A quick look at the pool at Matford near Exeter got me the 1st winter LAUGHING GULL & a single GREEN SANDPIPER , later on in the day I went to the Exminster Marshes to look for a reported Little-Ringed Plover but there was no sign of it ! but the Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL was showing very well on the first pond to the right as you drive in to the reserve .
I then went across the river to Bowling Green Marsh in Topsham & was in luck & see my first RUFF for well over a year , there were also still a few WIGEON , a Male & Female GADWALL , 4 LITTLE GREBE & a few SAND MARTIN .