Guided Bird Watching Cruise – 18th February 2026

The weather for this afternoon’s cruise was not perfect for birdwatching, with heavy and intermittent rain; however, everyone stayed warm and undercover. Visibility was reasonably good for the conditions and the birds seen in the lower estuary were easy to spot, though fairly distant as the floodwater pushed the waders away from the main channel. It was nice to see scattered groups of Oystercatchers in the outer estuary, a few Turnstones, and a couple of Great Crested Grebes. A couple of Red-breasted Mergansers were seen off Cockle Sands – the first of maybe nine seen all told.

A solitary Greenshank was seen between Starcross and Powderham, with nice views beside the creek off the Powderham Estate. Quite a few Shelduck, Little Egrets, and possibly a Cattle Egret could be seen in Powderham Park among the herd of Fallow Deer. Bar-tailed Godwits were in evidence from the Starcross Yacht Club to Topsham. Behind the Yacht Club, the Grey Heronry was now active with one bird on one of the several nests seen in the oak trees.

The first sighting of Avocets – maybe 50 in all – was between Lympstone and Exton. They were quite a way down the estuary from where they normally feed, but the amount of floodwater forced them further downstream. Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, and Bar-tailed Godwits were seen in small groups up to Turf Lock, while Dark-bellied Brent Geese and Canada Geese were spotted on the fields near Powderham Marsh.

As we approached Turf, a flock of just over a hundred Golden Plover flew in from Exminster Marsh to land on the mud in front of the Turf Lock Hotel. We had great views of at least seven Red-breasted Mergansers in the run-up to Topsham, which took off and flew past the Pride of Exmouth downstream.

As we approached the Goatwalk, two nice flocks of Black-tailed Godwit were seen at close quarters along with many Common Redshank. Towards Topsham Quay, the “bird of the day” was spotted: the overwintering drake Goldeneye was seen amongst the buoys towards the M5 Bridge. Captain Jake manoeuvred the boat so everyone on board could see this impressive duck.

Gulls were in abundance today; large numbers of Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, and Herring Gulls were present, with plenty of Great Black-backed Gulls also seen across the estuary. As we headed back to Exmouth Marina, the Oystercatchers seen earlier were gathering on the sandbars ready to roost on the Dawlish Warren Wildlife Refuge. They were joined by more gulls, Cormorants, and a few Shags, as well as a lone Sanderling and several hundred Dunlin seen at a distance.

Another great cruise shared in great company.

Derek Carter