Donkeys, a pie and a rare wader

We've had a nice relaxing weekend so far in Devon. Yesterday we went to The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. I'd never been before but Stef's family are regular visitors. The sanctuary is a charitable organisation that looks after donkeys and mules that need a new home. The site is very well looked after and they have 400+ animals currently, many of which are 20 to 30 years old

In the afternoon we went over to Black Hole Marsh nature reserve. There was a real buzz about the place because several local birders had found what they hoped was a semipalmated sandpiper among a flock of 15 to 20 dunlins. The small waders were very mobile and there was a procession of birders moving from one hide to another. Devon Bird News is reporting this morning that the bird was indeed a 'semi-p'. We managed another nine species of wader including curlew sandpiper, greenshank and common sandpiper along with shellduck, little egret, heron and kestrel

Last night Stef's mum served up a rather splendid steak and ale pie with fabulous shortcrust pastry. A great way to round off a good day!