It has become a bit of a tradition since moving to Budleigh Salterton, that me and the Mrs have tried to see/hear as many species as possible within the Budleigh and Exe Estuary area mostly using bikes as our transport. With the weather forecast for New Year's Day not looking great, we opted for the 2nd January instead and it turned out to be a good move with a calm sunny day!
Our final tally broke all our previous attempts and was a very respectable 97 species of which only four were heard only (Green Woodpecker, Dartford Warbler, Fieldfare(!) and Tawny Owl). Amazing really, considering this was all within just a 7 mile radius of Budleigh Salterton.
The day started with Blackbird and Herring Gull and ended with Woodcock and Tawny Owl. We hit 70 Species at just after midday and then had a good run of species around Exmouth and Budleigh before finishing on the East Devon Commons.
Highlights included: Egyptian Goose, Black Redstart, Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Cirl Bunting, Yellowhammer, Dartford Warbler and Blackcap
Notable misses included: Kestrel, Treecreeper, Cetti's Warbler and RL Partridge.
One day we shall break the 100 mark!
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