Mavis, Kay and myself headed off to RSPB Bowling Green Marsh on Wednesday 30th July for the high tide roost, Kay very kindly drove and I was picked up at the usual place in Plympton at 8:30am on a warm but mostly overcast morning. We made good time on not too busy roads and arrived at the Marsh at around 9:20am to start our birding day.
We secured good positions in the bird hide and set up our scopes to begin scanning the assorted birds out on the Marsh and quickly found 2 Spoonbills fast asleep amongst the assorted gulls, geese, ducks and waders. They would occassionally wake up for a quick preen before returning to their slumbers but we were pleased to see them so quickly and so easily.
Spoonbills
Spoonbills
We also found 2 Spotted Redshanks hidden in plain sight amongst the assembled Redshanks along with Lapwing, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Greenshank and 2 Green Sandpiper.
Spotted Redshank with Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and Redshank
Spotted Redshank
There were good numbers of Canada Geese, Shelduck and Mallard across the Marsh and amongst them we found an eclipse male Wigeon (apparently an oversummering injured bird), Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall and a Pintail.
We then headed over to the viewing platform and along the way found a noisy family group of recently fledged Cetti's Warblers in the hedgerow while at the platform itself a noisy family group of recently fledged Reed Warblers were less showy in the reeds.
After lunch in the nearby park we had a look at the River Exe from The Goat Walk where we watched a distant Hobby catching insects high over Exminster Marsh before we returned to the bird hide for another look about. Bird numbers on the Marsh had dropped with the receeding tide but the Spotted Redshanks and Spoonbills were still present and the light was much better for viewing. One of the Spoonbills was actually awake and busily feeding which was great to watch.
Bowling Green Marsh from the hide
Spotted Redshanks and Redshank
Spotted Redshanks
Spoonbill
Spoonbill
It was soon time for us to head back home, the day had just whizzed by but as usual it had been a very enjoyable day out indeed.
With the mostly dry and warm nights continuing I've had the moth box out in the back yard occassionally too, nothing exciting to report but Marbled Green, Mullein Wave and Four-spotted Footman continue to feature and other highlights have been Cabbage Moth, Campion, Straw Dot and Lime Speck Pug.
Marbled Green
Cabbage Moth
Campion
Straw Dot
Birdy is always curious when I'm emptying the moth box in the morning and will come over to investigate, she continues to grow and it won't be long now until she fully fledges and flies away, she actually flew over to a nearby roof and back for the first time on Thursday 31st July so full fledging should be happening soon.
Birdy and her Domain from the bedroom window - and the arena for the parents cacophonous performances at 5am in the morning
Birdy after her first flight to a nearby roof and back
