Little Auk and Black-necked Grebe

Harbour, Weymouth, Dorset 

Another day off and another lure. Little Auk is not a species you really get to enjoy down south. They are usually flybys or a distant speck on the sea. So I had to give this bird a go. I opted to set up opposite the lifeboat station. There were a number of birders on both sides eagerly waiting. After around 20 minutes a Whistle came from the opposite side and signals pointing a little further up the harbour. I walked the couple of hundred metres and could see the tiny thing in-between 2 yellow boats. Quick bin views confirmed and I was soon getting great scope views. The best views I have ever had and what a buzz.

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Little Auk 

Sandsfoot, Weymouth, Dorset 

With the Little Auk safely in the bag. I decided to see if I could spot the Black-necked Grebes from the sailing club. I did one scan with no luck and another birder turned up and on his first scan picked them up. I assume they had popped up from a feeding session. Non the less, we enjoyed pretty decent views of 4 birds. Also on site were numerous Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe. All done by lunchtime, I decided to head home. One happy chap.

Black-necked Grebe 

Snow Bunting and Ring-necked Duck

Haldon Forest, Devon 

I popped here as soon as I had dropped the kids off at school to see Hawfinch. Despite a few hours on site I failed to see a single one. 

Slapton Sands, Devon 

It's been a few years since I have seen a Snow Bunting, so I headed to Slapton. This isn't a site I've ever stopped at (driven through for work) but I must say it's a cracking area. I was treated to a Eurasian Jay on arrival and a Cetti's Warbler as I passed the east part of the Ley. However, the star bird was a little way past the beach car park and boy was it a star. This male comes amazingly close if you stay still. I've seen this species close up before but not as close as this. What a corker.

Snow Bunting (Male)

Snow Bunting (Male)

Snow Bunting (Male)

Beesands, Devon 

While I was in the area, it seemed rude not to pop over to see the male Ring-necked Duck. I didn't go to the hide but walked along the beach side of the pool and managed to sneak a look through the reeds and the bird was distantly viewable. Views would have been more difficult from the hide though. Also on site was a Black Swan.

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ring-necked Duck (Male)

Ruff

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

I visited the hide over the morning high tide. As I turned up I was advised there had just been a Little Gull reported off the goat walk. So I popped along but there was no sign. At the hide, the highlights were 3 Ruff, 1 Common Snipe and circa 20 Common Greenshank. A good number of Dunlin were on offer to scrutinise a single Stock Dove popped in and a few Northern Pintail andBar-tailed Godwit were dotted about.

Common Snipe 

Pectoral Sandpiper

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon 

News broke of a Pectoral Sandpiper on site so I decided to take a look. I have seen this species once before at Exminster Marsh years ago but the views were dreadful. That was not the case today. The bird was on view to the right side of the hide and what views they were. A cracking juvenile and a cracking record for the site. 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

Pectoral Sandpiper 

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I had the day off so popped to the point. I remember how hard work it used to be at times birding that place but wow do I miss it now I've moved from Exmouth. 

I started off watching the dung field and a wader flew over me and landed in the long weeds opposite the gate. First thought was Curlew but bill was shorter so then Whimbrel came to mind. However, its underwing gave off a distinct black armpit. The only wader that springs to mind then is Grey Plover. However, the jizz seemed wrong. The bird was never seen again despite a long watch so it will go in the "What was that pile?" 

A walk from Gore Lane to the coastal path flushed a Northern Wheatear that flew towards the geoneedle and many Meadow Pipit. I then walked along the coastal path towards Sandy Park and in amongst the cows were 2 Western Yellow Wagtail. 

On the Butterfly front were numerous Small Copper. 

Eurasian Dotterel

Dawlish Warren, Devon 

I've been on a family visit to Wales this weekend so when news broke yesterday of a Eurasian Dotterel I was gutted. Gutted, because despite the many species I've seen. I've never seen this species. It's a species I remember seeing in my first bird book as a young lad and saying to myself "I really want to see one of those!' Despite several attempts at this species I've never got the opportunity. So, I was gutted as this is a species that never tend to stick around and I resigned myself to that fact I'd missed a cracking opportunity. Imagine my face when I heard it was still there today. Hmmm, there's still a chance. 

I left Wales as planned after lunch and it took 3 hours to get back to Ottery. I was tired to say the least but knew I couldn't miss this chance. Due to other family things we had to do on returning home I didn't set off until 5:45pm. However, that did coincide with the tide being right. I walked (rather fast) to the bight and was put straight on to the bird by a helpful chap. To say I was giddy would be an understatement as the views were incredible. I enjoyed the views for a while (pinching myself). Now I've seen much rarer birds but this as I've mentioned this was special as its been years of waiting to see. I walked back along the beach and was treated to a lovely group of Sanderling. I do love watching these birds dart in and out around the surf. They are comical at times.

