. There was a Red Knot in with the again numerous waders but I was pleased to get a Curlew Sandpiper pottering at the far right back of the reserve. Other notable species wereca Common Redshank and Northern Pintail. I decided to check the viewing platform again before leaving and noted 5 Red Knot with a group of Dunlin but still no sign of the Osprey.

Curlew Sandpiper and Garganey

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had an evening look around. I've not been here for some time since moving from Exmouth to Ottery St Mary. So it was nice to be on Familiar territory. I was hoping for my first Eurasian Whimbrel and Garganey of the year. The first species was easy with a few birds on site. The hide was frustratingly closed, so I had to make do with views from the road. 

The next species on offer was Curlew Sandpiper. A Few birds were frustrating to get views of but I did manage some half okay views. The Greater Scaup put in a brief appearance. As did a Common Pochard. With really fading light I just managed a Garganey before heading off. As always, lots of waders on offer with Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Common Redshank. It looks like yesterday's Spotted Redshank has cleared out though. Unless its elsewhere on the Exe.

Curlew Sandpiper

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon

An evening look around produced a Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover, a Red Knot, Common Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Plenty of Dunlin and eventually a single Curlew Sandpiper. 

Another Long-billed Dowitcher

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon.
After not having time to look for the Long-billed Dowitcher yesterday, I had a look off the viewing platform before work as it had been reported. On arrival I bumped into Dave Boult who advised me it had flown further down the estuary and he was trying to relocate it. After a little look, I decided to give up and look over the afternoon high tide. The hide was packed out with a few familiar faces. Keith Birchall said it wasn’t on site but it should be in very soon as the Waders were starting to come in from the estuary. He kindly pointed out a Curlew Sandpiper showing rather nicely in front of the hide.

The long-billed Dowitcher then came in as expected and gave some nice views on the far island and after a little while came even closer. Also on sight was a juvenile Garganey and Ruff. Only armed with bins I couldn’t take any pictures. My 3rd ever Long-billed Dowitcher (2nd this year) and my 1st in Devon.

More Good Waders

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon
I had an early finish today so I popped here as I haven’t visited for a while. A Little Stint showed if not distantly and with awkward sunlight. It caused a bit of debate as to its ID as it didn’t look textbook to anyone present. Also on site of note were 4 Curlew Sandpiper and 6 Common Sandpiper.

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
I had time to swing by in the hope that the reported Garganey was on site but my luck was out. However, a Wood Sandpiper showed beautifully as did a Spotted Redshank.

Some Good Waders

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
After work I popped into the hide and caught a decent roost. The best I’ve seen on the marsh for a while. Lots of Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Redshank. In amongst this was a single Red Knot, 2 Ruff, Spotted Redshank and best of all a Curlew Sandpiper.

Another Missed Wood Sandpiper

Goosemoor, Topsham, Devon 
After work I decided to take a look for yesterday’s Wood Sandpiper and today’s Curlew Sandpiper. I couldn’t get out last night to look for the former and I knew that the tides would be wrong at the time of visit but it seemed rude not to pop in as it’s on the way home. Goosemoor was very quite with only several Black-headed Gull on site.

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
Hide 
I moved on to the hide in hope but the best bird was a Green Sandpiper. It showed rather close in at times. There were several juvenile Common Shelduck but not much else of note. On the lane to the viewing platform was a smart Red Admiral and a Southern Hawker. I’m not sure if the sightings board in the hide is up to date but someone had marked Wood Sandpiper as seen.

Green Sandpiper  

Green Sandpiper

Green Sandpiper    

Red Admiral

Viewing platform
A look off the platform only produced one decent bird, a single Summer plumage Red Knot was pottering around in Greenshank corner. No photo could be obtained due to wind, haze and it was obscured at times. Plenty of Common Redshank and Black-headed Gulls around too.