Two of this morning's three Ospreys from the back garden. I was disappointed not to get all three in the same shot as they were circling close together when I first picked them up (click on photo to enlarge).
A light scattering of migrants on Orcombe this morning (0615 - 0810) included 2 Wheatear, 1 Willow Warbler, 14+ Yellow Wagtail (with at least 4 more in with cattle at Maer Farm), 7+ Tree Pipit, 1 Jay and 1 Spotted Flycatcher. An adult Mediterranean Gull was off Maer Rocks.
I got back home for some breakfast and set the scope up in the back garden. Three Osprey circling the river together at 0920 were a bit unexpected. Two then spent some time fishing off Mudbank. I suspect the third may have been the long-staying individual but that's pure speculation, based on the fact that there was plenty of interaction between the three as I watched them. Also adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Whimbrel and a Greenshank off Mudbank today.
Yesterday an Osprey was off Mudbank at around 3pm. Also off there 1 Greenshank, 7+ Whimbrel and 1 Mediterranean Gull. Late in the evening c30/40+ Common Tern came in to roost on Cockle Sands and 3 Gadwall off Mudbank was an unusual summer record. A Yellow Wagtail flew over the house in the morning, and at least 6 were watched in with cattle at Maer Farm.
Two Wheatear seen on Orcombe this morning. Above and below are the same bird.
Portland Ribbon Wave - Bristol Schools Camp - found resting beside an outside light. I had 3 in the same place last summer. There's clearly a well-established colony here, of this formerly very rare moth.
Gadwall - present with 2 females late yesterday evening. Always a good bird in Exmouth. The Mallard flock currently numbers c100+ birds which is under half the number we normally get.
Adult Mediterranean Gull - white ring, right tarsus 33B6 I think but not certain.
Spotted Flycatcher - my first on Orcombe this autumn.
One of at least 4 Yellow Wagtails in with cattle at Maer Farm this morning. At least 14 went over Orcombe Point earlier on.
Nice to see the yellow wags Matt. I had a small flock of about 10 in amongst cattle at the Otter this morning too ... but no Ospreys!
ReplyDeleteHi Nick - you'll have to sacrifice some quality now you're not in Exmouth! Trust you're settling in nicely. All the best. Matt
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think the chance of the Yellow Wagtails still being at Maer Farm and/or Orcombe Point today is. And we're the ones at Orcombe Point landed or flying over. Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteHi - I'd say there's a very good chance. We usually get lingering birds around cattle in late August. All others recorded were flyovers. They're all but guaranteed on fine clear mornings on Orcombe. All the best. Matt
DeleteThanks Matt, having just looked out of the window I think I will be trying for them tomorrow!
ReplyDelete