Black-tailed Godwit - this lovely juvenile bird was off Mudbank yesterday, joined briefly by a Bar-tailed Godwit. This is only my third in Exmouth this year following two birds six days ago.
Off Mudbank this afternoon - 1 Osprey, 3 Greenshank, 11 Redshank, 6 Turnstone, 1 Dunlin, 3 Knot, 5 Whimbrel, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 240 Oystercatcher, 11 Wigeon and an impressive 81 Mute Swan (again no juveniles). A quick look at the top fields of Orcombe Point produced 8 Wheatear, c10/20+ Swallow, c5/10+ House Martin, 1+ Sand Martin, 1 Snipe and at least 30 Yellow Wagtail in with cattle.
Yesterday off Mudbank - 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Redshank, 11 Wigeon, 1 Sparrowhawk and 5 Whimbrel.
On the 27/8 - 7 Wigeon, 1 Turnstone, 1 Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Teal, 5 Sandwich Tern, 2 Common Tern and 9 juvenile Shelduck.
A sizeable Yellow Wagtail flock was feeding amongst three separate cattle herds on Orcombe Point this afternoon. I had a minimum of thirty birds in the air at any one time but I'm certain there were more birds present. Photographing them was very difficult but hopefully, as in previous years, birds will linger and present further photographic opportunities.
This Osprey appeared from nowhere at around 1350, and fished close off Mudbank as the tide crept in, quickly succeeding and heading off across the river.
I guess your Yellow Wags are similar to mine - flighty as anything! They simply do not pose!!
ReplyDeleteHi Gav - yes very tricky and mostly hidden in long grass. On the rare occasions they perch up in the hedge the light's wrong or there are branches in the way. How thoughtless of them! Good to hear from you. All the best. Matt
ReplyDeleteLovely Osprey, Matt. Lots of scarce migrants passing through her though I've only connected with Yellow Wagtail & several Tree Pipits. Yet to connect with Redstarts or flycatchers.
ReplyDeleteHi Neil - pleased to get the Osprey close - they're normally way out over the river. Like you I've not had Redstart of flycatchers recently. Meadow Pipits are just starting to go through but the bushes are birdless! All the best. Matt
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