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!

Seaton update

Just thought I'd post as I haven't in a while. The lone Barwit was hiding among the Blackwits on Black Hole Marsh on Wednesday evening(27th). Also present were 2 each of Greenshank and Dunlin. Nothing else other than what's always about despite checking Seaton Marshes too.

Late November Whimbrel

       Having worked on Saturday I couldn't resist the opportunity of getting to Tower Hide on Sunday afternoon. It was well worth it too as the Whimbrel that Steve Waite reported the other day is still with us; a very late date for here. Amongst the throng of Curlew, Blackwit and Redshank there was also a lone Bar-tailed Godwit. Looking behind me onto Black Hole Marsh, I noticed that 4 Cattle Egrets were loitering with intent to roost nearby. It then got too dark which was a shame as we still had Dunlin and a good chance of more waders & ducks.
      Around Colyton, the Redwings, Mistle Thrushes and a lone Fieldfare were about today (Tuesday) but no Brambling among the Chaffinches yet. Still, we've got all winter for those now...

Black Redstart 12/11/18

Black Redstart, West Walk (Seaton), 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

Black Redstart, West Walk (Seaton) 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

Black Redstart, Seaton 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

Black Redstart, Seaton 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

I also managed a brief foray along West Walk in the strong winds on Monday and was rewarded with superb views of the cracking male Black Redstart. Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail were there too. None at the Yacht Club but the wind might have been keeping them down as Dave Helliar had three around the harbour next day. Lots of low-flying Redwing and Chaffinch the last couple of mornings over Colyton picnic site and Harepath Road, Seaton. More Mistle Thrush about too.

Arctic Tern Pics 12/11/18

Arctic Tern , Seaton 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

Arctic Tern + BH Gull, Seaton 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

Arctic Tern, Seaton 12/11/18 (Copyright T D Wright)

I couldn't post these the other day but here's some of my Arctic Tern shots. This bird may have been present since the 6th as Mike Hill reported a 1st Winter tern on the estuary that day. He wasn't sure which 'Commic' it was though so it's great that Steve Waite caught up with it on Saturday (or another?!) as this is a rare treat around here. Sandwich, Common and even Black Tern are more common on the estuary than Arctic. I have seen Arctic on the Axe before but that bird wasn't such a stayer. It's great that a good number of locals got to enjoy and photograph this one. It's all about location sometimes, isn't it?