Saturday 23rd February 2013

Still cold but good weather for soup sales and it does mean conditions were dry with reasonable visibility.

There was a special moment today which would make some birdwatchers very envious.
Near the River Kenn there were three birds together showing well - Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Avocet.
What a trio of species!

We then had a slight dilemma when the Long- tailed Duck came into view because, also very close but in front of the boat
was a pair of Goldeneye.  As we had already seen the latter I concentrated on the Long-tailed Duck especially as it was a ‘first’ for many on the boat.
It was a surprise to see the Goldeneye this far up.

I’m sure Teal numbers at Topsham have increased of late. Male birds are looking very handsome!  It’s a pity they don’t breed in the South West.

There were excellent views of Avocets, although no large numbers were seen of this species or Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits but Dunlin numbers were high.
There are just so many places where the waders can feed at present, sometimes not in view.

One species showing well was my favourite, Grey Plover. Their ‘jizz’ is unique.

As usual Red-breasted Mergansers delighted throughout, and Sanderlings, starting to look a little darker, showed well, feeding on the water’s edge at various places.



Ian Waite