5 hours in a car park!

On Saturday I went to the DBWPS meeting at Broadsands, Paignton. It was gloomy with a strong & very cold wind, but at least it didn't rain. We met in the car park, and stayed there for most of the day! There are actually three car parks, only one of which is actually in use. The other two are closed to cars & are bordered by lots of bushes & trees with a narrow pond in between them. This all makes for a nice habitat for any birds passing through, or looking for a nice spot to over-winter.

Unfortunately it was actually really quiet, possibly due to the wind which was keeping everything down. The only birds I saw in the smaller closed car park was a Goldcrest & a couple of Greenfinch. Onto the larger closed car park where there was a Grey Wagtail & a Rock Pipit on the boggy patch in front of the beach huts & quite a few Cirl Buntings on the seeds that are regularly put down for them. The highlight of the day came as we were watching the Cirls when a Firecrest put in a brief appearance. Unfortunately only two of us saw it, despite staking out the corner of the car park for quite a while. Whilst most of us were up the adjoining footpath checking out the back of the hedge, David caught a brief glimpse of it as it left that hedge & flew into the mass of brambles on the south side of the car park. We waited there for ages but unfortunately it didn't re-appear.

Cirl Bunting & Firecrest stake out

We had a quick look at the sea whilst trying to shelter from the wind. There were a few Common Scoter & Great Crested Grebes which were visible occasionally between the waves, and several Fulmars, but that was about it. We then had a wander up a farm track towards Elberry Cove, but that was pretty quiet as well.

After lunch we had another go at finding the Firecrest. There was a lot of activity in the bushes with quite a few Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tits & a Chiffchaf, and a Sparrowhawk flew low across the car park & along the pond looking for a snack. There seemed to be more Cirl Buntings than in the morning & they were now joined by several Reed Buntings. We tried to count the Cirls but they were very jumpy making an accurate count impossible, although there were at least 10. We explored the paths out the back of the car park, where a Blackcap & Bullfinch were seen, although I missed them both.

Action! I think that was the Bullfinch flying off!

Eventually we gave up on the Firecrest & left at about 3.30pm, by which time our numbers had dwindled from the original 16 to a hard core of 7. Maybe '5 hrs in a car park' is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much! Still, we enjoyed ourselves!

Exminster Marsh

On Friday I went along to the DBWPS meeting at Exminster Marsh. I was glad I'd put on lots of layers as it was freezing, with a really biting wind. We were a big group, I didn't count but there must have been about 18 of us. We met at the RSPB car park and started off by checking the fields from the railway bridge.  A couple of Goldcrests in the bushes directly below us gave excellent views of their crests, and two of us saw a Water Rail making a dash into the reeds. We then had a slow wander down Station Road towards the canal, the best on offer were 5 Pintail, the first I've seen this year, 30 Golden Plover and a Dunlin with a limp!

The Devon Birders forming a rolling road block!

A bit of sun would have been nice!

The  usual selection of ducks were on the ponds but it was all pretty quiet. We stopped at Turf Lock for our sandwiches and checked out the estuary. There were quite a few Avocet,  some Grey Plover, and 5 Red-breasted Merganser in the channel.

Checking the estuary

We walked back along the cycle track & were treated to a hurtling Peregrine. A Water Rail dashed across a gateway but was only seen by the same two of us that had seen the one earlier in the day. The Peregrine then put on a good show for us as we walked back up Station Road when it chased a Snipe right over our heads.

Five of us decided to go on to Exminster village in search of the Rose-coloured Starling that's been there for a couple of months. We parked up in the village car park & walked to Milbury Lane. We only had to wait for about 15 minutes before it showed itself. We didn't get to see it for long before it disappeared again, but at least we'd seen it. We tried going into the churchyard & allotments behind Milbury Lane, but didn't find it again. At least I saw my first Blackcap of the year.

Waiting for the Rose-coloured Starling in Exminster

Myself & Jonathan then went on to Dart's Farm to see if our luck would hold. It did! As we approached the hide we saw a Brambling on the bird feeder, and the American Wigeon was at the front edge of a flock of Wigeon in front of the hide. There was also a Peregrine on the ground eating a Lapwing, until it was chased off by a couple of crows. A great end to another fun days birding!

View from the Dart's Farm hide. The American Wigeon is out there...honest Gov!

I haven't been out birding on my patch much recently, although I did have a very pleasant wander up the estuary from Mudbank Lane to Lympstone during the week, adding 6 more birds to my Patch List (Goldeneye, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin,  Common Gull & Water Rail). My birding isn't exactly taking a back seat at the moment, but it's certainly sharing the front seat with cycling. We're in training for a cycle trip this Summer, and judging by my current performance, we need to fit in all the training we can!

