It certainly is all go here at the Exe estuary at the moment. When we’re not moving office we’re monitoring the water levels or fixing tyres for the mower. Not to mention all the usual day to day duties already lined up.
Lapwing monitoring is still high up on the agenda as the chicks are progressing well. This does mean however that it’s moved from ‘spot the sitting lapwing’ to ‘who’s chicks are those?’ In other words things are really livening up on Powderham marsh. It’s not just the lapwings to watch there either as a male Garganey is still hanging around. A really beautiful duck if you’ve ever seen one. Plus there is a pair of oystercatchers that are often around providing good views. Oh, and speaking of good views, a peregrine falcon flew over and not long after a kestrel was spotted hovering over an adjacent field. Ok so I’ve mentioned waterfowl, waders and raptors, so what about song birds? Stonechats, reed buntings and wheatear are all out there along with a whole host of usual suspects including the amazing cirl bunting. These birds have taken well to the feeders we’ve put out on the reserve to provide supplementary seed for the adult birds.
Right, this paragraph is for all of you who love geese just as much as I do. Powderham marsh as we all know is home to lots of Canada geese, whose cackling makes you smile as it resembles a comedy horn. Also anyone following my blog so far will already know about the amazing barnacle goose which has joined the Canada’s. Now this is usual for geese as they often find another species of goose if they lose their own party. This is why checking out all the geese is a good habit as today, among the 100 plus Canada geese I also saw a greylag and Egyptian goose along with the regular barnacle goose. Wow that’s a good day for geese. I’m still smiling now.
Thursdays workforce was put on hold this week as all the Exminster team attended the southwest regional meeting. After the talks we were taken to Greylake RSPB reserve in Somerset where we were treated to the booming of bitterns. A lovely reserve for anyone who wishes to travel further a field.
It’s not all gallivanting around and bird watching here of course as you may well see over the next few weeks as we have now started the task of replacing the Powderham marsh viewing platform. Don’t let that put you off visiting as we have installed two temporary benches to give you somewhere to sit and look out over all the spectacular nature as it unfolds in front of your very eyes.
Stephen