Sunday 09 February – Exe Estuary Leader: Judy Copeland

27 of us boarded the coach for the annual trip to the Exe estuary. We had a smooth journey to our starting point at Exminster Marshes Nature Reserve. An easy walk to the canal followed where we could look over the marshes to see Canada Geese, Brent Geese, Curlew and a Marsh Harrier hunting. We then walked on to The Turf pub following the raised canal path. Many Curlew, Widgeon, Shoveller, Teal and a solitary Chiffchaff were seen over the marshes with some spectacular flypasts of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Brent Geese. At the Turf the main attraction was the Long-billed Dowitcher in the channel near the canal lock gates where it was much photographed. Luckily, it stood next to a Redshank and a Greenshank giving a good size comparison. Further on there were many Avocet on the main river channel along with Dunlin and some distant Red Breasted Mergansers. Once we arrived at Powderham church to catch up with our coach and eat lunch we unfortunately discovered that the coach wouldn’t start. The hour and half delay wasn’t wasted as we wandered off to see Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Goldcrest in the churchyard trees. Also several Grey Herons in a heronry at the eastern edge of Powderham park. By the Starcross Yacht Club
there was a flock of Turnstones doing their thing on the shore. On to Dawlish Warren for a brief visit to try and fail to find Cirl Bunting: Greenfinch had to suffice. Leaving at 16.45 for the drive home after 8 hrs of sunshine and a glorious day’s birding! Thanks to Judy for organising the trip and everyone for sharing scopes and knowledge.
Alison Griffies