Laughing Gull

Slapton, Devon 

I have wanted to see Laughing Gull for as long as I have been birding but the timing has never been right due to work, family etc. I have also manged to dip a few over the years. So when I had the chance to look for the supposedly showy 2nd Winter bird in the Slapton / Beesands area today. I simply had to go. I arrived at the memorial car park to be told it was showing superbly 10 minutes ago. Here I go I thought. Another dip? 

Whilst I waited I was treated to a Mediterranean Gull on the beach. After 10 minutes or so someone shouted that it was heading towards us and I was straight on the bird within seconds of the call. It first decided to sit on the Ley which was OK views and I was pleased to finally see this species but I wanted better. A few minutes later it was flying literally 10 feet above our heads so I managed a few flight shots with my phone. It then sat on the sea briefly before finally sitting where I wanted it, on the beach. 

I did take a short look for the Ring-necked Duck without success but getting to enjoy the Laughing Gull was much more enjoyable.

Laughing Gull (2nd winter)

Laughing Gull  (2nd winter)

Laughing Gull  (2nd winter)

Laughing Gull  (2nd winter)

Ruff And Mediterranean Gull

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had to pop the Exeter for a check up on my back issues so I thought I would pop in to have a lightening look from the hide. The Ruff was asleep towards the back but a Mediterranean Gull was a bit more showy in front of the hide.

Ruff

Mediterranean Gull

Mediterranean Gull

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

I had to drop one of the daughters off to stage school in Exmouth so I had a few hours to kill before needing to pick her up. I had a look off Mudbank Lane and was pleased to get what I hoped for in the form of a Mediterranean Gull.

Mediterranean Gull 

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 

Despite having seen 10 species of Butterfly in my garden, I have missed seeing a few species so I popped here. It didn't fail as I spotted White Admiral, Marbled White, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Skipper, Large Heath, Gatekeeper, Ringlet and Common Blue. Dragonfies where great too with Common Blue Damselfly, Small Red Damselfly, Emperor Dragonfly, Migrant Hawker, Golden-ringed Dragonfly and Common Darter. 

Large Skipper 

Keeled Skimmer 

Some Nice Year Ticks

Brixham Harbour, Devon
The first thing I noticed as soon as I parked the car was the amount of Common Loon in the bay. Let's just say I lost count at 30. A few Purple Sandpiper were on the usual jetti and an adult Mediterranean Gull was in the Marina. Out towards Elberry Cove was a single Red-throated Loon. Far out in the bay were a few Common Murre and Razorbill.

Purple Sandpiper 

Common Loon

Mansands, Devon 
I picked up the female Black Redstart instantly on the cottages roofs. A Cetti's Warbler was glimpsed whilst looking at the Wetland area. Finally the Blue-winged Teal put in a lightening performance. Too quick for a photo opportunity. Also from the hide was a pair of Eurasian Bullfinch and this rather large Brown Rat.

Brown Rat

Black Redstart (Female)

Stover Country Park, Devon 
Last stop of the day and managed a pair of Mandarin Duck, Eurasian Treecreeper and a few Marsh Tit

Eurasian Nuthatch 

Eurasian Treecreeper 

Mandarin Duck 

Sea Watching

Berry Head, Devon 
I had the afternoon off so as conditions looked good for a sea watch I gave it as shot. On arrival, I discovered I had missed out on a few Balearic Shearwater and Atlantic Puffin. I only stuck around for around and hour and a half as I had to get back to Exmouth. I did see 2 groups of Manx Shearwater equaling 15 birds. A number of Mediterranean Gull of various ages. Good numbers of Northern Gannet. A few Northern Fulmar, a Tufted Duck and a Great Skua that got a conversation going about South Polar Skua.

