26 October 2019

Snow Bunting to Cirl Bunting

Date: 
19th-24th October
Location:
Sandbay, Lyme Regis, Broadsands, Berry Head, Blorenge, Newton St Loe
Weather: 
Overcast cloudy some sunshine.
Species Highlights: 
Cirl bunting, Eider, Gannet,Snow Bunting.
Observation: 

Me at work but Lauren always staring out our window to catch that Collared Dove again on our still present Scaffolding.


Goldfinches, Great, Coal, Long Tailed and this beautiful Blue Tit present every day.


Sunday morning a Pallas Leaf Warbler and Yellow-browed had been at Sandbay but not by us, we looked for over a hour with Goldcrests  and tit flock only birds of note. So Monday morning and still trying for that 200 we headed down to Dorset, Devon. First off was Lyme Regis and this long staying Eider, almost in full plumage, happily floating around the harbour.


Next was Broadsands our go-to spot for Cirl Bunting, it seems the old beach huts have been removed but after searching along the hedge row I came across just two birds, just visible by standing on rubbish bin!




The Steam train "Lydham Manor" puffed it way over the viaduct making a grand sight. 
Great Western Railway 7800 Class No. 7827 Lydham Manor is a preserved British steam locomotive. It is currently owned by and based on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The locomotive was built in December 1950. wiki


Another drive, next to Brixham Breakwater because you never know! In fact most photos were taking here with 4 Grey Seal playing at very close range.



The star of the Breakwater was this little Turnstone coming so close i had to run just to get a picture of him, full frame no crop.


10 or so birds were along the breakwater.


Purple Sandpipers were also feeding along the rocks but a bit more tricky as constantly moving from the incoming tide.




A short drive to Berry head didn't produce anything to add, we walked down to quarry but could only add Gannets to our day list.
Next off a mistake we drove past Bowling Green Marshes this morning thinking the tide would be better on return but as usual tide times are so confusing and we got there at very low tide, missing the Long Billed Dowitcher everything else was too far out to even ID. The Long Billed Dowitcher was spotted this morning, should have dropped in. Arrgg. A nice male Shoveler was the only consolation.



As it always happens for Lauren she went back to work and I managed to get down to Blorenge for a real treat, a very confiding Snow Bunting.



My last Snow bunting was Norfolk and Iceland in 2014, but those views were nothing like these views.


Anyone can get a Robin or Kingfisher but a Horse looking through the Lens! ( not my camera but my  T5 Transporter, Bilko had good views, LOL)


He couldn't do enough to keep the visiting photographers happy.




Heavy mist and fog but with the bird so close it didn't matter, I even walked to the summit of Blorenge I think it was so foggy.


Thursday and another patch walk my 34th of the year, not much change Grey Heron on lower brook and on top lake 7 birds counted in all.


A sunny spell and Migrant Hawker and a few Common darters about.


The last of the Butterflies sunny themselves, Red Admiral.


This handsome Buzzard  stalking some thing.



Got the Poo shot too, this doesn't reflect my week which was brilliant!
Just 2 bird ticks left for me but Lauren looking a bit more dodgy on 185/200.


Wayne Year Bird List: 198
Lauren Year Bird List: 185


Thanks For Looking! 
&
  Thanks For All Your Support!

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