Eurasian Spoonbill

Coastal path near Otterton, Devon 

I had a few hours to spare this morning so I visited a few old haunts. I started at the sea watching ledge near the Sewage works. As it was high tide, my thought was possibly a good chance of some Loons. Not great quantity but singles of Common Loon and Red-throated Loon were enjoyed. A few Common Murre and Northern Fulmar plus a hunting Peregrine Falcon were also enjoyed. Unfortunately I didn't see any Common Scoter or Cirl Bunting.

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 

Next I visited one of my old favourite areas when I lived in Exmouth. It was rather quite, with no sign of a Common Firecrest but a solo Lesser Redpoll was a nice consolation. 

Shelley Beach, Exmouth, Devon 

I had a lightening quick look for the Black Redstart with no success. 

Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon 

Finally, a look off here. As it was hight tide, it was nice to see a few Common Greenshank, Ruddy Turnstone and a single Dunlin close up. Out in the estuary were a few Great Crested Grebe but I couldn't locate the 2 Black-necked Grebe. The star bird was initially sleeping on arrival but a short wait meant great views of the Eurasian Spoonbill.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Eurasian Spoonbill 

Sooty Shearwater

Otterton Cliffs, Devon 

I wasn't going to go out today as I had been frantic at work and was feeling like I wanted to be a couch potato. Then, at about 6pm. I had the sudden urge that this evening was going to be good. So I dragged my tired carcas off the sofa and headed to the coastal path near the Sewage works. I used to seawatch Orcombe Point with some degree of success but a few years ago I started here and have found it more productive for Shearwater passage but have struggled with Skua species.

No sooner had I pointed my scope at the sea, I was watching 4 Manx Shearwater passing by. OK, I thought, Worth getting out for. Within 10 minutes I had seen 30 Manx Shearwater. Then out of the gloom, I picked out a Sooty Shearwater. It battled its way west into the strong south westerly winds.  At on point it came in close enough to appreciate it before heading further out into the gloomy bay.  On the sea were 10 Common Scoter and there were a few Northern Fulmar and Northern Gannet lurking about.

After that the Manx Shearwater passage really picked up with birds close in and distant as did the Black-legged Kittiwake of which I totalled 70 birds. At one point, I was tracking some Manx Shearwater and Black-legged Kittiwake, when a Parasitic Jaeger started hassling the latter. It chased one for a few moments before finally settling on the sea. Unfortunately, way too distant for my phone to scope abilities. An unidentified Auk species flew by just after this as did a Common Loon.

I stayed for a further 30 minutes or so and I was so pleased I did. The Manx Shearwater passage continued and I ended on 132 birds. But to top off a great evening, a Pomarine Jaeger popped into my scope as I was scanning. It always remained distant and I soon lost it. 

A very productive visit and goes to show, you should always go with your gut instinct. Well, it worked this time at least!

Manx Shearwater

Otterton Sewage Works, Devon 

I had a 45 minute sea watching session from the cliffs near the Sewage works this evening. A bit of Manx Shearwater passage. All the groups totaled 36 birds. 2 Razorbill sat far out. 21 Common Scoter, 3 Sandwich Terns and 3 Northern Fulmar. Around the farmland were 8 Brown Hare and 2 Cirl Bunting.

Black-throated Loon

Seaton, Devon 

I had a day off yesterday (26th March) so I popped to Seaton for a good look around. I started at Black Hole Marsh and was treated to my (and the sites) first Common House Martin of the year with 3 that flew through heading north. A Cetti's Warbler should briefly but very well near the Sand Martin nesting area. 

I moved on to the beach near the Harbour and was treated to a Black-throated Loon. A local rarity. It was on the sea for a short while then flew west. A Great Crested Grebe pottered about and singles of Manx Shearwater and Great Skua made an appearance. A few Northern Fulmar were also off Seaton Hole. 

Next was Coronation Corner. Numerous Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mew Gull and a single second winter Mediterranean Gull was a welcome site.

Lastly, I visited Colyford Common. 6 Sand Martin put in a fly through appearance while they made their journey North. Also on site was a single Northern Wheatear.

It was a lovely day and nice to get some welcomed summer arrivals on the scoreboard. 

