Purple Sandpipers at Brixham Breakwater

I’ve lived in Devon for thirty years and yet hardly ever been to Brixham. It’s meant to be beautiful. It’s just that it’s at the end of a nightmare road, there’s limited public transport and no rail service. Having said that, there’s a new road now so the journey time should be a lot better. It’s just a shame about the Site of Special Scientific Interest it destroyed.

Here’s my first mobile phone shot on arriving. Pretty, isn’t it?

Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Walking along the breakwater which protects the outer harbour I see the silhouette of a woman lacing up her boots.

Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Down on the rocks of the breakwater are a handful of Purple Sandpipers:

Purple Sandpiper - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I’ve seen one before in full breeding plumage on North Ronaldsay:

The entire UK breeding population is between one and three pairs. There are plenty more here at this time of year, all around the UK’s coasts, including in Devon.

Purple Sandpiper - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s turned into quite a dull day so, despite getting nice and close, the light’s not great:

Purple Sandpiper - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Brixham; I like it. I’m coming back here.

Purple Sandpiper - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And parking’s only £1.50 all day at the Breakwater Beach car park. That’s a result.

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