A cycle down from Exeter today, to re-unite myself with the Long-billed Dowitcher at Turf. First time I have seen it on the west of the river. It was in the company of a Greenshank just below the lock gates.
There were 730+ DB Brent Geese on the estuary and surrounding fields. 250+ Avocets on the rising tide. 3+ Red-breasted Merganser, as well as a Water Rail behind the Turf.
On the lagoon were 6 Tufted 5M, 2 Pochard (M, F), Imm M Scaup, 18+ Coot, Little Grebe and 10+ Gadwall, with another 5+ on the marsh itself. Also 5 Coot on the canal.
Along the whole marsh were 710+ Wigeon, 330+ Teal, 84+ Shoveler and 22+ Pintail. 180+ Starling, 96+ Curlew, singing M Cetti’s Warbler at Fisherman’s Car Park. Also F/Imm Marsh Harrier overhead briefly.
Further north were 2 Stonechat near M5 bridge and two Goldeneye (M, F) off Topsham Rec, as seen from Exminster side.
