Despite finishing work at midnight on Friday, CJW was still desperate to go on another trip so he could get closer to that mythical magical @NGBirders200 Club. We'd only had one trip since the Laughing Gull trip, and that was a harsh dip in Aberdeen when the HARLEQUIN DUCK decided to fly upstream earlier than usual and did not return all day. We spent 8.5hrs walking up and down the stream. We took the dip on the chin because we're hard seasoned birders and we've dipped before.
We'd also dipped on the wintering PENDULINE TITS in Devon earlier in the year, but with frequent reports during the week, we decided to pay another visit. We arrived at Darts Farm RSPB at just after 08:00hrs and set ourselves up and waited. Most reports during the week were for mid-morning, and we were prepared to wait. First up was a flock of eight Sand Martins which we thought would herald the start of summer migrants whizzing through the site. However, they were the only ones we saw at the site.
Next big surprise was when Ian, the Clayheads No1 Stalker turned up with his crew. North Staffs boys easily outnumbered Devon birders in the hide from then on.
At 10:45hrs, I spotted some photographers (who had been kindly asked if they could come away from the edge of the reed bed!) getting agitated and the two Penduline Tits had finally appeared. They showed incredibly well and they were worth waiting for.
This Water Rail showed well in front of the hide
Penduline Tit at Darts Farm RSPB
The reed bed as from the hide/shelter
We headed down to the Bowling Green Marsh but we couldn't find anywhere to park. We drove round to Exminster Marshes instead. We found the last space in the car park and walked down the river bank to the Turf Hotel. Here were found the 600 Brent Geese, and together with a local birder we scanned through looking for the BLACK BRANT. There was no sign, and to make matters worse they kept getting flushed by some invisible force. Eventually they all decided to fly and land on the water. We searched again and we finally found the Black Brant swimming at the front of the flock. The flock slowly came closer and we had good views. Amazingly, this is my first ever Black Brant....outside the county of Norfolk!
Black Brant in Devon
CJW taking a photo of his scope
The Brent Goose flock showing quite well off the Turf Hotel.
