The Exe Estuary
This is one of my favourite times of year to see birds on the River Exe, from Exmouth to Topsham along the cycle path or on the train there’s lot’s to see. An hour either side of high tide is the best bet to see wader birds in close to the bank.
This morning on my way to work I spotted the first wigeon returning to the Exe, when they arrive most of the birds can be seen along mud bank lane in Exmouth and the start of the cycle path heading to Lympstone village. These birds will feed on the Eel grass which is abundant at this time of year; it’s this food source which also brings in the Brent Geese.
Further along the line towards Lympstone Commando and Exton Station large groups of Black-tailed Godwits feed in the wet mud, the birds aren’t put off by the train and sometimes they’re only a few feet away. In amongst the Godwits are much smaller birds and these are Dunlin, tiny waders which dart about searching for food.
After getting off the train in Topsham and walking towards Darts Farm, I stopped at the Bridge Inn car park. After only a couple of minutes a Kingfisher flew straight past me over the bridge and down onto the River Clyst, I also saw a Grey heron, Little Egret and Common Sandpiper, and this is all before I start work.
This journey only takes about half an hour, and remember, the walk to our reserve (Bowling Green Marsh) from the train station at Topsham is about the same distance. Way not pop in and visit us at Darts Farm where we hold a large number of free leaflets illustrating all of the natural joys just a stones throw away.
Gareth Williams