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09:30 to mid-day BG Hide  Calm but cold morning with plenty to see. American Widgeon showed in amongst our common Wigeon for all to see before heading off towards Dart farm!. 100+ Avocet, 100+ Black-Tailed & 100+ Bar-Tailed Godwits, Teal, Shelduck, Pochard, Curlew, Little Egret, Dunlin, Lapwing,Grey Heron, Coots, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Meadow Pippits, Pied Wagtail, 3 Fox and a few Rabbit pushing their luck!! all see from the hide with a fly past by 50+ Brent Geese.

River Clyst Viewing Platform. Most birds left the marsh as the tide fell back and seen on the mudflats.

Added bonus seen from the platform a pair of Red Breasted Maganser, a pair of Goldeneye and a Great Crested Grebe in the Channel, 10+ Grey Plover, and to finish the morning a nice close view of a Greenshank.

Good company in a great setting. 

Avocet

Flock of 30 or so flew north over Ashford Road, Topsham at about 3.20pm.

Highlights of this afternoon's Stuart Lines Cruise were 18 Great Crested Grebes - the most I've ever seen on the estuary. The Slavonian Grebe (Cockwood), female Long-tailed Duck (near Turf) and Spotted Redshank (Powderham) were still around, plus 7 Goldeneye, good numbers of Mergansers (50+), Grey Plover (200+) and Bar-tailed Godwit (200+), 80+ Shelduck, 25+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, c300 Common Gulls and most of the area's Brent Geese (1000+?) flying near Topsham at about 5 pm. The Harbour Seal was hauled out on Bull Hill sandbank.

Great Crested Grebe taking off

Long-tailed Duck

My Children and I were privileged to see 18 Waxwings this afternoon at 15:40 outside Chudleigh Knighton Primary School. They were perched on the overhead wires, every few minutes one would fly over to the berries to have a feast!...wow what a lovely sight it was.

A 2 hour seawatch from 8.15am in far from ideal conditions ( NE 2-3) produced 1 red-throated diver, 1 red-breasted merganser, and 2 common scoter , but the highlight was close views of a pod of at least 4 harbour porpoises feeding with gannets joining in the fun. Very few passerines present ( in cold murky conditions) and still searching for those elusive greenfinches !

At Slapton the pair of ring-necked ducks showed well from the memorial ar park toilet block with the female scaup associating with a group of tufties.To sea at least 65 common scoter and 1 red-throated diver. From the hide at Torcross there were 3 black-necked grebes, with 1 in almost full summer plumage.

Late afternoon visit - not many people around but quite a few birds. North side of lake produced a pair of siskins, 1 marsh tit, 1 treecreeper and a jay. Bridge on west side of lake had seeds on it, and at least 1 nuthatch, several coal, blue and great tits, chaffinches, dunnocks and robins were feeding here. The nuthatches were particularly tame. Also a long tailed tit.

Not much on the feeder from the walkway except blue, great & coal tits, and the GS woodpecker. Squirrels were being quite noisy. 

Just 1 pair of tufted ducks and a great crested grebe on the lake. 

Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank still present this morning. Looking across the estuary to Chivenor from the Quay there were 17 Grey Herons standing around looking cold.

Around 100 Lapwings in the ploughed field by the Capton turn off on the Dartmouth to Dittisham road.

Dave Haws has found a nice flock of Bramblings in a maize field nr Gatehouse Farm, viewable from Secmaton Lane/ Langdon Lane Dawlish.

Up to 26 birds in flock of couple hundred Chaffinches.

The pair of Eiders still present + 6 Common Scoters.

Tuesday 26th February

Late post due to internet problems but 136 Golden Plover feeding on the rough pasture past the stadium. 40 Redwing, 15 Fieldfare and 10 Skylark.

Black Necked Grebe showing well on Slapton Ley between the car park hide and the tank memorial, the driving easterly winds had brought the sheltering birds close into the reed margins.

On the outskirts of East Prawle found a small handful of Cirl Buntings feeding on corn spill at the entrance to a farm track.

Hen Sparrow Hawk hunting across the land running down to Prawle Point

Six Little Egret in the creek at Kingsbridge Quay, five of which were togwether and constantly bickering and posturing.

Arriving yesterday midday could not find the Glaucous for about an hour, when it reappeared around the headland and perched on the rocks below car park, where it stayed most of the afternoon. At one stage it circled past close to me, giving good views of the barrel chested body shape.

While I was watching the long tailed duck by the Passage House pub in Topsham I heard waxwings and in a tree to my right were 39 of them. I saw a similar size flock in Exeter last week, and these birds flew towards Exeter at 2.00 after watching them for 30 minutes. Same roaming flock?  

Bitterly cold today with the wind coming in across the sea, plenty of food had been left on the ground and on arrival around a dozen plus mixed species lifted into the hedge margins.

Slow to return, first back were a pair of Robins, then a female Cirl Bunting followed by a second hen and then a male.

Nice showing of a male Reed Bunting.

On the sea looking out from the sea wall "nothing" apart from a solitary gull in the shallows to be seen.

Walking back to the car a hen Sparrowhawk came in over the marsh scattering woodpigeon in her path.

From the footbridge over the river, there was a Common Sandpiper feeding under the bridge before flying off downstream at about 1.45 today.

A Firecrest showing well this morning, in scrub beside the cycle path on the NE side of the racecourse c.150m south of the Hackney Marshes car park.

Out near the Burrows Car Park, a field with Cows still has a huge flock of Chaffinches (600+ I guess) the only other bird I found with them was a Meadow Pipit. In an adjacent field 100+ Skylark.

Despite the cold and frozen ground, 22 Golden Plover feeding on the rough pasture with another 70 flying over. In keeping with observations just over the border into Somerset, an increase in Redwings with around 50 present. 2 Fieldfare, 10 Blackbirds and 4 Stock Doves.

The Glaucous Gull was still present this evening, on rocks to the east of the car-park. Going by recent reports, it favours this area, and is possibly staying around, attracted by a very rotten Dolphin carcass in the cove below the car-park. Last week I described it as a big brute of a thing. A bit unfair, because as it is obviously big, it's quite cute really!  I have some photos, but as it seems to be beyond my capabilities to upload them to this blog, they will appear on the gallery in due course.

As if by magic

Elsewhere, the 2 Water Pipits are still in Horseley Cove. Waders were represented (apart from the usuals) by 24 Lapwings and a Knot, and a total of 27 Song Thrushes suggested a small arrival.

Seawatching turned up 2 Great Northern and 6 Red-throated Divers, 5 Common Scoters and a small passage of 4 Lesser Black-backed and 12 Common Gulls.

Still awaiting my first patch Greenfinch of the year - are they really this scarce at the moment, or is it just me?

Started at topsham rec looking through the gulls , 3 lesser black backed gulls, 13 common gulls, 1 grey plover, 2 red breasted mergansers. 

Moved onto topsham quay and found the female long tailed duck with 2 male red breasted mergansers and  watched from 11:45 till 12:50 in total 10 red breasted mergansers (7m,3f)

walked over to darts farm on the way over had the jack snipe in ditch by the clyst river briefly and a female Merlin flew over 

at darts farm the American wigeon was still showing well at times with 150+ wigeon 300+ Brent geese, 123+ lapwing , 54+ fieldfare( 100+ yesterday) 4 reed buntings, 1 sparrowhawk.

finished off at bowling green marsh, a spotted redshank joined 70+ redshank, 4 bar tailed godwit, 1 grey plover, 9 pochard, 2 gadwall, 2 tufted duck, 200+ wigeon,40+ lapwing,150+ black tailed godwits, 60+ dunlin. 