Sea Watching

Berry Head, Devon 

I had the day off especially to do some sea watching. I was tempted to venture to Porthgwarra (wish I had now as good counts of Great Shearwater and Cory's Shearwater). However, I still had an enjoyable time with great company at Berry Head. It was slow going but a trickle of Manx Shearwater and Balearic Shearwater was a welcome site. As was a Pomerine Jaeger, a few Parastic Jaeger and a Great Skua. Lots af Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar and Northern Gannet to make up the supporting cast. Also great amount of Harbour Porpoise sightings. 

A lovely couple from Stockport were on holiday and by chance ended up on Berry Head. It was a great pleasure getting them on to a number of lifers (Manx Shearwater Balearic Shearwater, Pomerine Jaeger,  Parasitic Jaeger and Harbour Porpoise). It was amazing to see the joy on their faces and made me think of all the times I've had those "get in there!" Moments. All too few and far between these days. But equally nice to see the true meaning of enjoying birdwatching. 

All in all a great day out. As Berry head always is.

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.

Little Tern

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a very quick sea watching session this morning from the raised huts. It was rather slim pickings with a Northern Fulmar and a few Northern Gannet but I was rather pleased with a single Little Tern that flew past heading towards the Warren.

Berry Head Sea Watching

Berry Head, Brixham, Devon
I had a few hours sea watching today. I went with my mate who at present is unable to make the trek back up the quarry. So I spent an hour from the headland and an hour from the sea watching site. On the headland conditions where awful but down on the sea watching area was more productive. On arriving a cracking Sooty Shearwater showed incredibly close. 4 Balearic Shearwater and a couple of Manx Shearwater also came through. 1 Great Skua and 3 Parasitic Jaeger put in an appearance but a few more Parasitic Jaeger were called out but I failed to get on them in the gloom. A European Storm Petrel was called and lost as soon as called. Frustrating but that’s the nature of that species. It is hard to pick out a Starling size bird in gloomy conditions at distance. Supporting cast were a couple of Common Tern, Sandwich Tern and Mediterranean Gull, Several Northern Fulmar, a raft of Black-legged Kittiwake and a number of Northern Gannet. No photos today due to weather conditions. I got rather wet is an understatement and a warm cuppa in the cafe was very welcome.

Not Quite Porthgwarra

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I was itching to get out and do some sea watching but was busy all day until early evening. I popped up to my favoured view point and hoped for the best. There were a number of Northern Gannet around and several Northern Fulmar. After about a quarter of an hour a group of 4 Manx Shearwater came through heading west. Over the next 30 minutes a few more groups came through and one held a Balearic Shearwater. I held on until the light faded in the hope of a Sooty Shearwater or Great Shearwater (one reported off Berry Head) with no avail. So not the quality of Porthgwarra as I ended with 1 Balearic Shearwater and 15 Manx Shearwater. I am busy again tomorrow (on what could potentially be a great sea watching day) but I am getting up at first light to try again for a few hours. Here's hoping for a Cory's Shearwater.... you've got to dream big!

Northern Gannet

Not Too Shabby

Berry Head, Brixham, Torbay
I had a day off today so I thought I would visit Berry Head for a change of scenery. Porthgwarra (as always) stole the limelight but a sea watch from the headland produced Manx Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater (looks like another one went through after I left), Northern Fulmar, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Kestrel and Common Whitethroat. However that action was overshadowed by the amount of Short-beaked Common Dolphins in the area.Several Pods were seen and some at rather close range. The largest pod contained around 40 individuals. I would guess (as some pods were probably already seen) around 70 individuals in total. I decided on the headland (rather than the sea watching site) to open up Butterfly options. It paid off as there were Wall, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue on offer.

Short-beaked Common Dolphin  

Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Short-beaked Common Dolphin   

Wall

Red Admiral   

Speckled Wood    

Northern Fulmar  

Chudliegh Knighton Heath, Devon 
I had a quick stop off here on route to my next venue. Strangely I’ve never visited this reserve but I enjoyed the pools (that are very quick to get to). Dragonflies on offer here were, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Small Red Damselfly, Southern Hawker and Common Darter. I was gutted that the later wouldn’t sit still for a portrait! The best bird on offer was a solitary Male and a few female Yellowhammer. 

