Willow Warbler - 2 juveniles recorded on Orcombe this morning. The first I've seen for a while.
A fly-over Spotted Redshank was the clear highlight on Orcombe this morning. A loud 'chew-it' stopped me in my tracks as a presumed juvenile (it had that lovely smoky look) flew overhead at speed, calling repeatedly as it headed towards the river mouth at 0737. Spotted Redshank is unbelievably rare in Exmouth. Years ago a bird used to winter off Mudbank but that was going back probably nearly twenty years. Since then I've had a 'heard only' record off West Lodge but that's it. Patch gold as they say! Also on Orcombe this morning - c30/40+ Yellow Wagtails commuting between the top fields and cattle, just up from the Geoneedle, 1 Wheatear, 2 Tree Pipits, 6+ Grey Wagtails, 5+ Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers, 6+ Chiffchaffs, 1 Greenshank, 1 or 2 Kestrels and the three Red-legged Partridges.
Off Mudbank - adult and juvenile Spoonbill (all day 'til 315pm), 11 Common Terns, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 15 Little Egrets, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 6 Whimbrel and the long-staying first-winter Yellow-legged Gull.
Brown Argus - my first record on Orcombe.
I've never known a Yellow-legged Gull stay this long. Still present this morning.
A stroll on Woodbury Common produced this Redstart, 2 Wheatear, 1 Whinchat and 9 Dartford Warblers along with a few other bits a pieces. I still haven't seen a Redstart on Orcombe this autumn...
I've been totally spoiled with Spoonbills the last couple of days. Today an adult and juvenile were present. I was even able to watch them from the house. I think today was the first time I've ever heard Spoonbills too. The juvenile was making begging calls to the adult - a rippling gull-like sound.
Guessing you are feeling much better now Matt? Well done on the Spotshank. I was amazed by the number of Yellow Wagtails you had in a photo in an earlier post. Don't think I've ever seen that number together in the UK!
ReplyDeleteI'll confess I don't think I've heard a Spoonbill before, but I don't see them that often.
Brown Argus is locally frequent around here & always a delight to encounter.
Hi Neil - yes much better now thank you but still no smell or taste, which is very annoying! We always get a good-sized flock of Yellow Wags lingering at this time of year but usually double the number. They tend to be mobile between cattle herds so not always easy to see/photograph. I think Brown Argus is getting more common locally but it's possible I've just overlooked them in the past. Good to hear from you as always. Hope all is well. Matt
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