EXMINSTER MARSHES March 20th

Exminster Marshes, March 20^th by John Allan

The group was led today by the assistant warden, AJ, and the usual early start was immediately rewarded by the sight of a Peregrine sitting at the top of one of the pylons by the signal box. I had been there the day before and he was there then (had he moved in between?). AJ then led us to the pond by the railway bridge and we were lucky enough to not only hear but actually get excellent views of a Cetti’s Warbler and Chiffchaff.

Down the lane towards the canal we saw, and heard, Skylark singing and 8 Lapwing displaying over the fields to the left. It will be interesting to see how many pairs breed this year and how many fledge.

A fair number of Wigeon remained by the pools near the canal though numbers were undoubtedly down from earlier. The lagoon held Little Grebe, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Red Breasted Merganser and, through the scopes we saw a female Ruddy Duck. Our first migrants were then seen with several Sand Martins flying high over the lagoon. Down at Turf locks the numbers of waders were in decline but there were still a few Dunlin, Grey Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet to be admired

57 species in all, which is pretty good for a mornings stroll!

Birds seen, in BOU order or alphabetic order

BOU order

Mute Swan

Canada Goose

Shelduck

Wigeon

Teal

Mallard

Shoveler

Tufted Duck

Red Breasted Merganser

Ruddy Duck
Pheasant

Little Grebe

Cormorant

Little Egret

Grey Heron

Buzzard

Kestrel

Peregrine

Moorhen

Coot

Oystercatcher

Avocet

Grey Plover

Lapwing

Dunlin

Curlew

Black-tailed Godwit

Black-headed Gull

Common Gull

Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Woodpigeon

Collared Dove

Sand Martin

Skylark

Meadow Pipit

Pied Wagtail

Wren

Dunnock

Robin

Blackbird

Song Thrush

Cetti's Warbler

Chiffchaff

Long-tailed Tit

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Magpie

Carrion Crow

Raven

Starling

House Sparrow

Chaffinch

Greenfinch

Goldfinch

Linnet

Reed Bunting

Alphabetic order