Chard reservoir, Somerset
I have a few hours to spare this afternoon so it seemed rude not to make the short journey to see the female Smew. It was hanging around with the Tufted Ducks but always stayed too distant for a photo. Still, decent scope views were obtained and a nice to see bird.
New Home, New House List
Butts Road, Ottery St Mary, Devon
So we moved to Ottery a week ago and with Christmas, the only birding I've done is from the garden. So I have concentrated on my new house list. 33 species so far
Mallard
Common Buzzard
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Black-headed Gull
European Herring Gull
Common Wood Pigeon
Tawny Owl
Great Spotted Woodpecker
European Green Woodpecker
Eurasian Magpie
Western Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Northern Raven
Coal Tit
Eurasian Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Goldcrest
Eurasian Wren
Eurasian Nuthatch
Common Starling
European Robin
Common Blackbird
Fieldfare
Redwing
Song Thrush
House Sparrow
Dunnock
Pied Wagtail
Common Chaffinch
European Greenfinch
European Goldfinch
So we moved to Ottery a week ago and with Christmas, the only birding I've done is from the garden. So I have concentrated on my new house list. 33 species so far
Mallard
Common Buzzard
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Black-headed Gull
European Herring Gull
Common Wood Pigeon
Tawny Owl
Great Spotted Woodpecker
European Green Woodpecker
Eurasian Magpie
Western Jackdaw
Rook
Carrion Crow
Northern Raven
Coal Tit
Eurasian Blue Tit
Great Tit
Long-tailed Tit
Goldcrest
Eurasian Wren
Eurasian Nuthatch
Common Starling
European Robin
Common Blackbird
Fieldfare
Redwing
Song Thrush
House Sparrow
Dunnock
Pied Wagtail
Common Chaffinch
European Greenfinch
European Goldfinch
Merlin
Darts Farm, Topsham, Devon - 2nd December
A quick visit after work at sunset. I looked around the ponds and hide area. First bird I saw was a Common Kingfisher. My first one at this site for quite some time. From the hide were decent numbers of Brant Goose but the best bird was a Merlin hunting the pond area briefly.
A quick visit after work at sunset. I looked around the ponds and hide area. First bird I saw was a Common Kingfisher. My first one at this site for quite some time. From the hide were decent numbers of Brant Goose but the best bird was a Merlin hunting the pond area briefly.
Lack of time
Colaton Common, Devon
I dont seen to be able to get out in the field much at the moment with workloads and preparing to move house. In a few weeks time I will be in Ottery St Mary. I will still visit many of the Exmouth and Exeter sites I currently do but will need to figure out some new local patches as well.
Anyway, I visited this area the commons today and started at the Warren car park. I worked my way down hill and immediately got on to a small flock of Fieldfare and Redwing. A few Meadow Pipits and Common Linnet were dotted about. To the north of the grenade range I managed the briefest of views of a Short-eared Owl. I was also pleased to get my first Eurasian Woodcock of the winter with 2 flyovers. I was starting to get worried that none were in the location this year so it was a sigh of relief to finally see some.
I dont seen to be able to get out in the field much at the moment with workloads and preparing to move house. In a few weeks time I will be in Ottery St Mary. I will still visit many of the Exmouth and Exeter sites I currently do but will need to figure out some new local patches as well.
Anyway, I visited this area the commons today and started at the Warren car park. I worked my way down hill and immediately got on to a small flock of Fieldfare and Redwing. A few Meadow Pipits and Common Linnet were dotted about. To the north of the grenade range I managed the briefest of views of a Short-eared Owl. I was also pleased to get my first Eurasian Woodcock of the winter with 2 flyovers. I was starting to get worried that none were in the location this year so it was a sigh of relief to finally see some.
Long-tailed Duck and Short-eared Owl
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, Devon
A flying visit before work found me on site with just enough daylight to see. I got on to the 2nd winter Long-tailed Duck straight away. It was at the far end of the reserve from the hide, so couldn't get any better pictures than this.
Woodbury Common, Devon
I had a walk around after work until dusk. I have been on site a number of times over the last few weeks but have not come across much. Today however, I was lucky enough to catch up with a Short-eared Owl hunting east of Warren Car
A flying visit before work found me on site with just enough daylight to see. I got on to the 2nd winter Long-tailed Duck straight away. It was at the far end of the reserve from the hide, so couldn't get any better pictures than this.
 |
| Long-tailed Duck |
Woodbury Common, Devon
I had a walk around after work until dusk. I have been on site a number of times over the last few weeks but have not come across much. Today however, I was lucky enough to catch up with a Short-eared Owl hunting east of Warren Car
Blue-winged Teal
Man Sands, Devon
I have wanted to see a Blue-winged Teal since I was a teenager. I have never had the opportunity so I couldn't let this one slip by. I arrived at 08:15 and within minutes I was on to the bird. It showed nicely at times but equally it can go missing for periods. So glad it has stuck around as the last few days have been hell waiting to get the time to see it. In my mind it looks to be an immature Male. I only base this on the dark rear end plumage. Also, a Female should have a darker cap and eyeline. The head on this bird also looks greyish in certain light but I'm no expert on this species so I'm happy to be corrected.
I was also very pleased to see a bonus Grey Partridge walk out on the road a few miles away from Man Sands on my return journey.
I have wanted to see a Blue-winged Teal since I was a teenager. I have never had the opportunity so I couldn't let this one slip by. I arrived at 08:15 and within minutes I was on to the bird. It showed nicely at times but equally it can go missing for periods. So glad it has stuck around as the last few days have been hell waiting to get the time to see it. In my mind it looks to be an immature Male. I only base this on the dark rear end plumage. Also, a Female should have a darker cap and eyeline. The head on this bird also looks greyish in certain light but I'm no expert on this species so I'm happy to be corrected.
