Guided Bird Watching Cruise 30th December 2024
We set off a little after midday. It was mild and almost still and with the lightly overcast sky,
conditions were well set for our birding cruise.
Indeed, we had a very pleasant time of it, enjoying some great views of a wide range of the expected Exe Estuary birds. A clear highlight for many, I’m sure, there were the Avocets, hundreds in all, which we saw at close range. Many were scattered over the mudflats but some were in tight flocks in the shallows busy preening or scything their way through the water in characteristic fashion.
Large gatherings of Black-tailed Godwits along the edge of the mudflats in the upper estuary were
also lovely to see as were several hundred each of Lapwing and Golden Plover. At one stage the
Golden Plovers took to the wing & wheeled around in a tight skirling flock – a wonderful sight.
There were lots of Brent Geese too, plus handsome Shelduck & Pintails, Little Egrets and the
usual Oystercatchers, Greenshanks, Redshanks & Dunlin. The Gulls included good numbers of
Common & Greater Black-backed, & alongside the Cormorants were a few Shags, sporting
impressive crests in readiness for the coming breeding season.
A flock of 25 or so Sanderling which flashed past us at one stage were nice to see as was a Great
Northern Diver which provided something of a challenge to spot as it was busy diving. Finally,
some nice views of Harbour Seals, one of which was hauled out on the mud, provided a lovely
conclusion to a successful & enjoyable cruise.
Andy Smith
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