Axe Estuary (3 Viewers)

[Gavin Haig]

Can't find a suitable map Jamie, but its on the "to do" list..

James, I have a pdf of the 2007 EDDC map reproduced in the AESB Bird Report. Obviously it doesn't have Black Hole Marsh and all the latest developments, but in the absence of anything else I've attached it below.

For anyone unfamiliar with the area, Black Hole Marsh now occupies the field containing the virtually parallel lines just W of the tramline, almost opposite number 6, with Stafford Marsh and the new Field Study centre lying between there and Colyford Common LNR. Actually, the more I look at it, the more inadequate this map now appears. Come on James! |=)|

Incidentally, if publishing it here breaches any copyright laws you'd better let me know - I don't want to inadvertently cross any lines!

EDIT. Two things I've just thought of:
1. The tramline is not red (as indicated in the key) but is actually the thick black line that runs down the centre of the map.
2. Ample parking for Black Hole Marsh etc is available through the Seaton Cemetery, which is situated on E side of the bend in the main road that runs N to S down the left hand side of the map. Draw a horizontal line straight left from the top of the number 6 circle and you'll have it. Drive through the cemetery gates, carry straight on through and you'll come to the new car park. All this waffle certainly highlights the need for an up-to-date map!

 

[Ranger James]

Thanks Gavin, this will be an interesting comparison when an up to date map appears in the next few hours to illuminate the full extent of developments down on the wetlands. I'm not in work for a few days, but I have a inkling that one of my colleagues will have something posted here in due course. A fully annotated map exists, I just can't seem to find it in the labyrinth of our filing system!

James

 

[Ian M]

There was a Little Ringed Plover on Black Hole Marsh this morning. I have also attached a photo of Thursdays Avocet taken in the rain.

 

[KarenWoolley]

First winter Iceland Gull on the estuary this afternoon and later roosting at the southern end of Seaton Marshes

 

[Doug Rudge]

Had excellent views yesterday of a Peregrine unsuccessfully chasing down a Black Tailed Godwit over the Estuary at high tide.

 

[Doug Rudge]

... I have a inkling that one of my colleagues will have something posted here in due course. A fully annotated map exists, I just can't seem to find it in the labyrinth of our filing system!

James

Not fully annotated, but a more up-to-date map is attached. This is very much 'work in progress' and it will probably be superseded fairly quickly.

The 'Tower Hide' is shown on the map even though this is currently under construction - it should be finished by about Easter.

 

[Ranger James]

Not fully annotated, but a more up-to-date map is attached. This is very much 'work in progress' and it will probably be superseded fairly quickly.

The 'Tower Hide' is shown on the map even though this is currently under construction - it should be finished by about Easter.

Top notch stuff Doug, what a fabulous place... I must get down there some time soon!

James

 

[Doug Rudge]

A few Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers singing at Black Hole Marsh yesterday.

Also 2 broods of Mallard ducklings on view from the Field Studies Base Hide.

 

[Ranger James]

Highlights from the marshes over the last few days must be the hedgerows and reedbeds filling with the cacophony of reed and sedge warbler song - simply delicious!

Oystercatchers busy on the lagoon, was shown a photo by a local photographer this morning of the pair "getting busy" in the original sense. Also redshanks have been seen buzzing about the place - finger's crossed for breeding on the marshes this year!

Tower hide progressing a pace, can't wait for that perch to be open and operating!

James

 

[Doug Rudge]

Black Hole Marsh was swarming with Hirundines this evening with a fall of several hundred birds - Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins everywhere - Brilliant!

 

[shoshone]

Can't find a suitable map Jamie, but its on the "to do" list.

Avocet on the estuary today viewable from the Seaton Marshes hide, also 26 black tailed godwit in varying degrees of summer plumage. A few straggling wigeon left on the river too.

James,

How far down your "to-do" list is this please? :stuck:

Jamie

 

[Ranger James]

Hi Jamie,

Fortunately my excellent colleague Doug has pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat and come up with something. PDF attachment to be found at the top of this page.

James

 

[Ranger James]

I know this is Bird Forum, but I am going to mention the 'M' word - Mammals. Tomorrow is a full day of mammal activities and events on the Axe Estuary Wetlands. Tracking, trapping and thoroughly immersing ourselves in mammal-related high-jinks. We're starting at 10am and things will go on all day until 4pm. Drop by and say "Hi" to the team, or partake in a spot of vole fondling. After all, they are the food of kestrels!

James

 

[Sue and Simon Wakely]

hello All.
weve found the new thread, some great reports,
we noticed the hoopoe, was a big hit & a wonderful Bird on our Patch,
It was in my brothers garden, a amazing garden Tick.
We had great views,
Heres a pic,
Sue & Simon,

 

[KarenWoolley]

A Great White Egret in breeding plumage on Seaton Marshes lagoon this afternoon. Showing well from the hide.

 

[Ranger James]

Fab bird, and a fab pic Karen. Fingers crossed it sticks about for a bit - it looks gorgeous in its breeding regalia!

James

 

[shoshone]

Hi Jamie,

Fortunately my excellent colleague Doug has pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat and come up with something. PDF attachment to be found at the top of this page.

James

James,

Many thanks (and Doug) didn't see the map above - no sorted.

Jamie

 

[Doug Rudge]

Dropped in on the Island Hide at Black Hole Marsh this evening. There was plenty about, with the highlights being a Drake Garganey and a male Kestrel hunting over the islands.

Even though it is not quite ready, we are planning to open the Tower Hide for the Easter weekend. There will be a distinct lack of windows and probably no benches to sit on, but I can guarantee some outstanding views if you decide to visit. We will need to close it again from Tuesday to Thursday next week so that we can finish it off.

 

[shoshone]

Dropped in on the Island Hide at Black Hole Marsh this evening. There was plenty about, with the highlights being a Drake Garganey and a male Kestrel hunting over the islands.

Even though it is not quite ready, we are planning to open the Tower Hide for the Easter weekend. There will be a distinct lack of windows and probably no benches to sit on, but I can guarantee some outstanding views if you decide to visit. We will need to close it again from Tuesday to Thursday next week so that we can finish it off.

Doug, Thanks to your map we made it this afternoon to the Island Hide at Black Hole Marsh. Having negotiated the Mosquito Bridge (or whatever they were) we saw a pair of Wheatears, 2 Ringed Plovers (and a third possibly a Little Ringed Plover or a juvenile Ringed Plover?) A Moorhen, a Mallard and her single duckling, a couple of Shelduck, Coots, Wagtails and Black Headed Gulls.

Have to say that the infrastructure in these wetlands is very commendable and deserve our appreciative thanks!

Coming back from the Field Studies Centre on the lane on the right we saw/heard some warblers which unfortunately were framed by the Sun and couldn't make out what they were. They had vey little observable markings but sounded like a Grasshopper winding up slowly and increasing to quite a crescendo, any ideas what this might have been please?

We'll be back soon!

Jamie

 

[Ranger James]

Coming back from the Field Studies Centre on the lane on the right we saw/heard some warblers which unfortunately were framed by the Sun and couldn't make out what they were. They had vey little observable markings but sounded like a Grasshopper winding up slowly and increasing to quite a crescendo, any ideas what this might have been please?

We'll be back soon!

Jamie

Hi Jamie,

The reedbeds and hedges around the Field Studies Base have been ringing out with the calls of sedge warblers for the last 2 weeks. Cracking call which is at its strongest now, calming down a bit as the season progresses.

Glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you will indeed be back!

James