Guided Bird Watching Cruise 12th March 2025

The weather was fine dry and the sun made visibility good, however there was showers in the forecast but all was well on board The Pride of Exmouth with Captain Will at the helm. We set sail on another great Birding trip up the estuary with, again great company on board. As the tide was making we headed for the Shelly beach area to have a quick check in this location a few Shag were present fishing along with the usual Herring gulls to wet the appetite however a nice flock of 100+ DB Brent Geese were seen with a few Common Cormorants on the shelly side of Bull Hill Sandbar.

There were several Oystercatchers on Dawlish Warren Wildlife Refuge area with Curlew feeding along With a few Shelduck. Again a sizeable flock of Dark Bellied Brent Geese were seen at a distance towards Cockwood along with a nice flock of 20 Sanderling in flight heading up river along with a small flock of feeding Turnstone were also seen in this area. Our first sighting of a Little Egret was seen fishing near a group of rocks. Greater Black Backed Gulls and several Common Cormorants were lingering on Bull Hill Sandbar several of the Cormorants were showing their breeding plumage white hip patches and greying head feathers with a juvenile also present with them. A Great Crested Grebe was also seen fishing off Starcross along with a Greenshank on the shoreline.

The weather became quite challenging at this point however the resilience of our great group of visitors on boards took it all in their stride as we headed towards Starcross. Another Little Egret was seen near the wrecks in the channel, also another Greenshank. Several Redshank were seen towards the River Kenn confluence along with several Shelduck. A couple of RB Mergansers were also seen fishing in this area. As usual plenty of Herring Gulls were loafing in the area near the fresh water from the River Kenn with Black Headed Gulls present as well. Curlew were becoming numerous on both side of the estuary with several feeding along the waters edge off Lympstone and Powderham. Again in Powderham Estate the herd of Fallow deer had attracted at least 30 Cattle Egret as they grazed the area under the oak trees. In the Oak trees behind Starcross Sailing Club the Heronry was becoming very active with one Grey Heron seen above the large nests. In the same area at least 6 Great Crested Grebe were seen fishing between Lympstone and Exton . Also between the sailing Club and the cycle path Bridge Teal and Mallard Ducks were seen on the waters edge. Off Exton distant waders could be seen mainly Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit on the left hand side in this area at least 4 Red Breasted Mergansers were seen the males showing courtship activity to the females by throwing their heads back and neck stretching. Several Mergansers flew close to the boat giving great views.

Also as we headed further north Curlew were seen closer to the boat allowing us to see their beautiful curved bill and plumage.Great views of Grey Plover mingled with good numbers of Dunlin were feeding on the wet mudflats they all decided to take flight and flew in front of the boat and over the mudflats showing off their aerobatics. Plenty of Gulls mainly Black headed were seen in the channel off the Exe and Clyst confluence. A large flock of Dark Bellied Brent Geese was seen near Powderham Marsh with 75+ were seen on the edge of the water a few Shelduck were with them. At the mouth of the Exeter Ship Canal Redshank plus a few Teal were again seen here along with a Little Egret, we were hoping to see the Long Billed Dowitcher which has fed in this area on numerous occasions over low tide for several weeks but alas it wasn’t there. Common Redshank were numerous in this area and all the way to Topsham.

As we turned the Turf Lock straight Dunlin and Grey Plover were again seen across the Mudflats. Over the Reedbeds towards the canal a Juvenile Marsh Harrier was seen by many as it drifted towards Powderham Marsh putting all the birds in the area on high alert. As we sailed towards Topsham again nice flocks of Dunlin flew past the boat. A Male and 2 Female RB Mergansers were viewed with a great fly by at close quarters. A small flock of Black-tailed Godwit some of the mature adults were now showing Russet Red summer breeding plumage and looking very smart on the edge of the channel. As most of the 400 strong Avocets flock had departed early during the settled spell last week it was great that a couple had stayed and one was seen at close quarter for all to see. Common Redshank were numerous around the Goatwalk area of Topsham.

We turned at Topsham and cruised slowly back to Exmouth where several people saw a seal swimming upstream. As we approached the Water Ski jetty area a single Great Northern Diver showed very well for some visitors off Starcross. As we approached Bull Hill Sandbar Oystercatchers were gathering together ready to go to roost and as we approached Dawlish Warren to our delight a nice flock of at least 22 Sanderling were seen feeding on the end of a sand spit and were viewed by many. Many more Oystercatchers were now gathering in the wildlife refuge area as they were being pushed off their feeding grounds as the tide was making.

Even though we had a light shower an entertaining cruise was had by all and as always a great afternoon was shared with great company.

Derek Carter