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.

Arctic Tern

Exmouth Quay, Devon
A quick evening look before dusk on a dropping tide. On Great Bull Hill, in amongst good numbers of Sandwich Tern were around 10 Common Tern and a single Arctic Tern. On Warren Point were around 20 Common Ringed Plover, similar numbers of Dunlin and 4 Sanderling.

Balearic Shearwater

Exmouth sea front, Devon 
I had I quick look after work and got a dark phase Parasitic Skua. Not much else on offer so I had another go this evening. A number of Sandwich Term about but too distant to see if anything else was in the mix. Best bird by far was a Balearic Shearwater. It was a little way out and I had to battle the on coming wind but just enough to get a positive ID.

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
I then saw the report of 2 Wood Sandpiper. So it seemed rude not to have a quick look. No sign of the birds and the best on offer was a sleepy Green Sandpiper.

First Sandwich Tern Of The Year

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
A very quick look at the dung field in the hope of the first of the year Northern Wheatear was unsuccessful. They must be due there any day soon! I had another quick look after work but the farmer had been busy pottering about in the fields with his tractor so anything that was about would have cleared out.

Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon
Again after work, I moved on to try my luck at my first Sandwich Tern of the year and it paid off with a single bird hanging around the bouys for a few minutes before heading off towards Dawlish. Otherwise it was very quiet.

Quiet Sea Watching

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had 2 very brief sea watching sessions from the raised beach hut area. Conditions seemed good but both viewings were very quiet. The best offering on this mornings attempt was an Auk, which felt like Common Murre but too distant to tell. Also a decent number of Northern Gannet knocking about. Matt Knott and his mate Nick seemed to fare slightly better with 1 confirmed Balearic Shearwater and possibly a few more.

After work wasn’t much better with the highlights being 7 Common Scoter, a few Sandwich Tern and Northern Gannet.

My Porthgwarra trip is now confirmed for Thursday due to work commitments. It looks like the winds will still be favourable. It can’t be much worse than today anyway!

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.

Spotted Crake

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon 
I got new of a Spotted Crake that was showing rather well on the Otter Estuary from the hide. I just managed to time the trip there to avoid high tide and obtained distant yet great scope views. This is only my second individual after seeing one at Bowling Green Marsh in 2014. Which were the briefest and worst views imaginable. So to finally get to enjoy this species was amazing! I managed a couple of really awful record shots.

Spotted Crake 

Spotted Crake 

Shelley Beach and the Quay, Exmouth, Devon 
I quickly moved on to see if I could catch any Terns on Great Bull Hill. There was only a bit of it showing but enough to hold some Terns. No Black Tern on show but a number of Sandwich Tern and a few Common Tern. A pair of Ruddy Turnstone were resting on one of the drum shaped Bouys and on the seaward side of the Warren spit were a dozen or so Common Ringed Plover.

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.

Another Go At Sea Watching

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I popped up to the point early evening to see if there were any straggler Shearwaters in the bay. No luck this time around. The only birds on offer were a few Northern Gannet and Sandwich Tern. I was though kept entertained by a hunting female Common Kestrel and a very close range European Badger.

Common Kestrel (Female) 

European Badger

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

No Royal Tern

Exmouth, Devon
(8pm - 10pm)
I’ve been keeping an eye on the reports of the American Royal Tern that’s been around the South Coast. It was picked up late on Tuesday at Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. It done a bunk very early on Wednesday morning and was again picked up very late the same day at Lodmoor and Ferrybridge in Dorset. It was heading west and travelling a fair few miles everyday, so my logic was to watch the sea front and Estuary in the hope it picked the Exe as it’s next stop off. I checked from the lifeboat station for a while but the best on offer there were a few close in Northern Gannet. I moved into the Quay and there was little on offer there. Then on to Shelley Beach where I did pick out several Sandwich Tern feeding but none with an orange bill. Oh well, it’s out there somewhere! I just hope it’s found tomorrow as I have a day off.