A very good afternoon 

Went down to Exminster to see the rose-coloured starling, it showed breifly at around 12:00.

After that went to Darts Farm; didn't go to the hide but walked on to the cycle bridge. From the bridge, in a tall poplar we were suprised to see a flock of 10+ waxwings, which shortly after their arrival, flew off. Other birds included a pair of teal and some pied wagtails. 

Lived here for 10 months and at last seen my first Dippers in the village. One on the River Thrushell yesterday and one on the River Lyd today. Both rivers also have Kingfishers showing well. Solitary Chiffchaff yesterday and there seems to be a lot of Nuthatches around this year.

Digiscoped this Red throated Diver at Baggy in Jan 2013

A few more pics of the Eiders & Scoters at Baggy.

Spectacular roost of starlings (impossible to count!) in conifers at Okehampton Camp yesterday.  Pre roost gatherings from 5.15pm in fields and beech trees around camp.  Also a peregrine getting an easy meal and a flock of 570 Jackdaws swirling around before roosting.

A great day around the Exe!

At Starcross the spotted redshank showed well feeding along the shoreline near the River Kenn mouth at low tide. A surprise bonus was a firecrest feeding in a hedgerow by the roadside in Starcross.

At Exminster the rose coloured starling showed well in trees by the allotments near the church, looking a bit tatty as it moults in to adult plumage.

At Darts Farm the male American wigeon showed well amongst the wigeon flock with 20+ fieldfares in a naerby field and a pair of reed buntings on the feeders. Amongst the brent geese flock I found the white headed bird I saw last Winter on Exminster Marsh and a pale bellied bird.

On the walk back to Topsham from Darts Farm a Jack snipe and 2 water pipits were found on the Marsh near the new footbridge.

From the viewing platform overlooking the River Clyst I found the curlew sandpiper amongst the dunlins before they flew off towards Exminster Marshes.

Finally a look from the hide at Bowling green Marsh and a spotted redshank came in to roost with some redshanks.

Late post for yesterday - I spent a cold couple of hours along the toll-road not expecting to see much about but spotted well over 30 species. Loads of Lapwing, Curlew & Dunlin about & still a few Golden Plover. Great view of a Kingfisher sat on a post along the rhine - it flew off before I could get a pic but the Stonchat sat & posed.

Great to see these owls about in North Devon during the day time

At least 4 siskins in the 3 trees on the grassy area to the side of Haven Banks play area. Usual redshank further up in the flood relief channel.

George Mudford photographed this beautiful Green Woodpecker

in the Bear Street Cemetery on Wednesday 20 February 2013.

An apparently untagged bird circling over Old A38 between Ashburton and Buckfastleigh at Pridhamsleigh 10.30-10.40. My eight year old son saw it first. I only had the small lens with me unfortunately.

Couldn't resist the temptation of drake Smew! Found both birds from the DBPS hide (north east arm of lake) - showing somewhat distantly but on surface for long periods. On view around midday in the left hand bay from the hide. Otherwise, 7 Wigeons, 1 Water Rail, c25 Redwings and 5 Lesser Redpolls.

On the way home Blaxton Pool (Plym Estuary) produced just 39 Curlews; also 56 Redhanks, 42 Shelducks and a single Dunlin.   

Orcombe Point - 0800 - 86 lapwing, 3 golden plover, 4 snipe and c30/40+ skylark.

Hennock - female ring-necked duck still with 5 tufted duck on Tottiford Reservoir. 3 drake goosander plus 3 great crested grebe on Trenchford Reservoir.

Teign Estuary - 2nd winter yellow-legged gull, 1 greylag goose and the two presumed swan goose x greylag geese still. Also 1 little grebe and 4+ red-breasted merganser.

Many thanks Jeremy for the info on the Latvian black-headed gull.

2w yellow-legged gull

presumed swan goose x greylag hybrids - present on the Teign for years now.

The male American Wigeon showing well from the hide today. A mobile flock of Black-tailed Godwits and Curlew. 3 Brent Geese, Teal and a Redshank on the wetlands.

Around the ponds and bird table a lone male Brambling, with Reed Buntings, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and a Blackbird.

Jammed upon this incredible Merlin whilst driving across Dartmoor this afternoon, between Princetown and Yelverton.

At first I thought the bird was injured or stunned as it was right beside the road and seemed reluctant to fly. But I think it was actually just sheltering from the wind, using the bank as cover. After a minute or so of views like this it flew off towards Princetown.

A little later, saw at least one Waxwing from the car on the A38 at Candy Tiles. There could well have been more there but I didn't stop and look.

Sth Efford Marsh:

Water Pipit 3,  Firecrest 2 (by 2nd gate r/h path)

per com. ENW

While digiscoping the pair of Eiders & Common Scoters this morning a cracking male Black Redstart made an appearance but for only a few seconds so not enough time to photograph it through the telescope.

In one of the fields above Baggy a few Golden Plover were searching for food

Last time I visited a Goldcrest in the trees by the pond which I forgot to mention!

The drake American Wigeon was with the Wigeon flock to the right of the hide, best viewed from the road at around 1.30 today.

For Matt... please submit to the BTO via www.ring.ac in any case, but yes, it's a Latvian bird & has been at Exeter Quay every winter since Feb 2009 (I've seen it on at least 8 occasions in the intervening years).Ringed in 2008 as a juvenile.

Jeremy

For those of you interested in reporting colour ringed Sanderlings, here is a link that you might find interesting:-

http://www.waderstudygroup.org/res/project/sand-colrings-en.php

Could anyone help with the origins of this black-headed gull? I'm assuming it's Latvian. The two swan geese are not the birds seen on the Teign as suggested in the 2011 Devon Bird Report. The birds on the Teign are presumed to be swan geese x greylag hybrids. You can tell I haven't seen much this week!

escaped swan geese

metal-ringed black-headed gull

Looked in at the Pond on my way down the Tarka trail.

6 Little Grebe, 7 Gadwall (6 male & 1 female) & 7 Shoveler

(4 male & 3 female).

The pair of Mute Swans were on the pond with 4 Mallard

resting on top of last year's nest. When I passed by the other

day one of the pair was re-inforcing the nest but now the weather has turned much colder they may well be having second thoughts.

Male and Female Eider, Four Common Scoter and Red-throated Diver all present this morning.

In addition there was a nice male Black Redstart at the point.

Well worth the trip from Somerset.

All quiet in this corner of Devon. 160 Golden Plover in the valley today were evidence of some cold weather movement - didn't see anything notable though.

Am pleased to report an increase in big gull numbers on the Estuary in recent days (nothing different yet!), although small gull numbers still really low. 

This is a better quality photo of the pair of Eiders at Baggy this morning which I digiscoped.

A crisp frosty start to the morning but soon burning off.

The female Eider has attracted a handsome male who was swimming alongside her. Spring is in the air although it is forecast to get colder.

4 Common Scoters & one Red Throated Diver.

 Spoonbill. Found this morning on Sth Huish by Nik Townsend looked to have moved to Thurlestone Marsh at 11.44hrs?

Brambling feeding with an increasing flock of 40+ Chaffinch in my garden.

