Seaton update

Just a brief post to say that Colyford Common was unproductive at the weekend so I gave Tower Hide a go. Three Shoveler were still present on BHM and a 2ndWinter Med Gull stood out on the estuary. A lone male Wheatear graced the fenceposts between the Borrow Pit and Black Hole but otherwise very quiet.

Migrants

          A rare opportunity to get down to Colyford Common yesterday meant that I saw my first 3 Wheatears of the year. Also present in the field adjacent to the 'Goose Fair' area was a flock of 50 Fieldfare.
        On Black Hole we've still got at least 5 Shovelers and 2 Greenshank. The next couple of days look promising but work will be getting between me and my migrants again. Although I suppose it's possible I could get a hirundine fly over work or from the bus!

Freya and the Mandarins

       It's typical, isn't it? You aren't even birding as such but you have your bins with you. Before heading into town after the bus you have a quick scan of the sea and - Gordon Bennet! - three Mandarin Ducks (2 drakes!) are really close in off Fisherman's Gap, Seaton. I suppose that's my reward for a hundred fruitless post-bus scans. No camera, no scope to get a smartphone image with. At least the power of Twitter is there to ensure that others can grab a record shot of your Storm Freya bounty under such circumstances (well done Steve).
      Apparently we've not had a drake on patch since many moons past so I have to say I'm quite pleased all things considered. The only question I have is 'Where did they come from?' Continental birds? Comments welcome!