Darts Farm ~ Very good for the smaller bird species today, three Reed Bunting feeding on the bullrush heads to the side and front of the hide.
Good sized flocks of House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Linnet. A Wren around the hide with a notably very pale underside. Fieldfare and Redwing in small numbers around the farm area.
Bowling Green Marsh ~ the marsh is well flooded and proving to be heaven for a huge number of ducks mostly Wigeon which included the American Wigeon which was spotted by a very friendly birder called George who soon had everyone aware of its location on the far side of the marsh close to the reed beds. Three Tufted duck, Pintail, Shoveller, Teal and a fly over Shell Duck.
Lapwing, two Snipe, one Greenshank, Greylag Geese. In the field by the entrance to the viewing platform lane a flock of 25 Brent Geese that panicked and took flight when a hen Kestrel came over them.
From the viewing platform, considerable numbers of wading species on the Lympstone side of the river, two closer Avocet showing well, Redshank and Oyster Catcher however the distance and bright sun made viewing and identification difficult.
Exminster Marshes ~ the access road beyond Lions Rest is inaccessible due to flood water, but the surrounding flooded fields contained huge numbers of wading species, a large flock of Lapwing lifted and simply filled the view, Curlew, Redshank and Godwits present, again distance and a low sun made observation difficult. A Kestrel and a Long Tailed Tit flock seen on the way out.
Haldon Forest Park ~ a male Brambling in with the Chaffinch flock, good numbers of Siskin, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Greenfinch and Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, two singing Song Thrush, a fly past from two Raven.
Bickington A38 ~ a Kestrel perched on a roadside tree and another at Marley Head.
Back home at South Brent the day had started with a female Siskin on the feeders with ten Goldfinch, the late afternoon gave Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Wren, Dunnock, a brief visit to the feeders from a Marsh Tit, Stock Dove overhead and unfortunately a dead Tawny owl found in the garden,up to three had been heard calling overnight.
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