Setted up scope out of the wind at the beach huts and began scanning, a few passing Gannets, 2 Fulmer and 60+ Manx in first 15mins. A couple of Gulls, Cormorants and more Manx through. Sortly afterwards I picked up two "large shearwaters" passing close in soaring high over the winds with little wing beats. Dark brown mantle and wings, pure white underside, black trailing edge to wing and large yellowish bill and I knew CORY SHEARWATER'S!!! Two stonking birds giving amazing views flew west towards Beer Head for disappearing from view in the sea swell and spray. A fantastic few minutes watching them. Seawatch finished off with more Manx passing 100+, few more Gannets and Great Black-backed Gull. My first Cory's Shearwaters for Devon List and only 2nd British Record!!
No sign of the BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS that was seen off Prawle Point, Devon earlier today. Had high expectations but Cory's was very unexpected. With several reported along the south coast, several Long-tailed Skua's and Balearic Shearwater picking up in numbers. This weekend could well be good for a epic seawatch sighting nearby.......watch this space.........................
After seawatch, called into Seaton Marshes where we had great views of 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 1 Little Stint, 1 Green Sandpiper and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover. Good numbers of the usual waders and gulls present.
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