Big Turnstone count

Whilst searching unsuccessfully for a Black Redstart around Teignmouth Port yesterday morning I came across a group of 31 Turnstones foraging along the quay - my best ever patch count and the largest number in the estuary for at least eight years (having checked DBR reports since 2010). There was little else of note although the Red-breasted Mergsanser party the other side of Shaldon Bridge had increased to 17.

Back in Black

An immature male Black Redstart was around the Rugby Club in Teignmouth this afternoon, the first at this previously regular site since the 14/15 winter. Also present at least one male Blackcap.

Low tide diversion

A Black-throated Diver, the first of the year, was a surprise in the estuary. The bird was feeding in the southern channel off Shaldon on the dropping tide. On the Salty a total of 10 Shelduck with a Mistle Thrush on Teignmouth Rugby pitch.

Dodgy sandpiper and WeBS

The snow-dusted peaks of Dartmoor provided an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to Saturday morning's count of the upper estuary, which was partly delayed by the discovery at Passage House of a presumed Common Sandpiper showing some characteristics of Spotted Sandpiper. Though it was always alone it appeared somewhat smaller than a typical Common Sand, with a fairly short primary projection and rear end, bold eyestripe and plain tertials, though the bill was fairly uniform-coloured and the legs weren't as yellow as you might expect. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated (apologies for the picture quality).

Presumed Common Sandpiper, Passage House

Totals were generally down on what might be expected for December although the tides were lower than on most WeBS weekends. Fifteen Red-breasted Mergansers, 29 Shelducks, 60 Dunlin, 84 Redshanks, four Greenshanks, five Ringed Plovers and six Little Grebes were among the more notable counts.

Late news for Thursday: a Green Sandpiper showing no characteristics of Solitary Sandpiper was on the floods at Teigngrace south of the level crossing.

Nocturnal Calling

A Black-tailed Godwit flew over Teignmouth just before midnight, only the fourth record of the year on patch.

Firewalks

Although sightings are on the increase a Firecrest will always brighten any day's birding. At least two were around Shaldon this afternoon, one in the Holm Oaks on the Ness and a second in vegetation above Ness Beach. Chiffchaffs were also in both locations and offshore at least 90 Common Scoter.

WeBS

The standout bird of this morning's survey was a female Goosander that was loafing about Passage House for the hour that I was there; the first on patch since 2014. An impressive total of 51 Snipe emerged from the reeds to forage as the tide dropped, and two Bar-tailed Godwits had joined up with the 90-strong Curlew flock. Other totals from the length of the estuary included 386 Oystercatchers, 81 Redshanks, four Greenshanks, 36 Dunlin, four Ringed Plovers, three Common Sandpipers, two Turnstones, 14 Little Egrets, 21 Mute Swans, 18 Shelducks, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Wigeon, six Little Grebes and a Kingfisher.

Goosander, Passage House

Another Firecrest

The first two Blackcap of winter and a Firecrest were found in the Holm Oaks at Milford Park, Teignmouth this morning, however no sign of the odd sounding phyllosc that had been glimpsed nearby. At Passage House at least one wintering Common Sandpiper.

Firecrests

A walk around Decoy Lake revealed a Firecrest with a large flock of tits and Goldcrest. Another Firecrest was seen at The Ness on Wednesday. On the lake were 24 Tufted Duck and a Great Crested Grebe.

Catching up over the last couple of weeks; a Great White Egret was seen flying north-east over Bishopsteignton on the 28th October, likely the same bird that was seen flying up the Exe Estuary later in the day. Large numbers of Woodpigeon were migrating on the 27th and 28th October with c.15,000 per hour during the peak in passage.

All at sea

Half an hour from Teignmouth Yacht Club early afternoon showed large feeding flocks to the North and East of the recording area with good numbers of Gannet, Kittiwake and Razorbill present. Closer in a flock of 63 Common Scoter and a Great Northern Diver.