Ruff Stuff & Phals

Heron Gang, BHM, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

That Grey Phalarope, BHM, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

The Grey Herons seem to be roaming around in groups of six or more just now. Must be adolescents. As for our Phalarope friend, it seems quite settled...

Grey Phalarope by Walkway, BHM, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

Grey Phalarope, BHM, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

If you thought it was a black-and-white bird, its legs provide a bit of colour now and again. Anyway, I ventured up to Colyford Common where it's not just those Blackwits that have been feeding near the boardwalk...

Ruff, Coly Common, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept. '17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept. '17 (Copyright T D Wright)

They came even closer when I sat down on the boardwalk to photograph them. Seemed quite curious...

Ruff, Coly Common, 23/09/2017 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

But carried on feeding...

Ruff, C.C., Sep. 17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

And preening. There were 2 males and a female but they seemed to be getting along as a trio...

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept. '17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruffs & Reeve, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruffs & Reeve, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

A little stretching was required.

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept. '17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruffs x3, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Then they waved goodbye! But what a show it was...

Ruff, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Ruff & Reeve, Coly Common, Sept.'17 (Copyright T D Wright)

Last night I realised they were still at Coly Common but there were 2 new ones on BHM. Eventually, all 5 got together on the estuary before flying North. Maybe back to Coly Common? Otherwise, there was still a Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Little Stints and several Yellow Wagtails at Black Hole.