Small Red Damselfly  

Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon
I done a walk from the car park up to the top hide area. Birds here were, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Bullfinch (Male) and Grey Wagtail. 

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I finished off with a quick stroll around the point. Not much action apart from a Male Peregrine Falcon that drifted along the coastal path. I came across a micro Moth which I at present have got no idea on the identification. 

Peregrine Falcon (Male)

Unidentified micro Moth

Half Day Off

Goosemoor, Topsham, Devon
I was going to have a full day off work to go birding but the weather made me change my mind so I opted for a half day. I started at Goosemoor but there was very little about initially. However the call of a Garden Warbler soon got my attention. I located the bird on Bowling Green Road in the trees to the left of the railway bridge. It showed briefly but I soon lost it. Also in that area were a Male and Female Eurasian Blackcap.

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
The rain set in again so I took refuge in the hide. On arrival I was aware of s lot of Hirundine activity. They were mainly Sand Martin but a number of Barn Swallow and a couple of Common House Martin accompanied them. A Cetti’s Warbler was calling at the left hand side at the back of the reeds and a single Little Grebe and Common Pochard were the best of the supporting cast. Then a Gull came in from the Estuary. It wouldn’t stay still as it flew around the reserve a few times and duly left. The rain was really coming down which hampered things but I felt at the time it was giving off Bonaparte’s Gull. I’ve since seen that it’s been reported later in the afternoon. So my initial thoughts seem to have been correct (for once).

Barn Swallow

Sand Martin

Sand Martins  

Maer Rock, Exmouth, Devon
I decided I fancied some sea watching so I pitched up at the raised beach huts near Maer Rocks. I watched for around 2 hours and it was rather productive. However Berry Head has put it to shame once again! During my watch I had a Common Loon, a Black-throated Loon, 5 Manx Shearwater, a Northern Fulmar, 4 Little Tern, 6. Common Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 30 Sandwich Tern, 3 'Commic' Tern, 8 Black-legged Kittiwake, 5 Northern Gannet, 2 Common Murre, 2 unidentifiable Auk, 10 Common Scoter and 20 Pale-bellied Brant Goose. I was really surprised not to get a Skua. On Maer Rocks were 3 Purple Sandpiper and a totally knackered looking Male Northern Wheatear. He didn't move for quite some time. I checked back in on him from time to time and started to get concerned as the tide was starting to cover the Rocks. He left it until a moment or 2 before the Rocks were covered to muster up the strength to fly off towards the Maer, phew!

Northern Gannet  

Common Tern   

Little Tern (Honest) 

Northern Wheatear (Male)  

Purple Sandpiper  

Group of Purple Sandpiper

Common Scoter (Male)

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
A brief visit before calling it s day didn’t provide much more than a White Wagtail and 2 Eurasian Rock Pipit on the dung heap and a Common Whitethroat on Gore Lane. Matt Knott had a fruitless look around the top fields and was heading towards Bristol School Camp as I left. I’m not sure yet if that area was any better.

Common Whitethroat

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had to pop to the recycling centre early afternoon as our fridge freezer packed in a few days ago. I guess 13 years of service isn’t too bad in this throw away age. Anyway after I had dropped it off I had time to have a quick look around. It was rather quiet until I got to the coastal path. I was pleased to get my first Conmon Whitethroat sighting of the year. It was the briefest of sightings but enjoyable. I was near the shelter when I glimpsed the bird and moments later a Male Peregrine Falcon drifted over me. A Northern Fulmar was hanging around the cliffs a few Sandwich Tern were feeding distantly and a Barn Swallow flew through. It’s quite dire at the moment up Orcombe Point.

Some Great Stuff In Dorset

Me and my good pal Pete had a road trip to Dorset today in search of that star Spring migration bird.

Ferrybridge, Portland, Dorset
Our first stop off was the lagoon at Ferrybridge in search of Little Tern. We scoped every boat, buoy and the shingle beach opposite but couldn't locate any Little Tern. Its very strange as they are usually in on the 19th like clockwork. I only know that date as I spoke to an RSPB person on site last year. There was however a single Common Tern and several Sandwich Tern to keep us occupied.

