Overview
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Birds
Notable Species
Probably best known for wintering waders and wildfowl. Up to 400 Avocet winter on the Exe Estuary and surrounding reserves such as Bowling Green Marsh. Large numbers of other waders include Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit, Knot, Sanderling, Greenshank, and numerous commoner species such as Eurasian Curlew, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Redshank.
There is a nationally important wintering population of Dark-bellied Brent Goose. Most of these feed towards the estuary mouth at Dawlish Warren. Numerous other wildfowl join the waders on the estuary at low tide. Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Pintail, and a handful of diving ducks including Goldeneye can be found. At high tide, many of these are found at Bowling Green Marsh, and Exminster Marshes, on opposite sides of the estuary.
The Exe area is surrounded by farmland, and holds many farmland species including the scarce Cirl Bunting. Overall, this spot in south Devon holds a huge number of species.
Rarities
Spoonbill, Pectoral Sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Green-winged Teal. The UK's first Long-billed Murrelet was found near the Exe seafront. Lesser Scaup and Glossy Ibis have been seen. 4 Cranes spent a few weeks in the area in 2006.
Check-list
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Other Wildlife
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Site Information
Recommend going either just before or just after high tide (forces birds closer to banks).
History and Use
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Areas of Interest
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Access and Facilities
Access to Exminster reserve(west side) in via a car park near the Swans nest pub off the A379 to Dawlish, Access to the bowling green marsh(east side) is via Topsham. Can also stop pretty much anywhere along the estuary bank all the way down to Exmouth(east side) and Dawlish(west side). Toilets on main quay in Topsham.
Contact Details
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External Links
Content and images originally posted by Jyothi Ray