Caspian Tern And Spotted Redshank

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
After dipping twice on yesterday’s Caspian Tern, I was determined to get it in the bag today. So after work I headed to the marsh. It was busy to say the least so I ended up parking near the goat walk. Whilst there I had a quick scan and picked up 2 Little Tern heading in the viewing platform direction. Off I went for a look there to find a crowd that were on the bird on the opposite side of the river. Despite the bird having its back to us I was able to obtain really nice views. Whilst there I was informed that a summer plumage Spotted Redshank was showing well from the hide. With little time, I hot footed up there and got nice views of it with some Common Greenshank. Yesterday’s evening outing to the goat walk in search of the Tern gave me 19 Mediterranean Gull.

It has been nice to bump into a few birders over the last few days. Too many to mention but must say a huge well done to Matt Knott who found the bird (his second) well done that man, Mark Bailey has been giving great Twitter updates, Dave Stone for some good banter and my good pal Pete. I have to say thanks to Rob Murphy for constant text updates too. I know he is struggling to get to see it (a lifer bird too) but I hope it works out for him and Steph.

Caspian Tern

Temminck’s Stint

Chapel Amble, Cornwall 
I had the day off so me and my mate Pete caught up for a spot of birding. As the Temminck’s Stint has been around for a while now. It seemed rude not to pay it a visit. We got to the village car park and got straight on to the bird in the field directly opposite. The bird showed beautifully although I struggled to get a decent photo. There was unfortunately nothing else special on site, despite recent reports of Water Pipit, Western Cattle Egret, Ruff, Western Barn Owl and Grey Partridge. However, I have to say, that’s the easiest Temminck’s Stint to bag ever!

Temminck’s Stint 

Temminck’s Stint 

Hayle Estuary, Cornwall 
We moved on to look for the reported Ring-billed Gull. Despite there being a good number of Gull species around, a good scan couldn’t locate it. However, there were good numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull and a couple of smart Mediterranean Gull finally gave themselves up. I’m pretty sure I had a Yellow-legged Gull but this distance was immense, even for my optics! On Ryan’s field was the resident Eurasian Spoonbill, that was fast asleep.

Helston boating lake, Cornwall 
As this wasn’t far away. We thought we would give this site a go as the Ring-billed Gull has visited this site. Our luck wasn’t in but we did see the almost certain plastic Ferruginous Duck.

Aylesbeare Common, Devon 
A quick visit produced really nice views of a Male and Female Dartford Warbler. A nice way to round the day off.  

50% Target Species Obtained In Dorset

Me and my mate Pete headed off to the Weymouth amd Portland areas today with 4 targets in mind. Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pallid Swift and Franklin’s Gull. With Franklin’s Gull being a lifer bird for me.

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
We arrived and firstly scanned the car park as there were good numbers of Gull species still hanging around. A good few scans showed that the Franklin’s Gull wasn’t in the group but there were a couple of Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull in amongst the large numbers of Black-headed Gull and numerous European Herring Gull. We decided that we would come back later in the afternoon, as this is when it had been reported. We then went for the next bird, a Ring-necked Duck. The best place to view wasn’t in the reserve so we walked along the road to the tennis courts, where there is a viewing pontoon. Within a few minutes, the bird (a 1st winter Male) showed beautifully for a while and it came in very close. In fact, my best views of this species.

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Chesil Cove, Portland, Dorset
With a report of the Pallid Swift we set off to take a look. This isn’t a lifer bird (so no pressure there) but it would constitute only my second UK record. We put an hour or so in with no luck. Sods law, the bird kept getting reported in the afternoon. Whilst we were staking the place out, there were 2 extremely distant Black Redstart that you could just pick out in the scope.

Portland Harbour, Dorset 
We decided to have our packed lunch at the harbour and give it a Scan in the hope of a Grebe or Loon species but the best on offer were a few Red-breasted Merganser.

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
It seemed rude not to stop here for a quick look and there had been a reported (Black) Brant Goose. On arrival, Pete got a close Female Black Redstart and a scan produced high numbers of Red-breasted Merganser. There were only 6 Brant Goose in view and not one was a (Black) Brant Goose

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Next, we had a look for the Lesser Yellowlegs. An initial walk up the west side of the reserve failed to produce the bird but on the way back it had dropped in and was associating with a Ruff. I never tire of seeing Lesser Yellowlegs and got really enjoyable views. The Ruff was in odd plumage and was equally enjoyable

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Ruff

Ruff

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Late afternoon, we headed back for a final look for the Franklin’s Gull. Many Gulls kept dropping in and leaving. Again, a few Mew Gull and good numbers of Mediterranean Gull but sadly no lifer bird for me today.

