Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Firecrest and Spotted Redshank

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon

I decided after the rain had stopped to pop over and catch up with the Eurasian Spoonbill. It was on show in the middle of the reserve. The Spotted Redshank was also on show in front of the hide. A Male Common Pochard was at the back of the reserve. Plus the usual waders and Wildfowl. At the top of the road near the Bridge was a vocal and showy Common Firecrest. Nice to bump into Rob and Steph and have a catch.

Eurasian Spoonbill

Spotted Redshank 

Alpine Swift

Cockwood, Devon.

Having not been able to get out and experience the current Alpine Swift influx. I was pleased to have time this morning to head over to Dawlish direction as 4 were on show over the country park. On route I thought they had moved on due to messages on WhatsApp but I decided to keep going and was pleased I did as when I was going through Starcross, a further message came out that 2 were viewable at the ridge West of Cockwood. So I headed to the steps and was straight on to the 2 birds. Strongly a UK first for me having seen hundreds abroad. On the estuary was a bonus Spotted Redshank and in a stubble field south of Kenton were 2 Red-legged Partridge. 

Spotted Redshank

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I had a few hours to kill whilst my daughter was auditioning for a part in Centre stages next performance of Shrek the musical at Exmouth Pavilion (plug done). So as it coincided with the tide on its way out from high tide, I decided to visit here. 

Straight away I was treated to numerous Common Snipe, Pied Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. At the back of the reserve were 2 Common Pochard busy diving for food a few Northern Pintail were dotted about. There were so many waders that scanning for the Spotted Redshank was very difficult but my patience paid off but was never able to get a photo. More scanning for the Ruff was not so successful. 

Common Snipe

Pied Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit 

Spotted Redshank

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I hadn't planned on going out birding but a message from Tim Wright on Twitter about Spotted Redshank. Gave me the inspiration I needed get out for a quick walk. The bird showed well in scope views from the tower hide but wasn't quite close enough for a phonescoped picture. The fading light didnt help. Nice to see my first one of the year though. Thanks Tim for putting the news out. 

More Good Waders

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon
I had an early finish today so I popped here as I haven’t visited for a while. A Little Stint showed if not distantly and with awkward sunlight. It caused a bit of debate as to its ID as it didn’t look textbook to anyone present. Also on site of note were 4 Curlew Sandpiper and 6 Common Sandpiper.

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
I had time to swing by in the hope that the reported Garganey was on site but my luck was out. However, a Wood Sandpiper showed beautifully as did a Spotted Redshank.

Some Good Waders

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 
After work I popped into the hide and caught a decent roost. The best I’ve seen on the marsh for a while. Lots of Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Common Redshank. In amongst this was a single Red Knot, 2 Ruff, Spotted Redshank and best of all a Curlew Sandpiper.

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

Spotted Redshank

Goosemoor, Topsham, Devon
I had a little look late afternoon for the reported Spotted Redshank and the bird was on show on the opposite side of the Estuary. A smart Summer plumage bird that spent a lot of time hidden in the channel. Apart from that the area was rather quiet bar a few Northern Lapwing, Common Redshank and a single Common Greenshank. A Broad-bodied Chaser put in a brief appearance as did a couple of Ringlets.

Spotted Redshank 

 Northern Lapwing 

Corn Bunting And Spotted Redshank

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I had a look in the dung heap area of Gore Lane first this this morning  and quickly got on to the Corn Bunting as it sat at close range on the hedge. After I had filled my boots with the great views I had a quick look around the site but there was nothing else of real note but had one last look at the dung heap before leaving and managed a White Wagtail.

Corn Bunting

Corn Bunting

Corn Bunting

Corn Bunting

White Wagtail 

Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After work I had a little stroll along the path from the white bridge to the scrape. On the Estuary was a single Mew Gull in amongst the small Gull flock and I had the briefest of views of the Spotted Redshank. It was so brief that it appeared in my scope view whilst I watch looking through the Gulls. I didn’t have enough time to take any pictures though. The only other birds of note were 3 Northern Pintail and 2 Common Snipe.

Common Redshank 

Mew Gull

Northern Lapwing 

Common Shelduck (Male and Female)