Blog

20 November 2023

River Exe

Managed to fit in a few visits to the river Exe between Cockwood steps and Turf hotel, sadly not long enough but enough to get a feel for what is going on.

Great to see all the Geese, Brent and Canada in large numbers, single Greylag and Domestic farm geese mixed in, reports of Barnacle goose as well but sadly not seen by me.

Also sadly not seen by me was the Short eared Owl but Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Kestrel all seen.

Waders in plentiful supply with Avocet, Curlew, Godwits, Grey and Golden Plover, Oystercatchers, Red and Greenshanks, Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Lapwing all seen.

Other water birds seen were Mute Swans, Grey Heron, Cattle and Little Egrets, Cormorants, Moorhen, Coot, Shelducks, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Widgeon, Kingfisher, Great-black Backed, Herring and Black-headed Gulls.

Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Wren, Robin, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Stonechat, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Pheasant.

Lots of humans about and plenty with cameras, great to see Dave B!

12 November 2023

Out and About

With the exception of spending some time at Brixham Harbour my last couple of weeks has been spending time, the odd hour here and there in between rain showers, seeing family and working.

Spent time around the River Exe, Aylesbere, Seaton Wetlands, Exminster Marshes and Dartmoor.

Some places like Exminster and Seaton Wetlands were difficult to walk around because of flooding, but Yarner and Aylesbere were great and lots seen. Winter Thrushes on Dartmoor are starting to build up and Ducks, Geese and other water birds are also starting to build in numbers. Sea birds with the storms have been putting on a show close to the shore and with the storms the Beaches have been great for finds so defiantly a lot to see if you want to put the effort in!

As the weather is getting colder the trees are dropping their leaves and there is a taste of winter in the air. Not done as much photography as I would have liked but it's still been great to get out and use my car as a hide during the rain!

07 November 2023

Brixham Harbour

On a unsual day off and its not raining, I spent a couple of hours around Brixham Harbour.

As normal its quite busy around the fish market, not only humans but Gulls, Turnstones and Shags. The Turnstones so tame running up to my feet!

Around the harbour there was a Great northern Diver which also seemed quite tame.It was in winter plumage, although it was by itself, it is common to see several in the harbour.

Also around the harbour and marina there was plenty of Seals just lazing around. The numbers seem to be increaseing and its great to see these Mamals up close and personal.

At the end of the breakwater there was several Purple Sandpipers asleep with some Turnstones. Over the years this has always been a great spot to see them.

A very enjoyable couple of hours spent here.

© Simon Thurgood 2024
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