Brambling, J Marshall

Brambling, J Marshall

The Starling roost at Gribblesdown, South Brent is becoming a magnet for raptors, evenings this last week have seen an estimated 3500 Starlings coming into roost, the last few calm clear evenings have seen the birds displaying and circling the roost for up to an hour before dropping into the bamboos to roost. This evening between 5pm and 5.52pm I had nine sightings of Sparrowhawks menacing the Starling flock, on two occassions two hawks attacked the flock at the same time, the intensity of the hawks presence certainly spooked and alarmed the Starlings. The last few days have also resulted in a number of Peregrine sightings and a possibly Merlin in attendance, but the poor light at the end of the day when the Starlings gather and the distance between yourself and the raptor in question sometimes make positive ID difficult.

The two drake smew were to the left of the DBWPS hide late morning, displaying to 3 brownhead goldeneye. They flew across to the northern shore west of the viaduct shortly after midday. 3 drake goldeneye with several brownheads were north of the viaduct.

Smew with goldeneye

At least 14 Waxwings seen in flight from car mid morning over central reservation.

Glaucous Gull still present this afternoon on rocks below lower car park.

Drake Smew again at Roadford late afternoon , to the left of the hide,then joined by the second bird at 1700. Also Bittern on waters edge on far bank oppisite hide.

There were 4 Waxwings at Heathfield (Battle Road/Cannon Road junction) coming down to a few scrawny hips at 4pm. A few Bramblings coming into roost at Stover with Chaffinches later on. Finally, 3 Woodcock leaving Haldon (Beggar's Bush) in the direction of Chudleigh at 6:05-6:15pm.

Waxwing at Heathfield

A calling flock of 33 waxwings flew to a single alder tree in carpark at 16:55, after a few minutes flew towards a belt of conifers at rear of store, possibly to roost.

The Greenshank & Spotted Redshank were both still in upper pill at Fremington Quay on Saturday - sorry about the late post.

14:30

2 Goosander(1M,1F) right under the bridge. 15 Common Gull; 7 Lesser black-backed Gull and             8 Bullfinch( in the bushes where the path from under the bridge meets the Tarka Trail.)

A Waxwing in Wrafton again - at exactly the same place as the three in December! 15 Orchard Road.

James L reports that the Swan on Wrafton pond is sitting! Bit early?

The American Widgeon showing well on the field in front of the hide and again on the water (my thanks to the birders who pointed it out as people were arriving) Good numbers of Godwit and Widgeon.

On the drive in alongside the farrow / stubble field numerous "small brown birds" feeding including Linnet, Sky Lark, Brambling, Meadow Pippit, a handful of Fieldfares one showing at close range.

One of the best visits so fat to this location due to the diversity of species present.

Green Woodpecker seen on a tree top on the main Exmouth Road on the way in.

The Heathfield Waxwings showing well this morning on the trees above the caravan site alongside the A38 initially a flock of just under 20 birds which were then joined by a larger number, max count 44.

In the bright sunny conditions managed to obtan some nice images.

The drake American Wigeon was showing well from the hide at Darts Farm this lunchtime until I left at around 1.30. Also 2 Stock Doves by the track on the way in and a male Reed Bunting by the feeder.

Mudbank - sandwich tern fishing shoreline between Mudbank and West Lodge - a month too early and presumably an over-wintering bird rather than an early migrant.

sandwich tern

Jon Avon passed on a message that a female Ring-necked duck was present on the main Lake today - presumably the Kennick Reservoir bird? Also plenty of Siskin and several Brambling on site.

Two male Smew showing very well to the left of the DBW hide at the viaduct end, loosely associating with Tufted Duck.

Above the viaduct - at least 10 Goldeneye and 10 Shoveler and 2 Little Grebes

Harvey Kendall

Saw a flock of 40+ Waxwings flying up the A38 yesterday morning just north of Chudleigh Knighton, and today Dad's got 40+ in the usual spot at Candy Tiles.

Tom Wallis took these photos of the Glaucous Gull at Prawle Point on Saturday.

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Bowling green marsh watched from the hide from 08:40 till 10:45 

the curlew sandpiper was very active showing well at times, 200+ bar tailed godwits 300+ dunlin, good numbers of avocet and black tailed godwit and wigeon, only 7 pochard, 3 tufted duck, 3 little grebe, a brambling was reported in the area to the left of the hide, 2 Cetti's warblers 

exminster marsh 11:30 till 12:55

24 grey plover near the fishermans car park good numbers  wigeon, lapwing and dunlin and a peregrine 

exminster milbury lane 13:05 till 14:15

the rose coloured starling showed well but the waxwing didn't show until 14:05 when 22 flew in but only stayed for a minute before flying down the lane to the left. 

Long-tailed Duck still feeding off the recreation ground. 

The female Ring-necked Duck was halfway up Kennick Reservoir mid afternoon. Also a flock of 15-20 Crossbills was feeding in high treetops on the east bank.

A little more happening on the sea today, in 3 hours from 07.00;  7 Red-throated Divers, 165 Gannets, 14 Fulmars, Balearic Shearwater, 3 Brent Geese (2 Dark, 1 Pale-bellied), 2 Common Scoter and 1230+ Auks.

A very quick look at Slapton got the female Ring-necked Duck in the corner at Torcross, (10.45).

After reading the Torbay boat trip blog and talking to Nigel Smallbones we have worked out there are 2 Red-necked Grebes in Torbay. Some Welsh Birders had seen the usual bird toward the mussel farm but then lost it about 15mins before Nigel's boat trip reached the farms buoys. I then picked out what I assumed was the same bird which had moved 3/4 mile north into Torbay and continued watching it with the Welsh Birders while Chris Proctor on the boat was photographing the original bird!

The drake American wigeon was on darts wetlands @ 08:15 this morning With over 200 black wits 

Trenchford reservoir: 11 goosander (8m, 3f)

Tottiford Reservoir: 10 tufted duck (all male) & 1 male goldeneye

Kennick reservoir: great crested grebe

This morning's trip was notable for grebes with 5 black necked grebes, 3 great crested grebes and good views of the red-necked grebe at the mussel farm. Also 1 great northern diver, 16 common scoter, 17 purple sandpiper at Brixham Breakwater and the sanderling still with turnstones in Paignton harbour. Out in the bay there was a thin scattering of auks and kittiwakes but only 2 gannets seen, well down on last two trips. 1 grey seal was present at Brixham Breakwater.

Red-necked grebe

11+ waxwing still opposite candy tiles on A38, flying from trees to feed on rose hips in central reservation.

A perfect morning to visit Ilfracombe bathed in warm sunshine

& Damien Hirst's Verity dominating the harbour entrance.

The Purple Sandpiper which was digiscoped was in the shade

& there were at least 4 Rock Pipits enjoying the fine weather.

Went down to BGM at about 11:00, the American Wigeon showed breifly grazing on the marshes, seen from the road before the hide. Other birds included; 100+ Avocets, 20+ Dunlin, 150+ Wigeon, 200+ Black-tailed Godwits, 3 pochard, a female tufted duck, a little egret, a small group of redshank, a few lapwing and a low flying kestrel. 

08:15

11 Goosanders (8M,3Redheads)

On the sea: 1 Red-necked Grebe (initially near mussel farm then moved looking toward Thatchers Rock), 6-7 Black-necked Grebes (in Broadsands bay), 14 Great Crested Grebes and 8 Common Scoter.

Being the WeBS counter at Beesands this year is a bit like following Plymouth Argyle, nice ground and thats about it. Present this morning were 3 Mute Swans, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Coot and single Cormorant, Moorhen and Mallard.

