Today has been another great birding day. Two new species for me in the shape of a Water Pipit and a Smew. The day started at my Kingfisher Hide where I took some nice pics in very difficult light. Then,on my return home I had a call from Dave Stone of Dave's Diaries (here) to tell me that the pair of Smew reported on the Exe were showing well at Topsham, you can see the pictures taken by Dave with his Digiscope by clicking on the link. I was pleased to see them and add this species to my life list. As we chatted,  a Treecreeper and Greater Spotted Woodpecker showed briefly, and  Robin tried very hard to get our attention very close to our left.

Then Andy  Bond, a friend of Dave's said that there had been a Water Pipit at the Recreation Ground in Topsham and I decided to tag along with him in the hope that I could see my bogey species for once and for all. To cut a long story short, it was eventually picked up through spotting scopes on the opposite bank and I had good views of it. Not near enough for a photo though. I also saw Barnacle Goose, Common Gull and a female Stonechat. As we stood watching the Water Pipit a pair of Teal were feeding quite close to us on the shore line. AsI talked about Teal the other day I thought you may need reminding of how attractive male Teal are.

So all in all very successful day. Back home and in the hide before dark and another chance to improve my Kingfisher photos. I am trying now to get some action shots, him coming in to land or diving. I have been practising but you need to get everything just right and so far we have not had good enough light. When it is I am confident of something a bit special……. watch this space. He  put in another appearance and I took yet more photos, better or worse?  You decide!

.

Also seen and photographed was the resident Grey Wagtail who was also singing from time to time, The Kingfisher is pretty much silent at the moment which I though quite striking. Now he is confident of his territory perhaps he doesn't have to call . Grey Wagtail are very impressive little birds and my observations have shown them to be very territorial particularly in the winter. I am looking forward to seeing if this male welcomes a female in to his space in the spring and goes on to breed here on the brook. It was interesting to note that as the temperature lifted just a little to above freezing, I noticed a few midges flying around. Not before time, I am sure that little birds like Wagtails and Wrens will welcome these insects, something to eat at last.