Guided Bird Watching – Thursday 17th March

The final birdwatching cruise of the 2021/22 season took place today and what a gorgeous sunny day we had. Plenty of DB Brent Geese seen throughout the estuary was pleasing to the eye in the early Spring Sunshine. Along the inner shoreline  of Dawlish Warren great views of 6 Sanderling still in their striking white winter plumage feeding along the water’s edge. In the same area Turnstones were seen amongst the gravels and weed. In the Channel a Grey Seal was spotted heading towards the Mouth of the Exe. Red Breasted Mergansers were spotted around Starcross and were viewed throughout the cruise with at least 15 seen close to the boat. Grey Heron and Little Egret were plentiful with several Grey Heron seen at the Heronry again today. At least 6 Greenshank was seen near the Starcross Yacht Club. Several Great Crested Grebe were again seen in this area with a few Widgeon. The bulk of the Avocet flock had now departed with only 4 seen today. A few Dunlin were feeding throughout the Turf Lock to Topsham stretch with 40+ Black-tailed Godwit near the Clyst Confluence. To finish of this sunny  final cruise the long staying Spotted Redshank was seen at Topsham.

Derek Carter