Exminster Marshes RSPB - Sun 1 Jan

I arrived at Exminster Marshes and was lucky enough to find a car parking spot in the "middle" car park behind John's car, and following the instructions I had received over the phone, walked along a path where I met up with John, Steve, Andy and Dave and after exchanging New Year's greetings I took a look over the fields and picked up Glossy Ibis, it was showing really well. Wildfowl included the usual species such as Teal, Pintail and Shoveler and several Lapwings and Black-tailed Godwits were also seen. At least one Cetti's Warbler was heard.
We then got a tip off on the location of a roosting Long-eared Owl so set off in the hope to find this elusive and well hidden bird. Eventually, and after another phone call to one of Dave's contacts we found the bird as it roosted. We deliberately did not hang about, not wishing to disturb the bird, but I did grab a quick record shot.

We then headed up to the cutting above Exminster and walked around the set-aside field. Here we added Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting to our list and before long also saw a few Cirl Buntings and a small flock of Skylarks. With the weather starting to close in I got a pager message stating the first winter Red-breasted Goose was back at Exminster Marshes, so we all headed back down the hill and back to the reserve.
Walking out along the canal path we found the flock of Dark-bellied Brent Geese and the Red-breasted Goose.

Also in the goose flock we located a single Pale-bellied Brent Goose and a Barnacle Goose. As the rain started to fall more steadily we returned to the cars and I bid farewell to the guys as I had to get back to Ellie and Tristan.