A nice calm day (as always), and the sunny conditions soon became overcast. This was a cruise with large numbers of birds and some excitement! The excitement came in the form of the American Long-billed Dowitcher with Redshanks and other waders at Powderham. Unfortunately, the bad light meant it was hard to keep the bird in sight – the photo below says it all (it’s the bird on the left!). This, however, did not detract from this being one of my favourite things to do in Devon! The 10 or so Greenshanks, in the same place, were more spectacular it has to be said. More excitement came in the form of a Marsh Harrier opposite Topsham, although some might have got more pleasure from the very obliging adult and juvenile Harbour Seals hauled out on a mudbank; it would be nice to know whether the youngster was locally bred.
Perhaps the real prize, however, should go to the thousands of waders at Topsham: Avocets (500+) and Black-tailed Godwits (1000+) galore, several hundred each of Golden Plover, Lapwing, Redshank and Dunlin and smaller numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits, Knot, Grey Plover; 2 Spotted Redshanks there were another highlight, given their national scarcity. We even saw 5 Snipe come out of the reedbed.
Most of 19 Great Crested Grebes were off Lympstone Barracks and a lovely Harbour Seal and (her?) pup were hauled out on a mudbank. The family of 7 Black Swans (now making a regular appearance with each cruise) were off Lympstone, while in the outer parts of the estuary there were several thousand Brent Geese and Wigeon; over 100 Pintail were seen distantly while a solitary drake Red-breasted Merganser was off Cockwood.
All in all, it was an another great cruise had by all. It was a comfortable trip with a feast of bird for the eyes. I look forward to my next trip!
Dave Smallshire
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