Two of at least three Bearded Tits in the Exe reedbeds this morning. Picked up on the twangy 'pings' but always bloody miles away, unfortunately. You need a windless day to stand any chance with this species, as the M5 motorway bridge noise hampers detection.
I had to do an Aldi weekly shop this morning, so combined it with a stroll down the Exe, from the swing bridge to about a quarter of a mile beyond the Old Sludge Beds. Species encountered included 3+ Bearded Tits, 3 Goldcrests, 6+ Chiffchaffs, 11+ Cetti's Warblers, 8+ Snipe, 1 Goosander, 10+ Gadwall, 12+ Wigeon, 29 Teal, 4+ Reed Buntings, 17 Redwing and 1 Shelduck.
Following a few jobs, I went for a long walk this afternoon, picking up a Black Redstart in the Shelly Beach area, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose on the Imperial rugby ground, 2 Blackcaps and a Firecrest along Madeira walk, 2 Stonechats on the Maer and 2 Chiffchaffs alongside the Maer long-stay carpark, along with 6 Ring-necked Parakeets which were gorging on a fruiting ornamental tree.
The Exe reedbeds are big and picking anything out is difficult in even the gentlest of breezes. Today it was damp, foggy, cold and still.
Goosander - think the white loral markings makes this a juvenile.
Snipe.
Exmouth seafront this afternoon. Nice and clear looking south but lingering fog looking towards the river in the opposite direction...
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