White Stork and Garganey

Matford Marsh, Exeter, Devon 

I had to pop to Exeter this morning so I couldn't resist looking as the White Stork. It's a rather showy bird and despite it being a released bird from the Knepp project, its always nice to see. 

White Stork

Exminster Marsh, Exminster, Devon 

I had time for an hours walk around so I started from the middle car park and walked to the new scrap area. There were good numbers of Sedge Warbler and Eurasian Reed Warbler on the walk. Plus a few Commo  Reed Bunting and Cetti's Warbler. The star bird though was the Male Garganey that was showing on and off between the reeds at the new scrap. Also back at the middle car park 2 Common Swift flew over.

Garganey (Male)

Sedge Warbler

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

Early evening I took my daughter to rehearsals in Exmouth and had an hour or so to spare, so I walked around Orcombe Point. It was so nice to see my first Common Whitethroat of the year with a few on territory. 

Common Whitethroat (Male)

White Stork

Feniton, Devon

I was asked not to blog about this at the time in case it created unwanted attention. I was made aware of a White Stork in Feniton on the 7th February, so I cycled the few miles to take a look. The bird showed fantastically and I enjoyed for a few minutes before carrying on with my bike ride. I assume its from the Knepp release project. Last I heard it has moved on from Feniton but is still in East Devon. Again, I'm best off keeping it quiet in case the locals don't want it advertised.

White Stork 

White Stork

Balfour Arms, Sidmouth
Seeing an early report of a juvenile White Stork on the roof of the Balfour Arms has me heading there before work. The bird showed beautifully and I got some descent pictures. I guess it’s origin is a  bit dubious due to the ring on its leg but it’s still nice to appreciate such a great species at close range.

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)

White Stork (Juvenile)