Exminster Marshes, Saturday 22nd October by Gerry Turner

Exminster Marshes, Saturday 22nd October by Gerry Turner

Early morning sunshine greeted a large group of 27 members at Signal Box car park. As we got ready, good views were obtained of the Peregrine perched on top of a nearby pylon. Before the walk started Richard Swinbank introduced RSPB site manager Malcolm Davies and then gave a quick review of forthcoming events, this was followed by a local level briefing from John Allan covering known aspects of Avian flu. Split into 2 groups with leaders RS (my group) and MD we headed towards Station Road . Our exit from the car park disturbed wintering thrushes feeding on sloe berries. Redwings were seen throughout the day but no sightings of Fieldfare were reported. As we slowly followed the tree lined lane towards Exeter Canal with occasional stopping off points in likely places the species count began to climb, which included Sparrowhawk. Subdued, almost melancholic, winter song of the Blackbird was heard briefly before being drowned out by loud lowing coming from a large family group of cattle which objected to our presence. Insects were in abundance with some unidentified prime dragonfly examples seen close to the tree tops. Freshly cut ‘scrapes’ were noted, later to be seen more clearly from the canal bank. Meanwhile cloud cover continued to build up and the remaining sunshine was soon extinguished. However, visibility remained good and conditions mild. From the canal bank footpath and in the direction of Turf Locks PH the earlier heard Cetti’s song was now accompanied by excellent views of this elusive warbler. Also seen on this stretch of path were Reed Bunting, Stonechat and a Buzzard on a post, whilst a Chiffchaff was heard calling. The larger ponds surface yielded Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Shoveller, Teal and Little Grebe whilst around the edge and surrounding fields included Lapwing, Little Egret, Common Gull with Brent Geese in flight. Turf Locks picnic area proved quiet, probably due to high tide and the consequential absence of exposed mud. A solitary Shelduck was seen on the Exe. On our return across the fields we again encountered Redwings, numerous finches and more upside down Blue Tits eating blackberries. The way back was uneventful, with the exception of a large bullock puddle which had to be crossed! Just before entering the car park a Kestrel leaving its tree top perch raised our raptor count to 4 species. A very pleasant easy stroll. A total of 49 species were recorded, between the two groups. Our thanks to Richard and Malcolm.

Birds seen, in BOU order or alphabetic order

BOU order

Mute Swan

Canada Goose

Brent Goose

Shelduck

Wigeon

Teal

Mallard

Shoveler

Tufted Duck

Pheasant

Little Grebe

Cormorant

Little Egret

Grey Heron

Sparrowhawk

Buzzard

Kestrel

Peregrine

Coot

Lapwing

Black-headed Gull

Common Gull

Herring Gull

Wood Pigeon

Sky Lark

Meadow Pipit

Grey Wagtail

Pied Wagtail

Wren

Dunnock

Robin

Stonechat

Blackbird

Redwing

Cetti’s Warbler

Chiffchaff

Willow Warbler

Blue Tit

Great Tit

Magpie

Jackdaw

Rook

Carrion Crow

Raven

Starling

Chaffinch

Greenfinch

Goldfinch

Reed Bunting

Alphabetic order