Very quick look at Slapton on the way back, the male Ring-necked Duck in Ireland Bay viewable from the bridge ( also 2 Little Grebes in the channel below )  and at Torcross 12 Goldeneye ( inc. 3 males )  and a Black-necked Grebe in front of the car park.

A lovely family walk in the sunshine from Heybrook Bay to Wembruy Point at 1pm produced two Slavonian Grebes showing signs of seasonal mutual interest. Also a couple of Ravens carrying nest material. Afterwards great plates of fish and chips at the Eddystone Inn. Must visit again soon.

Martin Cox reports the Rose-coloured Starling still present this morning, and a surprise flock of 40+ Waxwings briefly before flying off in the direction of Exeter.

Rose-coloured Starling

Waxwings

A very good day on the marsh this morning watched from the hide 08:00 till 14:30

a very foggy morning limited what could be seen but the curlew sandpiper was very active in front of the hide with 300+ dunlin for most of the morning and 350+ avocet and 250+ bar tailed godwit, 1 grey plover and 40+ snipe, 10 pochard(6m,4f) 2 tufted duck, 2 Cetti's warblers, male reed bunting 

as the fog lifted and the sun came out could see the wigeon on the far side of the marsh as I was checking through them at 11:30ish came across a male American wigeon a second for the marsh after last years bird it showed well as it crossed the main scrape before becoming elusive on the far right from the hide it did eventually make its way in front of the hide giving fantastic views to all in the hide.  

also this morning 500+ brent geese over from darts farm area, and a peregrine flew low in front of the hide and caused havoc with the waders at times and later attacked a group of 20+ snipe.

the female long tailed duck was showing by topsham rec viewed from the exminster side of the river at 15:15

on exminster marsh the male Merlin was between station road and the motorway bridge at 16:10

stopped of on local patch around mill on the exe pub had good views of a dipper, 2 grey wagtail and a nice treecreeper to end a great days birding  

This excellent photo of a Firecrest was taken at Dart's Farm today by Gray Clements.

Firecrest

Short seawatch produced single Red-throated Diver and Balearic Shearwater, as well as 600+ auks west. Coming down off the Point, was lucky enough to see a 1st winter Glaucous Gull pass west - a big brute of a thing!  Very quiet elsewhere, although a Kingfisher along the front was nice. Both Water Pipits still in Horseley Cove, and the total of 7 Goldcrests was a good winter count for here.

Popped into Slapton late afternoon, both the drakes Ring-necked Duck and Scaup still on the lower ley from the bridge. 

Went to the hide at the viaduct end of Roadford today at 3pm and was surprised to spot an adult male smew as we had been told that it had not been seen for several days. It was with tufted duck left of the hide. Also beyond the viaduct past the farm in a weedy field left of the road a large flock of finches amongst which were at least 6 + Brambling. 

The American Wigeon still mid afternoon, showing well on the pond and grass right of the hide.

1 Green Sand still on the last pool at Countess Weir,100 yards beyond the last viewing screen from the canal side mid afternoon.

When I visited for the second time today at around 14.30 the fog was only just beginning to clear, but it then did so rapidly and with the sun directly behind me, viewing conditions were excellent. A Black-throated Diver showed well mid-distance, most often in line with Hope's Nose/Ore Stone, and the Red-necked Grebe was in the vicinity of the mussel farm. Other than that just a handful of Great Crested Grebes and Common Scoters.

   The drake American Wigeon eventually showed extremely well in front of the hide early afternoon.

A quick post more detail photos later at 11:30ish found a drake American wigeon in with about 200 wigeon still present at 14:30 showing well from the hide the curlew sandpiper was still showing over the high tide 

No sign of the spotted redshank but did see a seal lapping up the sunshine !

The first Brambling of the winter popped into my garden in Trumpeter for three minutes on Friday (15th) morning then vanished again.

On Saturday (16th) morning 14 Waxwings were resting by the A38 at Candy Tiles and fluttering down to feed on the rosehips.

About 50 Waxwings returned to Chudleigh Knighton Primary School at 1655hrs today.  They sat in a tree behind the church and on the wires opposite the school.  After feeding on berries by the school fence they disappeared about 1710hrs.

The female Ring-Necked Duck still at the northern end of Kennick Reservoir this afternoon. Other than Mallard and Coot, the only duck present.

Nearby at Tottiford Reservoir a male Goldeneye and male Tufted Duck and on Trenchford Reservoir, 4 Goosander (3 drakes).

On the A38 near Candy Tiles, exactly 50 Waxwing mid afternoon in trees on the southern carriageway and feeding in the central reservation, before breaking up into 2 groups.

Several skylarks in song - must be Spring !

Friday 15th Feb.  Isley Marsh. Six spoonbills and very large flock of lapwings 1000 plus.

I was pleased to see that the Purple Sandpipers are still about on the rocks off The Capstone at Ilfracombe this morning - the tide was in & they were having a sleep.

The Firecrest showed well briefly by the bridge over the stream at about 1.30 today

8 Gadwall (6 drakes) on the pond this morning. Nearby singing Coal Tit and Reed Bunting in the reserve.

At Baggy the Common Scoters are down to 4 but the female Eider persists. 3 pairs of Stonechat on the way to the point and a displaying Rock Pipit.

On the Sea: 1 Red-necked Grebe (toward mussel farm), 2 Slavonian Grebes, 3 Black-necked Grebes (Goodrington), 14 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Black-throated Diver, 4 Red-throated Divers (one showing prominent white flank patch), 1 Great Northern Diver, 32 Common Scoter.

16 Cirl Buntings on seed in 2nd car park with 2 Reed Buntings.

At least 1 Brambling  feeding with 25 + Chaffinch first thing 

51 Waxwings on wires by school between 7.35 and 8.05 this morning. 

Did an early afternoon drive round of all the known/reported  Heathfield / Chudleigh Knighton / Bovey Tracey Waxwing haunts, could only find initially five birds on the A38 opposite Candy Tiles, the birds were again restless and soon moved off back towards Heathfield.

Located a short time later on the roofs and feeding in the rear garden of a property off Musket Road again soon moved off and returned to the A38 site.

Female Sparrow Hawk did a high fly over which alarmed the birds and they sat tight for a while before begining to feed on the central reservation berry shrubs, a further three birds joined this group just before 4pm.

More birders today than Waxwings, no sign of the 40 plus birds seen earlier in the week.

The Firecrest again showed very well from 14:10 till 14:45 by the bridge over the stream 

The highlights of a 5 hour watch on a falling tide were a Great Northern Diver & Slavonian Grebe off Gerston Point and a winter high of 22 Red-breasted Mergansers across the area.

Also: Shag 30, Little Egret 28, Brent Goose 110, Shelduck 110, Wigeon 336, Teal 63, Pintail 11, Grey Plover 8, Dunlin 180, Bar-tailed Godwit 27, Curlew 154, Redshank 96 & Greenshank 4.

Spotted redshank still at main road end of Fremington Quay lane.  Seen close to at 1100 today, as tide was receding, feeding with redshanks, and greenshank. 

The Red-necked Grebe was still present lunchtime today toward the mussel farm, also 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Slavonian Grebes, 67 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 21 Common Scoter.

The Firecrest showed in top corner of 1st car park with 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Goldcrest.

Er largely under water this morning! Lots of rain and high tide has the valve shut under the Tarka Trail so all the run off just backs up! Lots of Teal showing, with several Mallard and Wigeon, about 40 skittish Curlews, mostly due to the presence of a female Peregrine, which was also trying to put up the Teal, which rather brightly stayed on the water!