The Exe Estuary, a great place to walk or cycle

Pied-billed Grebe

On Saturday we'd planned a trip to Shepton Mallet so that Simon could go to the Classic bike show at the Bath & West Showground.  I hadn't decided what I'd do whilst he was in there until I checked Birdguides just before we left home. A Pied-billed Grebe had appeared at Ham Wall RSPB 30 mins away from the show, so that was my day sorted as it's a bird I've only ever seen in the USA. I dropped Simon off & headed to the reserve, making my way straight to the 2nd viewing platform. There were quite a few people there but the Grebe had disappeared behind the reeds just before I arrived. It was a lovely morning & I was in no hurry, so I was quite happy to wait. It was only about 15 minutes before the Pied-billed Grebe appeared & gave us excellent views, coming in close to the viewing platform. I'd forgotten my camera so couldn't even try for a record shot, but at least I had my phone with me.

My first Twitch of 2013....I feel better for a 'fix'!

There was also a Great White Egret visible from the 1st viewing platform. Last year we made a special trip on 17th Feb for the Great White Egret, not knowing that I'd be seeing loads during the year.

I've been out on my patch quite a bit recently, although I haven't seen a lot. Trips to the Otter Estuary,  Exmouth front, Orcombe Point & Sandy Bay have increased my Patch List to a still measly 59.

I've started...

I've finally managed to get myself into gear & been out & about with the scope. I spent an hour at Exmouth front on Friday morning, although I didn't see anything of note. Before I left I had a wander around the bushes on The Maer (a small common behind Exmouth sea front), there's always lots of activity there and I'm hoping that if I check it often enough I may actually find something good!

The Maer

Yesterday I went down to the Exmouth docks development. I was hoping to find the Black Redstart that was mentioned on Birdguides a while ago. There were 9 Red-breasted Mergansers on the estuary, so at least I added to my Patch List. I felt I bit suspicious milling the flats with my bins! On my second lap, I was walking along the path beside the estuary when a heard snatches of the PA from the Stuart Line bird cruise which had just set off, to the effect that it's worth checking the docks for Black Redstart. At that exact moment a lovely adult male Black Redstart landed on the wall just ahead of me! I only had my little Lumix camera with me, but I was about to take a record shot when another birder appeared around the corner & frightened it off. It didn't go far, flitting between the roofs of Windward & Leeward Court, but it was now too high for even a record shot. It's exactly the same place that I found my Black Redstart last year, so maybe it's the same individual.

Leeward & Windward Ct. The Black Redstart has expensive taste!

The Stuart Line bird cruise 

Late in the afternoon I walked up to Sandy Bay but there were just 3 Great Crested Grebes for me to focus my bins on.  I don't remember seeing any reports from there - whether this is because it doesn't get checked much or nothing interesting stops, I don't know.  I'll hopefully find out this year!

My Patch List is now on 47, having added Pied Wagtail, Great-black Backed Gull, Starling, Red-breasted Merganser & Black Redstart. That shows how little I've been out!!

Budleigh & beyond

Yesterday was the DBWPS meeting at the Otter Estuary. We were showered on just after we arrived but after that it wasn't bad, just a bit windy.

When we were there in November, there was a large tree wedged in the White Bridge which has now been removed, although the bridge hasn't been repaired yet. The footpath to the coast that was partially washed away in the floods has been repaired, although the path is closed North of the bridge for works.

White Bridge in need of repair

There were reasonable numbers of Wigeon & Teal in the scrapes, along with quite a few Curlew, about 50 Snipe, a couple of Lapwings & Redshanks & a Knot.

Down at the front the only birds to be seen were 2 Brent Geese on the sea & a couple of Oystercatchers & a Turnstone on the rocks. It was difficult to look through the scopes as we were battered from behind by a strong wind. Jonathan's scope got blown over in the wind & broke in half! Luckily it turned out not to be as catastrophic as it at first appeared. The scope has a 'stay-on' cover &  presumably, over time, the front half had become unscrewed & falling over was just the last straw. When it was screwed back together, it worked perfectly!

Walking back along the rear of the reserve

A Chiffchaff was very obliging in the same spot as last year.

We followed the path North of South Farm Road for a little way, but it was very boggy & we didn't find anything. Time for lunch, then a few of us headed off to Ladram Bay sewage works. Us birders go to all the nicest places! It was really windy standing on the cliff edge, so I hung on tight to my scope. There were 19 Red-throated Divers in the bay, which I thought was Ladram Bay, but when I looked it up later it's actually Chiselbury Bay. I've never seen that many divers together before. There was also one Great Crested Grebe & a Guillemot on the water & a few Fulmars flying close to the cliff.

Looking East towards Ladram Bay

A windy sea watch

We checked out the bushes around the sewage works, but the only thing that moved was a Dunnock.
Another good day out & we didn't even freeze! I had 40 species on my list, 19 of which are going on my Patch List as I've finally managed to define my Patch for the year. I've drawn a 5km radius around home which takes in the bottom of the Otter Estuary, so the morning session was putting birds on the List, which is still truly pathetic at 42! I must admit that I haven't actually put in any effort yet, but that's about to change!

