THURS 31 OCT 2013

No news from the patch today as the intrepid 4 ( Vic T, Alan D , Eric W and myself ) drove down to Porthgwarra in Cornwall to  try and look at the HERMIT THRUSH , this is the first mainland record for England . With 60+ pairs of eyes  looking it still took 3.5 hours before it showed . Reasonably good views enabled all the important id points to be picked up.

For 3 of us it was a life tick- Eric had seen both the Scilly Isle records - at least thats one blocker removed .

Great day , good company and met up with several Devon birders as well. Only downside - we could not find the White Rumped Sandpiper on the beach at Marazion

( the tide was in ) just like buses there is a report on Cornwall Birds of 2 juv on Hayle Est this morning !

WED 30 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy ,then some bright intervals , wind SSW f 3/4 incresing to 5 by 12.00

A damp squib of a day - the highlight being the arrival of a LAPWING on T'stone Marsh at 08.00- we have had a single bird over winter for the last 2 years - could this be the same one again ? Also on the Marsh 25 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1 M SHOVELER

Offshore 20 GANNET logged in 2 hours whist on South H Marsh 24 TEAL, 5 WIGEON

 Viz mig limited to 15 SKYLARK and 10 MIPIT   c40 GOLDFINCH around the Marsh

TUES 29 OCT 2013

A back to more normal weather today - plenty of early sunshine and good viz, NW wind F3/4.

At 08.00 around T'stone marsh - 35 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 20 GOLDFINCH, 25 SKYLARK , 2 REED BUNTING, 2 STONECHAT, 3 GOLDCREST .

Between 9.00 & 11.00 around the Bay - 1ad MED GULL, 2 GANNET ( where have they all gone ? ) 2 PINTAIL, 5 WIGEON 1 TEAL ( all east together ),  60+ SKYLARK and 20 MIPIT - N , 40 GOLDFINCH, 30 REDWING, 2 SWALLOW, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT.

On the rocks 7 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING .

 

Will have to give any Kestrels a much more close  scrutiny !

MON 28 OCT 2013

After a very stormy and wet night  awoke this morning to find Thurlestone Marsh with a larger covering of water since january and the scrape just outside my garden is now full  of water - 16 Mallard and 2 Wigeon were the first visitors .

Numbers of duck on the Marsh - 20 MALLARD , 35 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1m SHOVELER.

Thanks to visiting birder Bill  Macdonald  who picked up the only bird of note at 09.55 - a LEACH's PETREL ( 190 ) - close inshore  flying west struggling against the W gale .Only in view for a few minutes then lost amongst the high waves.. This is the first site record since Nov 2009

Thanks again to Bill as I had gone to look over the Marsh having spent an  hour seawatching and not finding even a Gannet .

SUN 27 OCT 2013

Stormy weather- Gale force SW wind ( increasing at 12.00 ) heavy showers and very rough seas

In the end a very quiet 3.5 hrs seawatch -totals were 30 GANNET, 48 GREAT B B GULL, 28 BLACK H GULL and a juv SABINE'S GULL which flew east- this is the second record this year

SAT 26 OCT 2013

Only limited news  today - out of the area until late pm

On T'stone Marsh - 42 TEAL, 1m Shoveler, a flock of 35 SKYLARK  over the house and a GREEN WOODPECKER nearby.

Will be hoping for some Phals & Petrels looking for shelter  Sun / Mon , biggest problem will be trying to find a sheltered spot for me !

FRI 25 OCT 2013

A quiet morning after yesterday

At 08.00 on T'stone Marsh 44 TEAL, 1 WIGEON and a m SHOVELER - at 12.30 the WIGEON had increased to 15 , 2 WATER RAIL

In the Bay an ad MED GULL, GANNETS , 1 juv KITTIWAKE ,2 COMMON SCOTER 

5 WIGEON and a RAZORBILL

On South H Marsh 16 TEAL. and 9 STONECHAT

Viz Mig - 25 GOLDFINCH, 65 SKYLARK , 6 MIPIT. 2 flocks of STARLING totalled 110 flew north

THURS 24 OCT 2013

After a bright start cloud cover increased as did the wind SE 3 to 5 . A great viz mig morning -the best of the autumn ( so far )

Bob did his first hour at Huxton Cross whilst mine was from my balcony -

Bob 07.45 -08.45 60 REDWING, 1 FIELDFARE, 3 BRAMBLING, 10 YELLOWHAMMER, 30 CHAFFINCH, 30 LINNET, 3 SONG THRUSH ,100+ SKYLARK . 12 SISKIN, He then moved on to South Milton Ley - 6 REED BUNTING, 4 FIELDFARE, 1 REDWING, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 BLACKCAP.

My first watch -08.00-08.45 - 35 GOLDFINCH, 15 CHAFFINCH, 17 REDWING, 3 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 SISKIN, 30 SKYLARK, 6 MIPIT , 1 BLACKCAP, 6 LITTLE EGRET, . On the Marsh - 1 SHOVELER, 22 TEAL. Late afternoon - 75 MALLARD ( no more than 10 in the last week ) and 14 WIGEON

The viz mig watch continued from the car park from 09.30-12.30 with totals of -292 SKYLARK, 310 MIPIT, 110 CHAFFINCH, 40 GOLDFINCH, 7 SISKIN, 10 LINNET, . At 12.00 a flock of 18 CROSSBILL ( 189 ) - as far as Bob can remember this is the largest single flock for the patch.

Offshore GANNETS in the Bay and 13 COMMON SCOTER flew east

WED 23 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with just 1 heavy shower, wind W f5/6  reducing during the day  .Offshore - 100+ GANNET, 25 GREAT B B GULL, 1ad MED GULL in the flock of 100+ BLACK H GULL, 1 AUK ( east ) 

 Waders on the rocks 2 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING,.

On South H Marsh - 20 TEAL, 1 SNIPE, 18 SKYLARK, 60 + GOLDFINCH and the first SWALLOW for at least a week.

On T'stone Marsh - 32 TEAL, 4 WIGEON. At 17.30 the first STARLING roost began to build up - only 500  however they did do a 15 min flying display

TUES 22 OCT 2013

Another blustery and showery morning-

On T'stone Marsh 1m SHOVELET, 11 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE.

Some seawatching off the car park with Bob B & Graham Daw produced the first STORM PETRELS ( 188 ) of the year - 4 flew east at 09.30. GANNET only 115 , 12 WIGEON flew across the Bay.

On South Huish marsh 75 TEAL and 3 WIGEON

MON 21 OCT 2013

A very wet and windy morning- S-SSW 7/8 vey rough seas with poor viz in the rain , unfortunately anticipation was not achieved .

Sea watched 09.00-12.30- largest total of GANNET this year - 980 logged all east,

1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER west at 09.30 , 3 KITTIWAKE, 1 1st w MED GULL, 55 GREAT BB GULL  ,70 +BLACK H GULL. 1 RAZORBILL

Waders on the rocks - 8 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 2 SANDERLING, 1 TURNSTONE..

