Storm Petrels and Wood Sandpiper

I spent a number of hours watching the sea this morning after Storm Francis headed through the South West. Nothing spectacular, but at least 3 Storm Petrels off the seafront (2+ this morning and one this afternoon) are always a treat to see from Budleigh.

A check on the Otter Estuary first thing this morning produced some good counts of waders for here with 34 Dunlin, 8 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper and 5 Whimbrel. The latter desperately seeking shelter in the gale force wind and landing on the shingle ridge. A lone Wheatear was also trying to find shelter. 

However, best of all was  a juvenile Wood Sandpiper on the scrapes (now with water!) late this afternoon and only my 4th on the patch, the last being 12th August 2018.

Poor phonescoped video of Storm Petrel off Budleigh seafront

Juvenile Wood Sandpiper

Juvenile Wood Sandpiper