Following AJ's report a few days ago of a large finch flock on Powderham Marshes I called in before tackling the main marsh. I was not disappointed. About 300 finches mostly Chaffinches but a large number of Brambling and Linnets and a few Skylarks. The flock was attracting at least two female Sparrowhawks (adult and juv) and buzzards.
On Exminster Marshes I counted over 1200 Wigeon before having to move to keep warm. A few Golden Plovers were amongst the Lapwing. A single adult Bewick Swan was on the lagoon, although later reported on the estuary near Turf. Where the Snow Bunting was feeding on cord grass near the main sluice, west of the canal. A couple of Bullfinches were with the Redwings feeding on the canal bank. The build up of ice on the tide-line is looking impressive.