On South H Marsh - 55 TEAL.

On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 1 m SHOVELER

SUN 20 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy, heavy squally showers late am  with an increasing SW wind up to 7/8 , rough seas

On T'stone marsh - 32 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE

Offshore -watched 09.30-12.30 - 205 GANNET , 60+ GREAT B B GULL,

2 1st W KITTIWAKE , 4 MED GULL ( 2ad , 1 2nd W & 1 1st W) , 3 BONXIE -E ( 2 @ 09.45 and 1 @11.00 ), 1 SKUA sp ( east at 11.30 probably POM )

On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING , 1 COMMON GULL

 

Some interesting winds for the next few days should produce some good records .

 

 Late news from yesterday - Bob B had a MERLIN . 3 WIGEON flew onto T'stone Marsh

SAT 19 OCT 2013

A cloucy morning with some light showers and a brisk S wind

Offshore only GANNETS, main activity around South Huish marsh ( not that it was that much ) 30 TEAL, 5 SNIPE , 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 LAPWING ( first of the autumn ), overhead 60+ GOLDFINCH, 25 MIPIT.

On the rocks 2 TURNSTONE

FRI 18 OCT 2013

Back on site this morning after a very nice & warm week on the Costa de Luz in south western Spain . Even without a car we managed 93 species. Will put a trip report on sometime in the next few days

This morning was cloudy with an increasing SE wind -up to F 5/6 by 12.00.

On T'stone Marsh - 8 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER .

From 9.00-12.30 seawatching from the flats produced - 125 + GANNET, 70 + GREAT B B GULL, 1 ad MED GULL, 1ad&1 1st w COMMON GULL, 4 COMMON SCOTER flew E.

Waders on the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 SANDERLING and 5 TURNSTONE ( first for some weeks )

On South huish marsh  20 TEAL, 15 MIPIT 

FRI 11 - Thurs 17 OCT 2013

Whilst I was in Spain and AJL on his annual pilgimage to the Scillies the patch was in the very capable hands of BOB B & NICK T with AFD putting in a few appearances'', also Graham Daw on 14th.

Main records were - 

WED 16 OCT - 17.00-18.00 - 1 1st w MED GULL, 1 1stw COMMON GULL, 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL  and an ARCTIC SKUA

TUES 15 OCT - JACK SNIPE flying from S M Ley to SOUTH H MARSH. Viz Mig - 6 SISKIN, 25 SKYLARK 1 GOLDCREST .On T'stone marsh - 2 SHOVELER, 2 LITTLE GREBE

100+ ALBA WAGTAIL roosr at T'stone Marsh

MON 14 OCT - Around S H Marsh - 60 GOLDFINCH, 100+ MIPIT , 6 REED BUNTING, 4 SISKIN, 1 WHEATEAR, . At 17.30 - Bob & Alan flushed the CORNCRAKE ( not seen since the 6th )

FRI 11 OCT - Viz Mig 08.30-11.00 - 100 + SWALLOW, 40 HOUSE MARTIN, 150 + MIPIT, 40 + LINNET, 80 GOLDFINCH, 60 SKYLARK,  8 CHAFFINCH, 2 SISKIN, 4 WHEATEAR, 1 GOLDEN PLOVER ( first this autumn ) 1 BRENT GOOSE - east

Report on Rare Bird Alert of a SHORT EARED OWL  over T'stone Golf Course at 15.30.

Waders  on the beach 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 WHIMBREL, 1 RINGED PLOVER

THURS 10 OCT 2013

Another red letter day for the patch - as I was flying somewhere over France Bob was watching 6 juv WHOOPER SWAN  ( 187 ) fly in over the Bay and go straight up the valley - the first record for many years . Everything else for that day pales into insingnificance !

WED 9 OCT 2013

More of an autumnal feel this morning with an increasing NW wind .Yet again quiet on the viz mig front.

Around South Huish Marsh - 26 SWALLOW, 50+ GOLDFINCH, 1 BULLFINCH ( flew south ) 1 GOLDCREST, 1 WHINCHAT  11 WHEATEAR ( inc a good candidate for Greenland race )  100 + MIPIT, 10 SKYLARK ,  40 LINNET,  20 TEAL:. On the rocks

2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GULLEMOT on the sea

2 flocks of WIGEON flew into the Bay totalling 70 birds , one flock flew up the valley , the other probably flew onto T'stone Marsh as 26 on the back pool at 13.00.

This is the last post for a week .Leaving the patch in the safe hands of Bob.

TUES 8 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with a light W wind and good viz. Offshore 5 COMMON SCOTER flew east, GANNETS feeding and 7 WIGEON flew east.

Around South Huish Marsh- 150+ MIPIT, 60 + GOLDFINCH , 6 CHAFFINCH,

3 GREENFINCH, 3 LINNET, 6 STONECHAT, 5 WHINCHAT, 1 REED BUNTING, 26 SKYLARK ( over ), 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 6 WHEATEAR. On the marsh - 30 TEAL, 1 SNIPE

On T'stone marsh at 13.00 - 20 TEAL, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 42 WIGEON ( these had flown in during the morning , departed at 17.00 )

Mon 7 OCT 2013

A very misy and cloudy morning up to 11.00 .

08.00 saw the 3 amigos ( AFD , Bob & me ) searching for the Corncrake - which was not successful , for me a biggee that got away- never mind probably only 25 years to the next one !

Very little to report  Around South Huish Marsh - 40 TEAL, 10 WHEATEAR, 2 WHINCHAT 35 GOLDFINCH, 2 SWALLOW, a WILLOW WARBLER , 5 CHIFFCHAFF. On the rocks 2 RINGED PLOVER

At South Milto Ley 10 + CHIFFCHAFF and a YELLOWHAMMER

SUN 6 OCT 2013

At South Milton Ley Bob B flushed the CORNCRAKE again , despite several hours of searching it was not relocated  . Also there 12 + SONG THRUSH, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH and a REDPOLL . By the footbridge a LITTLE GREBE

Late morning visit to South Huish marsh - 30+ TEAL, 3 SNIPE , 1 juv RUFF ( only present for 10 mins then flew up the valley ) 120+ MIPIT, 2 WHEATEAR, 3 WHINCHAT,

Visiting birders repoerted 5 REDWING ( first of the autumn ). In the gardens of the houses 15 + CHIFFCHAFF and a GOLDCREST 

Offshore 2 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks , waders on the beach - 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT and 1 RINGED PLOVER

On T'stone Marsh this afternoon, 30 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 18 SNIPE , 2 GLODCREST in Mallards lane .

Hopefully one of the Y B Warblers will fly down from Soar into the copse / gardens to start the week off !

SAT 5 OCT 2013

Another feather in the cap for Bob B - At 08.00  he flushed a CORNCRAKE ( 186 )  from the path at South Milton Ley. This is the 3rd  patch record and Bob has been involved in them all Also there tis morning - 1 GROPPA, CETTIS WARBLER, REDPOLL flew over. REED & SEDGE WARBLER at T'stone Marsh.

Viz mig this am - 75 SKYLARK , 150 MIPIT , 30 GOLDFINCH, 75 LINNET, 4 CHAFFINCH, 2 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GREY WAGTAIL

On T'stone marsh - 5 WIGEON,  12 TEAL , 1 LITTLE GREBE.

FRI 4 OCT 2013

Started out cloudy then good sunshine although a F5 W wind , good viz . A Gull and Tern day - not in quantity but certainly quality .

Around South Huish Marsh - 75+ TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 17 WHEATEAR, 1 WHINCHAT , ! SNIPE , 2 STOCK DOVE  100+ MIPIT.

Offshore  1 ad MED GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON TERN ( west @ 09.30 ) 

1 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks . 4 ad LITTLE GULL ( flew across the Bay at 12.00 )

At 18.00 call from AFD to confirm a juv ARCTIC TERN and 2 SANDWICH TERN in the Bay , ( I manged to get down in time to see both ).

On T'stone Marsh  at 13.00,   5 WIGEON , 30 TEAL,  2 WATER RAIL, later Bob B flushed 12 SNIPE .

Always looking to improve the Blog , hopefully Alan Doidge will soon be putting his superb photos  directly onto the site , should add a lot more interest - watch this space

THURS 3 OCT 2013

Managed to put a seawatch in until 11.30 -using the car tailgate as a hide , still v wet.

Very poor viz during the rain , Only managed 45 GANNET, 2 SANDWICH TERN ,

45 GREATER B B GULL came in off the sea ( in 2 flocks ) and went straight up the valley, bringing up the rear of the first flock AFD picked out a LITTLE GULL.

Waders were singles of DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER , however at 17.00 there was a WHIMBREL on the rocks with the OYSTERCATCHERS, whilst a YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over.

On the beach 6 WHEATEAR  with 1 in the car park. On South H Marsh 82 TEAL and

1 WIGEON

WED 2 OCT 2013

Only a few showers this morning - even the sun shone for a short while . S wind incresed from F3 to F4/5 by lunchtime .

On / around South Huish marsh tis morning - 80 TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 2 DUNLIN, 7 WHEATEAR, 7 STONECHAT, 3 WHINCHAT, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 4 REED BUNTING, 12 GREENFINCH, 8 SKYLARK, 80+ MIPIT, 3 CHIFFCHAFF. SWALLOW passage c100 .

1 HOBBY

Offshore 4 SANDWICH TERN, 1 2nd w MED GULL, 7 PINTAIL flew east followed shortly afterwards by 2 TEAL and another PINTAIL ( this now makes 24 in the last 6 days ) a BONXIE flew west at 10.50. Only 20 GANNET recorded. 2 MUTE SWAN flew east ( first since the breeding birds left ) 2 AUK's flew east

Bob B had a SEDRE WARBLER and 10 CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley

This afternoon on T'stone Marsh - 2 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WIGEON , 30 TEAL

TUES 1 OCT 2013

Thankfully the rain held off until late morning - not as much viz mig as recently

200+ SWALLOW, 110 HOUSE MARTIN, 20 MIPIT, 20 ALBA WAGTAIL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL .3 GREY WAGTAIL

On the marshes 60 TEAL, 2 WIGEON, 2 LITTLE GREBE , 4 WHEATEAR , 5 SNIPE

 Waders - 5 SANDERLING, 4 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER .

Surprise of the day - a build up of SANDWICH TERN on the rocks - 4 at 09.00 steadily grew to 16 by 11.30 . Largest autumn total for a few years.

Bob B at South Milton Ley - 1jv COMMON GULL, 1 TREE PIPIT, 2 REED WARBLER, 2 WATER RAIL, both GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY

Had to spend the day in the car and a meeting room in Solihull, got back at 22.30 to be told the mist and drizzle never lifted  and very little birds- best news came from Bob B who ringed 2 SEDGE WARBLER with one of them a British control - recently fitted ring no L 739386.

SUN 18 AUG 2013

THURS 31 OCT 2013

No news from the patch today as the intrepid 4 ( Vic T, Alan D , Eric W and myself ) drove down to Porthgwarra in Cornwall to  try and look at the HERMIT THRUSH , this is the first mainland record for England . With 60+ pairs of eyes  looking it still took 3.5 hours before it showed . Reasonably good views enabled all the important id points to be picked up.

For 3 of us it was a life tick- Eric had seen both the Scilly Isle records - at least thats one blocker removed .

Great day , good company and met up with several Devon birders as well. Only downside - we could not find the White Rumped Sandpiper on the beach at Marazion

( the tide was in ) just like buses there is a report on Cornwall Birds of 2 juv on Hayle Est this morning !

WED 30 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy ,then some bright intervals , wind SSW f 3/4 incresing to 5 by 12.00

A damp squib of a day - the highlight being the arrival of a LAPWING on T'stone Marsh at 08.00- we have had a single bird over winter for the last 2 years - could this be the same one again ? Also on the Marsh 25 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1 M SHOVELER

Offshore 20 GANNET logged in 2 hours whist on South H Marsh 24 TEAL, 5 WIGEON

 Viz mig limited to 15 SKYLARK and 10 MIPIT   c40 GOLDFINCH around the Marsh

TUES 29 OCT 2013

A back to more normal weather today - plenty of early sunshine and good viz, NW wind F3/4.

At 08.00 around T'stone marsh - 35 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 20 GOLDFINCH, 25 SKYLARK , 2 REED BUNTING, 2 STONECHAT, 3 GOLDCREST .

Between 9.00 & 11.00 around the Bay - 1ad MED GULL, 2 GANNET ( where have they all gone ? ) 2 PINTAIL, 5 WIGEON 1 TEAL ( all east together ),  60+ SKYLARK and 20 MIPIT - N , 40 GOLDFINCH, 30 REDWING, 2 SWALLOW, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT.

On the rocks 7 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING .

 

Will have to give any Kestrels a much more close  scrutiny !

MON 28 OCT 2013

After a very stormy and wet night  awoke this morning to find Thurlestone Marsh with a larger covering of water since january and the scrape just outside my garden is now full  of water - 16 Mallard and 2 Wigeon were the first visitors .

Numbers of duck on the Marsh - 20 MALLARD , 35 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1m SHOVELER.

Thanks to visiting birder Bill  Macdonald  who picked up the only bird of note at 09.55 - a LEACH's PETREL ( 190 ) - close inshore  flying west struggling against the W gale .Only in view for a few minutes then lost amongst the high waves.. This is the first site record since Nov 2009

Thanks again to Bill as I had gone to look over the Marsh having spent an  hour seawatching and not finding even a Gannet .