My Patch

The Axe Estuary

Last Thursday (24th) I went to my first DBWPS meeting of the year at Seaton. We met up by the bridge & went in search of the Black Redstart that's been frequenting the yacht club & front. It wasn't long before it was sighted & we all had a good look as it hopped along the drives & walls of the houses along the front. Out to sea was a Red-throated Diver which spent most of its time under water.

We then walked up the estuary to Coronation Corner. We were quite a large group so it was pretty cosy!

Playing sardines on the platform; David & Wally formed a breakaway group!

We added quite a few birds to the list including Black & Bar-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, Lesser & Great Black-backed Gulls & Common Gull.

Then lunch in the car park at Black Hole Marsh before visiting the Tower Hide, where we added a rather nice Med Gull to the list. As a couple of us lagging behind passed the viewing platform near the field studies centre, a wader flew off which we managed to identify it as a Green Sandpiper. We all had a better look on the way back when we found it lurking in the far corner.

Snowy hills from the Tower Hide

Work was in full swing by the field studies centre where they're building a new & rather impressive looking Sand Martin & bat wall. We were also impressed by the new artwork inside the centre.

Sand Martin/ bat wall under construction

Admiring some of the art work

A slightly smaller group of us continued on to the hide at Colyford Common, where we added Greylag Goose to the list. It wasn't until later when I read some of the local blogs that I discovered that this is actually quite a good bird for the Axe. We also added Rock Pipit, Stonechat & Golden Plover to the list.

It was all a bit boggy & slippery underfoot. This was evidenced by Ian who ended up head first in a ditch! Luckily he was uninjured, as were his optics....although he did have a soggy bottom!

 Bob helps Ian out of the ditch whilst Jonathan takes care of the scope

In the car park as we were getting ready to leave we saw an impressive flock of about 1000 Golden Plover flying above the estuary. A good way to end the day.

As usual, it had been an enjoyable trip. I ended up with 50 species on my list, and I missed a few, including a Peregrine & a Sparrowhawk.

Last year this was my inaugural trip with the Devon Birders Group. It's useful to visit new places with people who know the area...I'm sure there were quite a few birds on my 2012 list that wouldn't have been there  if I hadn't joined up.  And, more importantly, the trips are always a good day out with a very friendly bunch!

Switzerland

I had 11 fantastic days visiting my friend Mary in Switzerland from 11th Jan. As I'm still de-toxing after my 2012 Year List race, I only had one bird on my wish list.....a Wallcreeper. I've tried for one several times before in Switzerland & the Pyrenees, but never managed to find one.

After lunch on 16th we set off to Burgdorf (North East of Berne), where a Wallcreeper often visits the cliffs during the winter. We spent 2 hours standing in freezing temperatures checking out the 3 cliff faces beside the river. As the light was starting to go, I was scanning with the scope when I finally came across a Wallcreeper & shouted to Mary who had wandered off to get a different view of the cliff. When she didn't appear & I couldn't hear the sound of running feet, I looked up to see her sauntering back towards me....she thought I was kidding. My frantic waving & shouting finally resulted in some speedy movement (well as fast as you can run on ice) & luckily the Wallcreeper was still there. It was amazing to watch  it flutter across the cliff face, looking very moth-like as it flashed its red wing patches. It hung about just long enough for Mary to digiscope a photo, before disappearing into a small hole for the night. To say we were pleased would be my first gross understatement of the year. We celebrated, & defrosted, over an alcoholic coffee in a local bar.

Wallcreeper hunting at the Burgdorf cliffs

The elusive Wallcreeper....

We only had one other specific birding trip, to Biel (North West of Berne). The area has 6 species of Woodpeckers, including Grey-headed & Middle Spotted. We had a very nice walk, but didn't find a Woodpecker of any variety.

We did see a few good birds on a walking trip to Diemtigtal (South of Berne). We found a few Alpine Chough in the village of Oey, although it was a shame that we hadn't arrived 20 minutes earlier when about 30 of them had been tucking into seed put out by an elderly local resident. We then came across a mixed flock of Willow & Marsh Tits. After a year of listening out for a Willow Tit, it was nice to finally hear one, all be it in the wrong year & wrong country! We actually got pretty good views of both of them, the most noticeable difference being the more definite white cheek of the Willow Tit. The only other notable birds were an unexpected Nutcracker (Mary thought we were too low to find one) & a Crested Tit.

Alpine Chough

Nutcracker

Marsh Tit...unfortunately I didn't manage to capture a Willow or Crested Tit

We tried a spot of snow-shoeing, which even Mary had never tried before. It was an excellent way to explore the mountains. We followed signed snow-shoe routes, which took us to areas of pristine forest, well away from the beaten track & other people. The views were stunning & the silence golden..... I would thoroughly recommend it.