As I got out of the car, first thing this morning, I could hear a Spotted Flycatcher calling - my first in Exmouth this year and a bird back on its regular territory beside Bystock Pool. Whilst trying (unsuccessfully) to photograph it I picked up this day-roosting Nightjar - high up in a pine, so very difficult to photograph. Also at Bystock this morning - 1 Cuckoo calling, 8 Tufted Ducks, 1 Moorhen, 15 drake Mallard, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Stock Dove, 1 singing Willow Warbler and 1 singing Firecrest amongst the commoner stuff.
Not a lot else today but a Red Kite low east over Orcombe at around 3pm and a female Kestrel hunting the top fields.
On the 8th - 2 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat and a flock of c50+ Linnets being harangued by a Sparrowhawk. The Reed Warbler was still singing from West Lodge reedbed.
On the 7th - off Mudbank - 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 37 Whimbrel.
The Tufted Ducks seem to be enjoying Bystock pool this year. Eight birds again this morning (5 males, 3 females). Fifteen mallard too.
The Terrapins were removed from Bystock pool a while back but at least one has since been introduced.
Nightjar - day-roosting male - Bicton Common. Good to locate a Tree Pipit on territory nearby. Lets hope it breeds successfully. There should be loads up on the pebbled heaths but most years I don't see any. No shortage of Meadow Pipits up there though.
My first Heath Spotted Orchids of the year. A little earlier than I usually see them.
My initial view of Tuesday's Black-tailed Godwit in terribly harsh light. It's elegant silhouette suggested Black-tailed Godwit but I had to wait for it to move to confirm. Its shape made me wonder if 'limosa' should be considered, and once in better light its light orange colouration raised my interest a bit more. Assuming it's in first-summer plumage I don't think there's any sure way of telling.
