Birds And Lambs

Earlier this week a trip to Stover produced 6 female Goosanders and 3 males though for once there was not a lot else.  Even the usual woodland birds were noticeably absent. 

 I was also lucky enough to see some Devon Cirl Buntings on my travels.

Back nearer home in Colyton a pair of grey wagtails were showing well on the Coly

There have been a few little ring plovers on Black Hole Marsh this week

and this was the closest and best sighting I ever got of the swan goose which was more than I ever got of the little gull as I was unable to get out until late afternoon.

The long staying grey plover is still present as are the 4 drake pintails.  Yesterday afternoon the knot and one lone ringed plover was viewable from the tower hide on the river.  Black Hole Marsh has plenty of squabbling shelducks plus a good number of black tailed godwits and although this one is not one of the most colourful ones it is still beautiful.

And finally these cute little things were so full of life in Axmouth I couldn't resist taking a few photos.

A Few Black Hole Marsh Birds

There have been great views of goldcrests the last few weeks on Black Hole Marsh and they have probably become the most photographed goldcrests ever.

plus a small group of 3 long tailed tits passing through regularly

A blackbird that appears to have no voice

and a somewhat over looked bird the dunnock. 

The avocet remains on Black Hole Marsh along with the long staying grey plover

Short Eared Owls And Eider

It was a beautiful day yesterday for a trip to Portland and well worth the effort.   There were at least 3 short eared owls and after passing close by one appeared to come back for a closer look at me.   What a magnificent creature and wonderful to see so close.

 

The little owl was in its usual place

Back in the harbour one of the eiders put in a close appearance

and there were dozens of red breasted mergansers.

Didn't find any divers or the black necked grebes but after hours of owl watching it didn't really matter.  Finally the view of Weymouth and Chesil from Portland.