Category: David

Small clump of marsh marigolds beginning to flower. The final picture was taken two days later that the ones where the flower buds were still just starting opening.

Wigeon congregating as a group on the water at the RSPB Bowling Green Reserve, Topsham, constantly reminding each other of their presence through their high, whistling calls.

Wide open spaces,the Exe estuary looking toward the river mouth and the sea. Exmouth stretches along the seashore to the left, with Dawlish Warren on the other shore.

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
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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.