Saturday 28 May 2011

Exmoor - Sat 28 May

An early start as myself and three mates headed up to north Somerset for the day. Our first point of call was Hurlestone Point where we spent an hour or so sea-watching. It was pretty quiet out to see, with just a single Gannet, some twenty or so Manx Shearwaters, and just four Razerbills passing through. On the slopes there were a few Wheatears and both Rock Pipits and Meadow Pipits.
Leaving the coast we headed on to the moors and were met by low cloud and drizzle. A stop at Chetsford Water was brief but produced a Whinchat and a Cuckoo. But we didn't hang around too long instead carrying on to Cloutsham and another quick stop, this time at East Water where we saw both Dipper and Grey Wagtail.
Another quick drive and we parked up at Webber's Post and a walk down the valley to Horner. Along the way we saw a few Pied Flycatchers and Spotted Flycatchers as well as a Wood Warbler. Another Dipper was seen on the river. When we reached Horner we stopped for a quick cream tea to build up some strength before undertaking the hike back up to Webber's Post.
Our next stop was to be at Nutscale Reservoir, but I took us on one my infamous shortcuts, but it reaped rewards as we saw four Redstarts, including two smashing male birds. We also picked up another Pied Flycatcher and one more Wood Warbler. When we reached Nutscale we took a short walk in strong winds and other than having the car blocked in in the car park there was nothing else of note. With the weather closing in again it made the decision to head back home.

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