Sabine`s Gull.

Saturday evening myself and Nigel Addicott decided on a last minute change, from going to Dale Airfield to photograph the 3 Buff-breasted Sandpipers we decided on the 3 Sabine`s Gulls at Exmouth seafront.

We arrived at 7.30 am.and it didn`t take long before we saw them flying up and down the estuary. They were too far at this time and we decided on a `full English `and let the weather improve! Eventually everything worked in our favour and they were located feeding along the shoreline. As the weather slowly brightened, as did our photos. When nearly everyone left we decided to get the sun behind us, and by rolling up our trousers, wading in a few yards, and getting behind the birds we had a little better light.

Pectoral Sandpiper.

A mid morning call from Rob Mitchell saying that while he was watching a Grey Phalarope this Pec Sand appeared and showing at point blank! With good light I decided to leave straight away.

I was in the middle of a job and on my way to a builders merchants, needed to go home get camera, then drive the 40 mimutes, rush the half hour walk, relocate the bird (which I almost stepped on) spend half hour with the Pec and Grey Phalarope, then quickly rush back to work. Phew!!!

Wryneck at Uskmouth.

There is something special about Wrynecks, with it`s crypic plumage and the ability to disappear into thin air!

Once pinned down it became very confiding, with the weather not helping and weeds being a problem I eventually managed some decent shots.

Juv Arctic Tern.

Initially identified as a Common tern, juveniles are not easy!

It was very approachable sat on the far bank of Lisvane Reservoir. Occasionaly it would fly off to fish and return to attempt to swallow its prey. Sticklebacks, to which it struggled, it would swallow them  then bring it back up, eventually it managed to keep them down!

Little Stint at Ogmore.

Had a couple of hours spare this afternoon so I decided on Ogmore. Paul Roberts informed me that the Little Stint was in its usual place.

The problem here was that it was feeding with a few Dunlin and about 7 Ringed Plover. In order to get near the Stint I knew Somehow I would have to split the plovers away from the Dunlin. Eventually I managed that, now all I needed was good light, which was not to be.

Stoat or Weasel from the hide.

At long last , another mammal besides a Rabitt from the hide.
There just had to be a Mink,Stoat or Weasel about. It popped it`s head up through the branch pile for a few moments, I could have so easily overlooked it. Maybe i`ll get another go soon.

Whitethroats and Chiffchaffs are active on the branch pile and Finch numbers are building, also nice to see the Yellowhammer back.

Shearwaters.

We saw Cetaceans and birds in fantastic numbers, but trying to photograph them was difficult as they never really came close enough, but it was a great trip.

Cuvier`s Beaked Whales.

The Bay of Biscay.

                                        Common Dolphins at Dawn

                                         Striped Dolphin

                                           Striped Dolphin

This years trip was superb! A constant supply of Dolphins, Corys and Great Shearwaters amd with great weather meant calm seas.