Jeremy Barker sent these pictures to me of a Ring-necked Duck at Kennick Reservoir it's been present since at least 3rd Feb and still there on 11th Feb.

An initial check at the school at Chudleigh Knighton and in the Bovey Tracy car park drew a blank. Checking Mole Valley Heathfield found a flock of between 20 & 30 in the tall trees opposite the juncrtion into Mole Valley, as I got out of the car another flock of some 12 / 15 birds arrived and they all moved off en masse towards the A38.

Located in the tall trees by the A38 almost above the big Tile Factory sign, 27 birds counted, they then flew across the frontage of Candy Tiles and image taken showing 48 birds in the air together, other images with 28 and 27 also taken. Birds not settling very long, for more than a few minutes, new groups arriving and they all lifted off to a new location, only to lift off again. Only seen to feed on the central reservation briefly.

Spotted Redshank still present this morning along with one Greenshank, and a Little Egret.

Out on a fishing boat yesterday approx. 20nm SSE of Berry Head. A very cold murky day -  so not too good for taking photos. Attracted to the boat were: c80 Great Black-backs (the dominant gull), 8 Lesser Black-backs, c60 Kittiwakes and few Herring Gulls. Five Bonxies harried the gulls throughout the day. Always interesting looking at the Fulmars this time of year, in with c50 normal (light phase) were two 'dark phase' and one 'double light phase'. I think these dark phase Fulmars are cracking looking birds and Feb can be a good month before they move back north.

Another top day at the Ley. Torcross end. Twelve Goldeneye including 4 (M) displaying and three Black-necked Grebe all close to the shore. Slapton bridge end. on the reserve 1 Firecrest at the Quarry, The punk Tuffty X, and the male Scaup showing well from the viwing platform. The male Ring-necked Duck was close in below the toilet block at the middle car park. What a stunning bird.

David Turrell

Now 32 Waxwings early afternoon on the A38 at Heathfield, about 200 yards north of Candy Tiles, favouring a tall tree on the southern carriageway and regularly feeding in the central reservation. Interestingly at one point, half the flock flew across the road and dropped down onto the canvas roof of a parked lorry near the sewage works and were drinking water off the roof. No sign a few minutes later of any Waxwing at Chudleigh Knighton Primary School, where they had been seen again this morning, so presumably these sightings relate to the same flock.  Will be interesting to see if the 12 Waxwing in Bovey Tracey today are different birds or part of the main flock?

  It posed quite nicely low down for 2 minutes at 12 o'clock with Siskins for background amusement and a Snipe overhead. 32 Waxwings were still opposite Candy Tiles on the A38 until 3.:40 pm.  As I also saw the Long-tailed Duck at Bowling Green Marsh and the Smew on the marshes it was a good day!

Rose-coloured Starling

Further to Mikes' posting, the Firecrest showed for about a minute between the car park and the marsh at 12.35.

At Goodrington; 3 Black necked grebes, 49 Great Cresterd Grebes, 18 Common Scoter, 1 Red Throated Diver and 1 Great Northern Diver. No sign of the Red necked grebe

The Firecrest showed very well around the bridge over the stream from 14:30 till 15:45 also 27+ snipe, 5 tufted duck (4m,1f) good numbers of shoveler, little grebe, little egret, great spotted woodpecker.

The nearest pool to double locks  had 1 green sandpiper, 9 snipe and a kingfisher, 7 Bullfinch(4m, 3f)

13 Fulmars on the cliffs in the bay early afternoon.

Best of a few hours out this morning was a Brambling in Colyton with Chaffinches at the top of Coly Vale. 

Sea very quiet, just 7 Great Crested Grebes and a Red-throated Diver off Seaton this morning.

Walked from Exminster to Exeter along canal this morning. Bird highlights included - redhead smew on one of the pools on the marshes WSW from canal-side car park, 25 grey plovers also near the car park (may be highest number I have recorded there), 15 golden plover, c500 lapwing (courtesy of low flying helicopter that flushed them), one redpoll, 2 ravens, c50 redwing (near Double Locks), 2 fieldfare, one kingfisher, 4 chiffchaff and water rail (one seen plus 4 heard).

On sea: 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Slavonian Grebes, 30+ Great Grested Grebes, 12 Common Scoter.

20 Cirl Buntings & 2 Reed Buntings on seed in 2nd car park. 1 Water Rail 1 Chiffchaff and 3 Goldcrest in marsh. 

Watched from 1600hrs till last light, hundreds of gulls in the harbour but could not pick out anything white winged! 9 Purple Sandpipers were on the concrete structure off the breakwater. Found a Pied Wagtail roost in the harbour on a raft used to store crab pots. 20+ went in while I watched till last light. 

At Broadsands/Elberry Cove this morning, 3 great northern divers, 1 black throated diver, 25 great crested grebes, 2 slavonian grebes, and the red necked grebe which stayed distant towards 7 Quarries. In Paignton harbour just after 2pm, 1 sanderling with 3 turnstone and an oystercatcher. The sanderling has been seen several times in the harbour over the past 8 days or so.

Slavonian Grebes off Chruston Point

A quick look around matford marsh 14:30 till 15:30 produced a Firecrest by the bridge over the stream showing well with 2 goldcrests and a jay and a walk around the cycle path was rewarded with a fine male stonechat and 3 more goldcrests 

Sightings over the w/end & today

Female Marsh Harrier ( confirmed with Perry S this is the Slapton bird ), 2 Great N Diver, 2 Red T Diver,  2 Great C Grebe, 3 Common Scoter

On the marshes- 100+ Teal, 80 Wigeon, 18 Shoveler, 5 Shelduck, 6 Gadwall, ad Med Gull, 1 Merlin,

100+ Snipe, Ruff.  3 lapwing. 1 Little Grebe

On the rocks 13 Ringed Plover, 4 Sanderling, 7 Turnstone

Spent a short time in Bradiford reserve this morning and after the work, looked around - Buzzard as Maurice mentioned, and about 45 Teal off the river, with 25+ Snipe also.

In Velator this afternoon, very quiet indeed so I looked in the Tawny Owl box again, and found yet another squirrel dray. As I evicted it TWO Squirrels burst out. hmmmm haven't seen any for quite some time so disappointed to find two in residence. I heard two Tawny Owls in the reserve before dawn as I opened the nets for a ringing session last Saturday, so disappointed they haven't a) moved in and b) dealt with the squirrels.

Three Green Sandpipers on the northernmost pool this afternoon.

13:50 - 15:00

250 Dark-bellied Brent mid-river between Bradiford Res and Penhill.

27 Bar-tailed Godwit; 12 Sanderling; 2 flocks of Dunlin totalling c500; 4 Grey Plover; c2500 Lapwing; 12 Wigeon; 45 Golden Plover - many developing breeding plumage.

1 Buzzard in Bradiford Res.

A link to the forum re a seal group requesting sightings

http://forum.devonbirds.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=148

Two male Smew still present at Roadford today seen during WeBS count. First seen in Gadcombe inlet, then later one from the top end hide. (also 14 Shoveler, 10 Goldeneye, 2 male Goosander)

(Anthony John)

Visit between 12.00 and 13.00 and before the rain returned. Lots of birds well spread out including c400 brents, wigeon, shoveller, mallard, teal, gadwall (>10), c6 pintail, 10 tufted duck, 8 pochard and one redhead smew. The last 3 species on the lagoon.

Elsewhere little egret (7), golden plover, curlew and lapwing.