SUN 27 OCT 2013

Stormy weather- Gale force SW wind ( increasing at 12.00 ) heavy showers and very rough seas

In the end a very quiet 3.5 hrs seawatch -totals were 30 GANNET, 48 GREAT B B GULL, 28 BLACK H GULL and a juv SABINE'S GULL which flew east- this is the second record this year

SAT 26 OCT 2013

Only limited news  today - out of the area until late pm

On T'stone Marsh - 42 TEAL, 1m Shoveler, a flock of 35 SKYLARK  over the house and a GREEN WOODPECKER nearby.

Will be hoping for some Phals & Petrels looking for shelter  Sun / Mon , biggest problem will be trying to find a sheltered spot for me !

FRI 25 OCT 2013

A quiet morning after yesterday

At 08.00 on T'stone Marsh 44 TEAL, 1 WIGEON and a m SHOVELER - at 12.30 the WIGEON had increased to 15 , 2 WATER RAIL

In the Bay an ad MED GULL, GANNETS , 1 juv KITTIWAKE ,2 COMMON SCOTER 

5 WIGEON and a RAZORBILL

On South H Marsh 16 TEAL. and 9 STONECHAT

Viz Mig - 25 GOLDFINCH, 65 SKYLARK , 6 MIPIT. 2 flocks of STARLING totalled 110 flew north

THURS 24 OCT 2013

After a bright start cloud cover increased as did the wind SE 3 to 5 . A great viz mig morning -the best of the autumn ( so far )

Bob did his first hour at Huxton Cross whilst mine was from my balcony -

Bob 07.45 -08.45 60 REDWING, 1 FIELDFARE, 3 BRAMBLING, 10 YELLOWHAMMER, 30 CHAFFINCH, 30 LINNET, 3 SONG THRUSH ,100+ SKYLARK . 12 SISKIN, He then moved on to South Milton Ley - 6 REED BUNTING, 4 FIELDFARE, 1 REDWING, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 BLACKCAP.

My first watch -08.00-08.45 - 35 GOLDFINCH, 15 CHAFFINCH, 17 REDWING, 3 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 SISKIN, 30 SKYLARK, 6 MIPIT , 1 BLACKCAP, 6 LITTLE EGRET, . On the Marsh - 1 SHOVELER, 22 TEAL. Late afternoon - 75 MALLARD ( no more than 10 in the last week ) and 14 WIGEON

The viz mig watch continued from the car park from 09.30-12.30 with totals of -292 SKYLARK, 310 MIPIT, 110 CHAFFINCH, 40 GOLDFINCH, 7 SISKIN, 10 LINNET, . At 12.00 a flock of 18 CROSSBILL ( 189 ) - as far as Bob can remember this is the largest single flock for the patch.

Offshore GANNETS in the Bay and 13 COMMON SCOTER flew east

WED 23 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with just 1 heavy shower, wind W f5/6  reducing during the day  .Offshore - 100+ GANNET, 25 GREAT B B GULL, 1ad MED GULL in the flock of 100+ BLACK H GULL, 1 AUK ( east ) 

 Waders on the rocks 2 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING,.

On South H Marsh - 20 TEAL, 1 SNIPE, 18 SKYLARK, 60 + GOLDFINCH and the first SWALLOW for at least a week.

On T'stone Marsh - 32 TEAL, 4 WIGEON. At 17.30 the first STARLING roost began to build up - only 500  however they did do a 15 min flying display

TUES 22 OCT 2013

Another blustery and showery morning-

On T'stone Marsh 1m SHOVELET, 11 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE.

Some seawatching off the car park with Bob B & Graham Daw produced the first STORM PETRELS ( 188 ) of the year - 4 flew east at 09.30. GANNET only 115 , 12 WIGEON flew across the Bay.

On South Huish marsh 75 TEAL and 3 WIGEON

MON 21 OCT 2013

A very wet and windy morning- S-SSW 7/8 vey rough seas with poor viz in the rain , unfortunately anticipation was not achieved .

Sea watched 09.00-12.30- largest total of GANNET this year - 980 logged all east,

1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER west at 09.30 , 3 KITTIWAKE, 1 1st w MED GULL, 55 GREAT BB GULL  ,70 +BLACK H GULL. 1 RAZORBILL

Waders on the rocks - 8 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 2 SANDERLING, 1 TURNSTONE..

On South H Marsh - 55 TEAL.

On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 1 m SHOVELER

SUN 20 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy, heavy squally showers late am  with an increasing SW wind up to 7/8 , rough seas

On T'stone marsh - 32 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE

Offshore -watched 09.30-12.30 - 205 GANNET , 60+ GREAT B B GULL,

2 1st W KITTIWAKE , 4 MED GULL ( 2ad , 1 2nd W & 1 1st W) , 3 BONXIE -E ( 2 @ 09.45 and 1 @11.00 ), 1 SKUA sp ( east at 11.30 probably POM )

On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING , 1 COMMON GULL

 

Some interesting winds for the next few days should produce some good records .

 

 Late news from yesterday - Bob B had a MERLIN . 3 WIGEON flew onto T'stone Marsh

SAT 19 OCT 2013

A cloucy morning with some light showers and a brisk S wind

Offshore only GANNETS, main activity around South Huish marsh ( not that it was that much ) 30 TEAL, 5 SNIPE , 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 LAPWING ( first of the autumn ), overhead 60+ GOLDFINCH, 25 MIPIT.

On the rocks 2 TURNSTONE

FRI 18 OCT 2013

Back on site this morning after a very nice & warm week on the Costa de Luz in south western Spain . Even without a car we managed 93 species. Will put a trip report on sometime in the next few days

This morning was cloudy with an increasing SE wind -up to F 5/6 by 12.00.

On T'stone Marsh - 8 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER .

From 9.00-12.30 seawatching from the flats produced - 125 + GANNET, 70 + GREAT B B GULL, 1 ad MED GULL, 1ad&1 1st w COMMON GULL, 4 COMMON SCOTER flew E.

Waders on the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 SANDERLING and 5 TURNSTONE ( first for some weeks )

On South huish marsh  20 TEAL, 15 MIPIT 

FRI 11 - Thurs 17 OCT 2013

Whilst I was in Spain and AJL on his annual pilgimage to the Scillies the patch was in the very capable hands of BOB B & NICK T with AFD putting in a few appearances'', also Graham Daw on 14th.

