Steve Waite

Theyve become really scarce as an over wintering bird in Devon. Sharp decline over last 10-15 years

This must now be the best wintering site for Slavs on the whole south coast?

My first Sand Martins of the year (ten) flew north up the River Axe this morning at Colyford. Also on the Estuary this nice example of a 1w Yellow-legged Gull #ukbirding

Nice house tick last night! Stepped out of the car on the driveway and a/some Avocet flew over calling! Be interesting to see if the wintering Axe birds are still around today... (volume up and sorry for all the banging and the 8 year old asking if I'm filming a ghost!) #ukbirding

This beautiful 1w Little Gull has been hanging around the lower Axe Estuary for the last 20 minutes #ukbirding

Caspian Gull Yellow P:OSR In yesterday's post I published photos of the colour-ringed Caspian Gull  that I found on the Axe Estuary earlier that day, it was bearing ...

The life history of Caspian Gull Yellow P:OSR. With thanks to The Polish Bird Ringing Centre and Yorkshire birder Andy Deighton for their crucial input: stevesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/casp... #ukbirding

Nice lunchbreak 1w Caspian Gull on the Axe Estuary just now. Have sent the ring details off but it looks like it might be Polish #ukbirding

Another nice gull on the lower Axe Estuary this morning, with this 3w Yellow-legged Gull showing well #ukbirding

From Brixham to the Axe... stevesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/cork... #ukbirding

Soon as I saw it it reminded me of this bird, especially that pale patterning on bill. As ever I will wait until ive downloaded the photos before fully confirming

Yes they don't get much better than that do they! Nice to see one well too

This lovely 1w Caspian Gull was on the lower Axe Estuary until about ten minutes ago when the whole flock was flushed #ukbirding

Indeed

Theres an adult Little Gull next to Heathrow Airport. Its in a horse field just north of Myrtle Avenue. Its giving amazing views! #ukbirding

Plenty of rain and the first signs of spring passage... stevesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2026/02/in-f... #ukbirding

Both Siberian Lesser Whitethroats by Seaton Bowling Green this morning, showing and calling well. Also two Black Redstarts #ukbirding

Think weve got this Greylag today Dave. Really orange-billed (some are much pinkier) and subtle white patch at base of upper mandible . Thanks for that its a yeartick

I feel like this is the big surge following the orginal expansion of a few years ago. Must mean that some of the habitat is still in good nick!

Indeed! Be amazing if they all bred locally

A drastic and sudden increase in patch Cirl Bunting numbers.... stevesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/cirl... #ukbirding

Pleased to say I've had much better views of the Seaton Little Gull during my lunchbreak... #ukbirding

All it needed was a bit more effort... Delighted to find an adult Little Gull in the the melee of gulls off Seaton Beach this morning. Couldn't get close to it due to the need of shelter, but hopefully it stays until the rain stops later #ukbirding

Thankyou so much for the feedback Paul, and thanks for taking the time to read it in the first place :-)

Despite the excellent numbers of gulls on patch over the last couple of days, and me putting plenty of effort in, I have failed to find any Little Gulls. Highlights have been 2 1w Caspian Gull (today's pictured), a Kittiwake over Axmouth bridge and 44 Med Gulls yesterday #ukbirding

Thanks Steph! Apologies for earlier mix up though!

The Seaton Lesser Whitethroats in detail: stevesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-... #ukbirding

Interesting. I tend to think wildfowl doesn't move until we get some ice, however I guess birds may already be moving to UK from near continent/the low countries

A hint that cold weather is coming? Wouldn't usually expect to see/hear a Golden Plover flying around over Seaton mid-winter.... #ukbirding

Finally the cold weather has moved wildfowl! This female Goldeneye was on the sea off Seaton for about 20 mins this morning before flying off west. A proper patch rare these days! #ukbirding

Ten Black-necked Grebes off the Sailing Club near Sandsfoot Castle, Portland Harbour at 12:30 today (2 displaying to each other which was nice!) plus 4 GN Diver @portlandbirdobs.bsky.social