Chiffchaff (1), goldcrest (2) and Cettis warber (2) on canal bank.

5 Gadwall this morning on the pond, but more interesting were the two Spoonbill in the field between the pond and the reserve. Just sleeping!

Chiffchaff in the reserve.

Waxwing. Around midday 13 birds sat in trees around Mole Vally Farmers. Nice close view from my car.

  A surprise on Hooe lake [Plymouth] this morning was a massive white winger preening on the wreck along with a Great Black-backed and juvenile Herring Gulls. Glaucous - probably a second winter.  It only remained for a few minutes at 10 am when all the gulls suddenly lifted off, circled, giving great views, and disappeared SE - Wembury direction.  I have been looking at the lake for about 50 years on and off and that's the best bird I've ever found there!  Not having the camera with me was a shame though.

Broadsands: 2 Slavonian Grebes (Elberry end - close in), 4 Great Crested Grebes,1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 6 Common Scoter.

21 Cirl Buntings on seed &  2 Reed Bunting. in Marsh 2 collybita Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrest 1 Firecrest.

Goodrington: 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Great Northern Divers, 14 Common Scoter. 

Preston: 1 Black-necked Grebe, 4 Great Northern Divers,10 Common Scoter, 1 Ad Mediterranean Gull (same as previous sighting - ringed).  

Yesterday (Saturday): 1 Water Rail at north end of flooded wood just north of Chelson Meadow.

Two parakeets in a garden above the river cliff at Great Torrington for about ten minutes today. One feeding on a fat ball had a black bib, but no discernible ring around the neck. The other remained in the trees and was a more yellow-green colour. 

A great day's birding with Messers Cox and Kemp. Agree with Perry, Slapton back to the good old days with plenty to look at. 

The female Ring-necked Duck showing on and off at the north end of Stokeley Bay and the 3 Black-necked Grebes nearby. The drake Ring-necked Duck and drake Scaup showing from Slapton Bridge and a Water Rail on view there. A Firecrest and plenty of Goldcrests plus a few Chiffchaffs in the "quarry" at Ireland Bay. Loads of commoner ducks including c90 Gadwalls and 16+ Goldeneys including a flock with drakes displaying. Also a pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying with the weed dance.

On the sea - 60+ Common Scoters, a Slavonian Grebe and 3 Great Northern Divers.

Four Water Pipits on Efford Marsh, Averton Gifford, plus 2 Common Sandpiers, on the way home. 

A male Black Redstart was flitting about between Windward Court & Leeward Court on the western edge of the docks development late morning. 

A single Spoonbill seen flying west over Velator.

We watched the Barn owl hunting over a period of half an hour from about 16:30

Barn owl at Velator

Two male Ruff opposite Axmouth FC (Boshill Cross) this afternoon, with five Golden Plover on Bridge Marsh and two Bar-tailed Godwits on the Estuary.

No sign of the Sidford Waxwings early afternoon. And still none on patch!!!

3 x Goosander. Just under bridge. Great views. 2 males and a female. 

A mid afternoon visit finally produced views of the Red-necked Grebe, which has been elusive for the past couple of days since Mike's sighting. It was feeding off Elbury Cove , south towards Fishcombe, together with a Great Crested . Both were then nearly run down by a powerboat. . The Great Crested flew off  but the Red-necked was still there at 1600 when I left. Also 2 Black-necked Grebes off  Broadsands.

Bowling green marsh 07:45 till 09:30

the highlight was a female hen harrier flying over the marsh before dropping out of view onto the clyst at 08:14, 1 grey plover, 75+ avocet,  1 water rail, 250+ bar tailed godwits, good numbers of black tailed godwits, wigeon, 7 tufted duck, 6 pochard(3m,3f), 100+ dunlin and 170+ lapwing, and 30+ snipe, by the viewing platform great views of a very vocal Cetti's warbler and 2 chiffchaffs and the curlew sandpiper was on the clyst with dunlin 

Exminster marsh 10:30 till 12:30

on the lagoon good views of a female smew with pochards and tufted duck, around the marsh 4+ stonechat, 3 Cetti's warblers and 4 chiffchaffs, 120+ golden plover, the male Merlin was over towards the motorway bridge 

a good morning around the marshes 

The male Ring-Necked Duck still showing really well this morning at the northern end of the lower ley, viewable from either the Bridge or by the toilet block in the Central car park. Also,the male Scaup slightly further down the lower ley,an adult Med Gull on the ley and 3 Black Necked Grebes on the ley distantly from the bridge.

On the way home, the redhead Smew (found early this morning) was still on the lagoon at Exminster early afternoon. and 100+Golden Pover off the middle car park

Approximately 8-10 Waxwings in the area of Higher Brook Meadow, Sidford, Near Sidmouth feeding off berries on a medium sized cotoneaster shrub. First noticed them at 9am. Still stripping the shrub now at 10:30!

Spent 3 enjoyable hours on a RSPB Avocet Cruise on the Exe Estuary today - loads of waders on the mud banks - Redshank, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, Curlew, Greenshank, Sanderling, Dunlin, Bar & Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank & Avocet; most in abundance. Various ducks & grebes on the water - Red-breasted Merganser, Slavonian Grebe, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon, Great-creasted Grebe & Long Tailed Duck. Also Golden & Grey Plover and two Peregrine sat on one of the sand-bars not far from a Grey Seal. All in all a great selection. 

I saw 21Waxwinginto the birch trees along the main road through Chudleigh Knighton this morning between 8.00 &9.30 this morning.Feeding on berries on the roadside, gradually moving towards the school

Barn owl flew over road about 06.15. first Bran Owl I have seen in this area.

08:10-15:00

Cracking days birding highlights being the 2 Ring-necked Ducks ( fem elusive, northern corner of Stokeley Bay viewed from the Stokeley hide, male Ireland Bay ), Scaup ( male Ireland Bay off the pillbox ), 3 Black-necked Grebes ( together Torcross ) and the Bittern which flew up from the flattened reeds by the gate opp The Quarry in Ireland Bay and landed in deeper reedbed. Also the Marsh Harrier showed several times and a couple adult Mediterranean Gulls present. 15 Goldeneyes at Torcross included 4 displaying males. Water Rails showing well at a few locations. Out in the bay 62 Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver. Lots of wildfowl on the ley, Slapton really looks and feels like its former glory days at the moment....long may it last.

Seawatch 11.30.-13.30

43 Red Throated Divers(Record Count)

2 Black Throated Divers

35 Common Scoter

1 Great Crested Grebe

2 very active Guillemots

All birds feeding well ,no signs of any oiled birds

1 Harbour Porpoise

The lone Ring-necked Parakeet roaming Exeter was seen again this morning at Pensylvania. [James Chubb]

The Spotted Redshank was with Greenshanks and Redshanks off Powderham this morning and the Curlew Sandpiper was with Dunlin on the rising tide at BGM this afternoon.

Although cloudy lack of wind ensured a flat sea which meant Divers and Auks could be picked up- 3 Red -throated, 1 Great Northern , also 100+ Auks , of the c60 feeding in the bay only 1 was a Guillemot.

5 Common Scoter flew east . On the rocks 3 Sanderling, 8 Turnstone .

Duck numbers reducing on the marshes - totals from both were - 100 Wigeon, 110 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall. also 35 Snipe, 30 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail.

A Black Redstart in a local garden yesterday

  In the rain late afternoon I at last found a Water Pipit with the assorted Rock and Meadow types.  Also 3 Stonechats, a Chiffchaff and 8 Turnstones.  Good numbers of Fulmars around the Mewstone.