Main records were - 

WED 16 OCT - 17.00-18.00 - 1 1st w MED GULL, 1 1stw COMMON GULL, 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL  and an ARCTIC SKUA

TUES 15 OCT - JACK SNIPE flying from S M Ley to SOUTH H MARSH. Viz Mig - 6 SISKIN, 25 SKYLARK 1 GOLDCREST .On T'stone marsh - 2 SHOVELER, 2 LITTLE GREBE

100+ ALBA WAGTAIL roosr at T'stone Marsh

MON 14 OCT - Around S H Marsh - 60 GOLDFINCH, 100+ MIPIT , 6 REED BUNTING, 4 SISKIN, 1 WHEATEAR, . At 17.30 - Bob & Alan flushed the CORNCRAKE ( not seen since the 6th )

FRI 11 OCT - Viz Mig 08.30-11.00 - 100 + SWALLOW, 40 HOUSE MARTIN, 150 + MIPIT, 40 + LINNET, 80 GOLDFINCH, 60 SKYLARK,  8 CHAFFINCH, 2 SISKIN, 4 WHEATEAR, 1 GOLDEN PLOVER ( first this autumn ) 1 BRENT GOOSE - east

Report on Rare Bird Alert of a SHORT EARED OWL  over T'stone Golf Course at 15.30.

Waders  on the beach 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 WHIMBREL, 1 RINGED PLOVER

THURS 10 OCT 2013

Another red letter day for the patch - as I was flying somewhere over France Bob was watching 6 juv WHOOPER SWAN  ( 187 ) fly in over the Bay and go straight up the valley - the first record for many years . Everything else for that day pales into insingnificance !

WED 9 OCT 2013

More of an autumnal feel this morning with an increasing NW wind .Yet again quiet on the viz mig front.

Around South Huish Marsh - 26 SWALLOW, 50+ GOLDFINCH, 1 BULLFINCH ( flew south ) 1 GOLDCREST, 1 WHINCHAT  11 WHEATEAR ( inc a good candidate for Greenland race )  100 + MIPIT, 10 SKYLARK ,  40 LINNET,  20 TEAL:. On the rocks

2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GULLEMOT on the sea

2 flocks of WIGEON flew into the Bay totalling 70 birds , one flock flew up the valley , the other probably flew onto T'stone Marsh as 26 on the back pool at 13.00.

This is the last post for a week .Leaving the patch in the safe hands of Bob.

TUES 8 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with a light W wind and good viz. Offshore 5 COMMON SCOTER flew east, GANNETS feeding and 7 WIGEON flew east.

Around South Huish Marsh- 150+ MIPIT, 60 + GOLDFINCH , 6 CHAFFINCH,

3 GREENFINCH, 3 LINNET, 6 STONECHAT, 5 WHINCHAT, 1 REED BUNTING, 26 SKYLARK ( over ), 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 6 WHEATEAR. On the marsh - 30 TEAL, 1 SNIPE

On T'stone marsh at 13.00 - 20 TEAL, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 42 WIGEON ( these had flown in during the morning , departed at 17.00 )

Mon 7 OCT 2013

A very misy and cloudy morning up to 11.00 .

08.00 saw the 3 amigos ( AFD , Bob & me ) searching for the Corncrake - which was not successful , for me a biggee that got away- never mind probably only 25 years to the next one !

Very little to report  Around South Huish Marsh - 40 TEAL, 10 WHEATEAR, 2 WHINCHAT 35 GOLDFINCH, 2 SWALLOW, a WILLOW WARBLER , 5 CHIFFCHAFF. On the rocks 2 RINGED PLOVER

At South Milto Ley 10 + CHIFFCHAFF and a YELLOWHAMMER

SUN 6 OCT 2013

At South Milton Ley Bob B flushed the CORNCRAKE again , despite several hours of searching it was not relocated  . Also there 12 + SONG THRUSH, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH and a REDPOLL . By the footbridge a LITTLE GREBE

Late morning visit to South Huish marsh - 30+ TEAL, 3 SNIPE , 1 juv RUFF ( only present for 10 mins then flew up the valley ) 120+ MIPIT, 2 WHEATEAR, 3 WHINCHAT,

Visiting birders repoerted 5 REDWING ( first of the autumn ). In the gardens of the houses 15 + CHIFFCHAFF and a GOLDCREST 

Offshore 2 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks , waders on the beach - 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT and 1 RINGED PLOVER

On T'stone Marsh this afternoon, 30 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 18 SNIPE , 2 GLODCREST in Mallards lane .

Hopefully one of the Y B Warblers will fly down from Soar into the copse / gardens to start the week off !

SAT 5 OCT 2013

Another feather in the cap for Bob B - At 08.00  he flushed a CORNCRAKE ( 186 )  from the path at South Milton Ley. This is the 3rd  patch record and Bob has been involved in them all Also there tis morning - 1 GROPPA, CETTIS WARBLER, REDPOLL flew over. REED & SEDGE WARBLER at T'stone Marsh.

Viz mig this am - 75 SKYLARK , 150 MIPIT , 30 GOLDFINCH, 75 LINNET, 4 CHAFFINCH, 2 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GREY WAGTAIL

On T'stone marsh - 5 WIGEON,  12 TEAL , 1 LITTLE GREBE.

FRI 4 OCT 2013

Started out cloudy then good sunshine although a F5 W wind , good viz . A Gull and Tern day - not in quantity but certainly quality .

Around South Huish Marsh - 75+ TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 17 WHEATEAR, 1 WHINCHAT , ! SNIPE , 2 STOCK DOVE  100+ MIPIT.

Offshore  1 ad MED GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON TERN ( west @ 09.30 ) 

1 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks . 4 ad LITTLE GULL ( flew across the Bay at 12.00 )

At 18.00 call from AFD to confirm a juv ARCTIC TERN and 2 SANDWICH TERN in the Bay , ( I manged to get down in time to see both ).

On T'stone Marsh  at 13.00,   5 WIGEON , 30 TEAL,  2 WATER RAIL, later Bob B flushed 12 SNIPE .

Always looking to improve the Blog , hopefully Alan Doidge will soon be putting his superb photos  directly onto the site , should add a lot more interest - watch this space

THURS 3 OCT 2013

Managed to put a seawatch in until 11.30 -using the car tailgate as a hide , still v wet.

Very poor viz during the rain , Only managed 45 GANNET, 2 SANDWICH TERN ,

45 GREATER B B GULL came in off the sea ( in 2 flocks ) and went straight up the valley, bringing up the rear of the first flock AFD picked out a LITTLE GULL.

Waders were singles of DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER , however at 17.00 there was a WHIMBREL on the rocks with the OYSTERCATCHERS, whilst a YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over.

On the beach 6 WHEATEAR  with 1 in the car park. On South H Marsh 82 TEAL and

1 WIGEON

WED 2 OCT 2013

Only a few showers this morning - even the sun shone for a short while . S wind incresed from F3 to F4/5 by lunchtime .

On / around South Huish marsh tis morning - 80 TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 2 DUNLIN, 7 WHEATEAR, 7 STONECHAT, 3 WHINCHAT, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 4 REED BUNTING, 12 GREENFINCH, 8 SKYLARK, 80+ MIPIT, 3 CHIFFCHAFF. SWALLOW passage c100 .

