Beer

23/12/06 - A miserably dull morning at Beer, Devon, gave us the opportunity to finally catch up with a Surf Scoter. This one a 1st winter drake. A Black Redstart was present with Fulmar and Peregrine. There was no sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler however at Beer Quarry Caves though Bullfinch frequented the area. Again there was no sign of the Grey Phalorope at West Bexington but Mediterranean Gull, Water Rails, 3 Bearded Tit, 6 Red-throated Diver, Eider and 100's of Auks on the sea there, mainly Razorbill. Not much at Radipole besides Ruddy Ducks and a Barnacle Goose of dubious origin (in other words - an escape). Lodmoor was much of the same with plenty more Ruddy Ducks, Bearded Tits and 2 (very showy) Cetti's Warblers. There was no sign of any Scaup which were reported from the reserve earlier today. We searched every where.

Radipole RSPB (c) Ashley Howe