Page 7 - Out Birding Summer 2024

The main highlight for me were the Avocets. This dis􏰀nc􏰀ve bird is, a􏰁er all, the logo of the RSBP and was chosen to mark the rela􏰀ve success of the bird protec􏰀on and conserva􏰀on movement in the UK. Although not in as many numbers as John and I had seen in a previous visit, it was s􏰀ll a treat to see these elegant birds with their recursive beaks in the winter light. Hard-core birders might be disappointed at the lack of ‘big name’ rari􏰀es but all of us were happy to be re-acquainted with old favourites.
Between us (Steve, Peter, Andrew, John, Edward), we noted the following (in no par􏰀cular order):
Avocet, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Brent Goose, Pintail, Teal, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Sanderling, Curlew, Black -tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits, Shag, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Li􏰂le Egret, Spoonbill (elusive!), Marsh Harrier, Redshank, Gulls (Herring, Common, Great Black-backed as well as Lesser Black-backed), Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Shag, Li􏰂le Egret, Eider, plus a Great Northern Diver (in winter plumage) that came close to the boat. I am sure there were others, too, but these proved to be the highlights. Just seeing flocks taking flight over the water (possibly as a result of the afore-men􏰀oned Marsh Harrier) was a sight worth wai􏰀ng for.
As an extra bonus, there were also common and grey seals as well as fallow deer on the hillside above the river. And, of course, the river landscape (even in the winter’s light) had a beauty all of its own, typical of this part of the countryside. A leisurely cruise on the River Exe, what’s not to like! Many thanks to Stephen for organising this trip. While this is a trip that is rela􏰀vely easy to do on your own, I am sure Stephen will be happy to offer advice. The tour company and the crew of the Pride of Exmouth (www.stuartlinecruises.com) are efficient and helpful. (Tip: Mariners Café, a few doors down from the cruise office, offers great coffee, excellent cake and top chips!). Edward Phillips
RSPB Burton Mere 10/02/2024
Six of us met in the car park on a cold crisp but clear day. We welcomed Dan to his first event. We headed to the visitor centre and viewing area and scanned the Scrape. There were plenty of geese including Pink-footed. Water fowl included Shoveler, Gadwall and Shelduck. The feeding area was busy with the usual visitors including Greenfinch and Coal Tit.
Moving on to the Mere we spotted Egyptian Geese on the water which I hadn't seen there before. Cetti’s Warbler was heard in the shrubbery and a Little Grebe spotted in the reeds. We looked hopefully for the Bittern reported to be around the reed beds. We moved on checking the hides, which were fairly quiet, adding a Great Egret to our list. Turning our attention to the woodlands bordering the reserve, Paul pointed out a Great Spotted Woodpecker in a large tree.
We carried on along the boardwalks and paths to the Border Hide to eat our lunches and look out over the pools and adjoining marshy fields where we saw small groups of
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