One knackered but extremely happy chap. 

Eurasian Dotterel 

Eurasian Dotterel 

Sanderling 

Sanderling 

Eurasian Spoonbill

Exminster Marsh, Devon 

I had the day off so I popped here for a quick look around this afternoon in the hope of seeing the Eurasian Spoonbills that have been hanging around the Exe. As luck would have it they were viewable from Station Road. They were a tad distant and the heat haze was dreadful but it was nice to finally catch up with these birds. 

Eurasian Spoonbill 

No Ortorlan Bunting

Axe Cliff, Axmouth, Devon 

I had a few hours look around Axe cliff this afternoon for the Ortorlan Bunting. Despite there being good numbers of Yellowhammer, me and a few others couldn't locate the bird. I did see a Whinchat, several Northern Wheatear and a Common Whitethroat though. 

I've never explored this site but I have to admit, it's a cracking place that has so much potential.

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 

I had to pop to Exmouth early evening and had an hour to spare. So, it seemed very rude not to visit one of my favourite old patch sites. I parked at foxholes as Maer Lane was closed (wasn't sure if there was access to Gore Lane). As it happens, it worked out to be the best option as I wanted to see Western Yellow Wagtail. As luck would have it a group were in the first field you get to. As I entered the field, I first noticed 3 Northern Wheatear. But also caught the call of the Western Yellow Wagtail. Within seconds I was on to several birds. They were hard to keep track of in-between the cows and they were flighty as there were a few people around but I reckon 16 or 17 birds. I also managed to pin down 6 Northern Wheatear. 

Northern Wheatear

Western Yellow Wagtail 

Little Stint

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I have been on holiday in North Devon all week. In Watermouth. Disappointingly, not a lot to talk about to be honest. Best on offer were Grey Wagtail, Marsh Tit, Northern Raven and Eurasian Rock Pipit. So it was nice to get to a familiar site and see a Little Stint this evening. It spent most of its time sleeping with a few Dunlin until a couple of Common Moorhen trampled through and disturbed the lot. It then gad to show (although distantly). 

Little Stint (Middle bird)

Common Kingfisher

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I thought I would take an evening look from the tower hide in the hope the Osprey was still around. It was a no show and I believe it flew out to sea a bit earlier on. Oh well, there's always time for another. There was this stunning Common Kingfisher on show, which I always enjoy.

Common Kingfisher

Mandarin Duck

Cadhay Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I had a wander around the bridge area mid afternoon and the first bird I heard was a Common Kingfisher and within seconds I had nice views before it Spotted me and flew off down river. Oddly, my first sightings this year. Also around the Bridge were a few Sand Martin and a Little Egret. Near the entrance to the wooded area was a busy Southern Migrant Hawker and in the wooded area were Eurasian Treecreeper and Eurasian Nuthatch.

Gosford Bridge, Ottery St Mary, Devon 

I moved on to this area and made my way north. Last year I saw Mandarin Duck at this location and after a patient wait they are still there. Also more Sand Martin and a single Lesser Black-backed Gull. Not a Common sight here. 

Wood Sandpiper

Black Hole Marsh, Seaton, Devon 

I have been itching to get to site all week knowing that it's been a great place for Wood Sandpiper. So I was pleased to have an early evening walk out to the island hide today. I do love Wood Sandpiper, it's on of my favourite waders. The site didn't disappoint either with 4 individuals. I seem to have missed the Western Marsh Harrier by a few minutes though. Also on site 2 late Common Swift flyovers. 

Wood Sandpiper

Cirl Bunting

Stantywell Farm, Otterton, Devon 

I've not been able to birdwatch for nearly 2 weeks due to contracting Covid. Despite being double vaccinated, it was still not a pleasant experience. Today was the day of my freedom after isolation and after obtaining a negative test I was keen to get out. 

I decided to keep it simple and go somewhere very quite so I popped to Stantywell Farm. I gave the sea an optimistic look which drew a complete blank but I was entertained by a cracking Male Cirl Bunting along the footpath from the sewage works to the coastal path. Also in the fields was a nice Brown Hare. 

Not a trip for quantity but it didn't matter as it was so nice to get back out into the field and in the fresh air. 

I also had this cracking Silver Y moth in my garden the other day. 

Silver Y