Setting Off From Sandwell valley

Saturday 27 February 2010

Where's the Bike when You need it? Saturday 27th feb' cont'd

So on returning to Exeter Youth Hostel via the river cycle path, found the hostel closed and the plan had been to cycle to Powderham and then onto Dawlish Warren. Well, not giving up i walked instead to exminster marshes and eventually cicumnavigated the RSPB reserve there. Also got as far as the brent geese flock at Powderham and found the red-breasted goose [144]. Lucky really as I'd just met a lovely couple [Malcolm and Sylvia from Launceston, Cornwall] who were looking for the bird and we'd just swopped phone numbers in case one of us did find it. Well just as I approached the brent geese flock in a field next to the sea wall path, I saw the red-breast and almost immediately a dog chased into the flock and over the railway line they all flew to the far side of the field. When malcolm and Sylvia arrived the flock was still a good distance away and the red-breast was not on view. Then, after about an hour, another group of brents flew in that had been hidden by the railway embankment and there it was. good views for all and a good one for my bird list this year. The 4th one I've ever seen, my first being at Slimbridge many Moons ago.

Walked back to Exeter Youth Hostel, seeing a couple of little egrets and the 5th kingfisher of the day on the way.

Decided that I'd better make some progress tomorrow despite the weather forecast so booked Sunday night at Bellever Youth Hostel on dartmoor. Could be an interesting day!

4 comments:

  1. Hello Garry,
    I am the Visitor Development Officer at RSPB Dee Estuary, I was pleased to hear about your trip and even more pleased to hear that you intend to visit two of our sites. If you would like a guided tour of either then please do not hesitate to contact us. Of particular interest to you may be the developments at Inner Marsh Farm/BurtonMere which are not yet open to the public. We would like to give you a behind the scenes tour of this site especially. You can contact me at paul.brady@rspb.org.uk or phone 0151 336 7681.

    Cheers
    Paul Brady

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  2. Hi Gaz
    sorry to have to let you know that it was Man utd 2 villha haha 1.
    Its only football mate.
    keep safe mate hope you got my text reply re John Murphy
    speak soon
    cheers John Keep Right On

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  3. Dear Paul,

    Thanks so much for your kind offer. I was at Chester College years ago and the Dee is still very close to my heart. Had wonderful times exploring it after getting the bus to Burton. It would be a privilidge to see what you're up to there.

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  4. Thanks John. Hit me where it hurts! See you at Wembley. Villa - Blues got to be good.

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