2 Great Northern Divers together off the breakwater plus 24 Razorbills. 10 Purple Sandpipers & 2 Turnstones on the breakwater at low tide.

At Berry Head 1000+ Guillemots on the cliffs & sea appeared to be ok and not contaminated by that engine resin. Good news indeed!

Just got home from Broadsands to find this female Black Redstart in my garden!

1 Red-necked Grebe in close to Elberry Headland also 1 Black-necked Grebe, 30 Common Scoter, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Great Northern Divers.

27 Cirl Buntings on seed in 2nd car park plus 3 Reed Buntings. In marsh 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Firecrest & 1 Goldcrest.

Photos: Red-necked Grebe and 14 of the Cirl Buntings together - couldn't fit the others in! 

Exmouth yesterday, a Chiffchaff feeding around bushes at mudbank.

Additional to birds already posted, the ring-necked duck showed well at the north end of the ley around lunchtime feeding near the drake scaup, and a hybrid Aythya was at Torcross late afternoon - looked like tufted x red crested pochard.

Ring-necked duck

Duck goldeneye

Punk Aythya hybrid

Really sorry for the delay (and the lousy photo). This 1st cycle Caspian Gull was at Topsham Rec. for a few minutes only mid morning Monday. Looked for it since but no sign.

A bright sunny day but a strong biting northerly wind made birding difficult. Although not using the airfield, plenty of golden plover around as witnessed by 200+ flying NE. Skylarks around 30 and a scattering of Meadow Pipits.

Fieldfares at just over 50 were well down on the 585 of three days ago but a few more Redwings (c40). The Little Owl was showing well in its normal place.

[this is the image at 1000 pixels; previous email with text when with larger image]

First winter Knot at Dawlish Warren

A Knot feeding near the Visitor Centre gave exceptionally good views this afternoon, walking to within a metre or two of me as it fed in and around the puddles along the main track to the Centre. I've seen the occasional tame juvenile in early autumn, but this bird provided a great opportunity to look closely at its plumage. The pale edgings to the coverts, some retaining a dark terminal or subterminal marking, indicate that this a first winter bird. Presumably the same bird was photographed feeding a puddles in nearby Greenland Lake on 26 January (www.dawlishwarren.co.uk/birdjanuary13.html).  The tertials on the left wing are a bit 'lose', otherwise it seems in good condition and fly well only when chased by a dog!

There were 22 Waxwings along the A38 by Candy Tiles this afternoon. Although they were all initially in a birch tree some way back from the road, they finally flew to feed on the central reservation - but as soon as they had grabbed a berry or hip, they flew up into a large ash on the opposite side of the road.

2 drake Smew this afternoon in front of viaduct hide.

Popular venue today, a UK first for me with a sighting of a hen Marsh Harrier that flew down the length of the ley towards Tor Cross, Golden Eye at both ends of the Ley mostly the Tor Cross end in the bay from the corner to the far hide. Well over 100 Gadwall, large number of Tufted Duck, small numbers of both Widgeon and Shoveller. Scaup pointed out by another birder who found it mixed in with the Tufted Duck

Male Sparrow hawk in trees by the far hide

11 Little Grebe, single Great Crested Grebes dotted all around the ley. All the usualy residents on show.

I have never seen so many birds on the ley during previous visits nor the number of species on show, Kestrel and Raven seen on the approach to Slapton

Three black-necked grebes together on ley at Torcross. Also female scaup & 8 goldeneye here. Another female type scaup at north end.

Other selected peak counts on the ley 10 great-crested grebe, 8 little grebe, 138 gadwall, 270 tufted, 41 pochard, a single male shoveler & 193 coot. Ring-necked ducks not obvious but didn't look too hard. Singing Cetti's warbler!

Offshore: red-throated diver, 58 common scoter, gannet & 2 razorbill.

2 Water Pipit today far end of marsh, Please use path to right.

ENW

Still around 10 Waxwings feeding in the central reservation of the A38 yesterday afternoon, opposite Candy Tiles. They happened to be flying across the road to the trees by the old landfill site when I drove past. [Jeremy Barker]

Not much change recently, 13 Wigeon and 9 Gadwall on Wrafton pond this afternoon, and more of the Black-headed Gulls coming into summer plumage. In the reserve 3 Canada Geese (first this year) already pospecting? Sadly the island is still under water, so I dug a channel to try to drop the water level! Even in this cold and wind a Chiffchaff foraging.

Highlight of the morning at 07.50 a 1st winter Bewick's Swan flew onto T'stone Marsh - spooked by the resident Mute's it then flew off west ( could not be relocated on the Avon ) Increase in duck no's-

60 Teal, 25 Wigeon, 24 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall.

On South h Marsh - 100+ Wigeon, 50 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 15 Snipe, 4 Lapwing, and best views so far of the Ruff ( now present for 10 days )

Seawatching produced a Red T Diver ( on sea ) 78 Kittiwake , 10 Gannet , 7 Fulmar and a few Auks .

On the rocks 7 Turnstone

One Firecrest this morning in trees just west of sewage works. Also three Chiffs (one grey one) and lots of the usual tits and Goldcrests.

At least 60 Ravens flying above the woods at Topsham Bridge ( c 2kms northeast of Loddiswell ) this morning.

George Mudford took this flight shot of the Spotted Redshank

in Fremington Pill last Friday.

Rather strong cool wind and very little in the way of small bird species to be seen, count of 33 Mute Swans on the river, 2 Greenshank, small number of Redshank a couple of Dunlin and a few Curlew seen, more Curlew could be heard calling from further down river.

On the marsh a pair of Egyptian Geese, several Shelduck and Raven overhead. A single Water Rail seen in the leat alongside the marsh, very secretive went into cover and not seen again

Lots of Pied wagtails over 30 counted at one point but constant arrival and movement of birds made it difficult to count further, Wagtails were very aggresive towards the small number of Meadow Pipit present constantly chasing them away.

Pair of Stonechat on the way out seen almost constantly as they moved along the fence line ahead of us.

Little Egret feeding by tourist office very aggressive driving off both ducks and gulls, odd Redshank close to the quay. A couple of Black-headed Gulls with almost black heads

Estuary at New Bridge significant numbers of Shelduck and Redshank, pair of Red-breasted Merganser, small number of Widgeon, Oystercatcher, numerous Curlew, on a dropping tide the estuary was busy with a good number of birds generally.

A break of daylight  walk on a friends farm at Collaton St Mary, Paignton on the 2nd Feb, 33 species identified, highlights included brief sighting of a sulking Water Rail, Little Grebe, Merlin, Barn owl (3).

Also seen on the ground was a fully mature cock Reeves pheasant.

Good number of Bullfinch, 3 tail chasing Wrens, Heron, Raven, Buzzard, Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tits seen amongst the 33 species identified. Does not include calling Green Woodpecker which was heard but not seen.

07:20 – 10:20. The female Marsh Harrier was briefly over the reeds at the back of Ireland Bay shortly after arrival. The drake Ring-necked Duck and drake Scaup showed well at the northern end of the Lower Ley. 57 Common Scoters and singles of Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern and Red-throated Diver were offshore from the memorial car park.

At the Torcross end, two Black-necked Grebes still and 10 Goldeneyes including four drakes displaying. At around 09:45 a Bittern flew in and crash-landed into reeds after being mobbed by gulls.

A brief walk along the River Dart at Staverton late morning produced two Dippers, two Kingfishers and a pair of Goosanders.

