Snowy cycle on the Tarka Trail from Barnstaple to Braunton this morning:
Near the new bridge, a Pochard floating down on the outgoing tide was unusual.
A few Bar-tailed Godwits with Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover and 4 Sanderling around the Pottington/Bradiford Water area - nothing of note on the reserve.
Across on the Penhill saltmarsh were the most Wigeon I have seen on the estuary in many a year - may have been over a thousand. Plenty of Canada Geese in smaller flocks.
On Wrafton Pond - which still has some unfrozen water - 6 Shoveler, and 16 Common Gulls in amongst the Black-headed and Herring Gulls.
In the Velator reserve, still lots of Song Thrushes and Redwings, but the Buckthorn berries are fast disappearing! Highlight of the morning was 2 Woodcock in the reserve.
Only fell off the bike once!
[from Jon Turner]
