A quick scan of the almost-frozen BGM this morning gave 2 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Greylags, 1 Snipe and 1 Cattle Egret among the commoner species. Back in Exeter, a Common Sandpiper, the first for 3 months, was flitting around Trews Weir, and a Stonechat, which arrived last Friday, was singing from the allotments nearby. In Belle Isle park there are catkins and the Magnolia tree is in bud. A striking mix of seasons.
