Exminster marsh really is buzzing with wildlife.
When a hunting hobby swoops down past you and your friends, it really does set your heart racing. The low level approach and it’s darting acrobatics keeps you captivated until it disappears out of sight. Talk about a great conversation starter as you walk across the reserve. It doesn’t stop there either, with yet another sighting of the charismatic oil beetle on Powderham Marsh the beetle lover in you is awakened. The sheer size of one of these amazing creatures makes you marvel and a close look gives you amazing colours from it’s iridescent exoskeleton and an exquisite view of all its tiny details. I only wish I could have taken a photo which would have done it justice.
Have you ever seen a grass snake up close? I hadn’t until this week, when I lifted up one of the corrugated metal sheets and saw it lying there basking in the warmth. It really is amazing what you find when you start to look. I have only been here for a month and can’t begin to count all the different species which are happy to call the exe estuary reserves there home.
I know I keep mentioning butterflies, but today is the moths turn as a angle shades came and landed on me and posed for a photo. I love it when wild life comes and finds you like that, don’t you?
The grazing cattle are doing a good job as they mow the fields for the wildlife, and its always nice to see this years calves. And for the hardier plants like thistles which the cows won’t eat, the team of dedicated Thursday volunteers set about pulling. A fantastic setting and good conversation makes Thursdays a fun day for all of us working on the reserve.
And for all you music lovers, there is a cacophony of bird song with you where ever you go. With superb skylarks, languid lapwings, repetitive reed warblers, graceful goldfinches and a barking barnacle goose, there’s a song for everyone.
Bowling green is a perfect place to see lots of black and the odd bar tailed godwit at the moment. As they rest on the bank with many other waders like curlew and whimbrel awaiting the tide to go out. With its comfortable hide, it’s a trip you don’t even need your wellies for.
If you haven’t yet had chance to see the lapwing chicks at Powderham marsh, now’s the time as lots have hatched out and are running all over the place like little clockwork toys as they search for food. So pack up your scope and fill your flask because it’s entertainment for hours. Don’t forget to keep checking the cirl bunting feeding stations while you’re there, as the odd cirl can be spotted. Plus you get some good views of the odd reed bunting or linnet making the most of the free buffet.