A spectacular murmuration of millions of Starlings streamed into roost at Ham Wall, turning the reeds black, while the cruise up the Exe Estuary was memorable for the sheer number and variety of birds seen, including flocks of handsome Shags and Red-breasted Mergansers, both Godwits and hundreds of Avocets of course, plus Slavonian Grebe and a broadside view of two Great Northern Divers. Nearby Bowling Green Marsh lived up to its reputation for rarities with Spotted Redshank and even a transatlantic Long-billed Dowitcher, while a lone Pale-bellied Brent among the hundreds of dark-bellies was an added bonus.