1 HOBBY

Offshore 4 SANDWICH TERN, 1 2nd w MED GULL, 7 PINTAIL flew east followed shortly afterwards by 2 TEAL and another PINTAIL ( this now makes 24 in the last 6 days ) a BONXIE flew west at 10.50. Only 20 GANNET recorded. 2 MUTE SWAN flew east ( first since the breeding birds left ) 2 AUK's flew east

Bob B had a SEDRE WARBLER and 10 CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley

This afternoon on T'stone Marsh - 2 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WIGEON , 30 TEAL

TUES 1 OCT 2013

Thankfully the rain held off until late morning - not as much viz mig as recently

200+ SWALLOW, 110 HOUSE MARTIN, 20 MIPIT, 20 ALBA WAGTAIL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL .3 GREY WAGTAIL

On the marshes 60 TEAL, 2 WIGEON, 2 LITTLE GREBE , 4 WHEATEAR , 5 SNIPE

 Waders - 5 SANDERLING, 4 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER .

Surprise of the day - a build up of SANDWICH TERN on the rocks - 4 at 09.00 steadily grew to 16 by 11.30 . Largest autumn total for a few years.

Bob B at South Milton Ley - 1jv COMMON GULL, 1 TREE PIPIT, 2 REED WARBLER, 2 WATER RAIL, both GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY

Had to spend the day in the car and a meeting room in Solihull, got back at 22.30 to be told the mist and drizzle never lifted  and very little birds- best news came from Bob B who ringed 2 SEDGE WARBLER with one of them a British control - recently fitted ring no L 739386.

SUN 18 AUG 2013

THURS 31 OCT 2013

No news from the patch today as the intrepid 4 ( Vic T, Alan D , Eric W and myself ) drove down to Porthgwarra in Cornwall to  try and look at the HERMIT THRUSH , this is the first mainland record for England . With 60+ pairs of eyes  looking it still took 3.5 hours before it showed . Reasonably good views enabled all the important id points to be picked up.

For 3 of us it was a life tick- Eric had seen both the Scilly Isle records - at least thats one blocker removed .

Great day , good company and met up with several Devon birders as well. Only downside - we could not find the White Rumped Sandpiper on the beach at Marazion

( the tide was in ) just like buses there is a report on Cornwall Birds of 2 juv on Hayle Est this morning !

WED 30 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy ,then some bright intervals , wind SSW f 3/4 incresing to 5 by 12.00

A damp squib of a day - the highlight being the arrival of a LAPWING on T'stone Marsh at 08.00- we have had a single bird over winter for the last 2 years - could this be the same one again ? Also on the Marsh 25 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1 M SHOVELER

Offshore 20 GANNET logged in 2 hours whist on South H Marsh 24 TEAL, 5 WIGEON

 Viz mig limited to 15 SKYLARK and 10 MIPIT   c40 GOLDFINCH around the Marsh

TUES 29 OCT 2013

A back to more normal weather today - plenty of early sunshine and good viz, NW wind F3/4.

At 08.00 around T'stone marsh - 35 TEAL, 7 WIGEON, 20 GOLDFINCH, 25 SKYLARK , 2 REED BUNTING, 2 STONECHAT, 3 GOLDCREST .

Between 9.00 & 11.00 around the Bay - 1ad MED GULL, 2 GANNET ( where have they all gone ? ) 2 PINTAIL, 5 WIGEON 1 TEAL ( all east together ),  60+ SKYLARK and 20 MIPIT - N , 40 GOLDFINCH, 30 REDWING, 2 SWALLOW, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 6 LONG T TIT.

On the rocks 7 TURNSTONE, 2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING .

 

Will have to give any Kestrels a much more close  scrutiny !

MON 28 OCT 2013

After a very stormy and wet night  awoke this morning to find Thurlestone Marsh with a larger covering of water since january and the scrape just outside my garden is now full  of water - 16 Mallard and 2 Wigeon were the first visitors .

Numbers of duck on the Marsh - 20 MALLARD , 35 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 1m SHOVELER.

Thanks to visiting birder Bill  Macdonald  who picked up the only bird of note at 09.55 - a LEACH's PETREL ( 190 ) - close inshore  flying west struggling against the W gale .Only in view for a few minutes then lost amongst the high waves.. This is the first site record since Nov 2009

Thanks again to Bill as I had gone to look over the Marsh having spent an  hour seawatching and not finding even a Gannet .

SUN 27 OCT 2013

Stormy weather- Gale force SW wind ( increasing at 12.00 ) heavy showers and very rough seas

In the end a very quiet 3.5 hrs seawatch -totals were 30 GANNET, 48 GREAT B B GULL, 28 BLACK H GULL and a juv SABINE'S GULL which flew east- this is the second record this year

SAT 26 OCT 2013

Only limited news  today - out of the area until late pm

On T'stone Marsh - 42 TEAL, 1m Shoveler, a flock of 35 SKYLARK  over the house and a GREEN WOODPECKER nearby.

Will be hoping for some Phals & Petrels looking for shelter  Sun / Mon , biggest problem will be trying to find a sheltered spot for me !

FRI 25 OCT 2013

A quiet morning after yesterday

At 08.00 on T'stone Marsh 44 TEAL, 1 WIGEON and a m SHOVELER - at 12.30 the WIGEON had increased to 15 , 2 WATER RAIL

In the Bay an ad MED GULL, GANNETS , 1 juv KITTIWAKE ,2 COMMON SCOTER 

5 WIGEON and a RAZORBILL

On South H Marsh 16 TEAL. and 9 STONECHAT

Viz Mig - 25 GOLDFINCH, 65 SKYLARK , 6 MIPIT. 2 flocks of STARLING totalled 110 flew north

THURS 24 OCT 2013

After a bright start cloud cover increased as did the wind SE 3 to 5 . A great viz mig morning -the best of the autumn ( so far )

Bob did his first hour at Huxton Cross whilst mine was from my balcony -

Bob 07.45 -08.45 60 REDWING, 1 FIELDFARE, 3 BRAMBLING, 10 YELLOWHAMMER, 30 CHAFFINCH, 30 LINNET, 3 SONG THRUSH ,100+ SKYLARK . 12 SISKIN, He then moved on to South Milton Ley - 6 REED BUNTING, 4 FIELDFARE, 1 REDWING, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GOLDCREST, 1 BLACKCAP.

My first watch -08.00-08.45 - 35 GOLDFINCH, 15 CHAFFINCH, 17 REDWING, 3 GREY WAGTAIL, 4 SISKIN, 30 SKYLARK, 6 MIPIT , 1 BLACKCAP, 6 LITTLE EGRET, . On the Marsh - 1 SHOVELER, 22 TEAL. Late afternoon - 75 MALLARD ( no more than 10 in the last week ) and 14 WIGEON

The viz mig watch continued from the car park from 09.30-12.30 with totals of -292 SKYLARK, 310 MIPIT, 110 CHAFFINCH, 40 GOLDFINCH, 7 SISKIN, 10 LINNET, . At 12.00 a flock of 18 CROSSBILL ( 189 ) - as far as Bob can remember this is the largest single flock for the patch.

