Ducks

Drake Red-breasted Merganser - one of four off Mudbank today. Otherwise just 23 Pintail of note.

The Velvet Scoter and a couple Great Crested Grebes were off Maer Rocks first thing this morning. A flock of 39 Dark-bellied Brent Geese was on the rocks - no doubt feeding up in preparation for their imminent journey back east. 

I made a couple trips up to Blackhill Quarry/Bicton Common today - initially with my good friend and neighbour Neil, and then again pre-dusk. Totals included the drake Ring-necked Duck, 7 Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Teal, 2 Goosanders, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 15 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Dartford Warbler, 2 Siskins  and 37 Fieldfares. Good to bump into Rupert and Keith today.

The Velvet Scoter was again off Maer Rocks this morning - this appalling record shot was the best I could manage!

Drake Tufted Duck - one of seven on Blackhill Quarry pool today.

Just a pair of Goosanders in to roost this evening.

Starcross (and Herring Gull) from Mudbank.

The view from Exmouth Quay this afternoon.

Two trips up to Blackhill Quarry today - the Ring-necked Duck remained asleep and mostly hidden but popped out to feed this evening.