I went out this morning in the hope that I would be able to see the Balck-necked Grebe seen before.  Perhaps I could get a bit nearer but after standing for more than an hour I didn't see it at all.  I can only assume that it has moved on because I am quite certain that it wasn't on the pool today.  On my way back home and passing through Cockwood towards Starcross there was a large flock of Brent Geese on the golf course and very close to the road.  I did a u-turn and went back, pulled up on to the pavement and took a few pictures quickly before they were disturbed by a pedestrian.  Never the less this was the best picture of a Brent Goose that I have taken.  Brent Geese are winter visitors to the Exe Estuary from their breeding grounds in the far north, Siberia and Northern Europe.  They feed quite a lot on grass in the fields close to the Estuary.   When I got home to my house in Alphington, from the kitchen I could see a female Blackcap Warbler feeding on the apple pieces.  This is the third time this winter that I have seen these over-wintering warblers. Interestingly, I mainly see females in my garden although from time to time I do see a male but not this year yet.  Through the window glass and using the pane to support the lens I almost got a decent photo.

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Blackcaps return to the garden.