Mew Gull

Mediterranean Gull

European Herring Gull

Shelley Beach Terns

Shelley Beach, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a spare hour this afternoon, which coincided with the receding tide so I popped to Shelley Beach in the hope of some Terns. There were a circa 30 Sandwich Tern and 10 Common Tern on what had started to show of Great Bull Hill. I was hoping that the Juvenile Black Tern that’s been around whilst I’ve been out of the country would put in an appearance but I was out of luck. There were also a few Mediterranean Gull in amongst the regular Gull species.

Exmouth Forest School, Devon
After my look off Shelley Beach I had to pick up my youngest from a party at the Exmouth Forest School. Whilst there, this huge Wasp species was flying around and landed briefly. Not a very good photo but I believe it is a Giant Horntail. Open to suggestions if I’m wrong. It was a brute of a thing at around 4cm in length.

Giant Horntail ?

Shelley Beach, Exmouth, Devon 
I had another look this evening and managed to see the Juvenile Black Tern briefly set down on Great Bull Hill with 4 Common Tern. None of the Terns hung around long (no more than a minute) and they set off up river.

No Wood Sandpiper But A Black Tern

Goosemoor, Topsham, Devon
I went to look for the reported Wood Sandpiper early evening. No sign of the bird but 2 Juvenile Little Ringed Plover kept me entertained.

Little Ringed Plover (Juvenile)

The Quay, Exmouth, Devon 
I finished the evening looking in the hope Matts Juvenile Black Tern that he spotted this morning would reappear in amongst the roost. I’ve had a busy day today so I couldn’t get out sooner. Sandwich Tern numbers have increased a lot and there must have been around 100 birds. Also 10 Mediterranean Gulls of varying ages present. I was about to give up as the light faded when out of a channel popped a Juvenile Black Tern. It was only visible for a few seconds but enough for me. I’m not sure it was the same bird though.

Byron Way, Exmouth, Devon
Looks like there are 2 young Common House Martin in the nest on my house. They are starting to poke their heads out now so hopefully not long until they fledge.

Common House Martin

A Busy Week

Exmouth Quay, Exmouth, Devon 
It’s been a very busy week in work which has impacted on my already limited time in the field. Today though I managed to get away early enough to spend a bit of time looking off the Quay. There was not a lot around but it was a welcome relief to be out. The best birds on offer were a single adult Mediterranean Gull and a group of Sandwich Tern on Great Bull Hill. A group of European Herring Gull were frantically feeding just off the Quay and one was giving off characteristics of a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Due to the amount of Gulls feeding it was hard work trying to figure it out in amongst the frenzy. Unfortunately I lost it and couldn’t relocate it once they had settled down on nearby boats and bouys! It looked good but just couldn’t get a 100% on the ID.

A Smart Grebe

Cockwood, Devon
I had a quick look for the Horned Grebe today and it showed rather well from the railway steps. I haven’t bothered to see it in summer plumage for a few years and had the urge to do so. I was glad I did as it reminded me that this species is actually a very smart looking bird indeed. Also of note were 2 adult Mediterrean Gulls sat on Great Bull Hill (again a tad too distant for even a crappy record picture) next to a group of Sandwich Tern. Still no oranges billed Tern though (yes I’m obsessed with finding a Royal Tern!). After only a few minutes the 2 Mediterranean Gulls took off and they were joined by another. The 3 birds headed up river towards Bowling Green Marsh. Reading the Devon blog, 2 of the birds did drop in.