Offshore GANNETS in the Bay and 13 COMMON SCOTER flew east

WED 23 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with just 1 heavy shower, wind W f5/6  reducing during the day  .Offshore - 100+ GANNET, 25 GREAT B B GULL, 1ad MED GULL in the flock of 100+ BLACK H GULL, 1 AUK ( east ) 

 Waders on the rocks 2 TURNSTONE, 1 SANDERLING,.

On South H Marsh - 20 TEAL, 1 SNIPE, 18 SKYLARK, 60 + GOLDFINCH and the first SWALLOW for at least a week.

On T'stone Marsh - 32 TEAL, 4 WIGEON. At 17.30 the first STARLING roost began to build up - only 500  however they did do a 15 min flying display

TUES 22 OCT 2013

Another blustery and showery morning-

On T'stone Marsh 1m SHOVELET, 11 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE.

Some seawatching off the car park with Bob B & Graham Daw produced the first STORM PETRELS ( 188 ) of the year - 4 flew east at 09.30. GANNET only 115 , 12 WIGEON flew across the Bay.

On South Huish marsh 75 TEAL and 3 WIGEON

MON 21 OCT 2013

A very wet and windy morning- S-SSW 7/8 vey rough seas with poor viz in the rain , unfortunately anticipation was not achieved .

Sea watched 09.00-12.30- largest total of GANNET this year - 980 logged all east,

1 BALEARIC SHEARWATER west at 09.30 , 3 KITTIWAKE, 1 1st w MED GULL, 55 GREAT BB GULL  ,70 +BLACK H GULL. 1 RAZORBILL

Waders on the rocks - 8 RINGED PLOVER, 2 DUNLIN, 2 SANDERLING, 1 TURNSTONE..

On South H Marsh - 55 TEAL.

On T'stone Marsh - 15 TEAL, 1 m SHOVELER

SUN 20 OCT 2013

Started off cloudy, heavy squally showers late am  with an increasing SW wind up to 7/8 , rough seas

On T'stone marsh - 32 TEAL, 1 LITTLE GREBE

Offshore -watched 09.30-12.30 - 205 GANNET , 60+ GREAT B B GULL,

2 1st W KITTIWAKE , 4 MED GULL ( 2ad , 1 2nd W & 1 1st W) , 3 BONXIE -E ( 2 @ 09.45 and 1 @11.00 ), 1 SKUA sp ( east at 11.30 probably POM )

On the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 1 SANDERLING , 1 COMMON GULL

 

Some interesting winds for the next few days should produce some good records .

 

 Late news from yesterday - Bob B had a MERLIN . 3 WIGEON flew onto T'stone Marsh

SAT 19 OCT 2013

A cloucy morning with some light showers and a brisk S wind

Offshore only GANNETS, main activity around South Huish marsh ( not that it was that much ) 30 TEAL, 5 SNIPE , 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 LAPWING ( first of the autumn ), overhead 60+ GOLDFINCH, 25 MIPIT.

On the rocks 2 TURNSTONE

FRI 18 OCT 2013

Back on site this morning after a very nice & warm week on the Costa de Luz in south western Spain . Even without a car we managed 93 species. Will put a trip report on sometime in the next few days

This morning was cloudy with an increasing SE wind -up to F 5/6 by 12.00.

On T'stone Marsh - 8 TEAL, 2 SHOVELER .

From 9.00-12.30 seawatching from the flats produced - 125 + GANNET, 70 + GREAT B B GULL, 1 ad MED GULL, 1ad&1 1st w COMMON GULL, 4 COMMON SCOTER flew E.

Waders on the rocks - 6 RINGED PLOVER, 2 SANDERLING and 5 TURNSTONE ( first for some weeks )

On South huish marsh  20 TEAL, 15 MIPIT 

FRI 11 - Thurs 17 OCT 2013

Whilst I was in Spain and AJL on his annual pilgimage to the Scillies the patch was in the very capable hands of BOB B & NICK T with AFD putting in a few appearances'', also Graham Daw on 14th.

Main records were - 

WED 16 OCT - 17.00-18.00 - 1 1st w MED GULL, 1 1stw COMMON GULL, 1 1st w YELLOW LEGGED GULL  and an ARCTIC SKUA

TUES 15 OCT - JACK SNIPE flying from S M Ley to SOUTH H MARSH. Viz Mig - 6 SISKIN, 25 SKYLARK 1 GOLDCREST .On T'stone marsh - 2 SHOVELER, 2 LITTLE GREBE

100+ ALBA WAGTAIL roosr at T'stone Marsh

MON 14 OCT - Around S H Marsh - 60 GOLDFINCH, 100+ MIPIT , 6 REED BUNTING, 4 SISKIN, 1 WHEATEAR, . At 17.30 - Bob & Alan flushed the CORNCRAKE ( not seen since the 6th )

FRI 11 OCT - Viz Mig 08.30-11.00 - 100 + SWALLOW, 40 HOUSE MARTIN, 150 + MIPIT, 40 + LINNET, 80 GOLDFINCH, 60 SKYLARK,  8 CHAFFINCH, 2 SISKIN, 4 WHEATEAR, 1 GOLDEN PLOVER ( first this autumn ) 1 BRENT GOOSE - east

Report on Rare Bird Alert of a SHORT EARED OWL  over T'stone Golf Course at 15.30.

Waders  on the beach 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT , 1 WHIMBREL, 1 RINGED PLOVER

THURS 10 OCT 2013

Another red letter day for the patch - as I was flying somewhere over France Bob was watching 6 juv WHOOPER SWAN  ( 187 ) fly in over the Bay and go straight up the valley - the first record for many years . Everything else for that day pales into insingnificance !

WED 9 OCT 2013

More of an autumnal feel this morning with an increasing NW wind .Yet again quiet on the viz mig front.

Around South Huish Marsh - 26 SWALLOW, 50+ GOLDFINCH, 1 BULLFINCH ( flew south ) 1 GOLDCREST, 1 WHINCHAT  11 WHEATEAR ( inc a good candidate for Greenland race )  100 + MIPIT, 10 SKYLARK ,  40 LINNET,  20 TEAL:. On the rocks

2 RINGED PLOVER, 1 GULLEMOT on the sea

2 flocks of WIGEON flew into the Bay totalling 70 birds , one flock flew up the valley , the other probably flew onto T'stone Marsh as 26 on the back pool at 13.00.

This is the last post for a week .Leaving the patch in the safe hands of Bob.

TUES 8 OCT 2013

A sunny morning with a light W wind and good viz. Offshore 5 COMMON SCOTER flew east, GANNETS feeding and 7 WIGEON flew east.

