Groppers

One of three Whimbrels off Mudbank this afternoon.

Three reeling Grasshopper Warblers (only one actually seen) in the top fields this morning. Other migrants on Orcombe included 6 Willow Warblers, 9 Chiffchaffs, 4 Blackcaps, 2 Wheatears, 1 Swallow and 8 Black-headed Gulls. Two distant, offshore wader species were probably Whimbrels. Otherwise of minor note - 2 Collared Doves, 2 Red-legged Partridges, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Mallard.

A quick look off Mudbank, before Joel's football kicked off - 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 8 Redshank, 1 Turnstone, 3 Whimbrel and 1 Sandwich Tern. Earlier, around 11am whilst walking the dog, all gulls and Oystercatchers on the river took to the air. Only an Osprey (or something bigger) usually has that effect but I couldn't find the culprit. A pair of Reed Buntings at West Lodge are potential breeders - my first in Exmouth this year.

Just prior to dark, off Mudbank - 35 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls and 25+ Sandwich Terns.

Green-winged Orchids - Orcombe Point.

 This very black-looking Lesser Black-backed Gull (compare with GBBG to the left) was off Mudbank this afternoon. Would have liked a closer look but it wasn't ringed.