It was another stunning day weather-wise with loads of surface water around due to rain on top of thawed snow. The Chinese Bike was called in to action late morning when, in spite of work here, the sun kept shining and I am never going to waste a good sunny day. Out at Exminster the road through the reserve was impassable due to the flood water and as I decided what I was going to do I was joined by Dave Stone and Andy Bond. Two bird boys who I admire and respect both for their expertise and friendly demeanour. I honestly thought I knew it all as far as birds are concerned but these two are so knowledgeable not only with our British species but worldwide as well. A bit of banter was exchanged about my Bittern sighting and I made comments about the sightings they have made so far this year. Then suddenly as if on cue a bird of prey shot in to view from our left and flew straight as a dart not far in front of us giving a really great view. In a split second Dave was calling out "Merlin", it was great to see the bird but the event was made all the more exciting by Dave's reaction. It is great to see someone enjoy his hobby so much…….. reminds me of me!
As we discussed the missed opportunity of a photo it came in to view again this time chasing a smaller bird, weaving and darting around this way and that. It was so quick that you could hardly follow it. The bird it was chasing escaped and then our Merlin perched on the nearby block house for 5 or 6 seconds and gave us a great view. All this time I am struggling to get my camera up and ready, sometimes you do and sometimes you don't and this was one of those "you don't days"! Then it was picked up again in the far distance sitting on a post preening, too far for me to get any kind of shot but Dave has a Diary here and you can view a photo digiscoped by him from the first path.
I have posted these Pipit photos seen the other day close to Turf in the field next to the path  to Powderham.

  

If you can identify the species for me I would be most grateful. Email me at charlesfleming1@mac.com

On the way home I stopped at the top of the hill in Deepway lane Exminster to look for Woodlark and Brambling. No luck but saw a small flock of Linnets. It certainly looks a good spot and as it is only a few minutes from the house on the Chines Bike I will be back for a regular look. While I was there  a  Goldcrest came to within 3 feet of me but I couldn't get a photo which is a shame as I have been trying for ages for one!

Just as a post script. I said yesterday that we havn't had Coal Tits in the garden for weeks and then this morning there was one. He, I am guessing that by his "song" for what it was worth, was calling and singing loudly as he fed amongst the bushes in the garden in the company of 5 Siskin. I resisted the temptation to get even more Siskin photos! But there was a strong temptation.