Category: David

Wigeon were the species present in the greatest numbers at the RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham, Reserve in the final days of storm Gareth. Three days later the winds had dropped, and only a few stragglers were still holding back from heading to their summer breeding grounds. These had been right below the hide before the great departure.Wigeon, RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham
xxx

Wigeon were the species present in the greatest numbers at the RSPB Bowling Green, Topsham, Reserve in the final days of storm Gareth. Three days later the winds had dropped, and only a few stragglers were still holding back from heading to their summer breeding grounds. These had been right below the hide before the great departure.

Lone narcissus growing helpfully at eye level at Aldersley Junction.

A few days around the Exe estuary at the tail end of storm Gareth. Weather less than welcoming, and many of the large numbers which overwinter had already started off for their summer homes. Others left as soon as the wind calmed down.

But some stuff was still around. This shelduck male, spending most of its time up-ended, feeding in the shallow water, was giving a clear view to those of us in the shelter of the RSPB hide on their reserve at Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham.

Fern growing on the canal bank, overhanging the water, near to Aldersley Junction.

Young cormorant which seemed for a while like it might be settling down on West Park boating lake island back in 2016. It hung around for several weeks in late winter and early spring, using this tall dead tree as its lookout post and taking regular flights for one of the fish in the lake. Then it was gone.

There’s a clump of tall, tall pampas grass in the Sensory Garden at Northycote Farm. The tips of the seed heads must be a good twelve feet off the ground.