Scoters and Egrets

There seems to be a significant influx of Velvet Scoters in Devon at present, so I have been regularly checking the Common Scoter flock at Chiselbury Bay, Otterton. The Velvet Scoters that were present in the flock a week or so ago seem to no longer be present, but interestingly the Common Scoter flock is growing! 

I had a minimum of 380 birds yesterday which is a very large count for anywhere in Devon during any month. The Devon Bird Report shows the peak count for 2015 as 218 birds in July 2015, 192 birds in April 2014 and then 400 birds in June/July 2013. There are now at least 12 Velvet Scoters in the Torbay area and a Surf Scoter at Mansands, so hopefully something will appear in the flock.

The other species that is showing an influx and a national one, is Cattle Egret. Currently 7 birds at Teigngrace and one bird at Seaton plus numerous other birds in Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire, Kent, Worcestershire etc. etc. The Otter has a history of records from previous years therefore I have been watching the Little Egret roost for the last few nights - So far just 17 Little Egrets - Still plenty of time though. Fellow blogger and cake eater Steve Waite found one the other day at Seaton by watching his local roost - See HERE

Here is some video of the Common Scoter flock: