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Saturday 1 January 2011

Axe Estuary and Seaton Bay

A late night prevented an early start, but late morning 8 Velvet and 43 Common Scoters were showing off Seaton seafront. 2 Brent Geese flew in from the east and joined them, and 3 Red-throated Diver, a few Razorbill and several Great Crested Grebes were scattered about on the sea.

The adult Bewick's Swan is still with us, with Mute Swans between Musbury and Colyford. It is best viewed from the road that goes from the A3052 to Lower Bruckland Ponds (just east of Boshill Cross) then around the back of the ponds to Musbury. Also at Lower Bruckland Ponds at least one Pochard and five Tufted Duck mid afternoon (Phil had more earlier). The adult Greylag Goose is also still with us, opposite Stecombe Vale.

Today's lowlight was missing the patches first confirmed Waxwings. James McCarthy watched 9 for a couple of minutes along Colyford Road, in trees opposite the entrance to Black Hole Marsh. After flitting between trees they flew off north towards Colyford, calling as they went. Gripping!