I was also very pleased to see a bonus Grey Partridge walk out on the road a few miles away from Man Sands on my return journey.
 |
| Blue-winged Teal (Juvenile Male?) |
 |
| Blue-winged Teal (Juvenile Male?) |
 |
| Blue-winged Teal (Juvenile Male?) |
Paddyfield Pipit
Sennen, Cornwall
I managed a day off to head to Cornwall for the apparent Paddyfield Pipit. My good pal Pete and I set off early and were onsite in good time. It was rather windy but it was only a very short walk to the location. We waited patiently with the gathered group of expectant birders. Pete had done his homework on the expected call and had it to the left of us in the cut maize field. However, it didn't show for a further 15 minutes or so but when it did, it showed at extremely good range. Due to the wind however, these are the best phone scoped pictures I could get. Whatever is made of this bird and regardless of whether it will be accepted as a UK first. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it. Sadly the Buff-breasted Pipit seems to have vanished since yesterday morning.
We moved on to see the male Lesser Scaup. One route, a report came out that there was also a female on site. It was pouring down on arrival but we easily saw both birds. I thought I had got pictures of both birds but the female ones are too blurred (even for my standards) to post. UPDATE - The female from open wing photos (not mine) seems to be a hybrid.
I managed a day off to head to Cornwall for the apparent Paddyfield Pipit. My good pal Pete and I set off early and were onsite in good time. It was rather windy but it was only a very short walk to the location. We waited patiently with the gathered group of expectant birders. Pete had done his homework on the expected call and had it to the left of us in the cut maize field. However, it didn't show for a further 15 minutes or so but when it did, it showed at extremely good range. Due to the wind however, these are the best phone scoped pictures I could get. Whatever is made of this bird and regardless of whether it will be accepted as a UK first. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it. Sadly the Buff-breasted Pipit seems to have vanished since yesterday morning.
 |
| Paddyfield Pipit |
 |
| Paddyfield Pipit |
 |
| Paddyfield Pipit |
 |
| Paddyfield Pipit |
We moved on to see the male Lesser Scaup. One route, a report came out that there was also a female on site. It was pouring down on arrival but we easily saw both birds. I thought I had got pictures of both birds but the female ones are too blurred (even for my standards) to post. UPDATE - The female from open wing photos (not mine) seems to be a hybrid.
 |
| Lesser Scaup (Male) |
All About The Thrushes
Emsworthy Mire, Near Haytor, Devon
I had the afternoon and despite having pretty bad sciatica, I made the effort to go and have a little look around. Most of my time was spent sitting on walls to ease the pain. This worked rather well actually as I was able to watch a flock of around 60 Fieldfare and in amongst them were 2 Male Ring Ouzel and around 10 Redwing. I couldn't chase them down for a photo and they always remained distant. To back up the other Thrush species a few Song Thrush and Common Blackbird were on site. A Grey Wagtail was a nice surprise too. Also of note on site were 2 Eurasian Jay, Northern Raven and a Male Eurasian Bullfinch. A few Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Magpie and Carrion Crow made up the supporting cast.
I had the afternoon and despite having pretty bad sciatica, I made the effort to go and have a little look around. Most of my time was spent sitting on walls to ease the pain. This worked rather well actually as I was able to watch a flock of around 60 Fieldfare and in amongst them were 2 Male Ring Ouzel and around 10 Redwing. I couldn't chase them down for a photo and they always remained distant. To back up the other Thrush species a few Song Thrush and Common Blackbird were on site. A Grey Wagtail was a nice surprise too. Also of note on site were 2 Eurasian Jay, Northern Raven and a Male Eurasian Bullfinch. A few Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Chaffinch, Eurasian Magpie and Carrion Crow made up the supporting cast.
Long-eared Owl
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I haven't done any birding for ages due to work and family commitments. So I was excited when Matt Knott texted me with news of a Long-eared Owl on Orcombe Point. I managed an early finish and got there to see it roosting in an Ash Tree in the field left of the entrance gate to the permissive path. This is only my second sighting of this species so it was great to get some decent views.
I haven't done any birding for ages due to work and family commitments. So I was excited when Matt Knott texted me with news of a Long-eared Owl on Orcombe Point. I managed an early finish and got there to see it roosting in an Ash Tree in the field left of the entrance gate to the permissive path. This is only my second sighting of this species so it was great to get some decent views.
 |
| Long-eared Owl |
Northern Wheatear
Woodbury Common, Devon
I had a walk around the model aircraft field and surrounding area after work. A single Female Northern Wheatear was feeding on the main field. A few Meadow Pilots around and a European Stonechat were the best on offer
I had a walk around the model aircraft field and surrounding area after work. A single Female Northern Wheatear was feeding on the main field. A few Meadow Pilots around and a European Stonechat were the best on offer
Dartford Warbler
Woodbury Common, Devon
After work I took advantage of the fact the rain had stopped and had a wander around Woodbury Castle and surrounding common. Not a great deal around but a nice Male Dartford Warbler making the most of the sun was a welcome sight. Circa 60 Meadow Pipit were about and a similar number of Barn Swallow came through.
After work I took advantage of the fact the rain had stopped and had a wander around Woodbury Castle and surrounding common. Not a great deal around but a nice Male Dartford Warbler making the most of the sun was a welcome sight. Circa 60 Meadow Pipit were about and a similar number of Barn Swallow came through.
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.
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.
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) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
This Weeks Popular Post
-
Avon Dam, Shipley Bridge, Devon I had the day off and was desperate to see Ring Ouzel. I turned up and started the walk from Shipley Bridge...