Northern Gannet 

Little Tern

Exmouth Seafront, Exmouth, Devon

A quick visit this morning to have a look for yesterday’s Little Terns was unsuccessful. There was however one Common Eider. I could only manage this awful picture. 

Common Eider (Male)

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I then moved on to head to work but decided I had time for a lightening quick look from the hide. I was pleased that I did as there was a Ruff showing well in front of the hide that was quickly joined by 3 others. Nothing else of note apart from a calling Cetti’s Warbler in the reeds on the opposite side of the reserve. 

Ruff

Ruff

Exmouth Seafront, Exmouth, Devon

Another Little Tern text from Matt whilst I was in work made me ensure I was out of the office early! I arrived at the Seafront and nothing was on view. After around 10 minutes a group of Sandwich Tern moved across the bay from the Warren direction and in amongst them was a single Little Tern. Job done as they say.

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.

Wave Watching

Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon
With conditions still primed for some sea watching I had a pre and after work session from the Maer Rocks area. In the morning (06:45 - 07:20) I seem to have missed the Shearwater, Skua and Auk action as Berry Head seemed to be the place (as ever) to be. I did however see descent numbers of Sandwich Tern and my first Arctic Tern. The after work session (16:30 - 17:10) was slightly better with c30 Manx Shearwater appearing out of the gloom, 2 Common Scoter a Velvet Scoter and an unidentifiable Skua species. I’m pretty sure the Skua was an Parasitic Jaeger but it was rather distant and in the gloom so it was very difficult to get a positive ID even in the scope. Also on Mear Rocks were 3 Purple Sandpiper and a Ruddy Turnstone.

Little Gull And Geese

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
This morning I was up early so I popped along to the point in the hope of any migrants. It was extremely quiet in the top field apart from 2 White Wagtail on the dung heap. The fields from Gore Lane to the coastal path didn’t hold anything apart from a Common Chiffchaff so I decided to check out the coastal path. It’s no too muddy now so it wasn’t as much as a slog as my last visit. With nothing of interest I decided to look out to sea. A few Northern Gannet were feeding with a couple of Sandwich Terns and there were a few Gull species. Manly European Herring Gull and a few Great Black-backed Gulls. Then as I was about to drag myself away and head to work, a solitary Little Gull flew swiftly past heading east. I was able to get it in my scope a tad too late for a photo opportunity. My first Little Gull if the year.

Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon 
After work I needed to pop to Exminster on an errand so I thought it rude not to have a quick stroll along the railway path. The Greater White-fronted Goose showed better than yesterday (but my photos aren’t much better though), a single Greylag Goose and plenty of Canada Goose. I’m still yet to see Barnacle Goose or Egyptian Goose this year! I heard the call of a Western Yellow Wagtail but couldn’t locate the bird. A Willow Warbler was calling on the Powderham side of the rail tracks. There were a descent amount of Barn Swallow, with some lingering and others flying straight through. With the recent luck the Lizard in Cornwall has had, I checked them out for a hopeful Red-rumped Swallow but alas there weren’t any.

Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose

Greater White-fronted Goose

Lots of Shearwaters

Maer Rocks, Exmouth, Devon
As the conditions seemed perfect I decided to do a quick sea watch session once the kids were settled for the night. As soon as I set up the scope it was obvious that there was a lot of passage going on. Within a few minutes I had already counted 40 Manx Shearwater heading west. As I scoped the birds just didn’t seem to stop streaming through. One group came close in near the large bouy that the Terns rest on and I could make out a Balearic Shearwater. Try as I might I couldn’t even muster one of my crappy pictures. I stayed until the light was no longer any good (around 8:15pm) and had counted c 280 - 290 Manx Shearwater. Also of note were a group of Common Scoter close in and several Sandwich Tern on the previously mentioned bouy.

Manx Shearwater 

Sandwich Tern

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