The Purple Sandpiper ia a species that you could very easily overlook. The Rspb here describes them as visitors to any Rocky Coast but here in Devon they have been feeding on the Seaward side of the Breakwater in South Devon for several weeks. I thought it time that I went to have a look and take some photographs which I did as soon as I realised that the Met Office had got it wrong again and it wasn’t in fact going to be cloudy and overcast with drizzly rain like they said, but warm and sunny…… how actually opposite can you be. while I am on this frustrating and annoying aspect of my life can I ask anyone reading this that works in meteorology or even better for the Met Office here in Exeter to come on here on my site and explain why your forecasts are so often so wrong, how hard can it be…. very hard apparently!
I parked in the Marina carpark and made my way along the Breakwater and started to think that life was great and reflected that I didn’t need three jumpers on and a jacket. My attention was immediately drawn to the large animal in the water to my right. I couldn’t believe my luck to be so close to the local seal who usually, in my experience anyway at least keeps a respectable distance. But not today as he accompanied me on my walk, popping up just in front of me, then turning like a dog to see where I was.

Then I noticed a bird on the water inside the harbour that took to the air and flew interestingly around and came in to land with a bit of a splash. This is, I am pretty sure a Kittiwake.

I have to confess at being rubbish at identifying gulls. They can be really hard at times and I did at first think that this was perhaps a Common Gull but pretty sure it isn’t and is in fact a Kittiwake.

But now back to Purple Sandpiper It was in actual fact quite hard to get a nice shot of these very fidgety birds and they had chosen to feed in the dull side of the Breakwater which made it very hard to get a really good photo.

They are a very nice bird, how often have I said that? I honestly like just about any bird that I see! But I was taken with how well suited they were being so agile and nimble and well, blending in with the subtle and muted colours of the environment that they are obviously so at ease with.

This one is typical of their feeding behaviour, not being at all phased by the incoming tide. Now you know that they close their eyes for protection when they feed.
While this is all going on the Seal was still keeping a eye on my like a little puppy.

After this quite fascinating and really enjoyable afternoon I went on to have a look for the Cirl Buntings as posted earlier, read about that here if you haven’t already. A red letter day I think you will agree.