Back In The Field

Sewerage Works, Otterton, Devon 
The sciatica got the better of me and I have been near enough housebound for a week. I’ve been going stir crazy, so as I felt a bit better today, I decided to venture out. I popped to the sewage works as it is flat and easy going. I was rewarded with a Female Cirl Bunting, a Male Yellowhammer and a Male Common Reed Bunting. They were all seen near the car park area.

Cirl Bunting (Female)

Hayes Barton Pig Farm, Yettington, Devon
On the way to the farm there were 2 Helmeted Guineafowl at Bicton. Around the farm were a decent number of Common Chaffinch. It was difficult to count the Common Chaffinch as they were very flighty. Also on site were a single Female Brambling and 1 Grey Wagtail. Just along the road I was stopped by a group of 3 Eurasian Bullfinch (1 Male and 2 Females) and I could resist a photo opportunity.

Eurasian Bullfinch (Male)

Eurasian Bullfinch (Female)

Mostly Non Tickable Stuff

Bicton Arena, Yettington, Devon 
On the way to the Otter Estuary after work I noticed 2 Helmeted Guinea-fowl in the field just by the entrance to the Arena. I couldn’t resist a quick look and some pictures. They aren’t a BOU tickable species but I still enjoy seeing this unusual species.

Helmeted Guinea-fowl

Helmeted Guinea-fowl

Helmeted Guinea-fowl

The Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I got to site around 10 minutes too late to catch the Spotted Crake as it’s preferred feeding area had literally just disappeared under the water. The Bar-headed Goose was showing distantly from the hide. Another non tickable bird but again a very smart species and a joy to observe.

East Devon Commons, Devon
The area I visited had very little on offer as it was rather busy with walkers etc, so everything was skulking away. However I did manage the briefest of views of a Dartford Warbler.

Helmeted Guineafowl

Near Lympstone Common, Exmouth, Devon
Whilst driving on the road from the B3179 that leads to Bystock Pools (meadow car park) I heard the unmistakable racket of some Helmeted Guinefowl. The birds were getting ready to roost and I see these birds quite often here but I couldn't resist stopping and taking a look. They aren't on the official list but I still like to stop and see them from time to time.

Helmeted Guineafowl