Guided Bird Watching Cruise 28th January 2025

With floodwater in the estuary, it was decided to head straight into the Estuary instead of the seafront along Pole sands. The stormy weather of the last few days and a strengthening NW safety must come first.

There was rain in the air but our hardy visitors were up for the challenge Oystercatchers in good numbers were seen on Dawlish Warren Wildlife Refuge area with Curlew feeding in the same area. A few Dark Bellied Brent Geese were seen at a distance towards Cockwood with Great Black Backed Gulls lingering on the sand bar Shelduck were also seen here. Common Cormorants were in abundance fishing and on the sand bars both sides of the boat with a few Shag close by.

As we headed towards Starcross Little Egrets were seen fishing and flying across the front of the boat, in the field know to be used by the local farmer 4 Cattle Egret were seen but not confirmed however they use the field for feeding amongst the cattle near the feeders. Our first sighting of Great Crested Grebe were viewed with four diving near Stracross. As we passed this area our first views of Red Breasted Mergansers were seen, with 3 fishing close to the railway wall along a channel. Several Redshank were seen towards the River Kenn confluence along with our first Avocets. A couple of RB Mergansers were fishing in the fresh water flowing into the Estuary. Plenty of Gulls were loafing in this area as normal with GBB Gulls Black Headed Gull and Herring Gulls in a tight group. Great Created Grebes were also seen near by. Bar-Tailed Godwits were becoming numerous on both side of the estuary with several feeding along the waters edge off Lympstone, well over 50 to 100 were seen throughout the estuary.

As we headed further north Curlew were seen closer to the boat allowing our visitors to see these birds more closely. Beautiful views were seen of  Grey Plover and Dunlin which took flight and flew behind the boat and landing on the large mudflats opposite. Avocet’s were now seen in good numbers all the way to Topsham estimating 3-400 birds in tight groups feeding and spread out along the channel of the Exe and Clyst confluence. A large flock of Dark Bellied Brent Geese was seen near Powderham Marsh with 100+ birds feeding on grassland. Shelduck were with them.

As we turned the Turf Lock straight Avocet were abundant with Dunlin Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover seen across the Mudflats. In the distance towards Topsham a flock of Golden Plover were seen and as we sailed closer the Golden hue was obvious to see. As we sailed towards Topsham Quay Male RB Mergansers were viewed a close quarters and a large flock of Black-tailed Godwit were resting on the edge of there channel 300+ birds were viewed at close quarters with several birds showing a Rufus Red tinge to the plumage. We turned at Topsham and cruised slowly back to Exmouth. As we approached Dawlish Warren Oystercatchers were gathering in the wildlife refuge area as they were being pushed off their feeding grounds as the tide was coming in. Along the inside edge of Dawlish Warren a lone Sanderling was spotted but extremely hard to see in amongst the debris on the shoreline.

Considering the conditions a really good array of birds were seen with good numbers from Lympstone to Topsham.

Great Cruise with Great company.

Derek Carter