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Monday 7 November 2011

Exminster Marshes

The red-breasted goose is attracting some attention. It is a first winter bird and possibly the one reported from Dorset earlier in the autumn. What ever its origins it is mixing with the Canada geese and a single barnacle goose - possibly the one that has lingered around the estuary for some time and was grazing in the fields closest to the canal bank.

Also on the fields c200 lapwing and a similar number of wigeon. There were another 30 or so wigeon on the lagoon together with 108 coots, 7 gadwall, 2 tufted ducks, 3 pochard and 13 shoveller.

A light passage of chaffinches totalling about 50, all flying north. Also 11 fieldfares north and of course the obligatory woodpigeons - about 300. Heard one water rail and two Cettis calling.