Devon Visit

Yesterday I decided on a trip to Devon to look for the Dartmoor Whinchat's and the Cockwood Slavonian Grebe as mentioned by Charlie Fleming in his excellent blog http://parrotletsuk.typepad.com/
It soon became obvious that the Whinchat was going to become a dip..so onward to Cockwood which lies North of Dawlish Warren on the River Exe Estuary.

We found the estuary and crossed a railway line (legally) to the rocky beach.
Minutes after setting up the scope we found the Grebe amongst Mallards but also and even more surprising right across the bay a portable hide loomed into view which I knew immediately was Charlie Fleming and his iconic hide.
Well to cut it short...Charlie found us and showed us where to get a better view and picture of the Slavonian Grebe

Well Charlie was a revelation darting about with full camouflage gear, tripod and camera and a few gadgets on his Chinese Bike. He was totally enthusiastic, energetic and probably eccentric to a degree or two. Take a long look at his blog and see the dedication that produces fantastic photographic shots.

Thanks for taking the effort with Angie and myself Charlie. We both hope to meet you again when we venture up your part of the World.
Nothing can beat local patch knowledge