Part-time Birding: Dunnock

Showing posts with label Dunnock. Show all posts

Poorly Dunnock

Exeter, Devon
As I was leaving work, I came across this poor little Dunnock that looked very unwell. I couldn’t just leave it on the tarmac, so I picked it up (it didn’t flinch) and popped it up in the nearest tree. I don’t hold out much hope for the poor thing though. Very sad!

Dunnock

Red Crossbill

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A visit to the hide first thing. Viewing is always hard on sunny mornings this time of the year as the sun is low and in yours eyes. However, good numbers of Eurasian Teal, a few Eurasian Wigeon, a single Common Greenshank and several Black-tailed Godwit dropped in. Apart from that it was rather quite and most birds were still rather sleepy.

Woodbury Common, Devon
A lightening visit to the model airplane area after work produced a few Common Chiffchaff, a feeding flock of Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit and Eurasian Blue Tit, singles of Eurasian Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Best of all was a brief view of a Red Crossbill. There were a few more around as I heard multiple calls but I couldn’t locate. I also noted large numbers of Dunnock. At one point around 15 were foraging together on the path. They have obviously done ok.

Hawfinch And Black Redstart

Topsham Cemetery, Devon
As it was freezing this morning I thought I would try my luck with the Hawfinch before work. I have tried a few brief attempts but had no luck. Today that luck changed. There were at least 6 birds (I suspect there were more as they were quite mobile at one point) I managed to get some descent on the ground views but my photo wasn’t great at all. When they got mobile, I was joined by Dave Stone as we tried to pin them down. Nice to catch up with Dave and share some sighting details. A few other bits and bobs were around the cemetery, including European Greenfinch, Regwing, Song Thrush and Goldcrest. I finally had to drag myself away and get to work!

Hawfinch (Female)

Redwing

Dunnock

European Greenfinch (Female)

Common Chaffinch (Male)

Budleigh Salterton Cricket Pitch, Devon
After work I was torn between looking here or having another look for the Corn Bunting at Orcombe Point. I was pleased with my decision as on the left hand side of the Cricket pitch was a stunning Male Black Redstart. I managed a few (very distant shots) and it was very mobile. The Tawny Owl was roosting in its usual tree and also of interest was a lonely Red Knot on the Estuary near the picnic tables. Matt Knott text me to say that the Corn Bunting was still on site. Think I will take another look at it tomorrow.