Red Kites

Today's third Red Kite tracking high east at 1445.

I only stuck an hour on Orcombe Point this morning. It was quickly evident that little had arrived overnight with only 2 Whitethroat and 2 Wheatear making the notebook. The early start was barely justified by 5 Whimbrel, 5 Turnstone and a Sanderling on Maer Rocks. Offshore just 8+ Sandwich Tern and 4 Great Crested Grebe.

Lu and I have done a bit of pottering around the garden today as the kids have been busy doing bits and pieces. I kept an eye on the sky and the river and managed to log 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, c30+ Whimbrel, 26 Dunlin and 1 Grey Wagtail. Best of all though was 3 Red Kites. The first went high east at 1150 and the next north, upriver just minutes later. It passed over Cockwood and Starcross before losing height over Powderham and continuing towards Exminster. The third went high east at 1445.

After yesterday I was hoping for a few more terns. This Sandwich was one of just 8+ off Maer Rocks early morning.

 

Four of the five Whimbrel on Maer Rocks this morning.