[Andrew]

Sorry folks it is very late, this is my day out for the Dark Breasted Barn Owl on Thursday at Bowling Green Marsh preceeded by a trip to Sidmouth. I apologise for the lack of photographs this time. . . .

06-03-03
Location : Sidmouth & Bowling Green Marsh, Devon. SY122870 & SX973875


Today’s intention was a round trip taking in some Purple Sandpipers at Sidmouth, some Bramblings at Woodbury Castle and finally the Dark Breasted Barn Owl at Bowling Green Marsh. Like all best laid plans, it did not go as smoothly as that. Starting off in the higher long stay car park near Connaught Gardens, I watched 4 Blue Tits, 2 Collared Doves, 3 Carrion Crows, a female Chaffinch, a Wren, a Robin, and 2 Blackbirds. The Crows were bathing in a stream beyond the car park.
Soon as I had finished my lunch we walked on to Chit Rocks to try and watch some of the Sandpipers. Looking at the rocks from the top of the high gardens, all I counted were 12 Oystercatchers feeding on the rich mussel covered rocks. There were also 47 Herring Gulls with twenty one on the rocks and a raft of twenty six out at sea.

We moved down to the lower path for a different viewpoint and added 2 Great Black Backed Gulls that had come in. Again I set up the scope and scanned the rocks inch by inch. Finally, I clapped eyes on a juvenile Purple Sandpiper feeding away among three Oystercatchers. It was very well camouflaged among the rocks and shells. This was proven when a passing couple asked what we were looking at and I spent ten minutes trying to show it to him despite it being bang in the middle of the scope. The gentleman eventually found it with much delight and gratitude. There had been five or eight reported here but I suspected most of them had gone on to the exposed rocks much further up west.

Satisfied, we moved on to the promenade and watched a flock of 9 Pied Wagtails feeding on the pebble beach and perching on the roof of a thatched roof. A Cormorant flew past at sea. A brown and white bird on the sea close in shore got my pulses racing. Unashamedly, I ran up closer to it getting my scope set up in public and it turned out to be a Great Crested Grebe and not the Long Tailed Duck I was hoping for! Still, I enjoyed watching this glorious bird in an unusual environment diving under for food and preening.

After a bit of shopping we sat at the edge of the mouth of the River Sid. As I predicted, 2 Grey Wagtails flew up river and investigated the stony bank as well as the muddy banks before flying off towards town. A Wood Pigeon was in a tree feeding on Ivy berries.

With time running short we returned to the car and could not resist our first ice cream of the year on such a sunny day. After this I ran back to the car, passing Chit Rocks, and increased the earlier count to 5 Purple Sandpipers with four on the inner breakwater and the juvenile still on Chit Rocks. Seeing as time was limited, Woodbury Castle was cancelled and the next stop was Bowling Green Marsh for the owl.

Arriving as the light was falling, I made my way to the viewing platform speaking to as many birders as I could. The Dark Breasted Barn Owl had not been seen all day which was not what I wanted to hear at all. Up the path to the platform a male Brambling shot across me, so I did get my Brambling after all. Very briefly I looked at the Glossy Ibis which was feeding next to the ditch as usual. It was odd to see so many birders ignoring the Glossy Ibis and I was guilty of it too.

I set up my scope and waited along with twelve of at least twenty nine birders. With the light failing my hopes increased of seeing the owl quartering the fields, during this I saw 3 Little Egrets, a possible Merlin and many other silhouettes fly over. I was sure I had seen the owl when a flat faced bird flew up high over towards Exminster Marshes in a flap-flap-glide motion but everyone dismissed it as something else.

The light fell dramatically and it got really dark, one by one we all packed up and left disappointed. I sensed a new found advancement as a birder having been on a twitch and dipped out. It still felt quite enjoyable but after a few dip outs I expect the novelty to wear off. Nevertheless I had a very enjoyable day out watching the Purple Sandpipers and adding Brambling to my list properly without meaning to.

[T0ny]

First ice-cream of the year ?? Winter's the best time, it takes longer to melt

Tony

[Paul Rule]

Sounds like a nice day out, I would love to see those Purple Sandpipers.

Paul

[Andrew]

And the choccy bits are chrunchier!!!

[Reader]

Shame about the Barn Owl Andrew but there will possibly be another day. I have yet to see Purple Sandpiper this year so there is one bird you have gained on me.

How could you ignore poor old Izzy like that. Just think. If he is still there in the summer months I might be able to get a decent photo of him. I had better allow myself a whole day to do it
judging by my last efforts: LOL

You seemed to have had a good day even without the Owl. The Brambling was a nice bonus. You will have to try out a few more twitches, you never know what you might see on the next one.

[Andrew]

It was a nice day John but I was amazed at the other birders. Many of them did not bother looking at the many birds that were all around us. They just wanted the owl. Well, takes all sorts and each to their own.

A disgraceful report Andrew.

1 Ignoring Izzy

2 No lunch details

3 Not listing flavour of ice cream

4 No details of shopping trip

Peter


ps Seriously, nice report as always. I've never been to Sidmouth birding - thanks for the thought.

[Andrew]

Apologies for the ommissions, Sir. (Pulls breeches down and bends over)

1) Did not really ignore him, just said a brief hello to him. Also glad the fox has still not got him!

2) I think lunch was Tuna sandwich. Can't have been much cos I forgot!!!

3) Childay Manor Honeycomb as usual. My favourite flavour, not as good as Callestick Farm though.

4) Bought zip! No, I tell a lie. A can of Fanta!!!!

Childhay Manor shows a certain promise (of class). We'll have to monitor your progress.

As for Izzy, I'm only jealous! I'll be in Devon next weekend but sadly will have to spend all my time at the Lib Dem conference in Torquay.

[Andrew]

You can set up the interviews to take place on the promenade. Rig up a scope on the side with one eye on the possible divers and one eye on the boring politician!!!

Actually, if you happen to be going home in the evenings you can call in BGM at last light to see the Owl quartering the fields. It was still there today!!

Sadly, I will be staying in Torquay from Friday to Monday. It'll give me the chance to sample the nightlife!

[Andrew]

I have just realised I have posted my thousandth post some time ago. I missed the landmark moment!!!

A seminal moment in the history of BF. Congratulations!!