Around South Huish Marsh- 150+ MIPIT, 60 + GOLDFINCH , 6 CHAFFINCH,

3 GREENFINCH, 3 LINNET, 6 STONECHAT, 5 WHINCHAT, 1 REED BUNTING, 26 SKYLARK ( over ), 1 GREY WAGTAIL, 6 WHEATEAR. On the marsh - 30 TEAL, 1 SNIPE

On T'stone marsh at 13.00 - 20 TEAL, 2 LITTLE GREBE, 42 WIGEON ( these had flown in during the morning , departed at 17.00 )

Mon 7 OCT 2013

A very misy and cloudy morning up to 11.00 .

08.00 saw the 3 amigos ( AFD , Bob & me ) searching for the Corncrake - which was not successful , for me a biggee that got away- never mind probably only 25 years to the next one !

Very little to report  Around South Huish Marsh - 40 TEAL, 10 WHEATEAR, 2 WHINCHAT 35 GOLDFINCH, 2 SWALLOW, a WILLOW WARBLER , 5 CHIFFCHAFF. On the rocks 2 RINGED PLOVER

At South Milto Ley 10 + CHIFFCHAFF and a YELLOWHAMMER

SUN 6 OCT 2013

At South Milton Ley Bob B flushed the CORNCRAKE again , despite several hours of searching it was not relocated  . Also there 12 + SONG THRUSH, 3 CETTIS WARBLER, 2 BLACKCAP, 2 BULLFINCH and a REDPOLL . By the footbridge a LITTLE GREBE

Late morning visit to South Huish marsh - 30+ TEAL, 3 SNIPE , 1 juv RUFF ( only present for 10 mins then flew up the valley ) 120+ MIPIT, 2 WHEATEAR, 3 WHINCHAT,

Visiting birders repoerted 5 REDWING ( first of the autumn ). In the gardens of the houses 15 + CHIFFCHAFF and a GOLDCREST 

Offshore 2 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks , waders on the beach - 1 BAR TAILED GODWIT and 1 RINGED PLOVER

On T'stone Marsh this afternoon, 30 TEAL, 5 WIGEON, 18 SNIPE , 2 GLODCREST in Mallards lane .

Hopefully one of the Y B Warblers will fly down from Soar into the copse / gardens to start the week off !

SAT 5 OCT 2013

Another feather in the cap for Bob B - At 08.00  he flushed a CORNCRAKE ( 186 )  from the path at South Milton Ley. This is the 3rd  patch record and Bob has been involved in them all Also there tis morning - 1 GROPPA, CETTIS WARBLER, REDPOLL flew over. REED & SEDGE WARBLER at T'stone Marsh.

Viz mig this am - 75 SKYLARK , 150 MIPIT , 30 GOLDFINCH, 75 LINNET, 4 CHAFFINCH, 2 BLACKCAP, 3 CHIFFCHAFF, 1 GREY WAGTAIL

On T'stone marsh - 5 WIGEON,  12 TEAL , 1 LITTLE GREBE.

FRI 4 OCT 2013

Started out cloudy then good sunshine although a F5 W wind , good viz . A Gull and Tern day - not in quantity but certainly quality .

Around South Huish Marsh - 75+ TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 1 GREY WAGTAIL , 5 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 17 WHEATEAR, 1 WHINCHAT , ! SNIPE , 2 STOCK DOVE  100+ MIPIT.

Offshore  1 ad MED GULL, 1 KITTIWAKE, 1 COMMON TERN ( west @ 09.30 ) 

1 SANDWICH TERN on the rocks . 4 ad LITTLE GULL ( flew across the Bay at 12.00 )

At 18.00 call from AFD to confirm a juv ARCTIC TERN and 2 SANDWICH TERN in the Bay , ( I manged to get down in time to see both ).

On T'stone Marsh  at 13.00,   5 WIGEON , 30 TEAL,  2 WATER RAIL, later Bob B flushed 12 SNIPE .

Always looking to improve the Blog , hopefully Alan Doidge will soon be putting his superb photos  directly onto the site , should add a lot more interest - watch this space

THURS 3 OCT 2013

Managed to put a seawatch in until 11.30 -using the car tailgate as a hide , still v wet.

Very poor viz during the rain , Only managed 45 GANNET, 2 SANDWICH TERN ,

45 GREATER B B GULL came in off the sea ( in 2 flocks ) and went straight up the valley, bringing up the rear of the first flock AFD picked out a LITTLE GULL.

Waders were singles of DUNLIN and RINGED PLOVER , however at 17.00 there was a WHIMBREL on the rocks with the OYSTERCATCHERS, whilst a YELLOW WAGTAIL flew over.

On the beach 6 WHEATEAR  with 1 in the car park. On South H Marsh 82 TEAL and

1 WIGEON

WED 2 OCT 2013

Only a few showers this morning - even the sun shone for a short while . S wind incresed from F3 to F4/5 by lunchtime .

On / around South Huish marsh tis morning - 80 TEAL, 1 WIGEON, 2 DUNLIN, 7 WHEATEAR, 7 STONECHAT, 3 WHINCHAT, 2 YELLOW WAGTAIL, 4 REED BUNTING, 12 GREENFINCH, 8 SKYLARK, 80+ MIPIT, 3 CHIFFCHAFF. SWALLOW passage c100 .

1 HOBBY

Offshore 4 SANDWICH TERN, 1 2nd w MED GULL, 7 PINTAIL flew east followed shortly afterwards by 2 TEAL and another PINTAIL ( this now makes 24 in the last 6 days ) a BONXIE flew west at 10.50. Only 20 GANNET recorded. 2 MUTE SWAN flew east ( first since the breeding birds left ) 2 AUK's flew east

Bob B had a SEDRE WARBLER and 10 CHIFFCHAFF at South Milton Ley

This afternoon on T'stone Marsh - 2 LITTLE GREBE , 1 WIGEON , 30 TEAL

TUES 1 OCT 2013

Thankfully the rain held off until late morning - not as much viz mig as recently

200+ SWALLOW, 110 HOUSE MARTIN, 20 MIPIT, 20 ALBA WAGTAIL, 1 YELLOW WAGTAIL .3 GREY WAGTAIL

On the marshes 60 TEAL, 2 WIGEON, 2 LITTLE GREBE , 4 WHEATEAR , 5 SNIPE

 Waders - 5 SANDERLING, 4 DUNLIN, 1 RINGED PLOVER .

Surprise of the day - a build up of SANDWICH TERN on the rocks - 4 at 09.00 steadily grew to 16 by 11.30 . Largest autumn total for a few years.

Bob B at South Milton Ley - 1jv COMMON GULL, 1 TREE PIPIT, 2 REED WARBLER, 2 WATER RAIL, both GREEN & GREAT SPOTTED WOODY

Had to spend the day in the car and a meeting room in Solihull, got back at 22.30 to be told the mist and drizzle never lifted  and very little birds- best news came from Bob B who ringed 2 SEDGE WARBLER with one of them a British control - recently fitted ring no L 739386.

SUN 18 AUG 2013