Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart

Peak Hill, Sidmouth, Devon 

Due to work and family commitments. I haven't been out as much this October as I would have liked. I had a few hours off this afternoon and not having to be on call for my kids, I took the opportunity to catch a few species. I do like Peak Hill so the chance of a Ring Ouzel was mouthwatering. I headed straight to the north end of the valley and within minutes I was enjoying great views. Shame I was on bins only as I was viewing down to around 30 metres. I also had a distant bird that gave off Ring Ouzel but couldn't confirm or relocate.

Seaton, Devon 

Having not caught up with a Black Redstart this year and news of 5 in the town. I had to pop along to take a look. As luck would have it, I got on to two females in the housing estate behind the Premier Inn. I walked around a bit more and looked at the yacht club but couldn't locate any more individuals. 

Ring Ouzel and Lesser Yellowlegs

Avon Dam, Shipley Bridge, Devon 

I had the day off and was desperate to see Ring Ouzel. I turned up and started the walk from Shipley Bridge to the dam and the heavens opened. I arrived at the dam soaking wet with only seeing 4 Ring Ouzels but in distant flight. 

On the way back down and not too far from the dam in noticed some activity in some trees on the opposite side of the river. At first I noted Fieldfare. With several birds feeding on the Rowan berries. Then, a female Ring Ouzel followed by a male and then more and more. I counted 10 individuals all within 2 trees next to one another.

I looked like a drowned rat by this point but I didnt care. I do love seeing this species and I enjoyed watching them for a good while. I managed a record photo (as dismal as the weather).

On the way back down I also bumped into a White-throated Dipper. 

Ring Ouzel (Male) with Fieldfare above

Ring Ouzel (Male)

South Eford Marsh, Averton Giffard, Devon 

Whilst in the area, it felt rude to not pop here and take a look for the lesser Yellowlegs. I didnt have too long here but I didnt need it. I was able to view the bird very nicely from the entrance gate. I love seeing this species. A very nice bird. Again, a rather awful photo.

Lesser Yellowlegs

All About The Thrushes

Emsworthy Mire, Near Haytor, Devon
I had the afternoon and despite having pretty bad sciatica, I made the effort to go and have a little look around. Most of my time was spent sitting on walls to ease the pain. This worked rather well actually as I was able to watch a flock of around 60 Fieldfare and in amongst them were 2 Male Ring Ouzel and around 10 Redwing. I couldn't chase them down for a photo and they always remained distant. To back up the other Thrush species a few Song Thrush and Common Blackbird were on site. A Grey Wagtail was a nice surprise too. Also of note on site were 2 Eurasian Jay, Northern Raven and a Male Eurasian Bullfinch. A few Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Magpie and Carrion Crow made up the supporting cast.