Devon 22/2 - American Wigeon, Cirl Buntings, Brambling

An early start to the day as we head down the motorway to Devon. Lovely blue skies but very cold as we arrived at our destination of Matford Marsh near Exeter.  We were hoping to see the American Wigeon that has been seen for the past week or so. We parked up in a small lay-by, crossed the road and found the reserve. We just arrived when the whole flock of Wigeon took off from the field but fortunately they all landed in the flooded area nearby. As luck would have it it was now far easier to spot the American Wigeon and wow it didn't disappoint, a lifer for us and bird 134 for the year.

After about 10 minutes the Wigeon flock made their way from the water back to graze in the field and from here it made it more difficult to spot the 'American'. Also seen here were Teal, Shoveler, Tufted, Cormorant and Mute Swan 

We left the flock to their grazing and decided to drive onto Labrador Bay near Torquay to try and see the Cirl Buntings. We took our usual path around the fields and it wasn't long until we spotted a few in the hedgerow.  On closer inspection there were a good number in the hedge and unfortunately they didn't come to the top too often.  The flock flew across the fields a couple of times and there must have been at least 20 birds great to see them thriving here and get some nice views of both male and females.

Leaving Labrador Bay behind we traveled on to Haldon forest in hope of seeing some Crossbills. We scanned the conifers around the carpark for some time but didn't find any. After lunch in the car we decided to take the 3 mile Raptor trail in the forest. Eyes looking everywhere we got lucky with 3 Crossbills at the top of a tall conifer. They stayed here a while the male looking quite stunning in the sun. To our surprise the Crossbills and the occasional Robin were the only birds we would see on our trek.  However, at the end of the trek there is a little area set aside with bird feeders and this despite continual disturbance provided us with some great birds. 

For about 45 minutes we watched this area and the comings and goings of various birds. Many people passed and did not even notice the following appear Nuthatch, Siskin, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Song Trush, Yellow Hammer, & Bramblings. Its amazing just how many folk seem to be blinkered to the nature around them! 

A brilliant day out in Devon with 3 new birds for the year bring our total up to 136! 

Matford Marsh

   Spot the American Wigeon ....  

               

   After fleeing to the water the Wigeon flock make their way back to land

                

Labrador Bay 

            

                           

                    Cirl Buntng - male 

  Cirl Bunting - female

               

                   Cirl Buntng dropping down to the field to feed

               

                   Typical Cirl pose in the hedgerow 

Haldon Forest

   Nuthatch 

               

   Crossbills at a very high point!

 

               

   Although a bit distant brilliant to see the Crossbills

               

                   Coal Tit

    Nuthatch

                

                    Yellowhammer

   Brambling - female

                

   Female Brambling a little bit more shy than the male that appeared 

               

                   Stunning male Brambling

               

               

                   Great colours on this male

                

               

                   Nuthatch 

   Coal Tit

                

Westhay 5/2 Dancing Grebes

A bright and very cold day for our jaunt to Westhay. Starting at Viridor hide we had a great but quick view of a Snipe swimming by, you don't often see that! A few Gadwall around but not much else.  On towards the tower hide from where we spotted a Marsh Harrier low over the reeds. Walking on Ann spotted a lovely male Sparrowhawk glaring from the trees.

The lake opposite the new North hide had just 2 Goosander, a few Pintail and several Shoveler, Teal and a single Great White Egret.

Settling into North hide for coffee we noticed a pair of Great Crested Grebes appear from a channel and head for what looked like a nest. We kept an eye on this pair as they called to each other and flicked their heads.  Would they dance? Patience paid off and a beautiful 'Grebe Dance' was performed in front of us followed by mating at the nest a couple of minutes later.

4 Cattle Egrets flew over whilst we were watching the Grebes and a stunning male Marsh Harrier hunted over the reeds.

A Kingfisher was seen from the screen further up the path and at the farm at the end of the Drove several Little Egrets mooched around the cattle. Several Fieldfares and Redwings in the fields around Westhay, I guess these will be heading back east soon. 

There didn't seem to be plenty of birds around Westhay today but enjoying some top moments with nature and the walk around the reserve was a tonic for the soul! 

    From Viridor hide a Snipe swims swiftly by ....

                

    Restless Gadwall

               

   Marsh Harrier from the tower hide 

               

   Sparrowhawk within the dense trees

               

   

                

                  Snowdrops, now Spring is really on the way

   Checking out the nest, a Great crested Grebe

               

                   An invite?

               

                   Plenty of head flicking going on

               

   Crests on show

               

               

                  Suddenly 4 Cattle Egrets flew overhead

        

          Will they dance?

               

   And they danced .... Wow! 

               

                

                

                

               

   Coots getting aggressive

                

               

                  After the dance ....... 

               

               

   Job done the male appears to walk over the female!

               

               

   Fieldfare, one of many plus Redwings in the fields around Weshay