Common Tern 

Sandwich Tern

The Bill, Portland, Dorset
We moved on to the observatory to pop in and ask the low down of the morning. on arrival we noticed a group of birders opposite the observatory and looking in to the crown estate field. So we immediately went over to see what they were all looking at. Steph Murphy and her other half were there (Sorry I cannot recall his name) and we were told that Whinchat was the answer. The bird however was very distant. I got scope views but they were rather shocking. Someone also mentioned that there was Common Redstart in the same area. After a quick catch up with Steph and co we decided to relocate to the free car parking area near the cottage and look from there. We were glad we did as we got close views of the Whinchat, a Male and Female Common Redstart, several Northern Wheatear (mainly Males but a few Females) and a fly through Common Swift.

We then walked across the slope field to the Auk colony. on route were a few Meadow Pipit, Common Linnet, Eurasian Skylark and a nice Tree Pipit. The Auks showed nicely at times, mainly Common Murre but a few Razorbill were on offer too. A single Northern Fulmar patrolled the cliffs and a single Northern Gannet was feeding in the distance.

I fancied a look in the quarry before moving on and on the way back across the slope fields a Eurasian Skylark gave nice views whilst feeding. It was lovely to enjoy these views as I normally only get fleeting flybys or display flight views. We got to the quarry and searched a little while but there was no sign of the Little Owl. There was actually very little in the quarry, with a Common Chiffchaff and a Common Wood Pigeon being the only birds in there. I was hoping for a Common Whitethroat as its a prime stop off location for a tired bird but no joy.

Whinchat (Male)

Whinchat (Male) 

Northern Wheatear (Male)

Northern Wheatear (Female) 

Common Redstart (Male)

Common Murre 

Razorbill

Razorbill 

European Shag

European Shag 

Eurasian Skylark

Eurasian Skylark

Radipole Lake, Weymouth, Dorset
Our last stop in Dorset. we hoped that the weather would favour Bearded Reedling. After having slowly completed the Budleia Loop we had struck out. The best bird being seen was a Cetti's Warbler. on the way back and on the bridge near the visitors centre we both started hearing a Warbler sing. First impressions were a Eurasian Reed Warbler but the song changed. I fully appreciate that Reed Warbler species can mimic but this bird was amazing! I picked out Blue Tit, Chaffinch and House Sparrow within the first round of singing. The call changed and changed, it was quite amazing! Now my understanding is that Marsh Warbler are the more talented singers, so I was hoping this bird would revel itself. Needless to say it didn't. Shame as I would have loved to see the bird making such mesmerising tunes. Other wildlife of note were in the variety of Butterflies. The following species where seen. Brimstone, Peacock, Small White and Large White.

Manxies And Sarnies

Coastal path at Sewage Plant, Otterton, Devon
I felt the conditions were ok to look at the sea today. So after work I popped to what’s always been a reliable site for me. There’s a handy vantage point on the coastal path just at the end of the footpath from the Sewage treatment plant.

On arrival and even before I had set my scope up, I was treated to 2 Sandwich Tern heading west. My first Sarnies of the year. For the first 10 minutes there wasn’t much happening apart for 1 Northern Gannet, 1 Black-legged Kittiwake and 1 Northern Fulmar. Then within a 10 minute period 25 Manx Shearwater came through in a group of 6, a single, a group of 8 and finished with a group of 10. My first Manxie movement of the year.

I do apologise for my photos here as my scope is ok for the range but my iPhone struggled. So really poor digiscoping record shots.

Manx Shearwater

Manx Shearwater

Manx Shearwater

Manx Shearwater

Finches And Buntings

Water treatment plant, Otterton, Devon
A dawn visit to the coastal path produced 4 Red-throated Loon, a Northern Fulmar, 10 European Shag and 10 Eurasian Skylark in the fields.

Red-throated Loon

Stantyway Farm, Otterton, Devon 
On my way back to Otterton I was drawn by a large mixed Finch and Bunting flock around the farm / football pitch. The flock comprised of 1 male and 4 female Brambling, C40 Common Chaffinch, C100 Common Linnet, C10 Eurasian Goldfinch, 3 European Greenfinch, C20 Common Reed Bunting, 4 Yellowhammer and a Cirl Bunting. An interesting, unidentified Bunting was also briefly seen and I will be having another look tomorrow. Frustratingly I couldn’t get a photo!

Common Reed Bunting