Watched from the hide from 09:15 till 12:35

The curlew sandpiper again showed well at times in front of the hide less numbers today with the lower tide  but still 500+ dunlin, 600+ black tailed godwits, 250+ bar tailed godwits,4 grey plover, 5+ knot, 1 greenshank, 5+ pintail(3m,2f), 3 tufted duck(2m,1f) a female sparrowhawk was very active around the marsh , 2 raven, 24+ snipe, 2 cetti's warblers.

Hayes Barton - c400+ herring gull, c5/600+ black-headed gull, 2 mediterranean gull, 3+ yellowhammer, 1+ reed bunting, 22+ stock dove, 6 red-legged partridge and 10 common buzzard. The buzzards are usually sat in the field opposite the pig farm entrance and include a striking pale bird (pictured).

Shelly Beach - 2/3  - male black redstart showing well still around the apartments. Also 12+ goldeneye.

black redstart

pale common buzzard

 Weather poor but birds good.  Both Ring-necked Ducks showed well, the male and the male Scaup often together; the female still minding her own business at the Torcross end.  A Med Gull was on the Ley as were the Black-necked Grebes and in the bay were some 50 Scoter, 3 Great Northern Divers and a Slavonian Grebe. A Bittern showed really well in classic pose near the bridge.

Bittern

Waders on the rocks at 12.00 were 4 Purple Sandpiper ( highest count for 2 years ) and 3 Sanderling . Nothing offshore.

Very dull weather with a bit of drizzle, but good nonetheless. 1 great northern diver, 6 great crested grebes, 1 red necked grebe, 22 common scoter, 1 flyover shelduck, 8 purple sandpiper, 6 turnstone, hundreds of guillemots, 20+ razorbill, gannets and fulmars common. We picked up a bottle nosed dolphin which followed us all the way out to Berry Head and back to Brixham, occasionally splashing us as it played by the boat.

Common scoters off Paignton

Red necked grebe, central Torbay

Bottle nosed dolphin off Berry Head

Paul Kemp reports Ring-necked Duck and Scaup (both drakes)  at Slapton bridge today.

86 Redshank, 6 Greenshank, 38 Curlew, 3 Wigeon (one male) on the high tide on marsh.

41 Great Crested Grebes (>Goodrington) 26 Common Scoter (split up in several groups). 15 Cirl Buntings on seed in 2nd car park and 2 Reed Buntings. in marsh area 1 Firecrest, 1 Goldcrest 2 collybita Chiffchaffs.

Ringtail Hen Harrier hunting the northern half of the estuary and marshes late afternoon.

Just a single Golden Plover still with the Lapwings first thing this morning. Cold weather-wise, they think it's all over...

Highlight of a long walk from Crediton back to Exeter was gathering of about 150 Fieldfare, 50 Redwing, 300 Starling in pasture, and 12 Skylark in kale field, near to Newton St Cyres rail station. A further 70 odd Fieldfare in a stubble field gouged out by flood waters from the River Creedy.

Near East Youlestone farm, 1700-1800 hours.

Outrageous numbers of starlings going to their roost site.

3 bonus woodcock in same area. 

Watched from the hide from 08:05 till 12:15

A beautiful morning on the marsh after checking all the groups of dunlin finally located the Curlew sandpiper in front of the hide it quickly flew out of sight but soon returned giving great views to all in the hide, final count of dunlin was 710+ a new high count for me on the marsh, other counts were 1000+ black tailed godwits, 275+ bar tailed godwits, 356+ avocet, 200+ redshank,1 grey plover, 50+ snipe, 3 gadwall, 3 tufted duck(2m,1f), 7 pintail(3m,4f),450+ wigeon, 1 water rail, 1 kingfisher, 3 jay, 21+ redwing , 3 song thrush, 1 mistle thrush , 3 little grebes, peregrine and sparrowhawk, 2 buzzards, 20+ moorhen, 150+ teal, 1 common gull.

From topsham quay while waiting for the bus scanned the river and found the female long tailed duck down river towards turf.

A quick look around the  river by the mill on the exe pub in Exeter produced 2 grey wagtail and great views of a dipper and 5+ common gulls

further post:

2 Firecrest 'Quarry' Ireland Bay with 5 Goldcrest and single Chiff.  2 Blk Necked grebe Torcross on Ley, GN Diver and 66 Comm Scoter Start Bay

The Spotted Red was still there this morning but the rising tide drove it to roost on the railings with 75 Common Redshank, 2 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper. In the seaweed there were 9 Snipe. Also present was 1 Little Egret.
The highlight for me was 10 Shelduck squabbling over partners in mid stream.
Pics taken with a 600mm Astroscope used as a prime lens plus a 1.4x tc (a poor man's 600mm lens).

Little Egret

Shelduck

Shelduck

Whilst driving next to the Lower Ley this afternoon had a great view of a Bittern flying over the reeds. Also on the Ley Pochard, Gadwall, Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck.

Shooting at the far end of T'stone Marsh from first light resulted in duck flying off or relocating to the frontpool- 50 Teal, 30 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler.

At South Milton Ley -10+ Chiffchaff  Water Rail,  Cettis Warbler.

On South Huish marsh - 105 wigeon, 100+ Teal, 12 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 5 Snipe, 3 Lapwing.

Offshore a Great N Diver flew east.

AJL did the high tide wader count which produced - 1 Purple Sandpiper ( first of the winter ) 14 Ringed Plover, 7 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling.

At West Buckland 5 Siskin feeding in the Alders.

Although outside the patch a visit to Topsham Bridge  3 Marsh Tit and a Nuthatch on local garden feeders by the river

A few walks along different sections of the riverbank north of Dartington today,  not much on the water but heavy use by canoeists may have flushed off Goosanders etc. One drake Goosander and 2 Dippers , plus 10+ Muscovy Ducks,  near the old bridge south of Dartbridge Inn. Also lots of Muscovies near the steam rail station. At Staverton weir another Dipper.

12.00 - 3.15. 2 purple sandpiper on edge of rocks with a small flock of turnstones. An imm. male common scoter flew in and fed inshore to south of the sewer for a while. Not much out to sea, just a few feeding gannets and guillemots.

Walking out to the Point this morning a Kingfisher called &

was seen searching for food in the clear water of the rockpools

where the silt in suspension had settled out.

19 Common Scoters & 1 female Eider still present.

A conspiracy of 28 Ravens circling the fields above Baggy Point & 9 more joining the flock later.

Spotted Redshank feeding at Fremington Pill Sat 02/02/2013

Just after high tide 10.00-11.00am

Had an early morning walk around Berry Head, not much about but good to see 3 Ravens up by the Northern Fort. Some Gannets passing by, lets hope it will be better for boat trip in the morning. 

Best thing was 850+ Guillemots on the seabird colony, all ledges full and 90% were in breeding plumage. So are the birds being affected from northern colonys using this sea area or other local small colonys?

As Rob says, some great views of the Spotted Red as well as Grenshank in very close proximity. Not great light for photography but here are a couple more snaps to go with Rob's fine picture.

Spotted Redshank

Greenshank

Brief lunchtime vist produced 1 Green Sandpiper on the Northern most pool at Double Locks Wetland at about 1.20pm. The areas around the viewing screens are very muddy - you will need wellies!

Spotted Redshank showing well this morning.

George Mudford arrived with his big lens at exactly the same time as me again so I am hoping he has captured some excellent

shots as well. Also Roy Churchill who arrived later with his Astroscope - Happy Birthday Roy!