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe

Exmouth Quay

Exmouth Quay, Devon 
I have had 2 brief looks at low tide the past 2 days The best birds of note were, several Sandwich Terns (seen on both days). I do keep scrutinising the Sandwich Tern for any with an Orange bill. 1 smart adult Mediterranean Gull (seen yesterday) and 3 Common Sandpiper (today) that flew into the cove and duly flew back out as there were people pottering about there. Everything was rather distant, so I couldn’t get any decent pictures of the mentioned but here is a Great Black-backed Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull

American Horned Lark

Staines Reservoir, Surrey
I Don’t usually do twitches that far away but I had the day off and decided to scratch an itch I’ve had for a while now and go for the American Horned Lark. I wasn’t sure if the weather was going to be on my side but I threw caution to the wind and made the trek up to Surrey. On the way up I was stuck at 15MPH behind a tractor (cursing as you do) on the A303 about 10 miles from Stonehenge but I soon changed my tune when I noticed a group of Partridge pottering about at the edge of a field/ road and was able to pick out a Grey Partridge. I managed to stop a bit further up the road and walk back. The Partridges had moved further in to the field but I managed to scope them and there were 3 Grey Partridge.

During the rest of the journey I was treated to 5 Red Kite at various locations on the A303 and M3. As I was on the M3 I noted quite a bit of snow around and wondered what Staines would be like. The  roads were clear of snow so I soldiered on.

I arrived at Staines in good time and was surprised how easy parking was and how easy it was to access the reservoir. I bumped into a local birder who told me the Lark had just been here (yes, I thought. No lengthy walk) but he continued to tell me it flew over to it’s favourite spot (the opposite side of the reservoir (which is a bit of a walk). Anyway, off I trod in the thin covering of snow. There were a few species to keep me occupied on route. Double figures of Common Pochard, several Great Crested Grebe and a few Meadow Pipit.

I finally made it to the location the nice local birder had pointed out and BAM! There it was! Now this may sound strange but this is my 400th species. Yes a lifer, as I’ve never seen a normal one! However, what a species to get for your 400th. It’s also special as as far as I have read it was once on the British list but got disproved and duly removed. There have been a few other not accepted claims. So if the BOU accepts this it would be a UK first. There’s then also the chance of an armchair tick if the IOC split it. It’s been muted that there could be around 6 full species of Horned Lark.

Viewing the bird was a little tricky at times due to the fence but I did manage a few snaps.

American Horned Lark

American Horned Lark

American Horned Lark

American Horned Lark

  

On the way back to the car, the nice local birder pointed out this bonus Water Pipit

Water Pipit

On the M3 on the way home I was treated to 2 more Red Kite.

Enford, Wiltshire 
I made a nature stop conveniently at a spot that I know can be good for Corn Bunting and I was in luck as there was a distant flock of around 20 birds.

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
I got home with enough time to catch the rising tide. Good numbers of Dunlin were on view plus a few Grey Plover and Common Ringed Plover. There was also a Knott of the Matt variety (sorry I couldn’t resist). Matt’s company was welcomed in the cold conditions and I do enjoy our conversations. Matts beady eyes got me on to a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and a few distant Sanderling. Also of note were reasonable numbers of Ruddy Turnstone and a Mew Gull.

Mediterranean Gull

A3052 near Crealy, Devon
After my interesting Buzzard on Sunday I decided to have one more look after work but no joy. I guess it will have to go down as a WTF was that bird.

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I decided to give the Otter a look over to see what Gulls we’re hanging about. On arrival there were 4 Common Ringed Plover resting on the edge of one of the channels. They were accompanied by 2 Dunlin and there were several Common Redshank around. I moved up the footpath, to the first viewing platform and noticed a few Gulls on the river but they were obscured for a lot of the time. In amongst the Black-headed Gulls was a smart adult winter Mediterranean Gull (my first of the year). Try as I might I couldn’t get a photo. The Tawny Owl was roosting in a hole in one of the larger trees to the right hand side of the scrapes. Also on the river was a Little Grebe, some Eurasian Wigeon and Eurasian Teal.

The Gulls looked like they would be viewable from the beach path so I relocated but once I got there they had mostly cleared off. There were however 18 Brant Geese close in and a very brave Eurasian Rock Pipit.

Common Ringed Plover

Eurasian Rock Pipit

Brant Goose

European Herring Gull