A dry cruise! Following a very wet Saturday there was plenty of floodwater in the estuary which had an impact on the number of birds on show around the Topsham area of the Estuary. There were none of the large numbers of Black Tailed Godwits that normally frequent this area of the Estuary. It was suggested they were all on the surrounding flooded farmland feeding on Worms and other invertebrates succumbed to the saturated ground. Other wise the visitors were delighted with seeing a Peregrine on lookout on Holy Trinity Church Spire a Kingfisher near the Marina and the two Grey Seals on the pontoon and on a Trawler off inner Dawlish Warren. Good numbers of Dark Bellied Brent Geese with several juveniles on show across the estuary. 100+ Widgeon in front of Dawlish Warren Hide took off and flew over the boat, with distant views of the Slavonian Grebe near the wreck off Cockwood. A few Great Crested Grebe, good numbers of Pintail and Shelduck showing off Lympstone. Greenshank were at their normal haunt near the River Kenn confluence. Between Turf Lock, Topsham and Exton one female Goldeneye a few Ringed Plover good numbers of Dunlin 300+ of Lapwing 300+ of Golden Plover and as ever the stars of the show 300+ Avocets thrilled the visitors.
Derek Carter
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