Today I decided to park myself, in my pop up hide along-side the banks of the Exe near to home and by the Sand Martin colony in the hope of capturing some action as the bird s came and went. I sat for literally 2 hours  and didn't manage one single Sand martin shot but it was inviting and interesting with lots of comings and goings, mainly Pied Wagtail. I took a few photos most were quite good but they are a hard bird to photograph with their black and white plumage causing some problems with light in the camera. After a while I gave up and came home for dinner and a look at what I had taken.

So after attending to some banking issues and a bit of personal admin I went back at 3 to see what else I could achieve. I had only been there for a short while when the Pied Wagtail appeared in my lens just a few feet ahead of me and I took a few quick shots then suddenly a Common Sandpiper appeared right alongside the Wagtail, 6 feet or more away. As you can see I did manage a good shot which I am very happy with even though the light could have been better. I couldn't believe my luck as I have never been that close to one in the UK before. It bobbed its tail as they do and I took about 6 shots before it moved away and then disappeared behind the foliage ahead.  

The Sand  Martins never did show properly but I am sure they will if I stick at it. The dog walkers are a bit of a nuisance here but I suppose they have the right to be there so I shouldn't complain. So with dogs chasing balls into the river right in front of the hide I decided that enough was enough. I remember just the same sort of scenario last year. On the walk back I noticed a family of Long Tail Tits and as they are one of my favourite species I just couldn't resist the opportunity. I am glad I did because the sun was in just the right place , the bird posed well and I got this great photo (above).