The day didn't start all that well...
I had just had my windscreen replaced thanks to the nice men from Autoglass (£75 - ouch!). There I was sat waiting for the glue to dry, being a good boy doing as I was told....
First came a text from Kev Rylands 'I'm at Portland, at least 100 Wheatears here'...
About three minutes later came a text from Karen 'Male Ring Ouzel Beer Head in the Dell'...
SOD THE GLUE - I WAS GONE...
Ten minutes later I was at Beer Head with Ian Mc. Karen was nowhere to be seen - but thankfully the male Ring Ouzel was! It only showed briefly, but it was nice and close - only the third spring Ouzel I've ever seen on patch! There were several Wheatears (including my first females) dotted about, and Meadow Pipits were heading north in small flocks quite frequently.
The Monarch of the Dell!
All this migration action fired me right up I can tell you - I was up for some excellent spring birding so decided to head to the Estuary and marshes for the rest of my birding day. This included two visits to Blackhole and Seaton Marshes, single visits to Colyford Common and Lower Bruckland Ponds, two looks out to sea, and two jaunts along the Estuary..... I saw absolutely naff all!
Well when I say naff all, that doesn't include the Hoopoe that's still present in Axmouth. I had two drives around Axmouth Camp Site today, the first one drew a blank, but I struck lucky on visit number two...
One sexy bird!
I'll end this post with a short, and rather uninspiring video of it. I do love the way they move though...
I had just had my windscreen replaced thanks to the nice men from Autoglass (£75 - ouch!). There I was sat waiting for the glue to dry, being a good boy doing as I was told....
First came a text from Kev Rylands 'I'm at Portland, at least 100 Wheatears here'...
About three minutes later came a text from Karen 'Male Ring Ouzel Beer Head in the Dell'...
SOD THE GLUE - I WAS GONE...
Ten minutes later I was at Beer Head with Ian Mc. Karen was nowhere to be seen - but thankfully the male Ring Ouzel was! It only showed briefly, but it was nice and close - only the third spring Ouzel I've ever seen on patch! There were several Wheatears (including my first females) dotted about, and Meadow Pipits were heading north in small flocks quite frequently.
The Monarch of the Dell!Well when I say naff all, that doesn't include the Hoopoe that's still present in Axmouth. I had two drives around Axmouth Camp Site today, the first one drew a blank, but I struck lucky on visit number two...
One sexy bird!
Jammy or what??!! Great photos :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat Karen said! ;o)
ReplyDeleteThanks guys - a silver peugoet 106 with its engine running is clearly a very effective bird hide! I knew there was a reason why I let it get so muddy... camo!!! :-)
ReplyDelete