Juvenile Whinchat - Orcombe Point
The whistling of Wigeon whilst emptying the moth trap this morning persuaded me to check Mudbank before Orcombe Point. An influx of 56 Teal was notable among c200+ Mallard, 2 Pintail and 20 Wigeon, although I suspect there were more as part of the flock was just out of sight. Also present - at least half a dozen Mediterranean Gulls and 3 Whimbrel. Two north-bound Tree Pipits and 2 Grey Wagtails got me jumping in to the car and heading up to Orcombe Point for 7am.
It was quieter than expected up there but a two hour wander, followed by a brief mid-afternoon return visit, produced the following: 15+ Wheatears, 2 Whinchats, 5 Tree Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 'Alba' Wagtails, 1 Redstart, 5+ Yellow wagtails, 1+ Willow Warbler, 3+ Whitethroats, 5+ Chiffchaffs and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Juvenile Whinchat with Dawlish Warren in the background.
The first Redstart of the autumn on Orcombe Point.
Wheatear - 15+ was probably an absolute minimum count. Some birds were seen going straight over quite high up and there were at least a dozen still knocking around this afternoon, which may have been different to those counted this morning.
Record shot of the Lesser Whitethroat. I never have any luck photographing this species. They are scarce migrants on Orcombe and invariably very elusive. This is probably the first photo of one featured on this blog.
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