Spotted Crake

Greylake, Somerset 

I had a day off so me and Pete went to Somerset for the Spotted Crake. Very soon after arriving at the hide the bird showed extremely well very close to the hide. Rob and Steph Murphy arrived as it was showing and we all got superb views. Also on site was a Great Egret and a Eurasian Hobby was around the car park.

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Spotted Crake

Ham Wall, Somerset 

Next stop off to look for the Black-winged Stilt. We made our way to the second viewing platform to stake it out. A Great Egret popped in as did a Western Marsh Harrier. A few Waders kept us entertained with a Green Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. Rob and Steph joined us after a while but relocated to widen the search and up our chances. Unfortunately the bird was nowhere to be seen. 

Another Long-billed Dowitcher

Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon.
After not having time to look for the Long-billed Dowitcher yesterday, I had a look off the viewing platform before work as it had been reported. On arrival I bumped into Dave Boult who advised me it had flown further down the estuary and he was trying to relocate it. After a little look, I decided to give up and look over the afternoon high tide. The hide was packed out with a few familiar faces. Keith Birchall said it wasn’t on site but it should be in very soon as the Waders were starting to come in from the estuary. He kindly pointed out a Curlew Sandpiper showing rather nicely in front of the hide.

The long-billed Dowitcher then came in as expected and gave some nice views on the far island and after a little while came even closer. Also on sight was a juvenile Garganey and Ruff. Only armed with bins I couldn’t take any pictures. My 3rd ever Long-billed Dowitcher (2nd this year) and my 1st in Devon.

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)

Long-billed Dowitcher

Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset
Me and my mate Pete set off to look at would be only my second Long-billed Dowitcher. My first sighting was also at Lodmoor, as was my only sighting of Short-billed Dowitcher. Finding this bird was so easy. It was asleep just a couple of hundred yards away from the Reserve entrance. It woke up after a few minutes and gave great views. Unfortunately, my phone camera sensor is kaput. So I could only manage this crappy record shot. The only other bird of note was a Ruff.

Long-billed Dowitcher 

Portland Bill, Dorset
We moved on to the quarry in search of the Eurasian Wryneck bit despite a bit of a stakeout, it was nowhere to be seen. It was a similar story for the Lapland Bunting. Around the area though, were double figures of Northern Wheatear and singles of Whinchat and White Wagtail.

Topsham Rec

Topsham Recreation Ground, Devon 
We took the kids to play in the park so I couldn’t resist a look around. A few Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. 2 Common Greenshank, a Common Kingfisher and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk patrolling overhead.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall 
I gave in to temptation today to see one of my absolute favourite wader species, Buff-breasted Sandpiper. I get frustrated with this site, why? Well, the fact that it has been made full public knowledge not to drive on the runways as (apparently) its a working airfield. Despite my playing by the rules and walking a fair distance to the abandoned control tower most others drove there. Perhaps I should be a bad boy too? Anyway, the walk was worth it as the bird showed beautifully. Unfortunately and frustratingly, I was only on binoculars so no photo this time.

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.

Brown Booby

Gwithian Sands, Cornwall 
I gave in to the lure of a potential UK second (the Kent bird a few days before seems to be a different bird). Me and my good pal Pete set off towards Hayle and around halfway there, a report came out that it was around Godrevy Point. So I thought “lets set up at Gwithian sands” as it’s a good position to see across the whole bay and across to St Ives. The plan worked perfectly as we had only been searching for 15 minutes when Pete spotted what he thought was the Brown Booby diving in the Cadris Bay direction. He quickly gave me directions and I got on to the bird exiting the water and it started heading towards Hayle. It gave really good views and we were both able to clinch the ID. A report came out a moment later saying a possible candidate had gone past Godrevy Point in a westerly direction. Which further supported our ID.

Hayle, Cornwall 
Having bagged the bird quicker than anticipated, we decided to check out Ryan’s field and the Estuary. There was no sign of the White Stork. Despite high numbers of bird the only species of note on the estuary were 4 Red Knot and a small group of Common Ringed Plover. Having bagged the target bird we decided to grab a cuppa and head back home.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I quickly popped here before going home in the hope of a Whinchat or something better but the only birds of note were 3 Northern Wheatear.

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.

Western Yellow Wagtail

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a quick look after work. Circa 15 Western Yellow Wagtail were in the field with cattle on Maer Lane. A few adults and juvenile in the flock. On the permissive path from Gore Lane and the coastal path were 3 Northern Wheatear. On the Lane to Bristol School Camp was a single Spotted Flycatcher. Also a few Green-veined White were dotted about.

A Couple Of Bits

Pullabrook Woods, Bovey Tracey, Devon
Had a family day out and had a picnic along the river. The only bird of note was a Grey Wagtail. On the Butterfly front was a few Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Red Admiral and Large White. The only Dragonfly seen was an Emperor Dragonfly.

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
A walk around late evening produced very little with a Female Northern Wheatear, Female Common Whitethroat and Common Swift being the best on offer. Well done to Matt and Derek for getting a Tawny Pipit this morning.

Elusive Sylviid Warbler And European Hedgehog

Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a walk from Gore Lane to the coastal path after work. Was hoping for a Whinchat or Western Yellow Wagtail. I was being optimistic as it was rather dire. A Sylviid Warbler kept me entertained for some time. It only showed itself on 3 brief occasions. I’m  99% certain it’s was a Common Whitethroat but you know that moment when you think your into to something special? I had that feeling but frustratingly, I couldn’t hang around to make sure.

Byron Way, Exmouth, Devon 
I’m having almost daily visits from a European Hedgehog. It is actually rather relaxed and wanders very close to me. A very friendly individual indeed.

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

European Hedgehog 

Poorly Dunnock

Exeter, Devon
As I was leaving work, I came across this poor little Dunnock that looked very unwell. I couldn’t just leave it on the tarmac, so I picked it up (it didn’t flinch) and popped it up in the nearest tree. I don’t hold out much hope for the poor thing though. Very sad!

Dunnock 

Bystock Pools Again

Bystock Pools, Exmouth, Devon 
I had a wander around most of the Reserve today. Not much in the way of birds but some good insects around. Butterflies included, A single (faded and bedraggled) Silver-washed Fritillary, several Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Large White, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown. Dragonflies on offer were, Migrant Hawker, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Keeled Skimmer, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly, Southern Hawker, Beautiful Demoiselle and Common Blue Damselfly.

Black-tailed Skimmer 

Painted Lady

Red Admiral 

Silver-washed Fritillary 

Common Darter (Female)