Turf Locks Exeter looking down the canal.

There has been reports of a Grey Phalarope at Turf Locks. As you can see it is a tranquil and pretty spot. To the right on the picture is the Estuary and Topsham and looking left, Exminster Marsh Nature Reserve. All 5 minutes from my home in the Exeter suburb of Alphington. It has a working lock which allows for boats to access the city of Exeter via the Exeter Ship Canal which is 4 miles in land. A dull Monday morning meant that it was particularly peacful with only a few people coming and going, most walking from Powderham and then carrying on towards the City via the canal tow path and cycle track. No sign of the Phalarope but the tide was low so probably it would be on the Estuary mudflats if it were still in the area.
I watched a very confiding, but never the less wary Heron who was fishing between the boat pontoons and canal path.

He was reasonably used to people and allowed me to get closer than most Herons usually allow. He flew from the pontoon opposite and landed on the towpath ahead of me. I never let a chance like this pass. Just look at that lethal beak and intense staring eye.

Pretty soon he had had enough of me and flew into the field to my left.

…..and then flew off where he wouldn’t be disturbed, trailing his legs behind him as usual!

There was also a Cormorant fishing in the Canal, but they can be very easily upset and I didn’t manage one single shot of him.