All quiet on the south-western front

Down in Devon this weekend catching up with good friends Jaffa and Helen. An early morning jaunt around the Otter Estuary in a light south-easterly proved rather unproductive. Plenty of Swallows, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were about and a Sedge Warbler was heard, but there was no sense of movement. The resident Whimbrel (Will.i.am) was seen and a male Red-breasted Merganser showed down to just a few metres on the river (photo below). Moving on to East Budleigh Common 2 female Wheatears and a Dartford Warbler were seen, but it wasn't long before we called it a day and headed to the legendary Lawn Bakery for a Maple and Pecan Slice and an Iced Chelsea. 26 Common Scoter and a Guillemot offshore and 1 Peregrine from Brandy Head this evening was a nice end to the day.