Can't beat a bit of Devon

Labrador Bay

Cirl Bunting

Rainbow on arrival

The Cirl Bunting were very camera shy

Struggling to get a shot

Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Brixham

Armistice Day procession

Family selfie

Great place to watch the march

Purple Sandpiper

Turnstone on the breakwater

We decided to head down the M5 on Saturday to catch up with the outlaws in Devon. The weekend would be heavy in cakes and coffee but also grabbed a couple of sessions of birds between the cake eating.

On Saturday we walked across Exmouth beach opposite Dawlish Warren and recorded the local species of Oystercatchers, Shags, Cormorant, Curlew but nothing out of the ordinary. I've had previous success around Exmouth Sailing Club with Black Redstarts and I was pleased to find two birds over wintering despite the huge housing development.

On Sunday, we headed to Labrador Bay to see the impressive Cirl Buntings. I've only seen them once previously further down the coast. This small reserve is now managed by the RSPB and with their careful managements the Buntings have flourished. There are now 20 pairs doing well here whilst the overall picture is also looking healthy with over 800 pairs in the UK.

It didn't take us long to track them down but getting a clear photographic opportunity took much longer. If you are heading that way prepare for some steep and uneven walking. 

From there we had a couple of hours in Brixham to take in the Armistice Day procession & two minutes silence. It was excellent to see so many people recognises what the day means and showing their support.

We walked along the breakwater & recorded a Red-throated Diver, 5 Turnstones and 2 Purple Sandpiper before retreating for lunch followed by the drive home.