Latest Stuff

The estuary was particularly bleak and grey-looking this morning - the strong southerly wind forcing birds to keep their heads down, and fine drizzle making conditions generally unpleasant. Still good numbers of Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Wigeon and Pintail though, and at least 30 Redshank further upriver towards Lympstone.

Maer Rocks from 0710 - 2 Purple Sandpiper, 18+ Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 10+ Common Scoter and a Red-throated Diver south. Late this afternoon, whilst walking the dog, a Tern sp (presumably Sandwich) flew south along the beach.

Mudbank produced a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull a Redwing and a Siskin.

On arrival at Warren View Playing Fields I had the Serin (0840) in the usual spot. It flew up from weeds into a large Buddleia, where it hopped around for a while calling a lot, and then shot out  across the pitches towards Mudbank. It's definitely becoming more nervous,flighty and wide-ranging, and is less inclined to stay in the usual corner. I suspect some birders are standing a little too close at times. I'd recommend getting no closer than in line with the red bus and employing a degree of patience. Also there, at least 1 Chiffchaff still and 30+ Redwing over.

Yesterday I had good views of a Firecrest in Sallows beside the Maer Long-stay Car Park, and on 6/11 the Black Brant and a single female Gadwall were off Mudbank late afternoon.