Met Office Private Guided Bird Watching Cruise 19th February

With the weather dry but overcast and a blustery Northerly breeze, we set off along the seafront with Captain Will at the helm. A few Oystercatchers, several Herring Gulls, and a lone European Shag were spotted fishing on and near Pole Sands. As we headed up the estuary, our first views of several Dark-bellied Brent Geese were seen, along with Great Black-backed Gulls on the Exmouth side of Bull Hill sandbank.

As we cruised past the Dawlish Warren Wildlife Refuge, Curlews, Oystercatchers, and a couple of Turnstones were seen foraging on the sandbank. A lovely flock of 30+ Turnstones took flight near the Starcross jetty and headed towards the Pride of Exmouth, giving fantastic views as they circled the boat a couple of times before landing back on the shore near Cockwood. While we watched this flight, a Grey Seal showed near Cockle Sands.

As we headed upstream towards the two wrecks, we were pleasantly surprised to see at least four Cattle Egrets – two on the wreck and two on the mud. As we passed the River Kenn, two Curlews were seen on the freshwater entering the estuary, while on the left bank of the small creek, two Greenshanks and two Redshanks were seen resting. On the Lympstone side of the estuary, a nice flock of seven Bar-tailed Godwits were seen foraging.

We continued upstream to view the heronry behind the Starcross Yacht Club, where we witnessed a Grey Heron entering the nesting area and landing in the oak trees. Heading towards Exton and the River Clyst, we had our first views of a beautiful Avocet flock, with several feeding and others taking flight, showing off their stunning plumage. Grey Plover, Dunlin, and Curlew were in abundance here, with plenty of gulls seen towards the Turf Lock Hotel. On the fields beyond the flood wall, 200+ Dark-bellied Brent Geese were seen feeding on the grassland – seeing several take flight was a wonderful sight.

Turning at this point, we headed back towards Exmouth. On the way, we saw five Lesser Black-backed Gulls – our first sighting of the early migration for this species this winter. Oystercatchers were gathering ready to roost on Dawlish Warren, and a lone Sanderling and Red-breasted Merganser were seen on Cockle Sands. As we finished the trip, more Brent Geese and Oystercatchers were seen settled on the refuge.