Black-throated Diver quite close offshore past the lifeboat station. I can probably count on one hand the number of BtDs Ive seen in Exmouth (though I suspect a number of 'diver sp' over the years have been this species) so I was dead chuffed with today's bird.
I looked at the sea from the raised beach huts for the first hour after dawn. A Black-throated Diver was the highlight. Several Gannets plus small numbers of auks and Kittiwakes passed along with 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 diver sp and 2 Great Northern Divers.
Mudbank - c60+ Mallard, c200+ Pintail, 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, 9+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 1 Peregrine amongst the usual other bits and bobs.
At West Lodge - 1 Firecrest, 3 Chiffchaffs and a Stonechat.
Maer long-stay carpark - 1 Siskin and 3 Chiffchaffs.
A short Blackhill Quarry dog-walk, late yesterday afternoon, produced 2 very vocal Firecrests (Frying Pans carpark), 2 redhead Goosanders, 1 Little Grebe and a drake Tufted Duck.
Not sure what to make of this. Hybrid Wigeon x Pintail? If so, it seems hard to believe it's the regular returning bird but I guess a move out of September eclipse plumage (to more Wigeon-like plumage) could explain why I haven't clocked it in several weeks. The photo below was taken on 25/9/24.
This massive (presumed immature female) Peregrine was again targeting Bar-tailed Godwits off Mudbank and causing pandemonium. No kill whilst I was there today but I've already seen it take two and I've no doubt it will be back for more!
Stonechat - West Lodge.
Firecrest - West Lodge. Presumably the regular individual.
BTD is still a rare prize for me off the coast here. Seawatching-wise I've had 7 definites in 20 years. Well impressed that you got a photo!
ReplyDeleteIt seems a very long time since there were up to 10 on the sea off Branacombe! Well, I suppose March 2005 *is* a long time ago! 😄 Can't see that happening again in the near future.
Enjoy your posts as always, Matt. 😊👍
Hi Gav - rare for me too (four in last 10 years) but l'm reluctant to claim anything but properly-seen birds. Most are just too distant and often when visibility isn't great. Should really be ruling out Pacific Diver too! Couldn't quite believe I fluked a photo!
ReplyDeleteGreat too hear from you. Still thoroughly enjoying your exploits in West Bay but more than a little gripped by your Casps. Feel like I'm long overdue another in Exmouth. All the best. Matt.
That peregrine is massive!
ReplyDelete